The Rich Life (on a budget)

How I Wear My: Most Cherished Wardrobe Item

2012-03-01T04:30:00.000-08:00

Since Jill and I have been on a spending freeze for February (a break from all that buying and shopping and the mentality of more, more, more), it was a great time to look in our closets and find one thing we love above all others for this month’s “How I Wear My” post.

It was a breeze for me to decide which piece to feature today. Not only is it my most cherished, but it's also one of my oldest pieces of clothing hanging in my closet.

I bought this leopard jacket at Nordstrom back in 1995 when I was 28-years-old.

At the time, I was working in San Francisco for a small personnel placement company. My co-worker and I used to occasionally - okay, frequently - spend our lunch breaks shopping.

Back then, Nordstrom offered a free shuttle service. All we had to do was give the concierge a call and ask to be picked up. Ten minutes later, there would be a white van idling in front of our office building, waiting to deliver us to our favorite department store. Those were the days!

My co-worker, who was 15 or 20 years my senior, was an expert shopper; had a very keen eye. And she had no qualms whatsoever telling me what looked great on me and what looked horrid.

When she saw this jacket she grabbed it off the rack, put it on me, then demanded that I buy it. At $200.00, it was not an easy purchase for me to make. Animal prints were not big back then like they are today. But she was right. Seventeen years later, I am still wearing it and still loving it.

I can wear it dressed up with a pencil skirt...

or a sheath dress and Hermes scarf.

And I can wear it with jeans as I did last Friday night when Bill and I took my girlfriend out for dinner on the spur of the moment.

I brought this jacket with me to Paris twice. Once in 2007...

Hard to tell, but I really am wearing the jacket.

and again in 2010.

Sporting my best deer-in-the-headlights expression.

It's so old, I don't know who made it; the lettering has worn off. But the "Made in" tag is still intact and it reads "Made in England". England! I don't know that I have seen that before on any of my clothes. Italy and France, yes - sometimes - but England? To think I never bothered to notice that before now.

I guess you could say that that was the best $200.00 I've ever spent on clothing. And now I think I should make a date to go shopping with that friend and former co-worker of mine. Someone call the Nordstrom shuttle!

Let's see what cherished wardrobe items everyone else is wearing.

Jill from Everything Just So is wearing her cherished and much loved U.S. Navy peacoat of her father's, circa 1964. He and her mother gave it to her as a Christmas present about 10 years ago. What a treasure!

Carrie, from Expressive Style, shows us her Glossy Red Hunter Boots that she received as a Christmas gift. Aren't they sassy?

She tells us, "I had been wanting a pair for a while and I am glad I waited for this color. I wear these boots with everything: jeans, leggings, skirts, and a dress as shown. These are great for spring, fall, and winter with the awesome inserts they made."

Catherine, who writes the blog Not Dressed as Lamb, cherishes her coral-colored brogues. Aren't they lovely? She bought them in San Francisco. Too bad I didn't know her then. I would have begged to meet her there.

She tells us, "They were a total impulse buy in the summer sale last year and I was really unsure about whether I'd actually wear them or even if they'd go with anything in my wardrobe. However, they surprisingly go with almost anything and they always lift an outfit. They're such a talking point - whenever I wear them I get so many comments about them (on my blog and in person)!"

She has also worn them here, here, here and here. They really are so versatile.

Should you want to find a pair similar (but unfortunately more costly), Catherine gave us a link to check out.

Pam has a story to tell us about her graphic and colorful tunic. Click over to her blog, Over 50 Feeling 40, to read all about it.

Amy's most cherished wardrobe item is this fantastically chic Ferragamo purse her husband bought for her on their honeymoon for a wedding/birthday present.

Amy tells us, "Everytime I use it, it reminds me of the wonderful time we had in Capri and Florence, and I will treasure it forever. I used it so much when we got back that the cream color got some stains on it from denim, so I sent it to Bag, Borrow, and Steal and they made it look like new fortunately. Now I only pull it out for special occasions when I'm not wearing jeans!"

We hope you’ll join us on April 4 for “How I Wear My: Colorblocking.” It’s everywhere, those bright colors put right next to each other in solid blocks, and we are giving it a go as a way to welcome spring. Won’t it be nice to have a break from all that navy blue and gray and brown and black?

Tell me, what's the most cherished item in your wardrobe?

XO,

Adrienne

New Job, Mindful Dressing, Cow Boy Scarf Tie

2012-02-29T04:40:00.000-08:00

I start my new job this week!

It's not really a new job as I'm returning to a former employer, a winery, from about 12 years ago. I am thrilled to be going back. The owners of the winery and all of the employees are warm, friendly and fun to be around.

I'm only working one or two days a week. It won't be a huge change for me and my family. But, still a change nonetheless.

In my volunteer job, I dress professionally. I usually wear slacks, a pencil skirt or a dress to work; never jeans.

At the winery, it's a casual environment so I'll be wearing jeans most of the time. I spent some time Tuesday considering how I want to dress for my first day - "mindful dressing", if you will - taking the following into consideration:

~ Comfort. I will be on my feet all day. Comfortable shoes and comfortable clothing are a must.

~ Wine. Since I will be pouring wine, red wine, throughout the day, it's probably wise not to wear light colors.

~ Movement. I will be reaching and pouring and carrying as part of my job. I will wear no jangling bracelets, no flowing sleeves.

~ Temperature. It can go from cool to warm and warm to cool in a matter of a couple hours in the Sonoma Valley. Layering is key around here. I'll bring a blazer or sweater on most days.

~ Stylish. Since I am representing a family I adore and respect immensely, I want to put forth my best in every way, including the way I look.

Striped, long-sleeved H & M shirt with my beloved Christian Dior scarf, Kasil jeans and ancient Stuart Weitzman loafers.

In case you're wondering, I tied my scarf in the Cow Boy style, like this:

From this fabulous blog

What is so wonderful about mindful dressing for work is that my same considerations apply to travel. I've already decided to pack this number in my luggage for our upcoming trip.

In the last month, I have gotten rid of probably 60% or more of my wardrobe, started pre-wearing every outfit I'll be taking to Europe and now I am selecting my getup days before I wear them. What is happening to me?

Are you a pre-planning, mindful dresser?

Or do you dress on the fly, like I've been doing since grade school?

XO,

Adrienne

One more thing!
It's not too late to participate in the
"How I Wear My: Most Cherished Item"
posting tomorrow, March 1st.

Jill of Everything Just So and I would love for you to join us.
Simply send me or Jill a picture of yourself
in the piece you treasure above all others
before 8 p.m. EST this evening and we will include you in our post!

Visible Monday: Travel Outfit, Landmark, Lady Gaga

2012-02-27T08:54:00.001-08:00

All month long I've been working on streamlining my wardrobe. And I've been doing a stellar job; you'd be proud of me.

Slowly and methodically I've been getting rid of all the clothes that don't fit me, are worn out, not flattering, out of style or just not "me". I am inches away from having a wardrobe in which everything fits, everything is flattering and everything is in good condition. A goal I doubted I'd ever reach.

It's not easy to get to this point and frankly, when I look in my closet, it scares me. It's so sparse! I keep telling myself that I wasn't wearing all those clothes anyway and that I can make due with what I have by accessorizing and perhaps adding a few new versatile pieces.

By whittling down my wardrobe, I'll make better packing choices for our upcoming trip. I've decided to pre-wear, not just try-on, all the outfits I plan on packing. Sunday seemed like the ideal opportunity to put a travel outfit together.

I always wear my khaki trench on the plane to and from our destination. It's warm but not too bulky or heavy. And the color goes with everything. I can't imagine not bringing it.

Yesterday, I wore it with Kasil jeans (from 2004), leopard belt (Macy's about $40.00), a forest green stretchy T-shirt (thrifted, $4) and my tried and true Stuart Weitzman black croc loafers. In my last post, I mentioned needing some walking shoes for our trip. I don't! I have these gems that I bought way, way back in the mid-1990's.

My hardworking husband wasn't around much this weekend. He's been working nearly everyday for the last two weeks. The only alone time we had all weekend was on Sunday afternoon. We didn't feel like staying home but we didn't want to travel too far either. The Academy Awards were on, after all.

We packed up the big dogs, went to the market to pick up groceries for dinner, then stopped off at Landmark Vineyards, right across the road from our home.

They have a beautiful courtyard...

and a lovely pond.

For entertainment, they offer a well-groomed bocce court, where we chose to hang out.

Photo of handsome husband...just because :)

Bill and I would have played a game, but our black lab, Louie, would have gone berserk. He lives for playing fetch and he'd love to get his paws on this basket of bocce balls.

We briefly let him play with one.

All he did with it was continuously toss it onto my lap for me to throw, which I did not. We know how he operates. He would have taken off running, ball in mouth, and plunged into the pond.

A one -track mind that dog has.

This outfit will be coming with me on our trip. I may even wear the entire outfit on the plane. What I like most is that I can easily change the look by wearing different T-shirts and accessories.

Who knows? I might get this packing wisely thing down after all!

One more thing I want to share with you. Guess who may soon be living in our wonderful county?

Photo Credit

Lady Gaga! At least that is the buzz. She was spotted having dinner at The Girl and the Fig in Sonoma last night where I had lunch with a reader just last Thursday. Wouldn't it be funny if she bought a place in Kenwood? That would really put our little village on the map.

I want to remind you all that "How I Wear My: Most Cherished Item" will post on March 1st, this coming Thursday.

Jill of Everything Just So and I would love for you to join us. You don't have to write a blog to participate. Simply send me or Jill a picture of yourself in the piece you treasure above all others and we will include you in our post!

Please be sure to check out what everyone is showing off today at

Visible Monday and Monday Mingle!

XO,

Adrienne

Head Start on Packing

2012-02-23T04:49:00.000-08:00

Even though our trip to Italy and Switzerland is still months away, I've decided to start thinking about what I'll bring. You see, I am a horrible packer; really awful.

You know the type of packer who pulls out the obscure, rarely worn clothing from her closet and drags it to another hemisphere so she can still not wear it? That's me.

After our last big trip overseas in 2010 where we - mostly Bill - carried 150 pounds of luggage around for three weeks, I've been given fair warning to pack lightly from now on.Why not get a head start on this packing thing, right? I need all the time I can find to plan what I'll bring and change my foolish ways .

Well before my painful spending freeze that I can't wait to be over began on February 1st, I bought this dress at my favorite Goodwill store for $7.99. It's from Banana Republic and made from a quality, heavier-than-normal weight stretchy material. It's machine washable, very comfortable and only needs a few small alterations, that I will soon schedule, to make it a perfect fit.

I wore it simply. First, with a funky pearl cuff I bought in Venice in '10, pearl stud earrings and my blush pumps.

Next, I tried it with one of my Metal Pointus cuffs, a silver ring and the same blush pumps.

I wore a messy pony tail with messy bangs for a casual vibe.

So far, I have my going-out-at-night outfit out of the way. It's a beginning.

Once February's spending freeze is over in a week, I want to concentrate on finding a pair of comfortable yet chic shoes to wear sightseeing, a new bikini and coverup, and a sundress.

Are you a smart packer? Or are you like me...everything but the kitchen sink?

XO,

Adrienne

Change

2012-02-22T10:23:00.001-08:00

There are lots of changes afoot at Chez Rich Life. Changes that include an unexpected shift in family dynamics, more hours away from home for my husband, and a possible new job for me which may mean less time for volunteering, blogging and other leisurely activities. These are all positive changes, but big changes nonetheless.

Photo Credit

Change and I have a hard time getting along now that I am older. I used to be so adaptable in my youth having moved around often as a child, experiencing my parents' divorce in my teens and living on my own since I was 17.

What happened?

Now, instead of accepting change as a part of life, I try to keep things the way they are/were. Change? Well, she mocks me and creates even more changes. I'm starting to realize the more I resist her and try to push her away, the more unhappy, jittery, and unpleasant-to-live-with I become.

Struggling to accept the recent and upcoming adjustments, I searched online for help and came across this diagram that succinctly describes the various stages of coping with change.

The Change Cycle

See the "Danger Zone" at the bottom? That is where I have been for the last two days. Anxious, confused, unproductive and might I add, rather unfriendly. This wheel helped me see that what I've been experiencing is totally normal and expected. What a relief!

This morning, I am off to the gym to work off some of my tension while I wait for the anticipation, resourcefulness and energy in Stage 4 to show up (please, show up soon!). It's the only quick way I know to ease the stresses of change.

How do you cope with change?

Helpful tips are encouraged.

My family thanks you in advance :)

XO,

Adrienne

Visible Monday: Scarf Necklace

2012-02-20T07:41:00.000-08:00

Last Visible Monday I substituted the belt on my trench with a scarf. This week, I felt like playing with scarves again and wore one as a necklace after getting inspiration from this photo I found on Pinterest.

Photo Source

For my necklace, I tied a few knots in a second-hand silk Oscar de la Renta scarf I bought on eBay last year and wore it with a black T-shirt, black leather jacket, jeans and ballet flats.

It was Sunday, my husband's first day off since Wednesday. And since he doesn't have another day off for an entire week, we decided to skip the chores for the day and go on a picnic. Bill packed this easy lunch for us while I got ready.

Then we headed to Benziger Winery to picnic by their pond. When we arrived, we immediately noticed the sheep grazing in the vineyard.

They were everywhere and so vocal! We especially loved watching the young ones run and play.

Across from the sheep, our favorite picnic table was waiting next to the pond.

It was such a relaxing way to spend an hour or two. During a holiday weekend especially, we prefer a picnic lunch in nature than a meal served in a hectic restaurant.

After lunch, we started toward home but stopped off at Beltane Ranch first for a look around. We haven't been to Beltane since before we were married, over eleven years ago. We considered having our wedding there but eventually opted to elope in Maui instead.

Beltane is a beautiful and tranquil place. We stopped in at reception and were told we could wander around the property as much as we wanted and that's exactly what we did.

After we left the ranch, we popped in on some friends - unannounced, and they were good sports about it - then went home to make dinner.

Not a bad way to spend a Sunday.

How was your weekend?

Have you ever worn a scarf as a necklace?

If not, would you?

Be sure to check out who is wearing what at

Visible Monday and Monday Mingle.

XO,

Adrienne

Valentine's Day Getaway

2012-02-16T04:30:00.000-08:00

In my last post, I told you that my husband, Bill, had taken Valentine's Day off to spend with me. Not only did he take Tuesday off, but Wednesday, too.

Some generous friends of ours gave us a gift certificate a few months ago to use at a hotel in Healdsburg. Valentine's Day was the ideal occasion to use it up.

Late Tuesday morning, we left the house and headed toward Alexander Valley, a wine appellation

just outside of Healdsburg. We had Bill's son, Ryan, take a photo as we were departing.

(In case you're wondering, I decided on the hot pink trench with a red T-shirt, leopard belt, Gap blue jeans and Steve Madden blush pumps. I tied a very old heart scarf around my handbag to be festive).

Even though we are several weeks away from the official start of Spring, you would never know it. Mustard is in bloom throughout the county,

as are the darling tiny white daisies that look like freshly fallen snow.

We stopped briefly at Alexander Valley Vineyards, a very old winery and the namesake of the region.

