How are things in your neck of the world? We’ve actually had the furnace on several days. The days are warm, but the nights are cool enough for the furnace to kick on. We have a programmable thermostat so there’s none of that constant moving it up and down. I set up a schedule, and Nigel has to abide by it! Anyhoo, today is the third Thursday of October which means it’s time for an Ageless Style challenge. It’s my birthday month, so I picked birthday clothes! And, like the past couple of months, that leaves room for lots of interpretation. Last month, Leslie, of Once Upon a Time & Happily Ever After, chose Southwestern. In the past we have done summer denim, movie characters, spring dresses, white tops, and many other ideas. If you’re curious, you can find some of my looks here, here, here and here. Please do visit the other hostesses of the link party (oh, yes, there’s a link party) at their various sites!
My birthday month…
October is my favorite month of all because it’s my birthday month. And, I always feel like my birthday is special because it’s just mine. I mean, you have to share major holidays with all the members of your family, right? And, yes, I am just that shallow. I would love to celebrate my birthday all month but have never done it. I need to think about that for next year. I am at that age where I have fewer birthdays ahead of me than behind so it’s time to up the celebrations!
Past celebrations…
When I was a kid, birthdays were never a big deal. Mom made us cakes, I think. I do remember being at my Grandma Rose’s house, and Mom made me a cake with chocolate frosting. Grandma may have helped, but I don’t remember. The other thing that stands out in my mind about that cake was the grass green frosting used to decorate the chocolate frosting. The first birthday party I can remember is a surprise party my best friend, Kathy, threw me for my 18th birthday. I honestly had no clue! So many friends were there, and it was girls only. When I turned 50, Nigel invited my sisters and their husbands, my brother, and all of my kids to an upscale Italian restaurant. This was when my daughter and her husband lived in Charleston. They drove several hours to celebrate with me. Last year, when I hit a certain milestone, we celebrated, again, at an Italian restaurant with the kids and grands. And, those are the only birthday parties I can remember. Seriously, that makes me a bit sad. Remember, I said I was shalllow and rather self-centered.
A Newfields visit…
It was a glorious day in Central Indiana when we took these photos. The temperatures were in the 60s (15C) with a bit of a light wind. If it would stay this way for the next two months, I would be happy. We made our way through the museum and on out to the gardens. Newfields (AKA The Indianapolis Museum of Art) has Harvest Nights running through October 31st. We haven’t made it to one yet, but I’m determined we will go this year. You can tell, from the photos, pumpkins abound. There are, however, lots of hidden lights and other things that must make this place positively luminous (pun intended) at night. Many of the pumpkins are fake, but the vast majority of pumpkins and gourds are real. Last year, we talked with one of the gardeners who said they are constantly on the watch for pumpkins going bad. They quickly replace them. I don’t do haunted houses or anything like that because they scare the bejeebers out of me. But, give me all the colored lights!
Pumpkins and gourds and leaves, oh my…
Pumpkins and gourds abound at Newfields right now. Some of the pumpkins are covered with warts. I wonder if the plain orange pumpkins feel a bit of jealousy! The leaves are all shades of wonderful, too. I’m just going to give you a taste of what you would find there!
April Cornell brand ambassador…
I was honestly thrilled when I was asked to continue as a brand ambassador for April Cornell. To say I love the brand is a drastic understatement! I would say most of my dresses come from April, and I love them all. I had thought about taking a photo of my very first birthday dress from April Cornell, but this post is going to be heavy on photos as it is! Many years ago, there was a retail store at the Fashion Mall in Indianapolis. Nigel would take me there each year for my birthday in order to buy a dress or two or three! The first year, I did, indeed, come away with three dresses. I remember two of the three (and still have them), but I can’t remember which was the third. There is a timeless quality to April’s clothing, and that’s why I don’t hesitate to keep them. I also have a discount code (it’s also listed below) for 15% off any order over $100. Use Marsha15 and get that 15% off. I’m not sure if it works in the retail stores.
