From Boy to Man: a few words of advice from mom.

Last night, my oldest child, my 18 year old son told me that he has decided to move out, and go live with his best friend in the next state over.  This didn't necessarily come as a surprise, because it had been in discussion, but, the fact that he has set a date, and made a plan, well, it just created the reality that my baby, my first born is ready to fly the coop.  

Yes, i know this happens...i didn't expect him to live with me forever, but...  i still can't help feeling sad and a little heart broken.  At the same time though, i am proud of him for taking initiative and making the plans necessary. He is only moving about 6 hours away, and he has a house and a job waiting for him.  He also said that this would be a stepping stone.  He would save up, come home for a bit, and then wants to move up to a state further away, but a place where my sister, his aunt lives, so will also have a place to stay, and hopefully a job at her pizza shop.  

As i wiped my teary eyes and cleared my throat, i told him that i am and always have been proud him and who he is.  I told him that all i've ever wanted for my kids was to make sure that they're happy and that i really, truly do want them to go out and create their own lives.  That i want them to have adventures and experiences, and that no matter what, he can always come home.  I also told him that i expect him to conduct himself with self respect and always be true to himself.  

After a long night of thinking about all of this, i came up with a few things i would like for my son to go away with. 
 So, son, as you begin a new chapter of your life, and enter into this new journey into manhood, here are a few words of advice from your mom:

*Conduct yourself with maturity and pride.

     You may have situations where someone may look at you and think that you don't know anything, or perhaps they are just being rude or think it's ok to belittle you.  You know who you are.  Always stand up for yourself, and always look people in the eyes when speaking to them.

*Help someone in need.

     You may be out on a hike and see someone with a flat tire on their mountain bike, or you see a little old lady struggling in a parking lot, step up, be the super hero of the story and HELP! 

*Be honest.

     I remember once when you were little, we were in line at our local Grower's Market and the man in front of us dropped a $20 bill.  You picked it up and looked at me, and i just looked at you and nodded.  You tapped on the gentleman's arm and let him know that he had dropped it.  He looked and you said, "why, no, young man, i think that belongs to you!"  You were elated.  Now that may not always happen, and you shouldn't do good deeds to get something in return, but, remember that in one way or another, one good turn deserves another, and that karma will always come back to you.

*Eat well.

     I know that most boys your age like to grab fast food, and stay up late eating Cheetos while playing video games.  I see you do it regularly.  I am asking that you take the time to actually eat fruits and veggies as often as possible.  Since i won't be there to make you teas and give you tinctures when your sick, like i normally do, please remember to keep yourself healthy with food.  Take your vitamins and keep some herbal teas handy for when your feeling under the weather.  (i'll tuck some in your travel bag)

*Be compassionate.  

    If there is anything that i hope you have learned from me as you were growing up, it is to show compassion for others. You may not have been born with a silver spoon, or over privileged, but no matter what our circumstances have been, both your father and I have always worked hard to find a way to make sure that your have the essentials; food, warmth, clothing... As you know, some people don't even have that.  In other words, there are many, many circumstance which could prompt someone to be acting a certain way.  Because of that, being aware and just being a nice human being is always appreciated.  You won't always know what someone else is experiencing, so, just act in a way that doesn't create more chaos, but rather, leave the situation better than it was. This may sound a lot like a few of the other rules on here already, but, they all work together really well when practiced, so, just practice them.

*Don't be a player.

     Ok, yes, we are going to talk about sex.  You are a young, handsome man who makes girls swoon.  believe me, i have been to enough grocery stores and restaurants with you to have seen this happen time and time again.  I also know that you know what it feels like to have your own heart played with.  There will be trysts and one night stands, of this i am sure.  Please, son.  Even when you know you are never going to see someone again, at least shoot her a text telling her that you enjoyed your evening and that she's beautiful.  Don't treat her like an object, and use your manners.  If you do meet someone who may strike your fancy and you want to get to know her, don't follow some dumb rule about waiting a few days.  Send her some flowers, or even a sweet text.  Let her know... but don't smother her.  Give her adequate space when she needs it.  

