"Work joyfully and peacefully, knowing that right thoughts and right efforts will inevitably bring about right results." James Allen (1864-1912)

Not much to report on the homefront today... Pretty laid back weekend, full week ahead! Kiddos start school this week...Ugh.

WHAT:
Dress: Banana Republic
Shoes: Thrifted
Hat: Gifted from family....Target
Necklace: Cookie Lee

WHERE:
Sunday morning service at church, then over to visit my grandparents for a bit.

"You can conquer almost any fear if you will only make up your mind to do so. For remember, fear doesn't exist anywhere except in the mind." Dale Carnegie (1888-1955)

So I used the excuse of this new crazy awesome hat I recieved from my daughters yesterday to totally take advantage of  "Casual Friday." I woke up dreadfully tired knowing I had a big day ahead, I threw on jeans,  a slouchy cape, finger brushed my hair, and topped it all off with my new hat. I also managed to brush my teeth in the midst of that. :)  It all came together pretty well I think... I absolutely love those days where you feel casually or unintentionally chic. Where it looks like you didn't spend hours deciding what to wear or fixing your hair and makeup just so, I treasure those days where it just happens naturally!
Today is another special day, it is my second daughters birthday. She is such a treasure. For her day she wanted to go thrifting and get ice cream....awesome I know! We spent the day with my grandma and then celebrated with the rest of the family over dinner and cake! I scored the most fabulous funky sweater also...be looking forward to it! Happy 8th birthday girlie....Love ya!
WHAT:
Jeans: True Religion
Sankeskin Flats: Target
Cape: Target
White lace tank: Gap
Brown ruffle tank: J Crew
Hat: Target...birthday present

WHERE:
,Breakfast with Grandparents at my parents house, then around town thrifting with my grandma, taking care of last minute details for my second daughters birthday, and finally off to my brothers house for her birthday party!

"I'm not afraid of storms, for I'm learning to sail my ship." Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888)

So it's official, I turned thirty. Funny how when you were a kid thirty seemed so old, responsible, and put together. Now as I have surpassed this landmark in age I feel NONE of those things. I still feel like a crazed mess at times and that maybe, just maybe I'll have life figured out by forty...ok yeah right, who am I kidding! High school still feels like yesterday, and I can hardly fathom the fact that I have three kids, one of which is heading into middle school. I suppose the old saying is true, "you are only as old as you feel." I feel young and vibrant, I feel like I want a new adventure around every corner and what feels the best is that I can be those things with the added comfort and safety that I didn't have at age 20. I am looking forward to the next decade and all it has in store for me.
Cheers!

WHAT:
Tunic: Target...It is actually an XS maternity top.
Leggings: Target
Boots: Frye...Thrifted
Belt: Ebay
Clutch: Vintage...Thrifted

WHERE:
I was treated to a fantastically relaxing day spent eating favorite baked goodies and just hanging out with family. That evening Hubby got off of work a tad early to take my brother and his wife, Heidi and I to the Grape Tap for Wine and appetizers. Afterwards we joined the rest of my family at my mom and dad's house for a homemade meal, and good friends.

"And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865)

Yesterday was a sad day for Americans, especially Alaskans. Senator Ted Stevens was killed in a small aircraft accident. I felt the need to be somewhat patriotic today. I appreciate all that Senator Stevens did for our state and country. Thank You.

There have been a freakish amount of airplane crashes in our state these last few weeks, beginning with the C-17 that went down on the air force base. Three of these accidents probably made the national news and I personally know three others that are friends or acquaintances. It has been a sad few weeks for the aviation community up here. It hits me a little closer having most of my family own and operate their own small airplanes on a weekly basis. The weather up here this summer has played an integral part in all of this as it has been borderline "fall" weather all summer. We have almost literally had rain EVERY day.

Safe flying everyone and as my husband says..."Rubber side down!"

