Jingle Bells: Lela

Today's JINGLE BELLS, MY FRIEND SELLS is ...........

Who:  Lela

What: Plunder -  jewelry that is cute, fun, fashionable

           Agnes & Dora- comfortable and cozy clothing. I feel like I want one of each of the tees

Where: Dixie Designs by Lela, shop here
           Agnes & Dora by Lela - shop here

How: I met Lela at my friend Alicia's wedding. I was a bridesmaid, and Lela's fiance at the time, now husband was a groomsman.

The 3 Cs of Christmas gifts; Country, Classy & Cooking -Part 1

Just take a look at my Christmas gifts and you get a really good sense of the kind of person I am! My family and friends know we well. As I was getting ready to put away all my Christmas gifts I noticed themes and that they truly represent me. A few C's were County/Cows, Classy & Cooking,and you can add in Crafts & Coffee. (I didn't get as much crafty or coffee items as usual)

 I am going to take you on a little tour of my gifts and how they truly represent me! You will probably get to know me a little more.

COUNTRY >>>
-Muck Boots, I have been needing and wanting these for about a year now.
-Work gloves
-Show calf air freshener
-4-H mug
-Western jewelry
-Cruel Girl & Wrangler Rock 47 jeans
-Duck Dynasty playing cards

CLASSY >>>
- Same jeans, but they fall in the category, they are county n' classy on of my favorite themes on this blog
-"Nice" jewelry as in the kind you buy at high end jewelry stores
-Fun jewelry
-Purses & wallets
-Funky shoes from my momma! more about that in Part 2.

COOKING >>>

  This is the BIG haul!

- Deep dish skillet ( it was on my list, they did well!)

-Enamel coated pans (again, what I had been wanting)

-Cookbooks

-Cooking ingredients

-Cooking utensils

Extreme Style-Horse Racing

In the past on the first Fashion Friday of May I have posted about Derby Fashion (here) or how to make your own Derby Hat (here), and well as last year when 3 generations were entered in the hat contest at Derby Day Remington Park Style but this time I want to share what we did last weekend, that kinda relates to Derby Day, plus animal print is always in style right?! RemingtonPark in Oklahoma City has Extreme Racing at the end of April. This year they added ZEBRAS and Pigs(as in Hendricksons Racing Pigs). The place was packed, last year's attendance was 19,000 this year they believe it was doubled. Not as much fun as last year because it was elbow to elbow EVERYWHERE, and my best friends weren't able to come along like last year.

The Quarter Horse Live Racing started at 1:30 with the Ostriches going after Race 4. The Ostriches might be my favorite.

 

Saddled and ready! I like that they have the animals in pens so the public can get an up close look.

 

 

They are off!

 It can get a little WILD!

 

Then they had 4 more horse races and then the ZEBRAS were up to go!

 

 

As you can see, some of the jockeys were bucked off. Jesus Salazar, the jockey closest to us in the green and yellow silks, is one that ended up winning I believe. He came to the ranch and "helped" CP build fence once.

 

We weren't able to stay for the camel races this year

 

If you are ever able to attend an Extreme Racing event, I suggest it! Fun for all ages.

 

Heels & Halters~ Fashion Friday

This past Saturday we went to a benefit gala, we actually were able to enjoy ourselves since the heifer we were watching calved the night before(another post on that later). I just knew we were going to have to leave every few hours to go and check during the gala :)

Any way, back to the fashion part. I was pretty excited to be able to dress up and wear one of those cute little prom-ish dresses (that I never have a place to wear them to). So, I dress up, spend almost an hour on my hair, and put on my NEW stinkin cute heels....then hopped in the truck, looked down and this is what I see >>>>>

 

>>>>> Heels, calf bottle, Coach wristlet, ad for vaccines, fun & funky heels and halters!

 

He looked over as I was taking a picture, and asked what the heck I was doing?!

I told him "Just look, we might be country but we can still be classy!" 

 I wouldn't change it for the world!

