Love Languages of Children

I still have Valentine's on my mind so today's parenting post is about expressing love to your children.

Lauren's had a really challenging school year. She began going to the new school with her brothers this year, which we're very happy about, but change is always difficult. Not only is she working to make new friends, but she's adapting to a very rigorous middle school curriculum. 

Do you remember going to middle school for the first time? 

All those classes to keep track of! 

Daily homework to do! 

The pecking order and some 'mean girls!' 

The school dances and crushes! 

I think she's making good progress, but she's really struggled. I've been looking for ways to build a better relationship with her - to really show her how much I love her - especially as we're just beginning these tough teenage years. So, I bought this book about 3 weeks ago, and I've had a bit of a shock.

I've been speaking the wrong language to my daughter!

Picture love languages like this... In order for plants to grow their best and become the most fruitful, they need a particular type of fertilizer. Corn for instance LOVES nitrogen and needs much more it than your average plant. This principle applies to children. Their love language (their fertilizer) is the particular nourishment they need to grow into the best they can be. It feeds their souls and gives them the ability to concentrate on all the other aspects of their development. A child whose needs for love aren't filled will wither and struggle, or even act out to get the love and attention they crave.

The five love languages are as follows:

1. Words of Affirmation
2. Quality Time
3. Service
4. Gifts
5. Physical Touch

I think that my love language must be quality time, so to show Lauren that I love her, I would plan a girls night, or we'd do manicures together, or I'd make time to talk, or read together, etc., and while she enjoys our time together, apparently it isn't her "love language."

There was a questionnaire at the back of the book (best suited for children ages 9-12,) and on every question where it was possible to select Words of Affirmation, that's what she picked. Now, I thought that I was pretty skilled in the "catch your kids being good" technique and giving them praise for doing something good, but now I'm worried that the words I've been using with Lauren have said "You have to PERFORM before I love you."

Argh!!! 

Don't you hate it when you've been trying so hard and realize that you were doing it wrong!

Argh! Aaarrgh! Aaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrgh!!!

I think I also understand why Lauren comes home from a visit with her Grandma Hunny and she's just RADIANT. Grandma Hunny GUSHES Words of Affirmation to Lauren. It makes so much sense now!

So I've been devouring the Words of Affirmation section of this book, and this is what I've learned about this love language and the types of words these kids crave:

• Words of Affection and Endearment: Mean expressing appreciation for the very being of a child, for those characteristics and abilities that are part of the total package of the person. The words "I LOVE YOU" said with loving tone and  physical closeness are priceless here.  Dr. Chapman said the words, "I love you" should always stand alone in reality or in implication. To say "I love...will you please do this for me?" dilutes the theme of love. To say "I'll love you, but I'll tell you right now..." cancels itself out. The words "I love you" should never be diluted with conditional statements. This is true for all children, but especially for those whose primary love language is words.
• Words of Praise: We express praise for what a child does, either in achievements or behavior or conscious attitudes. It must be both true and justified. It should not be overdone or exaggerated or it's seen as insincere flattery.
• Words of Encouragement: Means to instill courage. We are seeking to give children the courage to attempt more - you should never underestimate the power of these words. The greatest enemy to encouragement is anger.
• Words of Guidance: Loving guidance always has a child's best interest in mind. Its purpose is to help the child develop the qualities that will serve her well in the future. The goal is to catch you child doing something good and then commend her for it.

     Conversely, cutting words, spoken out of frustration, are particularly devastating to these kids. They cast doubt about their abilities, damage self-esteem, and may be replayed in the mind of the child for years to come. Children think we deeply believe what we say. The Hebrew Proverb did not overstate the reality, "The tongue has the power of life and death."

     If this is your child's primary love language, then Dr. Chapman suggests you "keep a notebook of Words of Affirmation. List the characteristics about your child that you love. List their talents or skills they've developed that you're proud of. When you hear other parents giving affirmation to their children, write their statement in you notebook. When you read an article or book on childrearing, record the positive words you find...  Then consciously look for opportunities to say these affirming things to your child at least three times a day. The more often you say them, the more they will become your own."

    " If you find that you fall into patterns of condemnation or negativism, tell you child that you're sorry and that you realize the words are hurtful, and this is not how you feel about him. Ask him to forgive you. Tell him that you are trying to become better at showing him you love him very deeply, and you want to communicate that more effectively."

