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Week in Review: Week 148

Published on January 6, 2019January 6, 2019 by bettyewp11 Comments

First week of the new year, woohoo (she said with little to no enthusiasm). Ha. I’m usually a little more “into” New Year’s. Not the night itself, but the start of a new year, new start, new promise, yadda yadda yadda. I’m not feeling too rah rah. My pom poms are still packed away somewhere…and now’s not the time to be UN-packing things.

That said, blog-wise I’m feeling sooper motivated! This is my year, I can just feel it! I’m gonna make good things happen! RAH RAH.

Anyway, back to This Week.

New Year’s Eve morning. COME ON!!! You know my battle-cry – SLOW DOWN, UNIVERSE!!! Please let us just enjoy one thing at a time!

New Year’s Day morning. A) Wow, warm. B) My car needs a cleaning.

Now, THOSE are TOTES!!!

A little New Year’s morning goodie after a solo photo shoot.

Not the usual New Year’s day activity, but hey.

First sunset of the new year.

I joined in with a THING. A MOVEMENT thing. It’s called #redjanuaryuk and it’s about helping your mental health through the dark days of winter by EXERCISING. I saw it on Best Before End Date‘s Instagram. The point is to do some kind of movement every day. Now, on the 6th day of January, I will say I’ve had a 50% success rate, but I’m going to keep trying! I can’t walk every day because I get painful shin splints really quickly. But ~~Amazon~~ Santa brought me a yoga mat and I’m going to be alternating indoor and outdoor activities. I’ll be sharing my attempts on my Instagram stories if you want to follow along – or join in yourself, using the #redjanuaryuk hashtag…and you can join in with me and Sharon and the other brave ladies by using hashtag #shazzashuffle.

Back to work on January 2.

Deli Button. What does that even mean???

Some scenes from my first walks…

LEOPARD DOOR!!!

I need this. Whatever it is.

Aiming for 20 minutes a day of something.

I just gave her fresh water!

Post-holiday dinner with friends.

Considering.

Buh-bye 2018 fridge.

Today, Sunday, I had tentative fun plans with friends…but I woke up feeling a little overwhelmed and behind on things so I opted to stay home and get caught up.

And if you’re really bored, I’m still doing my What I Wore This Week videos on YouTube. I think three or four people watch them but that’s okay. At least not that many people are witnessing my poor production quality while I’m just learning and figuring out. It’s better than a year ago but I never seem to be able to make the time to really learn the skills I need for better videos. Anyway, having low expectations means you’re less likely to be disappointed. That said, take a look if you want – it’s under 12 minutes.

Year in Review: 2018

Published on January 4, 2019January 2, 2019 by bettyewp13 Comments

2018 was a challenging year for me

I lost my wonderful boy. I lost…that other guy. I found out I will be losing my wonderful home (details soon). I entered the world of crazy anxiety. My daughter moved even further away. After “cancer year” in 2017 I thought this year would HAVE to be better, but…the universe really doesn’t work that way.

But – I also got out to California to visit family I haven’t seen in many years. I got a better handle on my finances (which was a new year’s resolution for 2018, so Go Resolutions!). And I got to spend Thanksgiving with family in South Carolina.

I was able (with all your help) to pull the blog up out of the 2017 Cancer Year Slump and have its best year yet, and I have new plans for 2019. Like, I will now be posting four times a week: Monday will continue to be Week in Review, Tuesday and Thursday will be outfit posts, and Friday will be…something else: a tutorial, a shopping haul, fitting room try-on, shampoo review (if I’ve learned anything!), a philosophical discussion on something important…like the current state of the world or fluffy kitties. But you can expect four posts a week from here on in.

But for now, let’s do a little recap of the year.

The One at Queens Museum

Published on January 3, 2019December 28, 2018 by bettyewp6 Comments

In between Christmas and New Year’s, relaxing and productivity, I always try to have a couple fun days with friends. One of the days we headed west to the Queens Museum at Flushing Meadows, which is the home of both the 1939/1940 and the 1964 New York World’s Fair. As a plus-size, over-50 woman, visiting museums is always a popular activity.

