4:44 ~ make a New Year’s wish!!!
Thank GOD It’s Fall!
As much as ☼summer☼ is my favorite season (after all, that’s when my birthday takes place), I’m making the most out of autumn ~ especially going outside for crisp, fresh air!
I’m also all about Starbucks seasonal flavors* ~ from ☼summer’s fruitiness to these comfy delights:
My latest Starbucks Gold Card reward redeemed: Salted Caramel Mocha Frappuccino!
My venti cold cup always comes in handy … for a discount & a drink to last me all ☼day!
Apparently, I was my local barista’s 1st customer to order a Toasted Graham Frappuccino! #StarbucksLovers ♥ #trendsetter
Furthermore, football has kicked off into full swing!
I refreshed my ♥heart♥ & ☼soul☼ with ♥Adoration♥ †Chapel† holy hour at †Church† & with this ☼spirit☼ book + my bod with this Graham Goodness! (Even though I’ll cover up more, I’ll definitely still tone up with whatever energy I still can muster in the midst of working on my dissertation!
Here are a few of my favorite things for fall …
Trunk or Treat: ☼Sunshine☼ (my truck) tailgate was decked out with festive decor that featured ♥A&A♥ when we gave candy to my †Church† students last Howl-o-ween!
Nine Fine Fall Flaves
1. Favorite Candle: my Bath & Body Works‘ Salty Caramel that I used to light up my *Dallas Cowboys* jack-o-lantern and Advent †cross† (I’m also all about BBW‘s Pumpkin Pecan Waffles/White Barn‘s Thanksgiving Morning)
2. Favorite Lip Color: toss-up between my red Ardency Inn ♥Love♥ Cat lipstick from Sephora or purple Vera Wang *Rockstar* lip gloss from ULTA (c/o my Bestie Evie)
3. Favorite Drink: please view above {Exhibits B-E}
4. Favorite Blush: the ones from my KleanKolor Double Rainbow palette, plus I think that I’ll try Dulce Candy‘s tip on lip colors in a pill box for cheek colors!
5. Favorite Clothing Item: my birthday gifts ~ specifically the scarf/shawl ~ and my recent online finds plus my Target scores ~ particularly the jeans and booties!
6. Favorite Fall Movie: no new releases, so I’ll go with classic football flicks: Varsity Blues (came out my sr. yr.), Friday Night Lights (with a cameo of my h.s.), Remember the Titans, Any Given Sunday, The Longest Yard (including the original)
7. Favorite Fall Show: Grey’s ♥Anatomy!!! I’ve been counting down for the Season 12 premiere since the Season 11 finale ~ as a loyal fan for over a decade since the very beginning with the previous seasons on DVD
8. Favorite Thanksgiving Food: I’m not going to lie –> my Cranberry Pie #DISPObustAFlow
9. Favorite Halloween Costume: now how about I have y’all pick? My personal faves include when I rocked out my abs live, No. 5 … I won our contest in 2013 as Lone Ranger‘s Tonto and in 2014 as my Nurse Mom who was fine in 1969! Will I make a 3-peat??
Actually, please allow me to add a 10th item:
My #1 Favorite for Fall: my ✌two✌ ♥cute, cuddly companions♥ with whom to softly snuggle for cozy comfort plus who keep me company while hard at work and welcome me home after hard at play!
CHEERS to this time of year!
Score! One of my favorite stores has collaborated with one of my fave shoe companies! ALDO + Target = A+
My boot collection consists primarily of thigh-highs and mid-calves …
A+ Emery (another fab Target collab ~ this time with ALDO): Perfect length to still show some leg & rock out my running man tat!
’til now.
Blue hue on cue plus black and brown color block details coordinate well with either neutral shade ~ like on my bday bag ~ & length + any event ~ including my TS midi to Church or work & ultimate presentation maxi to possibly wear (& look dayum good in) on the BiG Day!
Welcome, these ankle-high blue booties to top off my A+ look
Both these booties & these bootcut jeans are from Target ~ special delivery online & fonded by my special feline
I’m not gonna lie like ♫Ginuwine♫ … My behind ♪in those jeans♪ = fly! #DISPObustAFlow
Kickoff to fall cleaning (clearing/decluttering) and season-switching!
