Forever Fierce

February 19, 2018
Beauty


Happy Monday lovelies!!  It is a great day!  I am so excited to be sharing with you not only my idea of what I think it means to be fierce in midlife, but the ideas of a few thousand other ladies as well! Yes, you read that correctly.  Today is Forever Fierce Day and I have collaborated with 50 other bloggers; who just happen to be fierce sisters!  We all have asked a few friends, neighbors, and even family members to share what they think.  Read all of their stories here #Foreverfierce.  Is midlife the wrong side of 40?  I don't think so, actually I know it's not!  So I am asking you today too... what does being fierce in midlife mean to you? 



Below are the things I have discovered in midlife:

I let go of the drama that people surround themselves with.  I embrace the changes in my body and still rock a bikini.  Gravity is inevitable, but self esteem and pride in your life is priceless. 

Skincare has always been important to me and I continue to take good care of my skin.  Adapting to the changes has just meant adding a few new items! 

Wisdom is grand; with age comes the knowledge that it is sometimes better to observe rather than speak.  Changing my diet has been a huge benefit!  I eat more fruits and vegetables and have cut out processed food.  About 6 years ago I switched up totally and became mostly vegetarian. (With the exception of sushi of course).  So technically it's called pescaterian.  

Happiness is something that you are; a state of mind.  I have been called brave for my journey and I'll take that with my head high!  I was brave, still am actually.  If you read my post, Life Begins at the end of your Comfort Zone then you will see that I may have been down, but I am now back up and empowered!  My passion burns brighter than my fear and I am full of drive and motivation and I won't get in my own way.  Change is always on the horizon and I choose to grow with it.  I will reach again for what is in me.  I will fiercely forge a new path and set out on it - boldly, while making no excuses.  









 So, tell me...what does fierce in midlife mean to you?  Click here to join the movement! 

Life Begins at the end of your comfort zone

October 30, 2017
Blogging
Comfort zones are easy; that's why we stay in them so long.  The "zone" always feels safe and, well, comfortable.   As you all know, I’ve been silent for some time now.  What you don’t know is that, for me, the silence has spoken volumes.  Let me take you back.

Do you remember last summer when I vacationed in Key West and South Florida?  I shared my favorite Key West resort, The Southern Most Beach Resort and Breakfast at the Breakers.  I even extended my vacation by three days before flying home to Kansas.   The beach called to me and I answered. 


In the blink of an eye, I sold my house, downsized by over 50% and ended my relationship of 11 years.  I empty nested, and left alone. . . all. by. myself.  I moved into a condo on the water in Palm Beach, Florida and into the unknown.  Boy, when I do it... I do it big!  I knew what I needed;   I needed to let go of the things and thoughts that were getting in the way of me living an authentic life.  Life's dot to dots don't always connect in a straight line, that's why they call it a journey.  


Know this, the people we surround ourselves with will either raise or lower our standards.  They either help us become the best version of ourselves or simply discourage us.  We all need people in our lives to remind us of our essential purpose and to challenge us to  be better. In Florida, I could count my acquaintenances on one hand but the one that mattered was a 26 year friendship; a sisterhood really.  Today, that relationship has ended as well. 

Throughout my six month journey, people changed. But more importantly, I changed.  I witnessed events and behaviors that were toxic.  I gained a whole new understanding of the term "frenemy".  I stepped back.  In doing so, I was able to see what was broken.   I made no fan fair, fuss, or statement of my feelings; I quietly pulled away, even to the point of passing her in public without her awareness.  On several occasions, she mentioned that she could see I was slipping in my sharpness for details.  No, I just wasn't allowing her to see that I was as sharp as ever.   I purposefully did not have any clear conversations regarding my position.  After all,  it was a moot point.  I know, I know, not my style, right? I just didn't need... or want to work on mending it any longer.  I was done.  Without the poisonous relationship surrounding me, I started to grow.  Unfortunately, the growth didn't come without grief.

