Coffee Talk Mom

The New Career

Last week I was filling out paperwork to close on another flip house. Each title company is different, so this one was one I had not used. Apparently, to make things “easier”, you fill out a pile of stuff in advance of the closing. As I worked my way thru the stack, I was shocked to discover that my license was out of date!! It had expired on my birthday! Of course, knowing my luck, I was destined to be pulled over, carted off to jail, and end up on Dateline.

Here’s the good news. The DMV is more streamlined. You actually MUST make an appointment to renew your license. The bad news is you may or may not need to drive with an expired license for a month. So as Tuesday approached the big day, I readied myself! I washed my hair and put on a bit of makeup. I mean this photo is for 10 years!! This is important stuff. Each time you peel it out of your wallet, there is a chance that someone will judge you and, worse yet, look at your weight and height! UGH!! These are the things nightmares are made of. As per my usual morning routine, I called Nanny to discuss my day’s plans. She casually asked me if I was nervous. “NERVOUS?” …”Nan, why would I bet nervous?”…She was concerned that I may have to drive with the guy in vest with the name badge. I reassured her that I would be fine and proceeded to check in “from the car” and then told what counter to proceed to. I can assure you I have never walked into a DMV and had the lady say, “Are you Amy?”…WOW…I mean…this is service!!

First of all, don’t sleep on the eye test!! DANG…I swear I was 25 feet from the wall, she casually lifted a draped piece of felt to show the dreaded “EYE” poster. She pointed to the very bottom line. I mean, “WHAT?”…I am not a police officer identifying a stolen vehicle on a high speed chase!! I barely got through it…and even with that (and my glasses on!!!) I think she showed me some grace…I mean an “R” or a “K”? I don’t know!

Now for my big chance to look good…My hair is on point, the makeup is good…I approach the desk, she takes my money, asks me to stand on a piece of tape, and BANG!!! Before I knew what was happening, the photo was done. I began to 🙏🏽 pray. Sometimes, God has other plans, our prayers are not answered the way we are expecting…HE has another purpose. Much to my dismay she yelled, “I think I got it”…OH LORD.

Sidenote: I know the Christmas season can be stressful, and sometimes we just need a little moment of humor…so with that being said…here is a nice photo montage of: What I thought I looked like…-vs- the actual results. Did that breeze on the way thru the door ruffle my perfect coif? Did I grow another chin ? Have I been arrested for attempting to distribute pot? Bask in the glory of my new photo for a moment.

This brings me to the ultimate purpose of this blog: I think I have found my new calling. I am destined to be the new face of the DMV…I will call myself the “DMV STYLIST”. I can stand right by picture lady and harken back to my childhood 2nd grade photo session. All I will need are some of those black combs in the blue liquid, some lip gloss, and some ready tips on how to hold your head. Does anyone else remember the line, “Tuck your chin”, shoulders back, turn your hips…OMG…I would be the most popular DMV employee ever. Those clients would walk out of there with their heads held high and a 10 year legacy of beauty for their families and friends to behold. I guess sometimes you just have to laugh…or potentially “lose” your license and spend another $30 bucks? I haven’t made that decision yet.

In the midst of the holidays, find something’s to smile and laugh about. You cannot buy the chaos and energy of a full house. Enjoy every minute and until next year!

Merry Christmas,

CoffeeTalkMom

Fall Fashion 101

Fall is in the air and it's time to take a couple of bucks and update your wardrobe! I don't go in a clear everything out. I try to see what will take me through another winter in Colorado and add a couple of key pieces to it for a quick update.

After scouring through magazines and the internet, there are a few age-appropriate things you can do to update your wardrobe:

Polka Dots: This is easy with a scarf or new top from TJ Maxx and it is everywhere for fall.

Colored Jeans: I know, I know…I have spent a year resisting this. I just don't have the body shape for it and ALL of the emphasis goes to the hips. HOWEVER, now that it is fall, there are several shades that come in more subtle colors and the trend seems more "do-able" for us ladies! How about a pair in wine or a slate blue?

High Waisted Pencil Skirt: Be sure to get one that fits properly and it will be with you for years to come. Any shirt tucked in brings the eye to the smallest part of your waist and you can maintain a sheik look without too much stress. Pair with a low black kitten heel for work or church.

Cat Eye Sunglasses: Only if they fit your face shape. I tried some on with my mom yesterday and she said,"Uhh...NO"...in the nicest possible way! BUT...Nordstrom junior department is the place to go for trendy watches ($16) and sunglasses ($10-$16)…any accessories. That makes it fun to try this trend!

Tapestry: as in 80's pillows…I think I will pass, but if you enjoy the look…go for it!

Leather: Duh! The BEST money I ever spent was having a leather jacket made to fit in Italy at our Uncle's store in Florence…it fits like a glove and can be paired with anything and look good!..If you are worried about styles changing, go for the pleather at Marshalls and get brown and black!

