Best Fall Boots 2011/2012

Suede Lace-Up Boots from Loft

Have you found that perfect pair of Fall/Winter boots yet for this season?

You know, the pair that you just can't live without?

Click over to Blissfully Domestic Online Magazine to read my article on some great deals I found while seaching the web. While you're there, take a look around. They also have some other really good articles you may like!

Best Fall Boots - Style Trends for Cool Weather Fashion

Bits of Wisdom (#1-10) Gained With Age

Let's face it.  We all thought we knew everything when we were teenagers. But as we moved into our twenties and then into our thirties we learned that sadly, this was not the case.

Now as I am approaching forty, I'm confident that I still don't know much of anything.

There are, however, a few things that I have learned along the way (this list is obviously not all inclusive and will definitely grow longer as my journey continues).

• Sometimes chocolate really does make things better.
• It's ok to say no.
• Not everyone will like me, and that's ok.
• You're never too old to try something new.
• Wisdom teeth will not fall out on their own no matter how much you pray.
• Infants somehow magically turn into teenagers overnight.
• Gravity is a real force.
• People are always watching.
• Some choices and actions (good or bad) affect your life forever.
• God never changes.

Are there any you'd like to add to the list?

Acid Washed Denim, Vanilla Ice & Banana Clips

Yes.

We did.

The year was 89-90 and acid washed denim was cool. Can you tell?

And so was big hair (held together with White Rain, AquaNet or Rave hairspray). At least in Texas it was. And I'm pretty sure there were a couple of TV shows displaying similar height and volume.

A few of us from our Student Council group were selected to be guest D.J.s on our popular radio station, POWER 104.

On air and off, we probably said things like "This is like so totally awesome!" and "Cool beans!" and "To the max" and "Dude!" and "Gnarly" and "Totally Rad."

We probably played artists like Madonna, Vanilla Ice, Depeche Mode, Janet Jackson, Poison, Billy Idol, INXS, Bobby Brown, Chicago, Debbie Gibson, Bon Jovi, Prince, and Guns N' Roses just to name a few.

I think I kept my copy of the video cassette from that day. Wonder if I can find it?

Wonder if I really want to?

And yes, among other totally awesome souvenirs, we were given these beautiful acid washed jackets. I'm sure they were coveted by our peers. Can't believe I didn't save mine. Probably could've sold it on ebay.

Under these rad jackets, I bet you would find swatch watches, rubber bracelets, and big belts.

On our feet? Possibly hi-top sneakers (Converse or L.A. Gear) or some shiny flats.

Yep.

Those were the good ole days.

Makes me want to go buy a banana clip.

Forty is Young & Friends Are Like Bras

I remember when thirty seemed soooo old. Ancient, in fact.

And then, as I inched closer, it suddelnly wasn't so old after all, but FORTY? Forty was definitly old.

Now that I'm thirty-nine, forty seems almost adolescent. Almost.

I mean, you're as young as you feel, right? Not counting those times when my body aches while getting out of bed, I feel young, hip, and fun. I'm sure it helps that I'm surrounded by a pretty amazing group of friends and three lively offspring (19, 15, and 6).  These are just a few of my rockin' friends and my daughter. I am a lucky, lucky girl.

I read once that "Friends are like bras...close to the heart and there for support" (not sure who gets credit for this). Couldn't have said it better myself.

The more birthdays I have, the more thankful and grateful I am. Since having melanoma in 2004, life has taken on new meaning. Each day is to be celebrated, and I plan on doing just that.

Forty really is young. And fifty isn't looking so bad either.

Here's to celebrating our years together!

And to my friends, old and new, I really mean this ...

You really do. Don't let anyone tell you different, no matter how young or old you are. :)

"Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter." ~Mark Twain

20th High School Reunion & My 39th Birthday

Today is my birthday! I know some of you thought I turned the Big 4-0, but I am only 39, thank you very much. Remember, this is the journey TO 40. :) I officially have 365 days until I leave my 30's behind and am looking forward to all this year has to hold.

Saturday night was my 20 year high school reunion.  It was amazing to see my classmates, some of whom I had not seen since 1991. We toasted those who were absent and those who had left this earth much too soon. Shawn Blassingame and Robin Stuart are two of my dear friends who will forever be in my heart.

I can't share them all, but thought I'd share a few pics from the night:

(This photo taken by Jessica W. I liked her photo better because she said I have hot legs.)

And I saved the best for last...here we are, at our finest :)

(This photo taken by James Howard Hefley.  Thank you, Mr. Hefley for your kindness in capturing these memories for us!)

There were so many faces missing...I hope to see the rest of you at our next get-together!

I will be back in a few days with an update on my birthday and more pics to share :)

PS...The avocado worked!! (Read here if you're lost) I felt my skin tighten immediately. I also noticed that it made my skin softer. I tried it twice and will definitely do it again, although no guarantees I won't be tempted to eat it. :)



Announcing the Inevitable

Yes, it's true.

No, not that. Definitely not pregnant.

Exactly one week from today, my internal clock will strike and I will celebrate 39 years of living.  September 19, 2011 will mark the beginning of my journey to the Big 4-0!  I have created this blog for some fun and creative ways to ensure the transition from thirty-something to forty and beyond goes smoothly.

I have heard that life begins at 40, so I am anticipating the adventure and preparing to celebrate! And I'm a writer, so I thought I'd write about it (I'm also a Sanguine personality so if it becomes boring, routine and less exciting, I may delete it).

My plan for this blog is to offer humor (in good taste, of course), insights and tips on aging gracefully, inspiration and anything else that develops or is needed along the way (like, um... prayer support...). 

I look forward to sharing events along my journey, such as my 20th high school reunion coming up THIS Saturday! and my quest to better health and fitness including training for my first 5K (don't get too impressed, I'm only on day two and it already hurts).

My first "official" post will be on my actual birthday, September 19, but feel free to sign up now to join the party! You can join with google connect on the sidebar as a follower or choose to receive updates via email by putting your address in the subscription box.

Until then, I leave you with this piece of super random anti-aging, not-sure-if-it-works-yet, don't-use-if-you're-allergic, found-it-on-the-Internet... suggestion:

source

I love to eat avocado but have never thought of smearing it on my face.  Sounds like something a toddler would do, but according to an article on this Natural Care Guide you should apply the pulp or slices of avocado to your face for a fresh young look.  Try it for yourself or find out if it worked for me on September 19th. :)

Let the countdown begin...