All Things EARTH... part 2

[awhfy]

Good luck with the procedure Laurie. I’m going to get some of that tea today!  

 

We had had a family get together (spontaneous) yesterday. My cousin’s daughter & her little guy (14 months) joined in. We had a great day. Here’s just a couple of pictures. Les is doing much better (all of a sudden). Back to doc for postop tomorrow (he hopes to be able to drive). Made my first crockpot pulled pork ( the picture is the remains of 14 lbs of pulled pork). So easy, pork shoulder & a can of Coke. Pies are cherry & blueberry. Daughters made salads (broccoli, macaroni with shrimp & crab & green onion slaw)

[laurspag]

Just a few more quick pictures, because the lighting in my room is so bad.  These were taken in a different room.

 

I'm not sold on the last shirt.  I wear it fairly regularly but it's not earth.  I generally wear it with the olive green shorts or skirt go pick up the warmth in the print.  I have a much better option.  

 

The print tee bothers me too, because in real life, the background is kind of pink.

 

 

[laurspag]

Thanks, ladies.  I am going to look for that tea.  We have a Target and Walmart a very short distance from us.   I really like the idea that it is natural.  

 

I didn't explain very well with my last bunch of photos, but the last two pictures are of a top I forgot to include, and I love it.  The darker color is navy, so t picks up great with the navy skort, jeans or denim shorts.  The majority of it is warm toned, so it is a great option.

 

I took these photos here using the pro setting on my phone (I have a Samsung Galaxy) and the colors look so much better.

 

The burgundy top works, but honestly, since I'm partial to any shade of red or orange,  I'm kind of biased.  However, I knew when I got it out that it wasn't really what I wanted.  

 

During the day, comfort is always important, and I never want to wear anything fussy in port...you know, dry cleaning, delicate fabrics, etc.  But I have this desire to look pulled together, so I tried to put some thought into what I am wearing and maybe add a necklace or bracelet that adds something, or certain sandals as long as they are good for walking around in. On sea days, I will sometimes wear a nicer top, but it still needs to be fairly easy to care for.  Most of the outfits I took pictures of seem to capture what I am looking for.  I think the last shirt is replacing the burgundy one for sure.  

 

I am not sure about the knit tee.  It may just be a mood thing?  I have 7 outfits showing for a 6 night cruise, because we drive in the day before.  As to going home, whatever I've already worn that's the cleanest, lol!

 

One outfit that really photographed badly was the olive tee and floral print shorts.  the tee is a Merona top from Target that I have had for a few years.  Anita, I think we discussed once that you have seen it.  It is a nice earth olive green.  The shorts too have great colors.  I'll post a new picture shortly.

 

Sally, My plan all along was to bring my high low navy/purplish dress from the wedding, and that lace dress.  Two formal nights, two dresses.  Then yesterday I got to thinking about bringing a third dress that is long.

 

My husband is on a weekend trip and will be home in a few hours, so I am going t get his thoughts about formal nights.  I still keep thinking about how someone mentioned that they only have one for this cruise, but I the RCI website says 2 on a 6 night cruise, and that has always been my experience.

 

Maybe in keeping with my desire to relax a bit more than usual, I will keep with the original plan and just bring two dresses.  

 

I have some pictures of the lace dress with a few different sandals.  What I would really love is to bring my bronze ones.  I like the bone colored sandals with the high low dress though.  The color of the dress is rather cool - definitely air.  I don't really fuss about too much luggage, so I may end up with both sandals so I don't have to choose. 

 

So I will bore all you to death with more photos soon, and I'm hoping you will add some thoughts on what you think are the ideal choices!

 

Melody, all that food looks good. I love making pulled pork in the crock pot.  I've never tried the Coke version before.  I too use a pork shoulder.  While it has a lot of fat, you can just skim it off the top during the cooking process and you are left with some tasty meat!  When I want to make a small batch, I use a pork tenderloin.  It needs a bit more flavor added to it though because it is leaner.  That cabbage slaw really caught my eye.  The pies too!

