So today, we busted open the craft box and Henry and I decided to go to town. I didn’t have a specific craft project in mind, but I figured we could just glitter glue some sticks, pom poms, pipe cleaners, and styrofoam balls together and call it a craft project. I usually try and find an actual craft for us to attempt, but seeing how my son is 4 and I have NO artistic ability whatsoever, it usually just turns into a glittery, gluey mess anyway. I deduced that we could drop the whole searching for a real project deal, and just get straight to destroying my white dining room table. If you want to call it a “dining room” table, because our dining room is actually a strange, jutting-out area of the living room.

Anyway, Papa got home and Henry wanted him to craft along with us. I thought it was a great idea: family craft time! I thought it would be fun for Henry to see what Daddy and I could create for him. At least we could make something that he could appreciate a little. Or so I thought.

This is what I made for Henry…it’s what I like to call an “impressionist version” of a Christmas Tree. I think it’s quite good.

Henry put together some lovely popsicle sticks that could be described as “blingin’ ice pop gear.” I, for one, think he’s showing some serious leanings toward professional artist.

And last, but certainly not least, we have Daddy’s craft. I have no clue what the hell this is. Neither does Henry. I think Henry was disturbed when Daddy showed him his final result. I’m giving Papa the benefit of the doubt here and saying that he just didn’t get to finish before it was time for dinner at the “dining room” table.

Happy Friday, everybody! Happy crafting to you as well!

I’m learning a lot about myself lately. I don’t know if it’s the pregnancy or what, but I’m coming to terms with some facets of my personality, parts of my emotional IQ, that I didn’t realize needed tending to. I experienced the latest light bulb moment while watching one of the many design shows on HGTV that I like: Dear Genevieve.

Who knew that Genevieve Gorder could be so soul transformative, right?

Anywho, I’m sitting there watching this episode that features a couple with a small child. They’re in their late 30′s, and they’ve already renovated most of their home. But the kitchen was the last space, and being the most expensive to revamp, they allowed someone else to come in and take over. Key word in that last sentence is “allowed”. You see, this couple DID NOT relish handing over creative control to someone else. I don’t think they’re the type of people to relinquish any kind of control, creative or not, in regards to any aspect of their lives. Genevieve was reassuring, but they were REALLY nervous about her renovating their precious kitchen. I kind of grasped from her facial expressions, and just her overall demeanor, that she was getting annoyed with these people. If you really don’t want to bring in someone (an amazing, professional interior designer, with rooms you’ve seen by watching this very program), then don’t do it.

It occurred to me that these people were missing the gift they’d been given. I mean, seriously, I would give my left boob (okay, not the boob because I breastfeed my babies, but you know what I mean) to have someone like Genevieve Gorder come into my home and renovate a room FOR FREE(even though I don’t know if it is actually for free, but that’s another post). And all they did was worry the entire time.When they were interviewed by the producers for the individual segments of the show, they kept coming back to how nervous they were not knowing what was going on, and how they wanted to sneak in and see what she was doing. WHY? YOU’VE SEEN THE SHOW! You know she’s fantastic or you wouldn’t have applied to get onto this show in the first place, right?? Out loud, I said to myself, “Seriously, these people have GENEVIEVE GORDER renovating their kitchen; they SO have nothing to worry about at all! She’s a professional, and she’s amazing. I would be so excited and enjoying every second of that experience”.

That’s when it hit me….

In a voice that was as recognizable and clear as my very own, the Lord said: “Yeah, kind of like you…if you’d just let go, truly let go, trust, and know that I am God and in control of your destiny, everything will be fine. And you will love the end result. Stop worrying about the outcome, and enjoy your life and the beauty within it.”

And since that day a couple of weeks ago, I’ve had a very keen appreciation of just how wonderful my life truly is.

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Originally uploaded by amelie522

This picture was taken while we were at my parent’s house in Washington state. The little dude was talking about the pool being ready when he got there, and he started making us aware of this desire exactly 34534 months before we left. As soon as we got back to the house from the airport, the pool was ready. It was already filled with water, so the sun had warmed it’s frigid temperature (because it’s Washington for goodness sake, and did you know the hose water is always freakin’ freezing?)

And of course, Pop got right in there with him. And they played for hours. That’s why we love Nana and Pop…they are the kind of grandparents that would do anything for their grandkids. Even if it means turning blue and having to wear clothing while playing in a mini pool that barely fits their legs.

