By Elle
This past weekend, I pulled out my fall raincoat, complete with lining, because it’s so dang chilly outside. Whenever I put something on for the coming season, I immediately check the pockets in hope of finding, of course, cold, hard cash. What I almost always find, however, are wads of Kleenex, sometimes new, sometimes used. This time, I found, yes, Kleenex, along with something new.
By Elle
My granddaughters who are between 3 and 5 years old love Shimmer and Shine, two spunky cartoon genies, one of whom has a particular penchant for glitter. (That’s Shimmer, and she’s my favorite.)
Those two genies came to mind a few weeks back when I pulled out my fiber shawl, by MZ Beads, to wear to the art museum . I love how the metallic fibers shimmer in the light and give my spirit a lift during these mid-winter days.
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By Elle
How over-the-moon would you be if your partner/spouse presented you with a journal that contained a year’s worth of reasons why he/she loves you?
This idea emerged several years ago during one of the communication courses that I teach. A course participant told the group that he created a journal for his wife, essentially titled 365 Reasons Why I Love You. Every day he would pen an entry, describing to his wife why he loves her.
By Abby
Whimsical Abby
With so many grey January days upon us, I decided to add a bit of color and whimsy to my look. I was headed to the art museum with the family, and since we’re a funky bunch, I didn’t stand out too much.
The centerpiece of my look was a knit hat, by Steve Madden, that boasts a rainbow of colors, metallic threads and long fringe-y strands of yarn that nicely co-mingle with my long braids. Elle originally bought the hat for my daughter. Lucky for me I have the same size head as a four-year-old, so I’ve been wearing it all winter, and she’s been going bare-headed (just kidding).
To bring out the metallic notes in the hat, I wore my new diffuser pendant necklace, filled with jasmine oil. (At Christmas, Elle received a diffuser pendant necklace from her beloved; I was immediately jealous and had to have one. Goddess Blessed in Lakewood came through for me, and I now have one, too. So there.)
A pair of Rugged Outback boots added to my fun, wintry look, and the faux fur means that no animals were hurt so that my feet can stay warm and dry. (I got these for a steal at a nearby Payless shoe store that was going out of business back in June.)
A pair of giant, gold hoops completed my outfit, proof that you can stay cozy during cold weather and maintain a rosy look (and outlook) with lots of color and whimsy. Take that, January!
By Abby and Elle
Remember how exciting it was the first time you rode in an airplane, kissed your boyfriend or stayed up all night just to watch the sun rise? That feeling of awe, like an emotional orgasm, feeds your heart and soul, and cements the memory.
By Amy Moore (guest blogger)
I used to shop for clothes and accessories almost exclusively at retail stores, but that all changed when I embarked on a health journey and lost 70 pounds. In the process, I went from plus-size clothing (1X, size 18-20) to a size 6, which meant that I had to replace both my work and casual wardrobe multiple times.
To save money, I started shopping at Goodwill and Salvation Army and found a few good deals on brands that I normally wear. But it wasn’t until I found some amazing resale shops that I finally embraced second-hand shopping. I still get to look stylish, and I enjoy the fact that I never know what I’m going to find!
Here are three local stores that I haunt frequently:
Abby & Elle Upstairs Fashion & Design 