Growing

2012. What a year. My style and my family grew.

Babies!

I made lots of friends, and even met bloggers too.

I started a business, which grew and grew. I got a sunburn.

And made accessories for you, which was really fun.

I bought some cool socks and some fiery tights.

 I hung out with my brother into the Christmas nights.

I made a promise, and drank lots of tea.

I hope you'll come back next year and spend it with MMD!

Elfin girl

Sweater - Moth, thrifted

Cords - B.Moss, thrifted

Mu Boots - Cydwoq

Belt - gift from Debbi

Snoowww! It snowed! Which means I planned to go out, got outside and decided NOPE, back in. It was too cold to venture out. Call me a wuss if you want, but the snow was wet and the sun was going down. However I did get the chance to put together an outfit inspired by the Hobbit. I fell head over heels for this sweater, even though the cold weather is rarely extreme enough to wear a chunky wool, I had to take it home. Add in an arrow belt from Debbi, my new micro-cords and tough boots, I was good and warm.

I love Anthro stuff, and I'm so glad when I can score it from goodwill. I'd never spend 88$ on a sweater, but I will spend $5. Also pictured - an American Eagle orange and blue striped shirt and BCBG Max Azria jersey royal blue skirt.  I didn't take a picture of the loft jeans, because I'm sure you guys can picture that.

I did wind up doing another closet culling and dropped off a large bag of stuff at Goodwill the day I bought stuff. So thankfully my closet is now a little more under control. Just in time for birthday presents maybe? Lol!

With the new year rushing in, I've been preparing to start back to school and get ready for a whole new busy semester.

I haven't been entirely lazy this winter holiday - I have five new obi belts sewn up and up on the Shop.

Click me to go through to the Obis

Trekked Shopping

Dress - vintage, thrifted

Badge - thinkgeek, gift

Lieutenant pins - gift from Debbi

Tights - Foot Traffic

Ride boots - Cydwoq

I only get to wear this dress a couple of times a year because the weather is rarely cold enough for a wooly turtleneck dress. But it sticks around for me to feel vintage-space-y. And now I get to have ranking pins to go along with my badge!! The dress is also too high waisted for most belts and too thick to layer, so I settle for mixing up tights and boots.

I got all trekked out to go shopping at the Goodwill today.

My Christmas giftcards/money has been burning a hole in my pocket, and I'm glad I went out today because I came out with a pair of green corduroys, brand new pair of loft jeans, a striped AE shirt, blue summer skirt, and a Moth sweater. Plus a bunch of new ties, so be on the lookout, I'll have brand new obi belts up very soon.

Have you already started spending your cards/money? Did you find any good post-holiday deals?

Navy sweater

Sweater - JohnPaulRichard, thrifted

Scarf - thrifted

Jeans - Levi Strauss, thrifted

Boots - Trippen Quick

 Ah back to more normal days! I bundled up in my leafy sweater and favorite dark wash jeans. Simple scarf and boots combo was perfect for shopping with my MIL.

And some excitement today - more Trippens! These were a last minute Christmas prezzie that showed up this afternoon (please excuse the sock lines and blotchy feet). These are the Trippen Tetra from Ped! I really wanted the Ice color in the Good, but it had sold out in my size, so I snapped the Tetra up instead. They are technically the same color as the boots I have on, but it shows how the dusty frosted leather darkens as it ages. I've really wanted white shoes forever, but nothing suited my fancy. This frosted color works perfectly as a not-quite-white shoe.

Click me!

Also I am excited to present a swap I did with the lovely Kristan. She contacted me a little bit ago wanting an obi and some buttonflowers, mentioning she made glass beads. Admittedly I wear little jewelry, and mostly wear only what has been gifted to me. However I clicked through to her pictures and fell in love with her craftsmanship. So we did a partial swap and she made me a custom koi 'bead' to wear as a pendant. He is so gorgeous!! She worked off my idea for a bead to match my socks. I cannot wait for him to come in the mail. Click the picture to take you through to her blog and see more shots and more of her work.

