FBFF: A Dream Is a Wish...

If you've seen the Friend Friday posts but aren't quite sure what they're about, click here to read all about it and here to meet Katy, the creator!

This week Katy mentioned how she's heard about several people who were able to quit their current jobs and walk into the realm of self-employment, doing what they love. As Katy says, "So that got me thinking... we all have dreams, goals, aspirations. Putting them down on paper is often the first step to realizing those dreams."

1. Fess up - if you could do anything professionally what would it be?
Sing. Without a doubt. (Or blog...that too.) I do sing professionally but only as a side job during the Christmas season, it's not something I've done full time but I honestly wish that I could. 

2. What draws you to this?
Singing makes me happy. Music energizes me, it relaxes me, it restores me, it's how God speaks to me a lot of the time (I really miss singing on a worship team) and I can't imagine how sad and depressing my world would be if I couldn't sing. It's how I get my energy out (well, that and working out but I'm not about to become a fitness instructor).

3. When did you first start dreaming about this ideal?
I've wanted to sing for as long as I can remember. My parents have pictures of me when I was just a couple years old stealing the microphone at some big Christmas party. And no I'm not posting them. I was a cute kid though, I'll tell you that, but I don't have a scanner available right now. I was always in chorus, always in choir, always singing with friends, always singing in general.

4. What's holding you back from going all in?
Honestly...the thought that as much as I enjoy it, I'm not quite good enough to do it full time. That and the fact that I'd have to be an independent and I don't feel like messing with keeping track of my taxes and health insurance and all that. Plus...I'm too chicken to actually audition.

5. Sometimes the first step is the hardest... what's one step you can take now on the way to realizing your dream?
I think the fact that I sing professionally on the side is a first step, so I'm kind of already there...(right? At least that's what I'm telling myself...)

So what are YOUR dreams? 

FBFF: I'm a WHAT?!

If you've seen the Friend Friday posts but aren't quite sure what they're about, click here to read all about it and here to meet Katy, the creator!

Katy wrote a post last week about labels and decided to use that as the topic for this week's questions, too.

1. As a someone who writes/blogs about fashion, have you placed yourself into some sort of blogging category?
Absolutely. There are some blogs that write about high fashion, some about thrifting, some about DIY projects...I write about my daily outfits that are most definitely NOT high fashion. Honestly, I don't even know the names of most of the popular designers. I just don't keep up with fashion news, really. I like what I like, I'm inspired by other style bloggers, and I don't feel a need to surround myself with designer ideals. So, that being said, I feel that I've placed myself in the outfit-of-the-day, professional working mom style blogger category. 

2. What keeps you from or encourages you to label yourself as a certain kind of blogger?
I guess the feeling that I need to make sure I blog in a certain niche. That's the advice you'll hear from most pro-bloggers, that you have to define your niche so that you can find your readers.

3. When picking blogs to read and follow are you drawn to ones that indicate a certain group or way of thinking/being?
I'm drawn to the ones who blog similarly to the way I do, with daily outfit photos, but I really love the witty and encouraging blogs. I've stopped following blogs when the writer constantly berates themselves and doesn't seem to really enjoy writing or have any happiness in what they're writing about.

4. Do you think there are benefits in labeling yourself or others?
I think there's a benefit to labeling blogs, because it helps people to find the subjects that interest them the most. Even labeling a blog as fashion and beauty is too broad. It does help to have more clear, concise labels for writing style and subject matter.

5. Agree or Disagree - We're all just people; we don't need all the labels.
Now with people, I really don't think we need labels. There are too many possible labels, too many emotions, too many moods, too many variables to label a person as any one thing, or even several things. People are people, and that's the only label they need.

What do YOU think? Would you label yourself and if so, how?  

FBFF: What's In Your Suitcase?

{Opening side note: This weekend is JAM-PACKED! My ex-husband and I are taking our daughter to Disney for Star Wars weekends today, then tomorrow is her birthday party, then Sunday is her actual birthday and we're taking her to a dinner show at Disney. I may not get around to checking your blogs out but I'm certainly going to try!!!)

If you've seen the Friend Friday posts but aren't quite sure what they're about,  click here to read all about it and here to meet Katy, the creator!

Katy writes: "Now that summer is in full swing here… and vacations are coming up, let’s talk about what you’re packing to take on vacation."

1. When it comes to packing for vacation what’s your mantra?
Try not to pack so much that I can't lift the suitcase by myself! Good thing mine have wheels. Of course that doesn't help me much when I'm trying to get it from the driveway into my car.

2. What are your must packs?
Do body wash and deodorant count? Because I need to have those. {Obviously. And if you don't need those things, remind me to never vacation with you.} My clothing must packs include a bathing suit cover up that can double as a dress (I have a denim tube dress that I usually wear, but I also have a pink tube maxi dress that I just bought), a sweater/cardigan in case the hotel room gets chilly, comfy stuff to wear to bed and something cute in case we go out to dinner. Although to be entirely honest, the only "vacation" I have planned for this summer is really just two nights and one full day at the beach with family. Don't have to pack much for that.

3. What are you happy to leave behind?
JEANS. And any kind of pants, really. It's no secret that I'm a dress kind of girl so for a weekend at the beach and no need for jeans, I'm happy.

4. Any packing secrets that help you get everything into one suitcase?
Um...one suitcase? That's it? Why on earth would you limit yourself to one? Okay here's a packing secret - don't go on a vacation that's more than a couple of days. That'll help. Otherwise, I've got nothin' for you.

5. Beach reading… what are you taking with you to read in the sand?
Yeah, I have a four-year-old...I don't read in the sand. I either play with her or I watch her like a hawk. If I get a few rare minutes to myself at the beach, they're spent with my eyes closed, soaking in the sun.
 

And now *I* have a few questions for YOU, my friends!

 
1. It seems like summer vacations are typically spent at the beach. Are there other places that you prefer to visit during the summer?
2. If you could choose one place to visit and money was no object, where would you go?
3. What is your absolute favorite summer vacation memory?
4. What's the funniest vacation story you have?

FBFF: HAIR!

