Monday, February 28, 2011

Jump

Chapin and I had so much going on this weekend that I feel like we barely had any time to relax. I was very happy to sit at home last night and watch the Oscars. I love rating the fashions coming down the Red Carpet. If you're interested, my favorites from the Red Carpet included:

1. Gwyneth Paltrow in Calvin Klein Collection
2. Halle Berry in Marchesa
3. Michelle Williams in Chanel Haute Couture
4. Hillary Swank in Gucci Premiere
5. Anne Hathaway in Tom Ford (her last costume change during the show)

I also loved Amy Adams in L'Wren Scott, but I didn't like the heavy necklace on top of the heavy dress. Her hair was divine, though. My favorite hair style of the night was definitely the soft waves. I wish I could get my hair to do that!

Who didn't make my list?

- I liked every aspect of Cate Blanchet's Givenchy dress except for that weird middle part. The detail was amazing, but I kept thinking something was going to jump out of her chest. Yep, that's gross. Others disagree and are putting her on the Best Dressed list.

- Reese Witherspoon, with her 60s style hair and black and white Giorgio Armani Privé dress, was a complete snooze, and looked way too much like Julia Roberts at the 2001 Oscars. Apparently I'm not the only one who thinks so.



- I usually have such high expectations for Nicole Kidman, but she failed to impress in her white Dior Haute Couture gown.

As for me, back in real life...

Since I'm pretty light on meetings today, I dressed casually in this black dress from Tahari. I've had this dress since 2008, and it is so comfortable! Tahari is a great brand for chic work clothes. I love their suits and dresses. You can always find something from the brand on sale at stores like Macy's, where I actually purchased this dress.

The weather today required something floaty like this dress, too -- it's incredibly windy out, and we are expecting thunderstorms and maybe even tornadoes later today. I keep hearing, "It's a twister! It's a twister!" over and over in my head, like in The Wizard of Oz.

The shoes, the Frye Margot Studded Flats in black, are also incredibly comfortable. You can still get them in white or yellow over at 6pm.com, one of my favorite discount shoe sites.

Even with the weather, I've had a good day so far. I got to bring George with me to the office for a little while this morning, and then we met Chapin for lunch at Schlotsky's Deli. I love those turkey sandwiches!

Crazy for You

Chapin and I had a great weekend, mostly due to the gorgeous sunny weather and family coming into Atlanta for a weekend visit. My sister, Gail, was in town with her husband for a belated birthday celebration for my mom and my other sister, Laura. Chapin's father, Louie, also stopped by to show off his new Audi (and new girlfriend). We all hung out together at Park Tavern by Piedmont Park, listening to live music and taking in the sun. It felt like a true Spring day. Later that evening, we all went out to dinner for the birthday celebration and -- later -- cake at my parents' house.

Here is a picture of us going out to dinner. I'm wearing the Jay Godfrey Halter Dress in a beautiful purple, as well as black mesh Betsey Johnson pumps. I could not find the exact style online, but here is a similar Betsey Johnson mesh style pump from the brand.

Friday, February 25, 2011

I'm in Here

I love my dress today! It's the Black Halo Jacket Dress in Olive, which you may have seen on celebrities like Jennifer Morrison (House) and America Ferrera (Ugly Betty). It's a fabulous, comfortable, chic dress that is great for work, play... or both!

I am also wearing my L.A.M.B. Gorgeous Peep-Toe Pumps in Bronze, which are quickly becoming one of my favorite pairs of pumps. I love how bronze and olive compliment each other.

I'm glad it's Friday, because this weekend my sister, Gail, is coming to visit from Tennessee, so all three sisters will be in the same city at the same time. Lately that is a rare occurrence, so it's just even more special when we can all get together. Tomorrow we'll be having a belated birthday celebration for my Mom and my other, sister, Laura, who share a birthday. I just can't wait.

I also have to give a shout-out to my best friend, Katie, who is about to give birth to her second child. I'm thinking of you, Katie.

