This post is in collaboration with Femme Luxe. All opinions are my own.

Remember when I shared, “Fashion Over Fifty!” That post included all kinds of clothing options for the women over fifty (and under fifty too). In that post I showed off t-shirts, some trousers and my parents beautiful backyard.

Then I shared, “Comfy Clothes in my Closet?”  I’m a jeans and T-shirt type of gal. You could also call me a sweat shirt and sweat pants kind a girl. I’ve usually got a ball cap on my head. So comfy clothes is a must!

Now I am thrilled to be partnering again with Femme Luxe to share “My Favorite Dress Up Clothes!” 

Shopping at Femme Luxe is such a treat. The variety of clothing and accessories is vast and the prices are fair. Femme Luxe carries everything from comfy clothes to dress up clothes plus accessories.

I like to have a few dress up clothes in my closet for those times when I’m out meeting new people and trying to make a good impression. Today, I’ve got the place for you to shop to fill up your closet with dress-up clothes.

The black and white polka dot dress is my all time favorite. You can probably tell with all of the pictures. This adorable brown dress is also a super fun find for those hot summer months.

Last week I mentioned new things happening at the Create With Cynthia Shop. Well, soon you’ll find Create With Cynthia in a new location. I’ll be sharing more of that next week.

I’m usually in jeans and a t-shirt, it’s true, but with some upcoming Create With Cynthia changes I thought I better go shopping for some dress up clothes.

A few days ago I posted on Instagram about, “New things coming to the Create With Cynthia website!” Check out that IG post here and don’t forget to follow me!

The lavender top above pairs well with shorts or jeans. It’s a fun t-shirt for this hot summer months. I also grabbed a new sweat shirt and sweat pants as you can never have enough, in my mind.

Many of the links on this blog are affiliate links. CreateWithCynthia.com receives a small commission when certain items are purchased, but the price is the same for you. Thank you for your help in supporting my little space on the internet.

The white jean jacket below is a great cover up for those nights that are a bit chilly. I love wearing it with blue jeans or a little black dress.

May you be inspired to go out there and Create Something that fulfills all of your desires.  

This website is an expression of who I am and what I love to do. My hope is that you’ll be inspired to create with me. On the Create With Cynthia blog and channels you’ll find DIY Home Decor Projects with a Seasonal Flair and Vintage Furniture Makeovers.

No matter your budget, Femme Luxe clothing and accessories has something for you. Don’t forget to pop on over and start shopping.

Now go out there, “get pretty” and Create Something.

Cynthia

The post My Favorite Dress Up Clothes! appeared first on Create With Cynthia.

May reminds me of Mother’s! That special day is coming, the day where we all get to celebrate the Mother in our lives. Today, I am sharing Mother’s Day Gift Ideas and a Story About My Mom! Don’t forget to click on the links. Happy Shopping!

This post is in collaboration with The Vintage Pearl. The Vintage Pearl has an amazing selection of handstamped jewelry. The perfect gift for the special Mother in your life. Some of the photos on this post are courtesy of The Vintage Pearl.

With Mother’s Day just a few weeks away I thought you might be looking for some gift ideas! What I love most about The Vintage Pearl is the personalized jewelry. What a sentimental treat for that special someone in your life. At The Vintage Pearl, each jewelry piece is handcrafted and made just for you! The hand-stamped pieces are made with love and care. Shop the collection now!

This Mother’s Day will mark approximately three months since my Mom passed. Some of you may have saw my post on Facebook where I wrote, “My Dad lost his beautiful bride on Valentine’s Day!”

Sweet Friends, life has been kicking me in the butt. Since I restarted the blog back in 2018 the ride has been bumpy. At times it feels like I’m on a sailboat going back and forth and ever so slowly, making no progress.  All the time wondering if I will ever be where I want to be. In 2020 when the pandemic hit, I knew changes in my life were coming. I sheltered in place, like everyone else, and I started planning my move to the Central Valley. My move back to the Central Valley last July, forced me to pause. Then in 2021 on Valentine’s Day, my Mom passed. The pause that was supposed to be a couple of months, turned longer, and I haven’t written much. Today, being the beginning of May, it felt appropriate to share this “Mother’s Day Gift Guide 2021 and a Story About My Mom.”

My Mom loved flowers and jewelry. She really didn’t wear alot of jewlery but I think as she aged it became more difficult to wear. Flowers always adorned her home and yard. My Mom was a very generous woman. She loved gardening and crafting and baking and giving to others. She really was the perfect Home Maker!