Then started toward one of our favorite wineries, Preston Vineyards in the Dry Creek Valley appellation. I've written about my love for this winery before. I like their wine, but what I really love is petting all their kitty cats.

This orange kitty, who we drank wine with last time, was the first to welcome us. He is getting a little long in the tooth. I wonder how old he is.

Next to arrive was this lionlike fellow (or gal).

I have a special fondness for long-haired kitties.

He, or she...let's just go with "he"... came right over and hopped onto our table. They must have known we'd stopped to the Oakville Grocery for salami and gruyere. I can just imagine them saying to one another, "hey, I'll work the lady for the cheese, you work that tall guy for the meat."

The black, fluffy guy was so darn cute, I couldn't keep my hands off of him. And it shows...

he's a bit feisty.

Soon, we were surrounded by all sorts of kitties.

A grey kitty,

a grey and white kitty,

a calico kitty,

and a tabby,

From the looks of her belly, I think she may be momma.

After our picnic, we walked around the property. The trees lining the bocce court were in full bloom,

complete with the humming sound of feeding bees.

It was finally time to check into our hotel. We stayed at the Hotel Healdsburg right on the town square. We were very surprised by the spaciousness of our room.

I particularly liked the bathroom with its large, deep tub and doorless shower.

We had a view of the square and a small balcony.

After we got settled, we went for a hot tub downstairs next to the pool the got ready for dinner.

I wore the $5.00 dress just like I promised.

I brought the Mary Janes I ordered and the Steve Madden pumps so I could show you the difference between the two (the Dancing-with-the-stars shoes were a big thumbs down so I didn't bother with them).

I wore the patent Mary Janes with a wide patent belt.

Then I tried the Steve Madden pumps with a grosgrain ribbon tied as a belt, a clever idea I got from my dear reader and friend, Kathy Peck.

I wore the second look to dinner at Zin.

My favorite parts of the meal were the creamy cauliflower soup with a generous drizzle of fresh pesto and our Bvlgari San Pelligrino bottle.

I thought about bringing it home with me but decided against it. What would I do with it?

We went to sleep early after a long day. Lucky for us, our bed was comfortable and the sheets were very soft. It was easy to sleep in past 8:00, something we never get a chance to do.

We took our time packing the next morning and decided to take the long way home, taking a few photos before we left the property. This is a solarium near our room with lots of seating. I bet it's fun to hang out there during the warmer months.

(I wore the same jeans, shoes, and belt, with a black camisole, J Crew khaki blazer and gold necklaces).

I'd love to go back to Hotel Healdsburg in early fall to spend the day by the pool.

We took the long way home, through Napa Valley, and had lunch at one of our favorite places, Brix. We both had blue cheese burgers and salads, then walked through the garden area in back of the restaurant before heading over the mountains towards home.

What a great little escape we had. We weren't gone very long and we didn't go very far, but we feel as though we went on a real vacation.

If you ever visit Healdsburg, I would highly recommend the Hotel Healdsburg for your accommodations. It's a lovely place and the prices are not that high in comparison to other hotels in the area.

I'd love to hear what you think of the two different looks with the $5.00 dress.

Mary Janes or blush pumps?

Grosgrain ribbon or patent belt?

Your opinions are welcomed and encouraged!

XO,

Adrienne

Valentine's Day and Gifts from Friends

2012-02-14T04:30:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day, friends!

My thoughtful husband took the day off work to spend today with me. We are going to a town not far from us to sightsee, window shop, eat great food and drink a little wine.

I may wear this get up.

It was inspired by this one.

Banana Republic

However, it rained yesterday and I am afraid I'll get my white jeans dirty. I've been so good about keeping them stain-free all these months. I'll likely play it safe and wear blue jeans instead.

But for dinner tonight, there is no debate. The $5.00 dress is out of the shop and I'll be wearing it out this evening for the very first time.

Yesterday, I went to lunch with Giacomo. He brought this vintage Berlitz Italian language guide for travelers for me to use for our upcoming Italy trip. It's from 1954. Isn't it darling?

I think this chapter will come in handy if we happen to go to Milan. I am excited to start reviewing it.

"When You Go Shopping"

After lunch, I stopped off at my post office box. Much to my surprise, there was package there addressed not to me, but to Coco and Daisy. Who could be sending them Valentine's Day gifts?

None other than Dolce and High Heeled Life! As soon as I got home, I opened the package. For me, there was a fun notepad, purse and handbag shaped chocolates, tea, and a card.

Coco and Daisy also received a sweet card and doggie cookies! Before I let them have a taste of the biscuits, one of them needed to put on a Valentine's Day sweater for some photo ops.

I bought this sweater ages ago when Daisy was a pup. Good for her...it's still fits ;)

If this had been custom made for Daisy, it would read "Food", "Food" and "Food"

The cookies were a big hit. I gave some pieces to Louie, Murphy and of course Coco, too. Thank you HHL and cute little Dolce for your fun and thoughtful gifts.

Also in the mail, was my newest issue of Harper's Bazaar. My friend and reader, Linda, who you may recognize as LRS4Amanda, gave me a year's subscription. I can't tell you how long it's been since I even read a high fashion magazine. I spent a good hour drooling over all the incredible fashions for Spring 2012 and Gwyneth's hot bod.

Thank you, Linda! Tori thanks you, too. She loves to read it.

Last week, I received a tin of Flying Bird Botanicals Lavender and Mint Cacao from Suburban Princess.

It's not very sweet, which I like, and has an earthy and subtle mint flavor. Plus, it's organic and fair trade. Thank you, SP! You are such a dear to me.

My friend Jill of Everything Just So sent me an adorable Valentine's Day card. It's so cute I want to frame it!

I am so very fortunate to have received such thoughtful and generous gifts from lovely, lovely friends. The material gifts are so wonderful, I love them all. But the sentiments behind them are what I truly cherish and what mean the most to me. I feel very rich, indeed.

Do you have plans for Valentine's Day?

Please share what they are!

XOXO,

Adrienne

Visible Monday: Scarf Belt, Crab Feed and Nude Shoes

2012-02-12T15:54:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday, friends!

How was your weekend?

Friday, my husband, Bill, and I went to his daughter's high school for an early afternoon rally. Tori was in a lip psyching competition with five of her friends. They choreographed a dance to the song "Mr. Blue Sky" by Electric Light Orchestra.

It was such a darling performance. They walked away with first place honors and a $75.00 prize that they plan on putting towards a big dinner out for the six of them. I wish I had some photos to show you but they didn't turn out - too dark in the auditorium and we stood too far away. Darn!

After her performance, Bill and I went out to lunch. It was raining out, just a drizzle, but enough for me to wear a trench and bring an umbrella.

I have been itching to try this look I pinned to my Pinterest scarf board.

This is from the "How to Wear Your Hermès Scarf" booklet issued by Hermès in 1988.
Thank you, Marsi, for solving the mystery of its origins.

I chose my khaki Banana Republic trench (like this one) and a Celine nautical themed silk scarf in navy blue, gold and cream that I bought used on eBay last year. It's not in the best condition and has a few blemishes so I'm not too worried about sitting on it.

I folded it this way....

From Hermès and MaiTai's Picture Book

then passed it through my belt loops, after I removed the belt, of course.

We took photos after the performance and lunch,
which results in wrinkled jeans and wrinkled trench.

I wore my trench with skinny jeans, Forever 21 navy blue cable knit sweater, navy suede wedge pumps (not a smart choice for wet weather, but they survived), and a few strands of faux pearls with gold accents.

And I carried my favorite umbrella. I was being a bit dramatic carrying an umbrella - it was not really raining that much. But with this weird dry season we're having, I will take what I can get.

And added benefit of the scarf tied in back is that is cinches my waist, giving me more of a curvy silhouette.

Later that afternoon, I changed into a red top and wore my new Steve Madden patent blush colored pumps*.

Which look do you favor? I can't make up my mind. I've never worn nude pumps before and I'm not sure how I feel about them.

The rest of the weekend was all about crab! Our local fire department, the one that will soon have my husband at the helm, had its annual crab feed fundraiser. All three of Bill's kids and his son's girlfriend,Veronica, helped out along with Bill and me.

I thought I'd share a few shots from the event.

Bill, Tori and me. To give you an idea of how tall Bill and I are, Tori is 5' 8".

Tori and Veronica on crab duty.

Ryan, with just a small amount of the 1350 pounds of crab
the guys picked up in Bodega Bay that morning.

Veronica and Tori before they got crabby.

Don't forget to visit Visible Monday and Monday Mingle to see what all the participants are wearing today!

XO,

Adrienne

* All three pairs of shoes I mentioned ordering in this post have arrived but the dress they're meant for is in the shop for repairs. The dress will be back in my possession by week's end and I'll be sure to post photos wearing all three pairs of shoes, but not at the same time.

Heart-to-Heart with my Heart

2012-02-11T11:36:00.000-08:00

You may or may not know that I was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation back in May of last year (you can read about it more here, if you're interested).

Since my diagnosis, I have not had any atrial fibrillation episodes per se, but I have had many skips and palpitations, some so forceful that I call them cartwheels. And I occasionally experience a pounding heart beat that feels as though my heart will thrust itself right out of my chest and I am not doing a thing but laying in bed. Not fun.

Because I have regular reminders of my condition, I live in fear of having an a-fib episode, or a stroke or that I will just drop dead one day soon. It's always in the back - or the front - of my mind. Also, not fun.

The fear has been keeping me from exercising vigorously. For months on end, the extent of my workouts have been occasional 30 minute walks at a moderate pace with a few hills. As soon as I feel my heart pound in my chest, as it should do when I exercise, I pull back.

I decided today, after having an internal heart-to-heart with myself and my heart, this self-prescribed laziness has got to end. I am being irrational, overly dramatic and worried about my condition when my cardiologist has already told me it's okay to workout.

Why today of all days? My friend Christy (not her real name) invited me months ago to a circuit training class at a local fitness center. I canceled not once, but twice. My reasons were legitimate, but I was secretly relieved when I rescheduled. Today was the big day. I had no good reason to not attend this morning.

I woke up feeling queasy with nerves, forced myself to eat some breakfast and headed toward the fitness center, all the while giving myself pep talks.

When I arrived, the energetic owner greeted me and asked me a few questions about my fitness level. He asked me to rate my cardio fitness from 1 to 5. I told him I was a 2 (which is probably generous). His response to that was to tell me I would not be taking his class today. It's for people who rate themselves 3.5 and above.

I admit this was hard for my ego to hear. After all, I used to be a personal trainer and taught a fitness class several years back. But I knew he was right and I was more than a little relieved to not participate in the class.

Instead, I watched from the sidelines while walking and sometimes even jogging on the treadmill for over an hour. The circuit class is no joke! It is a super intense, non-stop workout that lasts a full hour. The students wear heart monitors and their stats can be seen on different tv screens around the facility. These people are working to their maximum! I so admire them.

Now I want to get strong and take this class, too.

The owner and I came up with a plan to get me to that goal. First, he told me to ditch the fear and get excited about working out again. Then we decided I would spend the next two to three weeks getting back in cardiovascular shape by using his treadmills and elliptical machines regularly. I signed up for a one month trial membership and have decided to take the circuit training class on March 3rd. Eeek!

For my heart health, I will continue to take my daily aspirin, magnesium supplement, get enough sleep, keep stress at bay, limit caffeine and alcohol and stop worrying about my heart all the damn time.

Not only do I want a strong and healthy heart and to overcome my fears around vigorous exercise, I want to look and feel great this spring and summer. Did I mention the Tuscan villa has a pool? It does and this is what I want to be wearing while I lounge by it:

Nordstrom

I am excited by my new found interest in working out and look forward to overcoming my numerous heart-related fears.

Are you a vigorous exerciser?

If so, do you ever worry about overexerting yourself*?

XO,

Adrienne

* euphemism for "dropping dead in the middle of a workout"

Let's Talk Leopard (and Cheetah) Prints

2012-02-10T08:54:00.000-08:00

Shortly before January came to an end and my spending freeze began, I bought this silk leopard print scarf from Etsy for $16.00.

I bought it here

I like the combination of light blue, gold and leopard mixed with a chain print. It's something a little different from the standard cat print we're so used to seeing.

Earlier this week, I wore it to coffee with Giacomo. I'm wearing my $5.00 black sheath dress with a short-sleeved turtleneck, tights and a Metal Pointus cuff.

When I wore it to see Giacomo, I opted for tall black boots instead of pumps and I wore my hair down instead of in a sock bun. With my 6'2" height, plus 3" heels and a high bun, it was a bit much for coffee at a retirement community's cafe.

Since I received this scarf, I've been thinking more about animal prints, specifically the leopard and cheetah variety. I have many items in my closet that are leopard and cheetah print including shoes, handbags, jewelry, belts, sweaters and coats. I pretty much have the kitty look covered and have decided I won't add anymore to my wardrobe.

It's not that I don't like leopard and cheetah prints, because I do. See? I've been wearing it since toddlerhood.

Me at 2-years-old, maybe 3 (?) with my Granny Louise, who is 94.
1969 or '70.

Sometimes I think the trend will soon die out. But what the heck do I know? I'm just a housewife...certainly no fashion expert. After all, leopard and cheetah patterns have been in style for decades upon decades.

I'd like to hear your thoughts.

Do you think leopard and cheetah prints will remain a classic style?

Or will cat prints soon be an outdated fashion "don't"?

Meow!

Adrienne

Saving for something special

2012-02-09T05:36:00.000-08:00

On February 1st, I began another spending freeze on clothes, makeup and unnecessary toiletries. Faux Fuchsia planted the seed in my mind with her own Frugal February. When I read she was taking a break from spending, I decided I was about due, too.

Ever since the holiday season got into full swing last November, I have been buying stuff like crazy. I don't know about you, but shopping for gifts for other people usually turns into shopping for gifts for me. Even once the holidays concluded, my spending continued.

Instead of a two month spending freeze like last time, this one will only last a month. Hopefully that will be enough time to dampen my desire for acquisitions and I can return to a shopping-with-a-purpose mentality rather than mindlessly buying.

Besides not accumulating more stuff and not wasting time shopping, my spending freeze has other purposes: to save money, of course, and work on my wardrobe.

By "work" I mean:

~ Rid myself of clothes that no longer serve me because they are ill-fitting and/or unflattering, worn out, or just not likable - much easier said than done. I am still working on the last 4 or 5 items in my Use it or Lose it Zone.

~ Concentrate on the clothes that are staying and take the time that I would normally spend shopping to create new looks with them.

~ Find out where the gaps are in my wardrobe and keep track of them in my journal and/or on Pinterest. For example. I decided I would like a white, single-button blazer for summer. I found this one here, pinned to to my Planned Purchases board and will buy it, or one like it, when my spending freeze has come to an end.

The other purpose of the spending freeze is to save money. I'm not one to save money simply because it's wise to do so. I wish I was a natural saver, but I'm not. However, I am motivated to save money for something...something like a great trip.

Bill and I are going to Italy and Switzerland. His best friend, who introduced us 13 years ago, has a milestone birthday coming up and wants to celebrate with his closest friends in Tuscany. Although we weren't planning on any big trips until 2013, we couldn't pass this by.

