THE PERFECT WAY TO START THE DAY
Every morning when I get up, I have two little pups waiting on me to feed them. Beckley waits patiently, while Lucy Lu stands outside my bedroom door and whines. She will sit there and whine over and over, till she hears me get up. We never set an alarm clock, I just have an alarm Lucy Lu! Lol!
Almost to the minute, Lucy Lu starts her “alarm” around 6:00 a.m. I can smell the coffee making, (it has a timer that I set at night), as I walk down the hall. I really should say that I stumble down the hall, because I am having to dodge Lucy Lu as she dances around my feet. She is taking her life in her hands since I am not fully awake at that time. I go feed the little munchkins, and then go get me a cup of coffee. I sit down and do a morning devotion, and then it is time to take the dogs out and let them have a potty break. I admit, this is a time of the day I absolutely love.
The dogs run all over the yard, and I go and sit in one of the rocking chairs that is on the front porch. It is so quite and peaceful, with only a few cars passing by. My view is the mountains that are in front of my house, and I will scan the mountains and ledges for signs of deer. Occasionally, I will see 3 or 4 deer walking and eating, and I can usually hear a woodpecker, an owl, and sometimes a turkey. This is the perfect way to start the day.
It doesn’t take long before the realities of the day set in, but I try to maintain as long as possible my zen-like mood. Do any of you have morning rituals that calm you and get you ready to face the day? Several of you have commented that you read my blog with your morning coffee, so I know that we have a few coffee drinkers. Do you have devotions, listen to music, surf the internet, cook, etc? Most of those would calm me, all except for the cooking, I am not one who enjoys cooking. And I really hate the cleaning up part. Haha
Today’s outfit is relaxed. The top is a cold shoulder style, but I also think it falls in the category of a poncho. It is basically a rectangle, with a V cut out for the head, and then sewn up the sides. That doesn’t sound nearly as nice as calling it a poncho. This shirt is by A. Byer, and I really like the style of this shirt. It is loose, so it hides a multitude of tummy issues. It has a little sex appeal with the cold shoulder look, so I say this is a win-win type top.
Cold Shoulder Top: Similar | XOXO | Alfani (s – xxl) | Plus 
Today’s necklaces are both from Chloe & Isabel. The shorter one is the Mirabelle Petite Collar and the longer one is Atlas Convertible Statement Necklace. I really like both of these necklaces, and I have the matching earrings to the Mirabelle and the matching cuff bracelet to the Atlas.
This is another cuff bracelet from Chloe & Isabel. It is called the Capri Statement Cuff, and I have the matching necklace also. I wear this bracelet and necklace set often, it is one of my favorites. If you wish to purchase anything from Chloe & Isabel, be sure to type Tania Stephens (me) in the Find A Merchandiser slot.
This bracelet is not from Chloe & Isabel, but by Plunder Design. It is one of the specials they are offering till they sell out. You will not find this bracelet in the catalogs. It is called the Eunice, and I have the matching earrings on order. The easiest way to purchase from Plunder through me, is to type in the URL line, www.plunderdesign.com/taniastephens That will take you to my boutique, and it should say you are shopping with Tania Stephens to the right. 
You can see how the humidity plays havoc with my camera. I am going to start setting the camera outside on my porch as I walk through to decide on which shoes to wear. By the time I pick out my shoes, put them on, and grab a purse, it should be acclimated to the temperature. Cross your fingers. Lol! I am carrying my hot pink leather tote from Vera Bradley. I don’t know why it is so hard to find online. It is called the Ella, and there are a couple different size available. Mine is the medium size, which is still really large.
Vera Bradley Tote: Turquoise | Floral (small) | Navy or Plum
These wedge shoes are by Nine and Co., and I purchased them last year. I think I got them at the QVC outlet store, but I am not sure. I like the look of this t-strap, but I really like the zip-up feature in the back. It makes them easy to put on.
