Hello there friends.  It has been such a mixed bag of circumstances this week, all in all I'm glad it's coming to a close.  I am really trying to find something positive each and every day because there is always something to be thankful for and as I look back I am grateful for time spent in the garden.  I did a little bit of weeding and pulling of plants past their prime and I even started planning what I want to put in the ground as the weather cools down a bit.

I told you last post that I have been spending time sprucing up our home and I thought I better show you a few pictures before things get changed up for fall...did I actually say that out loud or am I still wishing it to myself?


I know there are some summer lovers out there but Autumn and all it's pumpkin spiciness can't come

When I left the work force nearly four years ago, after working outside the home for nearly 30 years and dreaming of being a stay at home mom, I had a good idea of how I wanted to live my life.  But then reality set in, life happened, time passed and before I knew it my life had little resemblance to the one I had intended on pursuing all those years ago.


Part of that was life throwing me curve balls that I had no control over, but another part of it was me

A repost from New Years 2016 and a reminder to myself just why I blog...

Well that didn't last long...

It seems this little space is not easily forgotten or replaced and actually a form of therapy in my otherwise crazy world.  A place where I can share thoughts and ideas that are not immediately met with skepticism or criticism due to their very unlikely, impractical, pie in the sky ways (at least not to my face anyways). 

We dreamers need an audience that isn't so big on realism and actual finishes, one that will

Good morning!  How are you?  I am feeling so good and refreshed and excited and relieved and recharged and a bit tired but in the best sort of way.

Good morning my friends.  It's hard to believe that it's only been a week since we last visited but it has.  So much has happened to me internally and I have been looking forward to this post all week but now suddenly I am staring at a blank screen wondering where in the world to start.  Don't worry, I won't start at the beginning, ha, ha!


If you've been following me on facebook or instagram (it's just easiest share bite size nuggets on

Hello there!  Grab a cup of something hot and sit a while this is going to be a long one...

If you receive my newsletter (and open it up, lol) you read my words on "something's got to give". The last couple of weeks I have been feeling a bit overwhelmed by lots of individual things but mostly by life in general. I am feeling like I have lost the joy in life's everyday beauty...like I've lost me.  So I knew it was time to slow down and regroup, which is what I'm doing right now.


I don't know how that looks for you but I thought I'd try and share what it looks like for me.

Once we hit mid summer and the days are long and the air is heavy with heat, I begin to look for ways to freshen up our home that don't require much effort or movement.  One of my favorite things to do is to bring in fresh flowers, either from the garden or from the grocery store or a combination of both.  Lately I've been playing around with monochromatic floral arrangements because they are so easy to put together and they add so much charm to any room.  They are definitely worth the splurge.


I will usually start by walking the garden to see what (if anything) is blooming.  Today I happened to

I love today's outfit.  It is one of my all time favorite looks and if you visit my fashion pinterest board you will see several versions of this same outfit...denim and lace.  In today's case, distressed denim and white lace.


Isn't this white lace top pretty?  I found it on an impromptu stop at Goodwill last week for $5.95.  The

Grab something to drink, this is going to be a long one...

When I plan out my blogging editorial calendar each month I always leave Saturdays open knowing that I want my chatting with you to be current news.  Each week my hope is that these visits will be encouraging words between friends, but today my heart is heavy and I struggled to find something positive to talk about.


As the events across the country have unfolded and without taking a stand on the individual things

It's been awhile since I shared a pinterest inspired outfit with you so I thought I'd do that today.  Truth be told most of my outfits are pinterest or blog inspired in one way or another every day, but today I'll share with you the actual pin and what I came up with as my.interpretation of the look


Today I'm styling white jeans and a black sheer blouse based on inspiration I found on my pinterest

For the longest time I have been trying to figure out what to do with the wall space at the end of our living room where it meets the sliding glass door.  It is an odd area where two walls meet to form a corner.  It's basically dead space with no real purpose but since it's visible as you enter the room I want whatever I hang there to be eye catching.  I've tried several different options already but haven't been ecstatic with any of them.

via pinterest

I love a good gallery wall and am thinking a gallery grouping might be perfect there.  With all the

I met a couple of my girlfriends for breakfast and a little life catch up conversation last week at a local restaurant.  It had been a while since we got together and it felt really good to see them and to hear how their families are doing.  I have always enjoyed the company of women so these times are really important to me.


These particular friends and I have know each other for many years so they would not have batted an

In between all the hustle and bustle of helping my daughter to move out this week I've been busy making lists of things I'd like to do here at home.  I thinks it's important to rethink how your rooms are functioning for your family every once in a while.  As our family dynamics (and even interests) change, the way we use our home changes as well.


