Okay so it's a fancy word that just means I am taking a "break".
The hubby is recovering well from his surgery (see previous post in June). We have spent much time together and it has been fun and relaxing, of course except for the pain from surgery and starting PT and the allergic reactions and can't walk, sit, or stand easily, but yeah it's been good except for all of that stuff.
So I started several posts, but didn't get around to posting some them until today. And there are a couple more on the way...stay tuned...and now we'll return you to your regular programming...in my case it's Tyler Florence's show....he's not hard on the eyes that's for sure!
Friday, July 26, 2013
Coming Out of the Closet
It's time to purge purge purge. Out with old...and make room for the new!
Ever stand in front of your closet, staring blankly at all the money you spent (er...uh..or the credit balance you have) and thought WHAT AM I GOING TO WEAR?!? All of this clothing and nothing is saying "I am the perfect thing to wear to the (INSERT...wedding...lunch...bar mitzvah...garage sale...romantic dinner etc)"
This is me. I have a bunch of pieces and yet here I stand, all too frequently, thinking there is nothing here. But it's not really about clothes right??? Is that what you're thinking? Sometimes we hold onto clothing because we spent a lot on it, or we found a good bargin, or there is a sentimental attachment, or maybe we just know we're gonna be inspired to lose weight and fit into all that gorgeousness. And there it all sits, year after year, reminders of waste and unfulfilled goals. Ugh...depressing myself.
Excuse me une moment s'il vous plait.
~ * ~
Okay I'm back. Just getting a little full of myself and I needed a cold splash of water on my face. Now I'm better.
Cleaning out your closet can be a catharsis (I like the sound of that $10 word) and a liberating experience. Once you make the decision to go forward, just be ruthless about setting aside stuff that you no longer want, need, fit, or were made in the last century...unless it is a black, wool Chanel pencil skirt...now THAT would be probably the only thing you might want to keep except if it is a size 2 and you are now, after birthing all the kids, a size 14...in that case no amount of magic, or Spanx, will get you back in to that thing!
Let it go girlfriend. If you think you'll have a hard time making decisions about stuff, ask a friend to come over and help. You might even need to hire a professional for advice about what to keep, how to organize properly, and what pieces you need to add to your closet to get the optimum use out of your clothing.
I find the easiest for me is to first look at something...too small...it goes right away. Same holds true for outdated/old stuff, formal wear, or anything that looks like my daughter might wear it. AND if you have anything that is a maternity garment in your closet, and you are not going to bear anymore babies, you better get up from your sofa right now and toss that stuff out this instant!
Now if you have some clothing and accessories that you might want to resale, like designer labels, you should contact a consignment shop. This way you could earn a little cash rather than just donate valuable items to charity. Just know that when you consign things they must be in very good/excellent condition and clean. You would probably receive about 20% of retail. For example if you paid $600 for a bag, they might sell it for $300 and you would get $120. Of course this is an example...most stores will base their price on condition and desirability of a label...some designer labels are more in demand than others.
Okay so now you have purged your closet...no more clutter. Now get yourself some good hangers (Costco has a set of 50 velour hangers for less than $30...they worked great for me) and hang your stuff up. I find if I hang everything rather than fold it, I use it more often. Even sweaters are folded and hung on a hanger. The other plus to hanging is that you don't have to iron all the time...it's all ready to wear when you need it. Now make note of some of the basics you are missing (you can find stylists suggestions on the web) and add those to your wardrobe. Fill in with accessories like bright scarves and costume jewelry and you'll be set.
You are going to feel refreshed after your closet purge. Remember to put aside your emotions, let go and b-r-e-a-t-h-e...afterall it's just a sweater/skirt/jacket/purse/scarf (etc) for goodness sakes!
