This past weekend was a pretty special one. I took part in my first 5k race and had my son’s graduation/going away party.

Of course I have to show you the outfit I wore to the party.

I wore a Nine West top that I thrifted NWT for $4.50 (original price $74.) I paired with my royal blue Cato shorts and flips flops. I like the stripes in the top and I’m sure I’m going to get a lot wear with it, plus it’s a little patriotic and fitting for the party.

For those who don’t know my son enlisted in the U.S. Marine’s and on Sunday he will spend the night in St. Louis and on Monday he leaves for boot camp at Camp Pendleton, Calif.

 Since I began walking and then running several months ago one of the things I decided I wanted to do was take part in a 5k with Cole before he left. He ran cross country and track so the 3.1 miles is not a big deal to him, but it was too me.

We took part in the St. Louis Police Athletic League 5k Hero’s Run at Forest Park. All I can say is felt fantastic crossing the finish line. Cole actually finished the race way ahead of me and came back to finish out the run with me.

As he approached I asked how he did and he said “I won!” I nearly started to cry. He was the first person to cross the finish line and the overall (male) winner of the race. I couldn’t be more proud.

He finished the race in 19:30 and I ran it in 43:40. My time may not be great, but I did it and for me and I feel wonderful in accomplishing it because I only started running again in March. I began walking at the end of January.  I did a combination for the race and as time goes on I plan to run more because I want to run another with Cole when he comes home on leave. I know he’s proud of me for doing it and I am too.

There is nothing more regal than running with your child and knowing that he’s just as proud of you as you are of him.

After the race we then headed to my parents farm where we had his graduation/going away party. I think everyone who came had a great time and the best part of my night was when he stood in the kitchen and hugged me then told me “Mom the next time you see me I won’t be this kid anymore. I’ll be all grown up. I want you to know that I’ll always need you and I love you.”

There have been quite a few changes in my life lately. Changes at work and at home so I’m been a little too busy to blog.

Anyway I don’t want to go to long or I get out of the habit, it’s kind of like exercise. The longer you put it off the more you don’t want to do it.  I waited 18 years to really get into an exercise routine, but once I did, let’s just say  I don’t want to break the habit.

The payoff has been good too. I’m wearing smaller size clothing and whenever people ask me how much weight I’ve lost I can honestly said “I don’t know.” Why? Because I don’t have a scale and don’t want to pay attention to the number. What I will tell you is I’m down nearly three sizes, depending on the label/designer.

Here are a few looks I’ve worn lately:

No. 1 – INC.  International Concepts halter top (yard sale, $2), Chaps skirt (clearnace, Kohl’s, $3.80) sliver accessories (yard sale, $2) and flip flips (Payless)
No. 2 – Old Navy printed skirt (yard sale, $.25) tan tank (clearance, Macy’s) tan top (clearance, Target) and gold flop flops (thrifted, NWT, $3)
No. 3 – New York & Company orange floral tank (clearance, $8),  white linen skirt (clearance, Cato) , Vera Wang nude t-strap sandals (clearance, Kohl’s, $6), orange earring and orange floral pin (clearance, NY&C and Lane Bryant.)

My looks tell you that it’s officially summer and I like each of them, but I really do like the blue halter. What look do  you like best?

  Some days are better than others and today just happens to be one of those days especially when wearing comfortable clothes.

I love the rayon spandex jersey fabric in both this Dana Buchman top (Kohl’s) and Apt. 9 skirt (Kohl’s.) The stretch fabric both breathes and falls nicely. I paired it with a set of five bracelets I purchased for $.25 at a yard sale, a faux leather band (gifted,) silver Dana Buchman earrings (Kohl’s, clearance) and silver rings. I also wore a pair of L.e.i.  gladiator sandals (NWT, thrifted $3, orginally $22.)

It’s a simple, yet comfortable outfit. It’s a little edgy too.  The thing I like about it is that if I wanted to go out on the town all I would need to do is add a pair of heels. I think an outfit can be both stylish and comfortable.

So ladies what do you wear for comfort?

It’s just one of those weeks and I’ve got a hodgepodge of looks going on and even a few from some time ago too.

I’ve had this skirt for years. I got it when Value City was still around. I paired it with a red T-shirt, red slides and red jewelry.  I love the red though.

I thrifted this dress. It’s  Ann Taylor Loft and I got it for $4.50, which is a good deal because it retails for around $60. I paired by navy slides with it and some silver and navy jewelry.

I like this dress because it’s the smallest size I’ve got in my closet and one I haven’t been in years.

I wore this outfit some time back. The skirt is Coldwater Creek (free) the top is Michael Kors (clearance, Macy’s). I accessorized with headband (yard sale, $.25 cents,)  ring (thrifted, $5) and flip flops (on sale, Kohl’s.)

 Do you ever have a week where you dress and everything just feels thrown together? Well this week is that for me. What look do you like best?