If you’ve ever watched Funny Face that starred Audrey Hepburn, then you’ll remember the opening scene when Quality magazine’s editor, Ms. Prescott made time to rhyme:
Perfect for the approaching Advent/CHRISTmas season: Pine cones outside my school‘s gazebo that I picked up after I taughtspeech today! (Fun fact: Last time I scored some was when I went snowboarding with my cousins at Lake Tahoe while I still lived in the Bay Area!)
Pine cones to ring in fall & sustain through the winter! Why buy this decor at the store when at work is where I score?
Look what the deer dragged in … Let’s not leave out black & gray + muted tones ~ looking rad in plaid this season: DOC the doe puts on a show with this Adam Lippes for Targetplaid sweater vest, my wardrobe’s *NEW* best (and prime photo backdrop for pink nail polish above)!
I beg to differ, Ms. Prescott, because I don’t discriminate against any color … Bring on ALL of the above this season, everyday and always, please!
Bottom line: Fashion rules don’t dictate our lives + we may have pieces in our collection that’ll stay timeless.
To stay in the spirit for this season, I decked out with a little bit of my autumn aesthetics ~ ringing in the old with the new!
My little splurge to bring me cheer this time of year: this rad-in-plaid deer because plaid is on-trend (this one somewhat resembles Burberry) + it’s deer season (not that I’m a hunter) & reindeer season‘s just around the corner ~ so I’ll adorn it with special ornaments! Just to add to my eccentricity, I named this bad boy DOC to keep me motivated as I keep trucking along (more in high-speed) toward my doctoral degree! Along with Doc are A&A‘s *Dallas Cowboys* TD toy for football season & my classic Halloween decor ~ including Badtz-Maru pillow ~ on this plaid spread that accompanies autumn yet also is appropriate for winter as we approach CHRIS†mas in red & green!
What’s the best fall memory you have? ~ football games, both when I was in h.s. & when I’d see my *Dallas Cowboys* live (everything’s BIGGER in TX)
What’s your favorite book you’re reading (or have read) this fall?~ Guts Grace & Glory (football devotionals) that I received during Lent & am reading through football season
Which makeup trend do you prefer: dark lips or winged eyeliner?~ both (winged liner above in Exhibit B)
Best fragrance for fall? ~ Bath & Body WorksSweet Cinnamon Pumpkin (above in Exhibit A)
What is autumn weather like where you live? ~ we’re still as ☼sunny☼ as Indian summer but anticipate a cool-down soon
Football games or jumping in leaf piles? ~ BOTH! (see No. 1 for football & Exhibit B for leaf piles)
Skinny jeans or leggings? ~ either or, as long as I don’t have a muffin top in the denim or camel toe in the tights
What is something that nobody knows about you? ~ I don’t mind digging into Ramen even if there’s other food in the panty (especially as comfort food now that we’re entering a colder climate), which I actually ate for lunch this afternoon while watching Wong Fu‘s majorcook-off!
Combat boots or Uggs? ~ bringing on my Docs, baby!
What song really gets you into the fall spirit? ~ oddly enough, ♫Taylor Swift‘s ♪Wildest Dreams♪ because it could describe any desire (i.e., “tall” could be a tall order of StarbucksSalted Caramel Mocha), fulfilled or fantasized about
Facing east for the moon rise from my backyardgarden … Just another West Texas Friday night!
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!
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
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’sBaby Powder with Cornstarch
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?
In the spirit of Throwback Thursday, after going Tuesday Beauty happy and adding the 2 for Tuesday *bonus* Sweater Weather Tag, I’m accepting these 2013 truth challenges for full disclosure. Enjoy, and if you’ve done either of these tags, please feel free to comment with the link to your answers!
How fit do you consider yourself to be? Are you happy with the shape you’re in?On a scale from 1-10, I’d say an 8. While I know that I’m fab, I still can stand to lose some flab.
Do you play any sports?I did back in the day ~ as in basketball & tennis 2 decades ago in jr. high ~ then discovered that I’m a much better spectator @ my fave sport: basketball, than I am as a baller… Competitions in which I’ve participated as a grown-up have been races, but I’ve mainly run them to benefit their worthy causes. Now I’m proud to say that I’m part of the 26.2 (full marathon) club & have run in several smaller events (e.g., 5Ks) since then!
Shot Gun Bang! Fiesta Marathon‘s my chance to run like a Mustang!
South Texas College 5K (where I used to teach) ~ I should’ve done more high knees!
Besides those, do you exercise as well?That’s exactly what I do to stay fit nowadays! Please check out my recommendations on the Pretty Fit Way blog & the Pretty Fit iOS app!
Do you have any fitness or health related goals?I work out to stay healthy, relieve stress & reduce my risk for disease in the long run.
