Queenies Little Kingdom

Why not make this easy, that’s what I say to myself when I’m going through my head thinking of what to post on today’s FASHION FRIYAY addiction edition. I mean, I understand. Not everyone shops online (Gasp, I know) and not everyone has access to Macy’s or Nordstrom’s (seriously sad, huh?). Every week, I post cute items from both of those stores and also tons of other online spots that I frequent. Ahem, for research purposes…..of course!

Today, I’m going all in and shopping for you at places everybody has access to. Unless you live in the bush of Alaska and if that’s the case, you won’t be needing any of the cutesy stuff I’m throwing up online. You are going to need a parka! So, stop torturing yourself and click over on the Patagonia site, will ya?!

From good old Walmart you can load up your cart with Dean’s icecream, shoe polish, washing detergent, clothing and JEWELS!!! Just look at what I found on CLEARANCE!!!

Lucite Pastel Statement Necklace

The sweet soft pastel caught my eye as I was scrolling along and I’m telling you….I’m on my way out for some shopping this morning and I am hitting Walmart to see if I can find this little lady. For $5 American dollars! You betcha, mama wants!

Since I am a complete GRITS kind of lady, I cannot skip over a sweet strand of pearls. Every lady, let me say that again….EVERY SINGLE LADY on God’s green earth needs a strand of pearls to wear around her neck. It is very doable at this whopping steal of a price. $78 dollars!

Ultra Luster 8-9mm 18″ White Pearl Necklace

Know what else every lady needs? A comfy maxi dress. This is just one of many that Walmart carries and if you are leary of pulling the trigger on a dress like this let me encourage you to TRY IT! I’ll even tell you a few ways to wear a maxi dress (or at least how I would do it). Trust me, I’m in love with the comfy feel and the trendy style ain’t so bad either.

Fourteenth Place Maxi

This maxi has a few things going for it; the halter style neckline and the color black. I’m old, so I can say this…..the halter style is flattering on just about every body. Now, to wear it for larger busted ladies….we will need to wear something over it. Unless, you are uber confident in your appearance (which, I am NOT when it comes to showing off the old lady chest area).

Here’s what I’d do — >

Yes. A jean jacket.

If you do not own a jean jacket, Lord help you! It is the best $29.99 dollars you will spend. You can wear it with EVERYTHING!!!!! It is literally one of my favorite go-to items in my wardrobe. Throw it on over a tank top. Wear it with your favorite MAXI DRESS. Use it in the summertime with a cute tee and a pair of shorts. I’m willing to lay my heart on the line here when I tell you, it will pick up your wardrobe as if you’ve just had a shopping spree at a Lily Pulitzer shop (ok, that is an exaggeration…but you get it, right?). BUY A DANG JEAN JACKET!!!

Oh, and another way to wear the maxi is with a cute pair of wedges and a sweater. Or, you could even wear a pair of flats and no jacket or sweater. It’s a buffet of options. Buy it, wear it and wait for all the compliments.

This little number is only $29.99 at your local Wally!!!

Just adding this jacket over the black maxi, takes you from a lady trying to look like she’s heading to the Dollar Tree prom to a gal with some serious sassyfashion! You’ll look comfy, dressy and trendy all for under $50!!!

You’re welcome!

Because I mentioned shorts, I have to throw in a pair that Walmart sells. They can be worn casual or a little dressed up. Again, the sky is the limit with this stuff. These come in 4 colors and are only $12.94

Faded Glory Women’s Shorts

How about a little Tarshay shopping? Nobody can hate on Target. If they do, they are dead to me! I read yesterday, they are getting a line from LILY PULITZER in April!!! Wahoo!

Go HERE and just drool, I mean, look at all the pretty Lily heading to Target on April 19th!!! O M G !!!

I’ll be honest and admit, I am not a big tee-shirt wearing person. However, there does come a time that wearing them is trendy and cute. Picking something like this tee is not going to put you in the lazy or sloppy look. This tee has the option of looking a little glam while still being a TEE-SHIRT! I would wear a blingy statement necklace and a jean jacket with shorts or even a fun skirt. It’s so cheap too! I see this all over Instagram in a ton of cute outfits. No joke!

