The Joys of Being a Turtle! (Not a Hare)


I have made so many confessions on this blog that I should
not hesitate to make one more…but I know some of you will laugh…and scoff…and
even call me WIMP!   But, here goes….I
HATE
SPEED…not the drug (though that’s bad as well) but, actual SPEED.  I do not enjoy going fast in anything…not a
theme park…nor a swing…nor down a mountain of snow…roller coaster…and
especially not a freeway.  My husband
says it is a control issue and he is probably right. My kids think this shows my age…maybe they are right as well!  But, nevertheless, I do not really like to
leave my comfort zone for speed.  Texas
is one big super freeway and they are very difficult to avoid.  When I worked in Dallas and Houston, I sometimes
sat on a freeway for over hours just going to and from work.  Of course, I have to get on the freeways
every week even in more laid back San Antonio…
You won’t see San Antonio’s famous MAGNOLIA PANCAKE HAUS from the freeway!
But, if I have the time and the preference, I will avoid the
highways for the byways.   What is great
about living in the slow lanes and not the fast is when you drive the byways,
you will often find great little businesses which you might have flown by when
up in the fast lanes.  I have discovered
some great cafes, boutiques, and consignment shops just while cutting through
the city making my own routes. You can see all of the major shopping areas from
the freeways, but it is the hidden places I discover and so often like the
best!
Gigi took me out last week to one of these favorite spots, SERENDIPITY CLOTHING SA, a consignment shop…which happens to be right next door
to a new Mediterranean Café,COOL CAFE, which is said to have amazing crepes!
We popped in just for a glass of tea and promised to return for crepes another day.  For my birthday, Gigi was treating me to shopping fun…the resale
way!  I will model the looks for you
after school begins.  Also, Gigi’s looks will return to this blog at that same time!  I have seen some of her new outfits and you will love them!
Gigi finds a fun book and a great pair of COACH sandals to go with
her new pink pants!!
Another great store found on the byways is STEIN MART.  I recently told you that my husband has lost
a lot of weight and is about to start a new job.  So, we scored big at Stein Mart!!  Two Ralph Lauren Sports Jackets, three pair
of Ralph Lauren slacks, three Michael Kors dress shirts, a pack of Kenneth Cole
Socks, a cashmere sweater vest and a belt…..ready for this, all of it for well under
the cost of one suit.  Both RL sports
jackets were originally priced at $400 each…at Stein Mart, $150 each.  You just have to love July sales…not to
mention what you find living in the slow lanes!  I promise to bring you some more great places as I trek around the city at mine own pace on the byways!
I styled this look for Mr. B, but he made a different choice.  Michael Kors shirts
fit much better than the Izod.
 On Wednesday,  I will
join JILL and ADRIENNE for a tribute to Coco Chanel!  Jill is making her own Chanel jacket and I
cannot wait to see the final product. 
Coco Chanel said: “I invented my life by taking for granted that everything I did not like would have an opposite which I would like.”

  (hmmm, kind of like I found joy in staying off freeways!)

Have a great Tuesday, everyone!

13 Comments

  1. Your little trip sounds like so much fun. Hard to beat food and shopping! I don't mind the speed as long as its my foot on the accelerator, but spare me 635 in Dallas if at all possible. Your hubby is going to be one handsome new employee. Stein Mart is one of my favorite places to shop.

  2. I'm hoping to be part of the Chanel event too. We'll see if I get the look put together as the grandsons leave tomorrow…I'm going to remember this about Steinmart, as our visits to Mens Wearhouse are invariably far more expensive!

  3. I don't like speed very much anymore either. I used to be able to handle it but my nerves are just shot these days. I still like the speed of city life but not speed in cars or on roller coasters! Thank you so much for the mention about our Chanel party tomorrow. The post is looking so great, I can't wait to publish it tomorrow! As for the jacket, I had wanted to work more on the muslin but now that the Olympics are on, I am glued to the TV from 8pm until 11:30pm every night. Oh no! XO, Jill

  4. What a fabulous time it looks like you had… Steinmart? ooooh, haven't shopped there is so long and I really love their stores and the wide selection of brands they offer. Your friend found some great looking shoes! Hope she is doing a happy dance in them!

  5. Pam I am right with you. It is time to slow the pace and explore what we would have never known or seen!

    Great scores ladybug!

    So happy to be back home from the rehab care after surgery; now the real work begins!

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

  6. Well I can't believe I never thought about this before – I've been taking the city streets everywhere for years, and I just love it. I have found wonderful little restaurants, shops, and thrifts, beautiful hidden neighborhoods with old homes that I never would have known about, and pretty little parks. It just never occurred to me that I was avoiding the freeways, but I think that is probably exactly what it is. I don't mind driving fast, but since I am in no hurry to get anywhere, why add unnecessary risk?

  7. If it's any consolation, I'm not a huge fan of speed either. It sounds like you had a fabulous day, I'm glad! And yes, Stein Mart is fabulous – I get a lot of jackets and blazers there.

  8. The bags look spectacular, the shoes are adorable (though I like a higher heel), and what's not to love about the Slow(er) Lane?

    Now if only I could figure out how to get there. Not slow mind you, just slower

  9. I love the Coco Chanel quote! Sounds like you had a successful trip. I recently bought a polka dot skirt from Steinmart- always a great find!

  10. I love the smart way you shop but mostly I love your sayings, like the acronyme for FEAR.It actually helped me through this stressful period in my new job.Coco chanel was both stylish and wise and that made her exceptional and a role model for many bloggers!

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