All Things EARTH... part 2

[mousey]

Thanks to all of you for your support. I'm sure stress has a lot to do with my hair loss but the truth is it's really something I've inherited from my mom. She started loosing her hair when she was in her 70s and I'm seventy now. Sucks for me! LOL! I'm fine with it though. The DS is very sympathetic about it and is going with me to help me pick out and buy me a wig. There's a salon that sells them not far from where we live. I'm okay with it as I wear hats all the time not just because of the hair loss but because I love hats. I've got dozens of them in all style, colors, and textures.

 

Wow, Laurie's cruise is in under a month, Awfy's is in 98 days, and Sailor Sally's is in 3 months!! Lucky ladies! We didn't take one in 2016 but I'm hoping to do at least a 3-day one to Mexico maybe in the summer. But I'm not sad as we have the niece's wedding in Cancun at the end of next month and then her sister's at a dude ranch in Colorado in June. Can't complain about that. LOL!

 

Well, you know the saying that when "it rains, it pours"...We're only at Jan. 15th and so far this year I've lost my aunt (94 1/2 years old) and my brother's mother-in-law (88). Both of these deaths were expected and they were both very ill. Things just have to get better and I'm sure they will. I'm not sad about these deaths as both of them were suffering and it's better for them as there was no hope that either of them would get better. Still....

 

Not wanting to be a Negative Nellie...there is something good coming up this year besides the wedding and that's the DS's graduation from college. It seems like he just started college and now he's almost done. Wow...that went so fast!!!!

 

:)Mousey

[Sailor_Sally]

. I know that Key West might be cooler, so I have something planned for that. Also, last year I sailed from Tampa at the same time of year, and I wore cropped jeans and a short sleeved shirt. I ended up needing a cardigan. So I may need two outfits like that.

 

/quote]

 

 

Even if it is warm during the day Tampa at this time of year is cool in the evening .Also if the North is having a cold spell Florida will be chilly . Key West is very south so unless Florida is having a cold spell it should be okay and even with a cold spell it only means a sweater .Of course the water will be cold even in Key West .If you get a chance go to Ybor city in Tampa .Lots of restaurants and clubs and the Columbia restaurant is not to be missed .

[laurspag]

I enjoy the thought process too, Sally. The idea of planning for a day that could mean shorts and a tank top, or perhaps cropped skinny jeans and short sleeved shirt, or needing a cardigan or something...that is fun for me to do.

 

I also find that I sometimes get cool in the evening, so after dinner, if we are wandering around the ship, especially on deck, having a pair of cropped skinny jeans isn't a bad idea.

 

I try not to bring an excessive amount of clothing. But I go with the assumption that I will only be able to wear an outfit once, and then I bring one extra shorts outfit along. I throw in a pair of cropped something or another, and a cardigan that could go with multiple tops that I am bringing.

 

I feel prepared this way. So much goes back to my very first cruise to Bermuda in late August. It was total melting weather. Not only couldn't anything be re-worn after being drenched with sweat, but there were port days where I needed to change after getting back on board. I knew I was going to run short on clothes, and was trying to wash a few things in the sink, hoping they would dry so that I could wear them.

 

I will never do that again.

 

When I did the Pacific Coastal cruise, I brought along layers. But it was very, very cool, and not the low 60s to low 70s they predicted. We had days in the upper 40s and low 50s, so it was a good thing that I brought layers. The day we arrived in San Francisco, it was freezing!

 

So, I guess it is good to be prepared.

 

I didn't take a picture yet, and probably won't until later, but I lines up my dresses and have the sandals figured out. I'm a bit perplexed that my choices aren't as "earthy" as I want. But I often find that I either get an earthy color in a style that doesn't work, or a style that works wear the color doesn't. These are all good choices in that they are not bad choices - just not as perfect as what I would like. But I feel good about wearing them overall.

 

My daughter came home from news that Eddie Bauer got navy and gray skorts in, and they are due to get a few more colors in before the floor set on Sunday. She isn't sure what colors yet though. They almost always have sand or khaki, so I'm assuming that will be one of them. If not, I found the navy worked great last year, as I was able to treat it as a neutral and put a lot of earthy tops with it.

