Purple Patterns! Plus Size Daily (more like weekly) Outfit!

 

Outfit Details:

Floral Dress - Old Navy

Navy Blue Leggings - Just My Size

Purple Bolero - Avenue

Blush Ruffle Flats - Target

Necklace - Forever 21

Last night was my first full night of work on my unit.  I was with a precepting nurse (basically a "trainer") who was fantastic, and we had one crazy evening.  It seemed like it was non-stop action.  Thirteen hours on my feet and I felt like I needed someone to wheel me out to my car afterwards.  

I was actually scheduled to work another 12-hour shift today, but there was a scheduling conflict, so I got the day off and have to come in Saturday.  Blech. 

I basically just "shadowed" my preceptor and didn't do a whole lot of nursing, but I did get an IV in a not-so-great vein on my first try, so that made me feel pretty good.  

I am a little peeved because I ordered some scrubs online, and thought they would be here last week (in plenty of time!).  Well, lo-and-behold, I got an email from the company stating that every single thing I ordered, except one pair of pants, is on backorder for 2-3 weeks. When I was ordering I made sure to only pick styles that stated that they were "in stock", so I am not happy.  I had to stop at a uniform store and spend over $120 to get some scrubs to tide me over until the others arrive.  The only upside is that now I have plenty of extras in case of a rip or tear or if I am having a rough laundry week. 

Forgive me if I don't post for another few days.  I'm still trying to adjust to this wacky schedule and I can't seem to get used to it.  I'm sure by the time I'm supposed to change to night shift (in a week and a half) I'll finally be used to getting up so early.  

Thanks for sticking this out with me!

FBFF: Hair Care

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1.      How often do you get your hair cut?
I usually try to get my hair cut around every 6-8 weeks.  Now that it's longer, I can stretch it closer to 8 weeks before it starts looking ragged. 

2.      Do you go to the same stylist each time, try someone new, go to the
cheap hair cutting chains or live it up in a salon?
I have a friend who used to be a stylist at a local salon, who now works with my husband and sis-in-law.  She does my hair, my SIL's hair, and my best friend's hair, usually all at the same time.  We make it a little girls night and get together at one of our houses to have our hair done and hang out.

3.      Do you color your hair? How often? What’s your natural color?
I have colored my hair since I was about 14.  My hair started turning a yucky dishwater blonde color, so my mom agreed to let me put highlights in it.  I was blonde all the way through high school until I was about 22 (I was blonde when I met Jimmy), then went brunette for a while, and finally settled on red a few years ago.  I've been a few different shades of red, but I feel most myself as a redhead.  I honestly don't know what my natural hair color is anymore, but I'm going to guess a mousy/ashy brown shade since that's how my roots seem to come in.

4.      The one thing you always do to keep your hair looking great is:
Use color care shampoo and conditioner.  Red hair color fades fast.  It goes from looking fabulous to looking dull in no time if you don't use the right products.

5.      What hair trend do you love and wish you could rock?
 A pixie cut!

Make sure to check out Katy Rose over at Modly Chic along with all the other participants in Fashion Beauty Friend Friday! 

Sorry.

I am still alive everyone!  I'm sorry I haven't posted in over a week, but I've been incredibly busy lately.

Jimmy and I went on a weekend trip to Gatlinburg on the 13th, and I kept trying to create some posts in advance, but Blogger didn't want to cooperate.  The wifi in our cabin wasn't working, so I couldn't post from Tennessee (I was not happy).  We came back home home Sunday evening, and I started my new job Monday.  I have been exhausted every day this week, and just want to put on pjs and veg out once I get home.  

My schedule is going to be pretty crazy for the next few weeks, so I apologize in advance for any lapses in posting.  I have one more week of classroom orientation (policies and learning the computer system), then I'm on the floor working with a nurse preceptor.  I'll be working two weeks 7am-7pm, and then I'll go to nights (7pm-7am) for the rest of my orientation (until the second week of July).  From then on out I'm on my own working 7pm-7am three days a week.

Florals - Plus Size Daily Outfit

I'll be honest, I wore this dress on Easter and just haven't posted it yet because I knew it would be perfect for today. 

You can kind of see my striped tank with crochet trim in this photo. 

 

Of course, to get these photos there were lots like this: 

 I look like I'm trying to air myself out in this picture.

 Jimmy has a tendency to keep taking photos when I'm moving, or talking, or adjusting myself (see above).

Practicing my hula. . . . ? 

Outfit Details: 

Floral Sundress - Old Navy (last Spring)

Peach & White Striped Crochet Trim Tank - Old Navy (last Spring)

White Cardi - Torrid 

Magenta & Silver Bangles - Lane Bryant

Adorable Bird Necklace - Forever 21

Blush Ruffle Flats - Target 

Check out Everybody, Everywear to see all the other fantastic florals!

Friend Friday - All About Shoes!

1.What is your go-to pair of shoes?

My go-to pair of shoes lately have been my sequined floral flats from Lane Bryant. They seem to go with nearly everything (well excepting some wild patterns), and are super comfy for my wide feet.