Finally, I want to mention that a friend of mine, a guard in our building, recently suffered a stroke at the age of 41! I talked to his fiancee last night, and he is stable, but needs to get to the point where he can have another surgery. When things like this happen, you just have to take a moment to be thankful for everything you have, all the wonderful people in your life, all that you've experienced... because it could be gone in an instant. I am thinking of my friend and hoping that he can recover.

I hope all my readers have a great weekend. And remember: live everyday to the fullest!

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Wouldn't It Be Nice

With the weather continuing to be Spring-like here in Atlanta, today I'm in another casual Springtime outfit: BCBGMaxAzria's sapphire blue dress with Jimmy Choo Izzy pumps. I love the cut and style of this dress, as it cinches in at the waist but is very loose in the hips, and is thus slimming. Although the material does wrinkle easily, this dress is easily a favorite of mine, and I don't think I've worn it in a while, so thank you Fashion Challenge.

Jewel-tone colors have been dominating fashion for the last few years, and I, for one, am thankful. I love ruby, sapphire, amethyst and emerald colored clothes, because no matter what your complexion or body type, these colors definitely breathe some life into your wardrobe. I especially loved the gorgeous emerald dress that Angelina Jolie wore to the Golden Globes in January. It was just fabulous!

With a blue, you can also wear a myriad of different shoe color options, although I tend toward wearing blue with brown or camel colored shoes. These Jimmy Choo Izzy pumps are a mud color, so I think they work great. Pointy-toe pumps are also a trend that seems to be coming back in style this season. Stay tuned!

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

What You Know

It's been an interesting start to the day. I don't mean to disgust anyone, but while I was emptying the dishwasher this morning, George decided to go in the bathroom and rifle through the trash can. He soon found one particular dirty item that he decided smelled good enough to eat, and I just managed to get said item out of his mouth before he could swallow it. (Any guesses as to what this item might have been?) It was very gross, and I freaked out thinking he had actually swallowed some pieces. But we don't think he did because he did not seem to be in any discomfort. The way my heart started pumping... it was terrible. I hate to think of George in any kind of danger.

Today I'm dressed fairly casually in a Juicy Couture navy empire waist dress that I've had for a few years. It's very comfortable and I like the cute bow on the front of the dress. I paired it with one of my favorite pairs of shoes: the Charles David Forward pumps in navy and red. I always get a bunch of compliments on these shoes as being "very cute," and they are comfortable as well since the heel is fairly low.

I had to go for my annual gynecologist exam today, which is part of the reason I chose this dress. I talked to the doctor about my age, having a baby, birth control, etc. From what she said, I really need to start thinking about whether or not I want to have a baby, because at 32 (almost 33), my chances for conceiving a baby are under 25% each month. By the time you reach 40, that number goes down to 5%. I think in 2012, we will start trying. I just have so much going on in my career right now that I'm not sure if I can really concentrate on the whole baby idea. But who knows what the future will hold...

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Do You Want it All?

It's amazing the difference I feel in my confidence level between yesterday, when I didn't like my outfit so much, and today, when I love it. Maybe it's the heels, but I just feel like I am walking taller. Clothes really do affect the way you hold yourself, and how others perceive you. I just wish I had learned that earlier in my career. My first job out of college, I probably wore jeans to work three or four days a week. Once I started taking more interest in my career, and wanting to excel and advance up the ladder, I began taking more time with my appearance. Many past managers have mentioned that appearance does count... If you are dressed well and look professional, your clients and colleagues will see you as someone to be taken seriously. That's just my advice for all the working women out there.

Today's dress is the Milly Phoebe Triple Chain Dress in Smoke. I found the dress on sale at two online stores -- albeit in some other colors, though:

I am such a huge fan of this brand! (It doesn't hurt that the founder's name is Michelle, either.) All the pieces are so feminine, chic and classic... I would wear just about any dress from the Spring collection, which is rare for me to say about any designer. The trouble with Milly: the price. Most dresses retail for over $300. I myself have never purchased one at full price, but that's pretty rare for me in general. I'm definitely a discount shopper! I have to be!

