All Things EARTH... part 2

[Sailor_Sally]

2 hours ago, awhfy said:

 

My SIL that lives 1/2 year in Ft Myers developed that about 2 years ago (she has COPD). She is doing well now & is on a long term treatment with an infectious disease specialist. Hope your treatment works well, Sally. Melody

Thanks that is encouraging 

[MJC]

Sally, I'm so happy that you finally got a diagnosis and can be treated properly. I'm sure you'll be feeling better soon now.

 

Laurie, I really like the green walls. Nice TV!

 

We are excited that our furniture is coming back from the upholster on Saturday, about 4 weeks early. We're heading up to the lake for the weekend to get our den back in order. All that's left is to order the new curtains, but I think I will wait until spring, after DH is up and around with his new hip.

 

Don't you hate it when a favorite pair of shoes dies? I had some very golden, barely yellow leather sandals that went with so much. Not metallic, not too light or too dark. It is not a popular color now so I don't know what I will choose to fill in that wardrobe gap.

 

 

[laurspag]

One of the things I liked about the picture of the TV is that I feel the green walls actually look fairly accurate in that picture.  Every time I show someone a picture of the family room, it looks brighter than what it is. Either way, we love the color so much that my husband wants us to paint the mudroom the same color.  We bought more paint than what was needed for the FR so we have enough.  Plus, the room is adjacent so it will be nice and flowing.  

 

While we don't need the stone, I am usually the person that has something in mind and fixates on how to make it happen.  I love the look of the stone, but I'm not in a position where I have to have it.   My husband really, really wants it though.  That being said, it is not something we will rush to do.  There are more important things.

 

One of the thoughts was that in normal circumstances, there is not all that stuff on the top of the built in.  It would have a much nicer appearance than when  you see the picture and then envision stone.  I'll post a picture of the stone, it's on my phone and I'm on the desk top right now.

 

Sally, good luck with your treatment plan.  I'm glad they figure it out for you.  

 

Margaret, I know exactly what you mean about shoes.  I have had a few like that.  I currently have a pair of slip on sandals that have a brick red, gold and dark camel color.  They go with so many things, but they are kind of stretched out and I had to glue in one of the straps quite a while back.  I recall that with leather you can often dip the leather in hot water and it will tighten up.  Well, my sister used to do that, and she swore it worked.  I may give it a go, as I've had them a very long time.  Because I glued the strap back in, I'm afraid to wear them other than when I am home.  I don't want to be on an excursion on a cruise or in the middle of Target and have it break.  

 

The funny thing is that they have literally been sitting in my closet for two years now.  The other pair I have are an animal print that I love, because the colors are so earthy looking.  

 

When you mention colors that are not necessarily popular right now, it speaks to me greatly.  A few years ago, brown shoes were everywhere, and when I needed new ones this year, I found it extremely difficult to find any that were suitable for work.  The few pair I found didn't work with my foot issues.  It took me a long time to find some.  I was literally ordering everything I could find from a few stores, and then bringing them back.

 

Then in the fall, Chadwicks had these great boyfriend sweaters.  I ordered a chocolate brown and this really nice caramel like color that I forget the name of.  They had a few other earth colors and I wanted to go back and purchase them, but they were gone.  My fingers are crossed that as we get towards spring, they will have some muted, warm colors.  Chances are they will have "Easter colors" and there will be nothing that I can really get away with.  

 

While I'm sad I didn't get the additional colors in the boyfriend cardigan that I wanted, I would have had 4 sweaters, exactly the same, in brown, caramel and olive.  That screams fall.  The teal was great though, and I feel like that doesn't feel so seasonal.  Some day they will offer that in a camel color, which is pretty good all year.  

[awhfy]

22 hours ago, MJC said:

Sally, I'm so happy that you finally got a diagnosis and can be treated properly. I'm sure you'll be feeling better soon now.

 

Laurie, I really like the green walls. Nice TV!

 

We are excited that our furniture is coming back from the upholster on Saturday, about 4 weeks early. We're heading up to the lake for the weekend to get our den back in order. All that's left is to order the new curtains, but I think I will wait until spring, after DH is up and around with his new hip.

 

Don't you hate it when a favorite pair of shoes dies? I had some very golden, barely yellow leather sandals that went with so much. Not metallic, not too light or too dark. It is not a popular color now so I don't know what I will choose to fill in that wardrobe gap.