My outfit…
I was lucky enough to receive the Monique Everyday dress in time for my birthday and this post. I love the color which is a deep, rich plum. It’s one of my favorite prints, too. It’s usually called “Sketch Flower.” I love the pintucked bodice, too. But, let me tell you, it was not fun to iron! I am only 5’1″ (on a good day), and the hi-lo or asymmetrical hemline is almost too long. This gorgeous dress also has pockets!! I do love pockets. This dress was gifted to me along with the Beth Neck Scarf which I tied to my Brahmin bag. I need to watch some YouTube videos on how to tie small square scarves. I didn’t want to wear it with the dress and hide the pretty neckline of the dress. I think you can tell, from all the photos, I really, really do love this dress (and Newfields and pumpkins)!
The Lewk!
I know I say it every time these Born boots (or the black ones) are on the blog, but I love these boots! I do notice, after wearing them for a bit, my left foot swells. That means that daggone metal plate pushes against the boot which makes for quite a lot of discomfort. I probably need to have it looked at, but I also know that would probably mean a surgery to remove it. For now, I’ll, literally, just grin and bear it. The jewelry is all by John Hardy and is from the Naga Legends line (bracelet, earrings). Nigel bought me the pendant and chain first for an anniversary several years ago so I can’t find any links. You could probably find them on a resale site. He just added to the collection over the years. I should probably give them a good wiping with my silver cleaning cloth, but I rather like the tarnished look.
Wrap it up, Marsha!
I love visiting Newfields. Right now, the trees are still mostly green. We will probably visit several more times before the weather turns colder. I am working on Nigel to go to Harvest Nights, but he doesn’t much like driving at night anymore. I am really curious to see what my blogging friends did with this prompt. So, can we talk? Are you a fan of seasonal lighting displays? How do you celebrate your birthday? How about those warty pumpkins? Please leave me a comment or two, and we can talk. I promise to respond as quickly as possible.
Affiliate links and such:
Just a reminder that Marsha in the Middle may use an affiliate link. Those links are usually italicized. If you click or make a purchase from an italicized link I provide, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for your support. As of right now, I also have an affiliate code for Kantha Bae! Use MarshaintheMiddle in the promo code box for $5 off any order (excluding Bestie restocks)! I have also become a Halftee Partner. Use the code, MARSHA2098, for 20% off any purchase. I am also an affiliate with Clara Sunwoo. You can use my code, MARSHA10, for 10% off your entire order. I am an April Cornell Brand Ambassador for another season. You can use my code, MARSHA15, for $15 off any order over $100. For the Zuvi Halo Hair Dryer, use Marsha12 to get 12% off your order at this link: https://www.zuvilife.com/products/buy-zuvi-halo-hair-dryer?sca_ref=4039595.v4RNNsWxxF. If items are on sale, you can use Marsha5 for an extra 5% off sale prices. In case you didn’t know, bloggers must disclose the use of affiliate links. That’s why I include this in each post.
Where you can find me:
Linking up with Nancy’s Fashion Style, Fine-Whatever, Is This Mutton, Shelbee on the Edge, Chez Mireile, The Grey Brunette, and Away from the Blue as well as Deb’s World. I also link up with This Blonde’s Shopping Bag, Doused in Pink, I do deClaire, Mummabstylish, and Style Splash. Please check out these wonderful ladies and their blogs! I also am a co-host for Ageless Style on the third Thursday of the month and Songful Style on the last Monday of the month. I co-host Traffic Jam Weekend every Thursday with Melynda and Lisa. I also host Final Fridays on the last Friday of the month as well as 10 on the 10th on the 10th of the month! I do hope you’ll check out all of these blogs and link parties!
Amy ~ Amy’s Creative Pursuits
Blog | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook |
Bo ~ Bo’s Bodacious Blog
Blog / Instagram /Pinterest / Bloglovin’
Joanne ~ My Slice of Life
Jodie ~ Jodie’s Touch of Style
Leslie ~ Once Upon a Time and Happily Ever After
Blog | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook |
Marsha~ Marsha in the Middle
Mireille ~ Chez Mireille Fashion Travel Mom
Blog | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook |
Rosemary ~ Distinctly Southern Style
Blog / Instagram / Pinterest / Facebook
And, now, it’s your turn!