Since Bill and I will be traveling such a long distance, we decided to add more time to our trip and see Switzerland* as well.

I've not been blogging much this week because besides working a lot, I've been walking hills almost daily to prepare myself for hiking in the Alps and for hanging by the pool at the villa. And I've been reading all the books about Switzerland I can get my hands on. I even created a Pinterest board where I keep all the jaw-droppingly gorgeous photos I come across.

So far, this one is my favorite. My father sent it to me the other day.

Berggasthaus Aescher-Wildkirchli

I'm not one for five star, or even four star hotels when we travel in Europe. I'd much rather stay somewhere with character, a place I will remember. And I can't imagine I'd ever forget an evening at Berggasthaus Aescher-Wilkirchli.

At the moment, I am inspired to do the three things I am always trying to find inspiration to do: save money, get in shape and create that small, versatile, and lovable wardrobe I've been wanting for years. I shall enjoy this phase while it lasts!

XO,

Adrienne

* We've never been to Switzerland and would enjoy any suggestions from those of you who've been there.

Visible Monday: Turquoise Beads and a Bun

2012-02-05T17:19:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday!

I hope you all had a pleasant weekend.

Tori and I spent Saturday evening together. Bill was working at the firehouse for 24 hours, so it was just us chickens. We made dinner, watched Midnight in Paris while lying in bed, and combed the Internet for new hairstyle ideas.

We came across a couple of videos for sock buns (watch our favorite one here). We found out that when you wear a sock bun overnight, it curls your hair (video here).

Since we are both always on the lookout for new ways to make curls, we were eager to try this method. We quickly got to work making 'sock donuts' out of an old pair of Tori's volleyball socks.

It took a a few tries and we ended up having to help each other, but we managed to get our silly buns positioned on top of our heads properly.

We watched the movie, then went to sleep with our buns intact.

Sunday morning, we undid our buns. We had a few waves here and few curls there; not the look we'd imagined. But all is not lost. By learning how to make these, we discovered an easy, pin-less way to create a full, round, symmetrical bun.

For Visible Monday and Monday Mingle, I decided to wear my new bun with a new necklace I found via Pinterest a few weeks back.

Find yours here.

Instantly, I fell in love with these faux turquoise beads. But when I went to buy the necklace, it was sold out. I put my email on a notification list and a short time later, I was informed it was back in stock. Just in time, too. It was the end of January, before my spending freeze for February commenced.

A necklace like this begs for a simple outfit. What could be more simple than a black pencil skirt, black turtleneck, and black pumps?

I want to try this necklace with jeans and a white top next. I'm sure there are lots of colors I can wear with this vibrant turquoise. I'd love to hear your suggestions.

Please remember to check out who's showing off what

at Not Dead Yet Style's Visible Monday and Monday Mingle.

XO,

Adrienne

The Versatile Blogger Award

2012-02-03T04:45:00.000-08:00

It's been a long time since I have received a blog award. I was just thinking the other day that it would be fun to participate in one again and lo and behold, I was nominated for two Versatile Blogger Awards last week.

First, I was awarded by Carrie of Expressive Style. Please check out Carrie's blog. You will love how effortlessly the fashionable Carrie creates chic looks by combining new items with great thrifted finds.

A few days later, I was given the award by Jeannie of Gracefully 50. I have a hard time believing beautiful Jeannie is a day over 35. She looks fantastic and has excellent taste (and a handbag collection I dream about).

Thank you Carrie and Jeannie! I appreciate you both for thinking of me.

These are the rules of the Versatile Blogger Award are:

1. Add the Versatile Award photo on a blog post

2. Thank the award-giver and link back to them in your post.

3. Share 7 things about myself.

4. Pass the award along to 15 favorite bloggers.

5. Contact the chosen bloggers to let them know about the award.

1) When I was 22-years-old, I dropped out of college and moved back to Las Vegas, where I grew up, with a boyfriend. I looked high and low for a job and finally found one as a cocktail waitress at a seedy country-western bar in a bad neighborhood called The Silver Dollar Saloon. I worked the 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. shift, five days a week for $20.00 cash per shift, plus tips. After seven months of that, I moved back to San Francisco, re-enrolled in college and got my bachelor's degree.

A dear friend of mine from high school sent me this shot a few weeks ago.
It's called the Silver Saddle now, but it looks just the same...kinda like a strip club.

2) I can't cook without wearing an apron. It's feels weird and uncomfortable for me to not wear one. In fact, I am currently wearing an apron as I type this as I just made a batch of spaghetti sauce.

3) With the exception of my two years living in a dormitory during college, I've always lived with at least one cat...since infancy. Even when my numerous landlords in San Francisco told me I could not have a cat, I had a cat.

Current cat. His name is "Kitty". He thinks he's a dog.

4) I've never broken a bone. I'll probably regret putting that in writing.

5) I have a sister, Natalie, who is a brilliant, kind and beautiful 24-year-old. She is getting her Ph.D. in Writing in the U.K. Check out her beautiful blog here and remember her because she will be a best-selling novelist someday.

6) Prior to moving back to Las Vegas, I lived in San Francisco on the corner of Ashbury and Fell streets, just a short distance from Haight-Ashbury. A few months before I moved, a film crew arrived on my street to film the Oliver Stone movie, The Doors. Loads of extras decked out in groovy '60's costumes would walk to and from the costume trailer parked just outside my door all day long. One night, I awoke at 3:00 a.m. to the sound of a cast member singing "Touch Me" at the top of his lungs in the panhandle section of Golden Gate Park. If I could go back in time, I'd change out of my pajamas and head over to join the party!

7) I was in a Supercuts commercial when I was 19 in 1986. I check YouTube every now and then to see if I can find it. So far, no luck.

So 15 bloggers is a bit much for me. Especially since I have been tagged for the "11 Things" that has been circulating and will be posting next week. So let's stick with the number seven.

~ Falling Off a High-heeled Life

~ The Distressed Mother

~ Northern California Style

~ Joyfull Follies

~ Notes in the Key of Life

~ The Pink Leopard

~ Cupcake Caramel

We all enjoy learning a few new things about one another but please don't feel obligated to "do" your award if it's not your thing or you are too busy.

Happy Friday!

XO,

Adrienne

How I Wear My: Lace

2012-02-01T04:30:00.000-08:00

For a “How I Wear My” post in February, how could Jill of Everything Just So and I lose with lace? And judging by its appearance in magazines and on runways lace is hot right now, but does it ever really go out of style?

Both the young and the not-so-young are embracing lace this season. I recruited two of my favorite teens to show us how they wear their lace.

My husband and I spent last weekend at the beach in the RV. We invited Tori, my 17-year-old stepdaughter and 18-year-old Veronica, Tori's brother's girlfriend, to come out and join us for lunch and photos on Saturday. They both wore lace just for this post.

Tori shows us her Forever 21 off-white lace dress...

And Veronica wears a rose-beige lace top from Forever 21.

That's how the younger set does lace. Now for a more "mature" look...

I have very little lace in my wardrobe outside of undergarments. Last month, while buying new bras at a local boutique, I found this Hanky Panky lace camisole in white. It's become a versatile layering piece that adds a touch of femininity, especially to my thrifted tuxedo jacket.

It was breezy out so I wore my hair in a new kind of side ponytail.

I found this instructional video on the Birch Box website. You can also make it into a messy side bun if your hair isn't too long.

I had a wonderful time playing dress up with the girls at the beach. It was so kind of them to participate in our How I Wear My: Lace post.

A big thank you to my sweet and patient husband, Bill, for taking all of our many, many photos.

For March, won’t you take a look in your own closet and pull out something you just love, something you can’t imagine living without?

Jill and I are on a spending freeze for February (pinky swear!) and want to focus on things we already own so next month’s post will be “How I Wear My: Most Cherished Wardrobe Item.”

Send Jill or me a picture of yourself in the piece you treasure above all others and we will include you in our post on March 1!

Please visit Jill's blog, Everything Just So,

to see how Jill and the other participants are wearing lace.

XO,

Adrienne

1 Item, 5 Ways: Black Sheath Dress

2012-01-31T09:07:00.000-08:00

I am teaming up with the stunning Amy of lowcarbhighstyle for her "January 1 item, 5 ways" post. I read Amy's December post featuring her faux fur vest worn 5 ways (actually, 6) and asked if I could join her this month. She's so kind; she readily agreed.

You've seen my black sheath dress quite a bit on the blog. I bought it at Bon Marché thrift shop in Sonoma back in November for $5.00, then had it altered for another $20.00. For only $25.00, I've been able to wear this dress five times, five different ways.

The first time I wore the dress was to my husband's fire department holiday party in December.

I'm trying to post photos I haven't used before.
Pardon the absence of my feet in the photo.

I wore it again New Year's Eve.

Then I tried a work look with a belt and a white button-down (thrifted, $3.99) underneath.

And just the other day, I added a touch of color and layered it with a cobalt blue H & M shirt and textured stockings.

Finally, in an effort to wear my one and only Hermès scarf more often, I tied the scarf around my neck and wore an ancient leopard jacket I bought in 1996.

There you have it! One dress, five ways.

Aside from jeans, it's my most versatile piece.

What item in your wardrobe is the most versatile?

Be sure to visit Amy to see how cleverly and stylishly
she wears her black sheath.

XO,

Adrienne

****It's not too late to participate in "How I Wear My: Lace". Just email a photo to me or Jill of yourself wearing your lace piece no later than the end of day on January 31st. It can be anything from a lace dress to a lacy pair of gloves, even lace jewelry or shoes.
Be sure to tell us a bit about your item and we will will feature you.****

Visible Monday: Geek Chic and my 400th post

2012-01-30T09:34:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday!

I just returned home very early this morning from a beautiful and relaxing weekend at the coast in the RV. I brought my laptop with me and intended to respond to every comment from the last post while looking out over the ocean waters.

You can't imagine how much I appreciate the kind words, advice, and encouragement from you all. It's really quite overwhelming. I treasure this blog community of ours.

My plans to respond to comments were railroaded by a malfunctioning wi-fi card. The moment we plugged it in, the light turned red and it wouldn't take a charge. All I had for the weekend was some limited online service on my cell phone.

Initially, I was exasperated but quickly realized it was a blessing. I was due for a good unplugging.

Instead of typing away on my laptop, I went for long beach walks with Bill, spent Saturday afternoon with Tori and my stepson's lovely girlfriend, Veronica, and Sunday, some longtime friends of ours came out to the coast for brunch. Bill made scrambled eggs with fresh crab while we caught up with one another.

It was a lovely weekend. Exactly what I needed to clear my mind. Today, I will respond to comments and catch up on blog reading while I am feeling fresh and rejuvenated.

The camera, thankfully, was working just fine. For today's Visible Monday and Monday Mingle, I'm wearing a brand new pair of glasses.

Photo Credit

Last week, I went to the optometrist for my annual check up. I expected my doctor would prescribe readers for me. I have trouble reading teeny tiny print, the size you find on the bottom of a lipstick tube.

To my delight, my doctor says I am not ready for full-time readers. I'm not opposed to wearing them, but dread the idea of having to carry one more thing around with me. My doctor recommended I buy a pair of lightly magnified readers from the drugstore for a few bucks that I can keep around the house to use when I need to read something small.

To celebrate not needing to buy a nice pair of readers, I treated myself to a new pair of glasses for my nearsightedness. I found these Marc Jacobs frames and used up my insurance allowance to help off-set the cost.

What I didn't do, because I'm tight-wad, is order the glare-free lenses. I am calling the optometrist's office today to see if it's not too late to add the coating. The majority of the photos had so much glare, you couldn't see my eyes. Lesson learned: it is not always a good thing to scrimp.

I've gotten on the "Geek Chic" bandwagon with the hostess of the humble bungalow. Don't I look a little smarter?

Are you a fan of the geek chic/nerd chic look?

Murphy is.

I think he looks very dapper in his spectacles.

World's most patient and tolerant dog.

It's going to be a busy week here on The Rich Life. Tomorrow, I am linking up with the beautiful Amy of lowcarbhighstyle blog for a fashion post. Wednesday* is "How I Wear My: Lace" post with Jill of Everything Just So. And I've got a few non-fashion things planned, too.

This marks my 400th post! I never imagined I could come up with 400 things to blog about.

Please visit Not Dead Yet Style for Visible Monday and Mom Trends for Monday Mingle to see what all the lovely participants are featuring this Monday.

XO,

Adrienne

*To participate in "How I Wear My: Lace", email a photo to me or Jill of yourself wearing your lace piece no later than the end of day on January 30th. It can be anything from a lace dress to a lacy pair of gloves, even lace jewelry or shoes. Be sure to tell us a bit about your item and we will will feature you.

Not Taking it Personally

2012-01-26T13:20:00.000-08:00

This week I received a negative comment from an anonymous person. I won't go into specifics, but it was hurtful. Not egregious, but certainly insulting.

What matters and what bothers me is how I reacted to it. I won't lie to you, it wasn't my ideal reaction.

Initially, I was very surprised by the comment's tone and presumptuousness. Then, I felt offended, hurt and picked on. I admit that I let that one comment dominate my day. And that is not okay with me.

I've been noticing that I take things more personally lately and I don't like that feeling. It distracts me from all the wonderful things I want to be thinking about. And it makes me feel badly about myself.

I knew I needed to address it a couple of weeks ago when something else happened that I took personally. But I didn't. I let it continue. Then out of nowhere, I get my snarkiest comment yet. Time to take action.

You may remember a post I wrote at the beginning of the year about my experiences working with my life-coach-turned-friend, Kay.

When we first began working together, we filled in my personal Wheel of Life and discussed each wedge in depth before tackling a big problem of mine: taking things personally.

I had, and still have, someone in my life (not a family member, friend, co-worker or neighbor) who made it abundantly clear that she did not want me around, did not want me to be happy and didn't like me. Of course, I took everything she said or did personally. And my life became a toxic, miserable drama.

During one life coaching session, Kay told me I can't ever take anything personally from anyone. That did not register in my brain. How could I NOT take something personally that was intended for me, to hurt me, to be personal?

I went through a litany of situations with Kay that I thought must be personal affronts from this person to try to prove my point.

But Kay stood her ground. She told me that I can't take things personally because it's not about me, it's about the other person. Then she handed me a book on the subject, The Four Agreements.

The second agreement in Don Miguel Ruiz's book is "Don't Take Anything Personally".

Here are some excerpts from that chapter that I found interesting:

"Nothing other people do is because of you. It is because of themselves."

"Even when a situation seems so personal, even if others insult you directly, it has nothing to do with you."

"When you take things personally, you feel offended, and your reaction is to defend your beliefs and create conflicts. You make something big out of something little, because you have the need to be right and make everybody else wrong."

"Taking things personally makes you easy prey for those predators who try to send you emotional poison. They can hook you easily with one little opinion, and feed you all their emotional garbage. When you take it personally, you eat it up, and now it becomes your garbage. But if you don't take it personally, you are immune to their poison; you will not eat it. Immunity to emotional poison is the gift of this agreement."

The author would have told me to ignore or delete the comment and go about my business as usual, "giving" the comment back to Anonymous. But I saw a one-time* opportunity to discuss taking things personally openly.

