Pick Your Poison.

I really cannot believe how fast the weeks go by.  Nine days since I wrote my last post?  I had no idea.  And I was doing so much better...but time flies!

Not to worry, because I have lots to say.

I've been thinking about switching to a different blogger platform, revamping my Etsy store, taking some classes...all kinds of things which just make me feel so overwhelmed that I end up changing nothing.  I am so fearful that I'll get into the middle of one of these changes and realize it's more work than I thought, or maybe I just won't like the result.  Once in the middle, you have just as far to travel back as you do to forge ahead.  I hate that!  Ideas, projects, and a lingering migraine mean that my head is on overload.  I spent most of the day in and out of bed, getting up for food and to let the dog out, then back to my pillowy office.  I actually got quite a bit done, but still can't quite shake the headache.  My daughter just came in from class and brought me a Shamrock Shake.  I'm allowed one per season so I guess this was it.  Speaking of her, she has been fighting a "fluish" thing, and she hates to take off work.  She has about an eight block walk once she gets off the train, and with single digit temps, she can hardly put on too many clothes.  Being completely fashion-conscious, she laid out a few cute but warm outfits.  Word is, she's the best dressed girl at work.  Jeans are acceptable, but she's just not going there.  She says it's a professional office and she has to dress that way, even if no one else is.  She had this out for today.  I took a picture of it because I recognize all the components as finds from various thrift stores.  Made me a little sentimental...I took a trip down Memory Lane  Thrift Store Aisle:

She shops her closet too!

Remember that I have a crazy long-term memory, but I burn dinner at least once a week.  Because of this, I can remember that I bought this soft turquoise sweater when she lived in Springfield, and I was always buying her clothes and sending them to her.  She asked me to stop because she was running out of room.  Nevah!  Anyway, I was so concerned that she might get cold while waiting for the bus, so I bought tons of sweaters and vests to layer.  This suede one gets so much wear that I finally broke down and washed it because I was tired of paying to have it dry cleaned.  It came out beautifully.  I will never take it to the dry cleaners again. The skirt?  I can't remember where, but I know it's H&M and I bought it because it has both light blue and metallic turquoise threads running through it which I thought were so pretty on this fall-ish plaid.  I bought a light blue sweater at the time, but I totally approve of this.  The color is so rich...she was warm and stylish today.  The only thing better would be if I could wear it myself.  

I listed another martini set that I spied at Goodwill.  At first I just saw the glasses, which ironically was a set of five.  I had a near-identical set of five at home already.  I believe they're Dorothy Thorpe and the original set has been up for sale for quite some time because without the pitcher, it's tough to sell these glasses.  I was shocked to find the pitcher too, on a completely different shelf.  That's why it pays to be patient when thrift shopping, and it also doesn't hurt to bring an extra pair of eyes.  Not glasses, eyes.  My sister was with me and she actually spotted the pitcher.  So now I have a mint condition martini set with ten glasses!  That's a nice set, and if (when) I find a swizzle stick for it, so much the better.  

Isn't she lovely?

And in the "so glad it didn't sell" department:

I found this Briard ice bucket while my pop up was still open.  It's missing the handle, but it is yellow...Still, I priced it at just $12.  It didn't sell.  Defies logic.  But today, seeing the snow start to fall, I started really craving spring so I started looking through the cabinets at all of my spring and summer serveware.  I Cannot Wait to use this, missing handle and all.  I love yellow, I love the mid-century style, and I love ice.  If you read any of my early blogs, you understand why.  Hey, I just had a thought.  Given my mid-life status, I should probably keep all of my ice buckets and stash one (with ice) in every room.  That way, if I get a sudden urge to cool off, I can drop a few cubes down my back.  I'm going to give this more thought...

