Showing posts with label storiarts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label storiarts. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Finding the Courage

When the alarm clock went off at six o'clock this morning, all I wanted to do was roll over and go back to sleep.  I was chilled, it was still dark out, and I was tired.  In another life, I would have called in sick to work for what I used to call a "mental health day" - I'd spend the day curled up with a good book, a cozy sweater, a hot cup of tea and just re-charge.

Alas, moms don't get sick days, let alone mental health days, so I got my ass out of bed, brushed my teeth, and slapped on some comfy clothes.  No shower today.  Didn't have time to get in and get out before the beasties awoke.

At least I'll be comfy and cozy...
The truth is, I'm having a tough time balancing this whole work-at-home mom thing.  I get about 8 hours of childcare per week, the rest of the time I'm with my kiddos.  They are up by 7 and aren't in bed until 9... sooo yeah not much time for me.  How long can I keep up my routine of staying up til midnight working?  Probably not too long.  What am I willing to let go?  Here's the problem: I don't want to give up anything.  I get to be home with my children and have crafted the career of my dreams.  I just don't ever get a break.

That's my issue right now:  zero down time.  And while I thrive on doing a million things at once, I've always needed a breather now and again.

So this morning, things are a little different over at the Sanzo house.  There are no children:  Colten is at school and Cooper is at my neighbor's.  I'm drinking a HOT (this is a novelty) cup of coffee, listening to Ani, and writing with a realness I usually don't have the time or the energy for.  The truth is this whole grown up thing is pretty hard and life rarely goes as planned.  And for this little planner, that's a tough pill to swallow.  Because to be perfectly honest, I'm not living the life I imagined.

I thought I'd be the SAHM who made craft projects, baked, and taught her kids to read by three.  I didn't plan on special needs children, or the sudden urge to be an entrepreneur, or cashing in my teaching pension to be a fashion blogger and personal stylist.  Those aren't things I planned.  I planned on being Suzy Homemaker, getting my PhD, and teaching at a local college once my kids were in school.  Plans change.  People grow up.


As I sit here listening to music that can't help but bring me back to the girl I used to be, I can't help but smile and wish I could tell her that the beauty in life is that it can't be planned, that most of it lies just beyond our control.  But if we're brave enough to adapt and let go of the life we imagined, we get to live one we never even dreamed.  And if we're really lucky, we get to walk this crazy journey surrounded by people we love, a faith that sustains us, and the occasional child-free morning to reflect and realize that our blessings outnumber our woes.

Perspective.  Try it.  It does a body good.

xoxo

Jenny

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Friday, September 20, 2013

From the Ground: What I wore

What do you wear to an eco-friendly fashion show?



Why vegan leather, glasses, and a beanie of course!

Hat:  Forever 21 (similar)
Glasses:  Coach  (similar in black)
Scarf:  Storiarts
Jacket:  Buffalo (similar)
Tee:  Max Studio (TJ Maxx)
Pants:  GAP
Bag:  Kate Spade
Booties:  Target



Actual conversation with my husband during our "photoshoot" (I use the term loosely).

Him:  "You're wearing LEATHER to the GREENTOPIA fashion show?  Someone is going to throw paint on you!"

Me:  "It's pleather."

Him:  "THEY don't know that!"

And that, ladies and gentleman, is one of the many reasons why he is awesome.

I later learned that the cool way to say pleather is "vegan leather."  How chic.  How green.  How devoid of any negative connotations established in the late 80s and early 90s...





PS- Those Target booties are "vegan suede."  Can't say the same for that Kate Spade bag though...

Happy Friday!

xoxo

Jenny
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Monday, January 28, 2013

Made in America Monday ~ Etsy Top 5

This Monday, I've decided to share my five favorite etsy shops (of the moment) with you.

Etsy is a great place to shop American-made and support small businesses - two things I really make an effort to do.

Here are my current favs:  (in no particular order)

1.  Brookish - Jane Austen inspired merch - need I say more?  I have Mr. Darcy's Proposal Scoop Neck Tee - it's one of my favorite layering pieces.

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2.  Artwark - Rochester NY jewelry designer, with really fun, affordable pieces.  I have tons of her stuff!  Love!  Best known for her "Mother's Love" necklace pictured below.  I get compliments on mine constantly! Great gift idea!

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3.  Storiarts - these infinity book scarves are fantastic.  I have Jane Eyre and wear it all the time!

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4. Truche - Made to order jewelry.  My favorite are her United States of Love - State Necklaces - such a cute way to show pride for your home state.  The New Jersey one has been on my wish list for ages... I need to just break down and buy it for myself one of these days...

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5.  House Hold Words  - removable vinyl wall decals for your home.  I have "Masterpieces" up in our playroom over Colten's art wall display.  So cute!  Thinking about where I have room for another one...

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What's your favorite American-made etsy shop?  Please share links below!

xoxo

Jenny

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Rock Out With Your Hat Out

Happy Weekend!

Thanks to all the lovely ladies who linked up for my first ever Bloggers with Balls link up party!  You ladies rock!  I love seeing how everyone adds their own personal style to common pieces.  Which brings me to the premise for today's link up:  hats.  I love hats.  Knit hats, cowboys hats, baseball caps, wide-brimmed, vintage - I love 'em all. 

One of the best things about temperatures turning a little chilly is that I can break out my knits.  I'm not sure if it's the throw back to early 90s grunge or the fact that they can hide even the worst of hair days, but either way, they are a staple in my fall/winter wardrobe.  

Here are some ways I've worn mine this season:

As a Pop of Color
Hat:  Forever 21
With Shades 
With faux leather Buffalo jacket, Christian Dior frames, and my Jane Eyre scarf.
Hat:  GAP
I want to see how YOU wear YOURS!

Link up and "Rock Out With Your Hat Out!"
(I know that's not grammatically correct - just go with it).



xoxo

Jenny


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