Our new addition

Here's our new puppy! Currently her name is J'Adore, we're thinking of giving her a different name...suggestions? She'll be coming home next weekend! I'd love a German name... Ina, any ideas?





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Back from the abyss...

Hey, all. I haven't posted in a while. Lots of sh**to deal with here. Our house got broken into 2+ weeks ago. Not a pleasant experience. They recovered my iPad--just got it back today. Nothing else recovered yet. Lucky to have gotten something back, I guess. So, needless to say, all our attention has been focused on upgrading our home's security. Of all the things that were taken or that could have been taken, I was--and am--most concerned about our two mini dachshunds. They were home when the hose was broken into, so I am most thankful that they are both ok. Shaken, but here and alive. Material possessions can be replaced. Lives can't be.

Currently, we are doing repairs, replacements and reinforcements. We will be adding a security system, cameras and a new puppy to our home--a Doberman. We had an opportunity fall into our laps while we were researching and calling breeders--a breeder kept two puppies from the last litter (6 mo. old now) for possibility for showing. One she's trained herself, and the other has been with a professional trainer in Boston. We have been offered the pup she will not keep to show. Potty trained, ears done, trained...but still young enough to come into our home and bond with all of us. We're going to meet the pup this Sunday. I figure it's a little out of our hands--it's really up to the three dogs. Not ideal timing in some ways, but it looks like I'll have a companion on bicycle rides this spring if all works out well. :)

Hope to get some pictures of our potential new pooch to post on Sunday.

Needless to say, taking outfit pictures has been no priority lately. Hope to get back into the groove soon.

As always, thanks for reading.
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House update!

The house exterior renovation is nearing completion! The stone is in! Things yet to do: door replacement + storm door, gutters & downspouts. Clean up mess in yard. Hooray! Just in time; it's snowing today and temperatures have plummeted. Here are a few photos of the current progress in the front!






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OOTD

:). A nice change from pencil skirts!


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Fancy Pants

Wasn't sure I'd wear these pants enough to justify purchasing them, but I actually have. I love them. A subtle snazzy, IMO.


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Liebster Blog Part 2: 11 facts about me

1. I am horrible at remembering numbers (dates, addresses, # of years old, etc.), but can remember visuals easily. I never forget a face, and can find my car in any parking lot! If I've been someplace once, I can get back there again easily, even after years have gone by.

2. I love silence. I can't really concentrate with any noise in the background. in my car, I hate listening to the radio. I'm continually scanning stations to find a song I am in the mood for. Mostly, it is turned off.

3. With each passing year, I long for a job where I can leave work and be done with work for the day. I'd change careers in a heartbeat, but I'm too close to retirement and could never get a salary/benefit package that I could make work w/my lifestyle at this point. And I really can't think of an alternate career that I would love.

4. My dream vehicle would be a horse.

5. One of my greatest fears is of being trapped under water. It took me two days to be able to breathe through scuba gear while standing in shallow water in the ocean. I could/would NEVER dive into something--watching people explore underwater caves totally freaks me out.

6. I hate wide ruled paper. Why don't they make narrow ruled paper anymore? College ruled is NOT the same. I love Moleskine notebooks for that reason. And don't even get me started on writing utensils...

7. In a sweet v. savory throw down for snacks, savory would win hands down. I'd take a bowl of real-buttered popcorn over chocolate any day. I wish bacon came in snack packs.

8. Avocados and artichokes make me physically ill. I also can't eat cilantro, though it doesn't make me sick. I have a physical reaction to eucalyptus smell, too. Worst smell in the world? Patchouli. HATE! I suspect that somehow all of the above mentioned things share some scientific, evil link...

9. I love the 80s--music, style, jargon...

10. I love the sound of the French horn. And the oboe. When played well.

11. My personal mascot is the Cheshire Cat.

Too much information?  :)

And here are my OOTDs from the past few days:



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Quarter One @ school is done!

Hooray! One down; three to go!
OOTD:


My Juniors, who have been less than a cup of tea, seem to FINALLY be turning a corner. The past few days have actually been fun with them!

Headed up to Fargo, ND for a debate tournament this weekend w/4 awesome kids...hope there's no snow on the ground (and a Starbucks) there!

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Liebster Blog Question answers

Thanks, again, Egyptomaniac for the nomination. Here are my answers and my OOTD.

1. What is that one special item(clothing/accessory) you never leave the house without? Why?
My remembrance necklace for my dad.

2. If you could only wear one pair of shoes for an entire year, what would they be and why?
What?!? Only one pair of shoes? Is this a trick question? ;). My Jack Purcell sneakers, I guess. That or my Frye boots. Or my J.Crew Viv flats...