 

Margaret, I hope all is well with you.  I was thinking about that power outage yesterday.  I know you aren't in Manhattan, but I was wondering if you were at camp or if you were home. I don't know how often you head into the city for shows and the like.

 

I hope I am not hogging the thread with all the pictures.  This has always been so much fun for me to do, and I love feeling like I'm returning to normal right now.  It's also easy on the body, so I don't feel like I'm overdoing it or anything.

[laurspag]

Here is that one outfit, then the lace dress with shoe options.  I dont like the gold with it. 

 

 

[awhfy]

Laurie, I’ll get you that recipe. I’ve just recently started wearing a patterned bottom (instead of a solid bottom). I’ve found I feel slimmer in them (no clue why!). I also have that Merona t shirt in the olive. Melody

[Sailor_Sally]

Melody ,Those pies look fabulous . I love blueberry pie .

[cruzisme]

Just checking in. Great pies, Melody. Laurie, hope all goes well with you. Anita, glad your move went well...another new state for you.

hi to all the other ladies on this thread.

[pacruise804]

I'm glad Les is feeling better.  The pies look amazing and the little one with the sprinkler is adorable ❤️ 

 

Love the darker shoes for the dress.  I've started to find more patterned bottoms too.  Another tip for aiding elimination: use the trash can in the bathroom (might need to turn on its side) as a stool.  There really is something to the "squatty potty" that was out a few years ago.

[pacruise804]

On 7/13/2019 at 5:01 PM, laurspag said:

So here are some dress photos.  These are formal night options.  My dress from the wedding is at the dry cleaners but that is part of the group.

 

The red on the left jumped out to me for another long dress if you wanted.

 

On 7/13/2019 at 5:07 PM, laurspag said:

Those weren't very good pictures, lol. 

 

Evening dresses.  I need 4, so I got out all I was considering. The oli w green shorter one needs to be taken in at the shoulders and I dont think I have time so that may need to be eliminated.

 

While I have a lot of thoughts, I would love to see which 4 you all would pick!  It's always fun.

 

Just a note: the short dress on the far right is a dark chocolate brown.  Two maxi dresses are olive green. The one with rivets is better for a soft autumn.  

 

I like the cream, salmon, and chocolate - especially since you've said before you like your shoulders.  For the maxis I'm torn because I could see them each draping differently.  I would likely pick based on which one "sparked joy" when I tried it on combined with which is most comfortable.  If there still wasn't a favorite then the print since most of the others were solids.

[awhfy]

Here’s the slaw recipe. Karin said she makes it as listed, mixing all together & chills several hours before serving. The Serrano Chiles give it a nice bite!  Enjoy, it’s different & pretty.

 

The pies tasted good too. Something about fresh blueberry pie. Melody

Edited July 15, 2019 by awhfy

[MJC]

Melody, loved your pictures. They all have such a lovely, sweet family quality that captured your day very well. 

 

Having had my share of surgery, anesthetic, and problems down under, my two cents is that after the tea or whatever, if you end up too loose, I recommend Electro Mix for electrolyte support. It has maltodextrin but way less sugar than a sports drink. Be sure to drink enough water until you are normal so you don't get dehydrated as your body is pulling water to your digestive tract from your other tissues.

 

Pam, what can I say. I want you to be my new mom. 🙂 I realize you are way too young for that, though. Your writing is just so delicately precise, and wise, and helpful.

 

Laurie, I just have two comments on your cruise choices which of course are JMO. The first is that IIWY I would only take things that I love and that are comfortable. I have taken "perhaps" clothes that were new but not sparking joy, so I ended up re-wearing favorites rather than my runner-up choices. Second, and keeping in mind that I have never taken a NE cruise, and that fall clothes appear in NYC before Labor Day (and many people start wearing them shortly thereafter) -- so take my opinion with a grain of salt -- I am wondering if the more tropical prints will be out of place. Or whether you care about that at all.

 

Three of our cruises left from places that were 65-70ish and went to much warmer places, which is kind of the opposite for you, but my point is that layering (especially at sea) was very important. The short sleeve tops needed a sweater out on deck and in the evening, and at least one pair of long pants was necessary. Sometimes it was windy, or sprinkling, and being cozy saved the day. I'm sure you'll be checking forecasts right up until you leave!