Fiesta Bowl Gear~ GO CATS & Discount

Ok, well this post is a little plug for myself!

I make game day dresses and other accessories, which many of you know. Well, my Alma Mater for Undergrad-----Kansas State University---- is going to the Fiesta Bowl in a few weeks so I have listed on my Esty page some K-State items! Go check them out, I think they are pretty cute if I do say so myself :)

A little thank you to my blog readers.......Enter :BLOGKSU for a 15% discount. This discount is available till Dec 31.

You might not be a K-State fan, but if you know someone who is, I would appreciate you spreading the word!

Here is a sampling:

 

Country N' Classy

 Yesterday, I rode with CP while haying. This wasn't a planned ride, I just stopped by on my way out of town. While in the tractor I looked down and this is what I saw:

At this moment, I realized you can be Country N'Classy! Well, I knew it before...but this time I had proof, french pedicure and all!


This year they are ahead of schedule on haying. Usually, they start around July 4, however this year it was June 6 or so.

Raking the mowed grass.

The rake can combine 2 of the mowed rows,since it is 36ft wide. Definitely helps speed up the process.

I mentioned to CP how did people do this years ago, agriculture has progressed so much and the technology has made it more convenient and COMFORTABLE for many.

I'm going to The Derby!

Weeeelllll...kinda. When you read this I will be in Oklahoma City at Remington Park celebrating at their version of Derby Day.

Last year I posted about hats and the history, you can read that here. This year I am actually going to get to wear a big hat, 3 generations will be entered in the hat contest listed above.   I will let you know how it goes and next week's Thrifty Thursday will feature the hats we made.

Oh yeah.....Happy Cinco De Mayo as well!

Fashion Friday-Cap & Gown

Today, I get my Masters from Oklahoma State University. Next Friday I will have pictures!
 Its been awhile since I have give a Fashion Friday along with history lesson so here is goes! Short and sweet as usual.

1222- was the first year (as far as I can find) that gowns were worn by graduates.

Robe or Gown: The three types of degrees each have a different style gown. Master's gowns have oblong sleeve, open at the wrist, with the base hanging down, and rear part of the oblong cut square while the front arc cuts away.

Hood: Academic Hoods are black, made from the same fabric as the gown. They vary in length depending on the degree from three feet to four feet, and the doctoral hood is wider. Lined with college or university colors, they typically have one field color and one chevron color, though sometimes there are school specific variations. The edge of hoods are velvet in the color of the degree subject

Mortarboard or Cap: Mortarboards are flat rather than "poofy" at the top, are not made from velvet, and are also usually black but come in a variety of colors and variations are more frequent than with tams. Mortarboards have only four sides, and typically have a tassel with a single button at the top, usually in the color of the degree-granting institution.

You can read more here.

Custom Painted Boots

I have been wanting a pair of tall fancy boots to wear with a skirt/dress, but haven't found the pair that I really like or that aren't $500. I know this fad won't last long so why invest so much.

My solution: Make my own!

I first found a pair of vintage Calvin Klein boot.

Then I stuffed them with paper to make them easier to paint. I choose western designs, some from other boots I've seen or country "clip art"

 Then I went to painting. I didn't want them to be totally covered, I just wanted boots with a little bit of excitement. The top of the next pair will be completely painted.

Front/Side:

Back:

What Not to Wear...The North Face

I know its been awhile since I've had a Fashion Friday, nothing really jumped out at me until this past weekend. CP and I headed to Oklahoma for the Express Bull Sale. It was cool and windy and he went to put his North Face jacket on and mentioned to me that he heard North Face donated to PETA, HSUS or something like that. Was it true, he asked. I wasn't really sure, but as we sat through the auction I looked around and saw quite a few NF jackets. I decided to do some research on this when I got home.

I did a little searching and ran onto this article in the BEEF Magazine, stating the The North Face supports HSUS!

Did those beef producers know that they were wearing a jacket and supporting a company that goes against their livelihood?