Papa and I drove to Oregon from the parent’s house so that he could take the Oregon state bar. He doesn’t need to pass it in order to be hired for any of the jobs he’s applying for, but he would like to pass and be done with it. I had 5 days in Portland, my favorite place in the universe. Papa had to study and take the test, so 3 days of the trip, I was alone in my favorite place in the universe. I shopped…and then I shopped…got a bubble tea, shopped….went to Powell’s and wandered the book-filled aisles for hours….and shopped. Oh yeah, and I ate some amazing vegan food that made my heart sing.

I realized something while in Portland that I didn’t really know was a part of my psyche: I’m kind of regretting waiting so long to have baby #2. Now, I wasn’t really “ready” to have another one until we started trying and succeeded in conceiving this little man. But I see so many young families, with lots of little people, and I feel a sadness tug at me. And if I’m going to be honest….a little bit of envy. Is that awful? I mean, it’s not like the green-monster-of-jealousy kind of envy, where it infiltrates my thoughts and causes me emotional turmoil. But it’s definitely there.

Did I wait too long?

Henry is so happy to be getting a sibling, and for that I am thankful. Maybe if I would’ve started earlier, he wouldn’t have been as receptive to the idea. But a part of me wishes I had more. Wishes that I wasn’t going to be 30 next May and only just having my second baby. I feel like families are being grown so much earlier in life now. And I feel like by 30, if you want a big family like we do, most people already have 3 children under their belt. But then I say that and realize, I AM NOT one of those people to have children based on the theory that I “just want to get it over with”. Not that there’s anything wrong with that (I love you all, my dear readers).

I’ve come to the conclusion that I need to take this newly acquired information about myself and use it appropriately. Use it to grow as a mother, as an individual, as a woman. So what did I really learn about myself?

I want lots of babies. If the Lord gives us them.

I want as many as He will bless us with. I never EVER thought that would be me. It’s funny how life changes, especially when you find someone you love more than any words in the English language could describe. My sweet papa has changed my world, my beliefs, my everything. My being is different because he and I found one another, because we love one another with an intensity that is electric and passionate and real….and all-encompassing.

Happy final days of summer, everybody.

There’s a playground here in town that’s tucked away in a neighborhood, and if you don’t know where it is, it just might be impossible to find. One of the pieces of equipment is something completely out of the ordinary (at least as far as playgrounds go in town), and that’s what Henry is spinning around in in this picture. It’s this tilted bowl that spins around violently, and uses only the child’s weight to circulate itself. If I weren’t pregnant, I’d spin around in that thing like a crazy person. I would hog it, and not allow anyone else a turn.

Sitting at the playground, I thought about wearing my ring sling with the little lady inside, letting the cool December breeze waft through my cardigan. I thought about spending the afternoon at the park, packing along a picnic, and just being there…..the babes and me.

I often find myself daydreaming about having her here with us, about nursing her at the beach while Henry builds a sand castle (I daydream about nursing her because I know that’s what I’ll be doing for quite a while…and I can’t wait for that part).

And if I allow myself, if I let my mind wander to the places where even thoughts haven’t quite become insinuations or leanings yet, I see lots of babies…lots of us.

Making a family is the best thing I’ve ever done. It’s the only thing that means anything. My family is every dream I’ve ever had, and even the best ones I didn’t know existed. Papa and I, and all the babies that are…and the ones that will hopefully be.

Like spinning around and around on that playground ride….a life that’s full of things that you never want to end, things you never want to let go.

I just can’t wait.

He's concentrating very hard.

I was having a terrible time coming up with a post for today. It wasn’t a good pregnant day for me. I woke up exhausted, nauseated, irritated…but I knew I wanted to write today. Or at least read my favorite blogs. I decided to read first, and hoped that someone would throw an idea my way (or have a meme I could participate in, therefore relieving me of all creative responsibility).

I opened my Reader, and I went straight for Adventures in Babywearing, where one of my most favorite bloggers in the universe writes. Stephanie Precourt is not only an incredible writer, but an even more incredible mother….she’s just one of those incredible human beings. She never fails to inspire me, and the fact that she’s spiritual just makes me love her even more. She writes her own blog, and she also contributes many other places (I’m not telling you where; you’ll have to go visit her amazing blog to find out more…and see pictures of her gorgeous children). And to make this woman even more glorious, she’s an absolutely prolific photographer. In short, I want to be Stephanie Precourt (just kidding…sort of). Okay, seriously, I just admire her and find such hope in the positive way she leads her life. Stephanie is a beautiful soul.

Now that I sound like a stalker, and Steph will probably block me from commenting, let me move on!