 

So I will have a skort or two to bring with me if I want! That kind of puts a wrinkle in my exuberance to finish up planning my outfits. But I was thinking of picking my favorite two pair of shorts, and figuring the tops. Then I can choose the runner ups and wait to see what skorts they have.

 

A found that the tend to carry the same style skort for about two years, but change up the colors each year. Last years skort styling was a bit shorter, and not as a-line. I found it to be more flattering on me. I am thinking the style should be the same this year. I hope so. There were regular pockets in the front, with a smooth cargo pocket on the side that was good for my phone and sea pass card. I love to have either my phone or my camera with me for whenever we want to snap a picture. My phone is bigger now so I hope it will fit, lol. That is, assuming the new skorts this year have a cargo pocket. They probably do.

[awhfy]

Well, I confirmed our 14-night Caribbean cruise for November 26 on Celebrity Eclipse. $25 deposits till tomorrow on Celebrity, includes 2 perks so we took classic alcohol beverage package & gratuities & we were able to snag one of our favorite cabins. Our 48th anniversary will be in St Maarten this year, woo hoo!

 

I went shopping with oldest DD on Sat. Got a great pair of Columbia capris for $12! Stretch skinny jeans at Chicos, $20 (with my bday $10 from Chicos) & a black sparkly hoodie sweater (more sparkly than black) for $15 & then hit Vera Bradley. I have a complete new travel set (travel tote (that's waterproof), purse, wristlet, curling iron holder, pill box, makeup case, & jewelry thingy, 50% off, then 25% off (bday) & 10% off for military; my grand total was $18.30...3 women applauded. I got the pattern Camofloral (all turquoise & blues). It was a great day. DD said I cost her lots of $$$ (she bought 4 suits for work, one chocolate brown at WHBM). Melody

 

 

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Edited January 16, 2017 by awhfy

[laurspag]

Melody, you scored some great deals! I have done good at waiting for sales and using coupons and the like, but it's been a long time since I've been able to get deals like that.

 

The only time recently I succeeded at that was with Express last week. They had 40% off their clearance, and I got 5 items for $52.00 with tax. Some of the shirts they have are wonderful.

 

I took pictures, just didn't do a great job. I should have taken them earlier, but I got busy and then went to see my sister, who has been moved to the rehab center. She is doing well, although they said this recovery will take a bit longer, as she had a great deal of bone deterioration and the remaining bones in that area a bit weaker. They don't want her to overdo it.

 

Here is the group photo of dresses, and I apologize..I really need the natural sunlight in this room for good pictures.

 

The dress on the far left is the same one Anita has. I would call it a soft earth color. The next dress is a print maxi, and it is fairly earthy overall. Next is the formal night purple dress. It's not really like it looks in the group picture, but I'm going to go with...air? When you look at this, and see the later up close pictures, you can let me know what you think.

 

Then there is the red dress. No excuses or confusion, I just like red! Then the last dress is probably the one dress that is the most deceiving. There are some earth colors, but the dominant colors are fire. It does not look like anything I would ever wear. It is very different on....very. But I've taken it in enough so that it looks nice, and I'm going to go for it.

 

 

Now for some up close pictures with jewelry. The overhead ceiling fan light does make these all look bright.

 

Here is the olive green dress with jewelry. I might add my Alex and Ani bracelets on the other arm, since they are a great satin type gold. They go great with the rivets.

 

 

 

Then for the print maxi:

 

 

[laurspag]

Next up is formal night. I honestly feel that this dress looks really good on, despite the color. Yes, it bothers me. (I feel like it's okay to admit that I don't like not wearing earth colors)

 

 

 

Here is my Valentine's Day dress. I want to add that I debated about this necklace, because it's rigid and doesn't fit into my jewelry wrap. That being said, I really like the necklace with the dress, so I will wrap it or something or another, lol.

 

 

[laurspag]

Then there is my fish out of the water dress, lol. Whenever I have a busy print, I tend to keep the jewelry simpler. I wear my most detailed jewelry with the plainer outfits.

 

 

 

I am pretty certain I will the wedges with the three dresses they are shown with. They are really comfortable, and are casual, yet nice.

 

With the red dress and the formal night dress, those are the sandals that I grabbed out of the closet. But I have a few pair of gold sandals so I will go with whatever seems like a good idea at the time. My Ann Klein sandals go with everything so well, it's hard not to wear them. I purposely didn't grab those when taking pictures.