Plaid🏁 • Polka Dots👙 | Solids🎱 • Stripes👔
Recently, I made it my mission to add a couple of new 🍁seasonal🍂 staples to my wardrobe …
First, I sought a layering top to complete my ultimate presentation🎤 ensemble and went so far as to look for different colors🎨 and 🐆prints. I searched for a color-coordinating overlay, but did I want a solid🎱 sweater since I already had a patterned👙 dress? When I thought that I was getting warmer in reaching the 👓vision by shopping online, I imagined my striped sweater👘 that I scored earlier this summer ~ suprisingly perfect with polka dots in the same colors!
Next, I needed plaid🏁 for the 🍁fall🍂 and found this snap-button shirt that pairs well with my new skater 👗dress & come to think of it, may match my new sneakers for the 1st day of school! I can pull off this kicka** look!
Even when I wasn’t trying, when I went to my 🙏🏽Holy💖 💒Hour⏰ the other day, I made a masterpiece match with this 💐🌾spring/summer🍃 dress💃🏻 and striped👔 scarf🏂 that still could make a statement as we enter the cooler months!
For clothing in colors that already pop, I go for neutral/muted tones in the finishing touches, such as in these nude wedges & black Docs!
Then I realized that I had my latest pursuits as classic pieces in my closets all along!
P also is for …
Period
Since it’s my time of the month ~ YES, I admit it, no shame in my TMI as I bring more FYI ~ I don’t want my cramps to interfere with my shut-eye or staying productive as I power through my paper (I’ve also wondered whether the “crimson tide,” as Clueless‘ Cher puts it, will hit when I present it, but I’ll have to deal when that time comes and look dayum good in the process) … However, when I felt fatigued and craved energy yet didn’t want my coffee to add to my bloat, I sought acclaim/affirmation for or at least alternatives to caffeine
Therefore, I drank a little bit of coffee while more liberally downing my *Star* Water + indulged in 1 piece of my Dove Almond & Dark Chocolate Promises to tide me over as I typed away!
Also, I reminded myself that this flow wouldn’t mess with my flow. In fact, over a decade ago, when I worked at my my hometown gym, I wouldn’t empathize with fellow females who used their flow as an excuse not to witness their fitness ~ even when I felt crummy from cramping, I’d still exercise!
Well, this brand-spankin’ new member to our 26.2-mile club gives running while being on the rag a whole new meaning.
She even brings up chaffing, so speaking of which … enter {drum roll, please}
Powder
I’ve rediscovered this product that my mom had patted on my skin when I was a baby and had me keep applying it to maintain my hygiene as a child. When I ran my marathon, I realized how effective it could be to areas that experienced a lot of friction (which will remain unnamed) ~ now I use it more during this exceptionally hotter-than-usual ☼summer☼ whether I have a fun run in the ☼sun☼ or am just sweating bullets!
My personal preference: Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder with Cornstarch
To ease some tension on this taboo topic, please check out my beauty guru‘s rag time collaboration!
For more cramp & comic relief, this No Strings Attached scene (no tampon pun intended) shows a period ♪playlist♫ ~ now I wish that someone could bring me cupcakes (red velvet & other assorted flavors ~ I’m not picky) like this character did!
♪I keep bleeding … keep, keep bleeding ♥love♥♪~ ♫Leona Lewis♫ | Pretty picture (“crime scene in my pants”), right?
Happy Five-Year ♥Anniversary♥ to my Truck ☼SUNSHINE☼!!!
☼Sunshine☼ looks pristine!
She’s still as beautiful as can be and has sustained the pain beyond the rain, from sleet and snow to hurricanes and hail storms, without damage (knock on wood ~ as in my luxury wood dash trim interior)!
“It’s got 4-wheel drive, dual-side air bags & a monster [hit high-pitch] ♪sound♫ system!” ~ Alicia Silverstone as Cher on Clueless {mine makes the last 2-out-of-3}
Although we’re freshly into ☼summer☼, I tend to think ahead …
… Especially since I anticipate my dissertation defense.
While I’ve already planned what to wear on my BiG day right down to my footwear (yet still debatable), I’m wondering about plaid since it’ll be the look of next season.