 

 

😢. I had that happen on our last cruise, my all time favorite shoes but the bullet. I haven’t been able to find a replacement yet & we cruise in 50 days, maybe a shopping trip in Ft Lauderdale prior...  these were my creamy/white slight wedge sandals that literally went with everything. I know have 7 pairs of shoes out trying to get the look right. I never bring that many shoes...the hunt continues. Melody

[Sailor_Sally]

I also had a favorite pair of ballet flats that bit the dust when we were out for dinner . I have not found any that I like as much despite searching .

[laurspag]

So my daughter and I went to the mall yesterday for a while, and it was so much fun!  One thing I like is that we will wander and really look around leisurely, and try things on.  Most of the time, I'm under time constraints and the trip s very functional, in that I'm going to a specific store to look at a particular item.

 

I found an earth red (I think) jumpsuit.  I've been wanting to try one for a while now.  They have a smart look to them, but with the difference in size from top to bottom, I figured they would work.  This one fit pretty good though.  On top, I could clearly see I needed to have the shoulders taken up, which is a common thing for me.  I decided if I went up a size, I would be able to adjust a little more precisely to get the fit I am looking for.

 

Now that I have it home, I think I will bring it back and get the smaller size.  I realized it was much too big in the back.  Note to self: don't just look at the front of something you are trying on!

 

The second item I cam across was in the clearance section of WHBM.  I was drawn to a unique red (yes, red again!) dress.  It's a high low style, and I thought it might be a good choice for me while I learn to move away from full length dresses.  The dress I wore for my daughter's wedding was a high low dress also.  The high low part is a bit asymmetrical.  Here is the link:

 

https://www.whitehouseblackmarket.com/store/product/tieneck+maxi+dress/570275632?color=1833&catId=sale

 

 

I'm pretty excited about this, and I'm already thinking about bringing it for formal night on my November cruise.  The cruise is right after Thanksgiving, so it sounds kind of fun to have something red while getting close to Christmas.

 

Like I need an excuse for red, lol.  It's not an earth red, but that can be hard to find.  I think the jumpsuit is an earth red,  but may be borderline fire.  I think for fire, at least true fire, it would need to be brighter.  IDK...

 

One thing worth mentioning is that I had ordered new navy pants at 50% from WHBM, and I ordered a jumpsuit from there as well.  This was before I found the red one when out shopping.  The red one is from a boutique style store called Francesca's.  I believe it is really a chain and just designed to have a boutique feel, but my daughters love this place and the prices are good.

 

Anyway, here is the garnet jumpsuit from WHBM.  It looks like it could be that earth like burgundy, but we will see when it comes in.  Sadly, I realized after I submitted my order that I wasn't thinking and ordered the wrong size.  Once it arrives, which should be tomorrow, I can try it on and see where I am at.  If I really like it, I will need to reorder it in a larger size.

 

 https://www.whitehouseblackmarket.com/store/product/tiedetail+jumpsuit/570274003?color=2455&catId=sale

 

Otherwise, we didn't have a ton of time to shop because we were going to the basketball game.  I did stop in Express, and got two tops for just $10.00 each.  One is for work, one is for play.  I wasn't able to find photos online, but I will see about getting a picture.  I'll also post a picture of the stone we are thinking about for the family room behind the TV; I keep forgetting to post a picture!!

 

Edited January 6, 2020 by laurspag

[awhfy]

Laurie, great styles (& prices) on the dress & jumpsuit. I do love a good buy!

[Sailor_Sally]

The red dress is so pretty and I also love the jumpsuit . Great buys !

[purduemom1]

Laurie, I love the red dress and it just looks like you.  Jumpsuit also a nice choice.

Sharon

[laurspag]

I'm really loving the dress.  It feels like "me".  

 

With the WHBM order, it came in today.  One of the two navy pants I ordered work well, the other will go back.  I figured on this when I ordered so I'm fine with it.  I have found some nice ways to use warm(ish) navy with earth colors so it has helped me to extend my wardrobe a little bit.

