Monthly Archives: June 2013

Hiya Blogland!!! Has everyone had a wonderful weekend?? Doggyfest went very well. Gracie was excited to meet Noelle the grandpuppy. MrBill is still recuperating from all the excitement!

We took a long walk along the towpath. The area here is very “wild” with high stone cliffs. The doggies loved all the smells and such!

View of the river at the landing. Notice the cute photobomb!

Today we’re going to travel in the flashback machine to the land of Saturday Night Fever!!! Lets get out our finest polyester and DISCO!!

And for some total randomness-Couldn’t you just picture our Festival goddess Vix in that crochet halter dress?? I am totally digging Liz Taylor who, even at a “certain age” rocked the mini, boots and fringed poncho. She certainly wasn’t invisible!

And for even more randomness, I stopped by the Goodwill after church today. Picked up some craft stuff and was ready to leave when I spied this AMAZING skirt. It’s be Geiger of Austria and is 100% woven wool. It has the most amazing print of the alps and yodelers and such. I Googled the company-they’ve been around for over 100 years. A similar skirt sold for $398 in 2010!!!! No clue what size it is-the label has no indication. It has a 35″ waist and is to my ankles (I’m 5’4). I got it for $3!!! Anyone interested in it?? I immediately thought of SheilaEphemera-it’s such a quirky print.

And now for my not so exciting OOTD. It’s so miserable humid that I just let the wings fly again! There’s nothing new here–I’ve worn this dress several times since last year. Oh–the necklace is a gift from the Queen Of Glastonbury Vix!!

This week we will be checking out the polyester peacocks of 70’s men’s fashion!! This has been a blast seeing these styles again!! How I wished I had saved (and could fit in!!) the stuff I wore then!!

Anyone else remember doing “the Bump”???

I’m linking up with the Very Visible ladies at Visible Monday this week. See y’all on Tuesday!

TTFN

Tamera

Dazed and Confused….

June 27, 2013

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Hiya Blogland!! Every got their polyester on??? We’ll be visiting the 70’s again today!!

The movie poster above is from the 1993 move “Dazed and Confused” which followed a group of teenagers on the last day of school in 1976. The kids in this movie were the same age (junior becoming senior) as I was on that day so this brings back LOTS of memories!

First off- they NAILED the clothing, the sets, the music of that era dead-on. I understand that a great deal of the wardrobe was deadstock. I could relate to driving around with nothing to do. and of course-the pivotal field party was something I was VERY familiar with!

The cast was pretty much unknowns at the time-it feature a very young Matthew McCoughnahey and Ben Affleck. I love this movie–if you were a teenager in the 70’s you will totally get it!! Here’s some more pix from the movie:

Dig the groovy chair!

Ben Affleck!

Dig the clothes!

Matthew McCoughnahey

I’m going to share some images of the clothes we wore. I’m using catalogs from the era as most of us shopped for our stylish threads in such hip places as Sears, Wards, and Penneys-especially if you lived in Podunk Nowhere!!

Shoes-how I wish I had some of these now!!

This stuff looks very familiar!!!

I totally rocked a version of the plaid pants, blouse and cropped sweater in 1975~

Bodysuits–to wear with you hiphuggers!!

Pantsuits were HUGE in the 70’s!!

I wore halter tops like this! I remember crocheting vests like this for friends! I also had a homemade jeans skirt with embroidery.

On to the outfits! I wore something easy and cool Wednesday as it was hot, sticky and miserable!!

Top & skirt-Thrifted, Bangles-Thrifted, Buttonflowers-MeganMae, shoes-Amerimark

Thursday I decided to join up with Spy Girl for the 52 Pick-me-up Challenge. This week its complementary colors. I chose a variation of one of my favorites-red and green. I tweaked it a bit and wore olive and burgundy. Pardon the flip-flops but I’ve been having some crappy muscle contractions in my feet the past couple of days and these didn’t hurt.

Top-Retail/giftcard, Skirt-Retail/DIY, Bangles-Thrifted, Necklace-???

I’m trying to be creative with our meals. Tonite’s menu was very tropical!! The hubster really enjoyed it.

