The Sunday Showcase: A Day Late & A History Lesson Short

May 6, 2018 / 59 Comments

When my very dear friend Ada of Elegance and Mommyhood asked me to join her and two of my other very dear blogging friends, Chrissy of Granola and Grace and Kellyann of This Blonde’s Shopping Bag, as their co-host once again for their monthly link up, The Sunday Showcase, I couldn’t really say no. These three women, after all, are some of my closest blogging friends in all of the blogging realm and I will support them any chance I get just as they all support me.

*This is not a sponsored post.  As always, all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

But then I asked Ada, “Is there a theme?” Now, don’t get me wrong, I quite enjoy a themed collaboration. And I also enjoy a good style challenge. I was not, however, prepared for her response of “Yes. Let’s do a Cinco de Mayo theme and post on Saturday.” I really should have photographed my face when I read that email. I think it was one of disgust combined with bafflement combined with questions running through my mind that went something like this…

“Well, now how the f*ck am I going to come up with a Cinco de Mayo themed outfit and have it photographed and ready to go in two days time? I am already behind on a million different things. I am not a fan of this style of dressing. I don’t even think I have anything in my closet that would be suitable (I know, that one is hard to believe). But damn it, I agreed before I knew all the details. So now here I am and I will prevail.”

And so I marched up to my closet room feeling defeated yet determined. I did have in mind this orange wall at the local Mexican restaurant that I had been wanting to use as a backdrop for photos one of these days. Now was my opportunity.

“Think bright,” I kept telling myself. “Vibrant, bold colors in oranges and yellows. Colors you never wear because they do not flatter your pasty white complexion. Then add black. Anchor the whole thing in black. And white. Make it work. Then smile for the camera. And just for good measure, why not tie a freaking scarf in your hair?”

So there you have it, my friends, my Cinco de Mayo inspired outfit triggered by one simple little request from a dear blogging friend that almost pushed me off my edge. But wait, there’s more…After all the pictures were done and I sat down at my computer to begin writing, I felt the frustration again as I teetered nearer to my edge than is comfortable. My mind began racing in confused thoughts, something like this…

“I have the outfit photos now what the heck am I supposed to write about? We were going to post on May 5 but due to some scheduling conflicts pushed the post date out to May 6. Now it’s not even Cinco de Mayo anymore. What the hell is Cinco de Mayo anyway? The significance of it? Ooh, that’s what I can write about. A brief history lesson on the meaning of Cinco de Mayo and why we celebrate it.  By golly, I got it!  Now I am ready to deliver something fabulous! A outfit and a history lesson.”

So off to Wikipedia I headed filled with inspiration.  And then the very first paragraph brought my enthusiasm and confidence to a sudden and ill-timed tragic death.

“Cinco de Mayo (pronounced [ˈsiŋko ðe ˈmaʝo] in Latin America, or pronounced [ˈθiŋko ðe ˈmaʝo] in Spain; Spanish for ‘Fifth of May’) is an annual celebration held on May 5. The date is observed to commemorate the Mexican Army’s unlikely victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla, on May 5, 1862, under the leadership of General Ignacio Zaragoza.”

Yep, I’m done. Bored out of my freaking mind. Please don’t think me insensitive at all to the struggles of others or the historical significance and importance of things that happened long before my time. I do appreciate it all.  But I also find political and military history to be just about the most interminable subject ever. (Probably part of the reason that this nearly straight A student consistently pulled solid D’s in History class all through high school.) My husband, being the career military man that he is, would scoff at my disinterested reaction to a topic for which he lives, breathes, and can discuss enthusiastically for extended periods of time. I can listen attentively to him discuss the subject matter because I am drawn to his enthusiasm. I am not, however, nor will I ever be, engrossed by conversation or written words that deal with military or political history. It just won’t happen, try as I might. I cannot even get through the Wikipedia page about Cinco de Mayo in order to provide you all with a brief recap of what this holiday signifies. So if you are interested in the subject, you will have to go read it yourself.

And so I leave you with this Cinco de Mayo themed post…a day late and a history lesson short. Maybe you can educate me about the fascinating details of the Battle of Puebla in terms that will capture my interest!  If you accept that challenge, I applaud you and wish you luck!

*All outfit pieces are old. Except the shoes. You can still get the shoes.

Now head on over and visit my three wonderful friends and see what they are showcasing today!

Ada at Elegance and Mommyhood
Chrissy at Granola and Grace
Kellyann at This Blonde’s Shopping Bag

But not before you join the link party right below!


Keeping it on the edge,

Shelbee

Linking up with these Fabulous Link Ups.

I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.