     These are a few of the suggestions for communicating Words of Affirmation:

• Make a habit of saying, "I love you" whenever you leave one another or tuck in your child.
• When your child is feeling down, share five reasons why you are proud of them.
• Put a post-it note in their lunchbox, on a mirror, pillow or other place with words of "I love you" or some encouraging words.
• Ask what your child wants to do or be when they grow up and encourage them in ways that help them pursue these dreams
• Record yourself on audio or video telling your child how much he or she means to you.
• If you're artistic, create a poem or artwork that shows how much you love your child. 
• Call you child at home whenever you think of them just to say "I Love You."
• Create a special name of affection for your child that in only used between the two of you.
• When a child makes a mistake trying to do something helpful, first use words to recognize that you knew of their good intentions.

     I've had a couple of weeks to try to communicate my love for Lauren more effectively, and I'm already seeing some wonderful results. I make sure to say "I love you" when she gets out of the car for school and when we say goodnight. I've left notes of encouragement on her whiteboard station, and I've really try hard to emphasize words of encouragement when she needs to get on task. 

     I'm already hearing more "I love you, Mom"'s, and she's been more affectionate and even more responsible with some things at school.

     Dr. Chapman says, "The best reward of all is that you'll see the effect of the face of your child. You'll see it in their eyes, and you'll feel it in your heart. And the chances are good that you'll begin to receive words of affirmation from them as a sign that they are really feeling loved; the more she feels loved by you the more she is likely to reciprocate."

    It's something I'll keep working on, but I feel so grateful for the insights of gained. 

It occurs to me that this is just the beginning, not only for Lauren, but for my boys as well. I'll have to post more about their love languages in the future. 

For now, however, here's to telling your kids, "I LOVE YOU!!!"

Cute New Valentine

HAPPY 10th BIRTHDAY, Big Z!!!!

Valentine's Day at our house is mostly about Zach's Birthday 

(which I'll blog about on Family Friday.)

But I had to share this absolutely ADORABLE Valentine idea...

This is Gabe's friend Emmy.

Her Mom took a picture of Emmy with her fist in this pose.

Created the "Happy Valentine's Day!" caption and printed 4x6s.

They made "T" slits at the top and bottom of Emmy's pictured fist,

and slid in a Tootsie Pop!

So CUTE!!!

Gabe and Lauren have already begged me to make these for them next year.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Gospel Study Journal

Our Ward Conference was two Sunday's ago, and our new Stake President, Andy Horton, issued a challenge from the Stake Presidency -

Study the scriptures by topic with your family and record your insights and inspiration in a study journal.

Pres. Horton called it a "Learnal," and testified of how meaningful it is to study by topic. He invited us to study a person, a people or a prophet for the space of a month, and share our experience with the stake presidency, too. We're already planning to focus on the Savior because we're coming up on his ministry in 3rd Nephi. However, I've been thinking a lot about how to keep a better study journal, and I wasn't quite sure what to do.

While at Costco yesterday, I met the creator of this Gospel Study Journal. 

He and his wife had started studying the "Preach My Gospel" manual and went searching for a study journal to go along with it. There weren't any. All he could find were the blank, lined journals. So he and another man developed this journal to help with gospel study. 

It's divided into 5 sections that are easily identified from the outside edges...

• Journal Pages
• Continuation Writings (for when insights can't fit onto one page)
• Source Index (to note the sources for your information)
• Gratitude Section
• Personal Index (A list of gospel topics are already written along with blank lines for adding your own topics and short lines for writing page numbers. When you make an entry in your journal, you write the page number by the index topic.)

He said, "Suppose you were studying the atonement and made notes about it on page 12. You would write that page number in the index. Then in the future, when you're preparing a talk on the atonement, you can find exactly where you wrote your insights in your journal."

The journal creator said that missionaries all over the world are starting to use these journals as well. He personally has written four volumes of Book of Mormon study, and he noted that with each volume of study, his understanding and writing have deepened and grown more meaningful.

I hope to have the same experience. 

I really loved the layout of this journal, and feel like finding it was an answer from the Spirit and a nudge to follow the counsel of the stake presidency. 

Healthy Habits: A Weight Loss Series

BEFORE

AFTER

I've heard this question a lot in the last six months...

"How did you lose all this weight?!"

The next question is often... "Exactly how much have you lost?"
I'll just say it - I lost 40 pounds last year.