 

We are having days in the 80s and nights in the 60s, which is just perfect for me. 🙂 Heading to the 90s this week though.

 

We were not affected by the blackout, it was very localized on the west side, from the theater district up to Lincoln Center in the 70s. Getting people out of the subway trains, however, is a monumental task. DH was once on a broken train between stations, and they all had to be escorted by flashlight along the tracks and climb a ladder through a manhole up into the street (Broadway, not less). I'm sure that post-9/11, emergency things are much better down there nowadays.

 

I am doing my best to spend as much of July at the lake as possible! This week I will only be in the city on Tuesday and Wednesday, and next week we are taking the whole week up here. 🚣‍♂️🚵‍♂️🧘‍♀️

 

 

 

 

Edited July 15, 2019 by MJC

[MJC]

Noodling around.

 

https://www.nordstromrack.com/shop/product/2919701/pleione-scarf-neck-sleeveless-blouse?color=TEAL

 

Pleione version of Dark Cheddar?

 

https://www.nordstromrack.com/shop/product/2688077/pleione-anna-v-neck-blouse?color=MUSTARD RMNTC FLRL

 

https://www.nordstromrack.com/shop/product/2919702/pleione-floral-scalloped-collar-sleeveless-blouse?color=MUSTARD FLORAL

 

 

[Anita Latte]

Laurie...I'm very hopeful for you to be feeling more like "normal" for your vacation! I hope everything medically goes as planned with no surprises or complications. 

 

I agree completely with what Margaret. Wearing the clothes that you know you feel good wearing is the no brainer choice that I always opt for if I happen to bring along clothes that I think I might want to wear...turns out that I never do...and I pick out my old reliables I guess...OR if it is newer, it's the thing I've been so excited to wear! 

 

That said...I don't enjoy wearing shorter dresses or skirts too often. Especially if I will be sitting down. I find that the skirt part rides up...especially with a dress...and the back of my legs will touch chairs...don't like that. I also find that I become extremely self conscious about the way that my legs are...distracted by thoughts of Sharon Stone flashes. I'm also a blanket person...my living area is scattered with blankets and I like to be covered when I settle in to a good sit. So for all these reasons, IIWY I would be choosing the long dresses every time for evening dresses. On our AK cruise, I did bring shorter dresses and wore leggings or tights with them...so that countered a lot of my reservations about shorter dresses...and we were more active in the evenings (I think Silent Disco was one night activity?) and the shorter dress made sense for that. I guess it all depends on what you are thinking you will do around the ship in the evenings...

 

I love the tribal print dress...and because the other two solids are so similar, I would pick the most comfortable one between those. If you really wanted another shorter length dress...assuming the lace is the first...I would go for either the coral or the brown one...again, whichever one is most comfortable...AND/or whichever of your dresses goes best with the most comfortable SHOES.

 

Margaret..time at the lake sounds fabulous! I'm somewhat trying to do the same thing here... I need to focus on calm and relaxation...I'm quite caught up in preparations for DS to go overseas. We found out that he got into the housing accommodation that we hoped he would get into! Yay!

[Anita Latte]

Seeing your post reminds me of the pictures I took in Kohls the other day...DS needed to get his FL DL and we were shopping in Kohls while waiting for his number to come up... Anyway...I grabbed some photos of some areas that seemed to be featuring the new colors.

 

Vera Wang definitely had the Guacamole and the Biking Red. It took a bit of manipulation to get the colors in the pic to appear the way I saw it in the store:

 

 

This shirt is actually the same Guacamole color...seemingly the same fabric...but this is how it photographed:

 

 

I had a Merona shirt in this color a while back. Back from the color party days...it was a good one on me. The colors that are looking more coral and rust are actually the same Biking Red color. Weird how the lighting affects the color rendering and also the camera I suppose. BUT...I'm wondering if the Biking Red color in Vera Wang has that warm undertone because it does photograph like that. Just for fun...here's the unedited version of the first photo:

 

 

How crazy is that?...Seriously though...the first photo reflects what I actually SAW.

