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Monday, December 10, 2012

Joy-FULL



Hello everyone!
Its starting to look a lot like Christmas.
Despite the sad events of this past season, 
I am full of joy.
I recognize that my life is full.  
Not perfect, but full of opportunity, love and friendships.  
I am not wealthy, but I am rich....in love, family, friendships and experiences.
I've spent most of the weekend and today trying to crank out 60 pages of writing for my thesis and a grant proposal...I have three days left to finish it....
but I found time for some work/fun.  Tonight I went to a Christmas party/Lia Sophia monthly meeting.  It was my first one since signing on as a rep...and I got some great ideas for my very first party on Friday.  I wanted to dress festively, and showcase one of my favorite Lia pieces...."Vapor".  I think this (yes...another LBD) Evan Picone (thrifted, of course) dress makes the perfect backdrop for such a striking necklace.

I adore this piece....its very shiny and has pretty, reflective cuts.  It looks very 'Gatsby/Art Deco' to me.  Its far more beautiful in person.

This hat fits that retro theme too....
The hat was made by a very friendly lady who is a widow.  She knits these gorgeous angora hats to supplement her fixed income.  I had purchase a brown one a couple of weeks ago at an Antiques/Gift shop in town and mentioned to the staff that I'd like to have one in black.  When I went in to the store today just to browse....my 'custom' hat was waiting for me.  They had told the crafter that I wanted a black and grey hat...and she knit it in a snap.  I am having her make a cream one and a purple one.....
I really don't need two more hats...but she could use the extra income, and they are cute and very reasonably priced.
I couldn't resist ordering two more..because she was just so charming.

Earlier in the day, I headed to my favorite sandwich shop with my computer to do some writing.  I just couldn't think at home any more.  I decided to test run this adorable New York and Company snake print dress.  It was super comfy and I love the pockets. I thrifted this for $4.00....which made me very happy, because I had pined for this dress when I saw it in the store at retail price. It was priced to high to justify the purchase at the time. Funny how the things I sometimes see and admire in retail stores end up in my path at the thrift store. Thrifting kismet?

Here's another Lia necklace.  I doubled it to fill the space on my neck...but it can be worn long too.  Its a very delicate piece.  If you haven't figured it out....I'm crazy about LS.  Fortunately, they make it very easy for advisors to build inventory for shows.

I also wrapped another Lia necklace (that came with my starter kit) around my boot...

I did sneak into the Goodwill and looked at a couple of dresses.  I realize that I need to wear a good smoothing undergarment with this dress...and I could lose a few pounds and it would look better, but I could not pass it up.  Yes, I bought it.  Its a tad snug...but the smoother will help...and I don't think its terrible.  

Back to the Lia event....
Santa paid a visit!  This was the best Santa I have seen in years; his beard and hair are real and he had that 'real' Santa glint in his eyes.

I met team Lia Sophia team members
  and my team leader...and of course, got to hang with Kori (the other blonde) who first dangled LS jewelry in my line of sight and tempted me to sign up as a rep.  (Kori's a social ballroom dancer....)
....at the meeting there was good food, fun games and Moscato.
Honestly, I really don't drink.  I had to participate in the toast, though.

Kori's a newlywed...which may explain how she was able to blow up so many balloons for this fun game we played.
(Please pardon my bedroom humor...that's the worse it gets though, I promise)




 
To play this game...the teams had to blow up balloons in a short time and stuff them into the panty hose.  Then one of the team members had to put it on her head 'reindeer' style, run around the table singing a Christmas carol.  The first team to do this was a winner.
One of the coolest things about this meeting/party is that each attendee was asked to bring a toy to donate to group of kids who are experiencing financial hardship.  You can't really see it well (unless you click the picture), but take a peek at the blue"seahorse" in the middle of the table.  He glows and plays a gentle song.  That was my donation.....sweet, soothing bedtime comfort for a child is a good gift I think.
I will leave you tonight with this picture of a home in my town.  Every year this home is generously decorated with thousands and thousands of lights.   Its a beautiful sight to behold and a wonderful gift to passers-by.  Its enchanting.  Enjoy.  There is so much to be joy-FULL about.





32 comments:

  1. I love the hat and what a great worthy purchase. Win win.
    The snakeskin dress looks fabulous on you.
    I can't wait to put up our tree - I want to feel more Christmassy.

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    1. My tree is up...with no decorations! I'm so wrapped up in writing my papers!
      I love the hat too,,,and the lady who makes them is special; she had the extra two I requested done the very next day!!!

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  2. I appreciate the way you live your life and your enthusiasm. You're an amazing woman! Happy Christmas to you and the ones you love

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    1. Thank you...you are so sweet...Christmas hugs to you!