For instance, how I use my studio space has changed a number of times over the years depending on

Woo-hoo we made it.   It's been hard earned and a long time coming but we are on the starting end of a long summer weekend that hopefully involves lot's of good food and second helpings of dessert! Even though we don't have any big plans to do anything special I am still ready to celebrate.

Before we light any fireworks I thought I would catch you up on the happenings around here and then you can do the same with me.


On the decorating front... I did decide on carpet for the master bedroom so now I just need to return

If you follow me on instagram (which I invite you do) I shared how much I am loving the embroidery trend this season.  I think it adds such a fun playfulness to an ordinary t-shirt or anything else for that matter.  And this one from Loft that I'm wearing (same) has the added bonus of fringe ties in the front which is another favorite trend of mine.



I am always looking for ways to bump up my usual uniform of jeans and a t-shirt and details like

At least it's dry heat...That's what we usually say around here when the weather hits near triple digits. But not yesterday, we had a whopping 35% humidity and trust me, that's a lot for us Southern California desert dwellers.

It is hot, hot, hot here in Southern California and higher temperatures mean sleeveless tops are in full play.  I know, I know, sleeveless is not always the best look for those of us over 50 but I have been stepping out of my comfort zone and trying on a few different styles to find ones that are a bit more forgiving of my...ahem..mature arms.


I found this pretty blue floral paisley blouse (similar) at Loft.  Even though the top is relatively

Good morning.  I'm sitting here in my favorite place to ponder, our annual garden.  This sweet spot is tucked in the rear of our backyard where there are a couple of new shade trees offering a respite from the afternoon heat.  It's the perfect place for planning and reflection.


Our vacation was less than a week but it seems like I've been away for a long time (both from here

Early Summer Wardrobe Challenge -Ten Items/Ten Outfits
Bonus Day 11 - Skinny Jeans and Patterned Short Sleeve Top

And you thought we were done with this series.  I know I said today would be the recap day but I noticed that I had one more outfit that I styled but didn't share so we are calling it Bonus Day 11.


This time I paired my curvy skinny blue jeans (same) with the peach peplum top (similar) and blue

Early Summer Wardrobe Challenge -Ten Items/Ten Outfits
Day 10 - Skinny Jeans and Patterned Short Sleeve Top

Early Summer Wardrobe Challenge -Ten Items/Ten Outfits
Day 9 - Skinny Jeans and Patterned Short Sleeve Top

After 33 years of marriage dates night tend to happen on the spur of the moment and there isn't a lot of time for planning outfits so it's always good to have a couple of go to essentials that you know look cute together.


Of course my white straight jeans are at the top of my list because they dress up and down so easily.

Good morning. Just a quick post to say hello from the airport headed North to the beautiful Oregon coast for a mini family reunion of sorts.  I'm leaving behind our first heatwave of the summer and arriving to rain with the promise of sun in the next couple of days. Trust me I'm not complaining.


It was a little sad packing without my furry companion stressing at the sight of my suitcase. I'm

Early Summer Wardrobe Challenge -Ten Items/Ten Outfits
Day 8 - Shorts and Solid T-shirt

Let's be honest, there are some days when throwing on a pair of shorts and a t-shirt is as good as it's going to get.  But that doesn't necessarily mean sloppy.


A pretty colored shirt and stylish shorts are just as easy to slip into as your old grubbies and if you find the right ones, they can be just as comfortable.

Early Summer Wardrobe Challenge -Ten Items/Ten Outfits
Day 7 - Skinny Jeans and Patterned Short Sleeve Top

We made it to Thursday in one piece and that feels like quite an accomplishment.  One more day and we have the whole weekend to look forward to and I for one am going to savor every minute of it.


Can you believe we are on day seven of this Early Summer Wardrobe Series?  I wasn't sure about today's outfit but as it turns out it is one of my favorites.  It has been a little cool in the mornings and

It's Wednesday and that means it's time to post on whatever non fashion related subject I choose.

Today I want to talk about craft posts.  Specifically my five most popular craft posts.  I know this is primarily a fashion blog now but I have been crafting in one way or another my whole life and deep down I will always be a crafter at heart.  As much as I love fashion, (and I do love fashion) I will always love to make pretty things.


So here's a peek at the top 5 posts I have written on crafting...