Ever stand in front of your closet, staring blankly at all the money you spent (er...uh..or the credit balance you have) and thought WHAT AM I GOING TO WEAR?!? All of this clothing and nothing is saying "I am the perfect thing to wear to the (INSERT...wedding...lunch...bar mitzvah...garage sale...romantic dinner etc)"
This is me. I have a bunch of pieces and yet here I stand, all too frequently, thinking there is nothing here. But it's not really about clothes right??? Is that what you're thinking? Sometimes we hold onto clothing because we spent a lot on it, or we found a good bargin, or there is a sentimental attachment, or maybe we just know we're gonna be inspired to lose weight and fit into all that gorgeousness. And there it all sits, year after year, reminders of waste and unfulfilled goals. Ugh...depressing myself.
Excuse me une moment s'il vous plait.
~ * ~
Okay I'm back. Just getting a little full of myself and I needed a cold splash of water on my face. Now I'm better.
Cleaning out your closet can be a catharsis (I like the sound of that $10 word) and a liberating experience. Once you make the decision to go forward, just be ruthless about setting aside stuff that you no longer want, need, fit, or were made in the last century...unless it is a black, wool Chanel pencil skirt...now THAT would be probably the only thing you might want to keep except if it is a size 2 and you are now, after birthing all the kids, a size 14...in that case no amount of magic, or Spanx, will get you back in to that thing!
Let it go girlfriend. If you think you'll have a hard time making decisions about stuff, ask a friend to come over and help. You might even need to hire a professional for advice about what to keep, how to organize properly, and what pieces you need to add to your closet to get the optimum use out of your clothing.
I find the easiest for me is to first look at something...too small...it goes right away. Same holds true for outdated/old stuff, formal wear, or anything that looks like my daughter might wear it. AND if you have anything that is a maternity garment in your closet, and you are not going to bear anymore babies, you better get up from your sofa right now and toss that stuff out this instant!
Now if you have some clothing and accessories that you might want to resale, like designer labels, you should contact a consignment shop. This way you could earn a little cash rather than just donate valuable items to charity. Just know that when you consign things they must be in very good/excellent condition and clean. You would probably receive about 20% of retail. For example if you paid $600 for a bag, they might sell it for $300 and you would get $120. Of course this is an example...most stores will base their price on condition and desirability of a label...some designer labels are more in demand than others.
Okay so now you have purged your closet...no more clutter. Now get yourself some good hangers (Costco has a set of 50 velour hangers for less than $30...they worked great for me) and hang your stuff up. I find if I hang everything rather than fold it, I use it more often. Even sweaters are folded and hung on a hanger. The other plus to hanging is that you don't have to iron all the time...it's all ready to wear when you need it. Now make note of some of the basics you are missing (you can find stylists suggestions on the web) and add those to your wardrobe. Fill in with accessories like bright scarves and costume jewelry and you'll be set.
You are going to feel refreshed after your closet purge. Remember to put aside your emotions, let go and b-r-e-a-t-h-e...afterall it's just a sweater/skirt/jacket/purse/scarf (etc) for goodness sakes!
It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere!
So first let me state (emphatic disclaimer) I'm not advocating overindulging or being irresponsible or endangering oneself or others or being just plain falling down intoxicated or unconscious, but... on occasion, don't you think it's okay to enjoy a spirit or two? I must admit a nice glass of wine, an ice cold beer, or a even a cocktail can be just what I need to relax. I'm talking about savoring and enjoying a drink, not being the idiot guzzling down a few in rapid succession to see how quickly one can toss their cookies.
Ok I'll say it. I enjoy a cocktail once in a while, especially when the weather is really warm. Long Island Ice Tea and margaritas are my favorites, though a Maker's Mark and diet coke is good too (don't judge!). Last year the hubby received a bottle of Puerto Rican rum from a client as a "thank you" gift and man-o-man was it delicious. Sweet, syrupy, and smoky...yummy yum yum. We had one shot each night (ok...hubby had a few more, but whose counting?) until that bottle was gone. Side note: he is funny when he is a little tipsy. But who really cares? The hubby is usually the DD so he rarely drinks alcohol at all but we were at home and we are WAY over the legal drinking age so why not. And that's the way it should be I think. Responsible adults who want to enjoy themselves.
