After my first year of teaching, I treated myself to a beautiful silver and gold Citizen Eco-Drive watch (similar to this one, without the crystals), which I wore faithfully for the next ten years. But now that I’m at home most of the time, I don’t wear jewelry as often, so my watch stopped running. I took that, plus its dressier style, as signs that it was time to update my trusty timepiece, and I found this simple watch by Tokyo Bay. I’ve been wearing it for a few months now, and I really love it.
The watch easily slides off the leather band, so I emailed Tokyo Bay’s helpful customer service and ordered a black band for just $10, including shipping. This way, it’s really two looks in one, and because the ivory band becomes dirty easily, I have a replacement, just in case. I have actually washed the band with a little baby soap and water, and it returned to its original state of beauty.
And along with some of my other fashion adventures, I’ve felt the need to find some edgier jewelry. So, when I ordered my calling cards from MadebyGirl, I also purchased this gorgeous coral bracelet with a small gold skull charm. I love the juxtaposition of the pink coral with the darker image of the skull, cast in gold, and it’s just funky enough for me. I think the watch and bracelet work well together, and the coral will really pop when I pair it with the black watchband.
Just a little fashion fun for my arm.
**And tomorrow is a big day for two of my Canadian friends. Susanne is hosting the One Small Step Walk for her daughter, Ellie. It’s not too late to help them reach their goal! And Shayla is getting married! Big congratulations to her! I will share a guest post on Shayla’s blog while she is away, so stay tuned for that. Have a wonderful weekend!
Both boys are in school now, so I am making two lunches twice a week. James is a creature of habit and is also really picky, and his all-time favorite meal is a flour tortilla, spread with peanut butter and honey, folded, and cut in half. Rhys, on the other hand, is my little risk-taker, and I’m having fun packing different types of foods for his lunch.
Lately, I’ve been trying my hand at very simple boxed meals, sort of inspired by Bento boxes. I know these are hugely popular on Pinterest and mommy blogs, and my little box looks nothing like those. Still, they are easy to make and Rhys thinks they are fun, so it’s a hit, in my book.
I’m trying to vary the ingredients a little each time, and this one contains grapes, carrots, Wheat Thins, a few Nilla Wafers, and what we call “Birthday Candles,” which are layered turkey and cheese on a pretzel skewer. Little kids love finger foods, and these are simple and fun to make. My only problem is keeping everything in place once it goes into the lunchbox.
And also, it is truly bizarre that I have blogged about food twice in one week.
Seriously, it might snow or something.
Just because it’s different, doesn’t mean it’s scary
Just because it’s different, doesn’t mean we have to be afraid
Just because it’s different, doesn’t mean it’s scary
New things in life can be great
Try new things
–from “Just Because It’s Different” by I’m From Barcelona, via Yo Gabba Gabba
When it comes to fashion and beauty, I’ve never been much of a risk-taker. I typically like more classic styles, maybe with a little bit of trendy thrown in. But now that I’m a stay-at-home-mom, I’m not subject to dress codes and office policies, so I’m feeling more adventurous. I’ve already tried denim leggings, bolder eye makeup, and dark nail polish. And lately, I’ve really been loving the look of Ombré hair.
My hair has always been a source of pride for me, but I’ve never been especially daring with it. In high school, I wore it waist-length and curly, and it was kind of my signature look. People knew me as the girl with long, curly hair. In college, I kept cutting it shorter and shorter, then growing it out, then cutting it again. I’ve literally experienced all lengths and lots of styles, though I am a curly girl at heart and prefer to wear it that way. I started coloring it in my mid-twenties, once my gray hair sprouted. And last year, with the coaxing of my amazing stylist, Rhiana, at Stylin’ Salon here in Pflugerville, I tried highlights for the very first time, and I fell in love.
But lately, I’ve been itching to try something new, and there’s really only so much you can do with a short, curly bob. And then I read this article by Harriet Charity Verney (the niece of Isabella Blow) in September’s Vogue, and was immediately inspired. Verney calls hair “an accessory,” similar to lipstick and nail polish, and since I’ve already mastered the “caramel-colored highlights” look, it was time to take the next step.
I keep regular hair appointments, typically rotating between color touch-ups and highlights, so I called Rhiana and asked her about trying Ombré, and she agreed that it would work!
So last Thursday, I entered the salon like this:
(Wrangling Rhys on the first day of school.)
And exited looking like this:
(At the salon. Can you see Rhiana’s awesome gold shoes?)
It was definitely a drastic change, and I have to admit that I’m still getting used to the blondness of it, but overall, I’m really pleased. And here’s how I look with curly hair.
James told me I look like a “different lady,” and I kind of feel like one. This is definitely the most daring fashion risk I’ve ever taken, but it’s just hair, so why not? And I really think the look lends itself to curly hair, since it is kind of messy and unstructured, just like my head.
Plus, I already have my next appointment scheduled, and Rhiana assures me I can change things up again easily, like any good accessory. I’ll keep you posted!