*Save money.

     This is, admittedly, something i myself have never been too good at.  For this reason, and the fact that you have seen me in times of struggle with no extra padding to fall back on, i hope that you are able to earn not only the money needed for you to get by, but for you to be able to put an adequate amount into savings every month. This way you have it in there.  You have that padding for when your car breaks down, or when your buddies say, "Hey, let's go to Cancun for spring break!"  Or for when you need some rest and need to get a plane ticket and come home for a bit.  I can not stress it enough.... SAVE MONEY!!!

*Be helpful
     This one differs from "Help someone in need" in that, this is about daily activities.  If you are at your own house, your friend's parent's house, your girlfriend's house, your mama's house (hint, hint), and you see dirty dishes, or a full trash can, take the initiative and do the chore.  It usually only takes a minute, and the person you just helped out will be ever so grateful that the load is off of their shoulders.  I promise.  You will shine like a shining star!

*Go to concerts and festivals!
     This may sound frivolous, but, you know what, son?  Live music and interacting with other people in the realm of your favorite performers can be such a sweet experience.   To dance and feel that music live is seriously one of the most amazing things in the world.  Then, to have those stories to take with you, to tell your friends, and one day, your own kids, that's priceless.

*Go into nature as often as possible.
     Wherever you may be, make sure to explore the woods, the lakes, the beaches.  In this world of go, go, go, and hustle and bustle...  taking time out to commune with nature is truly the best medicine there is.  Your whole life, you were raised around nature and appreciating the dirt and the rocks and the trees.  Never forgot your roots (no pun intended) and always remember the healing power of nature.

*DO YOUR ART!
     I can NOT stress this one enough!  You have had this amazing, natural talent since you were just a wee lad!  That day, when you were, what, 4 or 5 and brought me that replica of your Yu Go Oh guy and i thought you traced it, until i saw that it was on card stock...  i have been amazed with your drawings!  Please don't let that die with adulthood.  Whether it's for fun, for relaxation, or you are able to make a career out of it, never, EVER stop making art!

*Never stop learning.
     Wherever you are, whatever your doing in life, keep on learning!  Learn how to fix your car, learn how to build stuff, learn how to make a cake.  Pick up a book, take a class, or ask a friend who knows how to do something you want to do.  Just keep learning.  The more skills you have in your bag, the better off you are in life.

*Be true to yourself...ALWAYS
     You have a strong sense of self to begin with, which is wonderful.  Keep that!  Let it grow! You know that intuition you have always had?  Use it!  If you are feeling a pull toward something, or away from something, go with that.  Trust your gut, and stay true to your dreams.  Like i like to say, "Follow your bliss", and don't ever let anyone tell you that who you are, or what you do is wrong.  You are YOU, you are the only person in your head, and who gets to live your life.  I know i am bias here, but, son, you are ONE FUCKING INCREDIBLE HUMAN BEING!!!!

*Lastly.....  CHECK IN!
     While you are going to be out there in the great big world, living your life, and becoming an adult, your mama will be here, worrying.  It's what i do.  Remember... when i don't here from you while we are in the same town, i think you're dead in a ditch!  Imagine what's going to be going through my mind while you are in different towns and states???  Just, please, do your old mama a favor and check in once in a while!  A quick text to say you're ok will do my heart so much good!  Oh, and if i text or call...  please respond in a timely manner!  

I know this seems like a lot, and some of it may seem redundant, but, these words are my gift to you. They are things i hope you always remember in your life.  More than anything, you are my first baby to leave the nest....  my heart hurts at the very thought, but, at the same time, i am super excited for your journey and what comes next.  Remember that you always have a home to come back to.
I love you dearly!
Be Safe!
Be Brave!
And ALWAYS be YOU!!!!

Love,
Mom
     

Maddy's picks: Soothing Touch Body Lotion

I'm in LOVE! I'm in LOVE! I'm in LOVE with this lotion, and I don't care who knows!!!