If you've seen the Friend Friday posts but aren't quite sure what they're about,  click here to read all about it and here to meet Katy, the creator!

This week the Friend Friday bloggers are talking about hair! This isn't a subject I know a lot about, so bear with me here... :) 

1.      How often do you get your hair cut?

Um...when I have time. And money. Which isn't often, I'll tell you that much. I got it trimmed last about three months ago. Prior to that I think it had been a year. Ish. I know long hair should be trimmed every 3-6 weeks or something ridiculous like that (or is it months? eh...) but seriously, who has the time to go get their hair cut that often?

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?

See 1. I really don't have extra money to spend so I've been going to the Hair Cuttery where I see the same girl who is GREAT. I really like her. However, the woman who does my nails recommended someone at her salon so if she has an opening today after my nails are done, I just might see if she can do something for me. Because I'm bored. I'm always bored with my hair. I've had it layered with long layers and also short layers, I've had it one length, cut to my chin, with bangs and without bangs, and I just can't seem to find a style that is EASY, quick, and works my hair, that doesn't bore me. I'm bored. 

3.      Do you color your hair? How often? What’s your natural color?

I used to, before I had my daughter. I dyed it a really pretty, deep red one time and that was great, and then my standard used to be blond streaks. I really liked that but when I got pregnant, I realized I wouldn't have the time or the money for the upkeep so I had it dyed back to my natural color and haven't dyed it again since. So what you see now is my natural color. 

4.      The one thing you always do to keep your hair looking great is:

Wash it. No lie. I know tons of people swear by washing every other day or just a couple of times a week, but my hair is very, very oily so if I don't wash it daily, it looks like poo. Fabulous visual, huh? You're welcome. 

5.      What hair trend do you love and wish you could rock?

Up-dos! So many bloggers can throw their hair up in the blogger bun or a chignon or other styles and I just can't. I have ALWAYS wanted to learn how to french braid my own hair, but that never happened. I can't even french braid anyone else's hair, for that matter. Pathetic, I know. I end up leaving my hair in the same style every day, just down and usually blow-dried. Unless I get lazy. Like today. Good thing you can't see me right now. 

Now it's YOUR turn - what's your favorite tip or trick to keeping your hair healthy? What's your favorite updo? 

And help me out here: if you could pick a hair style for me, what would you choose?

Have a GREAT day and a fabulous weekend, everyone!

FBFF: What I Like About YOU!

If you've been seeing the Friend Friday posts but aren't quite sure what they're about,  click here to read all about it and here to meet Katy, the creator!

Katy writes: "This was inspired by a post by Beautifully Invisible from a couple weeks ago entitled ‘The 10 things that drive me crazy about your blog.’ But before you read it list the 5 things that drive you crazy about blogs you visit."

Well...being the pot-stirrer that I am, I decided to spin this one a little differently. I don't know about you, but I don't really think it's going to do very much for my mood to read a ton of posts about what people don't like. There is WAY too much negativity in the world already and instead of adding to that by discussing the things I don't like, I decided to write this post my way - by sharing the things I LOVE about the blogs I visit! 

{I hope that's okay, that I'm kind of doing the opposite of what the topic is...}

1. I love visiting blogs that share a little bit about the writer's life. I like to know what your favorite food is or how you work out or what you do for a living and how your day was, or about your pets and your family. I want to get to know you and I enjoy reading about your life and who you are. 

 

2. Blogs that don't have music automatically playing make me happy. Most of the time, I read blogs at work (shhhhhhh) and it would not do well at all for me to click over to comment and then some song starts playing loudly. Quiet blogs are good. 

3. Lack of word verification makes me giddy. I don't have a ton of time to read and post comments but I really do want to comment on as many posts as possible, because I want to connect with you. When you add up all the time it takes to complete word verifications, it probably comes out to hours, at least a quarter of the entire time it takes to read blogs in the first place. I used to have word verifications on my blog but was encouraged to get rid of them and I'm glad I did. I don't get many spam comments, Blogger usually catches them, but the ones that come through only take a second to delete and if that's all it takes for me to make the lives easier of those who take the time to comment on my little blog, then I'll do that. I am SO very happy when I click "post comment" and it automatically goes through without having to complete a word verification!

4. Pictures. I like to see you. I like to see you having fun and being goofy and spending time with friends and family. And I like to see what you find beautiful. That's part of me getting to know you and I find it interesting to learn what others think is photo-worthy.

5. Funnies! As hard as I try to be amusing, I usually fall short. That just makes me love the funny blogs that much more! People like Brittney, Kimberly, and Taylor, just to name a few (there are many more but I can't list all of them!), usually leave me smiling and nodding my head because I can relate to what they're saying (maybe because we're all moms?) and because they make me laugh! I try to make you all laugh, I really do. Typically it's just me laughing at myself, though. :)

Those are just a few of the things that I love about your blogs! There are lots more things but I've run out of time, so we'll leave it at five.

Now it's YOUR turn - what are some of the things you love about your favorite blogs? 

FBFF: SHOES!

"Look at this guy...shoes..." - Dane Cook

If you don't know who Dane Cook is (and you're not easily offended), you should Google some of his stand-up comedy clips. Just sayin'.

If you've been seeing the Friend Friday posts but aren't quite sure what they're about,  click here to read all about it and here to meet Katy, the creator!

This week's topic is much more light-hearted than some of the previous questions. Yay fun!

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

I would have to say my black Mary Janes from Target. Sometimes at work I have errands to run at the main medical plaza and since our office is a couple of blocks away, it requires some walking and those heels are enormously comfortable! Then there's the fact that most of my clothes are black-based (rather than brown or navy) so those shoes go with most everything.

2. What goes into your shoe buying decisions?

A lot of the time I've been focused on whether or not they meet dress code. Now that we have permission to wear some open-toe shoes around our little office, that's less of a concern (I just have to keep some closed-toe shoes at my desk for quick changes if we have meetings or visitors). I do try to look for heels most of the time, ones that are comfortable and have some kind of flair to them (plain pumps are not my cup of tea) such as a texture or bow or something. I refuse to wear shoes that are especially uncomfortable. Sure, some heels aren't that comfy simply due to the nature of wearing heels, but I won't wear shoes that are truly painful. Fashion should be fun, not torture. 

