Uplifting and Lively Messages. No holds barred..
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Yes, go for the skiing!!! But proceed with wax, as can't tell you what a bummer it is to have impacted snow on your ski bottoms. I will mention that you get tons more exercise. But in no way, the right exercise/fun quotient.
Had a brutal day, but finished with a gorgeous early evening walk where I got to hear the first frog serenade of the season, and then leftover Boeuf Bourguignon with veggie and wine for dinner. Blissed out now.
I was at a building function very briefly this evening. Two neighbors were talking about bruises to the whatever. I pointed out that I get these all the time. Which you of course do, when you land on your a** regularly. Will most likely happen again on Saturday if I am fortunate enough to get up skiing.
Please post pictures. And let us know how it all goes. I think I am at my happiest when on my skis. About 15 months ago, I got to ski at Wilridge Vineyard. I stopped by for a glass afterwards. And sent wine made from those grapes to my East Coast friends. Now, how cool is that!!
Have a blast skiing!!! - Claire
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Well, I did it ladies! Skied for the 2nd time in my life! First time was like 27 years ago. We are at the Rick Wilcox magic show now and it is amazing. We are front and center. Intermission now. I will try to post the picture later. I am sad for this trip to end, it has been so much fun. 😁
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I am on the far left.
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I forgot to add that since it was St. Pattys day we all got free lift tickets for wearing green! Also since we are staying at the resort we got 10% off rentals. We all skied for under $100. Not too bad!
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GK, thanks for the pictures. I have been busy out of the house for several days. I ended up trading in my vehicle and getting a different one. There was so much depreciation on my car, and only 3 years old, 25,000 miles, I needed to get out of it. While I was doing some online searching, I saw something for a rebate if I was a Sam's Club member, which I have been for 22 years. My auto dealer accepted the certificate number provided to me by Sams, and took an additional $500 off my "out the door price". So, if you are a Sam's member, it is worth checking out. Took five minutes, that is $100 per minute.
Was able to get some walking in this week and donating good usable items. Feeling satisfied in my accomplishments. Feeding my relative's cats for two weeks, so daily trips to her house. Oh, yeah, I made a scarf from a Tory Burch silk dress from which I canabalized the buttons.
Have a great Sunday!!!
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Great ski photo!!! Looks like a fun place to re-learn some of the basics. This is a work weekend, so no skiing. Still things I need to catch up on today. So a run had to suffice yesterday.
Congrats on the new ride, Michelle! Not to mention, progress on the closet.
I need to get to Staples to use my $20 ink coupon. Most likely on more ink. One place my coupons go to good use.
Made the simplest corned beef dinner that I have made in years. Usually, I have friends over, but my friends I usually invite are unfortunately splitting up. I think my friend has seriously lost her mind being totally smitten with a Spanish Bad Boy and the writing on the wall does not look good. I am hoping for a disastrous trip to Spain next month, or at least that she finds someone a trifle more responsible. (This would not be difficult.)
But then, my sister and I were discussing last night that two of our cousins have made similar choices, with the theme being men who are long on charm and excitement and short on most other qualities.
I may need to travel to Spain in a year or so to rescue her from this Bad Boy. I wonder what her parents are thinking??? Probably another financial bailout in the future. They have the resources, but Geez. I am also worried about their son. Just not a good scene, and no, her husband did not deserve this.
All this makes me glad that my parents brought us up with the idea that we needed to be self-sufficient and self-supporting. That said, I am looking forward to getting back in touch with my more artistic side. I can't wait to revisit the museums and galleries in London when I am there in October.
Happy Sunday everyone! - Claire
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Today, I gave the dog a bath, grocery shopped, played some table corn hole with dh, visited with my daughter, organized, put my sewing machine away and took my megadose of Vitamin D. I am enjoying my new wheels, my son refers to my ride as a drug car. It is a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee mid range black out version, with black wheels, grills, etc. I happen to think it is edgy and fun, not druggy looking. It reminds me of my Chevy Tahoe that was black, and a hybrid.
My mom is still in the hospital, and has pneumonia, c diff, congestive heart failure, a feeding tube, etc. It is a rough road right now, and I am not sure what is going to happen. She is unable to stay awake for more than a minute or two. It is now one month since she went into the hospital.
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I am so sorry, Michelle. Prayers to all of you.
Quiet day today as yesterday was a work day. I think I am FINALLY getting the point where a day off to rest and regroup is often a good thing. Will try for one last ski next weekend. I did do a lot of running/walking so I should be just fine in the exercise department.
Listening to some jazz right now prior to hitting my bed. Hair is colored and dinner was just delish.