So anyway, Steph wrote a Haiku today on her blog and encouraged her readers to write one as well. You could leave them in the comments section or post one on your own blog. Of course, I chose to put that bad boy on my blog! I was thrilled that I had a post!
The picture of Henry bowling is the inspiration for this Haiku, which you’ll obviously see once you read it (wow, redundant anyone?):

Summer fun inside
Escape the stifling heat
With the ones we love

WOW. That was juvenile in a way that embarrasses me, and probably you. But I do encourage you to do a haiku, too! Go over to Steph’s blog, and leave her a haiku. She’s giving away a gift to one reader that contributes, and she’s picking out the gift at one of her favorite local businesses. Which means it’s going to be awesome.

I’ll be back tomorrow, and I promise my post won’t be an ode to another blogger….

(She’s just so great, though! Too much? Yeah, too much.)

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Originally uploaded by amelie522

These are the newest addition to the Miller household. Not like we NEED any additional animals at this zoo, but hey, the more the merrier! Two dogs, five adult guinea pigs (and now 6 babies), frogs, a goldfish from the fair that is now about to takeover the Gulf Coast of Florida with his gigantic size, and….oh, I guess that’s it. It just seems like we have more animals in this house because our home is the size of a shoebox. So you can imagine how it seems like we’re running a pet store out of the living room.

But this was such a cool experience for the Little Man. He was so excited to see those babies this morning. When Papa woke up for work, he discovered that Mama Pig had given birth (you could not even tell that a birth had taken place; so not the case with us, huh?). Little Man wanted to check on them all day long, and of course, we did. I was just as excited as he was, and couldn’t wait to hold one.

Let me take you back a few weeks:

We were worried she was pregnant with 8987987 babies. And let me tell ya, we thought she was going to spontaneously combust. Mama Pig was SO BIG that her back feet were barely touching the ground. She was pear-shaped in a way that had to be unnatural. I almost took her to the vet: in researching pregnant guinea pigs, I found that if a female pig gets pregnant after 8 months of age, her hip bones could be fused together, making a vaginal delivery impossible. I was starting to think that maybe she was too old, and that these babies were going to literally explode out of her abdomen! But she didn’t explode, and Mama Pig and the babies are doing excellent.

I had no clue guinea pig breeding was such a dangerous business, but it is. And it is NOT recommended. I learned that after the fact, too.

So anyway, this is what we’re doing at our house today. Pretty exciting day. A very happy little boy, witnessing the miracle of life. Although I think he may believe that babies magically appear, some weirdo Santa-like man delivers them, under the cover of night.

That may warrant some explaining….

What is up, my people? So yes, I’ve been MIA. And not in a fun way, like the singer. I wasn’t doing anything even remotely close to fun, unless you enjoy finding your face in a toilet every single day, which is disgusting and dirty because you’re too sick to clean it. My husband, God bless his soul, has kept up on the cleaning (somewhat) and fed our child dinner. He’s pretty much been a one-man show since the last time I posted here. If it wasn’t for him, we’d be on an episode of “Hoarders” and my son would be like one of those wolf-raised kids from the deep woods of Nowhere-ville.

So much to tell you all…

First, the hyperemesis has been controlled pretty effectively by Zofran; whoever discovered that little perfection of chemically concocted elements is a freakin’ genius (did I forget to tell you all I had hyperemesis?) It didn’t really take away the nausea and vomiting completely, but it did allow me to live without feeling like my internal organs were being ripped apart and tossed out of my gullet by a ferocious monster. So I guess you can say I’ve come quite a long way.

I stopped posting because….well, because I couldn’t even sit up, let alone write a coherent post. And I didn’t want to write post after post that was filled with whining and complaining. So I just refrained from torturing you with my sob stories, that would’ve gotten unbelievably boring after a few days of this:

GOD HELP ME! I’M SO SICK….I CAN’T EVEN….BBLLLLAAAAHHHHKKK

Once a few weeks had passed without so much as a peep from me, I started to fear for my blog’s short-lived but well-loved life. As we all know, life goes on; blogs are started and then they’re gone before you’ve even posted a comment. And Twitter….don’t even get me started. I’m pretty sure I’ve been unfollowed by everyone I love, and probably by a few that I don’t really love. BUT I LOVE ALL OF YOU! Know that, fo’ sho’. So what began as a health-induced hiatus turned into a fear-based self-banishment from social media.