There is a line, of course, between enjoyment and abuse. It is important to know your limits. In a previous post I had alluded to a situation involving excessive drinking and knowing when to cut people off. It can be a tough thing to deal with especially if the person is an "angry" not a "happy" drunk and you may give them more leeway than you should cause you don't want an argument or scene. I think the best approach is to control the flow of alcohol. One of the best is just limiting drink options for the party. Have a signature cocktail rather than an open set up with bottle of booze out so guests can help themselves....those with little self control will quickly consume all of your Grey Goose and Patron and make arses of his or her self. If you set up a cooler or tub, control how many bottles and cans are set out...chill maybe two per person to start then slowly replace throughout the party. Same goes for wine...open a couple bottles to start then one at a time as needed.
Probably the most awkward scenario is when a guest brings their OWN libations. You should suggest they share with everyone and just mix their drinks with yours. Hopefully it will help disapate the alcohol consumption so that guest does not drink a cooler full of drinks. Its a tough call but better they are a little "put out" then them getting totally zonked and getting into an accident or worse.
Okay enough soapbox talk....I gotta find my corkscrew!
Ok I'll say it. I enjoy a cocktail once in a while, especially when the weather is really warm. Long Island Ice Tea and margaritas are my favorites, though a Maker's Mark and diet coke is good too (don't judge!). Last year the hubby received a bottle of Puerto Rican rum from a client as a "thank you" gift and man-o-man was it delicious. Sweet, syrupy, and smoky...yummy yum yum. We had one shot each night (ok...hubby had a few more, but whose counting?) until that bottle was gone. Side note: he is funny when he is a little tipsy. But who really cares? The hubby is usually the DD so he rarely drinks alcohol at all but we were at home and we are WAY over the legal drinking age so why not. And that's the way it should be I think. Responsible adults who want to enjoy themselves.
There is a line, of course, between enjoyment and abuse. It is important to know your limits. In a previous post I had alluded to a situation involving excessive drinking and knowing when to cut people off. It can be a tough thing to deal with especially if the person is an "angry" not a "happy" drunk and you may give them more leeway than you should cause you don't want an argument or scene. I think the best approach is to control the flow of alcohol. One of the best is just limiting drink options for the party. Have a signature cocktail rather than an open set up with bottle of booze out so guests can help themselves....those with little self control will quickly consume all of your Grey Goose and Patron and make arses of his or her self. If you set up a cooler or tub, control how many bottles and cans are set out...chill maybe two per person to start then slowly replace throughout the party. Same goes for wine...open a couple bottles to start then one at a time as needed.
Probably the most awkward scenario is when a guest brings their OWN libations. You should suggest they share with everyone and just mix their drinks with yours. Hopefully it will help disapate the alcohol consumption so that guest does not drink a cooler full of drinks. Its a tough call but better they are a little "put out" then them getting totally zonked and getting into an accident or worse.
Okay enough soapbox talk....I gotta find my corkscrew!
Hail to the Chief
So my son, SC, got a chance to see the President when Air Force One landed at Whiteman AFB (in "misery" as he calls it otherwise known as Missouri). SC is recovering with a broken ankle so he has desk duty for now. It was fortunate for him cause he was right there when the President landed for his visit to the university campus in Warrensburg. He said it was pretty exciting to see the President up close and all the secret service people around the airfield. The base is pretty secure anyway cause that is where the B2 bombers are kept as well as some "weapons" but I am sure the secret service people take no chances. Anyway he called to tell us about it and I found a video posted by another airman. Check it out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4npllFmA9wU&sns=em.
That is all...roger...copy that...out.
That is all...roger...copy that...out.