I paired the dress with my L.A.M.B. Gorgeous Peep Toe Pumps in Bronze, which are quickly becoming favorites of mine.

Monday, February 21, 2011

Firework

It's President's Day today, and while many companies are off, sadly I am here at the office. I didn't remember it was a holiday for many businesses until I drove to work and realized that there were not as many cars on the road as usual. Then I glanced down at my outfit today and felt pretty silly. I am wearing red, white and blue on President's Day. I swear I didn't plan it this way!

I bought this BCBGMaxAzria dress back in 2009. I found it on heavy clearance at Macys.com and thought it would look so cute. This was also during my red and blue phase, when I was obsessed with wearing red with navy. (Don't ask.) I think I've worn it once since first purchasing it, and you can see why. It really doesn't do that much for me... I look like a big firework. 

Good thing I don't have too much going on in the office today. With many of our clients' offices closed, I don't have any meetings, and can focus on knocking out a few things that I desperately need to finish.

Have a good day!

Friday, February 18, 2011

Hung Up

Betsey Johnson was probably the first true designer I really fell in love with. I bought my first Betsey Johnson dress for our engagement photos back in 2003, and I've been hooked on fashion ever since.

Today I'm in, clearly, Betsey Johnson. I love the puff sleeves and comfortable style of this floral bouquet dress, which comes in a fabulous teal color. The short sleeves and floral design make it a good pick for today, because we're supposed to have a beautiful Friday with temperatures in the 70s!

The weather is supposed to last all weekend, so we -- along with most of Atlanta -- will probably spend as much time as possible outside. We are already planning to take George back to Piedmont Park's small dog park so he can run around with other dogs his size. We took him last weekend and he had so much fun... though he tired out pretty quickly.

Here is Taylor Swift wearing a similar version of the dress in purple.

I could not find the exact dress online, but here are a few similar styles from the Betsey Johnson brand:

- Betsey Johnson Painted Rose Dress

- Betsey Johnson Misty Rose Burnout Cup of Coffee Dress -- comes in a beautiful purple

I paired the dress with my suede gray L.A.M.B.Glam pumps. The ruffle around the edge of the dress is also gray, so it matches just perfectly.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Easy Lover

It's another beautiful day in Atlanta. If I could copy a day's weather to have all year round, it would be today's sunshine and blue sky. It truly does feel like Spring, and I will be sad when Winter comes back to slap us in the face. I guess I will just have to enjoy it while I can.

I don't wear today's dress too often because it is a little big on me, and it really should be altered at the top. The Black Halo Eve Asymmetric-Neck Dress is a beautiful dress, but I have a few issues with it aside from it being a little large on top:

- The pockets are quite large, and when not smoothed down, make my hips look even larger.

- The dress material wrinkles SO easily. It is really impossible to sit down in this dress and not look a mess when you stand up again.

But overall I think this dress is very professional and chic, and I love the black buttons and sexy dip in the back. (It does show a little too much back for the office, but oh well.) This Black Halo style is about a year old, so I couldn't find it online, but here is a similar style on Cusp.com: the Black Halo Jackie Asymmetric-Neck Dress.

It was easy to choose the title of today's post, because it's also the name of the lip gloss I'm wearing. I'm loving this NARS brand Easy Lover lip gloss, which is described as "sheer hot pink." I think it matches the natural tone of my lips pretty well.

I am also wearing my Modern Vintage Eligia T-Strap Pumps in Black Suede.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

I Dreamed a Dream

Today I'm wearing the Anlo Brittany Silk Dress, which is still available in a few sizes at Nordstrom. I love the simple silhouette and blue floral lace pattern of the dress. It's really getting me in the mood for Spring!