2. What goes into your shoe buying decisions?

I have extremely wide feet, so fit is usually the top priority for me. Of course, style is a close second. I hate buying a pair of shoes that seem to fit great in the store only to wear them out, and find that they're devices of torture!

3. The majority of the shoes in your closet are what color?

I probably have more brown and black pairs of shoes than any other color (which is probably the case for most women), but I have a pretty good variety of colors in my closet. I really need to find a great pair of red flats or wedges, though. 

4. When it comes to design shoes what are your favorite brands and

why?

My favorite brands to wear are Softspots and Born. They are always so comfy! Softspots run up to a WW and although Borns only come in a M width, they always seem more like a W to me. Neither brand has the most fashion forward styles, but for comfort they can't be beat.

5. If price wasn’t an issue, you’d own which shoe?

Since I'm not much of a heel girl, I would love to own a pair of Tod's leather moccasins in a fun color like orange or red.

Make sure to check out the list of other bloggers participating in Fashion Beauty Friend Friday at Katy Rose's blog Modly Chic!

"Six Take" - Polka Dots

Due to the unending rain we've been having (and I'm sure many of you can understand), I've not been bothering to do my hair.  I've just been pinning it up, because if I leave it down it will just turn into a wavy, frizzy mess.  So pardon my crazy frizz-bangs (Doesn't that sound like something Willy Wonka would create?) in these photos. 

Outfit Details:

Jeans - Avenue

Polka Dot Top - Old Navy

Green Swing Jacket - Old Navy

Black Flats - Payless

Necklace - Avenue

Make sure to check out the other ladies participating in the "Six Take" challenge! 

Anna from Bargain Fatshionista

Nicola from 2 Many Cupcakes

Eryn from Bearly on Earth 

Meg from Bargainista on a Hunt

 

and last, but not least, Danielle of Danimezza.

Military Sparkle - Plus Size Daily Outfit

This past weekend Jimmy and I went to Ikea to look for a new clothing rack to replace my broken one.  Luckily, we found something even better!  They had one of their huge wardrobes (usually like $200+) on sale for $50!  So we spent the rest of the evening putting the monster together.  

Yes, I actually helped!

Here's what I wore to get a new wardrobe: 

Outfit Details: 

Jeans - Lane Bryant

Pink Long Sleeved Tee - Old Navy

Sequined Tank - Lane Bryant

Army Jacket - Lane Bryant

Floral Sequined Flats - Lane Bryant

Military Style Messenger Bag - Lane Bryant

Earrings - Forever 21

 Bracelet - Lane Bryant

And this is what I looked like after we put the wardrobe together: 

  Yeah.  Not so pretty. 

"Six Take" - Skirt Edition

Outfit Details: 

Denim Skirt - Lane Bryant

White 3/4 Sleeved Tee - Avenue

Striped Vest - Torrid

Sparkly Sneakers - Converse via 6pm

Necklace - I don't remember!

Beaded Wrap Bracelet - I have had this thing since I was about 14

I realized while looking through my wardrobe, that I don't really have a lot of skirts.  I have quite a few dresses, pants, & jeans, but only a handful of skirts.  I always have a problem figuring out how to pair tops and skirts without looking dowdy.  I guess it's a matter of proportion, and the fact that I don't feel comfortable with shirts tucked in very often because of my belly.  Leaving tops untucked can make me look boxy and, well, frumpy.  I don't usually have that problem with this denim skirt though.  It's kind of a pencil shape, and it's so casual that it's easy to find things to pair with it.  

Make sure to check out the other ladies participating in the "Six Take" challenge! 

Anna from Bargain Fatshionista

Nicola from 2 Many Cupcakes

Eryn from Bearly on Earth 

Meg from Bargainista on a Hunt

 

and last, but not least, Danielle of Danimezza.

"Six Take" - Picnic Edition

Since I've been sequestering myself inside my house trying to study and prepare myself for my state board exam (on Tues!), I have fallen way behind on posting my "Six Take" photos.  I'm sorry!  

This is my "picnic" look: 

Outfit Details:

Lavender Print Maxi Dress - Lane Bryant

Chambray Button Up - One Stop Plus

  Necklace - Forever 21

Shoes (that you can't see) - Target

Make sure to check out the other ladies participating in the "Six Take" challenge! 

Anna from Bargain Fatshionista

Nicola from 2 Many Cupcakes

Eryn from Bearly on Earth 

Meg from Bargainista on a Hunt

 

and last, but not least, Danielle of Danimezza.

Tuesday Temptations!

Here are a few things I've been craving this week. . . . 

#1. A Maid

As much as I wish I was, I am not the type of person who gets pleasure from cleaning.  Don't get me wrong, I adore having a sparkling clean house (Well, I assume I would.  I don't think it's ever "sparkled". . . ), but I don't get a surge from the actual cleaning part.  It's more like a grumble and groan and whine about doing it until I finally get up off my butt and just get to it.  Of course, while I'm cleaning, I'm very easily distracted and will use any excuse to stop.  "Maybe the mail is here, . . . maybe the dog needs to go out, . .. . maybe I need to write that blog post. . . . "  

Yeah, I'm supposed to be cleaning now.  Don't judge.