I already know that I can *rock out* plaid! Just what the future Doctor ordered: these Doc Martens! {FYI: I have my phone screen shot for a reason ~ to show that I maintain Airplane Mode to prevent distractions during my study}
Perhaps I can go with one of these trendsetting patterns for my graduation photos that I’ll send with my announcements. Come to think of it, I really am treating this like I’m tying the knot! Here are similarities:
| Courtship of Dissertation –> Doctoral Degree | Engagement –> Wedding |
| Proposal (Concept, Defense) | Popping the Question |
| Wearing my Class Ring on my Left Finger *BLING* | Wearing an Engagement Ring on the Left Finger *BLING* |
| Committing to my Research Topic | Committing to Partner |
| Pre-Dissertation Coursework | Pre-Marital Classes |
| Selecting Dissertation Dress* | Selecting Bridal Gown |
| Selecting Grad Announcement Wardrobe | Selecting Engagement Announcement Wardrobe |
| Getting into/Staying in Shape for Events | <– Same as the left –| |
| Writing Dissertation (way longer to write and present) | Writing Wedding Vows (shorter to present) |
| Walking Across the Stage | Walking Down the Aisle |
| Getting Hooded | Getting Hitched |
| Changing Name to Dr. ________________ | Changing Name to Mrs. ________________ |
* Bearing in mind that I’m picking out how to dress for this milestone, I’m deciding between something stylish or timeless. Someday, as I flip through my Ph.D. grad pics to reminisce or show them to future generations, I must look put-together and NOT like a hot mess! ~ I definitely don’t want to reflect back and think
What was I thinking?
Like Ellen DeGeneres reveals on her throwback segments!
Despite the serious nature of my study and my own detail-orientation of my appearance for my final presentation, I can’t help but find fun in everything to lift my spirits, including with this clip:
Throwback: Papa Jun and Baby Me appear here on page 8 of the June 2015 issue of Blessed Living Magazine!
Back to business …
Now that we’ve entered the †Easter† season, I’ve continued to prepare for my dissertation defense
Right down to what I wear!
I actually sought consult from my personal stylist/classmate who finished his Ph.D. two years ago
As of this month!
I ended up scoring another A’GACI number that matches up with almost all-of-the-above ~ plus has this ☼spring’s☼ on-point trend: polka dots!
Then I had to remind myself of this scripture that I came across during †Lent†:
Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?
Therefore do not worry, saying, “What shall we eat?” or “What shall we drink?” or “What shall we wear?” For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of †GOD† and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” ~ Matthew 6:25-27, 31-34
Bring it on…
S is for: * Santa * Starbucks * Sippie * Snappy * Sappy Frappy in * Selfie * Sweater Weather
… The †CHRISTmas† Cheer, that is here!
Another *Santa Selfie* with ASIA
Debuting the chocolate pleather from A’GACI
A is for: ASIA * †Advent† * Angel Tree * A‘GACI
Planning to wear this when I commentate at our children’s †CHRISTmas† Eve Mass
♫Deck the Bod♪ in ♥Red♥ & ♣Green♣: Plaid Shirt Dress by A’GACI +†CHRISTmas† †Holy† ♥Family♥ Rosary & Rosary Bracelet from †Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church† in El Paso, TX
Stay Merry, Bright & Beautiful!!!
Stay stylish in the snow!
Faux Fur & Foil: Metallic Top pairs well w/ Gold Foil Jeggings {Sofia by Sofia Vergara} & Sherpa Fur Lined Boots {Tone Up by Skechers} + Sherpa Fur Vest or Lined Suede Jacket {GAP} or Leopard Coat {Guess?}
Sweater Weather TAG ~ YOU’re IT!!!
TOMS One for One NOW at TARGET: Denim Jacket (in Natural) {TOMS} is the perfect piece to pair with any apparel from your wardrobe! Shown with red gold chain sweater {Bongo} * gingham slacks {H&M Fashion Star}, black sparkly bag {VS limited edition} * houndstooth wedges {TOMS}
Fall Faves 2014
[answers in bold]
1. Face Product lately, Mary Kay Mineral Powder Foundation
2. Cheek Product blush from palette given to me from my student
3. Eye Product eye shadows with warm colors from aforementioned palette
4. Lip product Bath & Body Works lip balms from my sister and sister-in-law
5. Fragrance/candle B&BW Thanksgiving Morning Pumpkin Pecan Waffles
6. Nail Polish NUANCE Goldstone 345
7. Hair Product Garnier Fructis Damage Eraser
8. Fall Fashion Faves layered looks (see photo above) ~ including this versatile TOMS denim jacket
9. Accessories scarves
10. Holiday Faves: CHRISTmas or THANKSgiving? BOTH because I’m grateful to GOD for JESUS’ birth & the gifts with which He has blessed us
11. Festive Food or Drink? Drinks: Pumpkin Spice Latte * Salted Caramel Mocha * White Chocolate Peppermint Mocha | Food: savory or sweet comfort food
12. Happiest Part of Fall? Football & Basketball (just attended my MAVS game when they put the LAkers to shame) #DISPObustAFlow
To the tune of PD’s ♪The Benjamins♫:
It’s all about the shoes👟, baby…
Who cares about footwear👣? I do! 👋
This past weekend, I went to Arlington for the state rivalry between my 🏈Dallas Cowboys🏉 game and the Houston Texans. I couldn’t resist pairing my Dez Bryant No. 88 Breast Cancer Awareness jersey with these DC blue boots👢 with pink ribbon🎀 trim!