 

More Guacamole...Biking Red...and the off white colors:

 

 

Versions of Dark Cheddar?

 

 

Those pale off white and peachy colors?

 

 

Chile Pepper? and Biking Red?

 

 

Anyway...I was just going to share that the school supplies are hitting the stores...the summer merch is making way for it in the "seasonal sections" so likely we should start seeing the Fall colors making their appearance too...and it would appear that this is the case.

[Member123]

Absolutely.

 

We are so hot here we literally can't breathe. It's supposed to DROP to 90 degrees tonight! Oh, boy... what a relief. BUT, our store mannequins are ready for the ski slopes with their parkas and UGG boots! Seriously, store buyers... have you been outside?!?

[Sailor_Sally]

1 hour ago, Member123 said:

Absolutely.

 

We are so hot here we literally can't breathe. It's supposed to DROP to 90 degrees tonight! Oh, boy... what a relief. BUT, our store mannequins are ready for the ski slopes with their parkas and UGG boots! Seriously, store buyers... have you been outside?!?

That is exactly what happens here in Florida . What are the stores thinking ? I have learned to just stock up on the summer sales so I have enough to carry me through the seasons .

[laurspag]

I like variety, and I do like seeing what options I have.  

 

Right after posting these photos, I made some decisions.  I think the sparks joy concept is a good way to describe it.  

 

I asked myself what had to go on the cruise with me.  I immediately picked the chocolate brown dress and the print maxi.  The golden ivory dress is close behind, but I need to try it on again.  It's a heavier, textured fabric so I think it will work well.

 

I then asked myself if there was anything I didnt really like in the group.  I nixed the tropical print dress.  I then put the short olive green dress back because it needs adjusting and I don't have time.  

 

So if I bring the ivory , print maxi and chocolate brown dresses, I only need one more because it's a six night cruise with two (maybe) formal nights. 

 

The somewhat cool olive maxi with the rivets is actually a heavy fabric!  It has an a-line fit to it. The other green one is a fabulous color.  It has a fit that I would describe as a shift dress.  

 

The orange dress isn't necessarily flattering because it could use some fine tuning.  But it is comfortable and I love the neckline.  

 

So I have some thinking to do but they are all good options.

 

Melody, thanks for the recipe!  Your get togethers always look fun. I think I forgot to mention too that your new grandpuppy is a cutie.

 

Anita,I i haven't looked in Kohl's in a bit so I'll check those colors out.  I do have a few tops ordered from Macy's that might replace a shirt or two I have picked out for daytime. It's going to be interesting to see how I need to adjust for the weather!

 

 

 

 

[pacruise804]

18 hours ago, MJC said:

Noodling around.

 

https://www.nordstromrack.com/shop/product/2919701/pleione-scarf-neck-sleeveless-blouse?color=TEAL

 

Pleione version of Dark Cheddar?

 

https://www.nordstromrack.com/shop/product/2688077/pleione-anna-v-neck-blouse?color=MUSTARD RMNTC FLRL

 

https://www.nordstromrack.com/shop/product/2919702/pleione-floral-scalloped-collar-sleeveless-blouse?color=MUSTARD FLORAL

 

 

 

Love that first blouse😍

 

Laurie, your options sound good and "spark joy" is always a good starting point when we have too many options.

[awhfy]

I’ve started pulling my clothes together for Hawaii. I’m trying to go light because lugging luggage will be an issue (Les will be limited to lifting 20 lbs, just got increased to 5lbs yesterday). 

 

I’ve decided on black/white & cobalt blue as my main colors, but then I found a pair of Hawaiian print palazzo linen pants that just screamed “I must go to Hawaii”. They’re pink/orange/greens/ivory. I do have a pink silk tank/shirt combo that blends well. It’ll be an evening outfit on ship & in Hawaii, I’ll get a picture, this outfit sparked joy for me!  I love that statement!  One of our elegant Chic nights I’ll wear a deep purple/rhinestone top likely with white slacks (Les will wear his white sport coat & a black/white shirt (need to find him a pink carnation 😂), these are the outfits for our 50th anniversary pictures. I counted Les’s Hawaiian shirts yesterday. He has 42. I guess he’ll have to decide which ones will go 🙄. I’ll get a picture. It’s an 11 night cruise & then a week in Hawaii so he can pick what he wants. 