Here’s how old I am! I went to the 1964 World’s Fair. Well, I was four years old and my sister took me. The only memory I think I have is of the President Lincoln audio-animatronics exhibit. But you know how sometimes what you think are memories of an actual thing, are actually just a memory of having seen it somewhere else at a later point in time, like on tv. So I’m not sure. I’ll have to ask my sister if we even went to that exhibit!

The Queens Museum was much nicer than I expected. I’ve only ever run inside to use the bathroom when I was really visiting the park. I thought it was going to be sort of fuddy-duddy and dull. I thought it was going to be like The Museum OF Queens and have maps and old books and stuff. I was very pleasantly surprised! I’d always heard of the Panorama of the City of New York, an almost 10,000 square foot, to scale, model of the city of New York – including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx and Staten Island, and I was like Big Yawn. But really, it was so so cool! Like, it literally has every building – apartments, houses, schools, row-houses, projects, everything. I wish I could have gotten closer to Brooklyn to see where I used to live!

The museum itself is laid out in a very open and airy way, and it didn’t make me feel tired as museums sometimes do. My one friend Linda is very good about reading the information placards at each exhibit and learning about the pieces and the artist. I just like looking at the pictures and enjoying the space 🙂

And outside are some still-standing remnants of the ’64 World’s Fair: the unisphere (the giant globe), the New York State pavilion and its accompanying observation towers. They’re open to the public as part of Flushing Meadows Park.

I wore an outfit that was perfect for the day. The Rachel Roy asymmetric hem sweater is warm enough to go from car to museum without a coat…and light enough to wear inside a museum without getting too hot! I love the dark steely grey color over the white Gloria Vanderbilt Amanda jeans. And my light grey New Balance sneakers kept my feet pretty happy for over a mile of walking. A small crossbody bag held essentials while keeping my hands free for my camera.

Do you like visiting museums? I really don’t know much about art, but I like seeing new things. I definitely prefer visiting modern art exhibits. The moral of today’s story is to have an open mind and not just pooh-pooh something because of what you think it is. Better to give it a try and maybe find out that you like it after all!

What I Wore:

RACHEL Rachel Roy Side Slit Tunic Sweater, size 3x.
Gloria Vanderbilt Amanda jeans, size 22w short, in Picket Fence White.
New Balance Arishi mesh sneakers
Black vegan crossbody bag. Comparable here and here.

Photographs of me by She Who Shall Remain Nameless, thank you for your tireless and creative efforts!

This post contains affiliate links, which means that I may receive a small commission if you click on them and/or buy something as a result of clicking that link.

No Need to Think Up Resolutions this Year

Published on January 1, 2019December 31, 2018 by bettyewp12 Comments

Because this woman already has it covered. This is, by far, the most amazing list of resolutions I have ever seen. Even if you’re not interested in the photography goals, just cross them out and leave the others. “Live with empathy,” “work with less,” “Stop wasting. Wasting food, wasting money, wasting products.” These are wonderful aspirations to keep front of mind as you go through your days and your life.

I especially love this one, “Find a way to create more romanticism in my work.” You can substitute the word “life” for “work.” Keep flowers around. Go on leisurely walks with a loved one. Take a picnic lunch to the park. Read by a stream. Wear something pretty. Watch the sun set. Send hand-written notes to friends or great-aunts. Burn candles. Play old music. Fill a table or shelf with framed pictures of family. Wear more jewelry. Put sweet-scented sachets in your lingerie drawer. Try a new perfume. Carry a vintage hankie. Give a gift for no reason. Take a risk for someone you care about. Journal.

The list is endless. I think sometimes we get so caught up in the mundanity of everyday life that it seems impossible to make time for non-essentials. But it’s these lovely gestures and moments that make the work of everyday life worthwhile. So I think this one item might be my overarching resolution for the year.

And when it comes to dressing romantically, I think 0f natural fibers; materials that feel nice to the touch like cashmere, tencel, velvet and thick cushy knits; soft natural tones like white, cream, stone, taupe and blush; loose, drapey fit; lacy or sheer overlays; soft ruffles; florals.