When Kay first introduced me to this book when I was in my mid-30's, I had a hard time believing I would ever stop taking things from the aforementioned individual personally. It seemed an impossibility. But I did it. I have overcome my issues with this person and realize her ill feelings towards me are about her, not me and my ill feelings towards her are about me, not her.

Now, I am working on reframing my thoughts about day in and day out negativity. It's not about the message, it's how I choose to react to it.

It's clear I have far from mastered not taking things personally. But I am working on it. I believe The Four Agreements is a valuable tool for not only learning how to not take things personally but to not assume, to be impeccable my word and to always do my best (the other three agreements).

How do you handle negative comments on your blog,
if you have one and if you get them?

Or unwarranted criticism at work?

How about negativity from family or friends?

Do you let it get to you?

Or do you believe it's never about you, but about them?

XO,

Adrienne

*I say 'one-time' because future insulting comments will be promptly deleted forever.

Losing and Using

2012-01-25T11:34:00.000-08:00

Thank you for all the great feedback about the H & M wide-striped top. Wow! Sixty-two opinions in all.

Here is what I learned from you all:

1) I shouldn't have to work so hard to make a simple item like this top look passable.

2) A wide white stripe around one's middle is not flattering. Thank you, Jessica, for bringing this to my attention.

3) It should not surprise me that an $8.00 top is not made of quality fabric and will therefore fade quickly and shrink. Annie pointed out that H & M items often don't stand up to multiple washings. I washed my top twice and the black is already fading.

4) Many of you mentioned that you thought it looked "okay" on me, not great. I agree. There is no reason to take up closet space on an item that looks just "okay".

I appreciate everyone who thought the top was a winner. I came so close to keeping it. But in the end, I decided to lose it based on the reasons listed above. I will try black and white stripes again, but nothing as wide as the stripes on that top and it must be of good quality.

Also leaving my Use it or Lose it Zone for the consignment shop is this sweater.

So cute on the hanger. So unflattering on me.

I love it on a hanger, but on me it's fussy. It doesn't tie correctly and I always have to readjust it. Besides being fussy, it's fuzzy. I have never in my life seen a sweater pill the way this one pills.

The last time I wore this sweater was December 11th, 2010. It's been over 13 months! Time to say farewell.

And this green number has been on the chopping block for far, far too long. The final decisions came down to #4. It looks just "okay" on me. It's got to go!

The J. Crew jeans I wear often on the blog have also been ousted.

I have gotten more than my $30.00 worth from them. A reader commented on a recent post that they don't look flattering on me. I used my most discerning eye and decided she was right. I have never once felt great in them.

The Ralph Lauren choker shown below was not part of the Use it or Lose it Zone as I haven't gotten around to my cleaning out my jewelry yet. But this large chain has been on my radar since my denim-on-denim post.

It didn't lay properly last time I wore it and I wasn't sure why. This time, I laid it out and repositioned some of the links before putting it on. That seemed to do the trick!

It's was interviewed with an H & M cobalt blue ballet top, $5.00 thrifted sheath dress, striped stockings, and Clarks Water Row booties.

The choker passed its interview and will be staying. I have eliminated four items from my Use it or Lose it Zone so far. There are 12 more items left to interview before March 1st. It's a long way off, but I have some hard cases in my closet coming up.

What do you have in your closet that you can interview this week?

XO,

Adrienne

****A reminder that Jill and I are preparing for our "How I Wear My..." post that will be published on February 1st. This time we are featuring *lace* and would love for you to join us! You do not have to have a blog to participate...it's open to everyone.

Just email a photo to me or Jill of yourself wearing your lace piece no later than January 30th. It can be anything from a lace dress to a lacy pair of gloves, even lace jewelry or shoes. Be sure to tell us a bit about your item and we will will feature you!

Thoughts on Aging

2012-01-24T09:30:00.000-08:00

The day I turned 30, I spent the better part of two hours crying my eyes out on a barstool accompanied by my two best girlfriends. Thirty may as well have been 90, for all I cared. I thought I was washed up. Too old to find love. Too old to be really successful in my career. And too old to be attractive. You can imagine how much fun my girlfriends had celebrating my birthday with me.

Looking back on that day, I can see how stupid, how truly idiotic, it was of me to behave that way. But those were my thoughts and emotions 14 years ago and I can't pretend I didn't once feel that way about growing older.

I don't know where my fear of aging came from. I've had it since my teens. I found a note I'd written in 1985 to my best friend in high school in which I detailed how upset I was to be turning 18!

You would think that my long-held beliefs that aging is to be feared and dreaded and combatted would only worsen as I got older. But just the opposite has happened. I have overcome my fears, my hangups, my hysteria about aging through my own maturity and through my volunteer work with seniors.

I thought I'd share what helps me feel better, excited even, about getting older:

1) I remind myself that most things in life are relative. Forty-four years old sounds old when I compare it to 24 years. But compare it to 94 years and I'm practically a child!

2) Appreciate, don't bemoan, my years. At forty-four, I have gained wisdom and life experience. I have savviness and maturity that I most certainly didn't have a decade ago.

3) If I think it, I am it. As Mark Twain said, ""Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter."

4) Through my volunteer job, I am able to spend lots of time with people older than me - much older. Many are vibrant, productive, healthy, and sharp-minded people who are in their 70's, 80's and even 90's. Spending time with young-at-heart seniors makes me feel young and hopeful for the future.

5) I am proud of my age. I don't hide it. I don't lie about it. And I don't avoid the topic. I would rather be a great looking 44-year-old than lie about my age and be a so-so 39-year-old.

6) Growing older is better than the alternative.

7) Aging is a part of life. And it's always in fashion. Everyone is doing it!

8) My senior friends have taught me that the best way to stay young is with a positive attitude, a healthy lifestyle and good sense of humor. And lots of exercise for the body and the mind. It goes to show that there really are ways to stay young in heart and mind your entire life.

9) I spend time with younger people. I can't help feeling young around the young. I have several girlfriends in their 20's and 30's. Age doesn't seem to matter to them or to me.

10) I ask myself: Would I really want to turn back the clock ten, twenty or thirty years if given the opportunity? No! I would not want to relive the insecurities, that feeling of not really knowing who I was, and lack life experiences. I already went through that stage. I want to move forward not backward.

********************************************

Every week, I have coffee with an 85-year-old Italian man who I will call Giacomo (his real life name is even more Italian, if you can believe it). We met back in early November when he contacted me to become a Friendly Visitor volunteer.

During our first visit, Giacomo and I hit it off. We decided we would meet again the following week for coffee. This pattern has continued since and he has become a dear, dear friend of mine.

What keeps Giacomo young is exercising every day by walking 30 to 40 minutes, including a brisk walk up a very steep hill in his neighborhood. He stays busy with a long list of to-dos including home improvement projects. And he volunteers his time to help fellow seniors. He drives a red sports car and always dresses nicely.

Last week, Giacomo gave me a DVD he searched high and low for. It touched me when he told me the lengths he went to to locate the film; he is such a sweet man. I am so glad Giacomo found it because it is a fantastic movie.

It's called Young at Heart. Watch the trailer below. You'll see why I love this film.

‎

For Giacomo, I ordered Over 90 and Loving It this week. I saw this documentary on PBS several weeks ago. It made me cry, four times to be exact. And it made me laugh, too. It is such an inspirational documentary and it truly made me feel excited about growing older and hopeful about my future.

How do you feel about your age?

About aging, in general?

Do you embrace your age or dread getting older?

XO,

Adrienne

Visible Monday: Use it or Lose it!

2012-01-23T04:32:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a great weekend.

I mentioned in my last post that I off-loaded close to 60 items of clothing and accessories last Thursday. My closet is now mostly filled with things I enjoy wearing because they are in great condition, flattering on me, classic, current and versatile.

Mostly.

During the clean out, I amassed a pile of clothes that I'm unsure about; I'm not ready to say farewell but not certain I want to hang onto them either.

Instead of promptly sending the pile off to donation or consignment, I decided to hold on to it for a limited time. I created a small section of my closet just for these clothes and I named it the "Use it or Lose it Zone". Items in the this area of my closet will be worn, or rather interviewed, between now and March 1st.

After I interview each piece, I'll decide whether to keep it or "lose it". If I decide to keep it, it goes on the rack with all of my other clothes. If I decide to lose it, it goes to donation or consignment by March 1st.

Currently, there are 16 items in the "Use it or Lose it Zone". Since I only have 38 days to get through 16 items, I thought I had better get moving!

I selected a wide-striped, long-sleeved T-shirt for my first item to interview. I bought this back in November during a shopping trip for Tori's birthday. It was on sale at H & M for $8.00. I have never worn it.

My fear of stripes has subsided, but it lingers where wide stripes are concerned. Saturday, I wore this outfit.

This new denim skirt arrived on Friday. It's a little shorter and a little smaller than my old one - that went to donation - and only cost me $29.50. I think it looks loads better on me than the old one.

Since the only belt I own that fits this skirt is accented with gold, I went with gold for accessorizing. I wore a chunky gold watch with a chunky link bracelet, gold and silver choker-length necklace, and a Kate Spade leopard handbag with gold accents.

I added a black trench for warmth...

and style. Trenches make every outfit look a little more chic, don't you think?

After working on thinning my closet out for the better part of three days, I am starting to lose objectivity so, as usual, I am asking for your opinion. I'm starting to wonder how I ever dressed myself before the blog.

Should I continue to 'use' this top? Or is it time to lose it?

Would you create a special section for your "maybe" clothes?

Or are you braver than me and quickly dispose of your "maybes"?

Check out all the great bloggers featured today

over at Visible Monday at Not Dead Yet Style blog
and Monday Mingle at Glamamom!

XO,

Adrienne

Drinking Chocolate, Patent Shoes and other stuff

2012-01-21T18:56:00.000-08:00

Thank you, thank you, thank you for all of your wonderful comments on my last post! I appreciate each of you taking the time to tell me your thoughts.

It was like wearing my dress in a really large room filled with lots and lots of friends who willingly and kindly gave their feedback. I wish I could do that with all of you in real life! I guess the blog version will have to do.

The decision is: the dress is staying, of course!

A reoccurring idea many of you had was to wear black patent heels with the dress. I'm on the fence about patent leather shoes and wonder if they would be too match-matchy with the belt. I will soon find out as I ordered two pairs of patent shoes from Zappos. Lovely reader, Gigi, left a link for me to these mary janes.

Zappos

Aren't they beautiful? Thank you, Gigi!

And I found this pair:

Zappos

Not sure about them. I keep thinking they look a little too "Dancing with the Stars".

Both pairs will be here early next week. I can't be certain I'll keep either. Thankfully, Zappos has free return shipping.

Edit: After reading a few comments from you about blush colored pumps with the dress, I located and ordered these from Steve Madden. Unless they are horrid in person or ill-fitting, I'll keep them regardless of how they look with the $5.00 dress. Amongst my 57 items that are going away are a pair of very old and very beat up nude shoes.

Steve Madden

The rounded toe and thicker heel is ideal for my body shape (Pear/Vase) and height. And the price is great at just $50.00.

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Tori, my 17-year-old stepdaughter, stayed home sick on Wednesday and Thursday. Once she was up to it, I asked her to help me clean out my closet. All she had to do was relax and watch me try on clothes, giving me the thumbs up or the thumbs down on each item.

I got 57 thumbs down. Fifty-seven!! Some went to consignment, but most will be going to donation. In that donation bag are a few of of my Goodwill finds including this denim dress that is too baggy. And I'm not in love with it enough to have it tailored*.

What I realized through this experience is that having a friend, someone who will be honest and whose opinion you value, present while you thin out your wardrobe is so very helpful and productive.
By the way, Tori is all better, thankfully.

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Friday afternoon, when Tori got home from school, we shared a small cup of drinking chocolate. I discovered this luxury last week. Bliss and I had been chatting one morning and she mentioned she was enjoying a hot cocoa made with almond milk. That sounded so tasty and comforting, it was on my mind all day.

While at the market later, I came across an organic unsweetened* drinking chocolate made by Dagoba. I grabbed it, picked up some unsweetened almond milk and headed home.

I made my first cup right when I arrived home. I don't eat sugar so I sweetened my drinking chocolate with Truvia, a stevia-based sugar substitute.

Here is how I made mine:

Pour 8 ounces of almond milk into a sauce pan. Heat until you start to see it steam a little. Add the chocolate (the directions tell you to use 4 tablespoons. I think that's too much. I just use 3) and whisk until well blended. Pour into your favorite cup and add sugar or sweetener to taste. That's it!

Drinking chocolate is very rich, extremely chocolatey and satisfying. It will warm your cockles. And, it's healthy! This recipe is low carb (4 carb per 4 tablespoons of chocolate), low fat (4 grams per 4 tablespoons) and low calorie (50 for 4 tablespoons)! If you are a chocolate lover, you will love this hot drink.

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This Sunday will be football day around here. Neither my husband nor I are big sports fans, but the San Francisco 49ers are in the playoffs and if they win, they are going to the Super Bowl!

GO NINERS!!

I'll be home all day cooking, doing laundry and blogging my little heart out while we watch the game.

Are you watching the games Sunday?

If so, who are you rooting for?

If not, what are your Sunday plans?

XO,

Adrienne

*If anyone would like to have the denim dress, I'd be more than happy to mail it, on me, to a US or Canadian address. It's a Liz Claiborne and a size M, but it's roomy. It could easily fit a large. It's in great condition. Shoot me an email if you would like it to therichlifeonabudget (at) gmail (dot) com. EDIT: The denim dress has been spoken for. It's heading to a reader in Texas!

* I adhere to a low carb diet. Rebekah from Cupcake Caramel and I write about our lifestyle on Sugarless, Flourless and Fabulous! Please visit if you're interested in knowing more.

The $5.00 Dress

2012-01-19T04:30:00.000-08:00

So here it is!

The $5.00 dress I promised to show you.

I read each and every one of your comments from the other day. You had such helpful advice ranging from taking the sleeves off - a brilliant idea - to wearing a black slip - another brilliant idea - to quickly sending the thing back to Goodwill - which may be its destiny depending on how things go today.

I decided not to spend any money on accessorizing this dress. Everything I added, I already owned: a black slip, black patent belt, black clutch and black kid pumps. They aren't my ideal accessories, but they will do for now. I ditched the belt loops and the rope belt, by the way.

So what do you think?

Keep it, wear it and invest in patent pumps? Maybe modify the sleeves?

Or send it on its merry way back to Goodwill?

As always, your thoughts are much appreciated.

XO,

Adrienne

Tuxedo Jacket and a Half-up Bun

2012-01-18T04:30:00.000-08:00

Last week, I posted a photo of my hair in a half-up braid and asked for your opinion. The braid got mixed reviews. Some of you liked it but most of you didn't. And, after looking at it more objectivley, I think it's better suited for a very casual outfit; maybe a summery look with a simple sundress and flat sandals would be more appropriate.

I struggle to do different things with my hair. I like it long, so I'm not willing to give up length in order to get versatility. And it's very thick. Hairstyles like a French Twist or a Gibson Roll are desirable, but hard to achieve because of my hair's weight. My creativity is a bit limited where my hair is concerned.