Oh, how I have grieved the past year.  I grieved for a friendship that would not, as always thought, last a lifetime.  I grieved for the mother role that I had lost as a result of empty nesting and the move.  I grieved for my relationship of eleven years, my love, my best friend.  I grieved for the life I had built for myself and my family in Kansas.  Every day I would put on my favorite play list and walk the beach and when that was done, I would float in the water for hours on end.  Surrounded by strangers, I cried millions of tears into that ocean.   I needed to be alone without really being alone.  That was what my soul needed. 




Where am I now you ask?  Simply put, I am in a better place.  It has been a journey, and will continue to be one, but I know I am where I am supposed to be and I know I am here for the right reasons.  You see, while I was physically in Florida for those 6 months, I could never get my heart to make the same transition.  So,  I packed myself up again and moved back to the Midwest.  I close on my new house in a few days and I am already in my second month at my new job.  I stayed in healthcare, so that at least went smoothly!   I have missed you and my blog but know that stepping away was necessary.  Would I go back and do it differently?  No.  I truly believe that things happen for a reason but now I am ready to come back to you!  The emails, texts, pm messages and comments I've received are appreciated more than you will ever know.  I have always loved this little corner of my world and can't wait to take you back to Peridot Skies.  xo  


Wednesday Wants / Father's Day Edition

June 08, 2016
Celebration
This weeks editions of Wednesday wants is a fun one for Dads!  Who else struggles with what to get the men in your life? Sometimes when they seem so easy to please and low maintenance it is a bigger struggle!  Here are a few fun ideas that is sure to please any guy!






1  Fitbit  // 2  Bose Bluetooth speaker  //  3 Ray-Ban Clubmasters   //  4 Baseball hat   //   5  Armour IPhone case  //  6   Adidas Sneakers  //  7  Belt  //  8  G Shock Watch  //  

Merry Christmas

December 26, 2015
Family

As I look back over the past year I can't help but be joyous with where I am today.  Re branding was something I have wanted to do for a while but needed to really define what I wanted my brand to stand for.  I think we accomplished it beautifully.   It stands for everything I love and inspire to share with you.  Clean, simple, and always a splash of pink and a pop of leopard!  It's about the beauty you want to share with the world.  Embracing your flaws and imperfections because lets face it, we all have them and we only begin to truly shine when we don't let it hold us back; rather help us grow.  I appreciate every one of you for supporting me, encouraging me, and making me want to share everyday with you the best I have to give.  Blogging is a lot of work and takes a lot of time to curate and create great content.  Working full time and blogging almost full time has been challenging sometimes; but I would change a thing.  I love my little blog and hope you will continue to ride the ride with me as we head into the new year.  Merry Christmas and I can't wait for an even better 2016!  


Tulsa Oktoberfest

October 30, 2015
Fall
Did you think I fell off the radar?  I have been traveling the past 5 days added an extra day to my plans and when I got home it has been non stop busy catching up.  I went home to Tulsa for Oktoberfest and to see my boys who were all in town visiting as well.  It was a wonderful weekend with all three of my boys and all of my grandsons.  And yes.. that is my son and grandson in their Lederhosen.  German runs deep in my family. 

I have been working on something exciting for the blog and can't wait to share it with you.  I have plenty of pictures to edit and post to share with you so expect me to be back to a full week of posting on Monday.  In the mean time... here is a snapshot of my week and weekend and TGIF! 



Traveling The Pacific Coast Highway

July 28, 2015
Beach
My first full day in California we decided to hit up the beach, then take a drive up the Pacific Coast Highway.  Also know as Highway 1 this major North South highway runs along most of the pacific coastline of California.  Know for its scenic views of the ocean;  it is popular amongst tourist.  (That was me.)  We headed up to Newport Beach to do a little shopping at Fashion Island and dinner at Fig & Olive. 
dining_california_pacific_coast

 I have heard great things about this restaurant and was excited when my niece who works for the management company made VIP reservations for us.  We arrived a little early and snapped a few outfit picks before heading in.  We had a wonderful table with a view of the entire restaurant.  My seat was a semi circle booth with throw pillows as my cushions.  Pretty cool.    I ordered the Zucchini blossom and goat cheese ravioli, and the presentation was fabulous.  

wine_newport_beach_fashion_island

Fig_and_Olive_Ravioli
 As we waited for our dinner to arrive we were treated to an olive oil tasting.  Each meal begins with a taste of three distinct extra virgin olive oils.  Served with the restaurant's freshly baked Rosemary olive oil fougasse bread we delighted in the sampling.  My favorite was the Fig and Olive Arbosana which was sweet, fruity and creamy.  They have an entire website dedicated to their oils and you can purchase them here.   

