thoughts on Memorial Day, comfort, and weather

Did everyone have a nice long weekend? It's such a great way to start off the summer - with a holiday weekend. But the end of the summer is a little harder to take, I think - another holiday weekend to mark the end of a season of outdoor fun and sunshine. Can't a Colorado summer last forever?

However, the real reason for the three-day weekend is not to celebrate the start of summer or to get started on lawn work - it's to remember those who have passed while defending our freedom. Hope everyone remembered to thank a veteran and fly those American flags high and proud.

Switching gears, here's a casual outfit I wore recently. I've reached the point where pants are pretty uncomfortable, so this is one of my last looks to share with pants. Instead, i'm opting for dresses and skirts. And when I'm at home, the Mr.'s gym shorts, boxers and t-shirts (his side of the closet has become a treasure trove of comfortable clothing options).

This general uncomfortable-ness has made me thankful that this baby is due to arrive any day now in the early summer, so that 1) I'm not in my last few weeks/months in the heat of summer, and 2) I'm not trying to wear tights/leggings/sweaters/boots in the cold of winter in my last few weeks/months. I think each season of the year has something to offer pregnant women at different times of their pregnancies, so maybe I'm just biased and feeling really lucky and only seeing the silver lining as I end my gestational period.

That being said, we've still had some cold & rainy weather here in Colorado, mixed with very nice sunny & warm days. Talk about keeping me on my toes...do I store the long-sleeved newborn-sized onesies? What about the really warm fleece sleepers?

*all items are part of my Maternity Capsule Wardrobe

Mr. Picks Mondays: Memorial Day

 

A few things to share with you today:

1) Happy Memorial Day! Thanks to all those who serve and have served. I love days like today (the 4th of July, Labor Day, and Veteran's Day more than most other holidays), because I make sure to profusely thank my favorite vets (Mom and Dad), and every other veteran I meet, for their selfless sacrifice of protecting our freedoms.

2) The next summer holiday, Independence Day, I'll be celebrating in my favorite place (the beach) with some of my favorite people - WEEEEEEEE!! In a really sweet American-flag print swimsuit. Heyooooo! I plan to spend the whole time on the beach, and when I'm not beaching it, on a boat.

3) My Mr. picked out this polka dot chambray for me to wear. And while I love it, remember my optical illusion trick when it comes to this boxy fit? This time, I layered a sweater over it. Which was totally necessary, because, hello, springtime in the Rockies.

My Dad reminded me yesterday that it snowed on Memorial Day weekend several years ago. Which is enough to make me question why I live here. I mean, I love Colorado - don't get me wrong. We have the beautiful mountains, I always know which direction I'm driving (the mountains are west. unless you are IN the mountains, and then, well, take a gander), our summers are great, winters are pretty, the skiing is spectacular, but every year, from March to May, I seriously consider moving somewhere where it DOESN'T SNOW IN MAY. Like, Florida. Or somewhere in the South. Or even California. This crazy weather is enough to drive a girl mad. Just ask my husband - every time the weather gets all wonky, I get cranky and start packing my swimsuits and flip flops, and threaten to forget how to drive in the snow.

*sigh*

But, then, the sun comes out and melts away all the snow, and I'm reminded that summertime in the Rockies is one of the most beautiful things in the world.

chambray: thrifted

sweater: Aéropostale

pants: Aéropostale

boots: Rack Room Shoes

Double the Animal Print, Double the Fun

Double the animal print, double the fun, amiright?? Leopard AND python - it works because they're both accessories, rather than a whole piece of clothing, so they don't compete.

In other news, this shirt (and it's navy blue twin) didn't wash so well. The sleeves have this cute little cuff, and my washing machine kinda tore that up/out/to pieces. So, any tips to make the cuff stay flat without having to iron or sew would be greatly appreciated!

Happy Memorial Day Eve! I'm at home, waiting for the rain to quit so I can go on a long run - training for my next half-marathon in September!

shirt: Eddie Bauer

sweater: Macy's

pants: Aéropostale

scarf: WalMart

flats: WalMart

Optical Illusions

 

My Mr. wasn't available to take my pictures, so, mirror pics are what I've got for ya today.

I had no intention of looking cute today (simply because I hit the snooze button 878 times), but I saw my mint jeans in the closet and thought "I like those. They're cute. They make me happy. I will wear them." Then the gray shirt. And I needed another layer for the sub-arctic climate of my office. I was skeptical about this polka dot chambray on top, but I think it worked! Tell me for real, did it?

I got the polka dot top at a thrift store - I spotted the dotted denim from across the store and made a beeline for it (I avoided eye contact, and might have hopped over a rack of shirts, ninja-style). I love the print and the color, the only issue is that the shirt is a little boxy on me. It's cute tucked in, under something, or over something, but buttoned up by itself I think it adds a few unwanted pounds to my frame. Occasionally, I battle this by

flailingmyarmsreallyfastsoyoucantseethatmyshirtisaweebitboxy.

I also use this technique with shoes, other articles of clothing & accessories that might look better under the guise of an optical illusion. Maybe I'll show you a video of it. Someday. Maybe. Don't hold me to that.

Have a great Memorial Day Weekend, and remember to remember the men and women who have served our great country. I'll be thanking my two favorite veterans: Mom & Dad.

Shirt: Target

Chambray: thrifted

Mint Jeans: Lauren Conrad via Kohl's

Sandals: Born Concept

Linking up HERE today - my first one!