A few days ago, I was pleasantly surprised when I received this link from Kathy Peck. It has some great hairstyle ideas for partial up-dos. And it featured my favorite royal princess, Kate Middleton.

When I was a teenager, I used to wear my hair in a half-up bun frequently. I had forgotten all about this style until I saw these photos of the Duchess of Cambridge wearing one during her trip to America last year.

Credit

Here is my version.

I pulled up half my hair on top, put it in a pony tail, then wrapped it into a bun, securing with bobby pins. The rest of the hair, I curled with a 1.5" curling iron. That was it! It probably took me 10 minutes total. I wore it that way all day, even when I was doing menial house chores.

Have you ever tried a half-up bun?

Thank you, Kathy, for re-introducing me to such an elegant and easy way to wear my hair.

I wore my new hairstyle with a recent thrift find: a black tuxedo jacket from New York and Company for $9.99 - a little more expensive than my standard thrifty finds.

I have never owned a tuxedo jacket but have always wanted to. Surprisingly, I was a little stumped about how to wear it. Most of the google images feature a tuxedo jacket with either black pants or jeans and either a white top or a black one.

I went with Joe's Twiggy jeans, a white H & M tank and black ballet flats. The jacket was calling for a little sparkle, so I wore my 11th anniversary necklace and simple diamond studs.

Do you own a tuxedo jacket?

Maybe you can tell me what else can I wear it with.

I'm on the lookout for a few new outfit ideas.

In my next post, I'm wearing this:

A thrifted $5.00 peachy/beige/flesh colored dress

I showed you earlier this month.

Gulp.

XO,

Adrienne

Visible Monday: Denim-on-Denim, Twice

2012-01-16T07:06:00.000-08:00

I've been on the lookout in thrift shops for a denim shirt ever since Janet of The Gardener's Cottage started wearing hers with sequins, leopard and with denim.

I already loved Janet's denim-on-denim look, then I got into Pinterest - such a fun and creative way to avoid my to-do list - and saw this slightly different look on Katie Holmes.

Last week, on my way home from work, I stopped off at my favorite thrift shop and found this denim shirt on sale for $1.99.

I knew my jean get up needed some color so I wore cognac booties by Tsubo, a brown belt and a colorful scarf Bliss generously gave me several months ago.

I tied it so that the vibrant orange showed the most, à la Katie Holmes.

Another look I've been wanting to try is a denim shirt is with white jeans. I found this cute outfit on Pinterest, too.

From Running on Happiness

I wore my trusty white jeans from Banana Republic, black Calvin Klein pumps, black and silver belt...

and a big chain link choker by Ralph Lauren I bought many moons ago and never wear. I really can't remember ever wearing it and I've had it probably nine years. I want to wear it more often; I am liking the big, chunky look these days. My only complaint about it the way the links don't all lay horizontally.

Now that I've tried the denim-on-denim look, I've decided I like it. Have you ever worn a denim shirt with jeans?

My $1.99 shirt is just okay, certainly not bad for the price, but I would prefer one more fitted. It must be rather old as the shoulders are cut too wide and it's not tapered at all. I'm thinking it's from the early 90's when the grungy, baggy look was all the rage.

Through this experience, I've discovered another great reason to thrift: I can test-drive styles and fashions that interest me without making a big financial commitment. Now that I know I like denim shirts, I can start looking for a more modern one.

Something like this would be nice....

J Crew denim shirt: $198.00

too bad it's 100 times more than what I paid for mine. Yikes!

Do you wear denim with denim?

Have you ever used thrift store finds to experiment with style?

Be sure to visit Visible Monday over at Patti's blog, Not Dead Yet Style and Monday Mingle at Bon Bon Rose Girls to see what all the lovely participants are wearing today.

XO,

Adrienne

Beauty Services on the Cheap

2012-01-15T09:07:00.000-08:00

Thursday, my friend Kay and I spent the better part of the day getting pampered in Napa. We each had a 90-minute facial and pedicure, then Kay had a brow wax and hair cut. I chose to get a manicure while she was busy getting coifed.

I bet your thinking we were in a posh and luxurious spa where the wealthy and privileged of Napa come to get pampered. I bet you're also thinking we must have spent hundreds of dollars and that I blew my grocery budget for the week. But I only spent $42.00 total on all three services, not including tips.*

How, you ask, could that be? We went to a beauty college. Kay invited me along to her favorite place for beauty services, Le Melange Beauty College in downtown Napa.

The school is in an old building. I felt like I had been transported back to the 1950's. The decor has been modernized as much as it can be without a total remodel and the equipment and furniture look new.

In case you're curious about what services are like at a beauty college, here are my thoughts on each treatment.

The 90-minute European Facial

Positives:

~ It was relaxing and soothing.

~ My esthetician-in-training (EIT) took her time. She spent 20 minutes giving my hands and arms a lovely massage.

Negatives:

~ There are three beds in one room. Kay and I were the only clients so it wasn't bothersome.

~ The facial consists of putting creams and lotions on and taking them off, over and over again. Which is fine because I wouldn't want an EIT squeezing and picking my sensitive face but I don't how much it actually did for my skin. If you are looking for a deep cleaning, you might not get it here unless you ask for it specifically.

~ My EIT didn't get every last bit of the mask she had applied and I ended up with a dot of it just inside my nostril that my manicurist-in-training (MIT) later pointed out to me. Embarrassing.

The Manicure

Old photo: Susan gets credit for this mani.
But I did bring along that polish Thursday.

Positives:

~ The MIT did a great job of shaping my nails, asking me first which shape I prefer.

~ She was very friendly and easy to chat with.

~ The MIT was helpful, offering to assist me with my belongings while my nails were wet.

Negatives:

~ The MIT didn't cover my entire nail with polish the way my friend and manicurist Susan does. There were bare spots on the sides of my nails.

~My cuticles could have used a little more preening.

The Pedicure

Positives:

~ This place is Clean, with a capital "C". I had to fill out a form before having my pedicure stating any health problems related to feet like foot fungus and diabetes. I don't have any of those issues, thankfully, but they didn't take my word for it. One of the instructors came by and inspected my feet and gave me them the okay before my MIT began.

~ The foot tubs are sanitized thoroughly, and I do mean thoroughly. I watched two students spend at least 10 minutes diligently scrubbing and spraying the heck out of two tubs that had been recently used. I've never seen a cleaning routine like that in a standard nail salon.

~ The MIT, same woman who did my manicure, did a great job of filing, grooming and polishing my toes.

~ I was given a foot scrub, a eucalyptus foot mask and a generous application of great smelling lotion during the pedicure.

Negatives:

~ Although my toes were properly polished, there was a bit of polish on my skin, next to the nail. It came right off in the shower, so not a big deal.

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Will I visit Le Melange or any other beauty college for services in the future? Probably, but not regularly.

Tori, my 17-year-old stepdaughter, and I are talking about going next time she has a furlough day off from school. It will be a relatively inexpensive way to spend the day together doing girlie stuff.

Next time, I'll choose a pedicure and manicure again, a back facial - which Kay says is more like a back massage - and a wash and blow out for my hair. But I'll never go for hair cuts or color. I am loyal to Adelina and don't trust anyone but her when it comes to my tresses. When I want a facial that cleans my pores and sloughs off dead skin, I will see my esthetician, and no one gives a more perfect and long lasting manicure and pedicure than Susan.

Have you ever visited a beauty college for services?

If not, would you consider it?

XO,

Adrienne

* Kay found LivingSocial coupons that reduced Le Melange's low prices even further. Normally, I'm guessing the services I chose would have been more like $60.00 t0 $75.00. Still a good deal compared to salons.

Thrifty for Work

2012-01-11T20:58:00.000-08:00

When I started volunteering last year, I had no professional clothing outside of a couple pairs of black cotton not-so-great-fitting pants and a few tops that could pass as office-appropriate. Not surprising since I had been out of the workplace for several years.

Thanks to the wonders of thrifting, I have economically created a small professional wardrobe. One of my better purchases was this black sheath dress I paid $5.00 for, that I wore here and here.

Since I have only worn it dressed up, I thought it would fun to create a work look and wear it to the office Wednesday.

The white button down was also a great thrift find at $3.99. I wear it often and it couldn't fit me any better. It's very stiff and the collar does a good job of staying up.

Before Christmas, I bought a grey snake skin skinny belt at Marshall's and have been itching to wear it. It's from Nine West and was $14.99.

For jewelry, I wore a cherished glass bracelet I bought several years ago at an art gallery in Cannon Beach, Oregon. I don't wear it nearly enough.

The necklace was a gift from a friend. Unlike the bracelet, I wear it often.

I decided to try wearing my hair partially up, a suggestion from a reader, by braiding the top section. Thoughts? Is the braid too 1970's? Too young for a 40-something?

On my way home from work, I stopped off at my favorite Goodwill store for some thrift therapy. I counted five very decorative Christmas sweaters in the racks. So if you like that sort of thing or get invited to ugly sweater parties every year, now is the time to get yours for next to nothing.

My thrifty finds from Wednesday include a grey pencil skirt for $3.99 and an '80's leather and chain belt with coin accents for $2.99.

Initially, I thought the leather on the belt was navy, but upon further inspection, I found it to be black. But if I can't tell the difference, no one else can. I can easily wear it with navy.

During the holidays, I bought four pairs of HUE stockings on deep discount. Not paying attention to color and only focusing on size and style, I ended up with two black pairs and two grey when I thought I bought all black. I almost tossed the grey pairs but held out hope that I would come across something to wear them with. And I did.

I wore the same thrifted $3.99 shirt, navy wedges, and a navy blue, gold and red non-designer silk scarf purchased in Italy.

I'm not sure the grey stockings work on me. They make my skin look odd (which might be the reason they were on deep discount). Do you ever wear grey stockings?

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I am officially a true thrift-shop junkie. I paid with a debit card at the thrift shop Wednesday like I always do and the check out clerk told me she didn't need my I.D. because she's seen it so many times before. I don't know whether to beam with pride or be alarmed.

Thankfully, I didn't plunk down hundreds of dollars on clothes for my non-paying job. That is something I know I can be proud of.

XO,

Adrienne

"Midnight", messages in the sand, watches with bracelets

2012-01-09T17:47:00.000-08:00

Watching a film at home is one of my favorite ways to spend time alone. I'm not opposed to watching movies with others, but no one I live with, at least of the human persuasion, wants to endure the films I choose.

You see, for the most part, I only like two types of films: foreign and old (1920's - 1960's).

Monday, I had a full day to myself. I made a long list of household, work-related and various other to-dos. And then my eyes caught the bright red Netflix envelope that had been sitting on my dresser for weeks. In it was Midnight a 1939 movie starring Claudette Colbert and Don Ameche. I couldn't resist taking 94 minutes out of my free day alone to see this delightful film.

In a sentence paraphrased from IMDb, it's a story of a chorus girl, stranded in Paris, who is "set up" by a millionaire to break up his wife's affair with another man.

From the opening scene, I was riveted. Claudette is a charming, delightful and sparkling woman. She is an impeccable actress with a knack for humor. She makes great facial expressions and has some very amusing lines in Midnight.

Here are three of my favorite Claudette lines:

To John Barrymore's character, she says, "Every Cinderella has her midnight."

To Mary Astor's character, Mrs. Flammarion, she says about a hat Mrs. F has tried on, "I think it is a dream on you! It does something for your face. It gives you a chin." Love that!

And to one of her love interests, Jacques Picot, she says, "Oh, what a day! I could eat it with a spoon!"

Have you seen this film?

Are you a lover of old movies?

I can't get enough of them!

What are your favorite old movies?

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While at the beach over the weekend, I found a stick and wrote a few things in the sand. I usually forget to do this when I'm at the beach, but Faux Fuchsia's recent beachtastic post kept it fresh in my mind.

**********************************************

Bliss recently asked me about wearing bracelets with my watch on the same wrist. She does it too, but read somewhere that it's frowned upon and that your watch and your bracelets should be on separate wrists.

If that's true, I am doing it all wrong because I almost always wear bracelets with my watch. I don't like to wear anything on my right wrist, so everything must stay on my left.

At the beach on Saturday and Sunday, I wore my very old chunky gold Guess? watch with five new gold-toned bangles, each featuring a different faux jewel color. I bought them at Benziger Winery, of all places, for about $7.00 each.

Last week, I wore this new gold link bracelet with the same watch.

Sometimes I wear one big bangle with it.

Bliss gave me this chic, vintage leopard print bangle.

And with my silver-toned watch, I like to wear lots of thinner bangles and bracelets.

So tell me...do you wear bracelets with your watch

or do you keep them separated?

XO,

Adrienne

Visible Monday: A Coastal Weekend

2012-01-09T09:04:00.000-08:00

Friday, Bill and I shirked our chores and to-dos and took the RV to Bodega Bay to goof off for several hours. We returned home that evening, had dinner and went to bed early, thankfully getting a good night's sleep.

When we awoke Saturday morning, the weather was even better. We couldn't resist going back to the beach in the RV, this time for an overnighter.

When I packed, I intentionally brought along two particular items I've been meaning to wear: a vintage Hermés scarf, I rarely wear and have never worn on the blog...

and a brand new black Calvin Klein trench coat I bought in early December at Macys (here is the same coat at Nordstrom). Weeks later, it still had the tags on. With our warmer and dryer than usual weather, I haven't had a chance to wear it. But the beach was windy and chilly enough on Saturday that this coat was exactly what I needed to stay warm while I walked the dogs on the beach.

I like the broad, somewhat structured shoulders of this trench.

The collar stands up and stays up and I like the way the coat looks fully buttoned.

Normally, when I wear a trench or any coat with a belt, I tie it instead of buckling it. The CK coat has a thicker belt than my others. I buckled it and found the overall look neater and more tailored.

When it comes to your coats, are you a belt tier or a belt buckler?

I wore my trusty Kasil bootcut jeans and a pair of Stuart Weitzman crocodile embossed loafers that I have owned since the mid 1990's. You get what you pay for when you buy Stuart W's. They last forever.

We ended the day by visiting our favorite cliff again (we are creatures of habit) for sunset #2 of the weekend.

This time, we brought Murphy along for the trip. You can't get much happier than this boy.

I hope you all had a lovely weekend.

Be sure to visit all the fashionable women over at Not Dead Yet Style's Visible Monday and at Momtrends for Monday Mingle!

XO,

Adrienne

Goofing off at the coast

2012-01-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

Thursday night, I had the worst night of sleep, for which I have no reasonable explanation. I just couldn't calm my mind down. Probably some pre-menopausal thing; I blame everything on that.

I slept an accumulative 3 hours and was good for nothing Friday. All my to-dos, the laundry, work tasks, meal preparation, grocery shopping and house cleaning would have to wait.

It was another sunny and unseasonably warm day, so Bill and I decided to take the RV for a drive to the coast. I had just enough energy to pack up some food for lunch, grab the little dogs, and dress myself.

I decided on my thrifted pleather vest. It was high time I wore that thing out into the world instead of just on the blog.

I combined two of the looks from this post by wearing a long sleeved white T-shirt, Dior scarf, jeans, and black short boots.