3. What's your biggest fashion 'Don't' or trend you avoid at all costs?
Gauchos? Seriously, I guess anything frilly or with excessive bows/ruffles.
4.What's the most expensive item in your closet?

My J.Crew Lexington blazer. Bought it from a friend. Didn't pay full price, (or near what I've seen them go for on eBay), but it still wasn't cheap!

5.Ok, now what's the most treasured item in your closet--the one you wouldn't sell for a million bucks?
See #4.

6. Honestly now, do you dress for yourself or dress for others?
For myself. Colors make me happy. Dressing nice makes me happy.

7. Let's be catty for a moment: Any public figures you'd like to nominate for 'What Not to Wear'?
Ice-T's CoCo?

8. What's the best piece of fashion advice you were ever given?
Try to incorporate texture, color, shine & pattern in every outfit ("What Not to Wear" advice.) ((what happened to that show?!?!))

9. What is your favorite season to dress for? Why?
Autumn/winter; love sweaters & boots!

10.Got any pet peeves or phobias? What kind of crazy do you try to hide from others?
I don't know if it's a phobia, but stray hairs (fallen out of head of hair) drive me nuts. I'm always grabbing them off mine & others' clothes...

11. The holidays are coming up! It wouldn't be the holiday season for you without:________________.
Humbug! I'm not a holiday fanatic at all! Maybe Starbucks' Creme Brûlée latte? Time off school? Snow.

Bonus Question: (cause it's a good one!)
12. I'm assuming we're all fans of J Crew here (or just insert your favorite retailer). If you could give one suggestion/idea/demand/restriction/vent to the designers for future seasons what would it be?
Dear J.Crew,
Please consider re-releasing some of the popular pieces from the past, improve quality and construction, and stay true to the preppy style!




Can't see the colors well, but I went w/a pumpkin theme: orange, green & brown.
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Oooooh Noooooo! or, how to survive a closet renovation

My spare bedroom is my closet, and my closet in my closet is under construction! Everything's out so the ceiling & walls can be torn out to be re-insulated. What a mess! I am definitely an 'everything in its place' gal, so this will one more stressor to deal with this week. Will be nice NOT to graze my head on the stucco/popcorn slanted ceilings in the closet, though!





I like this top, but man is it itchy & scratchy!

Side note: Thanks for the nomination for the liebster blog award, Egyptomaniac; I'm working on the Q/As... For the record, I kinda dislike those things...I don't follow enough blogs to pass them on to the required # of bloggers, and I keep thinking 'ponzi scheme,' but I'll be good if you'll be patient!

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Monday's OOTD

Blue denim to match my back-to-work-after-a-long-weekend blues. 4 days off and I forgot to buy a new mirror...


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House construction...

Back of my house! A work in progress...
My paint samples (L & R of patio door) were prior to new siding...

BEFORE: God bless the 70s and their color schemes!


DURING: Old siding stripped off...


New roof!


Lower back done, minus fascia...


Top is what house will look like when finished. We'll have to paint the back window frames & the patio door. Man are the workers messy!


Exciting, but exhausting! Can't wait for it all to be finished! Except for decorative stone in the front (2 weeks out yet?), it should be done next week. More pictures later.

Despite the house chaos, I did manage to make it to J.Crew today. Picked up two pair of wool slacks (navy unlined and brown checked-lined), the cream/gray polkadot Blythe blouse (all on clearance) and a killer bracelet (full price, but I LOVE it!). Wool pants were needed, blouse was a bandwagon purchase--plus I like it, the bracelet was a frivolous splurge. It's brown 'stones' (colored glass) w/mint green crystals around each stone. Yummy! Hoping there will be a matching necklace!

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Friday's OOTD

Busy weekend...
I threw on a navy wool blazer w/this outfit. Many compliments on the vest!


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Tweed skirt arrival

My OOTD:


Really gotta say that I love me some pencil skirts! Sooooo easy; so flattering! Bravely worn w/out boots today....brrrr! Must buy new mirror!

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Wool Pencil Skirt Love

My OOTD


Again, another horrible Wednesday. At least I loved my outfit today!
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Crappy Mirror Day 2

So I heard back from customer service @ J.Crew today via email: "...due to you being undercharged. Since it was our mistake it isn't right to make you pay for it."
Wow! I know others have had negative experiences w/their cs, but I have only had wonderful experiences! Integrity!
OOTD: (couldn't get this one to 'feel' right...


Man, the photo is bad! Sorry!
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Orwellian Propaganda

My OOTD:


Sorry for the crappy picture-broke my big mirror this morning...T-shirt from Out of Print Books. Love it!
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Too good to be true...