Thursday, July 4, 2013
As Time Goes By...Bye
Do you ever say this..."where did the time go?" It may be trite, but it is true as sayings go.
When I was a kid it seemed that each day lasted for-ev-er. I can still remember checking the wall clock in the classroom, waiting and WAITING, for recess, or lunch, or time to go home (and watch Dark Shadows...did you?). The days would drag on and on. But. Then. There would be the weekend or school breaks...Saturday morning cartoons, Christmas and Easter (schools were not yet politically correct in the 60s), then summer vacay. Unfortunately, those times seemed to go by too quickly.
After high school, I got a j-o-b in the "real world" and that's when the days seemed to start moving faster and faster. Then came love, then came marriage, then came the babies in the baby carriage, and whoa...each day passed so quickly, life was a blur. I remember back in the day, when we spent a small fortune on photo developing at Costco, trying capture those fleeting "firsts" and special moments in time. First smile, first steps, first sit on the potty... to the trips to Disneyland, camping, soccer and basketball games... to birthday parties, the new minivan, running through the sprinkler, splashing in the waves at the beach, riding bikes, and numerous other memories... special times and moments that we all have.
Enter the tech revolution and thank goodness for digital cameras. It became easier than ever to capture- - -time. Now you can record video snippets or take ump-teen pictures and it doesn't cost a thing. Snap, snap away! It saved all of us a bunch of money and time developing pictures...though I think it did put the Kodak and Polaroid film out of business. We could view our pictures on our phone, computer or even on our TV....so easy....and we could print whatever we wanted, whenever we wanted.
**A word of advice...be sure to back up your picture files so you don't lose anything. This is coming from a non-techno savvy baby boomer, but I do know the importance of backing up files even though I still cannot figure out iCloud (where is a 12 year old when you need 'em? I mean they seem to have all this gobbledygook figured out. Guess that's what happens when you are weened on XBox and Playstation. Any-hoo.) I digress.
Hup, two, three, four...excuse me, Father Time, can we just HALT for a minute or two? No such luck I guess.
Now, in my "middle third," I look in the mirror and see this old(er) lady lookin' at me...WTHeck!?! I think I'm gonna need some makeup tricks now more than ever! Something to bring a little "more youthful" appearance to fine lines and wrinkles. Isn't that how the cosmetic commercials go? I figured changing up some of my makeup would probably be the easiest way to stop (nope...cannot do that), rather slow down the effects of time. I don't want to erase ALL of the hills and valleys on my face and body because they are evidence that I am actually living, and I'm not opposed to plastic surgery or injections, like Botox, but they can be so expensive, not to mention painful. Why not just try cosmetics first...before cosmetic surgery right? I think I just want to look, you know...refreshed.
*Disclosure alert: I have had a "tummy tuck" so I really do think if you want surgery, by all means do it if it will make you feel better...I know I'm happy with the results.
So my daily regimen has evolved through the years and now my makeup includes products labeled 'anti-aging', 'minimizes', 'all-smooth', and 'reduces fine lines', etc. Plus, I also seem to need a variety of products to try and give me a polished look...more than ever before.
To be sure, I've been pretty lucky as far as the condition of my skin. I didn't start using moisturizer each day until I was in my early 30s. When I was a teenager, and until my late 20s, I used Noxzema. It was what my mother used so it was what I used, and honestly, I didn't have any acne problems. It must be some kind of industrial strength stuff. I still do not cleanse my face with anything other than hand soap, and my moisturizer is whatever drugstore brand in on sale. Nothing special. I have used many makeup brands from the expensive, like Chanel, to the cheap, like Cover Girl. Some things are worth the splurge and some not so much. The products I use now work well for me.
I'm also not out tanning like in my 'single lady' days, and I used a sunblock if I'm going to be out and about, but this is good for anyone not just us "seasoned" gals. I do not smoke, but could definitely need to start a diet/exercise plan...stat. It is important to take care of yourself before time really beats you up!