When I come across a new product that not only falls in line with my beliefs, cruelty free, natural, local... but is AMAZING and really is all it says it is, I am excited to share the news!

While strolling the isles of Sprouts recently, in search of a new lotion, trying on every sample, sure that I would end up with the usual Kiss My Face, or Burt's Bees, I saw this sexy little bottle.  She was lined up on the shelf next to her sisters, and was whispering my name.  I decided to give her a sniff.

Actually, I went ahead and sniffed all 4 flavors. 

I'm not into really "loud" floral scents.  You know, the cheapy candles and lotions pretending to smell like your favorite flower, but making you feel nauseous after a few minutes.  I wan to have a nice scent on my skin, one that lingers, but only faintly.  A scent that smells clean and natural and herbal.  This lotion pretty much rocked my world.  I decided upon the Tuscan Bouquet. 

This "flavor" contains Lavender, Chamomile, Bergamot, Sandalwood, Vanilla and Rose. 

Le Siiigh!  When I put it on my skin, I love the aroma it puts off. 

Ok, speaking of putting it on my skin....

I live in the SW.  The desert.  I NEED something with some staying power!  This lotion is made in Santa Fe, so, the creators know what our needs are here, that's for sure!  It contains Jojoba Oil, Vitamin E, Castor Oil, Coconut Oil, Mustard Oil, and Sesame Oil.  I put it on my hands and don't have to reapply 20 minutes later.  Actually, it's been about 45 minutes since I've used it, and my hands still feel so silky! (oh, and they still smell good!)

I decided to look them up, and found that they started in a garage in Los Angeles in 1977, using a few oils from India, share with them, by the late Yogi Bhajan.

They are certified organic, and create everything in their facility in Santa Fe, NM.  Being a New Mexico girl, this made me like them even more!

Here is their info:

Soothing Touch

5058201054

35 Bisbee ct

Santa Fe, NM 87505

www.soothingtouch.com

Thank you for reading! 

Be kind

Be patient

Be brave

Follow Your Bliss!!!

Dead & Co 4th of July 2016

*** This was written by me, 4th of July weekend, 2016***

(just now editing and publishing)

I just got back from the most amazing weekend!
I ran off with The Grateful Dead!
When you first meet me, you will see a big smile and greenish eyes.  Usually a cute outfit of some sort that I cleverly put together from thrift store duds, and always a lot of jewelry.  As you get to know me, get to know my story, you will understand that things are not always what they seem.  That we all have had the journey behind us, to get to where we are, and make us who we are.  My heart is big, and my soul is old, but my spirit is young and free.  In my early 20s, I did what a lot of young people were doing in the 90s. I was going to concerts, going on trips both physically and in an enhanced mind trip sort of world.  I, myself spend most of the early 90s in Southern Cali, working at Disneyland, doing a little modeling and such for extra money and hanging out with the hippies on Venice beach.  Then one day I got to see the Dead play in California.... my life was never the same. 
I feel lucky to say that I got to see Jerry a few times before he died and enjoyed several shows on the west coast from 92 and 95.  I wasn't a super follower, so, I wouldn't want any Deadhead who has been to hundreds of shows to think i'm comparing myself in any way, but I did see them and I did love the  experience, every single time! The people, the parking lot, the feeling of unity and love, the sights, the smells, and of course, the music.
I moved back to Albuquerque sometime in '94 for school and to be near my family.  In '95, I started working at the great little hippy shop in Nob Hill, called Birdland.  Tye dies, tapestries, Grateful Dead art and paraphernalia.  The owners were a wonderful couple who I soon became very, very close to.  While I worked there, I met Grateful Dead artist Michael Everett and The Grateful Dead Hour host David Gans, along with an assortment of local 
Deadheads and fabulous people!  What a fun time! 
We had some great events and parties surrounding the local Deadhead community.  Such a wonderful time in my life.  During that time, i met and married someone i met working at a local nightclub.  Great guy, we had some wonderful moments, lots of camping and hiking and getting high, but, alas, he was not a Deadhead.  He never understood my love of the lifestyle.  I mean, he got used to me being a hippy, crunchy girlfriend and later, mom, but... never did go to a show with me.  
15 years and 3 kids later, we finally called it quits.  That shitshow story is for another post.
After a few years of being single and dating around, i met a wonderful man in the smallish mountain town we had been living in, in Northern AZ.  On our 2nd date, he wore a Grateful Dead shirt! i knew then he was "the one".
We spent 2 years together, loving one another so hard, i thought i was on a cloud.  Unfortunately, circumstances were not ideal, and again, leaving my long, sad story for  another post, i moved back to Albuquerque, because of my kids and a long drawn out custody battle with my ex husband.  I left the town i loved, the job i loved, the family of wonderful people i'd created, that i loved, and most of all, the man i was madly in love with.  Having felt that kind of love with someone for the 1st time in my life, now in my early 40s, and having to leave him behind and choose being near my kids nearly shattered my spirit.  It broke my heart in way that made me feel somedays like i was literally dieing.
When The Dead announced their Anniversary shows last summer, i wanted to go SO bad!  It just wasn't a good time financially or emotionally to rally and get to The Bay area.  When the fall tour was announce, an ex boyfriend of mine, got us tickets.  We'd been broken up, we still kept in contact once in a while, and were trying to remain friends.  When he bought those tickets though, told me, no matter what, he wouldn't have wanted to take anyone else.  We met in Flagstaff the day after Thanksgiving and drove to Vegas together.  
We had floor tickets and went as far up to the front as we could and got to see Dead & Co together, just a few feet from Bobby and Johnny.
It was such a blast!  