When we first arrived at Doran Beach in Bodega Bay, we ate lunch in the RV, then went for a leisurely walk on the beach.

That's the RV in the background...in case you were wondering.

Does this look like January in northern California to you?

Once we got back to the RV, we took a much needed nap with these two.

We discovered once we awoke that we were hungry again...poor lunch packing on my part. The Tides Restaurant has a little market where they sell, among other things, fresh seafood. Dungeness crab is in season, so we picked up a half pound of fresh crab meat and a lemon. Bill drove us to our favorite cliff-side perch to wait for the sun to set and eat our crabby treat.

We walked around on the cliff....

and admired the breathtaking coastal views...

before the sun started to sink.

Once the daylight began to fade, it became more than a little chilly and windy.

It's a good thing I had my big, handsome husband nearby.

Nothing productive happened the entire day.

But some days, it's better to go goof off somewhere

than try to tackle your to-dos.

Friday was one of those days.

Have a happy weekend, friends!

XO,

Adrienne

Seeking Fashion Advice and other stuff

2012-01-05T21:01:00.000-08:00

Thank you for the wonderful response and feedback regarding The Wheel of Life! It looks like there will be some life coaching posts in our future. I am so pleased many of you are interested in learning more.

Thursday, I spent a delightful and enlightening day with Kay. We did a solid hour of relaxing and stretchy yoga, made appointments for a day of beauty at a spa next week, ate lunch on her patio, talked at great length and took her darling dog for a walk around her scenic neighborhood in the warm sunshine. I can't imagine a more wonderful way to spend time with a dear friend.

I mentioned in my last post that I went thrifting earlier this week. And lookie here what I found for $5.00. A girly, retro flesh-toned dress with pleats....

black-edged ruffled collar and cuffs....

a woven rope belt in the same flesh-toned shade and burgundy...

and little pearl buttons.

I would put it on for you, but I need to find a slip...really need to find a slip because this dress is quite see-through. Once I find a proper one, I'll select a pair of shoes.

That's where I need your advice, dear readers and friends. What style and what color of shoe do I wear with this dress?

And do I need some accessories to prevent me from looking too matronly? Or does this dress have enough going on?

*********************************************************

I also found a navy blue Ralph Lauren short-sleeved, mock turtleneck sweater with gold buttons on one shoulder for $2.00. It's in almost-new condition.

I opted to wear it with white jeans (am I getting my money's worth out if these jeans, or what?), navy suede wedge pumps, gold and rhinestone hoops....

and a chunky gold watch (by Guess? bought several years ago) with a chunky gold link bracelet, recently purchased at Bling! for $30.00.

I'd like to find a pencil skirt in a complementary color to wear with this sweater for a work look.

In addition to the dress and sweater, I found a cream and navy striped 100% silk blouse for $2.00. It's at the cleaners and I'm really hoping the stains on it come out. If they don't, back to donation it goes. And I bought an ivory, two-button blazer with black pinstripes for $3.00. I'm still playing around with the blazer and if I can't create something that I feel great in, back it goes.

Yet another thing I love about thrifting: if what I buy doesn't work out...big deal! I simply re-donate it and consider the money spent a donation. It's 100% guilt-free.

Remember to please leave your thoughts
about shoes and accessories for the dress!

Happy Friday!

Weekend plans?

XO,

Adrienne

The Wheel of Life

2012-01-04T17:05:00.000-08:00

Today's post is a departure from my usual material. I hope you'll stay and read. I promise to return with my usual Rich Life topics very soon (especially since I found some great thrift store finds today that I want to show you).

************************************************************************

In 2002, I met a woman who changed me. I'll call her Kay. I was teaching an exercise class one morning and Kay breezed in wearing bright red lipstick, big black coat and a fur hat. She asked if I offered personal training and if I would consider training her in her home. I jumped at the chance to have a private client; it was the best way for me to earn money.

I trained Kay a few times per week. We spent much of our sessions together talking about our lives and getting to know one another. I quickly discovered Kay was a seasoned life coach and an artist.

I had always wanted to work with a life coach. But it sounded like something a high-level executive or celebrity would do, not small town exercise instructor and stay-at-home stepmom.

Soon, Kay and I decided to barter our services: she would coach me and I would train her. No money would be exchanged.

Kay and I worked together for well over a year. During that time, I changed as a person. I became less judgmental, much more positive, and I knew myself better. I learned to recognize and ignore that negative little critic we all have in our heads and I defined some major life goals for myself.

After a time, our sessions lessened. I began to feel that I didn't want to "work" on myself as much; it can be exhausting. And then Kay became seriously ill. Several years later, I am relieved to tell you she is in great health. We are still close friends but rarely see one another as she travels extensively.

Kay happens to be in town and on Tuesday, we met for a long walk and chat. We caught up on the goings on in each other's lives, the good and the bad, and I confided a few things to her. I can trust Kay to listen without judgment and offer sound advice. She is a very important person to me and has had an enormous impact on my life.

Why, you may wonder, am I telling you all of this? Well, since it's a new year and many of us are overflowing with motivation to make serious, or not so serious, changes in our lives, I'm introducing you to the Wheel of Life.

The Wheel of Life is the first tool Kay used with me when we began coaching. You simply rate each area of your life from zero to ten in terms of satisfaction - zero being not satisfied at all - then look at how balanced and full your wheel is or is not. Identify the areas you need to make more satisfying and strategize how you're going to make that happen. It's an incredibly useful way to help you set goals.

From time to time Kay would ask me to "do" a wheel to check in with my progress. Is it off balance? Where are my deficits? Which areas of my life am I doing okay in and which areas need my attemtion? How have I grown since the last wheel?

It's a tool I use occasionally when things feel out of balance, chaotic, or when I am unhappy or worried. Or at a time like now when I want to reevaluate the areas of my life and begin setting new goals for 2012.

I keep a folder of documents and exercises from my life coach days. In it, I came across a few filled in wheels. Here is one from 2002:

The fitness and health slices were very satisfying ten years ago. I was a personal trainer, after all. But "giving back" to the community, money and career were lacking satisfaction.

Here is my wheel today, January 2012:

I changed Career and Work to Blogging since my job is volunteering and therefore falls into the "giving back" slice. And blogging plays an important and creative part of my life, deserved of its own slice.

Now my shortfalls are in exercise and health and well being. Isn't it interesting how things have flip-flopped during the last decade?

I am already working on how to make my slices bigger in the exercise and health areas of my life. You can read about that here if you're interested.

The Wheel of Life is a popular coaching and self-help tool. If you google it, you will find loads of sites that have lots of information on its uses and its history. This useful link will allow you to customize and fill in your own wheel and print it for reference.

I have lots more to share with you about my experiences
with Kay and life coaching.

Please tell me if you're interested in future posts on the subject.

XO,

Adrienne

How I Wear My: Statement Necklace

2012-01-03T04:30:00.000-08:00

For January’s “How I Wear My” post, it’s high glamour time! Jill of Everything Just So and I are loving our statement necklaces. As always, we invited readers, fellow bloggers and friends to join us by submitting photos of themselves wearing their statement necklaces.

And many of you joined us!

This month we have ten participants. So grab a hot cup of tea, make yourself comfortable and get ready to see some fabulous neck candy.

New Year's Eve, Bill and I veered away from our standard "stay-at-home-and-watch-tv" for New Year's Eve and hit the town. We met friends for drinks then had a late dinner, just the two of us, at a local Swiss restaurant.

I was more than motivated to go out having recently purchased this 10 strand faux pearl necklace at my favorite local jewelry boutique, Bling! in Montgomery Village, Santa Rosa, and could not wait to wear it.

I went all out and had my hair professional done by Adelina, the world's greatest hairstylist. She created a beautifully classic up-do for me that suited my outfit and my personality. And it was sturdy; not a hair fell out of place all evening.

I wore my $5.00 black sheath dress, Calvin Klein black pumps and a vintage evening bag, thrifted for $7.00. I opted for no other jewelry, no even a watch, except for simple pearl earrings and my wedding set.

Since the evening was chilly, I wore my Zara coat with gold buttons and zippered pockets.

The best thing about this necklace besides its obvious fabulousness? It is actually two necklaces. It made the price so much easier to justify when purchasing; two for the price of one.

Together, it looks like this:

The shorter, 6 strand choker necklace is the main necklace.

And this longer 4 strand necklace attaches to the main necklace, or can be worn on its own.

This isn't a necklace I can wear in its entirety often. It's a special occasion piece and it's very heavy. It weighed in at just over a pound.

For a more delicate and refined look, Jill shows us not one, but two stunning statement necklaces.

Be sure to visit Jill's blog for more about these brilliant pieces.

Our friend, Catherine of Aesthetic Alterations has been making us all envious by spending weeks on end in Paris. She recently acquired this splendid horn necklace at a Paris Hermés boutique. You can read more about it here.

Leigh, from Hines-Sight Blog sent me these great photos of a necklace she's had for quite some time.

Here's what Leigh has to tell us about her piece:

"My mom gave this simple necklace to me in 1989. It was bought at a boutique in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. It is sterling silver with six beads that resemble a "charm" look. This necklace was before its time really. In the late 80's, and early 90's most people were still wearing "real" or what I call, "jewelry-store jewelry" and artistic, handmade pieces weren't as popular then. In the mid-90's when more and more people started wearing local artisan-style jewelry, this necklace began to shine with compliments. I've worn it for 22 years now. When my son was about two, he pulled on a bead and it broke. Luckily, a local store specializing in handmade jewelry with beads, fixed it for me. Having two kids under six, I have a very relaxed, casual style most days, and I wear this necklace probably more than any piece of jewelry I own because it goes with a lot of colors. The length is right on my neck, and it works with a lot of necklines, and even works with turtlenecks. In this photo, it is worn with a grey tank top, a cardigan-type sweater, and jeans. I wear it a lot in the summer with shorts, and colored tees."

Here is beautiful Leigh wearing her necklace with her handsome then-fiancé, now husband, in 2002.

Pam from Over50Feeling40 shows us her big, bold and eye-cathing statement necklace. You can't get much more statement than this beauty.

Pam's necklace is from a local designer (Pam lives in San Antonio, Texas) and the pendant is from Greece. Pam is posting about her necklace on her blog today; click over and see what else she has to tell us about this magnificent piece.

Josephine from Chicatanyage received this spectacular pearl choker from her husband for a significant birthday about a year ago.

In a word, this necklace is exquisite.

The gorgeous Amy of Lowcarbhighstyle sent me this photo. Tell me she doesn't look like a professional model.

Here's what Amy says about her necklace:

"I decided my little black dress was the perfect way to show off a statement necklace on New Year’s Eve. I just got this necklace from the holiday catalog from the jewelry line I sell, Premier Designs, and I’m so glad I did! Looking forward to remixing with casual items as well."

Amy wrote a post about her necklace and her New Year's Eve celebration; head over to visit her.

Catherine from Not Dressed as Lamb has such a unique, colorful and modern style. She continually inspires me to wear more color, mix patterns and try new looks.

Catherine just returned from a weekend in London where she wore this statement necklace over her coat to Covent Gardens. Read her latest post to find out more about this dramatic piece.

Debbi from She Accessorizes Well wears her Chico's 25th Anniversary statement necklace with a sparkly jacket and floral top for New Year's Day.

Debbi says of her special purchase:

"I got it on eBay. I don't wear it often as it is really ornate. It takes just the right outfit to make it shine. I do love it as it has ladybugs and flowers, two of my favorite things."

Last, but certainly not least, is my friend and shopping partner, Bliss.

Bliss has a *thing* for classic-looking vintage and antique items. I wasn't surprised in the least when she sent these photos of a recent purchase to me.

It's so Bliss!

It's a vintage-inspired necklace she purchased at a local boutique. Here's what Bliss has to tell us about it:

"I have only had it a couple of weeks. I wear it whenever. I don't save things like this for "special" occasions. So I wore it as I traveled to jazz up my outfit. But I have worn it to church a couple of times. Someone will always comment on it...it is an attention grabber. Most women love pearls--thus they love this necklace. It was only $28.00"

In February, the month of Valentines, love and romance, we are going to tip our sartorial hats to that most romantic of fabrics—lace. It doesn’t have to be just bridal or boudoir. So get creative with lace, send Jill or me a picture of you wearing it, and we’ll include you in our “How I Wear My: Lace” post on February 1!

XO,

Adrienne

Visible Monday: 2011 Revisit

2012-01-01T16:18:00.000-08:00

Happy 2012!

Oh, how I would LOVE to show you what I wore New Year's Eve in today's post, but I must save it for tomorrow's "How I Wear My: Statement Necklace" post* because it includes the most fantastic necklace.

And since I haven't been anywhere the last few days, outside of our New Year's Eve date, I've worn nothing of interest. Unless you find old fire department sweatshirts and yoga pants interesting.

Instead of featuring a new outfit for Visible Monday and Monday Mingle, I am cheating a smidge and revisiting a few new-to-me fashions I embraced in 2011.

I'm starting with my most daring: white jeans. Putting aside a long held fear that white pants make my thighs look huge, I donned white jeans last July, for the first time since the '80's.

And have worn them numerous times since, even in winter.

Scarves weren't on my radar until I started blogging. I read so many posts about Hermès scarves and how to tie them, what to wear them with, where to buy them, and how to care for them that I finally gave scarf-wearing a try myself. The power of suggestion, you know.

I bought two scarves in Italy in 2010 and finally got around to wearing one last March.

Soon thereafter, I acquired an Hermès scarf of my very own, purchased from my dear friend, Bliss. I have worn it several times, but haven't put an outfit together for the blog....must do that soon.

I now have a small collection of eight silk scarves (nearly all used) that I wear often. The scarf I wear the most is vintage Dior. When I met Catherine of Aesthetic Alterations last April, who is a connoisseur of Hermès scarves, I tied it around my neck and did a little pattern mixing by wearing it with stripes.

Lovely Bliss is responsible for this scarf, too. She found it for me on etsy.com. That Bliss has excellent taste in scarves.

I welcomed bright colors in 2011 like this hot pink trench,

cobalt top,

and bright red jacket.

In November, I tried my hand at thrift store and consignment shopping. I was fortunate enough to find some wonderful second-hand items. These are my four favorites:

CAbi sweater, $3.99, thrifted.

J. Crew khaki blazer in my perfect size, 10 Tall, for $32.00, consigned.

Black Sheath Dress, $5.00, thrifted.

H & M jacket with removable faux fur collar, $22.00, consigned.

I am proud of myself for stepping out of my comfort zone in 2011. Working on developing my own style and discovering what flatters me and what doesn't was a goal of mine last year. This year, I plan on continuing my efforts. I already have several ideas I'd like to play with this year, including:

~ Skinny animal print belts

~ New color combinations

~ A yet-to-be-worn hat

~ More fun with my new brooch

~ Creating a men's look that's not too manly

~ Giving my Hermès scarf a good workout

Be sure to check out all the fashionable ladies at
Not Dead Yet Style's Visible Monday

and Monday Mingle!

And don't forget to come back for
"How I Wear My: Statement Necklace"* on Tuesday!

* If you are interesting in joining me and Jill, simply send me a photo of yourself wearing a statement necklace to a_shubin (at) comcast (dot) net, and I'll post it here on Tuesday, January 3rd!