Christmas Complete

 Hat - thrifted

Star sweater - etsy

Skinnies - Joe's Jeans

Boots - etsy

Necklace - Tiffany's, gift

Christmas is the time of year my brother and I really get together. We talk and talk and talk. This year he spent nearly three days with me. We ambushed my dad's family, enjoyed a very laid back but emotional dinner with them, then headed back to meet an old friend of the DH and I for present swapping. We all four ended up with me behind the wheel of my bro's car and I drove us to Waffle House, because hashbrowns and empty streets. I then drove us around until about 3 am while we listened to music. Driving experience!

The next night we saw Les Miserables with my dad and his girlfriend. Which was absolutely excellent. I have never seen the play/musical or read the book, so the story was new to me. I cried anyway.

movie tickets~~

My brother and I wound up back at my place and we watched tv and shared youtube videos and music and stories.

Intending to go back to his mom's house, he woke up at 8, had a cup of tea, and laid back down. We all woke up at 2:30 this afternoon and decided instead to go watch the Hobbit. Which was AMAZING and perfect. The only downside - the reminder that I won't get to see more Star Trek Into Darkness until MAY.

My big brother! Seriously he's so tall!

Now the DH and I plan to spend the rest of winter break watching Game of the Year videos on Giant Bomb (game review site), playing Lego Harry Potter (years 5-7) and deciding what to do for my birthday. I'm thinking go out and visit my brother in his town and meet with his tattoo artist! But I haven't decided yet.

Christmas gift from my mom!!!

Hopefully I'll be back to regular posting and commenting by tomorrow. I just needed to drop everything for a couple of days and enjoy the holidays.

Christmas Surprise

I haven't seen my dad and that side of the family for over 14 years. My parents separated many years ago, and I grew up with the maternal side of my family, reuniting with my half-brother on my dad's side when I was around 17. We've since spent many Christmases escaping to the movies to catch up, but this year, we hatched a plan to surprise my dad's parents - and my dad too.

I decided to crash the McKenzie gathering, and have my brother film the result.

 

(Also pleaaase ignore just how Southern I sound. Jeeezus)

Anyway seconds after that video was shot my dad walked into the house. Surprise!!! 

Happy Christmas 2012

Jingle bells~ Litter Smells

 Sammy sniffed an egg

The Bruce-mobile lost a wheel

 

And Annabelle looked awaaaaayyyy~

From York and all the other kitties, we all wish you a very happy and safe Christmas.
MMD will return after the holiday fun. Hopefully with pictures and some interesting stories to tell.

Lime-y

Suede jacket - Ruff Hewn, ebay

Sweater - Jones Sport, thrifted

Cords - Hollister, thrifted

Pumps - Naturalizer, thrifted
Metal belt - gift from Debbi

Wool Socks - Target

Wow-y wow wow. I had so much fun last night. It's been a fun start to Christmas. Friends across the globe, and close to home, presents arriving in the mail, sleeping in, getting not-drunk, but enjoying the company anyway. Enjoying time without cell phones and screens, instead with other people's kitty cats.

The mailman brought me this fabulous suede jacket today! I have a wonderful collection of neutral jackets in everything from brown to navy to black, but when I found this lime green beauty for only $9, I nearly screamed with joy. It's got the most incredible orange lining too. I was absolutely sold when I saw the inner tag - "Attempt the Absurd, Achieve the Impossible" If that's not a perfect quote for me!

It was super windy today, so most of my pictures has me looking like a floofy green chicken. It was also a liiittle bit too cold to just go with the jacket, so I shuffled to and from the car as quickly as I could. Warmer boots and a coat next time I go out I think!