Weeks passed, then months. And I noticed something strange happening….I found myself agitated, irritated, feeling as if I wasn’t fulfilling some inherent need. And no, not the obvious need to keep food from rocketing out of my stomach, but a more pressing, emotional, psychological need for release. I was missing something that had, in such a short time, become very integral to my existence as a mom. Blogging, and the people that I’d connected with through it, had become that “thing”, that missing piece of my life that kept me sane. And I desperately needed it, now more than ever. I had to put aside my fear of being left behind, being lost in the bloggyverse, being forgotten….because it’s more than that. It’s for my growth and mental well-being; and for those that like to hear what I have to say, I’m thrilled you’re here. I hope that I don’t lose those connections, I hope that my beloved readers and friends return. But something I’ve learned in this valley of puke and misery: you have to do what you have to do to bring peace and love to yourself, and your family, too. And if you lose friends or readership or whatever in the meantime, you’ll survive and thrive regardless, if it’s what’s meant to be…if it’s what your heart desires to put forth to the universe. If it’s what the good Lord’s will has in store.

So here I am. Back blogging, writing, doing what gives me fulfillment on an individual, creative level. My little man just hopped up on the couch with me, effectively crushing my typing hands; and my husband just sat on the other end of the couch, crushing my feet and jamming my legs up into my ever-burgeoning belly. My time is up, but I wanted to explain why I was gone, and beg for your forgiveness…..forgive me, please??

Oh, and one more thing…..it’s a girl.

I felt pukey all night, and right through until this morning. Now, usually when I’m feeling sick in the middle of the night, I turn on my trusty 51″ HD television and try to distract myself with old episodes of “Roseanne” or “Full House”. Don’t laugh, you know you watched it too. SO as the waves of nausea took over my sweating body, I grabbed for the remote on the couch, pressed power and…..nothing.

My cable was out.

Furious, I called the Comcast 800 number, which is a 24-hour service. The automated message (after Ben Stein, which I could’ve punched in his stupid glasses at that point) said there was routine maintenance occurring in my area, and that service could be disrupted due to the work. THEN, it went on to say there was also an outage in my area. Double-whammy. I was pissed to say the least. All I wanted to do was eat Saltines, watch David and Darlene fight, and ignore the ferocious attack that was causing an upheaval in my innards. BUT NO! Comcast had to mess with a fiber optic wire and ruin my date with “morning sickness”, or “horridly late at night sickness” as was the case with me.

I waited..
And waited…
It never came back on.

Woke up at 7. NO TELEVISION. My loving husband wakes up; he had been asleep for a good 12 hours after falling asleep while lying down with the little man at bedtime. He proceeds to go on and on about HOW GREAT I FEEL!!! WOW, I AM SO RESTED! THIS IS AMAZING! I FEEL ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC! I FEEL RESTORED AND REVIVED!! HAVEN’T FELT THIS GOOD SINCE I WAS IN MY 20′S!!

I wanted to rip out his eyeballs and piss down his ocular cavities.

Now, he wasn’t really aware of my condition. All I had said to him was that I didn’t feel good, that I was nauseated all night and the cable was out. He didn’t understand the depth of my fury or sickness. But still, he had an idea. So of course, I had to open his eyes to the situation that I was presently in:

“YA KNOW, I’VE BEEN SICK ALL NIGHT AND YOU JUST KEEP RUBBING IT IN MY FACE HOW F-ING GREAT YOU FEEL!!!! I FEEL LIKE SHIT AND YOU’RE JUST GOING ON AND ON AND ON ABOUT YOUR MIRACLE OF HEALTH AND HAPPINESS THIS MORNING!” I then proceeded to cry, because I’m pregnant and cannot control my emotions. He really didn’t know how to respond. He told me that he wasn’t trying to rub it in, that he was just kinda of talking about how he was doing this morning. After the hormone surge and screaming with tears, I felt a bit better and was able to understand where he was coming from. Papa wakes up every morning barely able to get up because of his horrible back (thanks University of Kansas Football!) He’s always exhausted because he never sleeps well. And half the time, he’s been kicked in the side or assaulted in the armpit all night by our son’s little fingers.

The result was that we kissed and made up, but I made it clear that he needs to not talk about how wonderful he feels until this baby has emerged from my womb. And that he needs to come home with Haagen-Dasz Vanilla ice cream, with a side of Dulce de Leche. All is well with the world now. And I think he left the house realizing that we’ve entered that phase once again in our life:

DO NOT SCREW WITH THE PREGNANT LADY

And never EVER tell her how great you feel. Obviously.