Early Summer Wardrobe Challenge -Ten Items/Ten Outfits
Day 6 - White Jeans and Patterned T-shirt

We are still experiencing June gloom here in Southern California with the highs only in the 70's and it's getting a little old.  I miss the sunshine but noticed that in one week...seven days...we will be at 106 degrees.  Yikes!  Not that much sun.

We are officially on the back side of this ten day challenge and honestly I could have probably stretched one or two more outfits out of these same ten basic items.


I am styling the white jeans (or capris, if that's what you chose) again today.  This time I've paired

Early Summer Wardrobe Challenge -Ten Items/Ten Outfits
Day 5 - Blue Jeans and floral 3/4 sleeve blouse

Grab a cup of something warm and let's chat...

I woke up this morning tired but loving life...not just life in general, but my life.  Nothing is so different from yesterday, my struggles and stresses are still the same but something in my soul is feeling grateful for what I have...right now.


My daughter and two grandson's will be moving out in a couple of weeks into a shared place with my

Early Summer Wardrobe Challenge -Ten Items/Ten Outfits
Day 4 - White Jeans and Peplum Top with Denim Vest

Just in case you hadn't realized it, it's Friday!  Can I get a woot, woot?  It has been an eventful week around here, one that I'll share a little about tomorrow over coffee, but today is all about fashion.  If you're following along we are on Day 4 of our ten items = ten outfits, Early Summer Wardrobe Challenge.


Today I will be styling the white jeans (same), peplum top (similar) and denim vest (similar).  I

Early Summer Wardrobe Challenge -Ten Items/Ten Outfits
Day 3 - Shorts and Pattern T-shirt

I am really trying to embrace wearing shorts this year but I have to admit I am still not there yet. Don't get me wrong, I love how cool it feels when I have them on but the whole self confidence thing is still not happening.  But I listed shorts and a patterned t-shirt as our combination for Day 3 of the Early Summer Wardrobe Challenge and I'm going for it.


Today I'm styling a pair of grey/green bermuda shorts (same) and my favorite patterned linen t-shirt

I managed to spend a little bit of time in the garden over the weekend.   Just a bit of weeding and dead heading and a little bit of head planning to fill in the holes that the fading springtime blooms will leave behind.   I see a flat of zinnias in my very near future.  These last few days of warm temperatures has the garden looking a bit parched already and those sun loving colorful petals are just what's needed to bring the flower beds back to life.


I don't know about you but a couple of days outside with the sun shining in my face and on my

Early Summer Wardrobe Challenge -Ten Items/Ten Outfits
Day 2 - Blue Jeans and Solid T-shirt

If you are a subscriber I sent out a (hopefully) clarifying newsletter and the first week of Early Summer Fashion outfits.  If you are not a subscriber, it's not to late to join the fun just sign up at the end of this post.  Okay, on to day two...blue jeans and plain t-shirt.


This outfit is really pretty much my uniform for the summer (spring, fall and winter) and I love the

Early Summer Wardrobe Challenge -Ten Items/Ten Outfits
Day 1 - White Jeans and Pattern Short Sleeve Top

Are you ready for this?  It is day one of our early summer wardrobe challenge and wouldn't you know my internet took today to decide not to work.  Unfortunately they weren't able to fix it remotely so I have to wait for a service man to come out...on Friday.  That's six whole days with no internet service. Yikes!  I hadn't realized how much we depend on it until it stopped working.

I am actually typing this from my mom's after a day of swimming and sunning by the pool.  I am hoping to get in all five days this week but if I disappear at least you'll know why.  Now on to our challenge.


I thought I'd start things off with white Loft skinny jeans (same) and the patterned short sleeve

I woke up this morning to the sound of the neighbors lawn sprinklers and felt the promise of the afternoon heat in the morning air, so I guess it is officially summer here in Southern California.  I don't know why but time seems to be a bit of a blur these last few months with one week chasing the other as we reach the midpoint of 2016.  How is that even possible?  It seems like just yesterday that I was clearing away the Christmas clutter and welcoming in the New Year.


I am feeling a bit reflective this morning as I think about the changes that will be coming to our

Hello and welcome to Lemon Lane Style.  Today I'm joining six fashion bloggers to show you six different ways to style shorts this summer at any age.


I am excited to be representing the over 50 crowd especially since it hasn't been that long ago that I

It looks like summer is here according to the outdoor thermometer, whether we're ready for it or not. The temperatures around here have jumped by ten degrees in the last couple of days and the real heat won't be here until this weekend.  I have a feeling this is where the rubber meets the road as far as looking stylish and fashionable as the mercury rises.