 

Now, the jumpsuit that I knew I ordered in too small a size...fits.  Kind of.  🙂  The bottom half fits perfect. I was shocked that I could zip it all the way up because I'm a 36DD.  But it has to do with the styling.  I obviously need a bigger size, so I am trying to figure out what I think.  The color appears to be a great garnet color.  Garnet has that slightly brownish look to it, so it is a great earth color I can never find.  However, my lighting in my room is off so I would want to see it in better lighting.  That being said, I know I would wear the color either way.  While I try to always wear good colors for me, sometimes I will go with a color that is close if the style is good.

 

I think the deal is a good one, and since they don't have it in the store, I want to try it on again later to decide if one size up will work out.  If I have to go up 2 sizes, the bottom would need taking in but I'm used to having to do that so I'm fine with making adjustments.  I just want to be sure I like it on.

 

So I'm feeling happy with shopping!  

 

It's so funny how I start thinking immediately about accessories.  With these necklines, there will no necklaces but I bet I can wear some neat earrings and bracelets.   I often like to toy with different combinations, and to see how it affects the overall look.  That is one nice thing about solid colors that I really like.  For example, the red dress could look great with my gold sandals, gold earrings and bracelet.  But what if I went with the cream sandals I wore for my daughter's wedding?

 

If the dress was an earth red, I'd even being seeing what it would like with those bronze sandals I have.  The red definitely has a bluish undertone though.  I will likely go with the gold because I find it helps to warm up the red when I do that.

 

I sure wish the cruise was longer - it is only 5 days but I will take it.  I'm very fortunate to have a fun year to plan out.

 

 

[awhfy]

Laurie, just saw this at Chicos & immediately thought of you. Melody

[awhfy]

If anyone is looking for men’s travel pants. Costco has Eddie Bauer travelex pants for men at $19.99. 3 colors, black, dark khaki & navy. Great buy because same pants at Eddie Bauer store is $69. Les is all set for the cruise now 😉

[Sailor_Sally]

I like the Chico's jumpsuit but it is a little too much  drama for me .

[awhfy]

11 hours ago, Sailor_Sally said:

I like the Chico's jumpsuit but it is a little too much  drama for me .

I felt the same way but I ordered it for our MardiGras cruise, we’ll see when it comes in. We’re eating at Commanders Palace, so this will fit in. Melody

[Sailor_Sally]

When in New Orleans make sure you go to Pat O Brian's .Most fun ever !

[awhfy]

Thanks Sally, I’ll put it on the list. We’re there from Sunday at 5Pm until Tuesday at 10pm

[laurspag]

Melody, that is a beautiful jumpsuit.  I was thinking that if the one I reordered a size up wasn't working, this one may be an option for me.  The other one came in though (I didn't even know I was getting free two day shipping, lol) and I'm really liking it.

 

You know, sometimes you put something on and it may not be the most flattering style, but you like it so you go ahead with it?  That is the way I feel about the deep garnet jumpsuit from WHBM.  One thing to point out about it is that it does really cross over, creating the keyhole.  It isn't sewn that way.  Due to my fullness in that area, I'm going to sew it in place.  It is super easy to do, and I will feel so comfortable not worrying about that opening up all the time.  I got to realizing that regardless of build, that would be something with this jumpsuit.  

 

I am feeling very....organizational lately.  I think that whenever you are in the house more, you start wanting to put away some clutter, or clear something up.  So I'm doing lots of little things right now. I was trying to organize some of my time off, because of a few things.

 

The main reason is travel.  I have to space out my trips.  I have a short trip in March to Florida for a spring game, then Boston in May, and the cruise in November.   While I have more vacation/personal time to schedule, it is always hard to do.  I need to take a few days soon to work on painting. There just doesn't seem to be a lot of time on weekends to get it all done, and from the standpoint of working inside, it gets dark early and it is often gloomy.  I prefer good daytime light for painting.

 

And oh boy, I have a lot of painting to do.  Since all the doors have been replaced, all 11 of them need two coats of paint on all sides, plus the trip around them.  Most of the rooms could use to have all the trim painted.  Then I have 2-3 rooms where the walls could use painting.  Just like that, I feel overwhelmed a bit.  I decided to take it a room at a time, so I am going to pace myself a bit differently.

 

One thing about the doors - they have a recessed panel on top.  We are realizing that panel isn't super thick, so the hooks we had to hang up robes and the like are no longer a good choice as the screws are too long.  My husband had an idea for that, but it requires some work to create it.  Generally, we work on things as team, and sometimes alone.  This year is a bit different because he has saved and purchased parts for his car restoration for years, and he is in the midst of getting things squared away on that.  It has been a lifelong dream of his, and he has given up a lot over the years for us so I really, really want him to let this be his focus for now.

