List of Things Women Should NEVER Apologize For

As I'm fast approaching thirty, I've been doing some reflecting on the person I've grown into, and the things I want to take with me into the next thirty years. One thing I wish I would have taken to heart as a younger woman is, unless you have really hurt someone, you don't have to apologize for anything you do.  Not everyone is going to be happy with the decisions you make, and not everyone is going to agree with you.  So who cares?  I'm still working on the not caring part, but I do find that as I get older, I require the approval of others less and less - and I like that.  In the spirit of wisdom gained and wisdom shared, here is my list of things a girl should never apologize for:

1. Winning - This includes sports, promotions, and bets, to name a few.  Ladies, if you earned it, you shouldn't be apologetic for your victory.  Take it gracefully and own it.  Do you think a new CEO's first objective is to apologize to everyone else who didn't get the job?

2. Turning Someone Down for a Date - Just because he/she asked, doesn't mean you are expected to say yes.  When you turn a person down, he/she doesn't want your sympathy.  Just say no (kindly) and move on.  You don't owe an explanation on why that person isn't worthy of your company and you certainly don't have to apologize.

3. Having a Difference of Opinion - Not agreeing with a friend or colleague is nothing to be sorry about.  Offer your view (gently, if needed) and let it stand.  Stammering and back-tracking only chips away at how someone perceives the validity of your statement.  If you believe in what you said, stand your ground.

4. Things You Like - Short of having a preference for something truly terrible like child pornography,  there's no reason to say you're sorry about liking something off-beat, strange, or even "too pedestrian."  Example: I am a fan of Mariah Carey and I don't care what people think of me for loving the shit out of her voice.  That woman has a powerhouse set of pipes and you all know it, whether you like her or not.

If My Girlfriends Were Shoes: Alexis Edition

get the shoes

Alexis is one of my nearest and dearest.  We've gone through a lot together and between study sessions in Mission Gardens, crying our eyes out at the marina in Barcelona, and somewhere in there becoming responsible adults, we've gotten ever closer.  She reminds me of a spangly gold stiletto sandal.  Classy dinner or party all night, Alexis is up for it and always has a great time.  She's leading tomorrow's generation by day, but after the students are out of sight she knows how to let loose.  Catch her in the right mood and she just might take you up on that crazy dare!

Happy Weekend!

image from grey goose

Tonight I'm going to kick off the evening with a couple of my favorite ladies who I just don't see enough.  My grand plan is lemony fizzy cocktails and a two-dollar manicure.  Helloooo long weekend!

DBC Weekend

What a weekend!  It was DBC-tastic.  Kate, our San Francisco outfit, was in town Thurs night through Sunday evening for some quilty fun, but we didn't limit it to just sewing.  We spent all day Saturday up in the Skagit Valley with the Seattle moms enjoying the annual Tulip Festival.  I thought I'd take you on a little floral parade through the highlights...

...and of course a group photo of the DBC members.  Poor Kate and Abby were trying to stay as dry as possible. I, on the other hand, felt invincible in my rain jacket and boots.

What DBC reunion would be complete without a fabric store excursion.  We visited The Quilting Loft and Fabric Crush where we picked up some beauts.  Here's my loot:

Sunday was absolutely gorgeous, so we spent the morning photographing our finished quilts to be uploaded onto our etsy shop.  We still have to edit down, but here's a sneak preview of our hard work:

That's Kate looking positively nautical on our dock.  She's such a great quilt model.  A couple of hours later we relaxed on that same dock with barbecued chicken and a few Mexican bottled beers.  The sunburn on my shoulders was totally worth it.

Celebrating the Day: Office Attire

 My girlfriends and I are divided between Washington and California (and currently Costa Rica too!) and don't get to see each other every day, so in our emails to one another we'll often give the fashion update.  Mostly we want to know how the ladies have incorporated personal style into a workable solution that's also appropriate for her conservative office environment.  Today, as a special treat, I'm giving you a pictorial fashion update.  As you can see I've dressed festively today, but kept it classic and very office appropriate.  May the luck o' the Irish be with you! (I can say that because I'm 1/16 Irish myself)

sources: pearls, shirt, skirt, belt, shoes, shamrock