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Originally uploaded by amelie522

There’s another Little Babe on the way. I’m so excited, I can barely believe that it’s actually true. I’m staying cautious, yet the elation is hard to deny. I know that a number of things could happen, and keeping that in the back of my mind is key to remaining somewhat logical about the whole thing. I don’t want to have my bubble burst because I got too excited, too fast. Things happen. And they could happen to me. I guess I’m just trying to keep it in perspective: this is an amazing blessing, and if it is meant to be, it will. If it isn’t, then it wasn’t. But right now, I’m blissfully happy that there’s another little one in our future. Keep me and my precious cargo in your prayers. Because I’m REALLY wanting to throw the damn caution to the wind here.

I wanted my friends to know…..

I am so excited to be posting my very first fashion-related post. I’m all giddy and silly inside! But I won’t bore you with my internal dialogue about how nervous I am, and how my stomach is churning and I think I may have to go number 2, or how I’m sweating like a beast. No, I’ll just keep that to myself. Okay, on to the fashion.

I wanted to start out with a spring trend report because there are SO MANY TRENDS out there right now. Every magazine you read has their own interpretation of what’s been shown on the runways, and in turn, what they deem is “it” and will be shown on the pages within. Depending on the publication, you may get conservative (InStyle), or unique and alternative (Lucky). So it’s very difficult to wade through all of that and decipher what is appropriate and applicable in YOUR life, right? Have no fear, my bloggy friends. I am here to break it down for you. I’m going to basically give you a quick guide to spring fashion, keeping the emphasis on clothing that works for moms. Because most of my readers ARE moms. Even if you’re not a mom and you’re reading this, the trends hold true across the board. So please, read on!

Top Ten Trends for Spring:

1. JEAN

Ah, yes. Jean. It is freakin everywhere this season. From vests to pants, shirts to shoes. I recommend staying away from an all-jean outfit, BUT lest I be scorned by the fashion crowd, it can be done (but proceed carefully). The key to mixing jeans with different washes is to make sure one piece is very LIGHT and the other is very DARK. Or, you can go with an outfit which has both pieces in the same wash. I have an adorable shorts jumper that is all jean (got it from New York and Co., which I never shop in, but they really do have some cute stuff).

2. CUFFED, PLEATED SHORTS

I LOVE these shorts. Some also come with the tie-waist belt, others don’t. This particular kind of shorts have pleating at the waistline, which creates a bit of distinction, and the cuffs are bigger than your usual cuff would be. It would seem that the pleating and large cuffs would make you look bigger down there, but as counterintuitive as it is, they actually slim the thighs. See, the extra volume the pleating creates makes your thighs and legs look slimmer in comparison. Great trick, really. These shorts look great on every body type: hourglass, pear-shaped, apple-shaped, boyish, top heavy. They have some really cute pairs at Target.

3. GOLD JEWELRY

I have always been a fan of gold jewelry. Big, gaudy, tacky costume jewelry. Okay, maybe not tacky, but I love it when it’s big and gaudy. Gold jewelry and accessories are youthful, eye-catching, and they flatter all skin tones. Silver has a tendency to wash out paler skin tones, whereas gold complements it quite well. Gold bangles, and thicker gold cuffs, should be a staple in your wardrobe. You can stack them, even if they don’t match one another. That’s the beauty of gold: it all matches, even when it really doesn’t. And gold MEN’S watches are on the scene in a big way right now. I own, and love, my beauty that hubs got me for Christmas. That man turns me on when he gets me something so fashion-forward. The pictures of the gold jewelry include two rings and a necklace from Target, and two gold cuffs from Forever VI.

4. WEDGES

If I would’ve known how cyclical fashion is, I would’ve snagged all those cork-heeled wedges my mom had in her closet. Dammit. Wedges are a huge staple in the spring arsenal. They’re versatile (wear them with pants, a skirt, shorts), come in all the colors of the rainbow, and they have varied styles. Even the material they’re created with varies. I am not a heel girl. I used to wear heels in college, but I gave them up. Because, honestly, who needs heels while you’re cleaning out poop from your son’s frog potty? I know that you can still wear them as a mom, and if you do, I bow to you. I’m not strong enough. I never really wore them initially, so that’s why the habit never stuck (my mom wasn’t a fan either). The wedge is the perfect alternative to the heel, and they’re much less painful on the back and feet. The ones below were purchased a week ago from Target. And they’re pretty cute! I believe they were $22.99, but don’t quote me (now I want to sing that Easy-E song).

