Having lunch with my sweet friend, Erin, was certainly a highlight this week. :)  I just loved catching up between 20 questions and several hundred giggles!  And wasn’t I surprised to see her walk in with the cutest zebra-print top?  Adorable, as always. :)  Yes, we totally shopped on the same safari!

This cheetah blouse, an amazing deal for only $9.00 at 1/2 of 1/2, is one of my favorites.  Accompanied by flowing $10.00 shorts from Marshalls and these patent Mary Jane spectator pumps, I was able to keep comfortable and cool as our Tanzanian-type temperatures continue to soar!

With all of the different prints in the stores this coming season, which ones drive you wild? 🙂

MsMona

Whenever I see or wear this turquoise blue color, I feel happy and relaxed (oh, and really tan).  Maybe it’s from growing up in San Diego.  I remember wading in the ocean during family picnics at the beach every summer.  Or, how I would float lazily in my friend’s pool, talking about boys while soaking up some much needed Vitamin D. :)  Aaah, good times…

Now it’s about meeting up with the Girls and enjoying a night of networking!  This $9.00 Hawaiian-inspired blouse from 1/2 of 1/2 (complete with shell accents) was exactly what I needed for a luau themed event with the North Texas Chamber.  Check out my pals Lynn, Misty, Erin and Laura above – aren’t they gorgeous? :)  Lots of food, fun and met some friendly new faces!  Then I stopped by Laura Morlando’s “Stress Commando Spa Night” for some beauty/style tips and a small amount of retail therapy.  Just a few bits and baubles…

OK, if I can look like Ms. Morlando using BeautiControl instead of Photoshop, I might have to invest!  What types of beauty products do you swear by? 🙂

MsMona

(Thanks Clif and Misty for the photos!)

I’m so proud of my friend, Patti Carey, for opening up her new “feel good” place in Plano!  Patti does acupuncture, and she has a new massage therapist, too.  So soothing after a long day of shopping…:)

Speaking of shopping – I’m so lucky I got to put on this swirly Bisou Bisou romper from JC Penney!  Found at one of my favorite after-season clearance sales, this one piece is exactly what I need to work during our triple-digit summer:  simple, stylish and around $20.00!  Hot sale, cool prices!

If you work outside the home, what types of summer styles do you get to wear?

MsMona

I’ve always loved them together, but after seeing hundreds of people proudly wear this color combo for Angel, well, I’m completely obsessed now!  Just look at all of these fun finds! 🙂

Check out resale store Clothes Mentor in Plano and accessories at Charming Charlie in Allen.  Can you believe everything shown here is under $20.00?!  No more excuses…now you CAN find something cute in pink and orange. 🙂

What other combination is your summer favorite?

MsMona

Wondering where Ms. Mona has been?  Off with my beautiful Survivor Sisters, celebrating one of our own. 🙂

Miss Angel, President of our Pink Band of Sisters, passed away on July 23rd.  She was a breast cancer survivor, then took on the challenge of a pediatric leukemia, found in only 1% of adults.  She was a fighter, since the day she was born.  I wouldn’t put it past her to be sidling up to St. Michael the Archangel, shiny new sword in hand – “Hey Babe, bring on the battle!”

The Sisters threw a fun, intimate 40th Earthly Birthday party for Angel last week.  You see, our sweet girl was just five days shy of the big 4-0…so basically, she’ll forever be in her 30’s!  How cool is that?! :)  We donned our cutest Pink & Orange outfits to support Angel, her family, and each other.  At her weekend memorial we handed out hundreds of Pink/Orange combo ribbon pins to match the sea of guests at the church!  Wow, I just know she was up there beaming with pride.

Angel was always the advocate.  As an athlete and cancer warrior, she participated in numerous events such as Komen’s Race for the Cure.  I am so proud that we also co-created our October “Survivor Sisters Fashion Show”, which brings many new survivors out to enjoy a day of pampering and a walk down the runway. :)  One of my favorite memories was watching Angel get all dolled up before showtime.  So out of her norm, but she knew she looked GOOD!

I miss my friend.  I’ll miss her big warm hugs.  I’ll think about her giggles after a silly joke.  I know she’ll be with us at every fashion show and Sisters event.  Most importantly, I feel safe knowing there’s another angel watching over us as we continue the fight against cancer.  My very special Angel, who will always have my back.

MsMona