Lovely Layers

While I'm not ready to give up on summer, fall is looming.  The days are still warm, but it's chilly in the mornings and evenings.  And if it's chilly outside, then you can bet I'm chilly too.  The answer is layers, to keep me warm and add a little interest to those early fall outfits.

Belong Lifestyle has you covered for all the lovely layers.  I'm wearing the "Hooray for Chambray Utility Vest".  It's versatile and lightweight, made of a soft denim that falls just right.  With a stand up collar and a drawstring cinched waist, it looks great on every body.

Utility Vest, Criss Cross Bralette

But wait...there are more lovely layers!  

The "Camo in the Wind Breaker". Abbie is head namer of clothes, and I love her way with words.  This jacket is a little bit cropped, and a lot fabulous, and a fun addition for any camo fans out there.

Ivory Tower Cascading Sleeveless Sweater.  Sorry for the wrinkles, but I couldn't wait to try this one on!

Hey Shorty Cropped Black Denim Vest

What are you wearing for the transition to fall?

Love In Yosemite

When George and I got married, almost 30 years ago, most weddings were held in a church or hall.  There was a nearby reception, and then off to the honeymoon.

Today, it seems destination weddings are the thing.  For almost the same price as a traditional ceremony, why not make it a weekend long party with your family and friends?

This summer we attended my cousin's wedding in Yosemite, at a small resort called Evergreen Lodge, just outside the main gates to the park.

The weather was perfect, and the venue reminded me of the old time lodges from the 50's and 60's.  Beautiful cabins nestled in the pine trees, walking trails (complete with feral cows), game rooms, and the most gorgeous pool with a view.

The cousins were in charge of decorating, and we did a pretty good job.  The party favors were jars of honey from the groom's parents' farm in New Jersey. So cool and really yummy!

It was wonderful having the entire family there for the whole weekend.  No TV, no internet.  Not sure how the boys felt about that, but since this trip took the place of our annual beach vacation, I enjoyed every minute.

Yosemite was the perfect venue for a wedding, and I hope we'll be back to visit and explore again someday.

Have you been to a destination wedding?  Where?

Rompers For All

Happy Thursday!  Let's talk about rompers for fall, ya'll, even if you're tall.  Okay, I'm not from the south, and I'm no Dr. Seuss, but I like how that sounds.

In the past I've had trouble finding rompers/jumpsuits/pantsuits that worked for my height, but we've solved that problem over at Belong Lifestyle with a collection of fantastic one-pieces.

Like this adorable black romper, for instance.  It's soft and comfy, and somehow magically tall enough for my 5'9" body.  I've paired it with one of our fall kimonos (coming soon!) and sneakers.  But I could easily do booties and a cardigan, or even sandals and a statement necklace.  It's so versatile.

These gray romperalls are my very favorite in the collection.   They're roomy and slimming, all at the same time.  I can wear them to the store, then come home and take a nap without changing.  More magic.  

And if you're still thinking summer...because let's face it, summer's not over yet...the short rompers are adorable.  I love the drapey fabrics and the fun prints.

Casual in Camo Romper

Sassy Snake Print Romper

What do you think about rompers?  Yea or Nay?  Have a great weekend!

Don't Give Up On Me Yet

Hi!  I did it again.  How many times can a person disappear and expect everyone to be there when they get back?

I love writing.  I really, really do. But sometimes all the stuff that goes along with blogging gets a little overwhelming, and then I get out of the habit, and suddenly a month (or two) has gone by, and well...here we are.

Now summer is winding down, fall is coming, and I always feel a renewed sense of order and structure and purpose as this season arrives.  Let's see if I can get my act together.

Speaking of summer, how did it go so fast?  Mostly it was good.  Thomas was home, Conner's girlfriend was here which meant I got to know her better, and there were a few family trips and fun activities.  Losing Grandpa Ed was a sad time, but what a wonderful life he had.

Thomas left to go back to school yesterday, and after many years of talking about it, my nest is now really, truly empty.  When I think back to that first drop off three years ago, I can't believe how far we've come.  (I mean, I only cried for one day this time instead of two whole weeks).  He's gone from unsure teenager to an amazing young man who knows where he's headed and how to get there.

And I've grown a lot too.  It took a while, and a lot of tearful, painful soul searching, but I now know that I have so much left to do.  My purpose in life goes beyond being a wife and mom.

In May I joined Deena and Abbie at Salt & Light Lifestyle, which we've since re-branded as Belong Lifestyle.  Every day I wake up so excited to work with these two amazing women as we grow this supportive, uplifting community, with a little clothing sprinkled in for lovely measure.

I've also found a tribe of other midlife women, led by my beautiful friend Catherine.  At the Forever Fierce Revolution, I edit The Spark newsletter, and will be speaking at FierceCon 2019 this fall - something I never imagined myself doing before.

So clearly I still have a lot left to say, and this perfect space to say it.  Don't give up on me yet.