Celfie Graphic Tee $12.99

Ladies, can we talk? Don’t be hurt by the tee-shirt snub. I’m not trying to be haughty when say LIMIT your wearing of the t-shirt. Husbands like seeing their women looking a little lady like and feminine. T-shirts, like that old tie-dye number that’s stretched out and stained that you wear all the time with your yoga pants (those, he likes) but not that nasty t-shirt. Put on something that kicks it up a notch. Even your confidence will change, I swear!

Remember my mentioning WEDGES? These are so cute from Target. At a steal for $29.99

I’m thinking….shorts, dresses, skirts & jeans will all work with a pair of these doll babies!

Meredith Zip Wedge

Let me tell you though….NOT ALL WEDGES FEEL GOOD! You HAVE to try on a lot of brands and kinds to find your prince/wedge. Only buy, do you hear me? ONLY BUY the ones that feel good to walk around in. Or you’ll hate me and the dang shoes I walked in on!

I can’t leave out JC Penney. It’s not your grandma’s store anymore. They are keeping up with trend and selling some of the prettiest women’s clothes. And at great prices with super coupons. Go look!

Worthington Sleeveless Floral $29.99

Sorry about the tiny pic. The site was wonky and wouldn’t let me save it in regular format. It’s a floral shift style dress. There were so many to choose from, you’ll surely find something to love there.

I know what it’s like to need or want something stylish to wear and not have a clue where to start. I’m here to tell you though, shop at your local stores (you’re probably buying catsup and eggs anyway). Some of the MOST COMPLIMENTED outfits I wear, I bought at a Walmart (usually on a clearance rack) or a Target. People are not checking your labels to decide if you are fashion worthy of their presence and IF THEY ARE….you are hanging with the wrong crowd!

Get out there, buy local and show everyone around you that YOU GOT STYLE sister!

Before I became a mom, I had dreams that all my children would be boys. Boys have a charming way of lassoing your heart and holding it hostage in their grimy little pockets for life. They’re naturally curious, often rambunctious, and full of cockamamey ideas that sometimes get them into trouble. I dig all that. They also have the most incredible loving hearts that if nurtured just right…. will allow them to become the most amazing men who, in turn, end up being the best husbands and fathers our world could ask for.

I married one of those.

I knew the moment that first ultrasound revealed a boy in my bulging belly that I had my work cut out for me. Loving a son would be serious business. Someday, someone besides me would love him and I hoped with all my might that what I did as his mother might enable him to be a loving husband and father and more.

If I had to write out a list of what’s important for my little bundle of blue to learn during his short stay in my home, these are a few at the top of my wish list.

15 Things I Want My Son To Know

1. Honesty is the best policy. It’s true. Being honest will help you in every aspect of your life. If you make it a habit of being untruthful, you will eventually begin to believe all your lies. Make note: Other’s will not! Therefore, your word….is meaningless.

2. Learn how to lead & know when to follow. Both are very valuable qualities. Never be afraid to learn from others and don’t miss a chance to help someone else out.

3. Be disciplined. Learn how to sit still, obey those in authority and work hard. The honest truth is, being lazy and undisciplined are both easy to accomplish. Working hard and following the rules is a character strengthening feat. You can do it!

4. Chivalry and good manners never die. Don’t fall for the weakening of either in our society. Always hold doors, give up your seat and chew with your mouth closed. Also, wash your hands. No one likes sticky handshakes!

5. Know the Law of the Harvest. You really will reap what you sow. Be a man of integrity in all areas of your life. If you cheat, it will come back to you…perhaps through humiliation or worse. If you lie or hurt others, be prepared to face that reality too. What goes around comes around.

6. Believe in yourself. Not every day of your life will be incredible. Learn to cope with failures and figure out how to chase down all your dreams. You will always have a family that believes the best about you. Lean on them when you need it most.

7. Don’t buy a motorcycle. Just throwing that in here. Some dummy will hit you. Your mother will lose countless hours of sleep. It’s just a miserable sport.

8. Real men do cry. It’s not a sign of weakness to show emotion. Ever. If anything, it shows your strength to love and your compassion. Very nice qualities.

9. Don’t be a jerk. Having sisters will clearly open you up to being called one during sometime in your life. However, your very nature should not be one of the characteristic jerk dude. Be nice, thoughtful and kind-spirited.

10. Chicks dig guys who can sing, play music and dance. Learn to play the guitar or some sort of musical instrument. Girls really do love it.