1.Salad with Kiwi, Strawberries, Blueberries, Celery & Cucumber dressed with Poppyseed dressing 2. Grill Portebella mushrooms with homemade Mango-Pineapple Salsa, Cuban Black Beans and Coconut Brown Rice

1.Salad with Kiwi, Strawberries, Blueberries, Celery & Cucumber dressed with Poppyseed dressing
2. Grill Portabella Mushrooms with homemade Mango-Pineapple Salsa, Cuban Black Beans and Coconut Brown Rice

Here’s are little Diva-ette!! My daughter is visiting Saturday with our grand-Chihuahua Noelle who’s not quite 2 years old! There is sure to be loads of doggie fun at our house! We plan on taking the girl’s for a walk on the towpath. MrBill can use that time to recuperate!! I’ve been making bandanas for them (matching ones no less-LOL)

Fashionista Supermodel in training!

Everyone have a fabulous weekend!! I’ll be back on Sunday with more 70’s awesomeness!!

TTFN

Tamera

Shake your Groove Thang…

June 25, 2013

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Hiya Blogland!!! Pull out your polyester and platforms!! It’s 70’s week!! We’ll be celebrating the “fashion” and pop culture of the Me Decade!

I graduated from High School in 1977 so the 70’s are near and dear to me! I still love the music and “most’ of the fashion! Let’s jump in the time machine and check it out!

This is what I was wearing in 1976:

Rugby shirt, painters pants, puka shell necklace, earth shoes and rainbow socks. Yeah I was STYLIN’!!!!

HUUUUGE bellbottom jeans, Peasent top, Buffalo sandals and tooled leather purse.

Gauchos, boots, cowl neck and wrap sweater were “dressy’ attire. I rocked all of these looks.

Some of the scents of the 70’s. I still wear Charlie and would LOVE to find some Avon Honeysuckle. I also still wear Jungle Gardenia.

Charlie, Honeysuckle, Skinny Dip and the ever creepy ad for Love’s Baby Soft. Used them all!

We kept our Farah or Dorothy Hamel do’s shiny with these:

The Beer on Tap stuff was AWFUL. My fav was the Lemon-up.

And in the spirit of FUN–which the 70’s certainly were-here’s an ad for a program i actually WATCHED. and it was as cheesetastic as it sounds!!

How can you go wrong with this concept and these stars?

Oh yeah–and back then you could drink beer and wine at age 18. And that’s how old my driver’s license said I was(snerk). This was a favorite–99 cents and you could get it at the 7-11!!

The finest in wine-Boone’s Farm!!

And on to the outfit part of the post. Sunday afternoon I wore this to go to the grocery store and walk Gracie. Patti of Not Dead Yet Style had a giveaway a few weeks ago for a gift certificate to CafePress. Much to my surprise I won and decided to pay homage to the biggest fashionista I know-The Diva!!! I ruched the sides and glittered her image–one of my favorites of her surrounded by gold lame’. It garnered loads of wonderful comments. I know she would approve! How appropriate the “Diva-ette in training” makes an appearance in her new bandana! It’s DIVA time!!

Monday I had a doctor’s appointment and training so I jumped back into my easy T and skirt combo.

Tshirt-Thrifted, GetHappy Skirt-DIY, Sandals-Amerimark, Bangles-2 old and one gifted by sweet Krista!

We are having our first miserable heatwave so today I decided it was time for a maxi and pasty chicken wings!! I so love this pattern–bright, bold and the black at the bottom adds a special touch. Or looks like I drug my skirt through tar! I’m photobombed again–she loves the camera!!

Dres–Retail at huge discount, Bangles-Thrifted, Dog-Adorable!!

I wanted to share a picture of our dinner tonite! We are feasting on some of the first bounty from my garden! Fresh zucchini, Rainbow Swiss Chard and lots of herbs! I’m transitioning to vegan and I try to get Lauren to eat meatless once or twice a week. He loved this meal! We had sautéed Swiss Chard, Oven-roasted Zucchini and a rag-out of white beans, onion, mushroom and tomatoes-all seasoned with rosemary, thyme, oregano and marjoram from the garden. YUM!!