So, if you’re someone who doesn’t like to think of resolutions as More Things to DO, maybe think of the year ahead and the way you want it to feel. Peaceful? Calm? Joyful? Romantic?

Here’s wishing everyone has just the year they want in 2019.

xoxo Bettye

Week in Review: Week 147

Published on December 31, 2018December 30, 2018 by bettyewp9 Comments

The Christmas Bunny

A little story about the concrete porch bunny. I had one many many years ago when Katie was little, like 3 or 4. I kept it on the covered wraparound porch of our 1800s victorian farmhouse, next to the front door. One day I came home from running errands and it was gone!!! Russell thought I was being ridiculous for calling the police (he was a cop and knew) but I still called in a stolen rabbit report. I felt so…violated, even though no one had come into the house. STILL. It was a terrible feeling.

I can’t even imagine having your home broken into (well, actually, when I was 3 or 4, our house was broken into, but my father caught the guy and, in my memory, tied him to a chair like in a cartoon. I’m not sure if the chair tying actually happened or if that’s just how I see it in my memory. Sister? She’s always good about pointing out the flaws in my memories. Anyway, I was so little, I don’t remember how I felt about it, and it’s probably different as a young child than as an adult anyway). End of story: Russell found me an (almost) identical concrete rabbit (the original had a little more detail in the concrete) and I’ve had it beside my front door ever since.

Ex-Mas Eve

Post-christmas Box Corner

Yep, let’s blame that on Christmas.

I’m the richest woman in the world

Back-story: Like any normal child, I always loved Lucky Charms cereal…but for the marshmallow stars, hearts and moons, not for the cereal. So I’ve always said, I would know when I was really rich, when I could pay someone to pick out the marshmallow charms for me and throw out the cereal and I could enjoy just the charms.

So imagine my delight when my niece and nephew sent me, not one but two, giant bags of crunchy marshmallow bits for Christmas! It was a very nice surprise when I got home Christmas morning after dropping Katie off at the airport at 6:15am to return to San Diego.

To be sure, this is a lifetime supply of magically delicious goodness. And it will be gone by February.

bettye breaks the rules

museuming

After a quiet day Wednesday (aka, The Day After Christmas), my friends and I went to Queens Museum on Thursday…you’ll see more about this in a post later this week.

We didn’t get to the Hall of Science, but the building was really cool at night.

Buddha watched over us as we had dinner.

These kitchen cabinets hurt my eyes

more museuming

Went to Nassau County Museum of Art on Saturday to see two exhibits: 1) Wild Kingdom: 100 Hundred Years of Animal Art and Hunt Slonem: Eden Never Ends, and 2) A Mirror to Nature: Sculpture by Marko Remec.

I’d not heard the name Hunt Slonem but when I saw his repeating rabbits, I recognized the theme from a wallpaper in a restaurant at which I ate not that long ago, so that was a fun discovery.

A Mirror to Nature. This installation was a little Tellatubbyish. I liked it.

Doesn’t everyone have a bicycle Christmas tree in their yard?

BILLY!!! PHONE!!!!

Always try to see water if I can.

Oh gosh, this was LOOONNNGGG!!! Well, next week WON’T be, so hopefully it will all balance out.

This the last Week in Review of 2018…wow…lots of changes this year, not to be a downer, but they were mostly not for the better. Hopefully, things will pick up in 2019. Fingers crossed. Happy New Year, everybody!!!

xoxo Bettye

Fashion Schlub’s 2018 Bloopers & Outtakes

Published on December 28, 2018December 28, 2018 by bettyewp22 Comments

2018 was kind of a rough year for me – I had some significant losses and entered the world of anxiety in a way I never have before. But through it all, I tried to find things to laugh about…and there have definitely been some silly/funny/ugly/awkward moments during photo shoots this year (as usual!), so I thought I would share some with you.

I’m still struggling with the remote shutter

Clearly.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Friends shouldn’t let friends share pictures like this on the internet.

Now the one below this was an April Fool’s Day prank outfit…and many people thought it was a legit outfit!!!