I’ve showed off my parent’s backyard before and you can check it out here. Usually it is full of flowers and blooms this time of year. Unfortunately, as my parents age, the time they spend in the garden has been less. To be honest, there aren’t many flowers blooming in their yard. In fact, just last week my Dad was reminiscing about the impatients he loved planting in the yard. My Mom and Dad’s flower choices have always been different. My Mom loved the impatients, but she also loved Peonies and Hydrangeas and Tulips.

Pausing and reflecting is always important, and on Mother’s Day it’s really the perfect time.

Flowers remind me of Mother’s just like jewelry. What reminds you of your Mother? Last week when I was walking around my Dad’s backyard, this beautiful peony caught my eye. The peony caught my eye because it was one of just a handful of blooms in the yard. My Mom loved peony’s and planted them years ago. Of the many peony plants in her yard, this was the only bloom. It felt sentimental as I strolled through the yard and saw just one peony flowering. One peony bloom on a handful of plants in their yard. Flowers, like jewelry are one of a kind. If you are looking for a one of a kind gift for your Mom, you should check out The Vintage Pearl.

But, just as I posted last week on Instagram, “New things are coming to the Create With Cynthia website.” New things are coming, so be sure to subscribe and follow me, and now let’s start shopping for Mother’s Day!

Mother’s day is about two weeks away and it’s not too late to order your package. If you notice the shipping date is after May 9th, when ordering, just send a card and let Mom know the package is on the way. You can also shop The Vintage Pearl for Dad or the Graduate in your life.

Many of the links on this blog are affiliate links. CreateWithCynthia.com receives a small commission when certain items are purchased, but the price is the same for you. Thank you for your help in supporting my little space on the internet.

I hope that you enjoyed the story about my Mom and the single peony bloom. Check out the Vintage Pearl for ideas and inspiration where you can create a memorable gift for the Mom in your life. If you are a Mom yourself and see things you’d like just forward the post over to the hubby, boyfriend, friend or child.

May you be inspired to go out there and Create Something that fulfills all of your desires.  

This website is an expression of who I am and what I love to do. My hope is that you’ll be inspired to create with me. On the Create With Cynthia blog and channels you’ll find DIY Home Decor Projects with a Seasonal Flair and Vintage Furniture Makeovers. 

Thank you for letting me share about my Mom’s passing, the flowers in her garden and the perfect Mother’s Day Gift Guide from The Vintage Pearl.

Now go out there and Create Something.

Cynthia

The post Mother’s Day Gift Guide 2021 and a Story About My Mom! appeared first on Create With Cynthia.

Many of you know, that I turned 50 years old last September. In less than a month, I’ll be 51 years old, Sweet Friends. I wasn’t sure what life would look like at 50 years old, and this year has been full of changes and transitions, but I am feeling very grateful and blessed.

I am NOT a fashion diva.

I love a good pair of jeans and a t-shirt.

I love wearing comfy clothes.

Occasionally I can pull off putting on a little black dress, but as a Single Mama it just doesn’t happen very often.

This post is in collaboration with Femme Luxe. All opinions are my own.

Fashion at Fifty!

At 50, I’m finding my fashion style is changing. I’m more interested in being comfortable versus worrying about style. I love accessorizing my outfits whether it be with a purse, belt, sandals, glasses or a hat.

Do you find, as you age, that your fashion style changes?

The Grey V-Neck Boxy Loungewear Set – Estelle outfit is so cool and comfy. The weather in Northern California has been so hot and I found this to be the perfect outfit while hanging out by the pool with the pups.

When the pandemic struck in March I did get a little concerned about shopping, like most of us. Although I prefer shopping online, sometimes I just want to go into the store.

Fashion at Fifty!

Shopping the clothing at Femme Luxe has been awesome. Femme Luxe carries a variety of different styles, there prices are affordable and the clothing fits well. It usually takes less than a week and my order has arrived. This small package contained four items.

Most mornings I love to wake up early. Are you a morning person? I find it easiest to plan my outfit the night before. The Black Cuffed Pocket Detail Joggers are so soft and comfortable and perfect for my walk in the mornings. They can also be dressed up with some cute sandals and a pretty top.

The Stone Cargo Slim Fit Trouser has seriously become my new favorite pair of pants. I love all the pockets and they fit and feel comfortable.

The Black “There’s No Place Like Home” T-Shirt is so fitting these days. With the pandemic we’ve not only been forced to shop online, but we’ve been forced to stay home.

Fashion can be fun at any age. Make it your own.

Now go out there and create something.

Cynthia

And just in case you are looking for accessories to add to your collection.

DISCLOSURE

Many of the links on this blog are affiliate links. CreateWithCynthia.com receives a small commission when certain items are purchased, but the price is the same for you. Thank you for your help in supporting my little space on the internet.

The post Fashion over Fifty! appeared first on Create With Cynthia.