My buddy almost threw his Ninja Turtles🐢-themed birthday party at Putt Putt⛳️, but it got rained☔️ out from the storm⚡️. I still sported my TMNT anyway! Like my pumped up kicks?
With this week being homecoming week, we have different themes each day!
Today was Movie Character Monday.
I played Gwen Stacy from The Amazing Spider-Man!
5:55 ~ make a wish!!!🌠
Let’s hear it for the Sweater Tag!
Like my sweater and snake scarf?
My family and I went to Rattlesnake Roundup in Sweetwater (approx. 45mi NW of Abilene) ~ which supposedly is the world’s largest!
Now here goes… [Questions are in italics; my answers are in bold.]
Yours truly’s SWEATER TAG
1. Favorite candle scent? Bath & Body Works Salty Caramel
BBW Salty Caramel
True Blue Jack-o-Lantern w/Salty Caramel Candle
2. Coffee, tea, or hot chocolate? ALL of the Above
3. What’s the best fall memory you have? football ~ most recently Dallas Cowboys
GO, ‘BOYS! True Blue, through & through!
4. Which makeup trend do you prefer: dark lips or winged eyeliner? neither; cat make-up: my red lips in Ardency Inn Modster Long Play Supercharged Lip Color in Love Cat and cat eyeliner by M•A•C
Tried to pull off Cat Eye & Cat Lips at Christmas Party
5. Best fragrance for fall? COACH Legacy
COACH Legacy Stripes in bag, fragrance and Gabrielle glasses
6. Favorite Thanksgiving food? my Cranberry Walnut Pie
My THANKful Cranberry Walnut Pie
7. What is autumn weather like where you live? bipolar: sunny & warm 1 day, snowy & frosty the next
Sunny Abilene
Snow Day
8. Most worn sweater? my Kardashian Kollection white Open Knit Sweater because I could layer it over any color and wear off-the-shoulder
My fave Sweater Weather sweater that I can wear everywhere, including the beach!
9. Must-have nail polish this fall? Nicole by OPI® Kardashian Kollection Disco Dolls for the gold glitter and Follow Me on Glitter for the dark glitter
Kardashian Kolor from Nicole by OPI®
10. Football games or jumping in leaf piles? BOTH
Dallas Cowboys on the field! I’d like to play in the leaves with them!
11. Skinny jeans or leggings? BOTH … or how ’bout jeggings? (e.g., Sofia Vergara Lurex Jeggings in Gold Foil, Indigo & Jet Black ~ like the glitter effect from #9)
These Gold Jeggings pair well w/this Snake Scarf, along w/my Cowboys Boots!
12. Combat boots or Uggs? neither; I’ll go for my Kenneth Cole knee-high zip-up black stiletto boots, Corral Cowboy boots or Sketchers Tone-Ups camel boots w/ faux fur
Jeggings + Sketchers = Match Made on Snow Day
13. Is pumpkin spice worth the hype? he**-to-the-YEAH
Starbucks Pumpkin Spiced Latte
I asked for Salted Caramel & Whip to top off my PSL!
Salted Caramel PSL in the house!
Enjoy like yours truly at a Starbucks near you!
14. Favorite fall TV show? I’d say Grey’s Anatomy for the rainy weather, ’til it went on hiatus before the holidays, but now it’s back to ring in spring!
15. What song really gets you into the fall spirit? Katy Perry’s Eye of the Tiger brought me school spirit because my alma mater, Cooper H.S., was a finalist in her music vid contest
Katy Perry ~ Hear Me ROAR!
Katy Perry Challenge Finalists
Katy Perry Challenge includes CHS, all right, all right, all right!
Cooper Cougars ROAR to Katy Perry!
5:55 ~ make a wish!!!
The Elaine Dispo Journal 