11. Learn to apologize and offer forgiveness. You’re going to make mistakes. Own them. Apologize and move on. Also, decide to be a good forgiver. It will bless you more than you can ever imagine.

12. Help people. Give of your time, your money and your heart every chance God gives you. You never know when you’ll be the one in need.

13. Protect your name. Some say that a man’s reputation is directly linked to his heart and I would have to agree. Who you are on this earth is important not only to those around you but to God. Learn to please him with your life and lifestyle.

14. Trust & believe in the One True God. You are wonderfully created in His image. You belong to Him. Obey Him, honor Him and direct others to Him with your life. You were put here specifically by Him for Him. Don’t waste your time here.

15. Call your mom. No woman on the earth will ever love you as wholly and completely as she will. Show her the respect and honor she deserves by calling her just to say, “Hey Mom!”.

Okay Mama’s, nothing will ever prepare your heart to mother a boy. Learn to enjoy every bloody injury, painted garbage can and constant hungry stomach. The time you’ll spend mothering him will zip by so fast….you’ll wish you had a time machine.

Dear Lord,

Thank you for my son. Through him, I have felt your love for me a million times.

Amen

I love learning new things, don’t you? There are so many tried and tested ideas out there that I feel it’s my blogging duty to share a few with you. They’re not my ideas but those of others who have been kind enough to spread the knowledge. I hope you enjoy a thing or two from my linky list!

Need some painting tips? This is one of the best blog posts on all things paint. Know Your Paint

Got a thing for lemons? Eat them, decorate with them…smell them? You will love this post. The Squeeze on Lemons

Do you use rubber gloves? Here’s an idea I bet you’ve never thought of.

Love wearing cashmere but hate dry cleaning? Oh, save yourself the hassle. No more paying a fortune to do what you can do at home. Washing Cashmere

This post remembering sweet Kara Tippets is just one of many floating around out there. Her story is one you’ll never forget. THIS POST is Kara’s letter to all of us after her death. What a courageous woman!

If you love pickled eggs, here’s a recipe just for you. Easter will be sweet and sour this year.

Cooking the ham for Easter this year? How about Crock-pot Coca cola ham?

I love rubber bands but this post takes on a whole nother level of love. So many great ideas.

Need a body detox? This post has a ton of at home detox ideas to make you a whole new person.

Can’t think of any NEW ways to love your hubby? Here’s 55 ways. Get busy!

5 Make-up Beauty Tips from a professional.

Want to impress everyone at your next birthday party with your fancy cake decorating skills? Here ya go.

Have an old door laying around that needs repurposing? I love these tips.

Are you a fan of Annie Sloan paints? I am but I’m really nervous about using it. This post is great for beginners. It’s all about that wax!

Don’t throw out that old headboard!!! I love these repurposed benches. You can do it!!

Love the look of vintage signs but not ready to fork over the big bucks to buy one? Don’t worry, this post is step by step instructions to make your very own. I love this!

Need a quick and cute snack idea. These mini banana splits are just the thing. Yummo!

Enjoy doing crafts with paint sticks? This post has so many cute ideas.

Don’t know EVERYTHING? Tsk tsk, fear not. This post tells you EVERYTHING you never knew about EVERYTHING. Really. Go see.

I love when other people share their nifty knowledge, don’t you?

Happy Hump Day!!!

I got hacked!

As in, my whole world came crashing down…..hard! Last Friday, I noticed an email from Twitter saying that my password had been changed and that I needed to contact them if I hadn’t done the changing. Which is all a big fat lie because I still can’t get back into the Twitter world. That whole CONTACT US thing? LIES!! Mean evil vicious L I E S !!! And, no…I’m totally not bitter.

I told my hubby about it that night but didn’t really think about it too much because you know, it was Friday night. I wanted to jump head on into my relaxing weekend. However, I woke up the next morning to the face of Hitler as my new profile pic on my Facebook and then I knew….I was totally hacked.

It’s probably a good thing (looking back) that I had no clue just how invasive this hack job had gone. I most likely wouldn’t have slept so peacefully and I know for sure that my poor hubby’s life would’ve been pure misery. That old, What Mama don’t know…won’t hurt her thing! True reality for this gal!