5. PLAID SHIRTS/MENSWEAR INSPIRED SHIRTS

These aren’t new on the fashion scene, and some reincarnation of them appears in every season, on every runway. Spring is bringing us a lovely version: the plaid button-down shirt. I love the ones that are at the Gap right now. They’re light and breezy, and they have really unique combinations of colors. I bought two (the were buy one, get one free!) The menswear shirt is also a great alternative to the basic tee: a little bit fancier, but doesn’t require a big commitment style-wise. You can dress it up, with a cute A-line skirt and your menswear shirt tucked in; or dress it down, with leggings and a cute pair of flats. It’s so Audrey Hepburn, and who doesn’t want to copy her incredible style?

6. FLORAL PATTERNS

Liberty of London’s line at Target is a testament to this spring trend. I love florals right now, too. They’re feminine, but they don’t have to be overtly girlie, as long as you wear them correctly. Now, if you want to go for all out femininity, wear a floral tank (got a cute one at Gap) tucked into some white cargos, and top it off with your gold jewelry and some wedges. You’re straight off of the Riviera in 1955. Get cold? A cardigan, or my personal favorite, the pashmina (a scarf will do also), will warm the shoulders. The pashmina should be a staple in your wardrobe. I wear those with EVERYTHING. They come in every color and pattern. Oh wow, I’m really off topic here. Don’t want the ultra-fem look? Like a little edge with your flowers? Take that same flowered tank, throw it over some slightly distressed jean shorts, untucked (see below), throw on a leather jacket or black military-inspired jacket on top, black flats, and you’ve got floral with an edge. The floral dress below was bought in Portland somewhere. The jean shorts are from the Gap and I love them dearly. They weren’t too expensive either.

7. EASTER EGG COLORS

Pastels and candy colors are all over the place this season. Lilac is the newest “it” polish for fingers and toes. Coral and pink are all the rage for lips and cheeks. I love a good muted pink in a lip gloss. They have fantastic lip glosses at Forever VI. For accessories, Forever VI is the place to go for cheap, fun, and very hip jewelry. They have cute sunglasses and hats, as well as hair accessories, too. How the hell did I start talking about Forever VI? Am I just rambling along here, spewing out little tidbits as I go? Back on track, Tricia! Okay, candy colors and pastels are spring’s color palette. So go get yourself that PAAS egg-dying kit and dye your clothes pastel. Just joshin’ ya. I DO NOT advise anyone to go and do that. Legally cleared…check.

8. OXFORDS

I have fallen head over heals for my oxfords. I found them last year, and if I recall correctly, they were in an Anthropologie catalog (that store could bankrupt me, and easily). If you’re not sure what oxfords are, I’ll try to describe: mens-inspired shoes, that look a bit like what lawyers wore to court in the 1950′s, but cute. If that doesn’t help (and how the hell could it?), then just go to Piperlime.com and search for oxfords. You’ll see so many different pairs, you’re fashionably exhausted head will spin.

9. THE JUMPER

I’m a convert. I used to mock the jumper, saying I was not a baby and therefore I would never wear an adult onesie. But I found this beautiful one at New York and Co., and I had to have it. On the hanger, a jumper looks ridiculous; once you put it on, you’ll find it is so flattering and comfortable, you’ll want to wear it out of the store. This one is in a green that’s on trend for the season, and it’s a tie-waist, which I love. Tank jumpers are really the only way to go, if you want to try one. I like the tank/pants combo in a jumper, too. Try out the shorts version first. I PROMISE you’ll be surprised at what you may see in the mirror. They are sexy on many different body types, and they have the ability to cover up flaws in the midsection and thighs, which is nothing short of a miracle.

10. KHAKI AND BEIGE

Safari-inspired garments have been around for a long time now, and they’ve made appearances in back-to-back season this year. The safari part seems to have faded away, but the colors that constitute “safari” stuck around. Beiges, military greens, burnt orange, even royal blue (which I love and think is a huge spring must-have color) are what you’ll find. The clothes themselves are a rather toned-down version of the classic safari-themed gear. They have all the colors, but the clothes have a more laid back attitude. Maybe the shirt just has one pocket, not two. And the pants aren’t cargo, but slouchy, maybe even satin, and have a stretchy waist, looking a bit like MC Hammer pants for a grandpa. It’s basically casual chic in neutral colors. Slouchy is the name of the game when it comes to this trend.

HOLY LONGWINDED!! I hope you liked my trend report. If you actually made it through, which I doubt many of you did. But I think it went well. Tomorrow is going to be a surprise fashion post. But you’ll want to come back, because there may be something in it for Y-O-U….