So, now it's summer and Dead and Company is on tour.  My Deadhead friends in Albuquerque have all talked about what shows they're going to, and i've been wondering off and on how i can get to a few.  
This past week, my friend Jenny says "let's go Boulder this weekend hope for a miracle"
Well, i had other plans, but, couldn't help but think about how much i wanted to see my guys play!  Little by little, things regarding my 1st plans started to fall apart, and getting to go see the boys in CO started to magically come together!  Then on thursday, one friend who was supposed to go decided she couldn't and was trying to get rid of her ticket for saturday! That was it! i had to do it!
Friday afternoon i hopped in my friend's volvo with her, her 15 month old and another friend, and got on I-25 north to CO~
As is always the case, the closer i get to the venue where The Dead is playing, and i start to see signs of "my peeps", i get that excited and wonderful feeling of being "home".
We got there a little late and didn't get to actually enjoy the lot scene, but, just being around the crowd and going into the massive arena with all of the Deadheads was like heaven!
The boys jammed about as hard as i'd ever seen or heard them jam , and love him or hate him, John Mayer is FUCKING AMAZING!!!!!
Good Golly Miss Molly!  What an amazing show!!!!!
Here's the setlist if anyone is interested:
 http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/dead-and-company/2016/folsom-field-boulder-co-5bff93ac.html

***

Day Two

The girls and I headed back to our hotel room to sleep and get ready for the Sunday show! (Never miss a Sunday show!)

We had already decided that we were going to spend the day on the lot.  Old school style Dead Lot!

Shakedown Street

WOW!  i have not felt like that, and had such fun since my old Dead days in the 90s!  We ran into people we knew, we sold our handmade wares, i did henna, and yes, we smoked a lot of pot! (Hey, we were in Colorado!)

My friends had tickets for that night, i however, did not.  All day, as we people watched from the car, i saw Deadheads walking by with signs asking for a miracle, or just with one or two fingers up in the air.  A sign that they needed tickets.  I definitely wanted to go, but, hadn't stressed about it at all.  i guess i just thought i'd figure it out, ya know?

So... as everyone decided to start heading up toward the stadium, i figured i'd just walk up with 'em.  As my friends all entered, my friend Jenny yells back at me, "i'll see you in 10 minutes".  I stood there for a few, one finger up in the air... just hoping for that miracle...