I ended up bringing home much of what I took to the pop up. Most is still for sale online, but in addition to my ice bucket, I still have these rings which probably would have sold, but I took them "off the market" after the first weekend because I really didn't know what I had.  The workplace bully had a moment there, where she gave me some helpful advice.  "Don't keep those rings where they can easily be taken.  They're Mexican silver you know".  Nope, I didn't.  I can't read what's inside them, partly because the letters are worn down, and partly because it's in Spanish. A few weeks later, I realized that one of them opens up.  A poison ring!  

Some people call it a prayer ring.  Some call it a pill ring.  BUT, I am convinced that they were mainly used by adversaries and jilted lovers. So here's how it works.  You put a little arsenic in the "bowl", close it up,  take your nicely manicured hand with the silver and amethyst ring, and offer to pour your enemy a drink.  A quick flick and voila!!  The contents are quickly dumped into their glass.  Seriously, whoever came up with this was pretty dark and sinister.  Either way, it was a nice surprise and I really like the ring.  Plus, it's adjustable, which usually signals cheap, but it's very common to find these in adjustable styles.  Looking at my ring's markings, I'd say it was made in the late 30's.  Found in the "hoarder house", the gift that just keeps on giving.  Along with this ring, I found several other pieces of vintage silver, including this one with a big brown stone.  (That's the technical term.)  Right now, these two are getting lots of "wearplay":

Bullies can sometimes be useful.  But not often.

And with that, this week is officially half over. Time flies!

How I Indulge My Inner Shopaholic.

I've made a commitment to shop less and use what I already have more.  For clothing, this is pretty easy.  I work from home so there are only a couple of days a week that I actually care about what I wear.  I think that may be even more pressure.  If I'm only out and about two days a week, then I have absolutely no excuse to not try to look my best.  One day on, three days off, and so on...

I've been "shopping my closet" with the goal of finding new and different things to wear.  I'm doing well, with no repeats, and more importantly, I'm wearing those items that have just been hanging out in my closet for a long time.  Like this purple blouse.  My niece gave it to me about a year ago, and I really couldn't see myself wearing it.  It took me a month to figure out how to button it.  The buttons don't line up with the buttonholes in order to create a draped effect.  Kind of like very soft, flat ruffles.  Once I figured that out, this shirt went to the back of the closet.  It even rode around in my car for about a month because I was going to give it away.  No takers, so I eventually brought it back inside.  I really love this blouse, but not for me.  I don't do ruffles.  I don't do satin.  I don't do velvet.  I don't do sleeveless.  I definitely don't do tucked in. Shopping my closet has taken me out of my comfort zone:

Free blouse, thrifted skirt (I thought it would make me look fat).
I love how it hangs!  Thrifted pumps, thrifted and gifted
accessories.  My daughter bought me the rhinestone
hoops, and the huge rhinestone bracelet was a gift from
a friend. 

Other things I don't do?  I don't do layers, I don't do horridzontal stripes.  I don't do necklaces that are less than 24" long.  Liar, Liar:

I really, really, really like these brown tights and t-strap shoes.
The shoes were a freebie and the skirt is thrifted.  I think the tights
cost more than anything else.  I don't thrift anything that stays
this close to my body.

I found this skirt early in the fall, when I went into a thrift store with one goal:  Find something fabulous, that is unlike anything else I own.  It was one of those days when I needed a boost.  I couldn't believe this multi-colored, lined knit skirt.  It was a great fit, with plenty of waistline room, but not too much in the hips, the reality of which is the bane of my fashion existence.  An out of control waistline and belly, and hips which remain at least recognizable to me.  It's a tough shape to dress, seriously. I wore this skirt once, with a blue sweater and boots (there's a blue stripe in there somewhere), and today I paired it with brown and green.  It's really a very lightweight knit, so I can't wait to wear it this spring, but I'm loving the monochromatic tights and shoes on me this winter.  Kinda like wearing boots.  But not.  

The sweaters are both thrifted.  I really hate layers because
they make me feel bulky, and I'm always "flashing".  Two
long-sleeved sweaters?  This is a first.  The brown sweater
is really lightweight and the green one slightly cropped.
A little boxy for me...or so I thought.  Turns out, it's one
of my favorites.  Accessories, from the huge collection
of costume jewelry, scarves and hair thingys that I own.
Favorite accessory?  My smile.  I can't wear it often enough.