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59 Comments

  • kimberly higgins

    May 6, 2018 at 2:32 pm Reply

    Good morning! I am liking this Sunday showcase. I know and follow Ada but will have to check out the other two ladies. I love this skirt on you and its perfect for Cinco de Mayo. I like the colorful wall too! I hope you have a great Sunday!

  • Victoria

    May 6, 2018 at 2:53 pm Reply

    I love your look the colors are so perfect for Cinco de Mayo. I forgot it was yesterday because it was also Kentucky Derby day and we always celebrate that. Blessings for a great week.

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      May 6, 2018 at 5:48 pm Reply

      Victoria, thanks so much! Ah, yes, Kentucky Derby Day. I was aware of that as well. But alas, I had nothing appropriate to celebrate it! I hope your weekend is fabulous and that you had an amazing Kentucky Derby celebration!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Ada

    May 6, 2018 at 3:13 pm Reply

    You crack me up so much, you have no idea. I am about to head out, haven’t had coffee or anything but this post and your outfit made me smile. Great skirt and shoes, my friend. It turned out so cute. I couldn’t edit all of my Cinco de Mayo sort of outfit so I went for a simple striped mom uniform indeed. My schedule is crazy busy on Saturdays and as if that wasn’t enough, the stupid InLinkz was giving me so much trouble. I hate that huge space between the post and the linkup. It is driving me nuuuuts so I will try to fix it. LOL

    You have a beautiful Sunday dearest Shel. As always thank you for everything you do for us, your presence, your co-hosting today and all the sweet words you wrote!

  • Deborah Stinedurf

    May 6, 2018 at 3:47 pm Reply

    I’m pretty sure you’re wearing your sassy pants underneath that fabulous color riot of a skirt…lol! Your reaction is similar to mine when Jennie suggested “yellow” as the theme for April’s Ageless Style link up…I was like, “Seriously, what the hell???” I suppose it’s good to get pushed out of our comfort zones once in awhile though. PS…I do love that orange wall. xo
    Debbie
    http://www.fashionfairydust.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      May 6, 2018 at 5:40 pm Reply

      Debbie, thanks so much! You just made me laugh out loud. And I remember your yellow Ageless style post quite well because I totally would have reacted that way to a yellow theme, too! And just to get the record straight, I pretty much always have sassy pants on under my clothing. Sometimes they are visible, other times not so much. But they are always there in all their sassy magnificence! I hope your weekend is amazing!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Kellyann Rohr

    May 6, 2018 at 4:43 pm Reply

    God love you my sweet friend! I never knew anything about the theme! Ha! You look ravishing as always and thanks for the history lesson – I assumed Cinoc de Mayo was a made up holiday to sell more margaritas! I never remember hearing anything about it growing up so who knew? And as much as I enjoyed this post (as I do all of your posts btw) I stopped dead in my tracks at the mere mention of your CLOSET ROOM!!!! Oh my goodness, if I didn’t absolutely adore you I’d be green with envy, lol!
    Knocked it outta the park again gorgeous!
    xo,
    Kellyann

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      May 6, 2018 at 5:24 pm Reply

      Hahaha, Kellyann, your comment just made me laugh out loud! So am I the only one who Ada assigned a theme to? God love her and her wily ways! Setting me up like that! But damn it, if I didn’t rise to the challenge! Oh yes, we converted a small nursery sized bedroom into my closet…and yet it is still not big enough to house all of my things! I am way overdue for a major closet room clean out. But I stall in fear of the avalanche of shoes and clothing that are sure to fall on my head in the process! One day this summer, it will get done. It must get done. I guess I will list lots of things on Poshmark or something. And if I hadn’t already adored you equally, you just jumped up a few notches more with your wit and humor! Love you, my friend!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Patrick weseman

    May 6, 2018 at 5:09 pm Reply

    I have big issues with Cinco de Mayo. I grew up in a school district that made it a major holiday. The battle of Puebla was a minor battle. It was an unlikely win but really minor. It is not celebrated much in Mexico but here in the states, we have turned it into a beer marketers dream-Raise a cold one and party because it is Cinco de Mayo. The actual Mexican Independence Day is September 16, 1810. That date when the Grito de Dolores by Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla was extended starting the revolution against colonial rule to the entrance of the Army of the Three Guarantees led by Agustín de Iturbide to Mexico City on September 27, 1821. September 16 is celebrated as Mexican Independence Day.

    Hope you have a wonderful Sunday.