Fashion_Island_Shopping

Ropes_bracelet_Pink_Shorts

-


Tank ~ Shorts ~ Ropes bracelet ~ Sandals (On Sale) ~ Hat c/o ~ Tassel necklace (Very Similar and this one is cute ) I found the same necklace on the website but no link.  I suggest going into your store and looking for it ~ Belt ~ Watch ~ Sunnies ~  Lips ~ Nails ~ 






Thousand Steps Beach

July 27, 2015
Beach
Hi guys! I'm back from my trip to Dana Point and Laguna Beach California and I am finally back to Midwest time!  I was tired for a few days and had a lot of laundry and unpacking to do.  I also have hundreds of picture to go thru and edit but there is so much to share!  We took outfit pictures almost everyday with the exception of the one day it rained in California.  Can you believe it?  It never rains in southern Cali and one of the days I am there it rained!  I must have brought it from the rainy Midwest.  You're welcome Cali!  

In case you didn't know... or I hadn't actually mentioned, my youngest son moved to southern California and I went out there to visit him and help him get settled into his new surroundings.  He is adjusting well to being a surfer, and his tan; I 'm jealous!  Everyday we spend some time on different beaches he had explored and wanted to share with me.  By far my favorite beach was Thousand Steps.  Tucked away in southern Laguna, it is well worth the hunt finding the entrance.  We went to this beach on more than one occasion but the name is a telling sign.  There isn't actually a thousand steps but...there are over 500 steps round trip.   


As you descend the stairs you begin to catch glimpses on the ocean and the beach.  The stairs themselves covered with a thick canopy were fairly steep and surprisingly full.  There was a steady stream of people all day and early evening each time we were there.   I was amazed at the number of surfers and families with a days worth of beach gear hiking these steps.  My calves burned on my second trip up the steps.  When you reach the beach you realize the journey was worth the view.  Surrounded by sheer cliffs with beach houses high on the hills you wonder what it must be like to live with gorgeous views from every window and on every day.  These cliffs are what capture the cove that makes Thousand Steps beach.  There were a few, maybe two beach houses that actually sat on the beach itself. I could have gone everyday to this beach but two things stopped me.  1) It would have been too brutal for me to drag him every day to the beach for endless hours of sunning, and 2) I don't know if my legs could have climbed the steps 5 days in a row.  Here a few pictures from our days on Thousand Steps Beach. 

Thousand_steps_beach_stairs

steps_thousand_view_beach_california

Cove_Thousand_Steps_California

California_Beach_Thousand_Steps

overlook_beach_california


Beach_cliff_homes

California_Beach_Thousand_Steps

Summer_Beach_California

Waves_Surfing_California

Surfing_Dana_Point_Laguna

Cove_Beach_California

Dana_Point_Area_Laguna

Southern_California_Laguna_Beaches

I could be packed and ready to go back tomorrow!  



Toes In The Sand

July 17, 2015
Beach
I made it to California finally.  It was a long day of travels and full planes; but worth every minute.  Leaving the hot and humid Kansas to Warm and sunny beaches was a perfect plan.  As soon as I got my rental car and my hotel room, I wasted no time unpacking.... heck my clothes had been rolled up all day, what was a few more hours!  I drove to my son's house and we headed straight to the beach.  The sun was already down but it was wonderful all the same!  Have a great weekend.... I know I will!  




Happy Friday! 


Things I learned being a Mom of all Boys

June 19, 2015
Family
I have several friends that are Moms to all boys!  Boy oh boy, I can relate to these Moms!  In addition to being a Mom of three boys, I also have three grandsons.  So, I have a pretty good understanding of how life happens with all boys!   I decided to share some things I learned from my experiences.  It's easier to recognize these things now that they have all grown up!  I admit, I am a much calmer, relaxed, and laid back Mimi then I was a mom!  I guess there is something to be said for "you always get to send them home" !




