Marching Forth

I've always thought March Fourth a commanding day: Go forth ... and step to it! So it seemed a good day to make a return to blogland after an unintentional break (let's just say the trail took a bad turn and let's just say it didn't make for a good look lol).


Though not the Shrimp Creole/Pork Chop Tchoupitoulas/Bread Pudding Soufflé with Whiskey Sauce
I had at Commander's Palace more than two decades ago, it's today's colorful lunch. Yummy.

It's also Mardi Gras, a day for celebration a day for a people party a day for purple so why not a post? (And I'm not masquerading to keep you in the dark about why I've been MIA, I'm only protecting the worry stones of someone very dear. It'd serve no positive purpose for him to know. Even if things turned out OK.)

Getting back to purple, and posts.



These are full brogues aka wingtips. They are pretty perfect.
One could easily post on what makes perfect shoes or why brogues are brogues
and what makes them full, semi, quarter or longwing ...

It was cool enough today to wear a sweater, so a purple one was in order (the colors are more intense IRL). I love the pattern and it's of good cashmere. {sigh I know I am so very very ovdue on that cashmere exposé I've promised, yet another post to come} It's way oversized as this is XXS, think it's an intended look. {another post idea: what is TTS?} I liked it and the look is better IRL even if I couldn't get a good OOTD selfie.

If the reverse side of a sweater looks anything like the above, be very gentle when pulling it on or off. Especially if over a shirt and for heaven's sake don't be wearing rings or bracelets while doing so. The yarn can easily catch on a button or a piece of jewelry and break if you continue the process. Speaking from experience.

Speaking of experience, 100% attention 100% of the time when driving (dad was is right, don't take anything for granted).

 

Give me another P ... some patience. It will take a little time to catch up with all of you. I've missed you, my friends.

Sequin Saunter

This might be a meander. There are 3 things to talk about with this post but I have no clever ways to sew them together.

1. The anniversary of my blog

2. A little giveaway to say thank you

3. A few things to show if you're considering them at 50% off.

First thing, first. I wore full-on sequins to work.

Sorry if I'm offending your good senses, it's a tradition for my blog anniversary I suppose. Factory draped sequin tee. Factory skinny jean in black. Madewell heartdot boyshirt. Clifton booties also worn here.

Next, let's get to the fun stuff.

To celebrate 2 years with you and 100+1 followers (from what I can tell), I'm giving away a $25 J.Crew gift card.

Second prize is a bottle of lavender hydrosol, one of my most favorite things. Described as sweet and happy, a light spritz (OK even if wearing makeup) makes me calmed and refreshed.

Botanical Insights is the sister-in-law of a colleague and she lives by a field of lavender. Sigh. Sounds lovely.

Third prize is a Factory umbrella that I hope you don't mind me limiting to the U.S. and maybe Canada due to possible shipping challenges. I'll find a good substitute if you're an international winner. 

Here's how to enter ... please leave a comment for each of the following by 11:59 p.m. Pacific Nov. 10:

1. If you're a follower

2. If you add me to your blog roll

3. If you tell me why you should have another entry (1 per person).

Be sure to leave your email if I can't contact you through your profile.

I will generate a couple random numbers for the winners and announce with a post on Nov. 12. (I hope I haven't forgotten anything important that makes a mess of this.)

 Third stop: J.Crew's 50% off end-of-season styles.

Toothpick jean in garment-printed floral - thicker denim,

pattern is more subtle IRL. I like them.

Liberty toothpick jean in Matilda tulip floral- fits like the other Liberty printed jeans, the pattern has a tendency to add some width,

which could be why they are still around?

 Ruffled rhinestone top - I'm wearing petite 00 and with the Collection café capri in Ratti regatta print. I like the top with a jacket,

the Classic schoolboy blazer in navy in this case.

A close-up of the bedazzling. IRL the blue "jewels" are more like sapphires, they don't photograph true.

 

I've come to a dead end so I'll say bye for now. :)



Coffee Talk

Morning coffee out back of the house on the patio.

That would be my answer if $1 million was riding on the correct answer

if the question is "What is your spouse's favorite beverage?"

 

This is our million dollar view

(no that's not the value of our house but we love the lookout):

These are part of my favorite outfit for the activity:

ancient (I've had them 15 years?) jammie pants with cute frolicking snowmen

and brand new slippers that were a Christmas gift from my ILs.

The slippers are very Trail of Sequins, don't you think?

 

I like my coffee with a good dose of heavy cream

and in my favorite cup. 

It was also a Christmas present, given to me two years ago

and from my best friend at work.

 

I could hardly get a clear picture with the steaming coffee

fogging up the camera lens. But there is a message inside the mug:

One day a squirrel went out looking for acorns and found a friend.

(There's a cute little mouse friend sitting on the handle.)

 

I think I was looking for acorns when I started my blog.

Imagine my delight when I found you, my bloggy friends.
Whether you visit regularly or frequently or occasionally,
and leave your thoughts often or sometimes or not at all,
I appreciate you all very much.

Thank you for spending your coffee break or
a wee moment here at my trail.

Here's to unexpected delights in 2013.

It was a rather ho-hum day when I happened to notice and
captured this glorious sunset from our backyard.

And I'm raising my favorite drink to you, my friends!
(Thanks to WMM, I learned the workaround for the latest Blogger glitch to finish this post.)