#2.  A New Clothing Rack

I know I just asked for a huge closet last week, but this week my real closet broke.  Well, my second closet that is.  I have a rolling garment rack in my office/dressing room that held many of my in-season clothes.  The other day I was drying my hair in the bathroom and I heard a sudden "CRASH!!!" from the other room.  I ran in and my entire garment rack was severely listing to the left, pretty much on top of my dresser.  I tried to right it, and in the process it completely fell to pieces around me.  Turns out, the plastic joints weren't very sturdy, and it just couldn't handle the enormous load I placed on it for one more minute.  

So right now, my clothes are in a pile (still on the hangers) on the floor of my office.

#3.  Cute Espadrilles

And these from Tory Burch would do perfectly!

#4.  Solange Azagury-Partridge "Ballcrusher" Earrings

I think these earrings are just so freakin' cool!  

#5.  A Pedicure

My heels are so dry all the time.  If I don't slather them in vaseline/lotion every night they get super calloused and icky.  Since I haven't been the most diligent about moisturizing, I could really use a pedicure right about now. 

On another note, I am so far behind on my "six take" photos.  I am so sorry!  I am going to work on getting them posted this week to get caught up.  It's been a weird couple of weeks, and I haven't been as productive as I would have liked.

Tuesday Tempations!

Here's a list of the things I've been craving this week:

#1. A Thin, Colorful Belt

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#2. Red-Orange Moccasins 

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#3. A Trench Coat

#4.  A Huge Closet

#5. A Job...

Oh, wait. . . I've got one! 

That's right!  I was offered the job I interviewed for a few weeks ago!  

I start in the middle of May. : )

Friend Friday - My 5 Fashion Picks for Spring

#1. Brights!

I absolutely love the bright colors that are everywhere for spring.  I think everyone can pull off this trend, even if it's just with a bright accessory or two. 

For Example: 

#2. Pink & Orange Combos

So I guess, technically, this could fall under "Brights", but I am such a fan of this particular color combo that I feel it deserves its own category.  Maybe because it's so girly, or because I love fuschia, or maybe it's because they were my wedding colors. . . . 

#3. White On White

I love the clean, crisp, cool look of white on white for Spring.  I myself, can't imagine wearing straight white, but I can easily see this working with a shot of color in a necklace, handbag, or shoes. 
 Example: 

#4. 70's Chic
 

 

 This is another look that I think most people can pull off.  Those who are old enough to actually remember 70's fashion may not be so quick to jump on this bandwagon, but those of us who never had to live through (or aren't old enough to remember) the time of polyester leisure suits and Farrah Fawcett hair-do's, think it's pretty groovy. 

How to make it work:

 #5.  Colored Pants

 Kimberly actually posted about this the other day, but brightly colored pants are everywhere right now!  
I want pair of red pants so badly, but I just can't find the right ones.   The search continues!

Perfect Pants:

 

Kiss and Makeup - A Peek At My Beauty Stash

Some of you may remember that we remodeled our guest bathroom not too long ago.  Well, we picked out this cute sink without really thinking about counter space.  The bathroom isn't very big, but the old sink had a large enough top that I could balance my flat iron/curling iron on it in order to do my hair. Once we put in the new sink, I realized that there was no way I could use the bathroom to do my hair.  

The master bathroom, on the other hand, has a huge counter which is perfect for doing my hair and makeup.  The problem is that Jimmy is always complaining about all my "crap" taking over his bathroom. 

Our solution: 

A vanity table!

Ok, it's actually a desk, but it works out perfectly for me.  I absolutely love having a space to do my hair and makeup where I don't have to worry about Jimmy getting mad if I leave my curling iron out, or spraying stinky hairspray, or taking up time in his bathroom. 

Here's my setup:

 Do you see the little Trixie tail down in the corner? : ) 
 

Some of my lip products, mascaras, eye pencils, etc. 

My brushes.  I found these nifty glasses at a thrift store, and had to bring them home with me.

I absolutely love this pull out lighted mirror.  Perfect for doing eye makeup.  The little bowl on top of my curlers holds my hair clips, bobby pins, ponytail holders, etc. 

Now, for a peek in the drawers. . . 

  The top drawer holds my day-to-day products, and some that I wear on a fairly regular basis. As you can see, I have a little bit of everything, from Covergirl to Stila to Mac and Benefit.  I love trying new products!

 The second drawer holds some larger palettes, eye creams, mineral makeup, and samples.  I am a sample-aholic, btw. 

The third drawer contains liquid foundations, and some eyeshadow shades, liners, and blushes that I haven't been using much lately. 

The fourth drawer holds my hair stuff. Brushes, hairspray, dry shampoo, velcro rollers, and clips for my hot curlers. 


I didn't take a photo of the bottom drawer because it just holds a big bag of silica beads (what I use to keep my brushes upright in the glasses - like at Sephora stores).  

Since I'm nosy, how do you store your beauty supplies?  Do you do your makeup in the bathroom?  The bedroom?  In the car?  I'd love to hear about it in the comments!