So I got my email order confirmation yesterday, and I called the online # today; I was under-charged for items, and the final sale status was all mixed up. The rep I talked to thanked me for calling, and the prices will be adjusted. As a thanks for my honesty, she's sending me a special promotional gift. The only final sale item ends up being the multi-colored tweed skirt because of the status of final sale w/the other items online (I can still return the sequin tank if I need to!).

I also asked about combining the in store promo % w/the teacher discount, as Apples & Pencil Skirts was not able to use hers w/the promo yesterday; the rep said that it's store by store. Odd. Not complaining; there's only one store in my area that has ever declined combining the discounts for me. My two favorite locations always will.

I will update what I paid when I get the revised bill--and let you know what the 'promotional gift' ends up being. --never mind, it just arrived via email: a $15 gift card.

Damn you, MN nice!
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25% off clearance @ my B&M J.Crew today = :)

Just got home from shopping & running some errands. Went out on a mission for wool pencil skirts...ended up w/3. I had to order 2 online from in the store, as my size is nowhere to be found in the Minneapolis area, but I think I got some great deals! The 3 skirts I got are the long herringbone in purple, 50.99; the double surge wool pencil skirt in berry pink, 32.14; and that obnoxious tweed one in purple/blue/pink 22.96. (It looked awesome w/my frye boots!) Tops: the color block top in portobello mushroom, 13.77 (!!!!!!); the maroon & navy collection sequin color block tank, 36.73; and the paisley appliqué top in black, 38.24. Plus a pair of zebra print socks, 5.09; and the bubble earrings in blue, 19.12. Grand total for all of my loot? $220.43! (25% off + 15% off w/free shipping to boot!)

The only thing I'm not convinced I'll keep is the sequin tank. I already have 3 that I hardly ever wear...it was just so pretty w/the rectangular sequins!, and the colors are to DIE for!





















Not too shabby! Getting out of bed on Monday will be just a little easier now!
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:)

It was a good day!


Thanks for reading! Looking forward to doing some shopping this weekend!
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OOTD

One wear of the cream pencil skirt... Meetin w/my Ps this weekend to try some colorful wool pencil skirts. It's time to switch over my closets to fall/winter!


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Wednesdays = yuk.

It's Wednesday night, and I'm exhausted. Due to the inclusion of a 'Seminar' class every Wednesday for student (run by community members, which is very cool) to provide time for a 1 1/2 hour professional development for staff starting @ 7:15, the classes and passing times throughout the day are all shortened and by 3:00, I feel like I've been on a merry-go-round. Stop the ride; I want to get off! My OOTDs on Wednesdays may be a subconscious reflection of my mood in preparation, I think. Blah.


There's always tomorrow, right?
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Quirky color combo

So here's what my mood selected to wear today, only I swapped out the shoes for leopard print flats and a tortoise resin necklace before running out the door. Maybe a bit too spring-ish, but who cares!


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School colors day

Homecoming @ my high school this week... I've never needed a weekend more!

OOTD (maroon & gold day):



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OMG is it Friday yet!!!!!????

I like this outfit. A lot. Skirt is from a few years back; brown cashmere sweater from eBay. The boots are out! :)


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Preppy Wednesday

OOTD:
An early morning throw-together...argyle & brogues!



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Cashmere...and still cold!

Yesterday I was freezing all day, so i was not afraid to wear my new cashmere sweater today. I was still cold. I think my calssroom windows are in need of some repair. sadly, my desk is right next to them...

OOTD:


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OOTD

Here's my OOTD. No time/brain cells for much more...



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Damage done!

*sigh*, and I just had my card paid off...

Oh, J.Crew, how do you manage to get me to buy things when there's nothing to buy? With promos? Yup.

Dwindling piles of cashmere + 25% off sweaters = damage! Didn't go nuts, though. Just one. It was a struggle to choose between the navy merino Tippi and the cashmere one. Caved & got the cashmere. I don't own a navy sweater! Well, now I do. I also ended up buying some jewelry...the multi-strand faux pearl necklace, two bracelets & the green bubble earrings. My VPS made an error & told me ALL jewelry was 25% off (even though I argued with her about it--Me, "are you sure it's not just out if case pieces?" VPS, "No, all!"). They honored her error! I feel kind of bad about it. (MN nice.)

Here are my other weekend finds:


I got the striped top for $27, and found the cardi in a consignment store for $34--more than I'd usually spend on pre-owned, but the ruffles are awesome!

Mid quarter grades are due tomorrow, so I have a date with a pile of papers tonight. That, and soup. One batch of Tuscan bean stew down, chicken veggie on the stove. Hope your weekend was as pleasant as mine was!

Side note: I had close to $300 at the consignment store where I brought all my clothes this summer! All those trips don't seem quite so painful anymore.

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Damage done!

