Everyday Present

You may have heard that the OKC Thunder are playing the Lakers in the NBA playoffs right now.  I wore this outfit in support of my home team on Friday.

Unfortunately, they lost their game on Friday.

But… they’ve won the other three of the four games they’ve played.

One more win and they claim the series, moving them to the conference finals (most likely against San Antonio).

I’ve never been a huge fan of professional sports (favoring college sports, where I can root for my alma mater), but it’s so fun to have a local pro team to root for.  It’s awesome to see how the entire state has rallied behind the Thunder, too… so cool that a sports team can bring the community together.

Are any of you watching the playoffs?  Who are you rooting for?

shirt: Jcrew; shorts: Jcrew; shoes: Target; sunnies: LOFT

Some days, I crave riding a moped, sipping wine, and eating the best food in all the world.
What I’m saying is, somedays I crave living on a greek island for the rest of my life!

When I feel that way, I pull out my sparkly shorts and a nice crisp blue shirt!

Please notice the ponytail holder on my wrist! Just in case I happen upon a moped to ride!

Since I don’t get to run off to the greek islands this summer,
I guess I’ll just make grab a bottle of wine and make myself a greek salad.

Do you have any outfits that take you back to your favorite vacation destination?

~Kara M

Most people in my life know that I take GREAT joy in being called “Aunt.”
I’m even a little particular about it!
Kids don’t call me “Aunt Kara.”  It’s “Miss Kara.”
UNLESS you are the son or daughter of a brother of mine. OR I witnessed you entering the world (which means your mom or dad is a dear friend).

I’m weird, yes! We’ve already established this many blog posts ago!

Anyways, to my point!  My lil Hobbs is in town this week!

This is what aunts do! We steal babies!!

I adore him!

Our lil family! We stole Hobbs for the day!

 As friends are realizing, when nieces or nephews are in town…I may be a little MIA!
I figure this is just an introduction to being grandparents!

In other news, #THUNDERUP!
We’re headed out tonight to find cable to watch the OKC Thunder beat up on the LA Lakers again!  Should be a late, but fun night!

Does anyone else feel the same way about being an aunt?

Happy Weekend!
~Aunt Kara M

Unintentionally, this outfit became a sum of much greater parts. Today, I found myself carrying my materal grandmother’s bag, wearing a charm bracelet that belonged to Bear’s Mom, and finishing the look with earrings that belonged to his materal grandmother.

Then I looked down and realized my jeans were a gift from my mom, as well.

So if you like my outfit today, I’m not sure I can take full credit.

It was a small, but beautiful moment. To remember the mothers before me and their  amazing example. I’ve only been lucky enough to know a few of them. Bear’s mom, Carolyne, and grandmas, Ann and Eileen, have passed away, as have both my Gramma Ann and Grandma Elaine, but their influence continues in our lives. And, I suppose, my closet.

Bag: Vintage, belonged to my grandma | charm bracelet: Vintage, belonged to Bear’s mom

I carry these women with me, in some way, every day. And I hope that, someday, I can mean as much to future generations as they all mean to me. And that I have awesome accessories worth stealing.

Jacket: Thrifted | Tank: Target | earrings: Vintage, belonged to Bear’s grandma | Jeans: AE (gift from Mom) | Shoes: Nine West

(Know, first, who you are; and then adorn yourself accordingly.  ~Epictetus)

With deepest thanks and love to our wonderful mothers today:

(Kathy & Laura)

Mom, thank you for instilling me with your sense of humor, ability to listen to others without judgment, and love of the color Navy.

May your day be filled with doggie kisses, Downton Abbey, Chai and lots of Red Vines. Love you!

(Liz and Sharon)

Mom, thanks for being a great example of love, grace, and kindness.  I’ll never cease to be impressed by your ability to strike up a conversation with anyone or by your willingness to see someone who’s hurting and go ask if they need prayer.  You’re a wonderful mother, and I love you!

 (Pam, Kara M’s mom)

Mom, you are the wisest and most gracious woman I know!

Love you to pieces!!

Happy Mother’s Day!!

There are two things that I pray about often:

1. That God would find homes for ALL the orphans in the world.

2. God would help us find a cure for cancer!

I just saw this video on CBS Saturday morning!  TEARS!  I love it.
I love the hope and strength these kiddos show us all.

I hope you will take some time today to pray for these kiddos and for a cure!

Kids, you are so strong!  You are our heroes!!

~Kara M

It’s no secret that Chicago is one of Bear and my’s favorite cities. He was named after their NFL team, I love the Chicago Heartbreakers Cubs, we realized we liked each other in Millenium Park, and we got engaged in Chicago, too. To both of us, Chicago holds so many great memories and fun.

One of Chicago’s great attractions/institutions  is NPR’s “This American Life”–a show I listen to every week! So when we heard that TAL would have a live show broadcast via satellite to movie theaters, WE HAD TO GO.

So last night, we did.

The show featured readings from David Sedaris, a special performance by OK Go, and many other poignant and often hilarious stories.

OK Go’s interactive performance

I don’t want to give TOO much away, because the show will encore Tuesday at local/indie theaters. This short film was also aired, and if you’re an NPR nerd like me, it’s totally hilarious. (Terri Gross doesn’t look anything like I imagined she would!)

And just for fun, here’s the dress I bought in Chicago, and wore during Rachel’s wedding weekend!

dress: Anthropologie | necklace: Vintage | sandals: Poetic License

Hope this happens to other people and not just me!

Today, as I came to the end of my day, I thought “I love my life!”
Start throwing tomatoes at me, if you had a bad day!

1. I love that, after work, my husband and I sat on the swing together for 30 minutes.
2. I love that, I can’t stop watching Felicity on Netflix…reminds me so much of college!
3. I love spending the evening chatting about and planning The Oklahoma Orphan Run with THIS cool young man.

4. I love that, when I see the three car seats in my back seat, it reminds me of this cute kid.

5. I love that I come home to my dream house.
6. I love that my life is so serious most of the time, but I have this quirky love of style blogs and blogging!
7. I am excited and so happy to be training for the Color Run!  Join my team: Colorful Friends.

8. I love that there are flowers on my dining room table.
9.  I love that I am shooting a beautiful wedding this weekend Here!

10. I love that I have stacks of papers on my couch reminding me that I have so much to do!

Happy Wednesday Night!
What are you loving today?

~Kara M