Memories of 2011

2011-12-30T10:25:00.000-08:00

When looking back at 2011, the events that stand out to me the most bring me both great joy and great sadness.

~ The biggest life-changing event of the year, and years to come, is undoubtedly the passing of my mother-in-law, Doris. She was such a generous, kind-hearted, humorous and caring woman. Doris was a wonderful mother, grandmother and dear friend. I don't tell you about her much because doing so is still painful and difficult to write about. But I couldn't let 2011 slip away without acknowledging how much her absence is felt. She is in my thoughts each and everyday. I shall never stop missing her.

September 2010

~ An enormously joyous event in 2011 is my husband's appointment to be Kenwood's next fire chief beginning in April. This is a very big deal to both of us and we are excited to immerse ourselves further into our tight-knit and supportive community.

~ Back in September, I successfully fought off a bad case of the ruts by taking readers' advice and volunteering. I am thrilled to tell you that I have successfully matched eight volunteers to eight clients over the last four months. I can't fully relay to you how much satisfaction my job gives me. I certainly get more than I give.

For instance: yesterday I spent over an hour with a fascinating married couple. She is a 90-year-old former Pan Am flight attendant, farmer and UCLA graduate. Her husband, 93, served in the Navy during World War II and was stationed on the U.S.S. Arizona. He just happened to be on another boat during the bombing of Pearl Harbor when 1,177 of his shipmates perished. What a treasure to have met them.

I am honored to meet the people I do and am grateful to my boss for giving me this opportunity. It truly has changed my life, made me a better person and made my life abundantly rich.

~ Our sister-in-law was diagnosed with brain cancer last February. She had surgery later that month and has been receiving various treatments throughout the year. I am pleased to tell you she is doing very well. We admire her unbelievable strength and positive attitude during this trying period in her and her family's life.

~ Throughout 2011, Bill and I watched Tori, Bill's youngest daughter, continue to grow into an incredible young woman. This year alone found Tori starting her first paid jobs first as a camp counselor, then as a part-time bus girl at a friend's local restaurant. She had the lead in the school play, is producer and performer for the big upcoming MLK Day event at her high school, and is an active member of numerous clubs at school all the while maintaining high marks in advanced classes. To say that we are proud of her just doesn't do it. In awe of her is more accurate.

~ Last May, I was diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation. I made some life changes, did lots of research, freaked out and over-reacted for a couple of weeks about it, before finally accepting this condition. I'm happy to report that I've not had an episode since early September. I have resumed imbibing now and then (but only the expensive stuff now that I don't drink as much), consume only small amounts of caffeine, and take my little aspirin every morning. I still get the occasional flutter and skip. Instead of panicking, I think of it as my body's way of reminding me to take care of myself.

~ Lastly, The Rich Life has made an immense impact on my life, in ways I never considered. I've made many, many wonderful friends through blogging, having connected with my local friends more and even made new ones. I've also made several solid and rewarding friendships with women around the world I've not met in person. A year and a half ago, I would have thought that weird and not possible. But it is possible and I don't think it's weird one bit...it's quite wonderful.

Through writing this blog for the last 18 or so months, and especially during 2011, I discovered what truly makes my life rich:

* Having a loving family and great friendships

* Giving to others

* Good health

* Having a creative endeavor ( blogging)

* Positive thinking

What will you remember most about 2011?

Here's to a rich 2012 to each and every one of you!

XO,

Adrienne and family

Playing Dress Up

2011-12-28T21:21:00.000-08:00

Tori, my 17-year-old stepdaughter, is currently on vacation from school for winter break. I cleared my schedule and she postponed her social plans so that we could spend all of Wednesday together. Tori and I knew we'd get in a walk, but aside from that, we had no concrete plans.

While we were exercising, Tori came up with the brilliant and fun idea of spending the rest of the day playing around in our wardrobes, doing our hair and makeup and taking photos. How could I say no to that? It's one of my favorite things to do and what better way to spend time with my dearest girl than playing dress up.

Tori wanted to create outfits with a couple of her purchases from November's birthday shopping trip. My favorite purchase of hers that day is a brown Forever 21 shrug with poofy shoulders and neon yellowish-green and pink stripes. She decided to wear it with a neon tank, distressed skinny jeans, brown patent ballet flats and hot pink watch.

I love how Tori emphasizes her lips. She goes easy on the eye makeup and bright, electric hot pink on her smacker.

As far as my playing dress-up, I was focused on one item: a pleather vest. That is not a typo. Pleather, not leather, vest. I found it at my favorite thrift store on the "high-end rack" for $12.99 weeks ago and it's been sitting in my closet ever since. I had no idea what to wear it with.

Tori helped me put a few looks together. First, we agreed winter white and white make a great team. I wore a long sleeved white T-shirt, my adored white jeans, brown booties, silver jewelry and a faux tortoise shell ring I bought in Venice, Italy.

I really stepped out of my comfort zone on this one; white on top and white below the waist at once? Unheard of for me.

After we completed our first photo shoot, we ran into the house to change into our next outfits. Tori went "rock 'n roll" for her second look with leopard leggings, black granny boots, long black sweater, and a black tank dress.

She borrowed a pair of my big, gold, dangly earrings and wore her reddest red lipstick.

This is a huge departure from Tori's usual look which is casual, classic and ladylike. I like it! It brings out a little edge that I don't often see in her.

For my next pleather vest look, I wore jeans, a black long-sleeved H & M tee, black ballet flats and to add some femininity, I tied my favorite scarf around my neck.

This is an outfit I would actually wear without feeling uncomfortable.

For Tori's final look, she chose to wear her black booties, given to her as a hand-me-down from a friend. I lent her my sequin jacket. She wore it with Joe's skinny jeans and a multi-strand chain necklace.

Do those jeans fit her perfectly, or what?

I think this would make a chic New Year's Eve outfit for Tori, don't you?

My last outfit is an attempt to put together a professional look wearing the pleather vest. I wore it with a black pencil skirt, black turtleneck, textured tights and tall black boots. I added a long gold and faux pearl necklace and chunky gold watch.

Not my favorite look of the bunch, but it would be okay for work.

Tori and I had a fantastic day together. It was fun, free, productive and a great way to make lasting memories. I hope you've enjoyed our little online fashion show. We had a such a great time creating it, we may just have to do it again sometime.

XO,

Adrienne

Just a friendly reminder that Jill from Everything Just So and I will be showing off
our statement necklaces for our monthly posting "How I Wear My..."

Tuesday, January 3rd is the day.
If you'd like to play along please email me a photo of yourself wearing your
statement necklace by January 2nd.
We'd love to have you!

Email photos and/or questions to: a_shubin (at) comcast (dot) net

Brown...with a hint of holiday

2011-12-27T20:51:00.000-08:00

Do you remember how I told you I was going to make use of my holiday clothes and accessories by wearing something holiday-ish everyday until the 2nd of January?

First there was the snowflake rhinestone belt, then Holiday Red, Holiday Green and Dressy in Denim. And Christmas day, I wore an outfit very similar to the all black outfit in this post but added a black, red and blue silk scarf and snowflake pedant.

By December 26th, I had had just about enough of holiday wear and I caved in. It's true: I didn't make it until the 2nd like I'd hoped.

I longed to wear a color that had nothing to do with Christmas. Brown seemed like the perfect non-holiday color to choose.

J. Crew jeans, brown booties, corduroy Gap trench, infinity scarf (gift from a friend),
Banana Republic v-neck sweater in oatmeal.

To give my brown look a hint of holiday, I dragged out another blingy belt that I bought in Jackson, Wyoming years ago from the same shop where I bought the snowflake belt. I assume they are by the same designer.

I also wore my new fleur de lis brooch that Bill bought me for Christmas.

This is the only brooch I own. I look forward to playing around with it; wearing it on different shirts, jackets, sweaters and coats. If I take to brooches, I may look for a few more.

You might be wondering where I wore my brown, sparkly get up. Bill and I went for a drive and ended up at Coppola winery.

This is an old photo from when we visited Coppola last in April of 2010.
The "during construction" sign is now gone :)

The winery is unlike any other in Sonoma Wine Country. It is owned by Oscar winning film director Francis Ford Coppola, features lots of movie memorabilia, a restaurant, full bar and a pool!

We walked around the pool area which features a long row of "cabines" available for rent.

We found one with a door ajar. You can't see it, but there is a big shower head above the chairs.

We had lunch at Rustic. The food was pretty good, but we likely won't return to eat there. It's a great place for visitors (tourists), but it's a bit too hectic for us locals. We like things a little less crowded and prefer low-key wineries and dining establishments.

Having said that, I still encourage you to visit Coppola once, if for nothing else but to see all the great movie memorabilia.

We took the long way home through Alexander Valley, into Napa Valley and over the hill back to our quiet little village of Kenwood. These two had a great time riding in Dad's truck and sniffing the winter air.

I will wear holiday garb one more time on New Year's Eve before it gets tucked away until next December. By interviewing my holiday clothes, I have thinned out my closet a bit and bagged up a black skirt with silver threading, a red turtleneck, a winter white jacket and a couple of scarves for consignment.

I can't believe 2012 is just days away!

XO,

Adrienne

Dressy in Denim for the Holiday Weekend

2011-12-26T17:08:00.000-08:00

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. We sure did. Even though it was more relaxing and low key than in previous years, I'm still worn out!

Saturday evening, we attended our neighbor's annual Christmas Eve party. We are so very fortunate to have some wonderfully fun, generous and kind neighbors around here. Bill and I really enjoyed ourselves; it was lovely to catch up with everyone and celebrate the season together.

The guests' outfits range from casual to cocktail attire. I went the 'dressy in denim' route and wore my sequin jacket again. This time, I changed it up a bit and wore a Banana Republic black turtleneck. It was chilly!

Two out of three holiday parties included wearing this jacket. I think I made the right decision buying it for the holiday season.

New Year's Eve is around the corner. Perhaps I'll wear it again before the year is out. Does it count if I wear it with my nicest pair of black yoga pants and spend the evening on the couch watching the ball drop in Times Square?

Several months ago, I mentioned to you that my laptop was giving me fits; kicking me off several times a day, running hot and sluggish. We were told by the Apple experts that it was just getting old and that I would either have to replace the darn thing or live with its ill temperament.

My thoughtful and generous husband solved my dilemma and gave me a super-fast, brand new 15" MacBook Pro laptop, which means blogging has just become a lot more fun! Good thing he also gave me a new pair of running shoes to keep my Blog Butt from further expansion.

Tell me about your weekend.

Holiday outfits?

Exciting gifts?

Fun with friends and family?

I'm linking up to Monday Mingle at Bon Bon Rose Girls.
Please pop over to check out all the lovely participants!

XO,

Adrienne

The Very Best Christmas Gift

2011-12-24T10:14:00.000-08:00

I first want to take a moment to thank you, kind readers and wonderful fellow bloggers, for making blogging so fun and rewarding. I cherish each of you; you have made my life so rich. I am grateful for you all.

Remember our little Christmas tree farm photo shoot last month? I purposefully withheld the photo we selected for our card on that post. I was mailing them off to friends and family, many of whom read my blog, and wanted to maintain a tiny air of surprise.

Cards went out a few weeks ago. Here's the one we selected.

Today is Christmas Eve, December 24th. It's a special day for many, but for us it's extra special.

You see, my husband, Bill, and I met 13 years ago today at a dinner party his best friend hosted. When his friend, also a friend of mine, invited me, he mentioned he had a special Christmas surprise in store for me. Bill was told the same thing.

His best friend was right: meeting Bill was the most special Christmas surprise I could have imagined and the very best Christmas gift I have ever received.

Merry Christmas!

Happy Hanukkah!

Or, if you don't celebrate the holidays, a wonderful weekend!

Much love,

Adrienne

Holiday Green, Mascara and Doggy Cuteness

2011-12-23T08:56:00.000-08:00

I festively dressed for the season again Thursday and interviewed a rather old Kelly green scoop neck sweater from I.N.C.

I rarely wear this sweater. I find it so bright and so green! The last time I wore it was St. Patrick's Day, a full nine months ago. I wore the same scarf with it last St. Patrick's day, too.

Isn't is beautiful? Aesthetic Alterations
featured it on her blog and I snatched it
up within moments of seeing it.

I can't tell you how many times I have thrown this sweater in the donation pile, only to retrieve it, rationalizing that I must have something to wear on St. Patrick's Day; childhood habits die hard, I suppose.

Heading off to work for the morning, I paired the sweater with an ancient pair of pin-striped pants from Gap. I haven't worn these pants in nearly five years because they didn't fit me; way too small. I put them on yesterday morning and discovered I could button and zip them and still breathe. That particular event truly made my morning.

I tied the Oscar de la Renta scarf around my neck and added a few strands of faux pearls. I threw on a ZARA coat, purchased in San Francisco last October, and my trusty Tsubo Mary Jane pumps. I felt festive, but not 'costume-y'.

I haven't yet decided if I am keeping the sweater or not. I suppose that means I need to wear it again. Maybe I'll try it sans the scarf and with navy blue instead of black.

What other colors match nicely with Kelly green? Any suggestions?

*************************************************

I'm on a quest to find the ideal mascara. Every three months, I toss my current tube and purchase a fresh one. For years, I was a committed buyer of DiorShow. I still think DiorShow is a fantastic mascara, but I like checking out what other makeup lines have to offer.

Having just thrown away a mascara I adored, Armani 'Eyes To Kill', I needed to find a new one...fast. While shopping at the local and rather dated department store, I fought my way to the crowded MAC counter, the best makeup counter of the bunch at our Macys, and asked for the best mascara they make.

The sales woman handed me this:

Haute & Naughty Lash. With two brushes. The skinny hot pink wand is for a light application. The tube's opening is very small, so there isn't much mascara left on the wand once you pull it out of the tube. My lashes look longer and darker, but not very dramatic. It's great for daytime wear.

The sparkly purple wand has a plumper brush that coats your lashes more fully. It has a tendency to clump a bit, so I usually give it a quick swipe on a tissue before application.

Will I buy this mascara again? Probably not. It's too gimmicky for me. Besides, I have fallen in mascara love with the lush and velvety Armani "Eyes To Kill" and will buy that come next March. Might my mascara quest be over?

What mascara are you using these days? Any brands that you adore?

************************************************

I haven't posted any cute doggy pictures on The Rich Life, at least not like I used to. They are an almost daily occurrence on my personal Facebook page, but I've toned it down here.

I thought, in the spirit of the holidays and in loving all things cute and furry, I'd post a few recent shots of The Rich Life canines.

I bought our Golden Retriever his very first stuffed animal toy yesterday. We've been practicing not shredding things with Bill's old socks. So far, he has been very gentle and ready to graduate to a stuffed animal.

While I was wrapping gifts last night, Daisy came into the room and took the toy for herself. She excitedly ran around the house with it in her mouth, drooling all over the darn thing.

Once she got tired and let the toy go, we gave it to the intended recipient, Murphy.

I have never seen him so happy; he didn't give a hoot about Daisy's slobber. He jumped up on the couch with his new baby and actually grinned, ear to ear (yes, I like to believe that dogs smile and yes, they sit on our furniture).