So now, armed with my makeup bag o' tricks, I can hopefully be ready for that digital close up when I take that next picture. Wait...what did you say??? What about looking great, i.e. younger, with high-definition resolution...oy vey. Solution on the way and one word comes to mind...Photoshop.
When I was a kid it seemed that each day lasted for-ev-er. I can still remember checking the wall clock in the classroom, waiting and WAITING, for recess, or lunch, or time to go home (and watch Dark Shadows...did you?). The days would drag on and on. But. Then. There would be the weekend or school breaks...Saturday morning cartoons, Christmas and Easter (schools were not yet politically correct in the 60s), then summer vacay. Unfortunately, those times seemed to go by too quickly.
After high school, I got a j-o-b in the "real world" and that's when the days seemed to start moving faster and faster. Then came love, then came marriage, then came the babies in the baby carriage, and whoa...each day passed so quickly, life was a blur. I remember back in the day, when we spent a small fortune on photo developing at Costco, trying capture those fleeting "firsts" and special moments in time. First smile, first steps, first sit on the potty... to the trips to Disneyland, camping, soccer and basketball games... to birthday parties, the new minivan, running through the sprinkler, splashing in the waves at the beach, riding bikes, and numerous other memories... special times and moments that we all have.
Enter the tech revolution and thank goodness for digital cameras. It became easier than ever to capture- - -time. Now you can record video snippets or take ump-teen pictures and it doesn't cost a thing. Snap, snap away! It saved all of us a bunch of money and time developing pictures...though I think it did put the Kodak and Polaroid film out of business. We could view our pictures on our phone, computer or even on our TV....so easy....and we could print whatever we wanted, whenever we wanted.
**A word of advice...be sure to back up your picture files so you don't lose anything. This is coming from a non-techno savvy baby boomer, but I do know the importance of backing up files even though I still cannot figure out iCloud (where is a 12 year old when you need 'em? I mean they seem to have all this gobbledygook figured out. Guess that's what happens when you are weened on XBox and Playstation. Any-hoo.) I digress.
Hup, two, three, four...excuse me, Father Time, can we just HALT for a minute or two? No such luck I guess.
*Intermission*
To quote Truvy Jones in the chick-flick, Steel Magnolias, "Honey, time marches on and eventually you realize it is marchin' across your face."Now, in my "middle third," I look in the mirror and see this old(er) lady lookin' at me...WTHeck!?! I think I'm gonna need some makeup tricks now more than ever! Something to bring a little "more youthful" appearance to fine lines and wrinkles. Isn't that how the cosmetic commercials go? I figured changing up some of my makeup would probably be the easiest way to stop (nope...cannot do that), rather slow down the effects of time. I don't want to erase ALL of the hills and valleys on my face and body because they are evidence that I am actually living, and I'm not opposed to plastic surgery or injections, like Botox, but they can be so expensive, not to mention painful. Why not just try cosmetics first...before cosmetic surgery right? I think I just want to look, you know...refreshed.
*Disclosure alert: I have had a "tummy tuck" so I really do think if you want surgery, by all means do it if it will make you feel better...I know I'm happy with the results.
So my daily regimen has evolved through the years and now my makeup includes products labeled 'anti-aging', 'minimizes', 'all-smooth', and 'reduces fine lines', etc. Plus, I also seem to need a variety of products to try and give me a polished look...more than ever before.
 |
| my makeup "collection" |
I'm also not out tanning like in my 'single lady' days, and I used a sunblock if I'm going to be out and about, but this is good for anyone not just us "seasoned" gals. I do not smoke, but could definitely need to start a diet/exercise plan...stat. It is important to take care of yourself before time really beats you up!
So now, armed with my makeup bag o' tricks, I can hopefully be ready for that digital close up when I take that next picture. Wait...what did you say??? What about looking great, i.e. younger, with high-definition resolution...oy vey. Solution on the way and one word comes to mind...Photoshop.
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