I've been hesitant to blog about it, mostly because I feel like a recovering alcoholic... always "recovering," never recovered.  It's something that I'll need to be conscientious about my whole life. I'd even like to lose another 15 pounds, though medically, I'm at a healthy weight for my age & height.

Having said all that, I know I've learned a lot that's worth sharing. I hope that sharing this experience will help me keep a healthy perspective throughout my pregnancy, and offer a real answer to that repeated question... How did you lose the weight?

This will have to be a series. There's no way I can blog years of gathered information and habit changing into one post. The approach that makes the most sense to me is to note my bad habits, and how I've worked to develop healthy ones, which is why I've titled this series "Healthy Habits."  So far, these are the posts I have planned:

Healthy Habits 

1. Committing to Healthy Living
2. The Healthiest Foods
3. A Plan, Accountability & Focus: How Weight Watchers Helped
4. The Right Amount: Ending Portion Distortion
5. Conquering Sugar Addiction
6. Overcoming Emotional Eating
7. Sleep: A Reservoir of Strength
8. Exercise: "Shaping" up and feeling vibrant
9. Leaping Over Pitfalls
10. Rewarding Yourself

Blogging about this will be difficult for me. This isn't just a 'neat find'... it's personal... and I'm just plain embarrassed about the years I've spent "obese" (I really HATE that word, but it's totally accurate.) Perhaps this is one more step in making lasting changes.

I have to add that this has been a very spiritual journey for me too. I've learned a lot about repentance and the Word of Wisdom through this process, so don't be surprised when I share quotes from prophets, scripture, and church material that inspires me. Whatever healthy habits you want in your life, I hope you might find something in this series that inspires you too.

Coming next "Stylin' Saturday:"

• Committing to Healthy Living - really understanding WHY you want to take care of the body God gave you, and taking responsibility for your gift of LIFE.  

Family Friday: Feb. 11, 2011

Max

I struck parenting GOLD this week!!! Max was cleaning the living room as one of his "Friday" jobs, when he looked up from dusting and said with such sincerity...

Max: "Mom, I feel so proud of myself!" 

Me:   "What do you feel proud about buddy?" 

Max:  "For doing such good work!"

And he REALLY WAS! He must have caught the spirit of "a job well done," because he was cheerfully dusting every nook and cranny, and he even felt inspired to dust the back of the piano that's up against the wall! Don't ask me how he managed it, but he did. WAY TO GO, MAX!!! I told him, "Way to go the extra mile!" and he asked me what that meant. Then when Grandma Hunny was watching him, they were completing a list of chores on his chart and said to her, "Grandma, let's go the extra mile." LOVE IT!

_________________________________________
Jared
Jared's talking has progressed so much, that he's been able to say his first prayers this week. So SWEET!!! The kids were so charmed by his first prayer at dinner, that they began to clap and cheer.
(Not reverent, but meant to be encouraging.) ;D
__________________________________________
Lauren, Zach & Tetanus
We were watching a movie and a young islander boy cut himself with a rusty knife. He was sick and dying and Zach asked, "What's wrong with him?!"
Me: "He has Tetanus"
Zach: "What's Tannetris?"
Lauren: (said indignantly) "It's NOT Tann-et-ris!!! It's Tetris!"
I've never had tetanus, but I'm pretty sure I've been infected with Tetris a few times. ;D
___________________________________________
Ski Lessons & Report Cards
The boys had their best ski lesson yet. They were so excited to tell me how they went done the mountain three times. Gabe said, "Mom, I just LOVE making turns!" They really got the hang of it today, and I wish I could have seen them zig zagging down the mountain. However, I was meeting with all of their teachers at parent-teacher conferences.
As always, I heard great things about my kids and discussed things we need to work on.  It was really good. I always appreciate P-T conferences, and today I was reminded of how wonderful these teachers are. They work so diligently to teach and serve kids every day. I'm feeling a lot of gratitude.
___________________________________________
Anniversary... Plans
My anniversary was yesterday, and though Matt's travel means we'll celebrate later,
I'm SOOOOOO excited about our plans!!!
A stay at the Armstrong Mansion. Dinner at the Melting Pot.
Tickets to A Tale of Two Cities (a new musical just off Broadway.) I can hardly wait!
____________________________________________
Mother & Sons Night
One of the funnest things we did this week, was a Mother & Sons night at the Kyoto Restaurant. The chef was fabulous! He even invited the boys to take turns cooking. Gabe (who is my pickiest eater) actually loved all of the food, and we had such a great time doing something fun and different!