Then, behind me, i hear "hey, do you need to get in?"  i turned around and there were 3 guys and a girl sticking a paper ticket out of the fence at me! One of the guys says "Happy Birthday, Merry Christmas, We love you, Have fun!"  

I WAS FREAKIN' MIRACLED A TICKET!!!!!

i was too excited for words! i ran in and went straight to where i knew my friends would be!  They had stopped at the restroom, and hadn't even gotten there yet!  They were so happy to see me when they did get there!  

Another night of dancing to our fave!  Something i've said about those 2 shows, is that, as fantastic as the Saturday show was, it was a crowded stadium and i felt like the boys played for the masses.  Oh, it was AMAZING, but... Sunday's show? Now THAT was worth going to!  Those boys played for shear, unadulterated FUN!!!!  We, the audience, the fans, the Deadheads were privy to one hell of a show! It felt like we were each getting a personal show.  It was so powerful and perfect! 

Leaving that show felt like i was leaving one of the best church services i had ever been to.  Like i had just had a spiritual experience like now other.

I for one can NOT wait for 2017 tour! 

Oh, and if Johnny Boy is still single.... 

<3

When Life Hands You Lemons...

How much lemonade can one make?  Seriously?  How freakin' much?  

I am grateful everyday for my blessings, really i am, but...  the taste of sour lemons has created such a thick coat of muck in my mouth, i am ready to throw in the towel sometimes!

I'm not perfect, i make mistakes, but, don't we all?  I mean... don't we?  Is it just me, or does life sort of like to kick us when we're down?  This idea, this thought process i've always had that the energy i give, i will receive.  I'm kind, i always use my manners, i hold doors open for people, i smile at people, i even go up to random stangers to tell them that i like their hair or outfit, or to let them know that their tag is sticking up or they have something stuck to them.  You know,, one of those nice people in the world.  I work very hard at being emotionally responsible with my kids, always with words of encouragement, and several "i love yous" a day. Well, that idea tends to fade the older i get.  The more i find myself with more lemons!

I used to be a super happy human.  Always smiling, always positive.  As much as i could, anyway.  I was in a very unhappy marriage for far too long, and was miserable at home.  But, when i was out an about, i was sincerely happy.  I loved being around my friends.  I loved taking the kids for walks or to the park, but, i remember that being at home turned me into a different person.  So much so, that my kid's dad would accuse me of being fake while i was out with friends or a work.  He would say that people didn't really know the real me because i was always putting on an act with them.  I could never quite get him to understand that i wasn't acting at all.  The me that i was around my friends or at work was real.  I was happy.  The me i was at home was real too.  i was cranky and unhappy.  It was all very, very real! 

Don't get me wrong, we had our moments, our laughs, our fun, but, deep down, i knew that if i left a mess in the kitchen, or didn't sweep just right, i'd be yelled at.  There was the time that i went out with some girlfriends. We were going to see a friend of a friend at a singer/songwriter showcase.  Apparently  i told the husband that i'd be home around 9.  That's what he heard anyway.  In my memory, the singer we wanted to see wasn't due to go one until 9.  I had 2 small children at home, so going out with friends at this time was a rarity.  We were still fairly new in town and these girls were new friends.  After the performance, we walked back to the friend's house that we had all parked at.  The moon was full and she was at the top of a hill that faced the moon.  We stood outside and chatted for probably 3 or 4 hours.  You know, those nights when the conversation is just so good you can't stop?  I remember looking down the street a few times wondering if the family Volvo would come around the corner with the husband and kids looking for me.  He didn't know where this friend lived though.  So, finally, somewhere around 1 or 2, (we actually hadn't even realized it had gotten that late), we all headed home.  I had ridden down with one of the ladies.  She dropped me off and the house was dark.  i know i was "in trouble".  I sent her on her way, even though she knew i couldn't get in.  Yep, that's right, i had been locked out of my own house while the husband and the kids slept inside.  i knocked and knocked.  i even went to the side door that entered into out bedroom, right by the bed and knocked and knocked, calling his name to be let in.  I finally saw that the bathroom window was ajar, so i pulled a bin of dogfood over to stand on and hoisted myself up into it.  Luckily i was skinny, it was one of those smallish bathroom windows.  Of course he was laying there waiting for me, and we ended up in a big fight over where i was.  I apologized for being so late, (we didn't have a cel phone yet, this was around 2002)He told me that he'd left the bathroom window open for me, he figured i'd see it eventually.  I"m sure we made up, as usual, but not after the usual "go round".  The thing with us, just as a side note, was that there was no such thing as make up sex.  As the years went by and the fights didn't stop, my attitude toward him became more one of loathing, then love.  I loved him like family, but not as a wife should love her husband.  Yet...i stayed.  I became more and more miserable.  I know he found me harder and harder to be around.  