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

Some form of black. I have gray, silver, zebra flats, black/gray leopard flats, tweed, and plain black.

4. When it comes to designer shoes what are your favorite brands and why?

Er...I'm not a "designer" kind of girl. (Fashion Blogger: FAIL) I'm really not familiar with designers (for the most part) and don't have any type of preference. I look for shoes mostly at Target and Payless, and have recently branched into DSW and Beall's. I look for the style I want, comfort level, and the price I need. Otherwise, I don't really care what the label says. 

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

Okay so forget everything I just said in number four. Heh. If price wasn't an issue, I'd want some  yellow Christian Louboutin pumps like these. Please and amen. Honestly I just really want more brightly colored pumps, specifically yellow, less specifically pink, turquoise, green, orange...(such lofty goals, I know...)

What do YOU think? What are some shoes that every girl should have in her closet?

FBFF: Fitness and Fashion

Have you been seeing the Friend Friday posts but aren't quite sure what they're about? Click here to read all about it and here to meet Katy, the creator!

1. Do you keep some kind of fitness routine? Why?
I do. I typically use DVD workouts by The Firm in the mornings Monday - Friday. Since I have to be at work by 7:30AM, I wake up at 4:30AM to make sure I can exercise, shower and take blog photos all before leaving the house. And why? Because exercise relieves stress, helps regulate metabolism so I don't have to watch my food *quite* as much, tones muscles, keeps my heart healthy and generally makes me feel better.

2. Has working out, maybe training for a marathon or something of that nature, helped with your own perception of body image?
That's an interesting question. I don't think working out has helped my perception of body image as much as style blogging has. Working out does make me feel like I'm being more productive and taking better care of myself than if I didn't exercise, but seeing how so many women (and men) of such varying shapes and sizes are able to dress their different body types and still ALL look fantastic has helped my perception of body image to change.

3. When you are hitting the gym or just going out for a long walk what do you wear? Is it about functionality or fashion?
Considering that I don't do the gym and instead work out in the privacy of my own home, it's all about functionality for me. Although I must admit, I do try to make sure my colors coordinate just for my own peace of mind. :) My standard workout uniform is exercise pants or capris and a sports bra.

4. Do you feel there is a cultural perception of what you ‘should’ be doing for your own physical fitness?
Yes and no. It seems like most people consider a gym membership to be the gold standard for someone who is serious about exercising. However, I can't drag myself to the car to get to the gym, nor can I justify spending a monthly fee for a membership (even $10). There also seems to be the idea that you should jump on the bandwagon of whatever trend is happening (zumba, anyone?). I think it also depends on your circle of friends. I have a lot of friends who train for marathons so I feel like maybe I should be running too (side note: I hate running. Nor can I see myself doing that at 4:30AM by myself when it's pitch black outside. Nope.).

5. Dream big… what would be your ultimate fitness goal?
Honestly, just to find something that I enjoy doing so much that I look forward to it. Take my ex-husband, for example. (If you haven't checked out his blog yet, you should! Click here!) He's had lifelong struggles with his weight and trying to be healthy; he's done every single fad diet you can think of (including Transformations). It's always been easy for him to lose weight, but difficult for him to maintain the program. Now though, he's made the conscious decision to find foods he enjoys preparing as well as eating, along with activities that he has fun doing either by himself or with friends (typically long bike rides, like 20+ miles, and training for different events like the Warrior Dash). My ultimate fitness goal is to be more like him. He has been dedicated, motivated and motivational. He's had fun and enjoyed time with friends. He feels better and has lost a lot of weight. I want to be like that, rather than feeling like I *have* to wake up and work out, or I *can't* have that cookie. I want to be comfortable with what I'm doing, I want to enjoy it and I want to be motivating and encouraging to everyone around me like he has been. That's my goal.

So tell me friends: what do YOU do for fitness and health in general?

FBFF: Gratitude

This marks the one year anniversary of Fashion Beauty Friend Friday (otherwise known as FBFF)!!! Congratulations and a BIG thank you to Katy of Modly Chic for brainstorming this idea in the first place, not to mention the care she's taken over the year to provide interesting and thought-provoking topics and to grow the group of participants. Katy, you're doing a great job! Keep doing what you do!

To mark this anniversary, the questions this week are about gratitude.

1.  When it comes to me personally – I owe a lot of who I am to:

Five people: my parents, who started me off on the right foot (and keep me there!), my former boss  when I worked as the administrative assistant in the music ministry at the church (he and his wife both had much more of an impact on me and who I am NOW {not THEN} than they know!), and my daughter. Everything changed when I had my daughter. She's made me happier, sillier and more germaphobic than I ever thought possible. :) Last but not least is my ex-husband, who is still my very best friend. We got married when I was only 20, and they say that it's during your 20's that you grow up and become a different person. I did that while we were married and although he was only five years older than me, he walked with me through so many things during that time. My parents are an obvious answer to this question but as for my boss, he taught me a lot about how to relate to people, how to love people. One thing he would say all the time is to seek first to understand before being understood (I know it's cliche, but the man LIVES it and that's why it sticks). Another thing he would say all the time is that everyone has a story, everyone has a reason for being who they are, whether it's a nice person or not, and those who are not need a reason to be and we should help give them a reason to be, not give them a reason to continue being unhappy.

2. When it comes to me professionally – I owe a lot of who I am to:

I would have to say two of my bosses, my boss from my very first office job and then again, my boss from the church. My first boss taught me a lot about working in a professional environment to begin with, working with clients, taking responsibility. I was there for several years and although it was my first office job, by the time I left I was the office supervisor for both of the companies they owned.  My boss from the church taught me how to respect those in authority. Granted, I have always been a goody-goody, never got in trouble, was always afraid of disappointing my parents and therefore showed respect to teachers and authority figures. But my boss didn't just show respect, he actually DID respect the voices of authority. He taught me how to be a team player, how to work harder for the benefit of the team, and how to have FUN every single day. I can't even begin to express how much I miss working for him and how I wish I could work for him again. He doesn't even work for that same church anymore and I know it will probably never, ever happen for me to work with him again, but I was never happier than when he was my boss. I miss those days more than I can express. Let's move on before I start to cry...