Wedge T-Strap: Similar | Similar | Similar
I just about forgot my pants! You definitely don’t want me to forget my pants. Haha This is an old pair of Pixie Pants from Old Navy. I usually wear white with this top, but I thought I would be a little different today. Most of you tell me you wear black all the time, so for you, you should wear white. It is all about trying something a little different. I never knew so many people were afraid of color until I started this blog. Lol!
Pixie Pants: Talls, Regular, & Petites | Plus
Now, to start the day. I am off to meet whatever the day will bring. If I start to get stressed, and I will, I am just going to close my eyes and think about the front porch.
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Love hearing about the devotional! Very encouraging? Am new to your site and love your blog. Love your fashion! I am also a 50 something and need all the help I can get! Happy shopping! Love the outfit!
I looooove that top, Tania.
Yeah, my house runs on coffee and Jesus. 🙂 Have a fabulous day!
~Aly~
Great outfit. When I wake up I’m in a zombie state until I finish my first cup of coffee. I purposely get up at least 45 min before anyone else because I really can’t tolerate people until the caffeine kicks in.
My best relaxation activity is cleaning. It’s such a stress reliever. Whenever I’m mad or upset you’ll find me scrubbing something. In fact, if my kids see me cleaning like a fiend, they know to make themselves scarce. ?
Tania I found your blog by accident and I’m so happy I did! I love your style.I get up at 4am I have a very senior (18 years) dog who can’t wait much later to go out. I then have my breakfast and prepare for my daily run at 5:30. That is when I have my devotional time. I eat , run, pray. ?
It is so nice to wake upp like that! Each morning my two cats wake me up. One is lying on top of me, starts washing my face, and then bites in my face . Real hard! Terrible, haha. That s a great top you are wearing, I like the colors.
I am only in my early 40s but I love your blog. I know look at each day as a blessing and have decided to be more put together with my outfits, hair and makeup. I went one day last week without doing hair or makeup of any kind and wow I just felt so blah all day. Reading your blog gives me inspiration to continue to put forth effort and to age gracefully and have a blast doing it. I start each day with you and my coffee before the busy life begins.
You are at that age where we really have to watch not to get lazy in our style. Life takes over sometimes, and we put ourselves on the back burner. I am glad that you are taking hold of your style, before it gets too out of control. Lol!
Love the outfit and your mornings sound so peaceful! I’m near Savannah GA and I love to visit the mountains, my husband and I go every year to Tennessee.
I love your outfit especially the top! You put jewelry together so well. I keep trying to replicate your outfits!
My morning ritual involves two cats who also wait for me to feed them, hot tea instead of coffee, and reading email- particularly your blog! I am a retired teacher so I get to have a slow morning most of the time now and don’t have to get up as early. I have to say that retirement is great!! Trying to figure out a retirement wardrobe has been challenging tho!
We just returned from a long weekend at a B&B and oh, how those mornings were luxurious! Fresh coffee, a breakfast to die for, and lots of great talk with others. Now, it’s back to reality where I’ll be the master of my own breakfast tomorrow, after feeding the cats who must come first Thank goodness Hubbie goes to worst first so is out of the ‘kill’ zone in the kitchen. I’m not a morning person so it takes lots of coffee! My usual morning is rolling out of bed, checking FB for your cheerful blog, sipping coffee and keeping cat paws off the keyboard!
I adore the top you’re wearing and wish it was still available. It is so flattering on you! I have yet to buy a cold shoulder top and that is one I will be on the look-out for!
I love that top! Way to experiment! Doggies are so cute to wake up to.
Can I email you? Have several ?’s
Of course you can. Email me at fiftyisnotold@gmail.com
Love you blog today. You are ‘lookin good’ in this ensenble. Love the poncho top…would love it (where did you purchse and was it recently??). Thanks.
I am not really sure. I thought I might have bought it earlier this spring at Belk, but I am not sure that is a line they carry. If I didn’t get it there, then I can’t remember.
I check Belk and they do carry that line; however couldn’t find this poncho. Must have been a spring
style and they’re sold out. No one else seems to have it either. Thank you so much for responding
to my question. You win the prize!!
