HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Ole Chuck and Lucy

I wanted to take a minute and wish everyone a Happy Halloween!  Today has been a busy one for me.   I still wasn't finished making the kids' costumes so I was doing the mad dash scramble this morning to find the missing light-up headband for the little Miss and the ever popular Fez for the boy. The one thing we won't have to complain about tonight is having to cover up the costumes with coats and leggings because its too cold.  It does make our costumes a little bit easier, I think???

This year the kids decided to do the Dr. Who theme.  My son is going to be a collaboration of all the Doctors and my daughter is channeling her inner Tardis and bow ties!!  I have to say, what I thought was going to be somewhat boring and not as much fun really turned into an adventure and we really made this fun.  My husband was a huge help, without his artistic abilities we would not have the best Dr. Who Converse chucks!!  So thank you Jesse B, and all your hard work.

We didn't have any Halloween parties this year, it seems everyone was really wrapped up in all the extra curricular from school and cheerleading.  So i turned my creative cooking time into a fast, fun and delicious snack for all those little cheerleaders today.   Scarecrow Crunch was an idea I found from Pinterest and for the last few years has really been my go to.  One year I took it to school in the black plastic witch's kettle for my son's party.  Today I filled cute Halloween treat bags with about 2 cups of the mix and served with little apple cider cups.   Its fast, easy and the kids love it.

For your adult time and after hours I found this recipe for this Halloween Candy Cocktail.   I feel very Sex & the City with this.  The only thing left is to pop Halloween in the DVD player take a sip and enjoy the night.

Halloween Candy Corn Cocktail

Have a Safe and Happy Halloween.   And share your favorite Halloween traditions, treats, and costumes!!!!!

Marriage...What Doesnt Kill You......

Date at Panama City, Florida

In the Fairy Tale world we all want to live in, we remember meeting a boy and he’s so handsome.  That boy asks us out on a date.   One date leads to another.   Then one day you’re meeting each other’s families, bottles of shampoo and toothbrushes start ending up in his bathroom.  Suddenly he wakes up one morning and can't get to the shower because somehow an entire M*A*C counter and the aisle of the hair care products of Target has made its way to his vanity.   It happens.    Wasn’t dating so much fun.  We took hours to get ready and every hair was in place, and those that weren’t supposed to be there had been methodically plucked, waxed and shaved.  I remember thinking of his dreamy blue eyes when I was getting ready.  He has most gorgeous set of blue eyes and his smile melts your heart.  I still get a lil giddy over that.  

Romance at the Louisville Jail!

Then we get married and everything turns crazy with wedding plans, and who are we inviting, and what kind of food will there be?  Well, we opted for the more untraditional role and eloped.  It was just us and a courtroom and a fine dessert shot from the Hard Rock Café that day.  That’s what a lasting relationship is built on.   We were so in love.  And then we came home to reality.  

I married a southern boy.  I being the mean Yankee was not aware of what all this entailed.  Until he began to tell me what our roles would be.  He was the provider, the worker bee, the man, he was a man.  I like to call him Damn Man, but you get the gist.  I was the mother, the wife, homemaker, the Paralegal, the grocery getter, the laundry doer and the boobs.  I could try to word that more prim and proper but lets face it,  boys marry us for boobs.   And somehow, they believe that once they’ve given us their name and put a ring on it, that they have somehow branded the boobs with her permanent hand print and some sort of scent that’s supposed to ward away other men so they know, these boobs belong to him.  

He had a lot of demands.  Well, this is marriage, marriage is hard at first.  And let’s face it, I’m set in my ways and I’m probably not easy either.  So I compromised.  I learned to love his damn man ways.  I learned how to be a Southern Wife.  I cooked, and got really good at it.  I did his laundry and made sure the house was picked up and ended up having his beautiful baby girl.  She was quite the surprise.  I quit working outside the house to stay home with her.  And it was a blast.  I saw both my babies growing up and I got to feel important for the first time in a long time.  Eventually, I needed to go back to my old life outside the house.  The kids really don’t care much about Chanel or Project Runway.  And Yoga pants became my military wife staple.  This had to change.

