All Things Fashionating by tracy mausser

Due to Halloween, ATF will return later this week.  Have a hauntingly happy day!

A few days ago, my 7-year-old son asked me why I never smile and how come I never seem happy. Now, this was at 9:20pm on a school night after I was up at 4:15am to run five miles; worked 9 hours plus my hour commute; helped with homework; cooked dinner; cleaned up; packed lunches for the next day; and then about to begin the bed-time dawdle that we go through each night   (i.e.:   I’m hungry, I’m thirsty, I have to pee, one more book all at a snail’s pace). Believe me, this is no excuse and I was devastated that this was – and may be – Shane’s perception of me.   But, by the end of my day, I’m seriously at the end of my rope.   That night, all I wanted to do was get vertical in my own bed with a good book that I was almost done reading.   I could not hide my frustration or lack of patience. I would be lying if I said his words didn’t stick with me causing me to sleep poorly and, the next morning, I awoke feeling out of sorts and like a failure as a m...

This past weekend, I found myself standing in my closet contemplating my inventory. First, I am happy to report that I am quite satisfied with what I have going on in my closet right now; although, I have found myself at a cross roads.   Lots of pretty clothes, but nowhere to go!   Yet, I think that is where the universe wants me to be right now. Shoe Whore As Rachel and I count down the days to our half-marathon, I have found myself plagued with a plethora of nagging, minor injuries. I looked upon my shoe shelves salivating at the stacks of stilettos and platforms which I am unable to strut right now.   If I am not suffering from a pulled muscle somewhere in my legs – after 8 hours of walking the catwalk of my life – I find myself nursing tight hamstrings or a pulled calf muscle.   So I have shelved those bad boys. On my way to work a few weeks ago, I had to stop short on the freeway.   No biggie!   I escaped a fender bender and only suf...

Today, I am launching a new and improved All Things Fashionating.  I wanted to update my blog's look as well as add some new gadgets.  I hope you like the changes and feel free to give me your feedback. Happy Monday!

<a href=" http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/3002202/all-things-fashionating-by-tracy-mausser?claim=tnmcxz586n2">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>

As I have posted before, I am fiercely loyal to my local Beauty Supply Warehouse http://allthingsfashionating.blogspot.com/2011/07/finding-loveliness-and-bargains-at.html But, when Ulta – the largest beauty retailer that provides one-stop shopping for products and salon services – opened up in my neighborhood, I just had to check it out.   Ulta’s website touts it as a unique combination of beauty superstore and specialty store, but I saw it as part low-budget Sephora, part beauty supply, part salon and part drug store. Yet, I wasn’t that impressed. I had been seeing coupons in the paper and getting them via mass mailings but, of course, the weekend that I needed to stock back up on my beauty bounty, I couldn’t scrounge one anywhere – even online.   (Which did have some nifty online specials, but I was all about checking out the store -- live and in person. I did find a few of my products in the discount section, which was very cool; however, I needed a few things ...

A few weeks ago, my BFF Rachel and I went to Barneys in Beverly Hills. We were there for her – as she was on a mission – for a pair of shoes.   We stopped by the shoe salon first, so introductions could be made; yet, before she sealed the deal, we decided to lunch. After a meal of yummy salads and a few glasses of vino at Villa Blanca, we made our way back to BNY. Now, I was just Rachel’s wing man, with no plan nor a budget to splurge on a decadent pair of shoes; however, a pair of Fendi wedges kept calling my name. We made the rounds to Saks Fifth Avenue just to make sure we got a visual on all the options out there, but ended up back at Barneys.   By then, the euphoria of my wine buzz was beginning to wan and after a phone call to my husband – who reluctantly gave me the green light – ruined my thrill.   Reason and a clear head spoiled my spontaneity and I went home empty handed; Although, I haven’t always been so lucky and have several SUIs under my bel...

The DailyOm entitled, “Putting Yourself First” could not have come at a better time because this morning I was having me a pity party!   I had grand plans for myself this past weekend but none of them materialized. I had good intentions to brew a big pot of java and, with my renewed energy of a fresh day, spend Saturday morning working on my blog and organizing some things in our home office before moving on to my domestic duties and ending the weekend with some leisurely time on the couch reading.   Instead, I spent Saturday morning cleaning up the chaos of our lives; our weekly jaunt to Home Depot; a flag football game, a school fund-raiser; which dissolved into Sunday and 10+ mile run; our weekly soccer game; errands such as grocery shopping; Only to get home in time to put the groceries away, clean up the house again because it had imploded with Shane’s toys, and figure out dinner. By 5 p.m., I found myself in the throes of a full-blown panic attack.   N...

Hewn Achates Necklace: Anthroplogie: $58 I have been seeing fabulous girls all around town wearing Agate Pendants for the past few months.   But yesterday morning, my buddy Rachel and I popped into the Rolling Hills Flower Mart in Riviera Village – which is an ü ber-cool little boutique within itself – and I found the perfect pendant of my dreams. The Rolling Hills Flower Mart is part flower studio; part-boutique which sells high-end candles, toiletries and accessories; and as Rachel revealed, the shop boasts a semi-hidden boudoir in the back selling sassy lingerie and sensual props. Unfortunately, I did not wake up and smell the roses; Without nary a Benjamin in my wallet, this little high-end gem slipped through my hands this time; however, I found a similar necklace – with a moderate price point –   at Anthropologie to add to my own fabulousness. http://www.anthropologie.com/ http://www.rollinghillsflowermart.com/

Last night, I had the sheer pleasure of experiencing – for the third time in my life – India.Arie live in concert. The Grammy-Award winning R&B artist – who has been nominated for 20 and taken home 4 – performed at Luckman Fine Arts Complex located at Cal State University, Los Angeles. Idan Raichel and India.Arie The show was a sneak-peak into India.Arie’s most recent project; A collaboration with Israeli singer, Idan Raichel, on her up-and-coming album Open Door, which is scheduled to drop later this year. The show was transcendent, inspirational and exhilarating all at once. Listening to India.Arie’s music is like going to church and it doesn't matter who you worship or what religion you are. Her music is potent, spiritual and empowers you all at the same time.   It humbles me and brings me closer to my God…my higher power. The resonances of “Open Door,” are a combination of Idan Raichel’s otherworldly piano-playing and middle Eastern melodies – sometimes in...

At the last Barneys Warehouse Sale, I bought a black Versace dress; however, I just haven't had the right occasion to wear it until this past weekend. I showcased this fabulous frock while toasting to my handsome husband's 41st birthday in addition to celebrating our new hardwood floors and light fixtures. It was the perfect occasion. I am wearing my own Versace dress, gold BCBG platform, peep-toe Mary Jane pumps, Fendi Forever Pochette, and vintage pearl rope. (Photo Credits: D. Jason Mausser)

“Make the most of every moment. Get excited about every little thing. Why not? Why not have your wonderful moment of excited anticipation? Why not be happy NOW? This is my greatest challenge, but something I'm pouring my heart into: learning how to enjoy what I have, right here, right now. Every moment is precious and although sometimes I struggle to see it, I see it more and more every day.” ― Bethenny Frankel , “ A Place of Yes ” As I have posted before, I am a huge fan of Bethenny Frankel http://allthingsfashionating.blogspot.com/2011/04/girl-crush.html ; but I also happen to be a sucka’ for a good book – especially if I can read it free via the library.   So I declare a resounding Yes for Frankel’s most recent book, “A Place of Yes: 10 Rules for Getting Everything You Want Out of Life.” Part biography, part self-help, part motivational and inspirational; " A Place of Yes" had me hooked from the first page. A s I have said before, I am constantly evolving and a...