Just had to clean up a burgeoning mess in the fridge. Leaky milk carton. Fortunately was able to transfer the contents to the old milk carton before things got totally out of hand. BLECH!!!
Watch your back with your new ride Michelle, but I suspect they won't be mistaking you for a drug runner. For many years, my parents lived near the Canadian Border and the Border Patrol clued them in on what they look for (expensive ride, early 20s). You don't fit the profile, thank goodness!
Just loving my new bottle green cashmere sweater! - Claire
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Michelle, sorry about your mom not getting better. C-diff is horrible. Did you tell him the only drugs your running are estrogen blockers?
Claire, milk messes are no fun. I admire you with all the skiing. You ain't kidding it is good workout. I still have sore muscles - hips and upper chest. I guess there is a reason all the ski resorts have huge hottubs!
I am spending today unpacking, and doing laundry from out vacay. I am also trying to mentally prepare to go back to work tomorrow.
Good night ladies!
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Thanks for everyone's kind words. It has been a struggle the last few days with my family, but I am pushing forward to make progress in my own life. I am getting excited about my annual Vegas trip with my lampwork published artist bff. We go to the glass show the first part of April. It is giving me something to look forward to doing. In the process of getting ready, I realized that my suitcase is a pain in butt to pull around. It has 2 wheels on the bottom, and can be cumbersome. I am looking for recommendations on brands that are good carry ons. Suggestions???
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I started a post yesterday and had to stop. Michelle so sorry to hear that your Mother isn't doing well. I did not realize she had been transferred back to the hospital. I must have missed that post. The new car sounds bad ass! (Can I say that hear?) Vegas is always a fun trip! Kohls is having a good salerigjt now and they have several nice styles of suitcases with the 360 wheels. If you have a kohls card I have a code for 30% off that's good until the 30th.
Claire, glad you got the milk mess before it was out of control!
Gkbuser, sounds like you had a great trip! Laundry is always my least favorite part of any trip. If I have access to a washer and dryer I bring no dirty clothes home!
We spent Sunday at Dollywood. The weather was great!
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Varga, I’m so jealous! Ilove going to Dollywood. I miss being close enough to go every other weekend. That’s what I did when I lived in Bristol.
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Michelle - I have this Delsey carry-on, which I got from Macy’s. Good value, durable bag, very light. I have it in the same brown color as the linked ad, and I also have the rolling under seat bag, which was a gift. I don’t usually take them together - too much rolling. I like my Vera Bradley tote for under the seat because it has the thing that slides over the suitcase telescoping handle so the tote rides on top. I have a Vera Bradley outlet near my house and this type of bag is always on sale. I just returned from a 10 day trip and everything fit in these two bags. I don’t carry a purse when I fly - I have a neutral fabric purse from a company called Maruca that I pack in the rolling bag, and I carry the purse contents in the Vera bag until I arrive at my destination.
http://marucadesign.com/shop/fashion-bags/andie/spring-2018/andies18.html
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Special, Varga, Claire, GK, TaRe, and others, I found this bag called Calpak Wandr 20 inch at TJ Maxx. I rolls beautifully on the spinners and I am going to most likely use the Vera Bradley Grand Cargo bag with a sleeve in the back to slip over the handle. I looked at Samsonite and others, and nothing really jumped out, but this one. It has a zip front compartment for easy access and plenty of packing room. I also bought a hand held weight scale and cute luggage tags. I have been playing around with packing and testing it out.
Looking forward to the warmer climate in Vegas as opposed to 25 degree (now) and 52 (later). We have had quite the breeze and it has been cool here. I have the best heater, my dog, Sylvester.
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TanRenne - I'm only a little over a hour away from Dollywood. We have had season passes for 15 years. We love it there! Right now it's the Festival of Nations. The weather was in the 60's Sunday and we walked around the park all day. The park is so accessible so that pushing my girl in her stroller wheelchair is easy. We go as many times as we can all year long!
Love all the bags! I just got a new bag for my girls wheelchair (it's more of a stroller. Her big chair is downstairs and I haven't used it since 2011) it's a skip hop bag and I love it! Babies R Us is closing here and I got the $135 bag for $52! Also got Baby Charlee a new highchair, Chance and Paw Patrol airplane and a few other toys. It was fun shopping their going out of business sale.
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varga and tarenee ,never went to Dollywood. Now I want to go LOL.
Michelle, nice luggage! When do you leave?
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Varga I LOVE going during the Festival of Nations. Is the UK Ukelele Orchestra there this year? They were great. And I always enjoy the pipes. I remember going one Spring and the Chinese Jumprope Team was there. The ropes would hit the bees and it made such a cracking noise. It was kinda funny. We love going to find different foods too. Oh I almost wish I wasn’t having surgery over spring break so I could go back. Do you ever go to the Smoky Mountain Knife Works store in Pigeon Forge? It is another of my favorites to stop. I used to hit the flea market just off 85 every month too. Now I’m really jealous!