A few years down the road, and 20 lbs later, I went back to work.  I was a provider for my family again.  I was contributing and I like it.  Now, when a fine Southern Wife goes back to work, things change in the house that the Damn Man wasn't used to.  I soon began to notice that maybe someone wasn’t paying attention for the last 7 years.  Maybe.   I came home to visions of the kids looking like those puppies in the kennels begging you take them.  They had those same scared looks on their face.  Supper went from a roast and grandma’s homemade from scratch dumplings to Hamburger Helper.  At one point, Hamburger Helper used to make me want to beat him over the head with the box.   I just couldn’t understand how a man that can fly multi-million dollar aircraft (those would be his words) for the Government but couldn’t read a recipe off the preprinted card I left for him on the counter.  Open can o’ green beans, pour beans in pan, turn on heat, medium, heat, serve.  I’m not sure that needed a recipe card. 

But as life has been trucking along we’ve learned a lot about our relationship as a working Husband/Wife team.  We have funny lil quirks that keeps our marriage going.  The ones that start with him waiting to take a shower in the only bathroom available right when I want to go in and curl my hair.  Go ahead baby, I didn’t need to have a hair do today, go on and take your 30-minute shower and talk with God.  I mean, I really shouldn’t interrupt God’s time, he is more important than my beach waves.   There’s really no need to try and plan supper, just wait til 5:00 to decide you may want to defrost something and then ask what that something should be.  I’m sure dinner will be ready before the kids’ bedtime at 9:00.  Sleep deprivation, the Seals do it, it will just prepare the kids for life.  Well, he may be on to something here.  Good Job Damn Man!

However, I know that when he’s trying to watch the 150^th episode of Gas Monkey Garage my pestering him about Designer Handbags and Burberry Scarves is probably out of line.  I mean what man really does want to discuss these things.  After all, he works too, and needs to unwind.  But sometimes I just can’t turn off the excitement I get for shiny things, ya know!  Girls like to share.  And yes, I do put all my stuff on his side of the bedroom, and mine, and the bathroom, and the closet floor but in my defense….A girl needs space and boys have 3 pairs of shorts, 2 pairs of shirts and he shaves his head, so the way I see it, one shouldn’t waste space.  Problem solving. 

But the one thing you’re not ready for and no amount of prep will make this better.   I come from a long line of stock that believes and values and cherishes the tradition of no one speaking before 10 am.   Just don’t.   It’s not necessary.  There’s no need.  We’re not going to have any in depth conversations with you.  No, we don’t want to discuss Dave Ramsay’s Debt Snowball, I don’t think you’re funny, I’m glad you have a busy day, I don’t need an itinerary of your events, no chit chat, no play time.  NO SPEAKING.   In my family we take this as serious as the big red button at the white house.   You speak to us, we’re gonna explode.  It wont be pretty.   I love my husband, but he’s a morning person.  I am not.  And nothing will have us sitting before a Judge faster and explaining…”But your honor I told him not to talk to me and he did so I had to bludgeon him with his Sons of Anarchy DVD set”.    There are days where I have to tell my inner Gemma to simma down in there.  I’m not sure how you cure the morning people of their devil antics but if someone has a cure I could sure use it.  Tomorrow morning will be here soon; I sure would miss his beautiful blue eyes and bright shiny smile.    I mean, I did fall in love with a Damn Man!

Deana Rae’s Favorite Things…Almost like Oprah, but not really.

I decided that I would share some of my favorite things for this coming Fall/Winter. New trends are in and everyone is so excited to break out all their new warm things. I know I am, and I’m in south Texas so when I break out the scarves and vests when its still 81 degrees outside, you know I’m ready. What can I say, you can take the girl outta the Hoosier State but you can’t take the Hoosier outta the girl!

Even when I wasn’t in Indiana, I spent 10 years in Tennessee, just west of Nashville. The colors there are breath taking and there’s just something about good ole southern hospitality! Nashville became my second home, and the place I met my wonderful husband. And as I always say, he’s good people! You will find some great food, great shopping, the best music on the planet, and beautiful places to take a hike or ride your bike. Tennessee is very special, and if you ever make it, you may not want to leave. Make sure you hit up Hillsboro and enjoy a boutique or too. Maybe you’ll see Reese Witherspoon in her new flagship designer store, Draper James Girl. It’s the essential Southern Girl store for you southern belles!

Christmas is quickly approaching us and hot items are going to be flying off the shelves. So, what is a girl to have this year??? Well, let me help you with some things I think will help you make your must have lists. What I can tell you is that selfie stick will not be on any of my lists. Although, It did make its way into my 13-year-old son’s pile. Don’t Judge Me, I blame him. The trends this year are very on point with somewhere between the 70’s and the 80’s. We’re kind of all over the map. Spiked heals or block heels. Either way, Tory Burch is my go to girl this year. She has bo ho chic to Chanel inspired jackets to bright big grid patterns. Tory Burch Snakeskin Bond Pumps with a bright burgundy Marian Tote.