*sigh*, and I just had my card paid off...

Oh, J.Crew, how do you manage to get me to buy things when there's nothing to buy? With promos? Yup.

Dwindling piles of cashmere + 25% off sweaters = damage! Didn't go nuts, though. Just one. It was a struggle to choose between the navy merino Tippi and the cashmere one. Caved & got the cashmere. I don't own a navy sweater! Well, now I do. I also ended up buying some jewelry...the multi-strand faux pearl necklace, two bracelets & the green bubble earrings. My VPS made an error & told me ALL jewelry was 25% off (even though I argued with her about it--Me, "are you sure it's not just out if case pieces?" VPS, "No, all!"). They honored her error! I feel kind of bad about it. (MN nice.)

Here are my other weekend finds:


I got the striped top for $27, and found the cardi in a consignment store for $34--more than I'd usually spend on pre-owned, but the ruffles are awesome!

Mid quarter grades are due tomorrow, so I have a date with a pile of papers tonight. That, and soup. One batch of Tuscan bean stew down, chicken veggie on the stove. Hope your weekend was as pleasant as mine was!

Side note: I had close to $300 at the consignment store where I brought all my clothes this summer! All those trips don't seem quite so painful anymore.

Thanks for reading!

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Thurs/Fri OOTDs

Here are my OOTDs from yesterday & today:





I turned up the cuffs on the jeans before I left today. Pointy goodness in action!

I started a longer post last night that included some excitement about the remodel of our house exterior, but it got lost somewhere between typing & saving...I hope to share some photos this weekend (we are soon to no longer be the 'ugliest house on the block'!

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Re-doing a favorite

OOTD:


Finally cool enough to pull out some sweaters!

Any advice for stretching suede loafers? The right shoe is tight across the top--love the shoes, so I want them to work. On my 5-6th wear and they aren't giving!

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Paisley Tuesday

OOTD:


Love this skirt! These Viv flats are quickly becoming my "go to" shoes! Guess I'm a member of the "pointy toe brigade"! --or do I need a heel to qualify?
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Simple Monday

OOTD--a simple outfit for my simple mind today...


Again, love the Tippi! I think I need a scarf to go with this pink color...
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Happiness is....

My absolute favorite, McIntosh apples, hit the co-op this weekend...


...pumpkin spice latte at Starbucks; grocery bags filled with ingredients to make tuscan bean soup... Welcome, fall!

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Friday, finally

Aaah, Friday! You're finally here! Couch, you & I are going to spend some quality time together soon!
OOTD:


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A good thing?

So one of my new Juniors (boy) said to me in class today, "Mrs. Cook, those are some wild and crazy pants! Where'd you get them?!". Got numerous comments & looks from other students & staff, too. I'm choosing to view the feedback in a positive way. What do you think? (i changed to a patent festival blue belt before I left...)

OOTD:



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White Rabbit

Theme for this week:  "I'm late!"  Monday I barely made it to work on time; Tuesday was the same.  Today, thankfully, I got back into the groove and was early.  Needless to say, Monday's outfit was a grab & dash--no creativity there.  Tuesday I wore the neon green eyelet pencil skirt with a dark blue silk sleeveless blouse and my yellow bubble necklace (needed something to wake me up, but no time to snap a photo).  Today, neon again--pink!

I liked my outfit today.  Didn't think I would ever wear this skirt; it was a super sale price from this summer (under $20?), but I did like it!  I found it fun. I bought the leopard patterned flats this summer at a thrift store (they're from Target) and decided I'd be willing to give the leopard loafer look a try for a price where I could afford to throw them away if never worn--$5.  The fit of the shoe is a bit wonky--they gap on the sides, so they're not my favorite, but I liked the look!  I think if I found the calf-hair version of these from JC on eBay at a reasonable price, I'd get them.  But these shoes are never are reasonably priced on eBay. 

(Time to retire the maxi skirt for the year...)

I found a white bubble necklace this weekend at my B&M.  It was on a mannequin.  It was on "sale" for $99.  (Wish I'd seen it when things were 30% off...maybe it was a return...)  Wasn't going to even touch it, but of course I did.  I tried it on--and loved it.  The white bubble earrings were also in the clearance bin for $25-ish.  Plus the teacher discount off both sale prices.

I am HORRIBLE!  I now own 4 of these necklaces. (Only two purchased in stores, the other two I got for under $20 each on eBay, just before the most recent bubble necklace craze hit.)  I take comfort in knowing I'm not the only goofball who owns multiples of this necklace.  I'm just the goofball who is willing to pay, albeit on sale, a ridiculous amount of money for a plastic necklace!  Thank GOODNESS the rest of the fall jewelry receives a flat "meh" from me.

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