Maybe it is because I was an 80s child and a teen in the 90s but I have always been mad for plaid. The traditional pleated skirts I wore as a private school kid in the 1980s. The fabulous 70s a-line skirts my mother wore when I was little with heeled boots. Then the plaid flannel shirts, more pleated skirts and oh those plaid stockings and leggings I could NOT stop wearing in high school. I love plaid. Always and forever. Amen. The holiday season is officially here. So long Halloween, make way for the burnt oranges, browns and golden yellow plaids that deepen our love for fall. Then turn your eyes on the darker black plaids, brilliant reds and gorgeous green plaids that fill the holiday season in the month of December. My Favorite Finds: Madewell Harvest Sweater I love this … [Read more...]
Farewell to the Ford Flex
It was this very same time of year back in 2010 when I reviewed the Ford Flex back in 2010. Yes, I am talking about cars again and with a bit of nostalgia. Why? Because I hold fond memories of this flat-roof, rib-sided wagon-like mobile. 2011 Ford Flex (mummysproductreviews.com) The Flex: What is it? When the Ford Flex arrived we had our third kid only a few months before. I was intrigued by the idea of having a car that was like both an SUV and a station wagon. How would it drive? What kind of storage did this vehicle contain? In the end, what the heck is it? Is it a crossover or an SUV? Maybe it is a station wagon? "If you took an SUV and mated it with a station wagon you would get the Ford Flex.” -Dominic Mason, my husband. What looked like a funky mix of a wagon and … [Read more...]
Favorite Fall Sweaters Under $50
It's sweater weather! Fall is officially here and the leaves are bursting with beautiful color more and more each day. Today, the sun is shining. The cold, wet rains that came down the last few days have disappeared and the sun is revealing some gorgeous fall colors. My closet has been converted for the new cold-weather season and I cannot wait to share my favorite fall sweaters with you. Guess what? They are all under $50 too! Old Navy Soft-Brushed Crewneck Sweater This one comes in a variety of colors including rust that is absolutely beautiful on almost any skin tone. Regularly $40 it is ON SALE for $35 right now. LOFT Flecked Turtleneck Poncho Sweater Now, I have a super warm black poncho sweater but it is definitely for outdoor wear. It cannot be worn as a … [Read more...]
Skulls, Pearls and Crystals: The Best Halloween Decoration Ideas
*Disclaimer: This is a sponsored guest post. All opinions are 100% those of the guest post writer and endorsed by TMC. When the month of October finally arrives, if you are like most people, you want to put away beach towels and bathing suits and embrace pumpkin spice, sweaters, and bonfires. However, it’s also the perfect time of year to break out the festive decorations and show off your style inside and outside of your home. This Halloween do you want to abandon the typical gore and gothic décor for something vintage and boho glam? If so, you can set a glamorous stage with crystal skulls from FossilEra, unique sparkling crystals, and pearls. However, getting the right effect with these items is often more challenging than it may seem. To ensure you create the amazing … [Read more...]
Detox & Revive Sore Muscles
I'm a fitness motivator, an online fitness coach. It's what I do and it is who I am in a lot of ways because it comes naturally to me. What does that mean? It means I am all about helping others find exercise programs that they love and that bring real results. I also help them learn to eat clean and healthy. It means that I am a product of the product. It means I have to detox and revive sore muscles too. I was into the habit of taking detox baths 2-3 times a week last year. This was when my Lyme disease was at its peak. I was my sickest and detox baths were part of my regular treatment. They relieve soreness from the muscles and as a fitness coach, it helps a ton! As I felt better physically I stopped this practice. I had coincidentally finished with doing two programs consecutively … [Read more...]
Fall Jewelry Collections
Disclaimer: Please know this post is a sponsored partnership is between Nakturnal, and The Mummy Chronicles. Compensation was received for this post. All opinions are 100% my own. I don't wear a lot of jewelry in the summer months. I do however like to layer it in the fall and winter. Fall jewelry collections are out now and while I love a good statement ring the big hitters this season are amped up earrings. Earrings that Dangle and Entice We are still hanging with the tortoiseshell trend and I like it. Earrings are no exception. I love the addition of beads, thicker hoops and oblong shapes from Shopbop that dangle and swing. J.Crew has some gorgeous bejeweled studs that really add to a simple sweater and pair of jeans. It feels very excess and a bit 1980s in a good … [Read more...]
Dark & Delightful Denim
Two weeks ago I wore my first pair of dark denim for the summer. I never wear denim in the summer months unless they are in shorts form. I just cannot. Then suddenly we had a few cool days and paired with a sleeveless top the denim was just right. Fast forward to September. School is back in session and the idea of denim dark or light wash is delightful. I am wearing cropped black jeans as I type. Now I'm all about the idea of dark & delightful denim with raw hems and flares for Fall. Casual & Classic Denim by Veamason Fall Plaid & Denim by Veamason … [Read more...]
Fall is in the Air
This morning as I sat outside working through my devotions I noticed that the light has already begun to change. Golden leaves are falling from the Tulip Poplar trees in my yard. Already. Fall is more than a month away but the subtle changes are in the air. Minutes later my friend showed off her newest purchase for fall in her FB Stories. I was both appalled at the thought of fall fashion- it's too soon! The pool still beckons me daily! To also swooning over this gorgeous sweater-blazer. I need it. I want it. Really, it's so cozy looking and really amps up an outfit. After a quick peek online, I was down a rabbit hole of fall looks. I ended up with these finds. I'm seriously loving neutrals right now and the blending of burgundy in with them to add a richness to … [Read more...]
Finding Yourself & Fighting Through Chronic Illness
In the winter of 2018, my illness was raging and using my body as a battlefield. Chronic illness warriors, you know what I'm talking about. At my weekly therapy session, I described to my therapist about how my inability to work, be busy and "normal" had shown me a new side of myself, except it wasn't quite so new. In fact, I was getting reacquainted with the old me. The base me. The me I knew as a child and as a teen. I Lost Myself to the Busy. I think that's fairly normal. Once I realized this I also quickly noticed how much I missed that quiet person. I'm an introvert. An introvert with strong opinions, who loves light but finds beauty in darkness. Having the real me back was eye-opening. Finding the essence of who I am at my core again was exhilarating and also something I … [Read more...]
Hello, It’s Been A While
Remember me? I think it's time to introduce myself again. I'm Vicky. Mother to three girls, writer, dog mom to one Doberman, two-time Post-Partum Depression survivor, chronically ill with Lyme Disease and co-infections (#lymewarrior), domestic violence survivor, and fitness coach. Whew! What sets me apart from all the other blogs out there? Nothing, but my own unique story, my take on life and the fact that I live by a ton of quotes (mostly film and TV-related) but this one in particular, "It ain't about how hard you hit; it's about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward." * In my former life, before Lyme tried to take me down, I reviewed cars, wrote about fashion trends and picks. I talked about my early days of parenting back when Mommy blogs were all the rage. I … [Read more...]