3. When it comes to the art of blogging, I’m grateful to these people for helping me through some rough spots:

First and foremost is Kimberly of Fashion Momma! She and I clicked instantly when we first started reading each other's blogs and became fast friends because we have so much in common. She has been a wealth of information for me when I've had blogging questions, not to mention the personal support she's been to me throughout my separation and divorce, job change, moving into my parents' house and lots of other things.

Another is ML of Twenty York Street, for the support and kindness she's shown me through several different situations. She's given me so much love and been so generous and thoughtful!

One more is Hope of Hope and the Dress Code for partnering with me in Fabulous In February: A Month of Positivity!

4. One blogging challenge I’m grateful happened because it made me stronger was…

Hm...I'd have to say, honestly, the FBFF Awards that were planned a few months back. I really enjoyed reading everyone's posts and seeing who was nominated, I was in full support of them as a whole but I felt like it wasn't something I personally could do. I blogged about my reasons and since then lost one person that I thought I was close to; they just stopped commenting on my posts and haven't really gotten in touch with me at all. It makes me sad that a difference of opinion being expressed could have that effect, but it makes me go back to what my boss said, everyone has a story. To each his (or her!) own and since this is MY blog, all I can do is be myself and hope for the best. I hope people like me but I've realized that it's not always possible and I have to learn to accept that.

5. To my readers, I’d like to say…

You guys are AWESOME!!! You have NO idea how wonderful each and every one of you are! You are all filled with so much goodness, kindness, inspiration, advice and support. I've become a better person and I hope, a better blogger, because of YOU. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading, for caring, for commenting. You mean so very much to me!

FBFF: Rules of Engagement

It's been a while since I've participated in a Fashion Beauty Friend Friday post. Katy has been so graciously providing the questions to us early but sometimes I just can't get my act together well enough to write my post. 

But I am today! I know, I'm also a master at stating the obvious. 

Here we go!

1. Guest posts are a good way to gain new exposure. What do you think is the appropriate way to go about securing a guest spot?

You know, I've only done two guest posts (and the second one hasn't even published yet)! I never really thought of them as a way to gain exposure. I thought of guest posts as a way to support and help my fellow bloggers when they were going to be away or wanted a different perspective on something. I suppose if I was going to approach someone to ask if I could guest post on their blog, I would first want to convey how my post would fit in with their content and how it would benefit their readers. I would never want to post something that has nothing to do with the interest of that particular blog's readership.
 

2. Leaving comments is essential to growing your blog. But how can you leave a comment without coming across as ‘Follow Me. Follow Me!’?

I guess the point of leaving comments shouldn't only be to grow your blog. I leave comments when I have something to say; I don't leave a comment just for the sake of leaving one. The point when I comment is to answer a question they asked or to support and encourage the writer. Maybe I've been a little ignorant about the reasoning behind commenting, but while I realize it does help to grow readership, that hasn't been my motivation.
 

3. We’ve all gotten a mass email at one time or another asking for blog exposure, a link exchange, etc… But the mass emails don’t work. How do you make your email stand out from the crowd?

I have to opt out of this one. I've never sent an email. I fear I'm exposing my ignorance with this post...
 

4. In interacting with other bloggers where do you draw the line between seeking support and begging for exposure?

I hope people will support and expose my blog, as well as my features and my challenges, when they have a heartfelt desire and feel a sincere connection. I don't want to ask someone to "advertise" me simply for the sake of doing so; I want them to do it only if they really appreciate what was said or if they were truly inspired by the outfit or the text or the idea. I realize that may mean I don't get a lot of exposure, but all I can do is be me and hope that I can truly connect with people.
 

5. What’s one rule of engagement error you made and how have you remedied that?

Well...in engaging with fellow bloggers, I feel like I may have misjudged the support I received from a few people, and I invested a lot of time, energy and emotion into those connections. When the going got tough, I realized the connection wasn't actually there. It left me with a few weeks of sadness and made me question myself and my blog. My remedy to that has just been to focus even more on my daughter, my family, my job and my real life, and to make my blog as authentically me as possible. 

I can only write about what I know and I want people to engage with me because they feel a real connection with me, not simply because I asked them to or because they want more exposure for themselves. I want to develop real friendships through blogging and I want to be an encouragement and inspiration to those who read my blog and interact with me. 

So I guess my rule to engage readers is to encourage and inspire, and let things happen naturally. I suppose that's naive to not intentionally "market" myself. I'm okay with being a little naive, though. :) 

Hope you all have a FABULOUS weekend!!!

Friend Friday: To Nominate or Not...

Hi lovelies! 

I felt like with all the hype this week's Friend Friday has been getting, perhaps I should throw my own post in to explain why I didn't participate in the Blog Award Nominations. 

So...being painfully honest (seriously, this actually, physically hurts to think and talk about it), I have had some serious self-esteem issues my entire life. Everyone needs to know that my parents have always been supportive, encouraging, complimentary and positive, so it's nothing like that. For whatever reason, I have always, always felt like everyone else was better than me, prettier than me, thinner than me, funnier than me, more talented, generally liked more than me, and I have had stupid issues with feeling inferior. All my life. 

It's dumb, really, and I know that.

Anyway...

One of my biggest fears is that I will make someone else feel that way. I never, ever want to make anyone feel like they are less than they are. It's an awful feeling. 

I'm afraid that if I nominate one person for each of the ten categories, someone will inevitably feel left out and I truly can't handle the thought of making anyone feel that way. I want this to be an outlet for creativity, friendship and acceptance, not a place where people feel like they have to compete.

This is just my hang-up and I know that - I think it's great that so many people ARE making their nominations and having a great time with this. I fully and completely support Katy and the rest of the FBFF bloggers!  Awards can be really fun - I just personally can't jump into this one.

