winter fashion Archives - Page 3 of 47

Making a point of recognizing what makes us happy on a daily basis adds value to our lives. Gratitude for the small moments that make up our days can improve our attitude and shape our lives.

What Makes You Smile On An Average Day?

Finding this funky vintage sweater vest on Ebay put a smile on my face.

Other Happy Moments I’m Thankful For Today

The cute guy that helped me in Walmart very early this morning was cheerful, had a great smile and made the process so much more enjoyable. Proof that positivity is contagious.

quirky style over 50 suzanne carillo — Just me and my tripod having a good belly laugh. A big thank you to Melanie who taught me how to laugh for the camera.

Listening to my pug snore is comforting and makes me happy.

Pug sleeping. — When I die I want to come back as a spoiled pug.

Eating my own homemade multigrain oatmeal with apples and nuts warms me from the inside out.

Seeing the sunshine despite the frigid cold temperatures (-18 C with the windchill!) brightens my day.

Looking at videos of Brussel Sprout on Instagram makes me laugh out loud.

Stretching my body for fifteen minutes before I get out of bed is a gentle and satisfying way to greet the morning with a smile.

Emails from friends, especially if they are funny put a big smile on my face.

A great review from a satisfied customer in my Etsy store always makes me happy. Acknowledgement for the work and love that I put into my shop is truly rewarding. I adore my customers.

An hour of Netflix in the evening with the pug and the hubs is a relaxing way to unwind. It is always one of my favourite moments of the day.

Soothing yoga stretches before bed make me happy knowing I’m doing something good for my body and helps to prepare my mind for sleep.

These moments of mindfullness remind me that daily gratitude creates a positive attitude and more joy.

What about you? What makes you smile on an average day?

What makes you smile on an average day? Adventurous style for the uncommon woman over 40.

Linking up with Visible Monday, Turning Heads Tuesday, Fancy Friday, and Spy Girl

A sincere thank you to each and every person that left a comment on my last blog post. It touched my heart.

I am grateful to those of you that took the time to share some of yourself with me. Kind words can make a difference in someone else’s life.

Everyone has their own scars and challenges to overcome and accept. When it felt like the earth was moving out from under me your words made a difference to me.

Thank you.

Let’s move onto some light and frivolous thoughts shall we?

What’s Your Secret Splurge?

Do you ever feel guilty about splurging on something for yourself?

I had a discussion with some friends recently and they all agreed that they sometimes feel guilty about splurging on themselves. One example brought up was expensive clothing or shoes. We traced some of this guilt back to how and when the women were raised. In past eras it was deemed selfish to be extravagant and overspend on yourself. I know it’s hard to believe given today’s obsession with over consumption and the masses of enablers we encounter on social media.

My Secret Splurge(s)

Lash Extensions & Hair Care

Two of my splurges that make my life easier are lash extensions and professional hair care.

When I was blond I sometimes streaked my own hair (with the help of a willing friend) and it turned out okay.

When I went red I tried dying my own hair once, that’s all it took to realize it wasn’t a good idea. I had to spend loads of cash having that catastrophe fixed by a professional.

vintage lurex leaf maxi dress suzanne carillo style

Lash extensions are the only way people can see I have lashes as my eyes are too sensitive for mascara and my lashes are so blond they are invisible.

suzanne carillo scotland 1987 — Blond, spiral perm, invisible lashes and a taunt jawline (sigh). Wearing my Dad’s trench he sent over in a care package and a borrowed plaid flannel shirt because I was freezing all the time. Scotland, mid 80s.

I don’t spend money on makeup, nails or personal care products. The makeup I wear is probably five years old, or older! (eek!) and from the drug store.

Comfortable Footwear

I sometimes choose to splurge on comfortable, stylish footwear. If I can find them secondhand it’s even better but it’s not always possible and the older I get the more I’m aware that when my feet aren’t happy I’m miserable.

snakeskin boots and tulle skirt suzanne carillo — These boots were my last footwear splurge. I bought them at 50% off.

I don’t splurge on clothing anymore.

Everything I buy is secondhand.

Apart from underwear and socks.

Choosing to shop secondhand aligns with my personal values and helps save our world. Small choices can add up to big changes. Every little bit counts.

Skirt and blouse, thrifted. Boots and hat, vintage bought in the 90s. Belt, gift.

Travel

None of my friends or family live within driving distance and my husband lived overseas for the last two years. Travel at that time was a necessity rather than a splurge.