I jumped up out of bed and tried to access anything and everything in my world that required a password. Nada! Nothing worked. Panic slapped me all around and my head was spinning with worry. I thought of all the ways a hacker destroys lives and robs innocent people. I imagined the worst. Hey, that’s just who I am, okay? It was bad, but whoever this monster was had not made it into my checking account. Did I mention, Friday was PAYDAY?

Whew!

There began the great clean-up Wanda’s computer and all her favorite hang-outs Spring 2015. The weekend was a sheer pleasure! Nothing fun happened involving using a computer or cell phone. It was all business! Oh and if you thought having a profile pic of Hitler posted all over Facebook was bad….

Just try to process ME having to CHANGE EVERY SINGLE PASSWORD to EVERY LITTLE THING I do or use. I cried. I whaled. I resisted. I begged for mercy. I even puffed myself up and lied to (me) that I COULD REMEMBER…such crap! I’ll never ever ever remember all the new passwords created for all the places I go online. I am so hosed!

So, by Sunday I was at the point of being a rebellious teenager. When my hubby (who has a mind like a stinking steel trap) would yell down another new password for blah blah blah, I would holler back….”I’M NEVER GOING TO REMEMBER IT, KILL ME NOW!”.

Yea, I’m real mature!

Finally, I just gave up and said, “Write them all down!”.

I’ll be honest, I’m not as strong in the remembering department as I once was. I’m blaming it on all the childbirth experiences. I’ve taken a beating on the memory muscle and I NEED HELP! My kids tell me things and I still ask them questions later about it. I think they believe I’m a 100 years old or at least my mind is. So, getting hacked was a true lesson in brain power reboot!

After working on my online lifestyle habits all weekend, the best husband in the world presented me with a print-out of all my new passwords.

Only….he forgot to change my laptop password and I don’t know how things work in your life, but if you can’t access your laptop. You have no online life. Am I right?

FYI: Do not ignore weird emails telling you your accounts have changed any passwords. Not that you can really do anything about it at that point. But, representing yourself as Hitler on Facebook might be avoidable if you quick like a bunny go in and change your account passwords.

I’m going to confess here that as long as I’ve been a traveler in the online world, I’ve only had to use ONE PASSWORD or a similar variation of it the whole time. So, I’m telling you….CHANGE PASSWORDS here and there! It might save you some of the frustration that I’ve experienced this last weekend.

I can't remember calling home for my mom much during school days unless it was from the Nurse's office and I was deathly ill.  Honestly, I don't think I ever spoke to my mom from school otherwise.  It was all business, dude.  School was sacred ground.  You went, you stayed and you behaved!

Or else.

I currently sub at a high school in a very nice area of Indiana.  The school I work for is at the top of its game in academic scoring and state testing.  The kids aren't perfect but they are on a fast track academically to be very successful college students.  I like the seriousness of the students and staff (it's not all work and no play, I promise) and I really love the freedoms each person has individually on campus.  While there are many rules, none of them are so restrictive that students feel frustrated or eager to lash out and stick it to the man.  For the most part, everyone manages themselves with dignity and respect.

Not all schools are like that.

One thing that I believe is rather popular these days is RESCUE PARENTING.  I'm sure it's not only in my current school because pretty much every kid nowadays has a cell phone and can text mom or dad for just about any need they might have during the school day.  I noticed as I was searching for a parking space just last week.  It was one of those beloved 1/2 days for me, the kind where I lounge around with a cup of coffee in the morning in my pj's while some teacher gets her classroom ready for me to leisurely saunter into around 11am.

I drove up and down the parking lot searching for an open parking place.  Every single spot was full.  The whole time I was thinking, "Hmm, must be a school convo going on or many guest speakers!".  Only, that wasn't it at all.  I realized as I walked into the main office and had to step over all the STUFF that the mom's of Z'ville had been called upon to bring their kids that day.  The piles of bags, shoes, books, book bags, lunches, fast food (yes, I said fast food) and more were stacked and piled as if a great exodus had occured and everyone jumped up and ran.  The poor office secretary was the KEEPER OF THE STUFF and had her hands full with intake and distributing all the left behind stuff.

It reminded me of a time when, if you forgot it…..it stayed put!

Forgetting something important at home taught you a very valuable lesson.  One that HELPED YOU BE A BETTER AND MORE RESPONSIBLE PERSON!  Now, don't get all worked up and misunderstand me.  I'm a compassionate mom.  Matter of fact, I would have most likely sped down the street too if my kids called with a very important need (I know I did it some time or another).  For the most part, I tried to help them stay organized and on top of their game.  I know there were times…..they needed rescuing in a big way and I peeled out to help.

