Day 25: A Day at the Zoo, and Some Questions Answered

So, I'm an aunt. I am, traditionally, not a kid person. I decided many years ago that I did not want them, and it is the right choice for my life. But I will say that I am utterly charmed by my 2 1/2 year old nephew. He has a 10 week old sister. She's cute, but not exciting yet. Jamie is exciting. He's also very well disciplined and generally a good, sweet kid, which makes adoring him a lot easier. My sister invited Jesse and I to come have family zoo day with them. Please forgive that you can't really see the outfit in most of the shots - by the time the day was done, my turban was messy, and makeup was melted. So the family shots are what ya' get!

We met them at the family farm area of the Oregon Zoo, and my 1950s cotton day dress from Penney's fit right in. This day dress is very thin at the shoulders, and though I've repaired it, I generally pair it with a bolero sweater. It also happens to be the dress that spurred me on to really work on losing weight - it has a 35" waist, and fitting it really upset me. It's too big now, but that seemed like a good thing for a busy day with children.

Vintage 1950s John Deer tractor - it's hard to get a shot without other kids around!

Jesse is the opposite of many men - he LOVES to match. So, I tell him I'm in black and gold, and he finds something to make that work. Even if it means wearing black gabardine in the hot sun. Isn't he a champ? Yes, that's a hairflower on my turban.

Being an acrobat, he likes to help with balancing acts and such.

Okay! So, onto a few questions and comments.

Question #1 - WHERE did I get those crazy great sunglasses! To the those of you who commented/emailed, I'm SORRY! I kept meaning to do a sunglasses post just for you guys, but I misplaced them, and finally found them in the wrong glasses case yesterday. Which reminded me that I hadn't gotten back to you. They are the Polaroid "Swing" from their "Best Under the Sun" collection, reproducing their most iconic styles.

I have gotten a number of comments and convos/emails recommending workout routines, specific diets or cleanses, or even appetite suppressant drugs like Phentermine. I really appreciate all the support and feedback, and I am glad that each of you found something that works for you. Keep the workout ideas coming - I like to shake it up and try new things, that's good for my body!

As to the drugs and dieting. I've actually been on Phentermine before, and it really didn't work for me. I was cranky and unpleasant/high strung to be around AND I gained the weight I'd lost back - plus some - when I stopped using it. And fad dieting. It doesn't work. I know you've heard "it's not dieting, it's lifestyle change" about a million and one times too many, but really, that's how I have to go about it. So no South Beach, Paleo, HCG for me. Then there are lifestyle changes that can be healthful, but are things I know I can't stick with. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten free. Really, if it works for YOU and you are healthier for it, I'm glad and support you 100%. But for me, I'm just eating a healthy, moderate diet with as little refined sugars/foods as possible. I cook meals fresh with good veggies, organic meats and wild caught fish that are responsibly harvested. You do what is right for you, and I'll do what works for me.

This doesn't mean that I don't want your support and feedback. I just want you to know where I'm working from.

Dress: Magpie
Silk scarves: Estate Sale
Sweater: Antique Shoe
Bakelite Brooch: Gift
Bakelite Bangles: Various
Bakelite Earrings: Etsy

Shoes: Not shown - the black version of the Chelsea Crew Alexa, just like the ivory ones from ModCloth. Purchased for $35 here - there are only size 39 and 40 left (I buy a 41, they run a little small) BUT! There's now a coupon code for 20% off (LOVEMOM) that will make them $33.95 shipped if you only get one pair, and $30 each if you buy two pairs, since shipping is free over $50. P.S. Online shoe deal shopping is something of a hobby for me! Haha.