The point i am trying to make with that story is this, i am a happy person.  i have a passion for life, a lust for life so to speak.  I always have.  My kid's dad saw it back when we were young and dating, but, i know that it faded after a few years, so he saw me as a miserable bitch.  Which i was, but only at home.  

The point of all of this is not to bash someone who clearly has their own issues, but to try and figure out, but clearing my own mind, why, through my positivity, do i continue to have "life's lemons" handed to me., 

Lately, i feel as though life has been handing me more and more lemons, which is what this entire post is supposed to be about anyway.  I am currently a mom of 3 without a car.  The car that i've been driving for almost 2 years was stolen recently.  It was just swiped from out in front of my house.  Missing without a trace! As my teenage son would say, "SUCKISH"!!!

Everytmie i feel as though i'm beginning to see a light at the end of the tunnel, i get another slap from somewhere else.  I want to love my life again.  I do! I do! 

I am grateful for my kids, for my job, for my friends, for my art.... 

It would just be nice to stop feeling so much anxiety all the damn time though.  Like, "what next?" ya know?

So, i suppose, the moral of this story is to keep making that lemonade and maybe, occasionally spike it with vodka, huh?

Be Grateful

Be Brave

Be Kind

Be Yourself

and always Follow Your Bliss

~Shoestring Fashionista~ 4 June 2016

The first outfit, i wore to work yesterday.  It's a little scaled down from my usual office attire, but, it was friday, and i figured i'd be a little more casual.

The skirt is the main piece.  I picked it up at the thrift store for about $4.99.  It's got 3 levels of gorgeous, multi colored, stitched floral design.  (close up below)

I paired it with a black tank top and a thin pinkish sweater.  I think the tank was probably from Old Navy or maybe Target.  The sweater was from a clothing exchange.  The shoes are my fave black, strappy sandels.  Picked those up at Buffalo Exchange last year for about $10.

The next outfit is a "Saturday afternoon out with my kids", outfit.

The dress has an H&M tag, and the fabric reminded me of my 90s hippy dresses.  It has a little rip on the bottom, so it was $3.99 at the thrift store.  Flat and comfortable, fabric baby doll shoes by Chinese Laundry, also known as my "chola shoes" were my choice today.  I grab them at Asian import stores for $5 usually.

I couldn't handle my hair today, so messy bun was about all i could do.  The shades are from a cool shop in Phx called Lady Muerte.  They always set up next to me at the Northern AZ Tattoo convention, and we traded.  I did henna on her, and she let me pick a few things out. I love barter!

Back side view.  Just for fun!

Summer Adventure Series: Meow Wolf

"

Have you ever been to a place that overwhelms all of the senses and leaves you feeling giggly and and literally drunk off of art and the actual experience?

Well, if that sounds like something you would like to feel, my dear, i encourage you to head to Meow Wolf in Santa Fe, New Mexico!!!

Being the social media fan that i am, i heard about this place, this upcoming artsy thing, via Facebook in late Feb, early March of this year.  i wasn't sure what it was exactly.  A venue?  i saw that Amanda Palmer was performing there opening night, i was that Dear Tic was on the roster for late march.  Hmmm... but all of the images that were showing up made it look like some sort of psychedelic museum.