I paired the dress with my suede navy blue L.A.M.B. Plum Wedges. Just call them my blue suede shoes.

Since I'm wearing a more casual dress today, I wanted to describe an incident that happened to me earlier this week. I met Chapin for a Valentine's Day lunch on Monday at C&S Seafood & Oyster Bar. The restaurant is located in Buckhead, a more upscale part of town where trophy wives and soccer moms are, I guess, more the norm than working professional women. I arrived ahead of Chapin, and as the host was seating me, I mentioned that my husband would be arriving shortly, but he was running a few minutes late. The host commented, "Well, someone has to work." Then he walked away. It was one of those times when the words didn't quite sink in at first, and when they did, I was left seething. Like today, I was dressed more casually, but still: Why assume I didn't work?

Although women have made so many leaps and bounds in the professional world, there are still clearly many hurdles left to overcome. I'm at a VP level now in my career, after working hard to get my MBA while working full-time, but I can still walk into a restaurant and be dismissed so casually like that. I can't express just how angry and sad that made me. I hate wearing suits, but maybe this is my wake-up call that my wardrobe -- and possibly my haircut? -- needs to become more masculine. I just hate to think that I have to dress like a man to be taken seriously.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Don't Stop Now

It's hard to believe that February is halfway over. I feel like the past few months have just flown... and Spring will be here before we know it. Atlanta is actually experiencing a much appreciated bout of sunny weather, with highs in the 60s all week! I didn't even wear my hat and gloves to walk George this morning, which was a very nice change.

Spring is one of my favorite seasons fashion wise, though I have been excited to see what the designers are cooking up for Fall. Today I'm in a great Spring color: purple! This Max & Cleo tiered purple dress is great for showing off curves, though I'm beginning to think I need to cut back on the sweets and shave a few pounds off the scale. I have such a sweet tooth! Anyway, I paired the dress with my gold L.A.M.B. Gorgeous Pumps, which are sky high and fabulous.

I could only find the dress online in a size 10, but here is another cute purple dress from the brand. 

I also wanted to mention my lipstick today, which is a recent find. I am totally in love with the Clinique Butter Shine Lipstick (I'm wearing the Adore U shade), which goes on like lipstick but looks like a gloss. It's also made with shea butter, so it's very moisturizing! The price is right, too: only $14.50 at the Clinique counter.

Bloomingdales.com is offering a free Clinique gift right now, so it's a great time to check it out.

On a personal note, Chapin and I enjoyed a wonderful Valentine's Day at home last night with George. Chapin cooked dinner and we shared a delicious red velvet cupcake from our favorite cupcake place, CamiCakes. Chapin has decided it's his new favorite CamiCakes flavor, though the chocolate-peanut butter runs a close second. (I'm more partial to the carrot and mint chocolate!) I hope you had a great Valentine's Day as well!

Monday, February 14, 2011

Smoke Gets in Your Eyes

Happy Valentine's Day! In honor of today's cheesy holiday, I am wearing red. This dress is from Studio M, and I have had it for a few years. Since I bought it back in 2008, I think, I couldn't find the dress online, but here is a similar dress with the same silhouette and flutter sleeves. It comes in four colors, including red, and is on sale for $70 at Macys.com! What a deal!

Although it's not the best dress to wear to work -- it is not really that professional -- it will have to do. I didn't have anything else left that was Valentine appropriate, and I wanted to look nice since I am meeting my own Valentine for lunch today. Can you believe today marks the 11th Valentine's Day we have spent together?

I am actually not the biggest fan of this holiday. Back in high school and college, I felt like the holiday just served to remind me that I did not have a boyfriend. Even now that I do have a Valentine, although it's nice to get a card or gift, I just don't need a specific date set aside to tell my husband how much I love him. Hopefully I do that everyday.

Chapin also got me these non-flannel cupcake pajamas I have been lusting after ever since I saw them on an episode of 30 Rock (one of our favorite shows).