This is one of my favorite photos of Coco and Daisy, taken last week during a quick fold of the laundry.

And this darling shot of Coco 'helping' me change bed linens makes me smile every time I see it .

Our dogs make me so very happy. They are an endless source of joy, comfort, love and of course, entertainment!

Off to clean the house. Company's coming for dinner tonight. Can you believe Christmas is less than 48 hours away?? Eek!

Happy Friday!

XO,

Adrienne

Holiday Red

2011-12-22T04:00:00.000-08:00

It's the second day of my commitment to don my most festive duds until New Year's Day. The interviewing part has already produced a casualty in the form of a too big and too scratchy black skirt with silver threads running throughout. To donation it goes!

Wednesday, I chose a bright red jacket purchased during my first trip to Paris for my 40th birthday in 2007.

My husband detests shopping and waited, arms crossed, on the sidewalk outside Caroll on rue de Rivoli while I frantically tried on jackets and coats. Tops, skirts and the like would take too long. He was waiting and we had monuments to see, escargot to eat and Burgundy wine to drink.

In record time, I found two jackets: a black Chanel-esque jacket that I wore recently and this red jacket.

On the agenda for Wednesday was visiting a dear senior client of mine to chat and deliver some sweets, a trip to the library and the market and finishing the very, very last of my holiday shopping.

I started with a base outfit of a black pencil skirt, black sweetheart neckline long sleeved top, the red Paris jacket and black pumps.

Feeling daring, I whipped out a new pair of boldly patterned stockings, something I never wear, and a red and leopard print handbag, also purchased in Paris.

Although I like the pattern of these stockings, they aren't very flattering on my shapeless, skinny calves. Maybe I should try a horizontal stripe? I kid!

After seeing these photos, I decided the stockings and bag were too much for what I had going on Wednesday. I toned it down by ditching the stockings altogether and carrying my old standby handbag, a vintage Salvatore Ferragamo.

There...much better.

Of course, I can wear this jacket year round, But I don't.

There is something about this bright red shade that makes me uncomfortable. I've recently discovered that wearing loud colors is not easy for me (remember the hot pink trench?).

Like most things I have issues with, it stems from my teen years. I was a very tall teenager; nearly 6 feet tall at 14 years old. I was told that women with height should make an effort not to stand out too much by wearing lots of neutrals and no patterns.

At 44 years old, it's time to offload this and other outdated notions to which I subscribe and learn to feel comfortable standing out, don't you think? Sounds like a 2012 New Year's resolution to me!

Tomorrow, I am interviewing a Kelly green sweater - let's see if it goes in the donation pile or in a post on the blog - and I'm doing a review of a new mascara.

Do you ever feel uncomfortable in bright colors or bold patterns?

Tell me about it. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

XO,

Adrienne

Dressing for the season...everyday

2011-12-21T04:15:00.000-08:00

While riffling through a drawer the other morning, I happened upon this belt.

It looks quite like a snowflake, doesn't it? It's a festive piece I bought one summer several years ago in Jackson, Wyoming.

This time of year, I ought to be making the most of my festive wear. But so far, I've only worn my holiday duds to a handful of events we've attended, not day in and day out. If I don't wear my small holiday wardrobe within the next 11 days, it will sit in my drawers and closet until Holiday Season 2012, collecting dust for yet another year.

"Use it or lose it", as the saying goes. So use it, I shall. I will don Christmassy garb each day between now and January 2nd.

You'll be seeing more red, green, blue, fur, winter white, silver and sparkly, shiny blingyness on The Rich Life from now until the end of the year. Rest assured that I won't bore you with every outfit, only the cheeriest of the bunch.

Tuesday, I allowed my snowflake belt see the light of day. I wore it with a white H & M tank, black single-button blazer, short black boots and new Banana Republic jeans in a size that fits.

I began the day by having coffee with my senior friend, Guido, then finished up my Christmas shopping, took 14 items to consignment (one of which was a red holiday coat), and grocery shopped.

I felt rather sparkly and shiny all throughout the day.

This a great way to interview my holiday accessories and clothes. It's an exercise that will help me determine which items are flattering on me and which are not. After 11 days of this, I'm sure I'll want to off-load a few holiday pieces.

If you own holiday clothing and/or accessories,

are you wearing yours or have they been neglected this season?

XO,

Adrienne

Visible Monday: Festive Looks with Thrifty Finds

2011-12-18T17:42:00.000-08:00

Saturday night was the annual holiday party for my husband's employer. I found a black shift dress at a Sonoma thrift shop for $5.00 a few weeks ago and had it altered for $20.00. I was thrilled and could hardly wait for the 17th to arrive so I could finally wear it.

It was a bit too plain for a festive holiday party on its own, so I invested in a blingy statement necklace ($50.00) at a local boutique appropriately named, Bling!.

This dress will be a key piece in my wardrobe. I can wear it with all different jackets, sweaters, footwear, and accessories to create both evening, and daytime, professional looks. I will be getting my $25.oo out of it, and more.

The necklace is surprisingly versatile, too.

Sunday, my husband, Bill, and I went to breakfast at our friend's cafe where his daughter works. I wore the necklace again with J. Crew jeans, sensible boots, black belt from Macys and a crisp, white button down, thrifted for $4.00. It is in like-new condition and fits great.

It was cold out, so I brought along an old leather jacket. And I carried a Kenneth Cole, silver accented handbag.

Just like my last post, I took a simple and casual outfit and spiced it up a bit with something shiny and sparkly.

This isn't my only statement necklace. I have a second one you'll see on January 3rd when Jill from Everything Just So, several other bloggers and I show ours off in our "How I Wear My...", our monthly series featuring a new garment or accessory each month.

I am playing hostess next time. I'll feature photos of participants here on The Rich Life. If you'd like to participate, just send me a photo of yourself wearing your necklace by January 1st and I will include you, and a link to your blog if you have one, in the next "How I Wear My..." post.

Don't forget to catch me and lots of wonderfully stylish women over at Not Deal Yet Style's Visible Monday.

XO,

Adrienne

Casual sequins and a new 'do

2011-12-16T21:37:00.000-08:00

I spent a few hours with the best hair dresser in the world yesterday. I had an appointment for a root touch up, peek-a-boo highlights, and a bang trim. Right off, we had our usual 10 minute discussion about my likes and dislikes pertaining to my mane. I love the color, but my long, jaw-length bangs and the heaviness of my hair has been getting on my nerves.

Thankfully, Adelina had time for a haircut. She performed a dry cut on me, adding shorter layers, thereby lightening the weight of my hair. Next, she went to work on shortening my side-swept bangs. Finally, she applied several peek-a-boo highlights, then doused my roots in base color. What a lot of work she did!

While I was waiting for my hair to process, I texted this photo to my husband.

We had plans to see Tori perform in her high school's choir. I didn't want to dress up too much; it's pretty casual out here in the suburbs. But I did want to look festive. It was a holiday performance, after all. I wore my sequin jacket you may remember from the monthly series, "How I Wear My..." with Kasil jeans, black ballet flats, white scoop-necked T, and snowflake necklace.

It's fun to wear sequins with simple jeans and a T-shirt. It's an easy way to snazz up an otherwise boring outfit.

My new bangs are going to take some getting used to, but so far, I love them. I think they help frame and shorten the longness of my face.

Not a single present wrapped, piles of laundry are still waiting for me and I've not cooked a meal since Wednesday.

But, I got my hair done!

Have I got my priorities straight, or what?

Have you ever worn fancy garments with jeans?

Thought on bangs?

Happy weekend, friends!

I hope you get a chance to cuddle up with someone you love.

XO,

Adrienne

Denim, Roses, Belts, and other things

2011-12-15T21:50:00.000-08:00

I came across my latest thrift find last Monday in Sonoma while shopping with a girlfriend. It's a Liz Claiborne denim shirt dress and I paid only $4.32 for it, including tax.

Thursday, I worked from home and ran errands wearing the dress:

I chose a black braided belt with a gold buckle, Kate Spade handbag, black tights, black tall boots, black and gold studded cuff and two gold necklaces.

The belt was too big for this smaller part of my waist; I usually wear it lower on my hips with pants. I almost didn't wear it. Then I remembered how Sarah Jessica Parker wore a belt with a Valentino dress last week on Live! with Kelly. She tightened it at the waist, then let the long 'tail' of the belt hang loose.

I'm no SJP, but I thought, why the heck not?

While finishing up some holiday shopping at Macys, I found a wide, stretchy belt that would allow me to have options to wear silver accessories with the dress.

Like this blue cocktail ring, that I wish was a real sapphire, but alas is faux, that rarely sees the light of day.

I think I like the dress with the wide belt better. It's more comfortable, too; doesn't move around as much as the braided belt does.

Thursday morning, I finally got off my duff and exercised. I have not exercised for exercise's sake in months. It's embarrassing to admit how inactive I've been. The very end of September I had surgery and took longer to heal than expected. Then I caught a nasty cold on Thanksgiving that lingered for two weeks. Last week, I was well enough to exercise, but blew it off. It's so easy to stay in a sloth-like state once you're in it, especially in winter.

A fellow blogger, Leigh of Hines-Sight, mentioned in a comment that she spends much more time sitting since starting her blog. My response to that is: Me too! My time sitting on my arse has increased ten-fold since June, 2010. I'm beginning to develop "Blog Butt", a close relative of "Secretary Spread", and I need to get rid of it. I am making the commitment to move more, not just for my rear, but for my health. Sitting for long periods is not good. Not good at all.

I started out easy for my first day out and took Daisy for a walk around my neighborhood, all one street of it. I saw some beautiful sights; it had just rained and everything was glistening.

Our roses that have been solid white for the last seven years. Now they are pink. I'm not complaining. I happen to love pink roses. But why did they turn color? How does this happen?

A neighbor's vineyard.

Another neighbor's field.

A view of a little mountain across the way.

One of our nearby neighbors is in the process of doing something to her property that Bill and I aren't very happy about. I can't control the situation - she's free to do what she wishes with her property - so I just look the other way, literally. Instead of being angry about it, I'm actively choosing to pay more attention to the beauty that's still around me.

Speaking of beauty, I watched the most gorgeous, interesting and touching movie the other day. Séraphine is a French film based on Wilhem Uhde's discovery that his housekeeper, Séraphine de Senlis, was a gifted artist. Seeing this movie is such a lovely way to spend a couple of hours. I want to watch it again and again.

I have a somewhat busy weekend planned that includes attending a holiday performance by Tori's choir, going to a big holiday party, having my hair colored, wrapping gifts, making sweets for my senior clients, and tons of laundry. Hopefully, I can squeeze some walks in, too.

What's your weekend looking like?

Happy Friday!

XO,

Adrienne

Second-hand finds, vanity sizing and a new collaboration!

2011-12-14T04:15:00.000-08:00

Last week I bought a beautiful raspberry sweater at a local consignment shop, Paper Dolls. While I was there, I came across a J. Crew two-button blazer in a light tan shade in my exact size, a 10 tall. A tall!

But I left without it. The light tan color was what kept me from buying it. I worried it wouldn't be flattering on me.

Since then, I've thought about the blazer everyday. I had to go back to see if it was still there. It was! I brought it home with me for $32.00. Once home, I rifled through my closet, tried several different looks with the blazer and decided on this one:

I chose a thrifted Banana Republic black ruffled button-down ($3.99), a pair of brand new Banana Republic bootcut jeans, Clark's Water Row booties and Salvatore Ferragamo vintage handbag.

This outfit is not bad, but I'm not crazy about it. Although, I do like my new thrifted shirt very much; it was a real find.

First, the jeans aren't working for me.

They are too big and too dark. I bought them online because I have a 36" inseam and shops don't sell jeans that long around here.

Selecting your size online is a crapshoot. I bought two sizes thinking I would be able to wear one, and they're both too big. I've lost some weight*, 7 or 8 pounds since last September, but I suspect it has more to do with vanity sizing. I wish companies wouldn't mess around with clothing sizes. It would make online shopping so much easier. Do you come across vanity sizing often?

I digress...back to the blazer. I like the black shirt with the light tan blazer, but something is still not right. Helpful suggestions from you would be great! I'd like to make this blazer work in my wardrobe. It's not often I get to enjoy sleeves that are the proper length for my arms.

*About that aforementioned weight loss....

I am excited to announce that Rebekah of Cupcake Caramel and I have created a new blog called "Sugarless, Flourless and Fabulous!" about our experiences enjoying a low carbohydrate, very low sugar, high protein, whole food regimen. Please click over and say hello! We'd love to hear from you.

XO,

Adrienne

The World's First Toothpaste and other stuff

2011-12-13T09:19:00.000-08:00

There is a lovely shop just off the square in Sonoma called Kingston Ellis. Everything about this boutique is chic and stylish. It's full of pretty things from gorgeous cashmere wraps to fine ribbon, jewelry and art. They even sell pretty toothpaste. That's right. French toothpaste. And not some ordinary brand either. Botot is credited with being the "world's first toothpaste".

According to their website,
In 1755, Doctor Julian Botot invented the world’s first toothpaste and mouthwash for King Louis XV of France. With a natural gillyflower (clove family) base, this paste and mouthwash warm the gum line first then cleanse. The mouthwash is an elixir – a few drops in a glass of warm water and gargle will do the trick. Lasts forever!

I must get my mitts on that mouthwash, too.

Today's commercial brands of toothpaste are too aggressively flavored for me. I like my teeth clean and my breath fresh, but not painfully minty. Botot has a clove and anise flavor, but it's not overpowering. The flavors are subtle, the color is a girly pink, and the packaging is stylishly retro. I truly get excited about brushing my teeth now.

I have been using the luxurious Ecoya cream Fiona gave me like crazy. I have dry winter skin that needs constant moisturizing. I can't have enough of the stuff lying about, so I bought this tube with my toothpaste from Kingston Ellis.

Think of the cleanest and freshest laundry your nose has been buried in and that's what Studio-Hall Washed-Cotton cream smells like. It's heavenly.

Both of these products make great stocking stuffers. I know I'd be delighted to find them in mine on Christmas morning.

If you find yourself in Sonoma, be sure to drop by to see all the magnificent treasures to be had at Kingston Ellis. And click over to the style saloniste to see some great photos of the shop's interior.

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One of my favorite culinary blogs is The Kitchn. I follow them on Facebook and saw a recipe on their feed yesterday for Cinnamon Water. It just sounded too delicious and curious not to try. So I dug out some old cinnamon sticks, circa 2001, a sauce pan and got to work.

I poured four cups of water in the pan with four cinnamon sticks, let simmer for about 20 minutes and cool. No need to add sugar; it's slightly sweet on its own.

I keep the mixture in a small pitcher and when I want a refreshing, slightly sweet cinnamon beverage, I simply pour about 1/4 cup in a glass, add a couple ice cubes and fill with water.

It's a great alternative to alcoholic and sugary holiday beverages like egg nog. Although my guess is that a shot of vodka in Cinnamon Water might be fun if you wanted to liven yours up a bit.

XO,

Adrienne

The Rich Life (on a budget) finally has its own Facebook page! I'd be thrilled if you "liked" it. Just click on my badge above my profile or click on this link and hit "like"! xoxo