Well, twice this year i missed out on seeing Amanda Palmer. Shoot!  Her opening night performance at Meow Wolf sold out! (also when she and Neil were there supporting Bernie Sanders)Damn it!

When my sister and her kids were in town from Portland for my grandmother's funeral.  They decided to road trip it one day with her best friend, and ended up at Meow Wolf.  All she told me was that i HAD to check it out! That she and her teenage children, who grew up in the weird and artsy city of Portland, had come out of there having had quite a mind altering experience.  Well, being the me that i am, i knew i had to make it there ASAP.  

Finally, the kids were out of school for the summer and i had an extra day off of work.  We hopped in a friend's car and a group of us drove the quick 45 minutes up the hill from Albuquerque to Santa Fe.  

We were not disappointed. 

Let me back up a bit and explain, to the best of my knowledge just what Meow Wolf is.

Meow Wolf itself is an art collective.  A group of artists came together a few years ago to create something phenomenal. They had an open door policy to their studio and many people used that "radically inclusive" policy to show up, no questions asked, and create.

i mean, really, how cool is that?

These artists and creative types collaborated on pieces of art, both one and 2 dimensional using color, texture and recycled pieces and things began to come together, and then, come life.  

When this collective decided to expand and had the opportunity to move into a large space, i.e. the old bowling alley, they needed, as was put in their TedX, a fairy godfather of sorts.  Enter, George R. R. Martin.  Santa Fe resident and famed author of Game of Thrones.  He was able to help out with the funds necessary to bring this artistic wonderland to life.

Ok, fast forward to this past Monday.  

When you enter the parking lot, you know you're in for a treat~ A "ginormeous" spider, a metal wolf, a giant robot...

I won't give too much away because, one, you just have to go there and see it for yourself, and 2, you experience, along with everyone you're with will be completely different!

I was there with my 15 year old daughter, my 7 year old son, two girlfriends and their 2 teenage daughters.  We entered and were immediately transported into a fantasy of psychedelic and thought provoking phenomena~

Every window and door leads to something extraordinary.  Even the refrigerator lead into another room!  Yes, you can walk through the refrigerator! I mention it because it was my son's fave.  There are tree houses and black and white rooms and florescent rooms and even a siting of some sort of giant, abominable snow owl!  The lights, the sounds, the 100s of things to touch and pick up and open... It goes on and on and on~

We even took a break in the 1980s game room! Unfortunately, Ms. Pacman was out of order, but, my kids tinkered with a few games while my girlfriends battled it out on Galatica!

There is a stage in one room of Meow Wolf where they bring in acts of all sorts.  That's next on my list, hitting up a night of music there!  (It would be fun with a date! Anyone interested?)

I want to share a few pics from out adventurous day at Meow Wolf and i encourage you to head over there as soon as humanly possible! i for one can NOT wait to go back!

  

Shoestring Fashionista~ 2 June 2016

People ask me all the time where i shop, or want to know about my outfits.  I'm going to let you in on a little secret...okay, it's no secret, i tell everyone: I'm a thrift store junkie! Yep, 90% of my clothes are 2nd hand. 

This little section of my blog is going to be for posting my fabulous finds and how i style them for either professional looks, (i have a regular job during the week that i have look like a grown up for) or for going out dancing, or a sunday cook out with friends, etc...

My first outfit to post is this gorgeous pink retro chic dress.

This adorable, sheer, pink dress cost me $4.50 at the thrift store.  It was marked at $9.99, but i went on 1/2 off day and picked it up for under $5.00!

I styled it up with a black belt from my collection, and lacy looking "fishnet stockings.  The shoes were thrift as well, i may have paid $4.99 for them at some point.  

As you can see by this fabulous collar, there was no need for jewelry other than the small pink studs i bought at the local flea market.

To show off the collar, i did my hair in a messy, low side bun~