Which celebrity’s body would you like to have?Does Elaine Dispo count? I’d like to say I’m my own celeb… But if I had to choose someone other than yours truly, I really dig on Jessica Alba’s bod! Plus, I must give myself props on mocking other folks pretty well for Halloween.
*TRUE BLUE*Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader
I love the Princess Leia hair from Episode IV, but it’s her goddess bod from VI that screams SEXY!
What’s your favorite and/or least favorite exercise?My #1 fave is dancing because I can do it anywhere & everywhere; as a matter of fact, I most recently caught myself just grooving to the chores without even planning to burn calories that way today! My least fave may have to be burpees (jump to plank to squat) because they kick my boot-ay, but they’re definitely effective for my boot-ay!
How important is leading an active and healthy lifestyle for you?Extremely; this is THE way of life, not just for the sake of taking care of our bodies, but also our minds & our souls ~ not to mention our hearts (both literally & figuratively) ~ all the way inside & out!
How much attention to a healthy diet do you pay?On a scale from 1-10, I’d go with a 7. Although I keep track of my calorie consumption & burn, I don’t always pass up my weakness: sweets (e.g., cupcakes)!
What’s your biggest diet secret?I don’t diet. Since I don’t believe in depriving myself from what brings me joy, I’ll at least control my portions & eat in moderation.
Do you smoke, or have you ever smoked in the past?Never ever. I don’t have the desire to mess up my lungs, heart, teeth or skin… So no, thanks!
Name a beauty regimen that you rarely do?I’ve never applied primer to my face. I’m not into caking on a mask, as I’m completely content with my concealer, foundation & powder (I don’t always use ALL of the above @ the same time).
Is washing your make-up brushes something that you do regularly?I don’t wash them too frequently because I want them to last, so I don’t use the same ones too often. When I do wash them, I use my M•A•C Brush Cleanser (pictured below).
How long will you last with chipped nail polish?I plead the 5th… on going past the 5th day.
How long will you put off buying/replacing a beauty product, even if you need it?I seldom ever need a new beauty product because I usually have a backup supply to replenish once I run out of something.
What is your worst beauty habit?Admittedly, I’ve gone to sleep without removing my makeup & washing my face on more than a few occasions ~ not something I’m proud of, for which there aren’t any legit excuses.
Name something non-beauty related that you put off doing all the time?Decluttering ~ which I’m actually doing during this Spring Break on breaks from my dissertation! Since I’m not that much of a cosmetics hoarder, I don’t have much to purge, but I did get rid of loads of Bath & Body Works nail polish 1½ years ago, way past due.
When going out somewhere, do you leave getting ready to the last minute?Not always; I usually spare 2-3h before I’m supposed to leave for a planned event, so I can devote a little more time on my studies, a project or pleasure-______ (-reading, -surfing ~ as in channel- or net-surfing, etc.) before I take off. If I go the other way around & keep working then have minimal time to shower, hair & makeup + nails, then I don’t do myself justice.
Can you commit to spending bans?I haven’t made any, but I suppose that it’s worth a shot. Now if I only I had before my cosmetics sprees! How lame that my hometown just closed down our only M•A•C shop yesterday after being open for a short while.
How organized are your make-up and nail polish collections?On a scale from 1-10, this should be a solid 9. Check out my acrylic organizer on my dresser here, where I can find everything in place, arranged according to color & category (nails on the left, makeup on the right). The red & clear beads that help keep my eye liners, lip balms & gloss straight in the front right compartment are from the centerpiece of my table at the Sweetheart Ball to celebrate this past Valentine’s Day.
Acrylic Organizer keeps my RTW Nail Care & Makeup out in View for Open Concept
Red + Clear Beads = LOVE Ambiance
♥ Warmest Kisses, Tightest Hugs & Much LOVE to my Dearest Darling Lola Rosing (March 5, 1910-March 14, 2014) in Heaven above!!!
Remembering Lola Rosa on her 101st Birthday: 3 generations – Lola Rosing, Nanay, & yours truly – the day after Lola’s 96th Birthday (3/6/2006) — with Estrella Dispo.
CHEERS as we Ring in Spring & Get Lucky on St. Patty’s Day!!! ♣
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!
Welcome/Mabuhay/¡Biénvenidos! I am a USAF brat who was born in Germany and grew up State-side while celebrating my Catholic and Filipino heritage. ☼Sunny☼ DISPOsition Elaine’s Eye Candy/DISPhotos ~ I love GOD & His creations, so I take photos @ any given opportunity. Elaine DISPOrts ~ I am passionate about sports, which is my research focus on my ... Continue reading →
And of course, afterwards, be as cozy as ♪♫cats sleepin’ warm as toast♪♫.
The Elaine Dispo Journal 