Knife Juggling

Onion Volcano

Oh! I managed to be on time most of this week - YAY! We were late to school once, but lots of improvement otherwise. Hope you had a great week too!

Your Best Anniversary

Today is my 16th Wedding Anniversary, but Matt's in New York.
He sent me these BEAUTIFUL Roses, and we plan to celebrate later.

So the question of the day, dear readers and COMMENTATORS, is....



What was the best Anniversary you've celebrated and what 
made it great?

Cheesy Potato Chowder

This is not health food -
  it's Potato Bliss!!!

This is restaurant quality food. My sister-in-law, Betsy, got the recipe from a shop where she worked. My family loves this soup - it's fantastic!

Ingredients

• 4 cups potatoes, peeled & cubed
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup flour
• 7 cups milk, skim
• 4 green onions, sliced
• 3/4 cup bacon bits (about 12 slices)
• 1 can corn, drained (optional)
• 1 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup light sour cream
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp salt

1. Peel and cube potatoes and put them in a microwave safe bowl with a little water. Cook on high for 7 minutes or until tender. 
2. While the potatoes are cooking, melt butter in a large pot, and stir in the flour. Whisk until smooth.
3. Slowly add milk, stirring continually to avoid the formation of lumps.
4. Add sliced onions, bacon bits, corn, & potatoes.
5. Stir in shredded cheese, and keep stirring until melted.
6. Add sour cream, salt and pepper. 

Serve immediately. This is also wonderful in a bread bowl - Enjoy!

Teaching Children about Appropriate Clothing

We've discussed principles of modesty a lot with our kids, and they understand those principles very well. In fact, they're quick to point out if someone on a show is not dressed modestly, and we'll change the program as needed. But I realized a few years ago that teaching about modesty didn't cover ALL of the principles my kids needed to know about appropriate dress.

Zach, for instance, has always had an obsession with sweat pants. We once told him to get dressed for a wedding reception, and that he needed slacks and a collared shirt. He proceeded to put on gray sweat pants and a bright yellow golf shirt, and then argued that his clothing matched our description! We've even had kids argue that their stained shirts or ripped jeans were, "Just Fine!" to wear to this family reunion or that birthday party.

Something had to be done.

I was watching an Education Week 'replay' on KBYU, and the guest speaker was talking about appropriate clothing for adults. To clarify her ideas about appropriate clothing she had categorized the clothing into "levels." She was identifying business formal vs. business casual, but I thought, "If levels can work for adults, why not for kids!"

I began thinking of the principles I wanted to teach. 

Clean.

Not Wrinkled.

Good Condition.

Appropriate for the Occasion. 

I put together a Family Home Evening lesson about appropriate clothing and these charts to identify the "Clothing Levels." I found a variety of pictures on the internet to create the charts you'll see at the bottom, and I also found pictures of people with different appearances. We began the lesson by showing the pictures of people and asking the kids, "What is your first impression of this person." 

Clean or dirty. Sloppy or neat. Trustworthy or scary. 

We discussed the fact that, like it or not, the way we present ourselves to the world does say things about us. We obviously need to care about people, regardless of appearances, but I want my kids to know HOW to put their best foot forward and feel confident about their appearance. And then I presented...

The Clothing Levels

Level 1

• Types of Clothing: Sweats, exercise clothes, collarless shirts, ragged or holey clothing, and 'gym' shoes.
• Occasions: Exercise, play, cleaning, yard work or other work projects.

Level 2

• Types of Clothing:  'Golf' shirts or other collared shirts (for boys,) more fashionable clothing (for girls) often worn in layers, jeans; clothing in good condition, not wrinkled, and nice but somewhat casual shoes.
• Occasion: School, parties, family outings.

Level 3

• Types of Clothing: Slacks, skirt (for girls,) button-down shirt or blouse (for girls,) sweater; clothing in good condition, pressed and a nice, dressier shoe.
• Occasion: School program or special occasion, wedding reception, nice family outing (concert or recital,) church.

Level 4

• Types of Clothing: Suit & tie (for boys,) nice dress & stockings (for girls,) good condition and pressed, worn with dress shoes.
• Occasions: Church, formal occasions (weddings, theater, etc.)