Oxford Shoes: LOVE these…any kind…heel or no heel. BUT…they are masculine so it is best to pair them with jeans and a frilly top!

"Statement Collar": Easy to do and fun…Peter pan colors are back and anything with bling or pearls looks amazing with a little cardigan and jeans or your pencil skirt!

Cross-Shoulder bags: I hurt my neck and shoulder about a month ago and I realized I CANNOT carry such heavy bags. These cross body ones are better on your back and make your whole outfit look updated. WE DESERVE a good bag, ladies! We carry them EVERYWHERE and need to have one that lasts!

As usual…anything goes…mixing patterns, pumps, spring skirts with sweaters, etc…

Don't you ever run into someone that looks super cute in something like that but you KNOW you would look like an idiot if you tried to do it at home??

The key to anything new is to have the confidence to wear it out and KNOW you look good. When someone compliments you, say, "Thank You" and don't try to downplay it. THIS is super hard for me but I notice it and envy it in others.

Most of all HAVE SOME FUN with your wardrobe and stop taking yourself so seriously!

Happy Fall

CoffeeTalkMom

I’m not CHEAP, I’m FRUGAL!

It's NOT my fault! I was raised with a shopper and I know how it's done. My earliest memories of shopping are with my mom when I was quite small. Keeping in mind, my mom did not get her driver's license until she was 43 years old. (THAT is another blog). We would tag along with Mrs. Ryder to Bullocks in Southern California. My Aunt Elaine's claim to fame is that she WORKED for Bullocks for many years and always had the "cool" stuff. Now these are truly "old school" sales…like something out of an I Love Lucy sitcom. When you drove up, there was a line of crazy women. My Mom would grab my hand and off we would go…not into racks, but scouring tables! This was my first true experience with not buying retail but "waiting for the sale". It was exciting and I remember how happy we were when we got a bunch of stuff cheaply…Uh...I mean frugally!

Frugal implies that one is spending carefully, and making every penny count. Cheap will buy the lowest priced item available; frugal will buy the best item they can afford.

So…now I am an adult and this mentality has stuck with me. Whether or not it works with the men in my family is a whole other story. I am "growing up" in my sale/bargain shopping. I used to love quantity, and now I care more about quality. I would rather have 2 pair of perfectly fitting black pants than a closet full of pants that I never wear. It feels good to clean out and keep only the things you really love. Reality is, there is never really a reason to buy something full price unless it is one of the KEY pieces of your wardrobe that you KNOW you won't be able to find elsewhere. Online sales have taken off in past years. I can even remember a time where I refused to buy online for fear that it wouldn't show up, or they would rip me off because they had my credit card number. That has all changed and many of us are opting to forgo the crowds and lines and have free delivery to our door.

This summer I just HAD to have this white lace dress. It has been the one piece of "NEW" to my wardrobe. I usually pick one or two things each season that go along with the new style without compromising the basics or going overboard truly to emulate all of the new pieces that ultimately are out of style next year. They didn't have my size at the store, so I ordered it online …full price $89. A week ago, I was back at the store and they had royal blue…on clearance…extra 50% off $34 or a total of $17. Hum…did I get $72 of wear out of the white dress…NOT SURE! Sometimes it just pays to wait. Most stores have such a rotating inventory that within 2 weeks the SAME merchandise will be marked down significantly.

For now, watch your favorites in the stores and online and think FRUGAL for FALL!

COMING NEXT: What to spend money on this fall to spice up your wardrobe without dropping big bucks!!

For Women only…unless you want your MAN to pay for this awesome deal!

OK Ladies…There is a "new kid on the block" in product/fashion magazines and it is called "New Beauty". This publication has all of the latest and greatest lotions, potions, and beauty treatments. I first saw it in a doctor's office but when I flipped over to the back I saw that is was a $10 magazine! YIKES! That seems a little steep for reading about how to put on eye makeup….forget about buying any of these products! Lucky for me, I was on their website and found a service where you get the best of both worlds. The new trend is all about "trying the products" and here is how it works:

It's called the: NEW BEAUTY TEST TUBE

Just like the magazine, 4 times a year you receive in the mail several full-sized products from the associated issue. Inside the box, there is also a copy of the $10 magazine. This is for $29.95 a tube. It is like getting a fun surprise 4 times a year and it beats throwing away flowers from King Soopers after 2 days!

The REAL story is that Dave saw me looking at the website and asked me what it was…as a surprise he had it sent to the house. It was like Christmas for women!! There were several products complete with full descriptions and reviews. I would never (on my own) go to Target and just try a bunch of new things. The best part is that they are valued at hundreds of dollars! Don't be distracted by their sizes…these are full size products!

I have attached the photo from my first PINK BEAUTY TEST TUBE so you can get an idea of what is in the shipment!

If you want to see what $10 a month can buy, go to www.testtube.newbeauty.com

May be a fun way to freshen up for fall!!

Have a GREAT WEEK!!

Coffee Talk Mom