I’m linking up with Janie of Flight Platform Living for the first ever Shiny T Tuesday: When Pattern Seduces!!! I obviously love me some pattern–and todays dress and yesterday’s skirt are proof of that!! stop by and check all the pattern lovers out!!

Well–I’m off to walk Ms. Gracie and do some reading. I’m slowly catching up with everyone’s blogs!! I just haven’t had much time on-line the last few days.

Everyone have a wonderful evening and I’ll be back Thursday with more 70’s fabulosity!!

TTFN

Tamera

Down by the canal….

June 23, 2013

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Hiya Blogland!!! How is everyone’s weekend going?? We’ve been having a wonderful one here!! Yesterday I took Gracie out for her first “car ride”. I have a thingy that hooks to the seatbelt and her harness to secure her. She was a perfect angel–just laid on the seat good as gold.

We went down the road from our house to the C&O Canal Park. My town, Sharpsburg, is bordered on somewhat on 2 sides by the Antietam Battlefield National Park and on another side by The C&O Canal National Park. Sharpsburg is also a canal town in addition to a Civil War site.

A mini history lesson:

The Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal is one of the most intact and impressive survivals of the American canal-building era. The C&O Canal is unique in that it remains virtually unbroken and without substantial modification affecting its original character for its entire length of 185 miles. The C&O Company was chartered in 1825 to construct a shipping canal connecting tidewater on the Potomac River in DC with the headwaters of the Ohio River in western Pennsylvania, thereby providing an economical trade route between the eastern seaboard and the trans-Allegheny West.

In the late 1870s the canal trade began to decline as many of the Allegheny coal operators began to ship over the B&O Railroad, the canal’s greatest competitor. This development, together with the effects of the nationwide economic depression in the mid-1870s and major floods in 1877 and 1886, again put a severe strain on the finances. In 1889 an enormous flood forced the canal company into receivership, and the B&O Railroad emerged as the majority owner of the company’s bonds. In 1924, by which time the railroad had captured almost all of the carrying trade, another damaging flood struck. This time the repairs necessary to resume operation were not made, and the active era of the canal came to an end.

In 1938 the railroad, hurt by the Depression, sold the entire canal to the United States government, and the canal was placed under the National Park Service. In 1961, President Eisenhower proclaimed it a national monument. An act of Congress in 1971 authorized the acquisition of additional land and establishment of the C&O Canal National Historical Park.

The canal survives as an excellent illustration of 19th-century canal-building technology. The magnitude of the engineering achievement is exemplified by the length of the canal, its 74 lift locks to accommodate a rise of 605 feet, the 11 stone aqueducts spanning the major Potomac tributaries, 7 dams supplying water to the canal, hundreds of culverts carrying roads and streams beneath the canal, and a 3,117-foot tunnel carrying the canal through a large shale rock formation.

The canal towpath is a wonderful place to walk!

Scenes of the Potomac river along the towpath

Gracie and MrBill, aka The Tootsie Roll of Love, are getting along famously. Every evening we take a short jaunt down the sidewalk and around the ally. MrBill is getting back some of his mojo!! They are almost always together around the house.

Gracie & MrBill snoozing on their Poochie Pouches!

Here’s some more pictures of Gracie. She has adjusted so well it’s like she’s always lived with us!! I’ve started her off wearing bandana’s I’ve made her from my stash. She’s too tiny for the Diva’s wardrobe (the Diva was more voluptuous) so I’ll need to see what can be altered and I guess this mean’s SHOPPING!!!Friday was another simple DIY skirt and Tshirt day. I’m planning on continuing a bit this coming week in the same vein.

Tshirt-Thrifted, Skirt-DIY, Peacock Pendant-DIY, Shoes-Amerimark

Sunday I pulled out a maxi dress as it was miserable humid out. This is the dress I scored discounted as-is for about $5 at Kohl’s! and LOOK–pasty chicken wings on display!! And as you can see I got upstaged by someone awfully cute!! She’s very interested in the camera!