 

Everyone have a good day. Our weather has been brutally hot for us (mid 90s) nothing like Pam tho. Thank goodness for a new ac unit. Melody

[MJC]

Melody, tell me again about your Hawaii itinerary. It has never been on our bucket list, but since the new Magnum PI came out we've been wanting to go. The scenery looks amazing. I look forward to seeing your palazzo pants!

 

This is speaking to me, the picture in the catalog is much nicer:

 

https://www.jjill.com/product/fringed-open-shoulder-top-1651012rbl?jid=994656264&category=P&category=N&LID=92700009825121480&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIiYLii_C74wIVzoCfCh299wfjEAQYASABEgLXgPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

I just realized I stopped wearing my long necklaces because they were a bother at work. And as I wear solid tops less often now, and that seems to be what I used to wear them with, I've kind of forgotten what I have. I do love this look, so I think I'll have to go sort through my jewelry. 🙂

 

[MJC]

This is a great gadget for putting sunscreen on your own back. I'm often at the lake alone and this is a great solution. I thought it would be like a sponge, but it's firmer and you can wash it with soap and water.

 

https://www.ulta.com/lotion-applicator?productId=xlsImpprod13841029&sku=2299562&cmpid=PS_Non!google!Product_Listing_Ads&cagpspn=pla&CATCI=pla-294680686006&CAAGID=28397269470&CAWELAID=330000200000497601&CATARGETID=330000200001394369&CADevice=c&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI1q2E0fy74wIVgZJbCh3imw78EAQYASABEgJBBvD_BwE

Edited July 17, 2019 by MJC
add info

[awhfy]

Margaret, we cruise out of Vancouver in Celebrity Eclipse (22 Sep). 5 sea days, then Hilo for 2 days, Kona for 1 day, Maui for 2 days then disembark in Oahu. We’re staying in Oahu for a week after (at the Hale Koa, the military hotel next door to Hilton). We’ve reserved a Miata convertible for Oahu. 

 

This is is my latest Hawaii necklace from Life Circles (matches my anklet). 

 

‘’I’ll get a picture of my (as Les calls them, definitely Hawaii pants) after the gym today. Melody 

[Anita Latte]

I have never gotten into necklaces that are more than a pendant.  I've had long necklaces...but still just a pendant. I had a thing for dolphins in my late teens...I wore pendants that were crystal dolphin combos. I do like the way that the bulkier longer necklaces "break up" the visual space on the body. But I agree Margaret...they feel like they get in the way...

 

Nice jewelry Melody. Does your hair get caught in-between the little bead like things? BTW...did you get a hair cut? Seemed like it was much shorter than the other outside photos? I have a necklace from my Grandmother that is similar in style...with those flat bead like things...IDK if they are shells or shell based?...they move around on the string and my hair gets caught and they are the biggest PITA to take off. 

 

I had a Miata!! That was my college graduation gift! I loved that car! You'll probably have a newer one, of course, but regardless...the little roadster was FUN. Pack light! LOL...not much trunk space. When I needed to, I also would put something on the back "shelf" behind the headrests (where the top folds down onto).

[Sailor_Sally]

I have started buying necklaces from novica . They have a great selection and very reasonable . I have a lot of wooden and beaded necklaces since they go with the florida life style . I am packed to go to New York on Sunday to visit my daughter and grandsons . I can't wait . I love spending time with them .

[Anita Latte]

That's a great site Sally! Thanks for sharing...it's making me wish that I wore jewelry more! LOL

 

These made me think of Margaret...so rare to find blue with gold! Do you wear earrings much Margaret? I'm more of a hoop girl...

 

https://www.novica.com/p/hand-crafted-ceramic-dangle-earrings-in/256489/

 

Or these...so nice...

 

https://www.novica.com/p/composite-turquoise-and-citrine-silver/249611/

 

I've had earrings with the long back like this in the past though...they poke into my neck...

Edited July 17, 2019 by Anita Latte