 Now what to do with CP's jacket, rip out the embroidery? Cover it with a Eat Beef patch?

Game Day Kicks

I spotted a pair of OSU cowboy boots in Stillwater 2 years ago. They were awesome, great tops, nice detailing, and the perfect toe, yes it seems the south is always ahead of the game. Then I started seeing posts on Pinterest, websites, and finally saw a post on Cowboys & Indians. I'm not sure why they can't make some awesome K-State ones, but in my opinion they are failing. I would like a nice square toe,(not needle point) with some flashy purple and silver tops.....is this too much to ask?! I think not.

K-State by Nocona

Gameday  Boots is one company that makes boots for certain schools. However, they don't have K-State they have that other school down the road, ugh. Not sure why they don't have the school in Kansas that actually has a rodeo team and is a land grant university?!? (Not that my ranting and raving will make them start producing K-State ones)
Here is the only decent pair they have:

I might have to resort to buying men's boots, check these out:

Getting closer........................

Wedding attire?!

I wish this was a simple post saying what to traditionally wear to a wedding. I received an invitation to a wedding reception. I was totally confused on what to wear. It had been 90 degrees and then all of the sudden it was 45. I thought this wedding is outside. How do you dress for that. Then I think about the couple. I have been friends with the groom for years and more recently met the bride and we get along great. He is a cowboy through and through. She is spunky and fashionable. So do I wear boots jeans and a fun shirt? Do I wear a skirt and boots, do I wear a dress? I didn't know. Then to add to the complicated mess it started raining the night before the wedding. I wasn't sure, so I called up my best friend Abby that was going as well and we made a strategy. This way we both looked "the same" and if we were too hot, too cold, of felt out of place we would be in it together.
Plan of action:
Cute nice jeans (I wore trouser jeans)
Fun going out sleeveless top (incase it was 90)
Dressy Cardigan (incase it was 45)
Anderson Bean boots (for dancing)
Lots of great jewelry and a good hairdo


Well turns out we were perfect, some of the cuter gals there, if I do say so myself. A showed up late (but he apologize 100times) he had been shipping cattle, getting panels,...you know the drill. We definitely made up for it by dancing almost non-stop. The 2 of us ended up being the last couple off the dance floor and walked out with the DJ.


Wanted to share my wedding gift I made. It matched their rustic chic wedding motif.

The bride told me she got quite a few of her wedding reception decor ideas from Pinterest. After Abby heard this, she joined that night!  The reception was held at a B&B. They moved it into the barn because of the cold weather. Take a look.

Stocktanks held the beverages.

                                                    CONGRATS to the newly married Oleens!

I have an obsession.....

Anderson Bean Boots!

I can't stop looking at them or wanting to buy another pair. It all started one fall in Stillwater OK. I found my first pair of square toe ABs. (This was before square toes were cool) The tops were denim with an embroidered Texas star. So it started. Naturally, black was needed next. The wonderful guy in my life at the time searched 1/2 of TX to find women's black AB square toes...(again, difficult since square was not all the rage) He succeeded and so the collection began.  I believe others should be cool and fashionable too so I have since bought my mom a pair. My grandpa will be getting a pair for Christmas ...ssshhhh!

ABs are all the A will wear now. Except his have to be tall stovepipes. [See below.] Again, boys and their fashion ;)

Old and New

I had a couple of round toed, a black and an elephant hide pair. My mom got those. I wore them for awhile, but they were just too big and I sold them on ebay. I do have one round toe pair left. They are more of a recent purchase, because I love wild and different shoes & boots.Here is my total "collection" Check 'em out..............

Honestly, I'm kinda embarrassed of the condition they are in. No matter the foot-gear or their purpose, I still try to take care of them. I'm definitely polishing these 5 after seeing this picture.