Presents

Jacket - thrifted

Handmade Sweater - gift from Sonja

Skinnies - Joe's Jeans

Quick boots - Trippen

Hat - Target

Harness (not seen) - Audra Jean

OMG! Let me first start with, I don't like surprises. Let me follow that with I have the bestest best friends ever. Adding to the fact that I don't like surprises - I also don't like waiting. So I start opening gifts the minute I don't have someone to stop me. ;P I used to open a gift as a kid and blame it on the cat.

And man, I am glad I didn't wait!! Lynne sent me two tops (I forever need tops), one that suits my tie-dye self and the other a super sharp menswear shirt. She also included the most omg to die for star necklace. Wearing ASAP!

Debbi followed up with more star goodies including STAR TREK PINS. I am nerding out big time. Included in the batch is a fabric insignia which is totally going on my new summer purse, and it even has two rank pins (which stands for lieutenant). NERD OUT! She also sent two absolutely lovely western style belts, and lots of little bags of holding and additional jewelry.

Ally went straight for the good stuff and sent me two GooGoo Clusters as a thank you for turning her onto them. I totally snarfed one down as soon as I finished photographing everything. If you haven't had a Goo-goo, you need one.

I got Beth's package earlier in the week, and thus have already started using her gift. It was a calendar/note combo with an adorable kitty on it! If you know me, I'm always making lists, schedules, and checking dates. I'm totally scatterbrained and still use a good ole pen and paper to remind myself.

I am so so thankful for my gifts, which are all amazing surprises that are totally suited to me. Thank you! I think I need to upgrade my jewelry box!

Sorry for the bathroom pictures! The DH and I decided to be social and go out for drinkies with some new friends. We wound up staying out a little later than I intended and I missed the good sun. I did however get to meet their cat. <3

Feeling Fancy

Tee - Simply Vera, thrifted

Leather Cincher - nokomis, gift from Sheila

Skirt - thrifted

Tights - Foot Traffic

Army Flats - Trippen

I'm not the curviest individual, but I love a full skirt with a cinched in waist to create a faux-hourglass look. I don't have any big plans for today, but I still wanted to put on a cute outfit. Some days you just need to dress up and feel fancy for yourself.

I still can't get over my love for Trippens. When I put them on my feet, I don't want to take them off. Normally when I come home from a long day, all I want is to take off my shoes and kick back, but Trippens are just so goshdarned comfortable. Cydwoqs are a close second in comfort, but Trippens still win.

Also if you're not already reading - Head over to Reading in Skirts because Mia is just the cutest thing since kittens. I want her entire wardrobe. So many bright colors, fantastic shapes, and OMG HER HAIR!

Afternoon light

Dress - LAmade, thrifted

Shirt - Gap, thrifted

Belt - thrifted

Socks - sock dreams (liberated from the Hubs)

Boots - Art company

Growing up in the 90s, my childhood BFF and I wear obsessed with flatforms and slouchy socks. I remember getting dressed for school and scrunching my socks just so. These slouchy socks are technically too big on me, so both pairs went to the DH, but I have stolen them back a time or two.

I'm suprised at how little wear this dress has gotten. Sometimes I get so excited about something and then don't wear it at all. I almost got rid of this dress at one point because it just felt above me. I decided to style it up instead. I may still stick it back until warmer weather, but I'm keeping it. It'll just challenge me until I figure it out.

I love taking pictures at this time of day. I love the way light and shadows play together.

Also in response to questions - I haven't dyed my hair yet. It may look brighter due to the sun or lighter because the new do is cut down to the darker parts of my hair, but the long bits are still brighter and lighter.

Can you believe Christmas is only a week away?

New Hairz

Blouse - Alfani, gift from Sheila

Cardigan - thrifted

Skirt - DIY'd

Socks - Steve Madden

Ride boots - Cydwoq

Leaf earrings - claire's (very old!)