 

There you have it! Next up is my daytime outfits.

 

I welcome your input, as always. I think we offer each other a lot of good feedback. I wish the colors were earthier, but I don't think the choices were bad.

 

Melody, your daughter found a chocolate brown suit in WHBM? Must be an in store only item, or maybe not available online yet? I have a coupon, so I took a look to see if I could find it but could not. That is a missing staple that I have not been able to find yet. When others wear black, I usually opt for brown.

[laurspag]

Melody, what is your itinerary? I've never been on Celebrity.

 

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[Sailor_Sally]

Melody , Great purchases ! I love Chico's jeans. They last forever and have just the right amount of stretch in them .

 

Laurie, Nice dresses and the jewelry looks great .

[awhfy]

Melody, what is your itinerary? I've never been on Celebrity.

 

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Not the best picture, but. Miami 2 sea days, St Maarten, Antigua, St Lucia, Barbados, sea day, Bonaire, Curacao (overnight), Aruba 2 sea days & Miami. Celebrity Eclipse, 26 Nov 17.

 

Celebrity is our favorite line. Les likes blackjack & all Celebrity casinos are nonsmoking! Very few kids (especially on longer cruises), no pool games & one announcement per day. If you are Gold or up (Diamond is max) on Royal you get the reciprocal status on Celebrity (just have to contact Captains Club & give them your Crown & Anchor number). Melody

 

 

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[awhfy]

WHBM outlet is where she bought the chocolate brown. It was stovepipe pants & a fitted jacket. She paired it with a red/gold print tank & looked stunning (can't believe I didn't snap a picture!). Here's one of her (she's the dark hair, like Les). Melody

 

 

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[mousey]

Melody,

 

OMG! I'm so jealous, envious, and all that stuff! LOL! 15-day cruise...if only....

I'm lucky to get a 3-dayer this year.

 

Laurie,

 

Love, love, love all your outfits. I've always thought you have great taste and a wonderful eye for detail. I especially love the print dress with the zipper. I love that zipper...it's kind of sassy. LOL! Love the print and colors on it too. Great choice! Can't wait to see the day outfuts!!!

[awhfy]

Laurie, I just realized that some of my post well, didn't

 

Love the print maxi (that has me written all over it) & the bright print as well. However, that red lace dress screams I belong to Laurie! The others are excellent choices. I don't tend to wear many dresses but I enjoy watching those that wear them well.

 

I'm working on a new project. I'm crocheting a virus shawl. Started it yesterday & am about a third done. I'll post a picture when completed. I chose electric blue sparkly yarn for this first one & have teal waiting in the wings.

 

 

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Edited January 18, 2017 by awhfy

[mousey]

Melody,

 

What is a "virus" shawl? Very curious as I've never heard of this.

 

:)Mousey

[awhfy]

I'd never heard of it either, it's a very open weave crochet shawl. I guess you could get a virus wearing it? [emoji23][emoji23] this is from the pattern I downloaded. I'm doing it in an electric (cobalt) blue, not graduated shades. Melody

 

 

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[mousey]

Melody,

 

I love love love that! It's beautiful! Something I would love to have.

[awhfy]

Melody,

 

 

 

I love love love that! It's beautiful! Something I would love to have.

 

 

I'll let you know how it comes out Mousey, maybe we can work something out. So far it's coming together quickly. I'm over a third done with just a few hours in. If anyone crochets I'll send the pattern. Melody

 

 

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[mousey]

Melody,

 

I would love a copy of that pattern so my mom could make one up for me. She was never able to show me how to crochet as she's right-handed and I'm left-handed. She does such beautiful work. She's makes stuff for everyone. I've got scarves, ponchos, vests, etc. etc. She's also famous for her baby outfits and blankets. All of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, other family and friends treasure them.

 

Do let us know how it turns out. Maybe you could post a picture of it when it's done. I'm sure it's going to be lovely.

 

Mousey

Edited January 19, 2017 by mousey

[awhfy]

Mousey, send me your email address. I'll scan in the pattern. It's exceptionally easy

Melody

 

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Edited January 19, 2017 by awhfy

[laurspag]

Melody, I'd love the pattern for that shawl. I think that would be something I'd love to wrap myself in on a cool night. I have one daughter that would love something like that. She totally knows how to take anything and make into the perfect style for a twenty-something. I think she might ask me to make it a bit smaller, and then she'd do some sort of scarf thingy.