Tory Burch Marion Quilted Tote

Tory Burch Sankeskin Bond Pump

Every blog girl has one, and whom do we want to look like??? Animal print never goes out of style. Every year the cheetah is redesigned in our shoes, cardigans and clutches. Don’t go over board ladies, try a belt and shoes. Simple is tasteful. We’re not looking for a place on Soul Train at 1:00 pm at the office.



 Everyone is still GA-GA over the Hunter boots, including yours truly. I just received my first pair, and what can I say, I’m a believer.  But the shoe I wasn’t expected to fall in love with was the   Toms Desert Wedge Bootie. It gives me height, and that’s important since I’m only 5 foot tall. They’re very comfortable and go with anything. I can wear these with skirts, skinny jeans, leggings and shirtdresses.

Southern Curls and Pearls

And that’s important when you’re a girl on a budget.

Be Bold go with Gold!! Cheesy huh, yea a little bit, but go ahead. Drape it, layer it, stack it and channel your inner Mr. T. Mix em too, go in there and mix your bright yellow with your rose, especially when you’re wearing earth tones. And earth tones are the must have this year. And gold looks so pretty and Fall when its matched with your winter whites, olives and taupes. Where to find big bold gold, Neiman Marcus. They have out done themselves with their designers this year. Try someone new. Try out Ashley Pittman, her stuff is GAWGEOUS! Don’t be afraid to buy a nice expensive piece. Gold is like religion it goes with everything!

Ashley Pittman

 These are just a few of a very long list of must haves that I came up with to share with you. What are your must haves for this year?

Turtlenecks will never be a fashion faux pas!

I have found myself, as of lately, discussing the ever popular turtleneck with a dear friend.  She is strongly against and I am a hard core believer that the turtleneck serves many a fashion function and must be present in every woman's closet.  While eating my pancakes this morning and reconciling with my puppy belly and guilt, I came across this article.  The reason why the turtleneck will always be that one item you can not live without.

Even Steve Jobs can rock the turtleneck!

http://refinery29yahoo.tumblr.com/post/131412009956/what-actually-happens-when-you-put-on-a-black



You can always be Fabulous in this classic!

Liz Taylor, a style icon

Who Doesn't Love Trends????

It’s my favorite time of the year!  Fall!!!  The leaves are turning and the colors are electric and the new Fall/Winter catalogs are out busting with new must have looks for the season.  This year all the blogs and all the chic boutiques have one thing in common…Blanket Scarves!  Great big soft plaid wraps.  You can twist them, wrap them and drape them.  You can even wear them like a cape with a belt!  So many possibilities.

It only made sense that I would have this year’s must have.  Like any good fashionista on a budget I started googling and looking.  I started at my favorite, Nordstrom.  $38 for a scarf.   Gonna be hard to explain that one to the man, especially since its not Burberry!   And let me tell you, I have that one waiting in a cart, on sale, just trying to figure out a way to make that magic happen.   Anyways, I digress, a few searches here and there and voila…my efforts paid off, I found a lil online boutique that had the exact color and design.  Placed my order and anxiously awaited like it was Christmas Eve and Santa himself was going to be waiting at my mailbox!

I’m sure my item came by slow boat from China, as the waiting seemed to take 3 weeks to get here.  Everyday I’m seeing all the new ads and ways to wear these super cool trendy blanket scarves.   Even though its still 91 degrees here in South Texas, being the Hoosier girl at heart, I'm gonna wear it anyways, you know, channel the Fall and it will come.  Today, it arrived.  OH JOY JOY!!  I could hardly contain my happiness.  I was so excited to see that little white package with all those lil China-Man symbols on the envelope.  The Fabulous Deana Rae is about to rock yet another awesome trend!

I yanked it out of the package.  Uh huh.  I’ve been googling all day how to wear your blanket scarf, so I’ve got this.  Big square, fold into triangle, drape, wrap and pull.   Yes!  Turn around look in mirror.  Now it could have been the fact that I was still wearing my black and white grid patterned sheath dress with Peter Pan Collar and 3 strand pearl Kate Spade necklace, BUT, when I turned around and saw myself there it was like, well, It was like the only thing missing was a big a brown straw hat, some muck boots and a lil brown wooden wagon.  That’s right, when you’re 5’1” some trends make you look like you should be an ornament on the porch next to the lil jockey holding a lantern.   I seem to have fallen prey to the ever-popular short girl syndrome.  I wont be wearing any maxi dresses or ponchos but dang it I really liked these scarves.  So I did what any reasonable girl in my position would do…I immediately got online and purchased the other big trend….the tall glossy Navy Hunter rain boots.  I think it will pull the look together.  Because, how many lawn ornaments do you see wearing rain boots!