I’m off for a walk around town with Miss Social Butterfly. She loves to visit folks as they are sitting out on their porches in the evening. And of course-all the other doggies in town! Truthfully speaking it hurts to walk but we chug on because it’s good for both of us.

I’ll be linking up with the stunning ladies for Visible Monday!!! Come by and check out the most stylish ladies around!!

I’ll be back on Tuesday with some 70’s fashion fun!! Get out your disco balls and platforms!!

Posing for the camera this morning!

TTFN

Tamera

The TootsieRoll of Love……

June 20, 2013

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Hiya Blogland!! We have been having absolutely glorious weather (at last) here in Western Maryland this week!! I’ve been taking advantage of it by spending most of my home time outside!Lot’s of garden fun and taking Gracie on long walks. I’ve been pushing myself to take her on a nice walk each evening no matter how crappy I feel. This may be a good thing. Even if i only make it around the block I’m MOVING!! Plus she adores walking and is a perfect lady on the leash. She enjoys meeting other people on our travels (everyone things she is adorable of course)

I’ve needed the break from the computer–work has been crazy!! I’m finalizing a major renovation design and prepping all the technical specifications so it can go out for review. UGH–so much anal-retentive paperwork!! PLUS, I’ve been stuck in hours of mind-numbingly boring mandatory training!

Thanks for all of the sweet posts about Gracie!!! We all, MrBill included, fall more in love with her every day. She’s smart, lovable, cute, no negative behaviours, I just can’t conceive how anyone could have just gotten rid of her. Stupid on them-wonderful for us!!

The change is MrBill is remarkable!! He’s chewing bones, frisking, romping, he seems to have the spark back!! She still humps him occasionally to assert her dominance but he’s less perturbed by it now!!! He is totally happy being submissive! Every morning we walk up and down our front sidewalk with Gracie a few times for his exercise. He needs to lose a couple of pounds. He chunked up the last couple of months (over-spoiling on out part) Lauren says he looks like a tootsieroll (brown and round) He’s my sweet TootsieRoll of Love!!

I believe the Diva is looking down on us approving of the new addition. She is irreplaceable in our hearts and lives but Gracie has added the “glitter” we have been sorely missing since Kae left us. We are seeing some flashes of diva-tude in Ms. Gracie!!!! Clothes will soon be introduced!!

Enough gushing doggy chat!! This week I decided to have a “theme” for my outfits incorporating the cotton skirts I’ve made and simple T-shirts. I’m exploring easy warm weather combo’s. These aren’t exactly groundbreaking but I’ve found this will be something to throw on in a flash. Add some colorful bangles and I’m ready to go!!

First up is Tuesday’s outfit. I did add a third layer in the denim vest. I just scored it for $5 and have been dying to wear it!! This will be a great addition to my wardrobe. I’d like to find a couple more vests, like a khaki cargo style.

Skirt-DIY, Tshirt-Thrifted, Vest-Thrifted, Shoes-Amerimark, Bangles-Thrifted

Here’s Wednesday’s outfit. At least I was comfortable for 5 hours of idiotic training!!

Skirt-DIY, Top-Thrifted, Shoes-Amerimark, Necklace-Thrifted, Bracelet-Gift from SheilaEphemera

Thursday’s outfit is some sheet couture. The gingham is thrifted fabric and the floral is from a vintage sheet. I saw a gored skirt similar to this (alternating panels) and thought “I can do that!!” I plan on making more gored skirts for fall-I want a tartan flannel and a nice corduroy.

Skirt-DIY, Tshirt-Thrifted, Shoes-Amerimark, Bangles-Thrifted.

Did everyone see the little cutie peeking out from behind me?? She’s very interested in this picture-taking business!! I’m finding the chunky bangles really add a lot to an outfit. I pick them up whenever I see them if they are reasonable!

Everybody have a fabulous weekend!! I’ll be back on Sunday with more Gracie and MrBill cuteness!!!!!

TTFN

Tamera

Cuteness Overload!!!

June 18, 2013

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17 Comments

Hiya Blogland!!! It’s the start of another stupendously stupid week at work for me. Sigh…so much stupid…so little opportunity to thwack the morons over the head!!

