Spins the grin

Back In Action: In Real Life

As noted in the title of this post, I’m back in action and have resumed nearly all of my usual pre-surgery activities. I even made it to a yoga class this past week (my first one in over a year) although the poses that put a lot of tension on the abdomen I must approach cautiously. I have plans for this weekend to try an easy-does-it weight resistance workout and ease myself back into a regular workout schedule.

Another activity for me to still get back to is tap dancing, which I had dropped back in March. Between a busy workload at my day job and my mother’s deteriorating health, I was finding it hard to make it to the classes. The dance studio is closed right now for its end of the summer break but I’ll be back to hoofing after the Labor Day weekend.

And lastly, I’m back in action at my day job. I’ve eased back into the routine by working only three days the first week and four days this past week. It’s been fun to reacquaint myself with my work wardrobe now that my abdomen is much flatter which means that my figure is a bit different. In the last week or so that I was off from work, I did find a few opportunities to do some shopping, both retail and resell. It’s the best way that I know to test and build up one’s stamina. This white blouse (which I previously shared in my jumpsuit work look in my last Up Down All-Round post) was a resell find that I know I will be wearing a lot.

These cropped pants were featured previously in Leopard Pants And A Little Black Jacket: Up Down All-Around and I wear them quite regularly all year round. It’s hard to believe how much I hesitated in buying them initially.


Blouse – J Jill, thrifted (similar look, another option)
Pants – Old Navy, (nearly exact)
Necklace – Chico’s, no longer available (nice option, another choice)
Sandals – Nine West, no longer available (similar look, another option)
Tote – Merona, old (similar look, another option)

Even though these photos are posed, I actually wore this outfit to work this past Wednesday. Normally, I’d usually wear a jacket or a cardigan as my “completer” or third piece but the weather in So Cal is still very warm in mid-August (go figure, it is summer after all) so I opted for a bold necklace instead. It is one of a few that I bought back in June from Chico’s when they were running an incredible sale online. The strappy sandals were a clearance find at DSW earlier this year and the tote has been a workhorse in my wardrobe for a number of years.

Let’s Wrap This Up

Now, onto the Fine-Whatever link up for this week. My featured contributor from the last link up is Claire at Claire Justine. I often pick my featured blogger because they were new to my link up, as is the case with Claire. Though not new to blogging, this self-described over-40 lifestyle blogger has been sharing her passions for fashion, food, fitness, and family for nearly six years. I’ve enjoyed reading through her blog and you will too if you’re not yet one of her followers.

In my last post, I mentioned that I’ve got some new stuff planned for the blog that I’ll be rolling out in the next few weeks. I’ve decided to switch up a couple of the recurring themes for the Fine-Whatever link up. I’m keeping with floral for week 1 and Up Down All-Around for week 2, but I’m dropping the current themes for weeks 3 and 4 and new themes for those weeks will start in September. You’ll get a heads-up on each of those new themes a week ahead of time.  Another added feature to the blog will be a new mid-week link up.  More information on that link up and its launch will happen in a couple of weeks.

My back in action schedule for the blog that I’ve mapped out for the next few months is a bit stepped up from my recent activity. I have enough topics and material planned out that I will be publishing three posts a week and I’ll try to make it interesting reading.

Let’s connect! Subscribe, tweet, follow, friend, love, pin … all options are available and waiting for you. I look forward to hearing from you. And don’t forget to add a post or two to the link up.

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40 Comments

  1. Amy Johnson

    Glad you’re feeling better and able to get back into your regular life. You look great in this button down shirt!

    • Rena Post Author

      Thank you, Amy. It is a great feeling to back to normal.

  2. Jodie

    I’m so glad you’re doing so well, Rena!!! And these pants?? The best proof ever!! You kinda know you’re feeling back to snuff when you’re sporting leopard pants!! At least that’s how I see it!!
    XOOX
    Jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

    • Rena Post Author

      Jodie, you are so right about leopard print pants. There are times that I wear them just because I know they will lift my mood and make me look fierce (LOL).

