Five Years!

On July 16, 2011, I started a Facebook page to share what I wish I had always known about nutrition and style. I was so excited when I reached one hundred followers! Today there are more than twenty-eight thousand of you.

I was a lifetime yo-yo dieter whose weight might fluctuate by as much as fifty pounds in one year. There were times when even my extended family members didn't recognize me if they hadn't seen me for a while. Reading the book "Eat to Live" by Dr. Joel Furhman taught me what to eat and why. 

After my weight and health issues were under control, it was time to tackle my frumpy style. That is still a work in progress, but it is fun to share what I learn with you.

To celebrate my fifth blogging anniversary, Mr. Mickey took me out to dinner last evening. I wore a new tunic by I.C. Collection over old Mesmerize pants; both are from one of my favorite places to shop, ShopMyFairLady.com.

The bag is old from Saks Off 5th. The shoes are old by Nina New York. The necklace weighs about fifteen pounds (only a slight exaggeration!), and I bought it at S.M. Bradford at Harbour Town Yacht Club on Hilton Head Island last year. The nail color is OPI "Dutch Tulips."

Even though I have several red tunics, I wanted this one because it reminds me of a mullet hairstyle, all business up front, and a party in the back.

We visited Gourmet and Company, which is our favorite restaurant in Johnson City.

My dinner was the fabulous heirloom tomato salad with grilled peaches.

Mr. Mickey had the spring garden salad with benne brittle and grilled wild salmon.

Here is what happens when I see a tiny baby praying mantis on the wall during a photoshoot and totally forget what I am supposed to be doing.

Mr. Mickey says that he no longer kills bugs because of me. Great compliment!

Dinner and the Symphony

One of our favorite date nights is to have dinner at the best restaurant in town, Gourmet and Company, and then attend the Johnson City Symphony performance.

I wore a Covered Perfectly long sleeve tunic because the neckline is so flattering. I paired it with slacks from last year and a jacket I recently got online from the Dillard's end of the season sale. 

The reptile embossed bag is from last season via Saks Off 5th. The simple black pumps are Saks Fifth Avenue Made in Italy, via Saks Off 5th.

Tomorrow on the blog, I will be delving into the little details of an outfit and how they can help you look your best.

Your BFF's Closet

Some of my favorite pieces in my collection were hand-me-downs from my dear friend Mitzi. A few years ago, we both lost weight. As she shrank out of some things, they still fit me because of my larger upper body.

This Ralph Lauren cardigan with a faux fur collar is a great piece to throw on with jeans and a Covered Perfectly Simple Comfort long sleeve top. I love that these tops can be tucked in since they are never bulky. 

I love the idea of a closet swap when you are losing weight. When I started my weight loss journey a few years ago, I wore some things only a couple of times before I shrank out of that size. My staff got lots of almost new pieces as my sizes changed.

Team up with a friend to swap clothes as you lose weight. It is a great way to stay motivated and not have to spend a mint on clothes as you change sizes.

These jeans are Girlfriend Ankle Jeans from Chico's. I wore Ralph Lauren crew socks with Calvin Klein booties. The bag is old from Finely House Couture in Blowing Rock.