One of the things I enjoy about Oklahoma . . . the thunderstorms.

That may sound odd to some, but I love a good thunderstorm. Nothing severe, just a good round of rolling thunder and a bit of lightning to light up the evening sky along with a gentle down pour of rain. I find it very relaxing. We have nothing like it in California. I miss it and didn’t even realize how much so until one day around evening in San Diego I saw thunderheads building toward the mountains. A sudden rush of excitement filled me just thinking of the possibilities. And so . . . did it rain? No. Maybe it did in the mountains or across them in the desert, but not closer to the coast where we live. DARN IT! All we get is 85 degrees and clear blue skies and I’m tired of it. OK. I admit it. I do love 85 and blue too. What’s not to love about that? But I was hoping for a good thunderstorm while here visiting in Oklahoma the next couple of weeks and am thankful Mother Nature complied last night. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Now I can go back to California happy.

Back on topic, I have a couple of good deals to pass along today for plus size clothing. Hopefully you can get some use from them before they expire at the end of the month.

From Chadwick

Take 20% OFF one item. Coupon 2151-65529-1114. (Exp 9/29)

From Eddie Bauer

Get a $25 gift card when you spend $75.

Hello all. I am happy to say that the kids and I have finally made it to Oklahoma. Yeah!

It was a long three day drive, but we did it and enjoyed it. I am very lucky to have three great kiddos who don’t mind taking to the open road. We’ve been taking excursions together since they were babies so I guess it is now in their blood. We have not taken such a lengthy trip often in the past, but since moving from the Nebraska to California earlier this year it will, most likely, become a regular feature of our lives so I am glad they don’t mind.

We left San Diego on Tuesday headed down I-8, then got onto I-40 somewhere in Arizona and followed that straight into Oklahoma. We spent the nights in Flagstaff, Arizona and Tucumcari, New Mexico and made it into Oklahoma on the third night. Plenty of stops were made along the way. My six-year-old son is fascinated with cactus at the moment and has a growing collection at home. We saw plenty of that, of course. Seeing the huge Saguaro cacti in Arizona was a thrill for all of us. We did not make it to the Saguaro National Park, but will try to make that during one of our future trips. Coming through New Mexico we stopped to see the Petrified Forest/Dinosaur Park. My twin six-year-old girls are big into bones and dinos so they especially enjoyed that.

We did not stop to see the Meteorite Crater. I couldn’t bring myself to pay $12 adult and $6 for each child to see a giant hole in the ground. Can anyone tell me if it is really worth it? We did not get a chance to go to the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona, but I really want to. We’re going to try to make it on the way back home.

But onto other matters. I do have a few new deals to report that someone can hopefully use. Details are below:

AVENUE

Save 15% online at Avenue. (Exp. 09/30)

LANE BRYANT

Save during Lane Bryant Catalog's Pre-Season Coat & Boot Sale!

BLAIR

Free shipping on $40 order. (Exp. 9/30)
Clearance - 50%-75% off at Blair

Finally the long, hot days of summer are almost behind us. I have to admit I am not a fan of summer. I love spring and fall. Winter I can tolerate because there is always another piece of clothing I can add to warm up. But summer . . . well, there is only so much you can take off to cool down, while still maintaining your decency, of course.

It’s time to throw open the closet door and take inventory. Box up your warm weather clothing or send them to the back of the closet. Make room at the front of the closet for winter clothing which will soon be needed. Sort clothing and either throw away or donate anything which you no longer wear. Make repairs where needed.

Next, you will be ready to take stock of what is left and decide on any additions you may need to make. Personally, I no longer follow the trends, and don’t miss them one bit. Over the years my individual style has developed, and it is one which I find very comfortable. I prefer classic clothing which does not change a whole lot from year to year. Including the following:

• Black Bottoms - My classic, non-trend style normally begins with something black on the bottom. Either a black skirt or pants. I love black on bottom and it’s not because black is slimming. Black is a color almost everyone can wear, is easy to find, is attractive and I love it that I can throw any top with black bottoms and have an instant match. The more uncomplicated I can make my life the more I enjoy.
• Boots - Knee high wide calf leather boots are warm and dry. A good leather pair will last many years. (Bonus: I don’t need to wear pantyhose. Got to love that!) Many online retailers carry extra wide calf boots including Shoebuy.com, Avenue, and Lane Bryant.

  HINT: Boots can be expensive. Keep them nice longer with a good pair of boot shapers.

• Silk Long Underwear - These are like thermal undies with long sleeves and legs, but thinner and more comfortable to wear. They are thin, but will add a layer of warmth to keep you toasty warm. You will also absolutely love them under anything made with itchy wool. These are available from Junonia.
• Wide Width Socks - Regular size socks just won’t do if you have large plus-sized calf muscles in your legs. There is no need to put up with tight socks. One solution may be to shop for men’s socks which are often wider than women’s. You can also shop for “diabetic socks
  ” which are are wider and stretchier at the top so as not to cut off circulation to diabetic legs.
• A Warm Coat - Website and catalog retailers have a large variety of gorgeous, stylish coats available. You will find gorgeous leathers, faux furs, swing coats, and raincoats.
• Sweaters - Last but not least, I will probably add one or two new sweaters. I love sweaters and get a lot of wear out of them. They are quick to pair with those black pants I love for a quick, yet smart-looking outfit.

Ready, set . . . GO get ready for Fall.