Always love your colorful outfits & how you layer your necklaces. It looks so effortless! I love the early morning, especially the cool spring & fall ones! My morning ritual is to get the coffee going (I’m on a Green Mountain Wild Blueberry kick), and sit down to do my devotions. However, I need to get up especially early every other Monday, Thursday & Friday, as we have 2 little munchkins in the form of a just turned 3 year old granddaughter (your little blond granddaughter reminded me so much of our Mia, a “Threenager” my daughter calls her), and our 5 month old Baby Frank. Once they arrive, I can throw all routine out the window! During the school year, we get our other 2 grandchildren, ages 5 & 7 and who live a path through the woods away, on and off the school bus. So let’s just say, I like a morning ritual, but….it sometimes gets blown out of the water!
Oh my goodness! You are blessed and probably tired!!! Haha I know when mine are around, I am exhausted. Happy, but exhausted. ?
The past year has brought huge changes in my life, and your blog has been a great source of comfort and inspiration to me. Thank you for faithfully posting every day.
Thank you so much, Kathe!
Love this outfit, every bit of it! You’ve styled it perfectly.
Hi Tania!
Very pretty outfit, flatters you ?
I’m so a morning girl, always have been. I’m on summer vacation for another week n a half and gonna enjoy every minute of what’s left LOL! My ritual is waking up as the sun is barely coming up, taking my doggie out, getting coffee, and indulging in daily spiritual readings that bring me closer to God. My kitchen door is open and the sounds of various birds n wind chimes is so comforting.
Once school starts I’m back to weekend rituals and serenity ?
Enjoy your week Tania!!
I have the WELSH terrier alarm clock, never lets us over sleep! Cute outfit & love hearing about the mountains!
???
Love this outfit!!
Early morning is my favorite time of day. I usually walk or do some other type of exercise outdoors before the worst of the heat sets in, then meditate and pray. I also love to make a cup of tea or coffee and watch the sunrise.
I love this top – you always look great! Enjoy your blog!
Hi what would you wear to a casual family reunion picnic being held at a park. I am also always bottoms and shoe challenged.
If it outside and hot, then I would wear ankle pants or shorts with a flowy top. A t-shirt is nice also, but if the top is flowy, it won’t stick to you in the heat. Flat sandals are usually my go-to shoe in the summer. Especially if it is hot and you might me doing a lot of walking.
Love the top!
Cute outfit! My morning ritual during the work week is to shower and then head downstairs for a cup of tea or coffee (coffee is more toward the end of the week … HA!) and snuggle in on my favorite corner of the couch with my Bible, devo book, laptop and journal. Hubby has already headed out, so it’s just me. I love this time. On Saturdays during warmer months, I like to have my quiet time out on the patio if it’s daylight by then. 🙂
Love this outfit!
Love the morning quiet! IT’s my favorite time of day! I get up, feed the dogs, let them out, eat breakfast, and then have my devotions with a cup of coffee. Love the outfit, too!
Sounds pretty much like my mornings, except I don’t eat breakfast that early. I am lucky if I get to eat at all, sometimes I just go straight to lunch.
Love your top Tania – super pretty colours and the open sleeves are a nice feature.
Have a happy Monday.
xx Yvonne
I enjoy your post. Loved the Sunday one and you look lovely. Your style is spot on!!!
I also have 2 little dogs who “need” my attention first thing in the morning! I start my day off taking care of them plus a devotion. I do love your top!
Nice look for you with all the accessories. Morning is my favorite time of the day as I have my ritual as well. I have my alone time with God by praying, reading my Bible, doing a Bible study and many times just sit in the quiteness (everyone is still asleep as I get up before the chickens) and I try to “be still” and let God speak to me as I tend to be the one always speaking. Oh yeah, since I now have subscribed to your blog, I thoroughly enjoy adding this to my morning routine along with my coffee. Enjoy your day. ~Lisa~
I tend to do all the talking too Lisa. I am not good at being still, and I sure don’t get up with the chickens. Unless they sleep till 6 or 6:30. Haha
Love love this outfit ?