Happy Summer, Sweet Friends! That season has finally arrived and I’m so thrilled to be in the heat of it. The boys are out of school and our little family of five is ready for summer adventures. What summer adventures do you have planned this year?

5 Things To Take On Your Summer Adventures!

This year I thought it would be fun to take you along. This year will be different on our Summer Adventures. We are adventuring to Lodi, it will begin a new journey, as one chapter closes and a new one begins.

I love summer, I love the warm weather, swimming in the pool, kayaking on the Lake, and running barefoot in the sand. It’s not that difficult to plan a Summer Adventure but there are 5 Things To Take On Your Summer Adventures. These things, Sweet Friends, are the ones you don’t want to forget.

I grew up in a small town in Northern California called Lodi. Lodi is a city located in San Joaquin County of California, in the center portion of California’s Central Valley. The population is just over 62,000. In the summer the temperatures hit 100’s.

5 Things To Take On Your Summer Adventures!

Whether you are venturing far out into the wild or into town, it’s wise to keep stock of certain things, not just a suitcase full of clothes. These are 5 things you don’t want to forget to take on your Summer Adventure.

#1 – Journal

Years ago, Creedence Clearwater Revival wrote a song about the town. That song, “Stuck in Lodi Again,” by Creedance Clearwater Revival, has always held a place in my heart.

You see, as a child growing up, I didn’t like living in Lodi. The song by Credence Clearwater Revival, “Stuck in Lodi Again,” was a perfect sentiment to how I felt as a kid. 

I set out on the road…

Seekin’ my fame and fortune…

Lookin’ for a pot of gold…

Things got bad things got worse….

I guess you will know the tune…

Oh Lord, stuck in Lodi again

#2 Camera

Remember my Story About 1992? Escaping to San Francisco for college. Here I am all these years later escaping the San Francisco Bay Area back to my roots. I’ll be leaving the Bay Area and moving to Lodi this summer.

I’m not sure why I don’t feel “Stuck in Lodi.” I’m not sure why after all these years, I’m bringing the boys back so that we can begin our Summer Adventures.

Years ago, it was my mission to not be “Stuck in Lodi.”  When college time approached I couldn’t leave fast enough.  I finally escaped Lodi in 1989 with no intentions of ever living there again. It was a resemblance from my escape from cubicle nation. 

But back then, all those years ago, over 20 I might add, I was a different girl. As a young girl, I was shy, insecure, anxious and very introverted. Now, I see Lodi differently. I love the lake, the slow pace of life and the exploring that can be done in this small, not so crowded little town.

#3 Sunscreen

Living in San Francisco and the Bay Area of Northern California has been wonderful.  After high school and escaping to San Francisco and as  I continued through life; marriage, having babies, working the corporate world, I would visit Lodi frequently. 

These days Lodi seems different than it did over all those years ago. But, like I said, I’m different too. I enjoy the pace, I enjoy the history and I enjoy all that Lodi has to offer.

#4 Snacks

My parents have remained in Lodi all these years. My feelings about Lodi, and this small town that I grew up in have changed. Lodi changed and I changed.  I’m not sure really if the town changed but my visits there are more enjoyable. I no longer feel Stuck in Lodi. 

#5 First Aid Kit

This past week the boys and I visited Lodi.  We adventured and enjoyed our time at the Lake.  We made memories that will last forever.  Stand up paddle boarding and kayaking on the lake.  Swimming in the pool, walking the pups and chasing geese.

This year I thought it would be fun to take you along on our adventures. This year our adventures will be different for the Create With Cynthia “Family of Five. Our Summer Adventures are beginning now reconnecting with my home town.

Stay tuned as I tell you more in the upcoming weeks about my adventures in the home buying process. Returning to my roots, returning to my hometown.

Now, go out there and Create Something.

Cynthia

The post Five Things to Take on Your Summer Adventure! appeared first on Create With Cynthia.

I’m a jeans and T-shirt type of gal. You could also call me a sweat shirt and sweat pants kind a girl. I’ve usually got a ball cap on my head. What’s your style?

Whether you like to get dressed up fancy or prefer to be comfy and casual I’ve got the clothes you need in your closet.

This post is in collaboration with Femme Luxe Finery. All opinions are my own and their true.

Comfy Clothes You Need In Your Closet!

I’m a single mom with two teen boys and two pups. We love to be outdoors. Hiking, kayaking and swimming are some of my favorite things to do.  I also love sitting in the stands watching my boys play football, baseball, and basketball. We regularly seek out dog parks on our pastime, as we are pup lovers.

T-shirts are my jam especially when I’m painting a new dresser. The T-shirt collection at Femme Luxe has a full comfy selection.

If I’m not outdoors I’m usually inside DIY something. Almost always I’ve got a paintbrush or glue gun or scissors in my hand. The T-shirt selection and this Jogger set I am wearing is the perfect addition to my active lifestyle.