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      May 6, 2018 at 5:17 pm Reply

      Oh, dear Patrick, I knew I could count on you to provide me with a brief synopsis of what I was unable to read through myself! For that applaud you. But I was still bored out of my mind reading most of it! hahahahaha. So it is kind of a ridiculous holiday to celebrate after all? That’s what I am getting…Thanks so much for explaining it though! I really do appreciate it. You rock, my friend! I hope your weekend is fabulous.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Laura

    May 6, 2018 at 10:45 pm Reply

    I have to say – this IS perfect for Cinco de Mayo, BUT, OMG, you could wear easily wear this throughout spring, summer and fall. Absolutely adore this colorful look on you!

    Laura
    Black Coffee Beautiful

  • Chrissy

    May 7, 2018 at 12:59 am Reply

    Bahahahaha! This. This is why you’re awesome and you’re blog is going to continue to grow. Girl. No words. But I want to say 1. you did fabulous on this outfit. 2. I wasn’t able to pull an themed outfit together in time for the post. EEK! and 3. We together on the history lesson! You are fabulous!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      May 7, 2018 at 10:14 am Reply

      Ha, Chrissy, I am so glad that I made you laugh! I was chuckling all the while I was writing this post! You are so fabulous and I am so grateful to have you as a friend and a blog supporter! Thank you for that. Next cinco de mayo I will just drink margaritas and not worry about the history! Have a great week, my friend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Lisa Richardson

    May 7, 2018 at 1:16 am Reply

    OH MY GOSH! You are a riot. I am right there with you on history being a real snoozer. Take me to a museum and I can see the whole thing if less than 10 minutes and be looking for the nearest mall….LOL!!! Here the deal, you look adorable, bright colors and all. Love reading your thought process. Hope you’ve had a great weekend!!! XOXO

  • Maureen

    May 7, 2018 at 12:34 pm Reply

    Lol 😂 You did just fine and yes I cannot read through history without having to re-read sentences a few times and coming back to it multiple times. Just doesn’t grab my attention as much as I want it to. Your skirt is super cute! I love the bright and cheery colors! This outfit is perfect for a fiesta or for every day.

    Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      May 7, 2018 at 3:15 pm Reply

      Maureen, thanks so much! I don’t know why history bores me so. I do love to read historical fiction! That’s where I have gained most of my knowledge of history. This skirt definitely made me smile all day while I was wearing it! I hope you have a fantastic week.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Cheryl Shops

    May 7, 2018 at 6:42 pm Reply

    I think the hilarious thing about Cinco de Mayo is that Pueblo is the only city in Mexico that actually celebrates it—I have no idea how it became such a party day in the U.S.! I guess we just need an excuse to eat tacos and drink margaritas! 😉
    Cheryl Shops | http://www.cherylshops.net

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      May 8, 2018 at 12:09 am Reply

      Cheryl, thanks for sharing that tidbit of information about this little holiday! An even funnier thing is that I don’t need a reason to eat tacos and drink margaritas! Thanks for stopping by. I hope you day is amazing!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Gigi Kiersten

    May 7, 2018 at 11:22 pm Reply

    Hey, Shelbee! I love all the gorgeous bright colors and patterns. I especially love that stripped skirt. It’s so cute and really gives off a Spring/Summer vibe. Thanks so much for another awesome post!

  • Claire

    May 8, 2018 at 8:25 am Reply

    What a great skirt Shelbee, love the pattern and colours 🙂 Perfect background for photos too.

    Thanks for sharing at #CreativeMondays, hope to see you on Wednesday for our next blog hop 🙂

  • Lorena

    May 8, 2018 at 2:48 pm Reply

    Well you have certainly enlightened me ! I knew something was celebrated in Mexico on 5th of May but… had no idea what it was ! (and i love history)
    Great skirt !

  • Marilee Gramith

    May 9, 2018 at 3:51 am Reply

    Though I’m three days and several pesos short this post still brought a big ol smile to my face. Your honesty and humorous approach to this topic and styling challenge are so entertaining and make me love you even more. As a former Social Studies teacher I understand your lack of enthusiasm for battles and politics.
    This look will STILL be cute on the Dias of May!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      May 9, 2018 at 10:21 am Reply

      Jude, thank you for giving me a chuckle this morning! I adore you as well! I have no idea why history lessons of this sort cannot capture my attention, but there it is. And at 43 years old, I am no longer willing to force my interest where no interest exists!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      May 9, 2018 at 10:08 am Reply

      Thanks so much, Alicia! I did not count the colors in my skirt, but I do love that you did. Thanks for pointing out that fun little detail. And if I had a sombrero that is probably exactly what I would have done!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Nina

    May 14, 2018 at 8:48 pm Reply

    LOL Ada would pick a theme like that! I will say that you really rocked the theme. Even that backdrop is absolutely perfect! Speaking of Ada, thanks for linking up with Ada and I for the Thursday Moda linkup!

    Nina
    aworldofdresses.com

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