I’m going to save my OOTD for Thursday. Y’all are more interested in seeing pix of the new addition!!

The big excitement at our house is the arrival of our new rescue doggie. We picked her up at the rescue Sunday evening. (I took the day off yesterday to get her settled in. Yep–I took a vacation day for a DOG!!!) Gracie-Rose is officially a member of our Wolfe pack (Wolfe is my last name BTW)

To get everyone up to speed– we adopted a year old fawn color chihuahua. No one is sure of her actual birthday–she’s just a bit over a year. We gave her a birthday of March 17, 2012.

When we got home (rescue is 20 minutes from our home) I took her into the yard while Lauren went to get MrBill. The look on his face when he spotted her!! It was sheer JOY!

1.Happy boy waiting for Gracie to arrive on her poochie pouch 2. Snoozin' and Snorin' after a busy day 3. Sharing Mama's lap

1.Happy boy waiting for Gracie to arrive
2. Snoozin’ and Snorin’ after a busy day
3. Sharing Mama’s lap

He ran to her wagging his tail faster than I’ve ever seen him wag it. They did the ritual butt-sniff hello to each other. Then MrBill peed and danced for her. Gracie then peed and danced for him!

They both frisked around a bit then MrBill started to do his happy roll on his back in the grass. Gracie dropped down and did the same. She followed him around (leashed of course) the yard a bit. He went to his favorite “hunting ground” on the edge of the lawn and nosed out a cat turd.

He ate some and then kept nosing another piece towards Gracie. He would nose it, look at her and wag his tail. She finally got the message and ate his gifted turd. Bonding at it’s best!!

The rescue lady said she might be a bit standoffish for a couple of day. Once we got inside she looked around a bit and then jumped up in my lap to give me kisses. She is quite a love bug. She likes to be with me, or at least in the room. I’m used to having a dog audience!

She likes to roughhouse with daddy with an old sock. We definitely need more doggie toys. MrBill and Kae never played with any.

She loves chewy bones. Last night she kept bringing them up onto my lap. Then she took a nap surrounded by 6 chew bones. Girl needs options!

We’ve noticed a big difference in Bill. He’s friskier, more active and just seems happy. And a bit confused. You might want to skip over this part if you have delicate sensibilities. Oh yeah…like anyone who’d be reading my blog would be having vapors….LOLOL

Anyway, Gracie started humping MrBill last nite (they are both spayed/neutered) much to his confusion. She is evidently asserting herself as boss dog. The look on his face is priceless. WTH????

When I left out with her yesterday evening for a long walk ( I was feeling pretty good) MrBill cried after us and was upset until we returned. Maybe he remembers us leaving with Kae and her not coming back??? He can’t go for long walks with his bad knees. This weekend Daddy is going to walk Gracie whilst I push MrBill in his doggie stroller. Hopefully he will soon understand that she’s coming back when we go out.

What we saw on our walk today

She is excellent walking on a leash, is housebroken (no accidents so far) and busy but not hyper/yappy. She hops up on the bed and snuggles between Lauren and I and sleeps all night.

I’ve been trying to get pictures of MrBill and her together but she gets excited when she sees the camera and moves. She jumps like a kangaroo. She evidently understands the word “cookie” and has figured out exactly where we keep them. When I say the magic word she runs right to the pantry door.

Pardon the unmade bed and mess. she was asleep and still!

Pardon the unmade bed and mess. sSe was asleep and still!

All in all she is a little love. She’s made MrBill a happy boy. I really don’t believe we understood how depressed and lonely he was. He had been moping around a lot. Last nite he started to chew one of the chewy bones. He hadn’t wanted any (even the nice new expensive one) since Kae passed.

No one could ever replace the Diva in our hearts. I still miss her bossy, prissy, adorable self. But I think the Diva would approve of Gracie. We are seeing some hints of diva-ness!!! Once she’s more established with us Mom breaks out the CLOTHES!!! We’ll see if she loves them as much as the Diva did!

Jan of Fort Smith Stylista welcomed a new rescue baby this week. Her name is Toute and she’s also a chihuahua!!! To help bring more awareness and support for shelter/rescue adoptions, and to show off our adorable babies, I am currently planning a cyber-party for the end of July. Pets of course will be welcome!!! More info to come.