WHAT:
Shirt: Thrifted...$1
Belt: Thrifted..$1
Shorts: Seven for all Mankind...ebay, cutoff by me
Boots: Frye...Thrifted....$24
Bag: Thrifted...$2.50

WHERE:
Out to Dollar Day, visit a Heidi at work, pick up carpet shampooer, over to the parents house to welcome my Gran and Papa to Alaska!!!! YAY!!!

On a lighter note my husband took me and Heidi down to Katmai this past weekend in anticipation of my...GULP.... 30th birthday. It was probably one of the most amazing excursions I have had this year. It was a spectacular 3 hour flight (yes we flew) down there and on the way we must have seen 200+ bears scattered about. We arrived on a beach and decide to camp next to this salmon stream that emptied into the ocean right there. We hiked up stream and photographed many bears right close and the later sat by the fire while they would come mosey down the beach or bluffs behind us. We were even able to lie in our tent and see them fish in the river. Amazing weekend! Thanks Babe!

The Spot...Home Sweet Home and our ride!

Our view from the campfire...Mt. Saint Augustine

Mr. Bear

Spot Mr. Bear in the background.

On the way home , landed on the beach to stretch our legs a bit a take a few more bear pics.
Me - Jeremy -Heidi

Grrrrrrr.....

"Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try. " (Unknown)

As mentioned previously my grandparents will be visiting next week. They are traveling up from Alabama which would explain my love for Alabama football! ROLL TIDE!!!! I am so pumped for this upcoming season to start. As you all know there are crazy preparations that must be made in order for visitors to arrive. Yeah....Smack dab in the middle of painting bathrooms and shampooing carpets. I did sneak out of the house for a bit today to hit Dollar Day and scored the most perfect corduroy jacket.(Fall here I come) The print and colors of this maxi are an instant mood lifter don't you think? My husband picked this out for my vacation attire this past winter, it was WAY too hot to wear a floor length dress in Costa Rica but it wears nicely here in Alaska.

WHAT:
Dress: Forever 21
Cardigan: Costco
Shoes: Target

WHERE:
Dollar Day and Home Depot

Mother Nature's Wardrobe

Heidi and I

Jeremy and I

In front of the glacier at Lake George

The family at Thunderbird Falls

The past two evenings I have had the chance to go hiking here locally. I am so blessed to be able to take a 20 minute car ride or a 15 minute plane trip and have the luxury of hiking and goofing around in some of Mother Nature's best wardrobes! Monday night after dinner we were antsy and so we decided to hop in the car and drive to a local hiking trail about 20 minutes south of our home. The entire family went including our very dear friend Heidi. We had a BLAST! Yesterday evening the kiddos were at Nana and Papa's house so Jeremy, Heidi and I decided it would be a good night for a picnic up the Knik Valley. My husband has his personal pilots license and we own a PA-12 which is a slighter larger version of a Super Cub. We hopped in the plane and 15 minutes later we were surrounded by glaciers, mountains, and wild flowers. It was a great way to spend the evening. Not much in personal fashion here but I thought Mother Nature needed a shout out for her fabulous wardrobe.

Outfit post later today...check back soon!

"You are today where your thoughts have brought you; you will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you." James Allen (1864-1912)

If I have learned one thing from Fashion blogging, it is that the smallest detail or one more article of clothing or accessory can really fab up an outfit. I had this outfit on this morning without the jacket and I just felt something was missing so I went searching through my closet trial and error style trying different things and ended up with this. I really think it refined the look completely. I also scored on these shoes last week, I found the last pair in my size on clearance for $8! Woo-Hoo!

I was crazy busy this weekend, fishing Friday night, airshow and a movie on Saturday,(I actually spotted Delightfully Tacky in all her fabulousness there, but was to slow to go introduce myself, I lost her in the crowd by the time I could get over to her) Sunday helped a friend move and had a family movie night on the couch.


WHAT:
Shoes: Target
Jeans: Citizens of Humanity
Blouse:Ebay
Jacket:Thrifted
Sunnies: Target

WHERE:
Dropping the kids off to Nana and Papa's for "Nana Day", Stopping in the Fly and Tackle shop to say Hello to some old friends, Appointments, and then home for chores.