I'll try this again in the morning, start new, get it right, be FABULOUS!  Hope Springs Eternal......

I stood in the mirror for 40 minutes draping and wrapping and draping and wrapping.  I felt like wearing it like the traditional scarf was choking the life out of me.  Where did my neck go?  Why do all those girls in the pictures have perfect hair and smiles and Im drowning in a poncho?  So I went with the cape version and had it tied with a really cute brown belt with a bow.  Cause bows make everything better right?  Here's what you don't see in those cute perfect pictures...YOU CANT MOVE YOUR ARMS!!!!   I was stuck in a Dean Winchester poncho and I couldn't move my arms!  My fat underneath was all balled up and falling out in weird ways in the cute white long sleeved shirt.  I didn't see fat in that cute girl's perfect picture.  Why does hers lays so perfect and what do i do with the belt under neath?  How do i go to the bathroom with this?  Well, at least my jewelry is cute, what of it you can see.   I managed to wear that cape thing til 3:00 and my body said "no more" and I went to the restroom and put my belt back on my pants and let out a gasp of freedom.  After the feeling came back into my arms and I could reach my printer without my boob being caught in my belt, life was good.  Its apparent, that a lil practice may be needed, or at least some really good still shots and we'll call it a day.  Sometimes, it really is the illusion of cool that you need. 

My advice, don’t let one disturbing look in the mirror or a day wrapped like a mummy ruin that image you had in your mind!  Because there’s always a new trend right around the corner!  Oh hey, lets go bedazzle those va jay jays!!!!!!

One year later....A new Deana Rae and a new wardrobe!

I'm back on the blogging trail.  I'm going to give this the honest go.  Over the last year I've been busy getting back out in the real world again.  I've traded in my yoga pants and pony tails for Manolos and Kate Spades.  And let me tell you, when you are home for 6 years raising a family and you re-enter the real world....it is a shock!!  I went from having wild stories that involved my besties and road trips to Nashvegas to wild stories about my toddler's pottery barn sheets and what binder I was going to use to hold all my Dave Ramsay envelopes and spreadsheets.  Texas was my new beginning, and Im going to take this life on by the horns.

What I didn't know was that even though I was so eager to get back out there and show the world what an awesome Paralegal I was, that the real world, well, they didn't care.  Because in general we as a society change, fast.  I walked into my new office with all the confidence and the wardrobe of an Ally McBeal.   My skirt was short, my blouse was in style and I was wearing Manolos.  My husband had bought me a back to work present, a brand new Cedar Street red Kate Spade hand bag and the Urban Shoe Myth, Mary Jane Manolo Blahniks.  I literally had the same reaction Carrie Bradshaw had in that little room of magic at Vogue.  I hugged those shoes, and petted them and loved them all the day long.  I had made it.  You are someone when you wear those beautiful black shiny patent leather shoes.

The first few weeks went slow, and I was quiet trying to take it all in and learn how the ins and outs of a major MDL law firm worked.  This was no ambulance chasing Saul I was working for, they were big time.  I mean, they had enough pictures of themselves on the walls, that's the 1st sign right?   I started to get my groove, my desk started getting bins and my phone started ringing and soon I started making new friends.  I had a place I could call my home away from home.  I had my independence again, I had a purpose that was not related to deciding whether or not I wanted to try the new "fresh like linens" Pledge.  It was an exciting time.

I'm not at the place anymore, just like my wardrobe, I needed to grow.  I've down graded the yoga pants to just the weekends, I've loosened the pony tails and added more hair products to my supply, and I'm now a Nordstrom Rewards member with perks!  I'm still out in the real world, on the 20th floor over looking the yacht club dreaming of one day of just being able to afford to charter an afternoon out on the bay with my wonderful husband, the war hero and greatest Scout Pilot to ever live.  But until then, I'm keeping it simple, classy and fun.  And that's my advice for the day to you.   Be You.

You can have this look too.  White and Black bow tie blouse WHBM/ black leather skirt/ handbag Kate Spade/ shoes Manolo Blahnik/ bracelet Kate Spade/ watch Movado