Michelle, thanks for the tip. I flew home for thanksgiving last year and had a heck of a time with my one bag. I need a new one, so I may check that one out.
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Don't have time to write much as dinner awaits. The TJ Maxx carryon is just perfect!!! Square, so holds a lot more than otherwise, and will stand up to the rigors of travel. Congrats on the find!!! More later. - Claire
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Lol!
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gk - Your snow posting is so true - we (in greater Cincinnati, OH area) were supposed to have 8-12 inches throughout today, now down to 2-4 inches and supposedly to start at 5am today - snowing very sporadic flakes that just started at 9:15 am - everyone raced around yesterday, prepping for today & lots of pre-emptive cancellations.
Michelle - wheely looks great. Not sure how long your Vegas trip will last or how much you need to pack. I have used "space bags" for bulky items just to make sure I can fit everything into my wheely. Bon voyage!
Anxiously awaiting our trip to Isle of Palms, SC in early May. We drive down, so no worries about taking/packing whatever we want as just DH & I in the car. DD & partner will be joining us.
Happy Saturday to all
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I have been able to get quite a few pants and tops into the new wheels, deciding whether I am going to take a backpack on the airplane, or a carry on that I can put my backpack in, plus other items.
Cold and rainy in Illinois, with some areas getting snow. We had some sleet in the afternoon.
Been sorting through the laundry room, which became a defacto lower level closet. We have three levels in our house and it is a pain to only have clean items on the top level. Needless to say, I have put together several bags of older sheets, towels, etc. So much easier to get rid of things, now that I have chosen to have fewer items, but better items.
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Had a lovely day yesterday in Seattle. Went to the Frye Museum and just loved looking at the collection. Most of it is the second half of the 19th Century - Symbolism and early Expressionism. It's very funny, but this is the very art we were taught to look down on, as not as "progressive" as the Impressionists. But it has it's own special meaning and charm. I was enchanted.
I learned that Nordstrom is where I need to go to get the minor scuffs and scratches of my new eBay bag repaired. They have the right sort of leather dye plus every imaginable color. When I get it, I will take it in as a next step and it really will be good as new.
Onto the resale shop where I snagged the most fabulous Dries Van Noten blazer for $35 with all the markdowns and the 25% off. It could be tailored for me and a bit edgy and professional at the same time. A blazer has been on my list for over a year. I can't believe that I was able to find something this fabulous. (I need to get rid of a couple of items that just didn't quite do it, and are just taking up space at this point.)
I stopped at a French bistro for Onion Soup and then had a glass of something great at the wine bar. So nice to be there and see everyone.
Coming home, I fortunately did NOT hit the bald eagle that flew directly in front of my car. I was able to slow down enough so it got across my path safely. But a bit of a shock, especially after my encounter with the deer six weeks ago. Just a gorgeous bird, and closer than I have ever seen one.
Off skiing in a bit. Can't wait to see the snow in all it's glory. But following the ski, I will be able to return to spring and the flowers that are bursting into bloom here. - Claire
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I am sorry that I have not been available for posting as much on here, but I am still struggling with my mother's decline in health. She is still in the hospital, now almost 6 weeks. I have been trying to keep myself busy with sorting through things to donate in my house. I received notice today that my cube shelves will be coming soon and I can continue to work on my closet. I am very excited to get to this point of reorganization, but my enthusiasm is tempered with sadness.
Today, I used my SAD light and I think it will help. Illinois has had some really nasty gray days with rain... I restrung some pearls that I wanted to have a longer length and am focusing on my trip. I have alot to get done before I go, especially with an Ikea delivery on the horizon.
I hope that everyone is doing well....
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I took care of my relative's cats today, and then went for an early dinner. DH plays cards with the cousins tonight, and I plan to work in my laundry area. My Ikea closet shelving will come next week, while I am gone. Getting pretty excited for that to happen. Used my light again today, as our skies are still gray. Will work on planning a jewelry project later tonight. Currently, watching MeTv with M.A.S.H. on the schedule. Love my old shows, brings back some fabulous memories of college years. Watched a little Hawaii Five O, love, love Jack Lord.
Deciding what extra personal item I will carry on the plane next week. It is either a backpack or a Vera Bradley bag, with my backpack tucked into it.. Have to measure again later. Hugs to all my girls....