Most of you know, the Create with Cynthia brand as a Vintage Furniture Makeover and DIY Home Decor with a seasonal flair blog.  That type of activity requires casual and comfy clothes. These are the type of things I’m usually enthralled in.  Comfy clothing is a must. I’ve got the comfy clothing you need in your closet.

Comfy Clothes You Need In Your Closet!

Years ago,  especially when I was in the corporate world, fancy clothing was a must. “Remember my story about 1992?”  I loved getting all corporate world dressed in those days.  

These days, getting dressed up fancy for a dinner out on the town just isn’t part of the season I’m currently in. That’s not to say I can’t put on a little black dress and dance the night away. Let me know if you’re interested. Wink Wink! 

Let’s be honest here, these days dress up clothing just doesn’t happen very often for me.

Snuggling on the couch with the pups in my Loungewear is a morning ritual.

So if you’re like me I’ve got the comfy clothes for your closet. And if you’re not like me, I’ve got the clothes for your closet too. Femme Luxe offers a wide range of clothing options.

I had so much fun cruising the website and choosing some clothes to match my style. I found the ordering and purchasing process super easy. 

The clothes arrived very quickly. The packaging was perfect and I couldn’t wait to try them on.

When I order new clothes online, I don’t always wash my new clothes prior to wearing them but I wanted to see how they held up in the washer. They were equally comfortable before and after the washing machine.

Pop on over to Femme Luxe Finery and check out all the comfy and dress up clothing.

Now go out there and Create Something.

Cynthia

The post Comfy Clothes You Need In Your Closet! appeared first on Create With Cynthia.

The Traveling Teacup arrived at my home! Coffee or tea, it’s always a toss up for me, Sweet Friends. What is your preferred morning beverage? If you’re not following along on the Traveling Teacup Journey, you can start by reading my Sweet Friend Barbara’s post, “The Exciting Beginnings of the Traveling Teacup.”

Three Tips for a Simple Tea Party!

You might be wondering what is the traveling teacup? My Sweet friend Barbara gathered a few friends to participate and the teacup is traveling to each of our homes. Do you love sharing tea with friends? My sweet friend Barbara has a likeness to sharing tea with friends. Since many of her friends are far away, she decided to send a teacup on a journey.

Last week the teacup arrived coming from a Farm in Oregon. I was the second stop on the Traveling Teacups journey. I created an unboxing video, “Watch Me Wednesday, Episode #5 and the Traveling Teacup!” I hope you enjoy the video.

When I saw the opportunity to join the teacup party, I knew I wanted in. I’m not a BIG tea drinker, but I do enjoy drinking tea and reminiscing about old and new friends. So that is exactly what I did when the Traveling Teacup arrived.

Don’t forget to get caught up on stop #1 at Martha’s farm here. Tea with cows, why not? Martha took some beautiful photos of the tea cup on her farm. You really don’t want to miss that picture of her cows trying to get a taste of her tea. It’s so cute.

Tea party’s are so much fun, whether you’re enjoying tea with friends near or far. For this tea party, it was just me and my pups. Oreo and Sofy hanging out whilst I enjoyed my cup of tea over a journal. It was such the perfect opportunity to reminisce over friends new and old.

Although I usually start my morning with a cup of coffee and a journal, writing in my morning pages, today was different. I decided to sit at my old sewing cabinet turned desk, with pups in tow, and enjoy a cup of tea. My journal pages became filled with thoughts of friends old and friends new.

You’re probably thinking, a tea party with pups? WHHHHAAAATTTT? I remember when I was a little girl, setting all of my dolls around the table and having a tea party. I guess this morning was no different.

Tea Parties are really simple. Of course, they can be elaborate if that’s what you choose, but I prefer simple. So, here are my Three Tips for the Perfect Tea Party!

Three Tips for the Perfect Tea Party!

Tip #1

The perfect tea party needs pretty tea cups!

Tip #2

The perfect tea party needs friends. Dolls, pups, cows or real humans all qualify.

Tips #3

The perfect tea party needs to include a tasty type of tea.

Three Tips for a Simple Tea Party!

Tea party’s are so simple yet so much fun! Just remember that the time you spend with your tea is what’s important. Whether you are enjoying your tea with dolls, pups, cows or humans, savor the time.

I hope I’ve inspired you to take a moment and reminisce about your friend old and friends new. Tea parties are so perfect for that.

I’m so baffled by the internet these days and how it has allowed me to meet so many new friends. It’s truly amazing the friendships I have created with people I have never seen in person. Of course, I see them virtually, but it’s really not the same.

Now go out there and Create Something.

Cynthia

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