Old outfit, new puppy

Tee: Target
Skirt: Ann Taylor
Belt: Thrifted
Booties: Aldo
Sunnies: Puerto Rico
Earrings: Turkey

Remember how I said I was going to blog more often? I'm a big liar apparently. I've been in near non-stop meetings as we prepared for the beginning of the school year (we finish in December and start in February here). Yesterday we headed to the US embassy to renew my passport, and then, because we're all about timing here, we decided to stop by the shelter and adopt a new puppy. Yesterday.

 

And today we started school. Like I said: timing. We're so good at it. She's the most adorable little mutt, and I have to say I'm pretty smitten with her, though Camila (that's her name) did keep us up last night with her whining. Y'all, I'm so happy to have a new puppy, although she's been pretty whiney.

 

Has anyone had any experience with whiney puppies? She does it even when she's wagging her tail, when I'm holding her, when she's playing, and when she's eating. I know she's totally traumatized after being taken away from the only home she's ever known, but it makes me feel like a bad pet owner. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

And of course, you will get a picture of the new baby instead of just me.

 

Meet Camila. So sweet and sleepy.

Seeing spots

Sweater: Forever 21 (ages and ages ago)
Skirt: Gap
Belt: came with a blazer
Scarf: Turkey
Tights: Target
Earrings: Turkey
Boots: Noble Town Vintage

So... Hi. I'm Frances Joy and I used to blog around these parts. I guess I still do, seeing as one of my resolutions for 2012 is to blog more regularly; apparently, it takes me about a month to get on those resolutions. But I'm back! With lots of old pictures from before we went back to the States, some new clothes just begging to be shared, and some super successful sewing experiments I can't wait to show off.


In the meantime, I've got one of last year's looks. I have to say I'm still really proud of this all black, double leopard outfit, which I wore to church. Yes, I wore leopard print tights to church.


These tights are fantastic, though. I like to think they're subtle what with the dark grey/black color combo, and I love the way they played with my leopard print scarf. A successful pattern mix, if I do say so myself.

Kiku

Y'all remember this sweetheart? Kiku came with us to the States from Puerto Rico two years ago. She was my sweet baby and I love, love, love her.


She snuck into quite a few of my outfit pictures and was the best cuddler ever.


And I know everyone thinks their dog is the best ever, but mine seriously was. She was so sweet and obedient and cuddly. Have I mentioned that she was cuddly?


We got a call on the 23rd with some bad news from Costa Rica. Our house was broken into, our school money was stolen. Worst of all, though, Kiku was hit by a car.


Our neighbors were taking (excellent) care of her, and they tried to get her to the vet, but she died on the way.


So, this is probably the saddest post ever, and I worried about sharing it, but she was kind of around these parts a lot. I can't say I'm looking forward to going back to CR and not finding her, but I'm trying to remind myself she was one happy, happy baby while she was with us.

Friend Friday: Holidays

Dress: Kohl's
Tights: Simply Vera
Socks: Target
Belt: Thrifted
Boots: Nine West
Scarf: Target
Earrings Turkey

Friend Friday! I feel like I haven't participated in one of these in a looong time! But, as long as I'm taking advantage of the library's free wi-fi, I figure I can squeeze this into my schedule. So, this time around, we're doing one of those old school questionnaires that I never could resist.



No holiday party is complete without: a little bling.
My favorite Christmas song/album: Bomba en Navidad by Richie Ray & Bobby Cruz. Clearly, I come from a different Christmas tradition. As far as songs that are more recognizable in the US, I like "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen/We Three Kings" by The Barenaked Ladies
My favorite seasonal recipe: Pernil. It's the best thing that can happen to a pig.
The perfect New Year's Eve outfit includes: some hot shoes.
At the parties, I'll be drinking: water, as usual.
Eggnog, good or bad? I've never had it. I do love coquito, though.
Did you ever take pictures on Santa's lap at the mall? Yep.
Gingerbread Latte or Peppermint Mocha: Neither.


Worst gift I ever got: has never arrived.
Best gift I ever received: a wedding. (B & I got married in Puerto Rico on 27 December 2009)
My family has this weird tradition: We love watching Banco Popular videos at this time of year and remembering Puerto Rico.
My best bargain find for a gift this year: I'm making all my gifts this year, so probably the 69 cent beeswax at the natural grocer.
If I could only buy all my gifts from one place, I'd shop at: Potomac Mills.
Rudolph the Red-nose Reindeer or Frosty the Snowman: Rudolph. I hate snow.
My favorite holiday memory: going back to PR for Christmas and seeing all the decorations. That or waking up on January 6th to see that the Three Kings had been by leaving gifts.
My favorite Christmas movie: A Christmas Story.


The best part about holiday decorations is: the fun lights.
Rip off the wrapping paper or neatly pull off the tape: I neatly pull off the tape and refold the paper.
Miracle on 34th Street or It's a Wonderful Life: I've never watched "It's a Wonderful Life"....
It doesn't feel like the holiday season until: I'm with my family.
All I want for Christmas is: lots of good family time.