So, my dear friends, please don't be upset with me for not participating in this week's Friend Friday; please don't be disappointed that I haven't submitted any nominations. 

I whole-heartedly love you ALL and want you to know that!!!

Friend Friday: My Body

Have you been reading the Friend Friday posts but aren't quite sure what they're about? Click here to read all about it and here to meet Katy, the creator!

This week we're discussing body image. Here are today's questions:

1. Since you started blogging has your image of yourself changed?
Not so much my image of myself but I certainly feel more freedom to be expressive and creative and daring in my sartorial choices. I still have issues. I still have things that I don't like about myself, physically or otherwise (hence the reason I started Fabulous In February, to try focusing more on the positives!) and yet somehow, I can wear a leopard print dress with bright purple tights to a crowded restaurant and be confident. I think mostly because of the validation that I get from all of YOU lovely friends! I'm so glad to have "met" you all! I can't thank you enough for the confidence you've instilled in me.

2. Are you self-conscious about any aspect of yourself? If so, do you go out of your way to avoid it or do you post it/talk about it anyway?
Oh dear. I don't really talk about it because I don't want to make my blog a cesspool of negativity. The end.

3. Based on how you are feeling now, what do you think the future holds in the evolution of your body image?
I think I've made a lot of progress in gaining confidence in my ability to dress my shape and coloring. I've gained a trust in my opinions. I've gained the ability to disagree with someone else's choices and not automatically believe that they must be right and I must be wrong. I think that the future holds growth in my personal confidence and I can only hope that means more bravery in creativity!

4. Do you photograph yourself for your blog? If so, how do you feel about the experience when you're having your picture taken? If you choose not to post pictures of yourself, what prompted that decision?
I do. Obviously. :) (Not everyone answering these questions writes a style blog, so many may not photograph themselves.) I feel the experience is rushed because I try to snap pictures right before I leave for work on most days! Other times, such as on the weekends, I feel a little silly asking someone else to take my photos because I'm so used to taking them myself in the privacy and comfort of my own home. I do get embarassed and feel like onlookers will view me as narcissistic when that's not my intention at all.

5. What would you want every person who struggles with body image to take to heart?
I would want them to take to heart the fact that EVERY SINGLE PERSON DOES struggle with body image! No one is completely confident in every little (or big!) thing about themselves, so while you may be envious of *her* legs and think your arms are gross, someone else might be envious of your hair or beautiful smile. And I would want them to read this post by Sarah. Because I loved it.  

How do you feel about body image in general? Are you happy with every thing about yourself? If you're a blogger, how has blogging helped improve your self-image?

Friend Friday: Because I Like Colors, That's Why!

I've heard that some people are having a difficult time linking up their Friend Friday posts, but I figured I'd go ahead and do mine anyway. Besides, it's about colors and we all know how much I love color! And since my daughter keeps asking "Why?" questions every millisecond, I decided to title the post with the type of answer that's been on my lips these days.

1. What color dominates your closet?

Apparently purple! My favorite color is green but I've come to realize that I gravitate towards purple in most cases. I think purple is a good color for me so I guess that's why I choose it so often. 

2. If money weren't an issue how would you change the color emphasis in your closet?

I would add a lot more of it! I like to combine colors a lot but I also enjoy wearing neutrals with pops of color. I realized that I don't have any orange in my closet at all. I don't have much yellow but it's a fun accent color, so I'd like to add more of that. I think that dressing in different shades of one color is fun but I have mostly jewel tones and not enough varied shades of colors. 

3. What is your mantra about mixing colors?

Just do it! {Oh that was bad.} Honestly, that is pretty much how I feel. I don't normally wear just one color, I'd rather combine two or three either through belts or jewelry or shoes. Color makes me happy. Then there's the part about how I haven't quite mastered the art of making an all neutral outfit look chic. I look dowdy without color. 

4. For you, how do you incorporate color into your outfits?

Any way that I can! Through camisoles or cardigans, belts or shoes, jewelry...really anything that I can get my hands on with color. 

5. Which blogger(s) do you think do a good job of incorporating color into their wardrobe?

I think Marie does an awesome job using color. There's also Collette of course, who is a master of mixing colors AND patterns. My sweet friend Kimberly does a great job as well. I would be remiss to not mention Marilou because while she may not use colors as often, she is the epitome of chic and classiness in neutral ensembles. Disclaimer: there are SO MANY bloggers that I follow simply because of their great use of color, but I'm exhausted and can't think of everyone right now so I'm sorry for not mentioning more of you!

Today is Go RED For Women Friday! I am wearing red today but haven't taken photos yet. Hopefully I'll be able to do that soon and post them during my girl's nap time. I love having Fridays off. But I have to be honest, it's my days off when I feel the least motivated to take photos and blog. I just want to be with my girl on my days with her, and when I don't have her or when she's napping, sometimes I just want to sit on the couch and watch TV. Does anyone else ever feel like that?

Friend Friday: Whose Blog Is This Anyway?

Hi friends!

The next couple of days are going to be fairly busy so if I don't get a chance to post my 30 For 30 outfits daily, I'll still take some shots and post several outfits together later on. And just so you know, today I AM wearing some red for Andie's GO RED for WOMEN campaign!

With all of the hype about the 30 For 30, some people for and some against, it's prompted a lot of questions in the blogging community about who does what, how and why. Here are Katy's Friend Friday questions this week. 

1. With all the blogging events out there how do you determine which ones to participate in and which ones to avoid?

I participate in the ones that speak to me, that mean something to me, that will benefit others or myself or where my participation will support someone. 

2. Be honest, have you ever jumped on the bandwagon of some blogging movement/event for the wrong reasons? How did that turn out?

I can honestly say no because I haven't jumped on many of them due to the fact I'm still fairly new to blogging. I haven't even been here for a year yet so there hasn't been much time for me to do very much.