  3. Marilee Gramith

    Wow Rena! You’ve planned a pretty demanding schedule for yourself, but I’m thinking that’s a sign that you’re ready to tackle your life again. HOORAY!! Perhaps “fine whatever” doesn’t really fit anymore? I know that feeling. Let’s be sure to share some thoughts about that in October OK?
    You look so chique in this outfit. It’s sophisticated but fun at the same time and I especially like the colored beads. Although you’ve had more than your share of stressful challenges in recent months you look refreshed and happy and I’m so thrilled to see that!!

    • Rena Post Author

      Hooray indeed. I hope that I haven’t bitten off more than I can chew.

    • Rena Post Author

      Amy, thank you and I’m glad that you like the outfit. I hope that you have a great weekend as well.

  5. shelbeeontheedge1

    You are looking just as fabulous as ever, my friend! I loved those pants when you posted them before and still love them equally so! They are going to be super cute styled for fall, too. I look forward to seeing what you have planned for your blog and upcoming posts. I am just plotting out a blogging schedule myself and may be posting even more often than my current 3-4 times a week. Although I don’t want to actually commit to that and get overwhelmed. But seeing as I don’t have another job and the kids will be back at school shortly, I will have the time to post more frequently. Have a wonderful weekend, Rena, and I am so glad to see you back at it!

    Shelbee
    http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com

    • Rena Post Author

      Thank you, Shelbee. One of the great things about these pants is how well they still look after countless wearings and multiple washings. I hope that I can meet the expectations for upcoming posts that my hype may set. As for your own schedule, remember that there is life besides blogging so be careful to not over do it.

  6. Andrea@WellnessNotes

    I’m glad that you are able to get back to a lot of things! You look fabulous! I love the pants. They look great with the white shirt & that beautiful necklace! I used to work out at a gym that was next to a Chico’s, and I often stopped in and looked at their jewelry on clearance. I acquired quite the collection at the time…

    Thanks for the link up & have a great weekend!

    • Rena Post Author

      Thank you, Andrea. I, too, have quite a collection of jewelry from Chico’s even without the convenience of having one nearby.

  8. Kathy Terry

    I’m relieved that you’re doing well. Just thought I’d let you know that I was inspired to order the Old Navy leopard pants, and a cute sueded Moto jacket at the same time.

    • Rena Post Author

      Kathy, thank you and I’m so delighted to know that I’ve inspired you to get the leopard pants. You won’t regret the purchase. I think I need to check out the Moto jacket and see if I need one too.

    • Rena Post Author

      Anna, thank you for the lovely compliment and I’m glad that you liked the look.

  12. Nancy

    You must be a very strong woman, picking your life up this quick! Very good!

    • Rena Post Author

      Thank you, Nancy. As one strong woman to another, I appreciate your support and encouragement.

    • Rena Post Author

      Too cool. I’ve rarely met another Rena. Thanks for dropping by and commenting.

  14. Patti

    It’s so great to see you looking well, and to read about all your activities that are ramping up. You have a lot of strength, and lot of people who care about you too – Of course the ones at home, and there are many of us out here in the blogosphere who have been thinking about you a lot. xox

    -Patti
    http://notdeadyetstyle.com

    • Rena Post Author

      Thank you, Patti. I’ve been most appreciative of all of the support and encouragement that has been shared with me. You’ve been in my thoughts as well and I hope to see you in October.

  15. Jennie

    So good to hear you are easing back into activities and work, Rena. I have to say the tap class sounds fun – I am sure you are looking forward to starting back with it soon. Those leopard cropped pants are beyond fab and look wonderful with your white shirt and bright necklace! I am with you on the heat – it is August in the south and I don’t want to even think about fall attire.

    • Rena Post Author

      Jennie, it’s good to be resuming my life when I wasn’t so sure how I’d be at this point. Isn’t leopard a wonderful print to work with and style? It’s a neutral that doesn’t look like a neutral.

  19. Laura B

    I love the animal print pants! They definitely are a neutral that goes with everything.

  21. Ada

    I am glad you are feeling better after your surgery. You look so elegant and lively in this outfit. Leopard and white couldn’t have been styled better. Great necklace, too!

    Welcome by Thursday and don’t forget to linkup with me pretty lady. Have a great rest of the week!! Ada =)