Experiment No. 594

I am finally debuting the 40 cent pencil skirt. It was a little snug when I purchased it, but after running 106 miles (and donning a pair of spanx), it fits comfortably.


Jacket, Esley. Top, Moda International. Skirt, Talbot’s (thrifted). Boots, Rampage. Owl pendant/brooch, Gerry’s (thrifted). Bag, Nicole Lee. Gloves, Bebe.


Today’s photo location was the Purple People Bridge, just before sunset.


Photos by Beefy Muchacho

February Purchases

I’ve decided that I want to invest in a pair of Frye boots next fall. Therefore, I am planning to underspend a little each month to give me an extra $200 by September. (I’m also working against a $34.62 overspend in January.) I was super thrifty this month!

St Vincent de Paul

In December, I saw that a St Vincent de Paul was moving into the old World Market location in Western Hills. I’ve shed many a bitter tear that World Market has left Cincinnati, but if the trade off was an enormous thrift store, then I’m over it. I couldn’t wait for its opening this month.

1. Focus 2000 blazer, $3.25
2. Energie cardigan, $4.49
3. Owl pendant/brooch, $3.00
4. Giraffe print belt, $7.99 (spendy!)
5. Brighton belt, $1



6. J. Renee pumps, $4.00
7. Beaded necklace, $3.00


I thrifted this Champion hoodie, too, but I don’t count work-out clothes in my budget.
JC Penney

8. Studio I dress, $34.99

I searched and searched for a work-appropriate, non-jersey, under-$100, red dress online. I found nothing for purchase. With some time to kill one afternoon, I persuaded Beefy to visit an actual JC Penney store and left with the perfect dress!


February’s total: $61.72

In March, I’m already on the hunt for a new pair of sandals. I really loved this pair by Etienne Aigner. I’d buy them again if I could find them.


Total spending for the year: $196.34
Frye boots fund: $3.66

Clever Things

After a 14-mile run, I would have preferred to wear my jammies for the rest of the day. But, I had an audition, so I put on real (comfy) clothes.


Jacket and dress, Forever 21. Belt, Deena and Ozzy. Tights, Urban Outfitters. Boots, Matisse. Bag, Nicole Lee.

I totally forgot to apply my lipstick for the photos, but, never fear, I wore some for my audition.


I auditioned for a musical and a mystery. Here’s how it went from my (biased) perspective:

Singing: I’ve been in voice lessons since the fall and this was my second audition since I began. The song went pretty well (much better than last time!), but I either gave the tempo wrong or the pianist sped up. As a result, it was probably the most “up-tempo” version of Tap Your Troubles Away ever.

Dancing: I’ve taken three semesters of tap at CCM prep. I dropped out of this spring’s semester, but a few extra weeks still wouldn’t have prepared me for tonight. The audition piece was WAY over my skill level. Still, I smiled and gamely carried on.

Acting: Frankly, I rocked the cold reads. The read was pretty short for the musical, but I got plenty of stage time for the mystery. Cold reading is one of my favorite activities. I know you’re supposed to prepare by reading the script ahead of time, but I enjoy the challenge and thrill of performing just minutes after seeing the lines.

In all, it was a humbling and educational experience. I’m becoming more comfortable with singing in public. I need to find a way to take tap lessons more than once a week. And I wish I had the chance to do more straight plays, since that’s where my comfort, experience, and talent really lie.

Photos by Beefy Muchacho

Favorite Two Scarf Twists

It's the end of February and spring is in sight, but we still have a few more months of scarf weather to enjoy. I have two scarf twists/ties that I employ during the cool months, the Hacking Twist and the Chi Chi Wrap.


I learned the Hacking Twist from Amy of Cincy Chic (who got it from her dentist!) and I invented the Chi Chi Wrap. Enjoy!

P.S. Sal calls the Hacking Twist the Pretzel Knot and uses a slightly different technique. Check it out.

Sweaty Sunday - 14 miles

Today’s run was The Longest I’ve Ever Run. I’ve completed three half marathons, but today I ran .9 miles beyond a “half.”


Four things keep me going on my long runs:

1. iPod – I listen to all the songs on shuffle
2. Water – I carry a hand-held water bottle and refill it every 4 miles
3. Energy gel – I consume a packet of gel every 4 miles
4. Beefy – he meets me every 4 miles to supervise my gel consumption, refill my water bottle, and give me encouragement*.

*At least I think that's what he's saying. It's hard to hear him over my iPod.


Photos by Beefy Muchacho

Think Spring

The woods may still appear dead and brown, but the snowdrops (and my tights) are blooming.


Sweater, Takeout. Tee, LOL Vintage. Skirt, No Boundaries (thrifted). Tights, Anne Klein. Boots, Dan Post. Belt, Gap. Earrings, Monica D. Necklace, gift.



This outfit is brought to you by the season of spring and two prior ensembles:


Photos by Beefy Muchacho

The Adventures Of...

Where's my bullwhip? I'm ready to outrun boulders, eat monkey brains, and search for the Holy Grail.


Shirt, Merona (thrifted). Dress, London Times (hand-me-down). Belt, thrifted. Tights, We Love Colors. Boots, Dan Post. Hat, Charlotte Russe. Bag, Payless. Charm necklace, VCLM. Tri-metal necklace, thrifted.




Photos by Beefy Muchacho