3. How do you give your own flair to a blog event while still maintaining the general mission and purpose?

I think for fashion/style bloggers, this is pretty easy simply because most events incorporate some type of common factor while showing your way of doing it. The 30 For 30 is the same general idea, but every single person has their own ways to remix their pieces. The GO RED for WOMEN campaign is the same idea of wearing red, but each blogger puts their own spin on what type of red and how to wear it. 

I'm just me. I don't pretend to be anything else. If I'm uncomfortable with what I wore, I'm honest about it. When I participate in things, I tell you why I'm doing it. My own flair is just to be myself and not try to be anyone else. Besides, I've had a whole lotta practice being me. It would take too much work to be someone else. And I'm too lazy for that. :)

4. When determining the best content for your blog what criterion do you keep in mind?

I keep in mind who I am and what my purpose is. I started this blog with the name in mind because when I first began to read style blogs, I couldn't find very many specifically for working moms. Since starting mine I've found several. My mission is to inspire by being creative and very low-budget, wearing things that are appropriate for young mothers in my personal life as well as my professional world, showing that moms can be cute and stylish too. My content must work with my mission or at least be something that will reach out to my readers (like these Friend Friday questions - they have nothing to do with a working mom's style but they reach out to my readers and friends) in an effort to build community and relationships. The community and relationships are really what keep us all around, right?
 

5. While everything will not suit your blog, how do you try and support your fellow bloggers who are participating in something worthwhile but not your style? 

I make an effort to link to them, talk about them, Tweet about them, encourage them through comments and ideas and just support them in any others possible.

So what blogging events and campaigns do YOU enjoy participating in?

Happy Friday, everyone! I'll try to post my outfits daily through this weekend but if things get too busy, I'll definitely post the weekend's outfits all together on Sunday.

Have a wonderful weekend!!!

Friend Friday: Let's Talk Shop

That phrase makes me think of Home Improvement and Tool Time. I used to love that show.

This week Katy decided to center the questions around the tools that we use for our blogs. While I consider myself to be fairly computer savvy when it comes to software and what have you, I am pretty ignorant in the field of HTML and coding and designing and cameras and lenses and PhotoShop and just thinking about everything that I really should learn gives me a headache!

That's why I'm so glad to see these Friend Friday questions! I'll give you my {very basic and quite frankly, boring} answers and then I'm going to read everyone else's to get some ideas and inspiration to learn, improve and grow! Well...grow the blog. I think growing myself isn't going to happen at this point. I'm pretty much short for life.

Anyway...

Here are the questions!

1. What technology do you use in blogging? (computer, camera, video camera, tripod, etc...)
I have my laptop that I use when I'm at home, my PC at work, and my iPhone 4 is my camera...for now. I just bought a card reader so that I can borrow my dad's camera while I'm saving up to buy my own. Hopefully I can mess around with the tripod this weekend so I'll be good to go with it on Monday!

2. What computer and online technology do you use? (blogging system, photo storage, photo editing tools, etc..)
Photo editing? What? Yeah, I don't do that so much. I take my pictures before dashing off to work, then I upload them and write my post at the office, where we don't have PhotoShop. Or anything else fun, for that matter.

Right now I use Blogger (I totally just typed Booger first) but I've really wanted a better commenting system so I think with the help of my ex-husband, I'm going to migrate over to WordPress sometime in the next few weeks.

And with Blogger, I've been using Picasa for my photos because it's free and private, but I think I'm about at my limit of free storage space. I really need to start using flickr or something but I don't really know how. And I need something quick and super easy. (I know starting sentences with "And" isn't grammatically correct, but this isn't a formal publication or anything so it's okay, right? Right? Eh.)

3. What is your process for taking pictures?
Lately, it's been handing my iPhone to my mother and using the same poses. Because I'm not all that creative with poses. And I don't have much time before I have to leave for work, so I stick with what seems to be working.

4. When it comes to backdrops for your photos what do you consider? Do you scout locations or shoot the same spot daily?
See #3. I really wish that I had the time to shoot at different locations and edit my photos and always take fabulous pictures, but I just don't. I also don't have any spectacular backdrops at my parents' house, so for inside shots I've been using a door and when I'm able to do outside shots, I take them on the front porch. Not really fantastic, but I can only work with what I've got.

5. If you could splurge and get one new piece of equipment what would you be buying?
A DSLR, for sure! I'm amazed and in awe of the beautiful quality in the photos that these types of cameras produce. But, alas, I don't have the money for such an extravagant gift to myself, so instead I'm going to use my dad's point-and-shoot and save up for my own camera. Which might also end up being a point-and-shoot since I have to save money for a new laptop too, but that's neither here nor there right now.

I can't wait to read everyone else's answers! These are the types of things I've been so interested to know but just haven't asked. I'm glad Katy asked for me! If you don't participate in Friend Friday, leave your answers in the comments!

Hope you all have a great day! My daughter and I are heading out to spend the day at Disney with her dad. The weather is supposed to be beautiful so I'm excited!

Friend Friday: How Do I Measure Up?

Katy writes, "As I was reading through everyone's new years resolutions and where they want their blogs to be I got to thinking how easy it is to become discouraged by some of the very successful blogs out there, or the ones we perceive as successful. We compare ourselves and suddenly find that we are lacking. So this week we are going to be talking about that."

So here goes...

1. Have you ever looked at someone's blog and thought yours will never measure up?

Um...yeah. All the time. There are so many great blogs out there and it seems like a good amount of them have just blown up in popularity since I've started mine. Which just makes me wonder how on earth they can do it in the same amount of time that I've had; what am I doing wrong or what could I be doing better.

2. Do you (did you) feel pressure to meet some kind of undefined standard for fashion bloggers?

Absolutely. I feel there's a standard of being consistent in posting, being entertaining, being reciprocal in commenting (which has been extremely difficult for me lately) and being inspiring/original/creative. 

It has truly been so hard for me to read and comment on blogs lately that I've considered not posting to my own blog anymore, simply because I feel like it's not fair for me to post and hope people comment on mine when I'm not able to return that courtesy. I'd love to grow my blog and be popular and have sponsors and do all that fun stuff, but I just don't feel like I have it in me right now with everything else that's been happening in my life. I'm a little overwhelmed. A lot overwhelmed, actually.