 

I am almost certain I've mentioned all that a few times before, but at different times so I was just looking to put it all together so that you could see the big picture.

 

Melody, when you do you leave for your trip?

 

Sally, how are you feeling?

[Sailor_Sally]

Melody  Pat o Brian's  is a famous dueling piano place . It gets packed but it is so much fun. They also have a pretty patio area away from the craziness .We also did a horse and carriage tour that was fun and a bar tour .We loved New Orleans .Just stay in the tourist areas and take cabs at night .There are sketchy areas.

[Sailor_Sally]

Laurie , I am feeling a pinch better .I love jumpsuits . They seem to e everywhere this year . I have been looking for a conservative one to add to my wardrobe . They are a pain when you have to go to the bathroom.I remember that from when they were popular in the late 80"s 

[laurspag]

So funny that you mention that - yes, you are in the ladies room, and trying to reach the zipper and hurry...lol.  I have been thinking I need to be very aware of that when I wear these!  

 

For me, I am rather short waisted.  I used to think the opposite, because I'd put on a swimsuit and it wouldn't fit right.  Then I realized that the sizing between my top and bottom were different, and it was affecting fit.  I couldn't understand why when I was wearing certain things that it seemed the opposite.  Then I found the first bra sized swimsuit for me to try, and I started analyzing pictures more carefully.

 

It was an "aha" moment...short waisted, broad shouldered, and full chest, all in a 5' 5" package.  That can be hard to dress for sometimes, because I always feel like I look huge.  I'm learning to just stop focusing on the wrong things.  Sometimes, when I love what I am wearing and I feel really happy, the confidence shows through and I don't seem to focus on the flaws.

 

So I guess that it's true when they say beauty comes from within...If I don't like the way I look and there is a picture taken, then I dread and hate the photo.  Seriously though, it's the same person regardless of the photo or the outfit, right?

[purduemom1]

Laurie, I agree with what your analysis and conclusion. I will add that I think we tend to be too hard on ourselves and often, when looking in a mirror or at a picture, will notice and focus on something that others won’t notice. I guess it’s just human nature.

Sharon

[awhfy]

We leave for Ft Lauderdale on 19 Feb & sail on Celebrity Reflection on 21 Feb for 21 days!  I had planned that we would each take one suitcase & a carryon. Les said, let’s just take 3 cases & put all the MardiGras things & snorkel gear in it (I wasn’t planning on the snorkel gear). We’re flying first class (fantastic deal in June) so each have 2 checked bags up to 70 lbs. I did a prepack of my suitcase (without the MardiGras & snorkel stuff) & it was 43 lbs...but if he wants to deal with another case...I’m fine with that (I might even take 2 more outfits that were on the fence)

 

right now both Les & I are dealing with pretty serious medical issues. He has an infected kidney & kidney stone, urologist today. I’m having an endoscopy on Thursday to figure out what they’re going to do with my hernia(s)...Les will have his done prior to cruise, I’m definitely waiting until we’re back for anything.  Melody

[Sailor_Sally]

Melody , Sorry about your medical issues .They seem to pop up more as we age . The only thing you need for mardi gras is very casual clothes . It gets jammed with people carrying beverages and spilling them . We came home from mardi gras with a ton of beads some pretty raunchy .It was fun .

[awhfy]

Sally, we’re doing a parade on board ship (going with 10 crazy friends, it’ll be wild). Hope I get some good pictures!  I’m wearing my purple chiffon top on board & I have a Soft Surroundings tie dye green, purple & neon yellow vneck too for NOLA (it washes)

 

Understand health issues as we age...just have to get there. Les is having a ct scan this morning & likely surgery or blasting of the kidney stone later this week, he should be good to go in 35 days   

[awhfy]

I had my endoscopy today, not great news. I’m very likely going to have to have the hiatal hernia done again & its 10cm abdominal wall hernia friend. Waiting till we get the results from the 5 biopsies. She did give ok for the cruise tho!   Les is having kidney & bladder stone surgery on 23 Jan (12 of them, no wonder he’s been miserable!)

 

all in all we’re doing ok!  Melody