I couldn't wait! My aunt was super nice and sent me some Christmas money, so I had to go get a hair cut asap. I went to the cheapest place in town ($12) with a picture of this pin that I found via Meghan. I also happened to walk in about 5 minutes before the place closed, so I was super lucky that an awesome stylist was available to take me. She chopped everything off lickysplit and omg I LOVE IT. It's so easy to wash and take care of. I feel like I have 'edgy' hair again. I thought I was going to grow it out, but short hair is just too much fun right now.

I'll have to play with styling it, since I've been showering at night for the past semester. It makes for some interesting morning-hair, but at least I'm not running out the door with wet hair in the mornings.

I've pretty much wanted this hair cut since high school, but was never brave enough to get it. Now I'll have to save up and get some pink dye!!!

Freshly washed and floofy

Thankfully I got some decent pictures today. It hailed this afternoon while I was at therapy, and then the sun came out. I wore my DIY'd cherry skirt in response to Lynne's GAW-jous cherry dress. I'm a copycatcopycatcopycat!  It's been very warm, probably why we had hail today. But it also means I get to wear skirts and dresses comfortably for a little longer. Upside to everything, yeah?

Casual Friday With a Hat

Cardigan - Simply Vera, thrifted

Tee - Mossimo, thrifted

Jeans - Express, thrifted

Purse - coletta, thrifted

Instinct flats - Cydwoq

Hat - Target

Another day, more errands. I woke up with a serious case of bed-head so I tossed a hat on. Basic jeans, basic tee, interesting cardigan, comfortable flats. Most people's formula for lookin' good.

I'm overdue for a hair cut (and color)... I've been trying to decide what I want to do with my hair. Bangs? No Bangs? Re-do the aline bob? Go for an edgy asymmetrical look? Grow it out? It's so much easier to take care of when it's short.

(On a more serious note, my heart goes out to those affected in CT. I won't comment further, as I'm just learning about it, but I did feel the need to acknowledge the tragedy. Stay safe out there.)

Big Blue

Custom Harness - Audra Jean

Dress - LAmade

Under dress - Karen Kane

Cotton lined wool tights - Sockdreams

Ride Boots - Cydwoq

I adore this blue dress. It's so bright and full. I needed some pep today, so I layered up my dresses and put on my warmest tights. I felt super poofy and swingy today. 

It's finally beginning to feel like Christmas season here at the MMD household, which means plans being made, video games being played, and chilly mornings.

I'm looking forward to my yearly movie traditions. My mom and I usually see a movie for her birthday (the 21st) and my brother and I spend Christmas evening together seeing another movie. I think this year is going to be The Hobbit and Les Miserable. Do you have any holiday traditions?

Roll the Dice

Sweater - All Saints

Cords - Hollister, thrifted

Instinct flats - Cydwoq

Earring - anime convention

Kitty charm - gift from Lynne 

Another late morning - er afternoon for me. But I did manage to get out and about today. I had to run some errands, but wanted to otherwise be comfortable. I think this sweater is only safe to wear in really cold weather. It wasn't itchy today. I did layer it with a tee shirt still, but it wasn't as annoying as the last time I wore it.

I jazzed up my look with my 10-sided dice earring and my new kitty charm that arrived in the mail from Lynne today! Isn't he cute? It reminds me of my recently-passed Gomez, a fancy tuxedo cat (okay he was more like an alley cat). We used to buy him collars with little bow ties. Ultimately in his final years, he wore a blinged out dog collar. 

Lynne and her family adopted one of the kittens from my rescue litter, Miss Sasha Jane. Sasha has found a new loving home and I found a new friend. 

Today has been full of a lot of smiles. I've tried not to let my recent cold get me down. I am a bit sad because I think I've broken the port on my Nook, which means charging and transferring books onto it becomes hard/impossible. I'm hoping the insides just shifted and I can fix it, but for somebody who reads a lot this makes me sad!

Back to a happier note - I wanted to remind everyone that obi belts are still $10 through tonight, so if you wanted to order one, you should email me asap! Thanks to everyone who purchased them.