In my mind’s eye, this would be a lovely photo. HA HA HA HA HA.

sweaty bettye

If it’s more than a couple degrees above freezing…I’m sweating.

I developed a very annoying posing habit this year

Can you guess what it is??

Oh Look, A Quarter!

A popular model pose, looking down at the ground instead of the camera, as though you’d just spotted something wonderful. Like a quarter.

Wow. I musta seen two quarters!

Look! Up in the sky! Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No! It’s a quarter!

Here we have a double category – Quarter AND Upturned Toes! Clearly I am a master blog model.

I LOSE MY BALANCE

A lot. And it always cracks me up. I get quite a kick out of myself.

nice hair

shooting Conditions are not always optimal

Wind is the nemesis of photographers everywhere.

The Director’s Always Right

Or so The Director thinks. I’m quite directorial when other people are shooting me.

Universal gesture for “turn the thingie on top of the camera.”

Sometimes I let other people direct.

Okay, stop shooting.

No. Really. STOP SHOOTING!!!

but there’s always Lots of Laughter

I hope you enjoyed this look back at some of 2018’s lighter moments.

I’m so so grateful to all the friends, family, passers-by on the street who help me capture these (and other!) pictures for the blog. I couldn’t do this without you! Thank You Thank You Thank You.

xoxo (Sweaty) Bettye

How to Properly Take a Break

Published on December 26, 2018December 26, 2018 by bettyewp4 Comments

Lucky Brand Ikat Cardigan, in straight and plus sizes

No one can Take a Break like I can. I have no problem leaving the dishes unwashed for days or eating saltines and Earth Balance for a week rather than going grocery shopping. So I am well-equipped on advising people how to take some time off for themselves. And for many people, the week between Christmas and New Year’s is the perfect time to take a little break. Relax from the holiday and year-end rush, reflect on the year ahead. So I thought I would share some tips on how to really take advantage of a little time off or even just some “quieter than usual” time.

Don’t be afraid to say no to holiday invitations

If going to a festive gathering has you feeling more anxious than excited, just channel your inner Phoebe Buffay and respond, “I wish I could…but I don’t want to.” People can have a hard time letting you say No Thank You to their invitation, but stand firm. You will feel better in the end.

Caslon Button-Front Chambray Shirt, size 4x plus. Available in straight, petite and plus sizes.

Have at least 2-3 books at hand that you’ve been wanting to read

Not that you’ll necessarily get to all of them but a spare or two is good in case you start one and it’s just not resonating with you. Don’t feel guilty about putting a book down if you’re not enjoying the story-line or the story-telling. Pass it on to someone else who might enjoy it and lay back down on the sofa with the next book.

Edit Your Movie Watch List

The same goes for movies and/or series to binge-watch. Edit your Watch List ahead of time so when you finally get comfy with a blanket and a snack, you can just watch next next next for an entire afternoon of mindless entertainment.

Go Outside

Do get outside. Go for a long drive somewhere. Open the windows for a bit even if it’s cold. Go for a walk in the woods or along a beach. Get some fresh air.

Eat Somewhere New

Stopping at a new little cafe for soup and a sandwich can feel like a little mini-vacation if you really get outside your normal stomping grounds. Eat alone. Read that book.

Try a new skill

Draw. Paint. Tap out a tune on a piano. Make a birdhouse. Sew some curtains. Bead a bracelet. Wool felt a cute lil animal. Do something creative that will take all your attention for a little while.

Turn off your alarm

This is not the time for schedules or forced awakenings. Go to sleep when you feel sleepy, wake up on your body’s natural rhythm. Take a nap in the afternoon.

Take a long hot bath

Still reading that book? Bring it with you into the bathtub and just let the hot water soak into your muscles for a long, long time.

Do something productive

While doing something productive can seem counter-productive to taking a break, sometimes if I don’t accomplish anything I might feel I “wasted” my time. Sometimes things linger on your To Do list for far too long because you don’t have time for them while living your normally scheduled life. If you can wipe a thing or two (but don’t go crazy) off the list, the “break break” can feel worth it.

Schedule something fun for after the break

Give yourself something to look forward to in the future so the end of the break doesn’t feel like the end of fun forever and ever.