Chapin and I decided a long time ago that we would not go out every Valentine's Day... All the restaurants are so expensive on this day, and since we go out to eat a lot, there's not really much point. We also don't like to leave George alone at night after he's been alone at home all day. So Chapin is going to make dinner for us tonight, and we will have a nice evening just the two of us (and George, of course). I hope you enjoy today as well!

Friday, February 11, 2011

Only the Good Die Young

I'm feeling cold today --  hopefully I am not getting sick -- so I opted for pants for the second time this week. These navy wide leg pants from Ellen Tracy are extremely big on me, but I usually buy pants and shorts a few sizes too large so I can wear them low on my hips.

If you have big hips, I do recommend following this trick to make your butt look a lot smaller. And avoid high waisted pants and jeans at all costs. I don't know what Jessica Simpson was thinking! If you are at all curvy, high waists are not your friend.

What I love most about these pants, though: no pockets! Pockets are another trait that, on pants, can make you look very wide. I am forever searching for nice pants with no pockets, and they are hard to find. These pants have a side zip and no pockets, so they are perfect. I couldn't find the exact version of these pants online, but here is a slim fit version of the Ellen Tracy pants available at Macy's. Even at full price, these pants retail for under $60.

The trouble with these pants is that, in addition to being big on me, they are also very long. I really need to have them altered -- in fact, I have a whole pile of clothes I need to take to my alterations place in Buckhead -- but I either forget or don't have time. I know, I know: I need to make the time... especially as we are coming to the end of the Fashion Challenge.

In addition to the navy Ellen Tracy pants, I am also wearing just a simple white shirt from JCrew and navy suede L.A.M.B. Plum Wedges. Even though these wedge heels are four and half inches, the pants still almost reach the ground. Crazy!

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Break My Stride

We had a little bit of snow in metro Atlanta last night, but by morning, nothing was sticking. Even when I was going to work out and looked out the window -- this is at about 5:15 a.m. -- there was nothing but wet pavement outside. I'm sure all the local school kids were disappointed, but I was very glad to not have to deal with winter weather issues today.

It's not even that cold out, so I am wearing a short-sleeved black and cream dress (sans tights) from Maggy London. You can find Maggy London in department stores like Macy's and Nordstrom, and once this brand goes on sale, you can usually score a great deal. I paid under $50 for this dress, actually. I found it online at Macy's, though surprisingly it hasn't gone on sale yet. (Weird!)

I like the dress for many of its flattering aspects: little cap sleeves that slim the arm, round neckline that shows off just a hint of cleavage and, of course, it's black! Black is forever a great color to wear for its slimming qualities, and I have come to realize over the years that it just looks fabulous on everyone.

I also love pairing this dress with one of my favorite pairs of shoes: Nanette Lepore's Dotty Dame Pumps. Nanette Lepore is known for femininity, and these pumps are no exception. The shoes are no longer available, but you can browse other styles (on sale) at 6pm.com.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Kiss from a Rose

It's been awhile since I had George pose for a picture, so I grabbed him this morning and here's the result. It's very hard to get him to actually look at the camera, but I guess looking at me is okay, too.


It's cold here today, and since Chapin walked George this morning, I opted for pants. (Why should Chapin walking George have any effect on what I wear? Well, since I don't like walking George in my heels, and most of my pants are extremely long on me -- I'm very short -- I usually have to change into my petite jeans so I can wear my Sketchers to walk him. It takes extra time, so it's easier just to wear a skirt or dress so that I can just change my shoes.)

Both the pants and shirt today are from Express, and I've had both pieces for years. The shirt was actually a gift from my mom a few years back, and I remember buying these pants right around when I started grad school back in 2006.

The shoes are my gray suede L.A.M.B. Glam Pumps, which are available in black and red on Last Call from Neiman Marcus. You can get an extra 20% off if you buy now!

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

The Only Exception

The wind is really howling today, and it's supposed to be cold the rest of the week. I have to say: I'm kind of over this winter weather. Where is Spring already?