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  3. Whew, 60 pages is quite a doozy, I hope it goes quickly for you. (Good luck!) I love your snakeskin printed dress, it's so bold but the monotone colors make it so wearable and it seems like it would be an easy dress to remix. And wow, what a killer deal for it, only four dollars? (It's funny that you mention it, I've had things that I've admired at stores and then they magically appear at the thrift store six months later. Retail karma is awesome when it works out that way.)

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    1. I know! I love thrift Karma....its because we are so good about thriving, reusing and honoring our earth!

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  4. You are JOYful :-)!!!
    This time of year can be hard. I'm trying to get into the Christmas spirit....been doing some baking....need to get the tree up.
    Looks like a lot of fun was had at the LS party and it's always good to donate/help the less fortunate. I know I am blessed with much more than I need.

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    1. Hi Linda.....I'm way behind on Christmas decorating. The tree is up but its bare, and I haven't begun to shop yet.

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  5. What a fun cheerful post. I love seeing the spirit of Christmas in people. How fun seeing the party and the lights on the house...wow! This must have taken some time. I bet this house gets special drive bys. You look fantastic, as always. You really have a knack for accessorizing.

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    1. Joanna...that house does get special drive-bys. I think its great and always look forward to doing drive-bys. I never tire of looking at that house. And I do view it as a generous gift that these homeowners bestow on the community.

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  6. that periwinkle dress is fantastic! No need to worry about losing weight, it really hugs your beautiful curves perfectly! And I can't believe you scored that at your goodwill! Dang! I need to shop with you!

    Enjoy your Tuesday!
    Clare
    Understated Classics

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    Replies
    1. Come on over to the midwest and we'll shop!

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  7. Love your outlook on life!
    You're looking mighty fine in your LBD and animalicious dress! Gorgeous jewelry, too!

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    1. I really love that black dress!
      Thank you for the compliment, Jeannie!

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  8. A really beautiful necklace, and the dress is very chic.
    Thank you for your comment, and of course my location is not Kansas, but is very typical of Western Australia; where I live :).

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    1. I couldn't resist the Kansas comment...! I enjoy your blog!

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  9. Lisa I am so glad to see that you are happy :)
    and enjoying yourself. I am sure your mom would be proud.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Lorena. You know..I think she would. My mom had some major illnesses before she was diagnosed with cancer (strokes) and she was able to come to watch me dance at one of my showcases. I think it make her happy. Thank you for your sweet words.

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  10. Oh my goodness, necklaces around boots is just about the coolest shoe related idea ever. Love it, love it, love! I usually have to pass up most (costume) jewelry because of my nasty nickel allergy, but this brilliant idea would allow me to buy and wear the kinds of necklaces that I'm longed to wear for years in a new (safe to my skin way). I could just hug you - thanks!!!!!

    ♥ Jessica

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    1. Jessica.....Im so glad that you have found a way to use necklaces that you can't wear around your neck! I got lots of compliments on that necklace when I wore it!

      I'll take the virtual hug, thank you. :)

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    2. Another cool thing....well, its not my idea but....I have a Lia Sophia bracelet that came with my starter kit that is too big for my wrists....so I use it as and ankle bracelet. Its not your typical delicate chain ankle bracelet...its got a braided fabric strap and some chunky metal pieces on it...and it looks so cool as a unique angle bracelet.

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  11. Look like a great weekend - though I will say I'm glad I haven't had to write a thesis/proposal anything! I can't imagine!

    <3 katherine
    of corgis and cocktails

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    Replies
    1. Its not so bad when you break it into pieces. Its challenging..but I enjoy it.

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  12. Adorable photos, looks like you had an amazing time!
    Elena
    http://dcinstyle.com/blog/

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  13. What a joy-Full holiday season you're having.
    I love it when I see something in the retail stores and then find it later in the thrift store!
    Happy Holidays.

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  14. That art deco necklace is beautiful - what a great piece! You could dress so many things up with that. Great to see you rocking knee high boots (been reading on Patti's blog how this is supposed to be off limits for older women!). Great dress finds too!
    Looks like you are having a ball gearing up for Christmas!

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    1. I love wearing knee high boots. I've been enjoying the holiday, but I haven't shopped for Christmas at all!

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  15. Yes, the art deco necklace is beautiful! And as always you look great in one of your LBDs!

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    1. Thank you for the compliment. I love the necklace; its one of my favorites.
      I always reach for the LBD first!

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  16. You certainly made me smile with these images & insights Lisa....love your bags & I completely relate to your thoughts!

    REBECCA
    www.redtagchiclosangeles.com

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    1. Glad I could help put a smile on your face!

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"When you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect"--Mark Twain