I'm hoping to get a pair of Rios of Mercedes to round out my collection. RoM are a close cousin or like  GMC is to Chevy. So, if any of you are looking for me last minute birthday gift, *wink, wink*

Football Fashion Friday

One of the newest fashions for sporting events are Gameday Dresses. I haven't seen many, in- fact the first one I saw was a year ago and had been made in Texas. They are gradually making their way north. So my business partner and I decided to take advantage of the fact that KS hasn't seen many. We started making them. Here are a few.................

Our 3 "models" at Purple Power Play on Poyntz.

National Thrift Shop Day

Tomorrow is National Thrift Shop Day.  I've been going to thrift stores for years with my family. However, recently being thrifty is fashionable. I've found some great deal on wearable items or items that I can upcycle. Yard sales have got to be another favorite of mine. I went to a yard sale last weekend in Nebraska and bought a small portable sewing machine for $1! Not one thing wrong with it.

Check out this blog that I ran onto called Thrift and Shout rather inspiring if you ask me.  Why didn't I think of doing a blog like this. I guess I could start one, it wouldn't be any competition for her since she is in Ohio.  So, maybe a Thrifty Thursday is in store, so I can share all my great finds.

Gypsy Gewelz

I wanted to let you know that Shodeo Barn is carrying some of my jewelry. The next place they will be is the Central Ks Free Fair in Abilene on August 4-9th. She has a website if you would like to check it out(http://www.shodeobarn.com/)

Button-up or Button-down?

As the temperatures are in the 100s I look at many uncle and grandpa as they wear their long sleeve western shirts. They always told me that long sleeves are cooler. I'm not so sure I am 100% convinced. Both of them only wear western shirts. No t-shirts, polos, etc.... Then I started to think about the differences. Some call them button-up shirts while others call them button-down. Not sure that one or the other is correct. This again got me thinking about the history of the western shirt.

Fashion Friday it is!

The first western shirts were of the pull over design with laces or buttons running about a third of the way down the shirt. They were home spun and made of lightweight cotton materials in the warmer climate regions of the southwest. These shirts were usually white or off-white in color and very rarely came with a collar attached. Many of the shirts had an option to attach a collar when the need arose.

Of course the southwest wasn't the only place with cowboys and western shirts. In regions such as Colorado and Montana, cowboys were faced with harsh winters that required heavier and warmer materials for their shirts than their southwestern counterparts. In these regions, wool was the material of choice. The colors of the shirts also ran much darker in these parts and also unlike the southwestern shirts, these came with a roll over collar.

The more widely recognizable western shirt is a characterized by a stylized yoke in front and in back. It is generally constructed of denim or heavy fabric  with long sleeves. Those were often seen  with elaborately decorated piping, embroidered roses and a contrasting yoke. In the 1950s these were frequently worn by movie cowboys like Roy Rogers

The shirts and styles vary today. Popular brands like Wrangler, Roper, and Cinch are what many country men wear. Stripes and plaids are more common yet the yoke is still prominent in many shirts. Every once in awhile you see a cowboy wearing the vintage or retro shirt like that above.  

Boots, Chaps, & Cowboy Hats

So last weekend as I sat with the guys at lunch and after branding, during the "cool down period" I listened to what they discussed. If I had my eyes closed I would have thought they were a bunch of ladies. All they talked about was fashion, who had on what brand of boots, where they got their spurs, how sturdy their jeans were...........I brought this up to A and told him that you guys would have made fun of a bunch of ladies sitting around talking about fashion, but they can get away with it? His response, " We just recognize and appreciate good tack." There you have it ladies, your rebuttal when a guy gives you a hard time about talking about shoes, jewelry, clothing, and accessories........ "I just recognize AND appreciate good tack"

I'd love to go into the history of boots, chaps, cowboy hats, spurs, wild rags, and all of that cowboy "tack" that can make some of us girls swoon. However, I'm going to keep it simple and just give you a few pictures. Detail and history on another Friday!

Spurs, Boots (Anderson Beans, my fav), Chaps

Hat, Wild Rag, Chaps

SWEET BOOTS, another guy had the same pair, but in lime green