Expect things to be broken.  I remember once having a vase on top of the piano with a floral arrangement in it.  The boys had, at some point, broken the vase but decided to carefully place the three broken sides back together so it appeared to be unbroken.  I was doing my normal straightening and cleaning and when I went to move the vase it neatly and ever so perfectly came apart into three sections.  Of course.... no one knew how it happened!


Plan on the unexpected.  You know the hobby rockets you can find at a craft or hobby store, my boys were fascinated with them.  My brother always enjoyed taking all the nephews out to a field close to my parents home.  Well, boys will be boys and mine sure were curious little guys.  I was in the kitchen when I heard this blood curdling scream and I took off towards their bedrooms.  As a mom, you know the difference between a "I'm hurt" scream, and a "you're not playing fair" scream.  As I rounded the corner, the hall was full of smoke..... now pure panic set in for me!  Screaming still taking place, and my other two boys now in curious mode as well, I quickly surmise the situation and  determine their is no need to vacate the house.  Still not sure as to what just happened, I calm down the screaming child as he professes that he too has no idea what happened!  "So all of the sudden your room fills up with smoke, you begin jumping around, and you don't have any idea how?" Hmmm.... I begin to smell something fishy here!  Clue one) As I look around his room I see these black marks all over the walls, corners, and ceiling. Clue two) Laying on the floor on the far side of the bed is a rocket.  Clue three) When I first came down the hall and found him, he was across the hall in his brothers room standing on the head of his bed against the wall!  Now I have an idea what happened, just not how. It took me a while to figure out all the details but to sum it up, he thought he would try and launch the rocket by sticking each of the igniter wires in the outlet.   I won't mention which of my sons did this stunt but I will tell you his nickname for a while was Rocket Man! 


Clean is a state of mind.  No matter how much you clean and how often they bathe they will be dirt magnets.  Don't fight it... you won't win. Be prepared for bugs too!  Put them in play clothes when you are home or on an adventure and save the picture perfect clothes for just that - pictures!  
No child ever suffered by replacing a holiday meal with cookies and candy. I used to fret about them not eating a healthy meal prior to all the holiday treats and candy.  I finally realized that if they miss a healthy meal and 4 or 5 days out of the year they eat dessert first, it won't harm a thing.

You will make several trips to the ER.  Just that.  There will be dislocated parts, and cuts that require stitches. . .maybe even a few casts.  But if you escape boyhood with only these minor occasions, count yourself lucky! 

There will be love.  One thing is for sure, a brother's bond is a fabulous thing to watch grow.  I wish I could turn back time, if just for a day, to snuggle with these guys!



And if you're lucky.... one day those sweet little boys with dirty hands will grow up to be the best Daddy's to their own little boys.


And even grow to be taller than you too!


It's becoming increasingly harder to get all three of them together to take updated pics, but one thing is for sure..... I wouldn't trade being a mom to all boys for anything!



I hope you all enjoy a wonderful weekend enjoying Father's Day.

Mothers Day Gift Guide

April 23, 2015
arm party
With Mother's Day a little over two weeks away now is the time you should be thinking about how to honor all she really does for you.  If you are fortunate enough to have a mom like mine.... she would do anything for you.  She is the perfect example to show me and my sisters how to not only take care of yourself... but take care of your family as well.  When my boys were little I taught them the importance of showing appreciation to those you love and who help you in life.  One day they will be parents and all those life lessons they learned they would be grateful for.   I am proud of my boys and where they are headed.  Sure, there have been a few bumps along the way, but being their mother is the greatest joy ever.  So, treat your Mom, your Step-mom, Grandmother, or whoever is your female role model and let her know how much she means to you. 
 word ~ to ~ ya ~ mutha!! 