Today I chose the Juicy Couture Troupe Dress because it is very warm, made with 90% wool. I love the puff sleeves and overall military style, which is very "in" right now. I am also wearing flats today from Tory Burch, as I may walk to get something to eat on my lunch break, and it's much easier to walk in flats as opposed to high heels!

Speaking of shoes, I enjoyed the segment on The Today Show this morning on the female love for footwear. I have to admit, the entire time, I was thinking, "Where can I get those killer heels Meredith Viera is wearing?" I guess I just proved their point.

Monday, February 7, 2011

We Are the Champions

After a great weekend, I feel focused and ready for a hard-working week. My dress today is from Cynthia Steffe: the Cynthia Steffe Sherri Asymmetrical Jersey Dress. I found it on just one website, Alysgrace.com, where I've never shopped before. I do have to start investigating new places for dresses -- and, especially, dresses on sale -- because one of my favorite sites, MyShape.com, recently shut down its retail operations. I'm still hoping it comes back online with new inventory.

I am also wearing black tights and my L.A.M.B. Glance Booties in black with red stitching. I don't really like pairing tights with peep toes, but the cold temperature today necessitated it!

Chapin and I had a lot going on this past weekend, so here is a quick update:

- We saw a friend's art displayed at an art show in Decatur, and since we got there late, helped him take down his booth.

- We ate dinner with our favorite "foodie" couple, Rahul and Vinnie, at the Imperial Fez on Saturday night. If you want a true Moroccan food experience in Atlanta, then book your reservation today. You have to take your shoes off to eat, you sit on the floor amidst pillows, and eat with your hands (though utensils are provided). There are even belly dancers, and I was the only one who got up and tried it!

- Yesterday we also had Italian food with my Mom and Dad. My Dad has started cooking, and makes a great sauce.

- We wrapped up the weekend with the Super Bowl, and I baked chocolate chip cookies while the game was on (and so I would not miss the commercials). Of course, my favorite is the Doritos pug commercial:

Friday, February 4, 2011

With Every Beat of My Heart

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death for women around the world. Today is Go Red for Women Day in our battle to fight heart disease and show support for this wonderful cause. Of course, in my hurry to get dressed this morning, I completely forgot to wear red. At least I am wearing my ruby and diamond necklace. Does that count?

My dress today -- very purple, as you can see -- is just a basic dress from the Nine West brand. I love the purple polka dot print, and the purple hue is quite bold and stunning. I also think the small puff sleeves and v-neckline are very flattering.

I am in desperate need of a pedicure, so I had to choose from only closed-toe shoe options today. I ended up wearing the Charles David Soulful Pumps in Camel. I always get compliments on these pumps -- like in my building's elevator today -- and they are pretty comfortable for such a high heel.

Since my sister, Laura, has strep throat, I am constantly worried I am going to get sick, and as you can see, despite putting blush on, I look pale in this picture. I think I should be out of the clear tomorrow, so I am just hoping I don't get sick so I can have a nice weekend with Chapin. We have plans to see our friend, Jake, display his artwork at tomorrow's Decatur Arts Alliance Artist Studio Show. He and Chapin have been friends since middle school, and Jake is such a talented artist. We are excited to see his work on display. If you are in the area, I hope you'll stop by to see his work.

Have a great weekend!

Thursday, February 3, 2011

I Got You, Babe

I am trying to get back to normal again after the emotional events of the past week, and thank goodness for Chapin. He has been so sweet to me since I returned home, and we had quite a giggle fest last night after he made a wonderful dinner of red snapper and Brussels Sprouts. (I have never really like this vegetable, but Chapin sauteed them and added a sweet mixture for flavor -- using Splenda -- and they were fantastic.)


Since I am sick of the cold weather, and froze my butt off when walking George this morning, I opted for this Diane von Furstenberg floral dress since I am so ready for Spring. I was very glad when Punxsutawney Phil actually predicted an early Spring for 2011 on Groundhog Day yesterday.

