What Mama Can't Afford

 Praise be to the porch!

The fabulous October PORCH!!

Yippee Kai YAY PORCH!

 So I purchased a few smaller sized pumpkins for the screened porch.

We don't have a lot of 'color changing' trees on our property.

They are mostly piney type trees that don't change like deciduous trees do, so the pumpkins are my fall color from our somewhat like tree house screened porch off the back of our kitchen.

 Did you know that when we sit on this porch that we are at the level of birds flying past?

We see cardinals and bluejays go zipping past us and last month the humming birds were even peeking in through our screens.

Such nosey but lovely little creatures and they make us laugh.

 Along with the pumpkins I had two potted mums on the porch, but today they are planted in the pots on the lower level back patio.  Hopefully they will do well there in REAL flower pots instead of the plastic containers they came in which had them root bound.

 Another benefit to the porch and deck area are that these two have access by a doggie door to be shaded inside the porch, or had through their flapped doggie door to sunbathe.  This month, with it's cooler temperatures, they seem to enjoy sunbathing during the morning hours, and come evenings they move inside and sleep on the dog bed until it's time to come inside for t he night.  Spoiled could definitely be the word to describe them.

 A katie did has been hanging out on the outside of the porch.

She's there on a daily basis.

 October wardrobe with plaids has definitely kicked into  high gear for me, layering is definitely the answer.

AND, red plaid is totally da bomb and makes me feel pretty darned cheery.

 Blouse is Kasper brand from Steinmart at $39.99

Scarf from last year and I still love it as much as the day I purchased it.

The leggings are the Suave brand, also from Steinmart at $29.99,  and they are sold out.

Try these instead.

AND.... still no shoes.

Mama can't afford them.  LOL

A Light Snow

 Yesterday, January 17th, was our first snow of this winter's season.

Not much, but enough to warn us that even more could lie in the weeks ahead.

Today it is FRIGID COLD outside so you can bet that I won't be running outdoors to snap any fashion photos.... and the snow is gone today, but I so enjoyed seeing it yesterday!

Here are a few photos I snapped yesterday as the snow was still falling... you'll notice that in some of these photos.

References as to the fashion items I am wearing can be found at the bottom of this post.

Stay inside!

Stay warm!

This calls for hot cocoa or buttered rum by the fireplace!

 Jacket: Columbia brand from Gander Mountain (old) (sim)

Turtle Neck: Belks (sim)

Pants: Ponte pants at Macy's

 Hat: Fold Up Leather Hat from Minnetonka at The Leatherhaus in our local mall but available online

Boots: Bear Paws from Macy's last year (sim)

Necklace: Local Penelope store (OOAK) (sim)

Blanket Scarf: Penelope (sim)

Earrings: Gold Hoops (old) (sim) 

Lipstick: Mac Pink Pigeon Matte 

Things I'd Like To Try

The fashion world is such a FUN world,

and it offers ladies a place to play.

Here are a few things I'd like to try.

The world has gone mad about plaid, so this coat looks like a winner.

Source

If plaid all over proves to be too much for you,

try just a scarf to get your plaid on.

Source
Try some acrylic jewelry!
Thinking this might be fun.

Source

When you need that added warmth in the days to come.
Brrrr

Source

Dressing Toastily

Our cold and WET winter weather continues from last night into today, definitely sweater times for this gal.

This is the Loft's Ribbed Grandpa Cardigan.  I came across it yesterday while making a quick stop at our local mall,  The Loft makes such great quality clothing, and I don't mind spending the money when I know something is going to last.  My last cardigan, a winter white with a hood, finally gave up the ghost this year after a decade or better of wear.  I think it may have been a JC Penney brand.  

Now, after purcahasing this gray sweater I decided to look at some of the comment on The Loft's website, and for the most part those who purchased it said it was itchy and that it shed.  I have not found that to be the case, but had I been considering it as an online order I most likely would not have made the buy based on the 'itchy' comments.  I am wearing a long sleeved blouse under my sweater today and have not noticed any discomfort to my skin.  You will have to make your own decision on this one.

The length of this sweater is good if you are a tall gal... if you are short and don't like the longish look then move on ladies.  Sleeves are of ample length as well and I have cuffed them.  My plan is to wear it with a light blue chambray button down shirt.  

Cardigans are a staple in any girl's wardrobe and my closet was simply not complete without one.

 To add a finished look to the sweater and the chambray shirt (which I already owned) I will be adding the Lattice Tassled scarf, also from The Loft. I am generally not a tassle gal, but the lattice design just does it for me.

Wishing YOU a toasty sweater kind of day!

*The Loft has not compensated me to mention their products*

*images on this post are from the Loft's website*