 

Scarf thingy, lol. She has these huge ones that she manages all the time.

 

A few nights ago, I picked out the shorts I wanted to bring, and then looked at my tops. I am excited about my choices. Once my daughter picks up my navy skort, I will finalize everything and take pictures. But for my sea days, I have a few newer tops that I got a really great sale on at Express. They are perfect autumn colors, and they are true autumn, so I feel really, really good about them. They work out really nice with shorts.

 

I had a Tuttle moment (as Margaret likes to call them) not long ago. The sensible side of me says that clothing should fit all sorts of scenarios, do double duty, etc. However, my personality doesn't work that way. Gym clothes and sneakers are for the gym. Jeans are always casual. Work clothes are always for work.

 

I mention this because the Express shirts really can be worn for both work, and when I want a nicer casual outfit.

 

I wanted to post a link, but they're already sold out. I will have pictures soon. One is a pumpkin color and the other is a very warm olive green.

 

I'm about three weeks away now! It seems to be coming up pretty quickly.

[awhfy]

My email is awhfy51@gmail.com. If you want a copy of that Virus Shawl pattern just sent me an email. It's coming together very well. Nice thing is you can make it as big (& thick) as you want by adjusting the type of yarn. Melody

 

 

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[Anita Latte]

Your cruise is fast approaching Laurie!

 

It is SO WEIRD to see MY dress :rolleyes:;) in your cruise wardrobe line up!! LOL. It's such a great dress though. I think it will travel very well and it is so very comfortable.

 

I haven't seen that new print with the zipper dress before! I'm wild about that dress!! The use of the border...the print has good placement. It looks like an easy breezy dress to wear. The best kind! Does the zipper go all the way around the top of the dress? If it does, does your hair get caught in the zipper around the back? I like that detail a lot...but that's my concern for me.

 

I wish that I had a cruise on the books...there is just too much uncertainty in our future to be able to plan anything like that at this point. There's light at the end of the tunnel...DS is a sophomore and so our lives will likely be drastically different in just a couple years. IDK if we'll get another cruise in before that or not...

 

With how crazy life feels...I look at cruises that seem more relaxing. Lately, I've been intrigued with the idea of a Bermuda cruise. I saw an itinerary on Celebrity, I think...a week long cruise to there. Many sea days and then the overnights in Bermuda. That seems low key...I wish I could coordinate that before DH moves from his PA apt because the cruise leaves from up there, but there's just no way budget wise to do that...

 

I'll be cruising vicariously for a while...

 

Graduate school! Wow Margaret! What are you pursuing?

 

My trips on the horizon are all DS music related...this is All State season now...DS made both the Sight Reading Chorus and the regular Chorus. That means a weekend getaway for the family. The Chorus field trip is to Chicago this spring. DH and I are both chaperoning...

 

First trip is next weekend! Our weather has been so wacky...I'm not even going to try to plan clothes until right before.

 

Whenever all that weather happened...we had two inclement weather days off from school. We got about an inch of snow...but the deal here is that the ground is never cold enough for it to stay snow, so it instantly melts when it hits the road and then almost instantly freezes...so we had over an inch of ice on all our roads. If you have ever been in the suburban Atlanta...the roads are small and the hills are non-stop and the TREES! OMG...too many trees...shade every where. Where the sun could get through...there was some meltage but the temps stayed below freezing for days so all the ice in the shade didn't go anyway. It was beyond hazardous driving in so many places...

 

But we were fine. Most of the main roads got enough sun. I would talk to people though about how it took them 30 minutes just to leave their neighborhood with all the shade, hills, and ice.

 

South facing driveways rule!!!!

[mousey]

Mousey, send me your email address. I'll scan in the pattern. It's exceptionally easy

Melody

 

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mouseyca@gmail.com

 

Thanks Melody!:D

[awhfy]

mouseyca@gmail.com

 

 

 

Thanks Melody!:D

 

 

Mousey, you have mail. Melody

 

 

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[awhfy]

Laurie, you have mail

 

 

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