Please link up your favorite posts about denim, DIY, baking, gardening, fashion…you name it…as long as it’s family friendly! Here are links to all of the lovely ladies in the Ageless Style collaboration. Please do visit them on their various media. Link up with us, visit a couple of others, and leave a comment or two! No worries if you don’t have a blog, just look around! You may find a new blog just waiting for you!
You look lovely, Marsha. I would have loved to link up but don’t have my party outfit post organised. Pumpkins remind me of Canada and the US. We visited in the Fall and there were pumpkins on display everywhere. We are heading into Summer and it’s going to be a hot one! Would love to get myself organised one day and join in more link ups. Have a great week. x
Thank you so much, Sue! We don’t limit the links to the theme of the original poster as we do with the Global Writing Challenge. So, feel free to join me for any link up with any kind of post!
Have a wonderful summer and an even better trip to Europe! I envy you…the trip, not the summer!
That is such a beautiful dress and you wear it so well! I feel that most birthday celebrations tend to blend together in my mind though a couple of years ago we started taking off for a little birthday weekend trip and that has helped make them all feel different.
Thank you, Joanne! I really like this dress because it’s just my style. I like the idea of a birthday weekend though we are retired so every day is a weekend for us! We actually try not to do anything on weekends because everything is busier.
Happy Birthday month! What a stunning dress you are wearing which is perfect for fall. And where you took these photos is lovely. Thanks for the link up!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thank you so much, Kathrine! I love the dress so much. It’s perfect in every way! And, you are very welcome for the link party!
I adore your outfit, birthdays for me now are celebrated solo, however, in my childhood days they were so much of a big deal. Happy Birthday Month to you.
Bernie,
The Style Fanatic
Thank you so much, Bernie! I’m so glad you visited!
Happy Birthday sweet friend! These pictures are all so lovely and the gardens look like a great place to visit. I think you are the best April Cornell Ambassador – every piece you show from her is so YOU! If I was a designer you would be my pick to show my brand!
xo,
Kellyann
Thank you so much, Kellyann! You are so sweet! I love being an April Cornell ambassador because I just love her clothing and linens. And, she is a fabulous person, too. We are trying to get away for a bit so I’d love to go to Burlington. I’m not sure if that will happen or not.
What a gorgeous dress! I almost made it to Newfields during my last visit to Indiana, but they were closed the day I wanted to go. It looks beautiful there! Happy Birthday!
Thank you so much, Amy! Newfields is closed on Mondays so try to go another day. It’s really gorgeous…inside and out!
Happy birthday month Marsha! You are not selfish at all for celebrating you. Enjoy all the things guilt free. This is a gorgeous dress on you, and I love the color so much. It’s absolutely perfect for fall and works well with all the other rich, gold tone colors of fall. The Harvest Night thing sounds lovely and I hope it works out this year. A tradition that I hope my kids will remember from their birthdays is that their great grandma always made them a special birthday cake. The years of that being possible are numbered to say the least but I am hopeful they will each get one more at least.
bosbodaciousblog.blogspot.ca
Thanks, Bo! I think it’s just part of being a mom, right? We forget to celebrate ourselves! I do love this dress…the color, the print, the style…it’s perfect!
I love your birthday tradition. That is so wonderful and the memories they will have…hopefully, you have photos to job their memories. I used to make the birthday cakes for my two oldest grands, but they’ve kind of outgrown me, I’m afraid.
We both took pictures in gardens! I love your dress: this color is really great on you and the style is really pretty! I am a little self centered too: for my 40th I threw myself a party: I wanted the right people invited and the type of food I wanted. It was great! For my 50th I want to get together with my French bestie: that is going to take some planning. Hoping to save some Delta points for a flight somewhere for both of us. Canada would be cool!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Thank you so much, Mireille! I really love the style. It’s unusual because the waist is elasticized rather than a tie. I love that you threw yourself a birthday party. I just might do that next year! That way, everything goes well! I’ll have to remember. I hope you are able to celebrate your 50th wherever you want! I hear Vancouver is gorgeous!
Happy birthday month, Marsha! Your dress is gorgeous and so perfect for fall. What a wonderful outdoor pumpkin-and-gourds seasonal display – I would definitely like to see that, esp. at night with the light. My husband and I did a Midwest zoo/botanical garden tour in October several years ago, and I loved seeing the fall and Halloween outdoor displays.
