Salamanders and Spring

Last week, as I was perusing all my old favorite fashion blogs, I happened to click on over to Megan and Nora's "Two Birds" blog.  They continue to host their popular "Inspiration Monday" link-up, and I'm very happy to participate once more in the tradition!  This week's inspiration is January Jones:

I was mainly inspired by the STRIPES in this cute dress, and decided to run with the pattern.  Anyway, it's still way too chilly to even consider baring legs...

What I'm Wearing:

Shirt: Cocomo Petite (via Thailand)  |  Jeans: House of Derreon (Macy's)  |  Scarf:  Charlotte Russe 

Cardigan:  JCPenney   |  Boots: Bare Traps (DSW)

Come to think of it, I actually don't own very many stripes. This pattern can be a bit tricky to wear, as thicker stripes tend to accentuate flaws around the midriff.  And we don't need to bring any more attention to that area than needed, right?

Yesterday my sister and I spent the afternoon "herping" - that is, crawling around the Metro Parks turning over logs and stones looking for amphibians and reptiles. Not a very feminine activity, I know; we are definitely not "girly-girls"!  The weather only very recently warmed up, so we weren't expecting to find a ton of critters out and about.  However, our hunt was rewarded with a TON of red back salamanders!  These are such fascinating little creatures, and it was truly thrilling to find them crawling around their dark, moist little habitats, harkening the arrival of Spring.

Usually we would only find one lonely little salamander chilling under a rock, but sometimes we would find several all living together in their own little salamander world:

I can't wait to go herping again once Spring is well and truly established.  Maybe we'll be lucky enough to find some snakes next time!

(Credit for the salamander photos goes to my sister, who took these photos wither her phone during our herping adventure.)

Linking Up:
Passion For Fashion / Inspiration Monday / A Journey In Style: Floral Week