Sadly, I think it's (the rescuing) gotten a little out of hand.  I mean, what are these kids going to do when they get to college?  Or a big person job?  Call Mom?  Call Honey?  Forgetting your stuff at home is one of the greatest life lessons each of us can experience.  It's one of those, HOLY CRUD…I forgot my lunch? moments.  To which, most of us who starved all day proclaim, "AS GOD AS MY WITNESS, I WILL NOT FORGET MY FOOD TOMORROW!!!".

We learn to take the necessary steps to prevent going hungry all day long because we picked it up when we were young and reckless and Mom wouldn't leave her meeting to bring us lunch at school.  Most of us had to eat that freebie peanut butter and honey sandwich.  Yum, right?

Mom's, I'm not telling you to let your kids go hungry.  All I'm saying is constantly rescuing our kids is doing them a big disservice.  Kids have to learn to be responsible.  When we race to their every whim and mishap, we send them a very confusing message.  We almost train them to think that they are way more important than anything we have to do and if you don't know how dangerous that is……oh boy, I don't know what to tell you.

Ever ran into any entitled people in your comings and goings?

I bet there was a very helpful mom, dad or grandparent in their life somewhere.  You can thank them.  Ha!

I'll close with this….

Kids are smart.  They know stuff.  Stuff like, just how far to push to get their way.  Also, they are very selfish people, by nature.  It's not usually a big deal for them to interrupt YOUR life (to them) even though for you, you might have to leave work or wake up a sleeping baby to run meet their very important needs.  Kids do not need us to teach them to be MORE SELFISH.  They are already equipped to the hilt with that ability.

Do the world a favor and train your kids to be responsible for themselves.  Teach them to learn from their mistakes.  The world will be a better place for all of us, if you do!  And maybe, I'll be able to find a decent parking place.

The weather has started to tease us here in Indiana, one warm day followed by needing a jacket the next.  I've learned in my 15 years in this state that picking out a dress for Easter is a huge gamble.  The smartest move is to pick out something that will look super cute with a coat.

April 5th will be here before you know it and if you haven't done your Easter shopping, good news….I'm here to help!  I know picking out an outfit for such a special occasion is personal.  However, you might be looking for a few ideas and that's where my snooping around may help.

From my house to yours, here we go.

The Tulle Skirt

This lavender beauty is from Anthropologie and costs a whopping $168.  I love it.  I'm a bit too old for tulle skirts these days, but my girls are the perfect age. This isn't the only place to find a sweet tulle skirt.  BlissTulle is a special boutique dedicated to just tulle lovelies.  Really, you could just google tulle skirt and find a ton of choices.

Floral Maxi

I know you probably feel like I'm cramming florals down your throat….but seriously, this is the season for flowers!  I love the colors of this one and the soft flow.  It would be so pretty on a tall framed chicky.   Natures Song Dress at ModCloth for $147.99

Polka Dot Dress

I grew up shopping at Belk's.  It was our Macy's down south in my rural area.  This Chelsea Suite Polka Dot dress is the perfect match for the lady who loves yellow!  It's only $49.99 too.

Chiffon Maxi Skirt

Glory glory halleluia, this skirt is pretty!  It's on a flash sale right now over on Style Girl Boutique for $52 and they have several colors.  Gorgeous!

Spring Sweater

Y'all, this Spring Chicken sweater is the cat's meow!  For those of us who never fail to get a little chill for Easter day, it's perfect for looking adorable while hunting Easter eggs.  It's only $28.50

Classic Cardi

This little cardi is on major sale.  The only catch is that all that's left is Large.  That's just what I needed anyway.  $14.50  I really love the floral skirt the model is wearing too.

Blossoms Skirt

Another flowy & floral skirt at just the right length and price.  $42.50 over at & Apparel.

Sleeveless Eyelet Dress

I couldn't post Easter dresses without including something green.  It's so fresh and reminds me, summer is on its way.  This can be purchased on New York & Co. site for $69.95

I'm going to stop here because next week I have shoe dreams to share.  If I don't quit now, I'll be shopping my head off looking for the perfect pair to blow your mind.  Stay tuned for shoe-a-palooza, okay? 

Happy Friday!!