Today I'm styling a charcoal peplum t-shirt from Loft (same).  I've shared the same top in white

If you are stopping by expecting to see a fashion post, you have actually stumbled on to Whatever Wednesday, the one day of the week that I use to post whatever it is that I'm working on other than fashion.

Today I'm sharing how to make these sweet fabric hearts to give away or keep for yourself.


I wanted to make the ladies at my bible study table something to remind them of our time together so

I hope you all had a nice Memorial Day celebration whatever you chose to do.  Today is a back to work day and the return to a normal (albeit short) weekly schedule.  At least there's only four days till the weekend, right?


I wanted to share with you this pretty tie neck blouse that I got on super duper clearance at Loft

I am off in a bit for a BBQ at my mom's but I wanted to pop in and wish you all a Happy Memorial Day.  I have been blessed and honored to know many veterans in my immediate family including my dad, two brothers, one daughter and a son in law who is currently deployed on a Naval vessel as I type.


When my dad passed away he was buried with full veterans honors at Riverside National Cemetery

I had one of those restless nights where you find yourself wide awake at 1:00 in the morning with the weight of the world on your mind and no chance of falling back to sleep.  You know, the kind where you debate whether or not to just get up or lay in bed for 30 more minutes willing yourself to slumber.


I hate those nights.  I'm fortunate not to have them very often but when I do they are doozies.  I wish I

When I worked outside the home the Friday before a three day weekend was always my favorite. The thought of three days stretching out in front of me with no reason to get dressed up and all that time to putter in the house was such a glorious feeling.  Ironically, now that I work from home I look for reasons to get dressed and sometimes avoid what needs to be done at home.  Ha, ha!  I guess it's true, we want whatever we don't have.

(links to these Lemon Lane Style looks at end of post)

In that vein, now that I am posting five days of fashion, I miss sharing some of the other things going

Now that I don't work outside the home it's nice to dress things up a bit whenever I can.  I don't own as many "nice" things as I used to but I always make sure to have a pair of black dress pants and a couple of dresses that fit well in my closet.


Even though our church is casual attire, I love wearing my dress clothes on Sunday morning.  I wore

I love finding cute clothes on sale but I am always so hesitant to purchase anything that is marked final sale unless it's something I've been eying for a while and I know the stores quality and sizes.


That is exactly the case with this pretty peach, gauzy blouse that I found for 60% off at Loft

I am getting a little tired of our Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde weather.  (Are there any Once Upon  A Time fans out there?  I'm already stressing over next season!)  One minute I'm reaching for a sweater and the next I'm throwing on flip flops.  What's with that?  I'm ready for a little consistency, aren't you?


I have been loving white shirts lately no matter what the weather and am having to restrain myself

How can it be Monday again, already?  These last few weeks have been rolling by at breakneck speed and we are three days away from school being out for the summer around here.  And with that news, the sun has finally decided to shine and the pep has returned in my step.


I am not ashamed to admit that I go in to Walmart once a week or at least once every two weeks for

I am so excited to be sharing my first wardrobe challenge with you today. I have been working hard to put it together and I am really hoping that you join me for as many days of styling as possible.  If you are like me getting dressed can sometimes be like figuring what to have for dinner. Same old, same old...boooring! I am hoping to inspire you to see your old clothes in a new light and to show you that getting dressed doesn't have to take a lot of time, effort or money.

Here are the items I'll be styling.  You'll get the complete weeks worth of outfits of the day the weekend before I post them on my blog.  The wardrobe list explains the challenge instructions in full. Trust me this will be fun and because they are your own clothes it fits any size or age group.


Here's the link to sign up with...  



The wardrobe list will go out right away and the first challenge outfit will be sent out Sunday to wear on Monday.  Clear as mud?  Don't worry, I'll explain more as we go along.

xo, Patty

As I poured my second cup of coffee this morning I glanced around my kitchen and smiled at the remnants of  yesterdays activities.  While the food is cleared away, there are still a few dishes left in the sink, keys, mail and sunglasses have once again accumulated on the kitchen counter and there's a roll of wrapping paper hanging out on the kitchen table.  You know, the usual morning clutter of life is strewn about.


So I decided to take my coffee and head outside to enjoy the quiet backyard garden in the crisp

I think it's fun to use pinterest or other blogs to find inspiration for an outfit.  I believe that copying a look someone else has put together really is the highest form of flattery especially when the look is so easily adapted to what you might have hanging in your closet already and refer to my style board on pinterest often.


When I saw Cyndi from Grace & Beauty in this cute pink and white striped ensemble I knew I had to