Thank you, Sally! I am beginning to think we aren’t going to make it this year as the exhibition closes on October 31. The mister doesn’t like to drive after dark, and the early tickets are sold out. The gardens are still quite beautiful in the daytime! That’s OK…there’s neighbor behind us with quite the display!
Bravo and happy birthday Marsha. I always applaud the fact that you love dresses and enjoy changing up your style.
Both my husband and I try to celebrate our whole month long. Not that we do something every day, but we make sure to include special details and try to remember that birthdays are a blessing.
OXOX
Jodie
Thank you, Jodie! Birthdays are, indeed, a blessing. I wish Mike felt the same way. He sees his as just another day. That’s sad to me. Your birthday is a day to celebrate you. I like the way you and Rob think!
Happy Birthday MARSGA. I must say you look amazing. Your dress is beautiful and the smell on your face says it all. Wishing you all the best in life and more.
This color suits you. I like cute flare dresses with sneakers. Well styled.
I have a new article, I will like to hear your insight:
https://www.melodyjacob.com/2023/10/retirement-dilemma-selling-your-home-for-care-costs.html
Thank you so much, Melody! You are so sweet! I will swing by your blog in a minute!
Happy birthday month Marsha! Your dress is gorgeous! I love the dark floral print! The gardens are the perfect backdrop for your outfit photos for the fall vibes! Have a wonderful weekend!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Thank you, Jill! This is one of my favorite prints. I was so happy with the way the photos turned out. It was the perfect day once I convinced a certain someone that bright sunlight didn’t work well!
Have a fabulous rest of the weekend and next week!
Pretty Dress Marsha, love an asymmetric hem and waist shaping. I had a couple of birthday parties when I was a kid. They were very low key in those days, no party bags or professional entertainers. My 50th was special, we stayed for a night at a gorgeous hotel and they gave me flowers. Thanks for linking
Thank you, Gail! I think birthday parties, when we were kids (even though I’m a bit older than you) were definitely more low key. But, I wouldn’t mind one every once in a while. I may do like Mireille does and throw one for myself next year!
Happy October birthday, Marsha. You look fabulous in this dress. Both the cut and color are very flattering to you. I also think that October is a special month because as you know already, it’s my birthday month too. But in my family, I shared the month with both my mother and father (all within a span of 8 days). I usually try to do something fun on my birthday and I nearly always would take the day off from work. I learned early on in my career that nothing good ever happened at the office on my birthday so why ruin it?
Rena
http://www.finewhateverblog.com
Thank you, fellow October birthday celebrator! I share the month with my daughter-in-law who is the absolute best. I don’t think I ever took my birthday off when I was teaching. Besides, the kids loved to celebrate it with me!
Happy birthday !!! A fellow Libran. 🙂
I always refer to October as Rocktober xxxx
Happy birthday back at you! Oh, we used to have a radio station that called it that, too! I totally forgot about it.
My sweet friend, you wear another birthday beautifully!! And look only prettier, happier, healthier, better!! This dress is perfection for fall. Love the color, the print. As always, you accessorized it so well. Down to the scarf tied to your bag and your darling booties. Love seeing the signs of fall. All of the different shapes, sizes, contours and colors of pumpkins!! We didn’t make our annual trek to the pumpkin patch this year. It has just been so dreadfully hot. But I missed not seeing them growing and picking them off the vine. Next year, maybe.
Oh, my Texas friend, you are too sweet! I just felt so good that day, and it shows, doesn’t it? I love this color because I know I can wear it (even before I went grey). I do need to find some tutorials on how to tie a scarf like this because it’s too pretty for just my purse to wear it!
Oh, that’s a shame you couldn’t make it to the pumpkin patch this year. Did they even grow? I was surprised at the variety of pumpkins and gourds. They are so pretty. I’m hoping we make it back a couple more times before they scoop them up and do whatever they do with them (hopefully, send them off to a pig farm).
Thanks, my friend!
Happy Birthday! I love that stunning dress on you. It’s a beautiful color on you and perfect for fall, too! This looks like such a fun place to visit. I love the pumpkin displays!
Thanks, Laura! I love this color because it’s one of my favorites! And, yes, this is a fun place to visit almost all the time!