These charts hang near the closets in the kids bedrooms. 

They make a great reference tool when the kids are getting dressed.

To emphasize these principles, we'll discuss them when we attend different functions. What level are most of the people wearing? Would you feel out of place if you were in a level 1 here?  or Why don't we want to wear a level 4 to stain the playground?

We've had this system in place for several years now, and when it's time to get ready for something I can say, "We need everyone dressed in a level 3 or 4 for the wedding reception." And the kids understand what I mean - YAY!!!! Eliminating a lot of arguing and confusion.

The system has evolved over time. For instance, our kids wear school uniforms now, and their dress uniform is a 3.5, and their everyday uniforms are more like a 2.5. Zach still LOVES his 'comfy' clothes, so we'll accept a nice 'sporty' outfit for family outings.

You may have different views about what's appropriate for different occasions. Matt and I actually had to discuss this a lot to come to a consensus. However, this has a been a great tool for teaching our kids about the standards of dress we'd like to see in our family, and helping them "dress for the occasion."

Time Management

Yes, I know you're laughing hysterically at the thought of me posting about time management.

Clearly this blog is a tool for focusing on my needs for improvement. If you know me, you know that I'm frequently 5 or more minutes late.  I try to be on time - I really do TRY!!! It's just that I was born a week late, and I swear it's thrown me off schedule ever since! ;D

But, enough excuses. The time is overdue for me to get this part of my life in order.

So, super-readers, what do we do when we have a problem?

We LOOK in a BOOK!!!

Did you know I invented the show "Super-why?" Just like Al Gore invented the internet.

What was I talking about? Oh ya! Time Management... Do you see the problem?
I'm easily distracted. And I live with 6 delightful and sometimes infuriating distractions,
and last week, we were late for EVERYTHING! I'm feeling rather pathetic about it, so I decided to review one of my favorite books:

Time Management from the Inside Out, by Julie Morgenstern.

The lovely Ms. Morgenstern says that people who are chronically late don't mean to be rude, but they just tend to fall into these categories...

1. The "I-didn't-think-of-that-ers" who don't fully comprehend how long it takes to get somewhere or accomplish a task. They know their appointment starts at 9 am, but they didn't think of how long it REALLY takes to drive there, they didn't think of traffic, and they didn't think of the time to load kids, park, walk, use the elevator, etc.

2. The "Nothing-to-Do-Panic-ers!" They can't stand the thought of sitting around with nothing to do, so they try to do "one more thing" before going out the door, and hope that they'll arrive exactly on time. Then, of course, their "one more thing" takes longer than expected and they're late.

When I first got this book, I sadly fell into BOTH of these categories,  For example, I used to think it should take 10 minutes to get ready for the pool. WRONG!!! So wrong!  It takes us 30 minutes: 5 for dressing, 5 for gathering supplies, 15 for slathering sun screen on everyone, and 5 to load the van.

Next we have "nothing to do panic." Even as I type this, the thought of arriving at a meeting early and sitting there for 10 minutes with nothing to do, makes my eyes fling wide and I gasp for breath.  As the hyperventilating begins, I think... How will I keep the kids entertained and not climbing on the walls? What about my giant "To Do" list that cries out to me as I JUST SIT THERE?!?! I will go INSANE from the unproductivity and BOREDOM!!! Aaaaahhhhahhhaahah!!!!

You can tell, this is still a problem.

But Ms. Morgenstern has some wonderful suggestions for the chronically unpunctual and overloaded "To Do-ers" like me.

• Time how long it takes to do things: People tend to think that tasks they enjoy take no time at all (i.e. You think calling your friend will take 10 minutes, but you always gab for an hour.) People also think that tasks they don't enjoy will take a LONG time. (Picture Max being told to clean his room when all he has to do is put his pajamas away and make his bed, and he cries, "That will take a MILLION years!!!") So we dive into the 'fun' tasks and procrastinate the disliked ones, without comprehending the real time involved. 

Timing your activities is a great tip for planning every part of your day! When you know how long it takes to get things done (and you can even factor in the 10 interruptions from your kids.) Then you can plan your days so much more effectively. You can STOP overloading the 'To Do' list and dump the guilt, because you recognize that there are only 16 waking hours of the day, and you won't get past 'To Do #5.'