3. Many established fashion bloggers are also extraordinary DIYers, bakers, and crafty people. Do you think you need to combine all of these things to be successful at blogging?

I don't think it's necessary to combine any of those things, honestly. Sure, they help to attract readers who are able to bake or sew or be crafty, but it's the same with any blog niche. You'll attract the people that relate to your topics. Sometimes I'm a little turned off by blogs that post an abundance of DIY projects simply because I'm NOT good at that and it doesn't interest me. 

4. The most successful blogs are the ones that have their own personal voice - how are you developing your voice or how did you find yours?

That's a good question. I'm not entirely sure that I've found my own voice, per se, but I try to be sure that I'm writing the way that I would normally, to a friend or group of friends in real life. I guess my "voice" is just to be me. One of the reasons that I started blogging is to be a part of the community, which comes through forming relationships, so I try to get to know my readers and fellow bloggers. That way it's easier for me to write for and to you all!

5. Toot your own horn... what's one thing you do that is unique to you and your blog? What gives your blog an edge?

You know what? I'm really not good at tooting my own horn. I think what's unique to A Working Mom's Closet is the fact that I write it! No one else writes it for me! Other than that, I could probably say that the Blogging for Breast Cancer Awareness Challenge in October is unique to my blog.

So as my readers (and friends!), let me pose some questions to you: 

1. What do you enjoy about A Working Mom's Closet?

2. Are there things that you don't like?

3. What would you like to see more or less of, and are there things you'd like to see implemented or stopped?

Make sure that you stop by Katy's blog to check the links for all of the fabulous Friend Friday bloggers posts today, and have a great day!!!

Friend Friday: Let's Connect

Katy, the brain behind the Friend Friday phenomenon, received an email this week suggesting the topic of reader connectedness - so here are the questions and my answers!

1. How important do you think reader connectedness is to the success of your blog?
I think the ability to make your readers feel connected is important to any blog. If I have zero in common with a writer, I'll typically scan their blog every now and then but the ones that I read on a regular basis are the ones where I feel some kind of connection, either personally because we've chatted somehow or because their style is similar to my own or we just have things in common.

2. What do you do to draw readers in and create that writer-reader bond?
I try to create a bond by responding to comments either through email (if Blogger lets me reply to comment notifications; sometimes when I click "reply", the address for the commentor is a no-reply@blogger... address instead of their actual email) or by commenting on their own blog. I really LOVE getting questions on Formspring, that's another great way to connect and I especially love getting emails from readers and getting to know people through email conversations.

3. What is one way you could improve this connection?
I'm not sure. I don't feel like I'm connecting with quite as many readers as I'd like to (I would really love to get to know every single one of you!) but since I don't know how to get in touch with each person (I don't even know who reads my blog if they don't comment!), I can't really connect more. If you have suggestions for how I can improve the connection, please let me know!

4. Is there a blogger you think does a great job creating that writer-reader bond? Why?
Hmmm. Well, I think Katy has done an awesome job just by coming up with the Friend Friday idea in the first place and then implementing the Google group! GENIUS! Then there's Kendi with her 30 for 30 challenge that creates an entire community of participants as well. I think creating a common bond/theme among readers/other bloggers is key.

5. What do you do to cultivate new readers? How do you get them to your site in the first place?
Um...I don't really know! If I had a good answer to that, I'd probably have a lot more readers. :) I'm still learning as I go so if anyone has good tips, I'm listening!

Reader connectedness is part of the reason I started a blog to begin with! I'd love to connect with each of you. Please feel free to send me an email any time at {aworkingmomscloset at gmail dot com}, ask me a question on Formspring or follow me on Facebook and Twitter!

Friend Friday: Blogger Burnout

Wow, it's been a long time since I've done a Friend Friday post! I tend to not have much time anymore. Technically I should be working out right now but I am completely exhausted, so I decided to write the post and then I'm going back to bed until my daughter wakes up in a couple of hours!

With the recent closing of the blog Fashion Butter (which I don't follow...I'm sorry, I didn't know about that one!), Katy decided to center this week's questions around blogger burnout. 

1. How many hours a week do you spend blogging? Has that number changed since you started blogging?

Blogging as in writing, or blogging as in doing anything at all blog-related like reading other blogs and commenting, etc.?  I typically post an outfit every work day which is Monday - Thursday for me. I try to post once or twice on my weekends but it's so hard, especially right now during the holidays. I spend a few hours on that every week. And then there's blog reading and commenting! That's what takes up the bulk of everyone's time, I'm sure. I don't spend as much time doing that as I would like, because I don't have much time lately. 

2. There is always more you can do, write, read, comment on... how do you limit your time spent on these tasks?

Well, a few months ago I didn't limit myself at all. I read blogs in the morning, checked them all day long, read more when I got home and again before bed...I was constantly reading blogs! Then came a few weeks when I just didn't have any time at all, I got really behind, and I found that I was a little more relaxed when I wasn't constantly on the computer making sure my Reader said that I had zero blogs left to read. Sure, the "1000+ unread" count can make anyone a little crazy, but then I just have to "mark all as read" and go on my merry way. I'm not SuperMom...I can't do it all. 

3. Have you experienced Blogger burnout yet? How have you dealt with that?

I think that's what I experienced when I didn't have any time to get on the computer to read blogs...and I liked it. Sometimes I still feel like I'm experiencing burnout. I'm honestly not sure how to deal with it, other than take the weekend to stay off the computer and then try to get back into it on Monday. 

4. This time of the year is always a lot busier than any other time. Will your blogging change as a result?

Probably not because I tend to blog first thing in the morning, so I get it done before I can be distracted. 

5. Could you forsee a moment in which you are not blogging anymore? How would you you identify that it's time to walk away?