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When I’m upset I shop. Today I am feeling all kinds of emotions. My father is in the hospital with what they think is gallbladder issues. (17 hours away from me) Waiting for surgery schedule. I have my exchange surgery on Thursday and while I’m excited I’m nervous. And in a way I wish I could put it off so I could go be with my dad. So today after one workshop and before my next meeting I stopped off at TJMaxx. I got 3 pair of shoes. !!! A pair of red and white converse, a pair of white converse, and a pair of navy blue under armor tennis shoes. (I have a shoe problem lol) They were $30 each! I’ve been looking for red converse and had not found any in my size. Until today. I just saw them and got so happy! The UA shoes I have been wanting to try. I need to walk more and I needed some new walking shoes. I hope they do well. They seem like they willing be comfortable.
Yayyyyy shoes! (When I say I have a shoe problem... I have about 18 pair of sneakers, and that’s just the start!)
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TaRe, while we are doing the confessions of the 12 step shoe/purse holic program, I confess to owning alot, too many to count, of purses. I love nice bags and find them so reasonable. That is one reason why I had to get the cubes for my closet. I have to designate a place for my bags. I am really careful with shoes, and have several pair of the cole haan boots from my recent trip to Chicago, a couple of pair of cheap knee high boots, two decent pair of pumas, two pair of identical cole haan sandals, some random sperry boots, and some Michael Kors rain boots. For dress // chic going out, I have 2 pair of Freebird boots, 2 pair of cole haan pointy boots, 2 pair of coach low heeled dress shoes plain black and plain camel. So, I think all in about 18 pair of shoes. I do have some random birkenstocks that I have doused with shoe polish to get another year out of them. They were somewhat dried out leather and I rejuvenated them. I ended up giving my bargain Ugg boots from Chicago, to my daughter. She wanted them.
I am trying so hard to identify what I want my wardrobe to look like in the future. I have gone from executive, to mom, to athletic director, to empty nester who wears athleisure daily. I love jewelry, scarves and bags, and feel that I can transform any outfit with accessories, especially where I live.
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Michelle, I adore boots! I have 5 pair of western boots, two pair of over the knee, 4 pair of baretraps, 3 Dr. Martins, 2 Timberland, and I’m sure I have 5 or 6 dressy ones. I have small cubes in my closet for my casual shoes, and a shelf across the top for my boots. I have a drawer for my sperrys and the rest ends up on the floor in the closet. I really need to wean them out but I actually wear them all
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I am right up there with all of you. Right now, it's a purse upgrade that I have been doing, snagging a YSL Muse bag, and have a Gucci Boston Bag on its way. Lots of boots as well as I did a Clergerie upgrade a couple of years ago. I wore Barbara Bui moto boots yesterday which I remember getting for $75 (10% of their original price). All resale or eBay.
Over the weekend, I snagged a Dries van Noten black blazer for $35. New without tags, and it has a hand painted silk lining. It's a bit of a relaxed fit and looks like it was tailored for me. I am always on the hunt for black cashmere sweaters and tailored black trousers as find those are what I wear the most. I wear them out!!! Though now I try to toss before they get to the holey stage.
The Muse Bag is just fabulous, though it does need a trip to Nordstrom to get a good polish/leather conditioner. When that happens, it will be essentially new again.
That said, I do need to clean out, and will do so once I nail down my evolving look a bit more. But I can say it will be based on timeless pieces, lots of black, and fabulous accessories. How I learned to dress when I lived in Paris for a year. You complete with a few modish pieces to keep things fresh. Plus great footwear and outerwear.
I have also been upgrading my athletic wear which features bright colors. Part of this is to be visible in low light but it's also fun.
I had such dreadful clothes when I was young that I love having gorgeous items now. I am lucky that I can still rock a high fashion look. And I must admit that it's fun to go first class! - Claire
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michelle and tarenee, I am sorry that you are both dealing with the emotions and worry about your parents health problems. Best of luck with your exchange surgery and Michelle with your trip. I am afraid I cant relate to the bag buying. I have one purse that I have had for 8 years. Hopefully you all will still accept me and be my friend. Lol
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GK, I am a big resale store person//TJ Maxxinista//Ebay purchaser. We accept everyone as they are, whether they are a minimalist, or a maximalist. Speaking of which, I got rid of so much stuff, linens, curtains and clothing today that was in my laundry room. Both sisters, two nieces, a nephew and the Goodwill were beneficiaries. I do feel alot lighter both psychologically and emotionally, by getting rid of stuff.
Today seemed like a better day overall. Trying to just get on with my projects, keep my mind busy, and get psyched up for vaca. It has been so gray and gloomy in Illinois. It looks like London. Using my light does seem to help. Need to work on a jewelry project for next week....
Hugs to all my girls.
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