The official name of the dress is the Diane von Furstenberg Laura Dress in Blooming Flowers. What a great name, and it's even more special because my little sister's name is Laura. It's 100% silk, so the dress is very fragile, and I paired it with black tights to keep my legs warm.

The dress has been seen on a few celebrities, like Cameron Diaz, who wore it to the 2010 MTV Movie Awards! (Clearly she had it shortened to show off her fabulous long legs.) The Laura dress was also seen in an episode of the "new" 90210 this past Fall.

One of my favorite aspects of the dress is the boat neckline and puffed sleeves, and I love the pockets! It's also overall just such a pretty dress. I wore it today with BCBGMaxAzria black patent leather pumps, but there are so many options. I can't wait for the weather to warm up so I can start wearing sandals again.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Dear Heart

I finally arrived back in Atlanta last night after a disastrous last day in Dallas, Texas. With the funeral for my Grandpa over on Monday, my sisters and I planned to fly out Tuesday morning so we could spend some extra time with family on Monday evening.

BUT... We should have planned things a little better, since a forecast of freezing rain and snow was expected to hit around 2 a.m. early Tuesday morning. We were all preoccupied, of course, so unfortunately no one was paying attention to the news and local weather forecast. In the middle of the night, from our hotel room, we could hear the pounding hail, sleet and freezing rain... and it went on for hours.

We woke early on Tuesday to a call that my sister's flight back to Nashville had been canceled, and soon my flight back to Atlanta with my little sister, Laura, was canceled as well. The schools in the area were all closed, and the news casters were advising people to stay off the roads unless it was an emergency. We thought we might be stuck another night.

Laura also wasn't feeling well, and when she discovered on Tuesday that one of the kids in her class (she teaches kindergarten) had come down with strep, she realized that's probably what she had, too. So on top of all the weather and travel issues, poor Laura felt awful. With our flights re-booked for early evening, we went about trying to find an Urgent Care facility that was open so Laura could get a strep test. We found one about a mile away, and Gail and I walked outside to see if we could all walk there since we didn't have a car. Um... no. That wasn't going to work. The roads and sidewalks were so slippery, and the temperature was around 18 degrees. With the wind chill, they said the temperature really felt like zero! It was terrible. Since it had been in the 70s on Saturday when we came in, none of us had dressed very warmly, and I was shivering after only a few minutes.

Thanks to a call from my father, the hotel shuttle ended up driving us to the Urgent Care facility. It also picked us up after, it was confirmed, Laura had strep and received a shot of pencillin, since we didn't think we would be going to a pharmacy anytime soon. We spent the next few hours in the hotel lobby, since we had checked out of our room already and didn't have anywhere else to go. Finally, with our flights still confirmed, we left for the airport. The roads weren't too bad, but I was relieved when we finally reached the DFW airport. We got something to eat, and boarded the plane with no issues.

After we had all boarded and the plane doors were shut, the captain came on to announce that we may not be taking off after all. Laura and I looked at each other in horror. We didn't want to spend another night away from home. With just one runway open, the airport authorities had considered closing the airport altogether, but finally decided to let the planes on the runway take off. After an hour of taxing, we were finally in the air. I think we all breathed a sigh of relief.

There was more drama toward the end of the flight, as it was storming in Atlanta, and we hit a good deal of turbulence before finally touching down. I have flown a lot in my day, and that was probably the scariest flight I've ever experienced. I was never so glad to see the ground.

So, as you can see, there was definitely some drama for us yesterday. My dad says we will probably be telling our kids and grandkids this story for years to come!

As for my outfit today, I still thought I should wear something dark, as I am still thinking of my Grandpa a good deal. The dress, the BCBGMaxAzria "2fer" Dress with Silk Blouse and Taffeta Skirt, is comfortable and professional, since I have a bunch of meetings today. I am also wearing BCBGMaxAzria patent leather shoes.