I haven't thought about it. Right now I'm having way too much fun getting feedback from all of my fabulous readers and meeting new people and forming new relationships...I don't want to think about a time when I'm not blogging anymore. I mean, I can say that I likely will not be blogging by the time I'm like 80 or something although maybe I will. You never know. :) 

That's it for my answers! This weekend is going to be super crazy; I have a 3-hour gig about an hour away from my house this afternoon/evening, another 3-hour gig that is about two hours away tomorrow and then on  Sunday I have a 2 or 3-hour gig that's about an hour away. None of my gigs are local this weekend! And I'm doing three different kinds of music, tonight I'm doing traditional caroling, tomorrow is with the Santa Sisters and then on Sunday I'm singing with the Mistletones. I'm exhausted already!

While I really enjoy the gigs and singing is what I would do full-time if given the chance, I'm sad that I'll be giving up so much of my time with my girl this weekend. :( I'll get to see her this morning, hopefully before bed tonight, tomorrow morning and Sunday morning, but then I'm gone for the rest of each day. And Sunday I need to give her back to her dad. Then next weekend, when I DON'T have my girl, is when I don't have any gigs scheduled! Not yet, anyway. Hopefully I'll get some gigs so that I can stay busy and distracted. Otherwise I'll have to go shopping. 

Friend Friday: Au Naturale

About today's Friend Friday subject Katy says, "This week we're veering more toward the beauty side of things and talking about the growing trend of going all natural by eliminating shampoos, soaps, deodorant, etc..."

Here are the questions and my answers:

1. The move to do away with soap, shampoo and deodorant has been growing in popularity in the last year. What are your thoughts on this trend?

The human population existed way before soap, shampoo and deodorant. They must have survived somehow! If there is a way to maintain cleanliness and sanitation without the use of chemicals, it could only be a good thing. 

2. Be honest, how often do you wash your own hair?

Every day. Every single day. My hair is very oily, as is my face, plus I have bangs, so if I don't wash every day then my bangs just look greasy and dirty and that's not good.  I've tried to skip a day and just rinse with water, but that still left my hair looking like poo so I shampoo every day.
 

3. Have you tried to go the more natural route by forgoing shampoo? What happened? Or would you be tempted to try it?

Forgoing shampoo altogether? And using what else instead? I'm confused. (I live in this state of confusion currently.)
 

4. What products do you use and have you ever gone with more organic alternatives?

I'll be honest: I can't afford organic. I really can't. I buy the $1.98 dandruff shampoo from Aldi (a really, REALLY inexpensive supermarket in Florida) and typically a conditioner from there as well. I normally buy deodorant from Big Lots or Wal-Mart and have been using bottles of body wash from Bath & Body Works from my mother-in-law (although I'm almost out of that now!). They work well and fit into my budget, so that's what I get.
 

5. What about that daily shower? Would you forgo that opting to shower three times a week instead?

Oh dear. Considering that I work out at least five times a week and drip sweat almost every time, I don't think that would be very sanitary. At the VERY least, everyone should rinse off every day! I would still highly recommend using soap every day too. And like I said in my first answer, if there is another way to maintain cleanliness and sanitation without chemicals, I'd love to know!

To check out everyone else's responses, visit Katy's blog at Modly Chic! Thanks for reading, everyone! Hope you have a great Friday and an even better weekend!!!

Friend Friday: 10 Things

It seems like we're all a little short on time these days and have a little more stress than we'd like.  For that reason, I'm grateful that this week's Friend Friday post requires less thinking!

Katy writes: "Instead of questions on a specific topic, share 10 random facts that people might be surprised to know about you. Take whatever spin you like on it."

Well...my spin is going to be short and sweet since I really have to get the rest of the condo packed up today!

So here we go...

1. I sing with an entertainment company, mostly during the Christmas season, and one of our groups used to sing at the Magic Kingdom during Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. My character was a doll named Candy Cane. Click here to see a video of my solo (disclaimer - this was YEARS ago and I'd like to think I've improved considerably since then!). Here are some OLD pictures - I'll try to post some from this year if we take any this December. 

2. I used to be in a baton twirling troupe when I was in elementary school.  I also used to play soccer and I took 10 years of dance lessons, got en pointe and then quit. I'm a moron. 

3. I have lots of fears: flying, elevators, water (I don't mean showers, I mean large bodies of water like oceans and lakes and yes I do know how to swim). I've been prayed over and prayed with and I'm working on it. I don't like being a scaredy-cat. 

4. I tend to be a neat-freak and super organized.  I don't get all worked up about cleaning so much as I do about putting things away and tidiness.

5. I have some serious self-esteem issues.  Also something I'm trying to work on. 

6. Cats are my favorite! I love them. I've always had a cat my entire life, sometimes two. They're the best!

This is also an  old picture - we don't have this chair anymore because it was UGLY. It was also a hand-me-down. :)

7.  My dream right now is to be a stay-at-home mom.  Considering that I'm becoming a single mother, I don't see that dream becoming a reality any time soon so the next best thing would be to find a job that allows me to work from home (without needing to use the phone because I really, really don't like the telephone!). I'd love to do something like writing or transcription or editing, but I would even take plain, old data entry at this point, if it paid enough for me to pay my bills. I just want to be with my daughter as much as possible. I love that little girl!

8. I'm slightly co-dependent.  And by "slightly", I mean that I'd rather not go anywhere by myself.  I'm a homebody so I do enjoy being alone at my house, watching TV, being on the computer, but if I'm going out anywhere I'd much prefer to be with someone.

9. My {ex?} husband has said about me that if I were bleeding from the eyes, I would probably still say, "Oh no, I'm fine, I don't need to go to the doctor." I tend to be a little too relaxed and nonchalant about things others would consider emergencies. Could be a good thing. Maybe. Sometimes.

10. I am so incredibly grateful for all of you, my friends that I've made since starting this blog and my "in real life" friends and family that take the time to read this and keep in touch with me. You've supported me, encouraged me, prayed for me and advised me. I don't think I would be able to handle this season in my life without each one of you. Thank you.

There are a few other things that I'd love to share with you and talk about but I really need to get started on the rest of the packing.  We've done so much but it feels like we still have TONS more to do in order to move tomorrow. 

And since I probably won't get to take pictures today, I'll just tell you that I'm wearing a black cotton sleeveless dress with a pink belt and leopard flats. Yay pink!