1 / Boden embroidered clutch   2 / VS Lace up tunic   3 / Pom Pom scarf   4 / Trina Turk dress  5 /  Old Navy Scarf  6 / Alex and Ani bangles  7 / Stila palette   8 / Trapp and Co. Flowers   9 / Twistband  10 / Marbleized planters  11 /  Blair Ritchey mini PAK    12 / Gap Sandals   13 / Brahmin  14 / Bracelet stack   15 / Ella Urchin pillow   16 / Pink/Orange pillow   17 / Pinch Provisions



My Weekend

April 20, 2015
Family



Hi guys. My weekend was both a little productive and relaxing.   Saturday I had my hair appointment that I almost forgot about.  It is officially spring time so I brightened up my blond and love it.  It rained pretty much all of Saturday which sucks for that being my hair day because of all the added humidity, but It stayed pretty straight believe it or not.  Did a few errands, ended up at Nordstrom (crazy how that happens).  My parents were visiting in town and we took my mom out for dinner to celebrate her birthday from earlier in the week. 

Sunday morning rolled around and while waiting for my coffee I scrolled thru my instagram to see all the "crazy" "selfish" "mad" people rushing the Lilly for Target release.  Oh my gosh! If I ever had a inkling of fomo (fear of missing out)..... it was gone before I ever knew it was there.  There was nothing about that mess that I wanted to partake in.  Now... would I like a pretty pink and green shift dress? Sure!  Do I want to fight someone else for it? No!  I think Target could have handled the release a bit more organized, and even spread it out thru the course of the day with limited amounts released so it could allow more people to actually purchase it for themselves rather than those who turn around and eBay it for the highest amount.  Just my take... that's all! 

I face timed with my youngest grandson who insisted he comes to Mimi's house to play!  Haha.  We did purchase a few new plants and rose bushes for the yard, but with all the rain the ground was too soggy to work in the yard and plant anything.  I also picked up a few peony bushes.  I hope they flourish!  I straightened up around the house preparing for a few new installs we have planned that I will share a little later on with you.  So..... summing it up, my weekend was pretty darn good.  How was your weekend?

Weekend Fun

April 06, 2015
Easter
Happy Monday.  How was your Easter?  Did you spend time with your family?  I attended Go Blog Social all day Saturday with some fabulous speakers and a room full of bloggers there to be inspired. This year the event was held downtown at The Berg.  A beautiful venue with gorgeous floral arrangements courtesy of Trapp and Company.  I was ready for networking and note taking.  



 When you spend your day being inspired and listening to like minded people share their stories AND you get to do it with your friends, It's always a bonus! 



And what would a day with friends be without at least one mirror selfie? We had a lot of laughs that's for sure!! 


It was an exhaustingly long day, but so worth it.  Have you attended a blogger conference?  If you did, What was your biggest take away?  This was not my first conference and I would be interested in attending ALT conference.  I have heard mixed reviews about this one.  If you have attended share what you liked or disliked with ALT.  I would love to hear everyones take on it before I travel to Utah! 


Ice Cream Party

February 24, 2015
Birthdays

Whether you are hosting an ice cream party, or need a fun gift, this basket is full of everything you could possibly need for an Ice Cream social.  Start by picking up a basket at your local Home goods, or of course Target!  Maybe you even have one laying around.   You don't necessarily even need to use a basket.  A colorful plastic tub, or wire basket will work too.  Most everything in the basket can be picked up at Super Target too. 

Shopping list:

 A single box sleeve of Oreos
Sugar Cones
Waffle Bowls
Caramel Sauce
Chocolate/Fudge sauce
Maraschino Cherries
Sprinkles
Chocolate Chips
Peanuts
Ice Cream Scoop
Ice cream cups

 Candies:

 Reeses Peanut butter cups
Malted Milk balls (Whoppers)
M&M's
Gummy Bears

Fill the bottom of the basket with scrunched up tissue to add a little padding and height to the smaller items.  Start at the back of the basket with the larger boxes and your ice cream cups and work your way forward.  Once you have the larger items in place add the jars of caramel, fudge sauce, sprinkles and cherries.  In cellophane gift bags, place a good amount of candy to be used for the toppings in them and tie them up with a colorful ribbon.  Do the same with your peanuts and chocolate chips.  Start tucking the bags of candies and toppings in the basket around the larger items and jars.   Split the cups into two stacks and place one in each front corner.  Tuck the scoop in you're done.  

This makes a great gift for a pool party, slumber party or how about your block party or holiday Bar-B-Que.  Where ever you decide to take it... rest assured it will be a big hit!  just don't forget the Ice Cream!! 


Scoop yourself up some fun and Enjoy! 

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