The List...

First let me tell you a story..

My dear friend Charity called me one day and said, "I'm calling you to apologize."

"For what??" I responded.

"I bought some Ed Hardy shoes."

Do I really run my mouth off that much??? (how come I keep asking questions I don't want the answers too?)

Let me preface this list by saying I'm NOT a fashionista.. We are just going to approach this subject using a little bit of common sense, ok? 

10. Please for the love of Pete buy clothing that fits you.
Yes, I too am bummed that my size 3 jeans do not fit me anymore..BUT I'm not going to continue to pour myself into them at the cost of a really bad yeast infection and cut off circulation. Really I promise you will look and feel better if you just bite the bullet and move up a size (or two).

9. Age appropriate.
There is a Grandma that comes and picks her granddaughter up from school with Juicy written over her arse and stilettos..really? Yes I know you have a rocking body and nice fake boobies and yes of course I'm jealous of it/them..but dressing like your 16 is not going to turn back the clock no matter how tight your booty is! Helen Mirren? Sophia Loren? Google em..

8. Thong underwear.
When I first moved to AZ I happily noticed that the trend of your hiney hanging out was..well OUT. It seems that maybe the memo has not reached my dear Washington sisters.. It is only sexy to men that you DO NOT WANT TO ATTRACT.
I'm not saying don't wear a thong..I'm just saying keep it to yourself..thankyouverymuch.

7. Leave a little to the imagination.

You know how the movie is never as good as the book? Please, I choose to read a book, no I have not chosen to stare at your enviable rack.  French women have this bit down to a science...just show enough..not enough to be considered pornographic. Oh and elementary school events just MIGHT be one of those days you leave the boobie shirt in the closet. 

Tasteless?

Ahh tasteful!

6. Spend the big bucks on your bra.
I'm not lying when I say it is your most important purchase. A fitting from Nordy's can easily take 10lbs off..or maybe add 10lbs, in all the right places! They have seen lots of boobies, no matter what yours look like they have seen worse. Just remember Amber breast fed 4 babes (two at once!) and I get fitted..so there.

5. Try not to highlight your problem areas.
Know that area, embrace that area, come to grips with that area. My area is my belly. So me sporting a half shirt or a super tight around the middle shirt is normally not a good idea..duh.  

4. Full length mirror anyone?
I would like to think that if every lady in the world owned a full length mirror we would never see another muffin top again.

3. Brands.
Yes you got your sweatshirt at Hollister, Gap, Coach, A&F, Ed Hardy, Juicy, Victoria's Secret __(fill in the blank)___. Good for you! Not only did you pay for the label, you are now a walking billboard for them. 

2. Black.
It's always in style, it rises above the trends and it's slimming. Wow it is like the wonder bra of colors.

1. It's all in your head, I could wax on about inner beauty..but you all know that if you are a vengeful, unloving, nasty person well, it does not matter how stinking cute you are. No lets talk about self confidence.  You are you, wonderfully perfectly made. There is no one else in the world just like you. 

Yes you have flaws..as we all do.  

Women say to me all the time, "Amber I'm not sure I could wear that." 

Yes you CAN!! Own it! Rock it! Remember...

"Nothing makes a woman more beautiful than the belief that she is beautiful."

Sophia Loren

Me, myself and I

I have noticed a trend, I guess C.J. was right when he called me and my blogging self narcissistic.

Truthfully I think this is the photo that started my obsession with self photography.

I will blame it on Paris. This is back when my camera did not take up my entire face.

Look close, me with long straight hair, Paris and Benjamin Franklin.

I think I'm going to start a new blog.."Self photography using mirrors."

You know you want to read it.

Every once in a while if I'm feeling generous I will allow a person to pose with me. Lucky girl.

I have noticed two things..I'm always in a dress that is mostly black and I have wear a lot of black finger nail polish..does this make me goth?

Umm..I look tired here and if I remember correctly, I was.

Yes, dear sweet reader I have issues, but at least a healthy self esteem is not one of them.

The List...

She really wanted to come home with me. That would have been a tight squeeze in the mini-van.


We spent some time over at my parents last week. Diane took me on a bit of a farm tour with my camera in tow, here are just a few of my favs.










This is baby deer. A family took this little lady in as a fawn and now she super tame..the kiddos thought it was pretty cool, my Dad on the other hand is worried about how much baby deer loves his raspberry bushes.



10. Ahh summer, I'm pretty sure you have rendered me wordless. Every time I sit down to type out a few words..I draw a blank. Sun tan oil, late nights by the camp fire and senseless day dreaming has caused a bit of writers block. I'm living summer, not just writing it, and man it sure feels good.

9. Did you hear the news??? Wild Whimsy started an ETSY store!! Now go get your cuff!

8. While we are talking about friends with fabulous stuff. Come Junk with Us is putting together a few bus trips that you are soo NOT going to want to miss. Barn House, Clayson Farms..good times junking friends..good times.

7. Right now I'm typing this on my brand spanking new MacBook Pro. Yay!!

6. Do you remember when you were younger and summer seemed to go on forever?? Me too..gosh I miss those days.

5. I'm starting a major redo on Roosevelt House this week. We have been here just under a year and I finally feel like it just might really be my house, I even have been inspired to go back through my decor books and pick paint colors. 3 years of moving really took it out of me and ever so slowing my love of home is starting to return.

4. I spent some time last Saturday at a pretty fabulous show in Rathdrum Idaho. I sure love The Vintage Barn show, it's large enough to attract some dang good vendors, yet small enough not to totally overload your senses. I kept the camera in the bag all day..Miss Elaine told me I was loosing my edge and Timi stared at me in disbelief when I told her I was taking the day off.
Felt good:)

3. I was SOOOOO disappointed with The Last Airbender (the first real AVATAR) The Strehle family have been long time fans..man did they totally BLOW that movie:(

2. I'm sure you have seen this..it's been all over the place, but it really is interesting.


1. Along with the decor bug that has come back to Roosevelt House, the entertaining bug as arrived as well. I'm loving having friends gathered once again around the large table. Life is good..so so good.

Simple.

Here is my definition.

silence
reading
coffee
soft breezes in tall grass
a clean kitchen
scrambled eggs
fresh sheets
camp fires
deep breaths
long conversations
folded towels
the library
kisses
walks
fresh food
birds
a smile
tea
friendship
sun bathing
reading the newspaper
hearing my children belly laugh
staying home
cat naps

I hope you are enjoying a simple summer.