I’m off to play with Gracie and MrBill. Be back around Thursday~~

TTFN

Tamera

The Fabulous Black and White Party!!!

June 16, 2013

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Hiya Blogland!! It’s a fantastic weekend here!! Is everyone ready for the Black & White Party??? I want to thank everyone for their support and participation, even if it’s only in their hearts!!

Here are our party-goers wearing their Back and White in support of those with invisible illnesses and conditions and their loved ones who support them. Everyone decided to be on their best behavior for this party. It probably helped that I locked up all the booze!! There were no snakes and the cops weren’t involved!

First up is the lovely Desiree whose comments gave this whole party it’s catalyst!!!

Fabulous in a chic back and white suit accessorized as only Desiree can!! The pink tresses just set it off divinely!

Now we have the our Citizen Rosebud Bella adding her divine presence:

Bella is wearing a vintage polkadot bathing suit under a tres chic vintage skirt!! Love her pattern mixing!

Here is our fantastic Sacramento in a GORGEOUS location!!

Sacramento has punched up her black and white with some fabulous DIY neon pumps!

Here is the glorious and elegant Curtise in her beautiful garden:

Curtise is looking rather mysterious in her black and white!! Where is she going and with whom??

Here we have sweet Megan Mae in her party finery:

Megan’s black and white is a DIY refashion!!! Isn’t this just adorable??

Next up is Linda all the way from New Zealand:

Linda shows off her thrifted black and white. Her gorgeous necklace is from Fiji!!

Now we have the awesome Alicia rockin’ her monochrome look:

Alicia is looking stunning in her back and white accented with a bright scarf!

Suzanne is looking rather Parisian in her maxi and beret:

Suzanne is stunning in her mixed prints. I love the arrows on her maxi skirt!

Here is Val Sparkle who stopped by on her way to eating BBQ in Texas:

Val is all sparkle in her tunic and leggings!! I think she’s practicing her scarf action for a future VOGOFF!

Here’s sweet op-shopping Sue to join us:

Sue is magnificent in her pattern mixed ensemble and those kick-ass red boots!!

Here’s comes the always groovy Vix stopping by between vintage fairs:

Vix in a fantastic frock she made and sporting a stunning jacket!

Amazing Melanie was able to sneak away from her VOGOFF duties to join in:

Melanie is looking rather film noir in her black and white! The corrugated wall behind her makes such an awesome backdrop!

Jane of Flight Platform Living is joining us in honor of her daughter Tilly. please stop by and read her wonderful post about Tilly!

Jane is showing off a stunning skirt against a rainbow background!

Last up is the always adorable Vizzini. Sheila of Ephemera sent this picture of him for the Diva’s party that never was. Vizzini is quite handsome in his “tuxedo” fur and fits right in with the Black and White theme!!

“When you’ve got it, you’ve got it!”

I almost forgot!! Here is me in the dress I thrifted last week. I just don’t have words to express what I’m feeling right now. You guys are just awesome. Those of us that suffer, and those who suffer beside us, know we aren’t alone!!

This has been an amazing party!! I wanted to reiterate Desiree’s quote because it says it all:

“How on earth sufferers actually manage to run a home, have a family, active friendships, a job … And I thought, it’s a disorder that is neither black nor white, it’s unaccountable, it can’t be defined, it has no boundaries, one cannot predict it.”

I’ll be linking the party up with Patti for Visible Monday. The conditions may be invisible but the fight is visible!!

Everyone have a fabulous evening!! I’m off to bring this sweetie home!! I’ll have pictures and all that good stuff on Tuesday!!

Gracie-Rose

TTFN

Tamera

—Menopausel Supermodel

The adventures of a menopausal supermodel. Because FABULOUS doesn't just happen on its own!

Archive

Monthly Archives: June 2013

Put on your boogie shoes…..

Dazed and Confused….

Shake your Groove Thang…

Down by the canal….

The TootsieRoll of Love……

Cuteness Overload!!!

The Fabulous Black and White Party!!!