• To overcome 'nothing-to-do-panic' Bring Something To Do: keep your purse stocked with little things to do like a set of note cards, a book, a crossword, an ipod, a phone, or just SOMETHING to quell the panic. And then you'll feel liberated to get out of the door on time (or gasp - early!) and know that you've got something to occupy your mind and time. 

Ahhhhhhhhh, my breathing is starting to regulate already, and I'm filled with all sorts of punctual desires!

So, my goal for this week is... BE ON TIME! I'll have to give you a report on Friday.

Watching for Spiritual Crocodiles

Today we opened a new set of videos from the church distribution center. The kids LOVED them! They were a great Sunday activity and an even better source of discussion. The one that really stood out to the kids (and they begged to watch it again) was titled "Spiritual Crocodiles."

Here's a youtube link...
SPIRITUAL CROCODILES

Most of the animals at the watering holes were on the look out for the danger that they KNEW must be there. The watchful would scatter when then saw trouble approaching, but there were a few who were complacent and not watchful, and it cost them their lives. It made me think of these scriptures.

• 3 Nephi 18:15

  Verily, verily, I say unto you, ye must watch and pray always, lest ye be tempted by the devil, and ye be led away captive by him.
  Alma 13:28
  But that ye would humble yourselves before the Lord, and call on his holy name, and watch and pray continually, that ye may not be tempted above that which ye can bear, and thus be led by the Holy Spirit, becoming humble, meek, submissive, patient, full of love and all long-suffering;
  Doctrine and Covenants 101:53
  Ought ye not to have done even as I commanded you, and—after ye had planted the vineyard, and built the hedge round about, and set watchmen upon the walls thereof—built the tower also, and set a watchman upon the tower, and watched for my vineyard, and not have fallen asleep, lest the enemy should come upon you?
  I've heard the living prophets and leaders of the church described as watchmen in the towers.  This story was a powerful reminder of how we need to listen to their warnings. They see can see the dangers coming so clearly, and we could avoid so much pain and misery if we would just heed their words.

Spring & Summer Fashion Trends

I turned on the radio as I drove the kids to school this week and heard a story about fashion trends for 2011. I only caught the tail end, but it made me want to look into further. I found a fun website that compiled the trends for Spring & Summer of 2011 that will be hitting the stores soon.

I'll be honest, I'm not very fashion forward, but it's fun to have a few new fashion trends in my closet.  I'll just be including the trends I found interesting, and de-emphasizing or skipping the ones that don't interest me, like hot pants & crop tops (and yes, they're back.)

But a couple of trends are fun to note.

70's glamour is back...

"There's an underlying confidence to this trend that's key.  By day it's all about clean yet voluminous silhouettes, and earthy '70s colour palettes. Look for:

• High waisted wide-leg pants or flares, smartly belted in.
• Neat bow-blouses, especially ones with billowing or bishop sleeves. Particularly great are fabrics like silk and satin.
• Roll neck sweaters tucked into pants or skirts. Add to the '70s effect by layering over beaded necklaces or a vest."

60's Ladylike is in...
"We're not talking about the later mod '60s movement of miniskirts and teeny shift dresses. We're talking about early '60s ladylike dressing that flowed on from the late 1950s. So say bonjour to fuller figures and longer hemlines."

 

"There are other options for a beautiful, early '60s look too. A straight cut sheath or pencil skirt create a 1960s hourglass shape - not only cinching in the waist, but clinging to the hips as well. 

• Look for skirts that are straight, high waisted, below knee with a kick pleat or slit at the back.
• You can also look for fitted sheath dresses. These are great with classic three-quarter sleeves.
• The peg-top skirt is another alternative - full at the waist with small darts or pleats, and tapering narrowly to the hem."

And there's no shortage of ways to mix up your style because...

Punk & Biker looks are back too

 

Other things you'll see...

• Lace, crochet & macrame clothing
• Clogs & kitten heels
• Bell bottoms and wide leg pants (so wide it looks like a skirt - Katherine Hepburn wore this style a lot in her movies)
• Jumpsuits & playsuits (what were they thinking?!)
• Tail hems: dresses longer in the back than the front
• Stripe patterns
• Tassels

HAIR TRENDS...

Long hair that looks effortless like this double knot

Wavy bobs or bobs with bangs

Pixie cuts

Hair color that is white blonde or bright red.

I don't know how many of these styles will make it into my closet, but it was sure fun to check them out. And I'm thinking that I need a few new skirts. ;D 
Happy Stylin' Saturday!