I hope all of you do have some sort of break right now. Even if you’re at work, I hope things are a little easier right now. At the very least, take a little weekend respite now that we’re through Christmas.

What I’m Wearing:

Lucky Brand Ikat Cardigan, size 3x. Available in straight and plus sizes.
Caslon Button-Front Chambray Shirt, size 4x plus. Available in straight, petite and plus sizes.
Old Navy Plus-Size High-Rise Rockstar Super Skinny Jeans, size 22.
Avenue Black booties. Old. Comparable here and here.

Today I’m linking up with Patti of Not Dead Yet Style on her Visible Monday link-up

Photography by Robert Mitchell Photography

This post contains affiliate links, which means that I may receive a small commission if you click on them and/or buy something as a result of clicking that link.

Happy Holidays

Published on December 25, 2018December 25, 2018 by bettyewp11 Comments

I want to wish all you wonderful friends, readers, commenters, followers, etc., a happy holiday – whichever you observe – and a peaceful new year.

Today, just some scenes from my Christmas…and I’ll see you again later this week.

Week in Review: Week 146

Published on December 24, 2018December 23, 2018 by bettyewp8 Comments

Busy week, last week of work before the break, a couple deadlines and the accompanying stress, things going right down to the wire, BUT….it’s all behind me now til after the new year.

Finished this book. Liked it. Started reading Big Little Lies awhile back and just couldn’t get through it. So weird how that is. 9-million people LOVE a book, RAVE about it, and you’re like Nope. Unreadable. Ha. But this one I liked. Interesting premise, not a forgone ending, easy read. It’s not great literature but it’s entertaining enough.

Greatest. New. Snack food. Better than original Cheez-its. Lighter and crispier. SALTY. CHEESY. Yumyumyumyumyum.

Went to more Christmas houses. This one was So Great. Big music, light shows coordinated with the music, Sanat’s reindeer bobbing their heads in their stalls, a train, ice skaters, carolers, it went on and on. I think I put it on my Instagram Stories, but maybe just on Bettye Rainwater Photography.

Then to dinner at the diner with friends. Cheesy placemats but I thought they were festive and fun.

Fortune cookie fortune.

My sister sent me this Susan Branch print. It’s very fitting for me.

I finished up my Christmas shopping at this little shop in town.

Ran into this guy in the drug store.

And today, Sunday, December 23, is mine and Katie’s Christmas, as she’s only here for a few days. This is just a little sneak peek…there will be more later this week.

Pre-Christmas sushi.

Christmas house.

The end.

Heading into the last week of the year…

Santa Challenge

Published on December 21, 2018December 20, 2018 by bettyewp6 Comments

Holiday Outfit Challenge

So, Jodie from Jodie’s Touch of Style threw down a holiday challenge that I could just not pass up – a Santa-inspired outfit. GAME ON!!! Those ladies really went All Out and could easily pass as Mrs. Claus and a couple of Santa’s elves

Santa Style Inspo

I have zero red in my closet, so I had to make do with wine. And my first thought was a white shirt but YAWN so I thought ooh! stripes! But THEN I thought polka dots would be a touch more whimsical and holiday-esque, don’t you?? Black skinny jeans and black booties, and I finished the look off with a jingly bell necklace that always make me feel festive. Plus, it was my mother’s, so there’s that.

fashion schlub bettye rainwater long island plus size fashion blogger 12.17.18 1 resized

Holiday Decor Underway

I shot this look in Christmas Corner. This is my first time ever with an artificial tree. I still plan to hang a wreath on the door…and wrapped presents on the wooden bench will help pull it altogether. I still need some sort of tree skirt/wrap to cover the base and some of the tangle of electrical cords that’s going on down there. But I thought it was close enough to shoot there today.

fashion schlub bettye rainwater long island plus size fashion blogger 12.17.18 4 resized

Are You Inspired by Santa, too??

So this is my Santa-inspired look, but I looked around online to see what else would work:

Let me know if you try a Santa-inspired look this holiday season! It was a fun challenge AND spurred me to finish up Christmas Corner just so I could shoot the photos there!