Every girl loves new clothes, but some of us are on a tight budget.  I love that I can stay in the fashion game and still feed my kids.  I basically spent the whole weekend wearing things that I never wear.  Things I hate to wear.  Things that look terrible on me. 

Never be afraid to admit when you're wrong.  Especially to yourself. 

Staying Sharp In The New Year!

I was lucky enough to receive a Party Host Pack, courtesy of House Party.  In keeping with my complete willingness to embrace my "2nd phase" (being over 50) and proud of my AARP membership, I was stoked to host an AARP "Staying Sharp in the New Year" party.  Since I love presents, I was giddy with excitement when my party pack arrived:

A box of goodies for me, and some to share!

I unpacked everything, and there was a lot to work with!  Bigelow Tea, photo props, recipe cards, a great recipe book and a Fit Bit!  Yes, I can now track my movement, set goals, and stay organized.  It tracks your sleep too!  I definitely am learning as I get older, just how much my sleep habits affect my health so this is a great tool for me.

The party was a great way to let others in on the benefits of an AARP Staying Sharp membership.  As an addition to a traditional membership, with all of the perks and discounts it carries, this is all about staying fit as we move into the next phase.  You know, the one where you get to do what you WANT to do...whatever that may be. I knew that everyone would love the brain fitness exercises, which are online puzzles and games, that test your memory, your reaction time and your cognition.  You challenge yourself to beat your own time.  Competition is good, but it can be intimidating.  With the brain fitness series, your only opponent is yourself.  Now, if you don't play fair...that's on you.

We talked about health challenges and exchanged information and ideas, using the Staying Sharp website as a guide.  There's so much information there!  For me, it's also pretty cool to have my own online games and have my teenager looking over my shoulder saying "hey, that looks like fun!"  It is, but run along now to your XBox.  This is ALL MINE.  

Of course no party would be complete without food, preferably good food.  Great food is even better.  We kept it simple and healthy:

  And we threw in a little fun, courtesy of the photo props.  I had one tiny visitor who joined in by donning a mustache.  He's adorable either way: 

Shucks!

Hey, I have an idea!  You can host your own Staying Sharp party!  Just go to aarp.org and join in the fun.  You'll find a wealth of information, videos, games and other tips for not just staying fit, but Staying Sharp!  

Yeah, we're sharp but we're gonna stay that way!

Valentines' Day Prep

I have been drinking different versions of this "detox" tea every day since the beginning of the year.  The basic ingredients--apple cider vinegar, fresh lemon, honey, cayenne pepper, turmeric and ginger don't change.  I add other spices depending on what I have on hand to the mix:  basil, allspice, nutmeg, cinnamon--all of which promise to do everything from lower blood pressure and cholesterol to reducing inflammation.  I need all of that, thanks.  There is also a lot to be said for cleansing your system, and I dirty mine up with plenty of things that I shouldn't be eating, but don't plan to stop.  Like sweet potato pie-- arguably my favorite food.  I've used vinegar, lemon and honey for sore throats and colds for years, as far back as my early 20's and I've always given it to my kids. It works!  As one of my new years' resolutions, I was doing great with my detox drinking every day, until I started running out of things, and not feeling like going out into the cold to get more.  These past two weeks, I've made a weaker version, with no vinegar, then meager amounts of lemon, and now with no honey.  Guess what?  I'm sick!  My sinuses are under attack, and I'm sniffling.  I'm convinced that my unusual drink was keeping me healthy.  I'm sure that I won't run out of it again.

Kinda pretty?

And while I really should be getting ready to go out, all I want to do is take a nap.  At this point the nap idea is winning.  I have three outfits ready, but my fashion photographer daughter is in Miami.  Her little brother is here, but his unflattering pictures of me show how disinterested he really is. Still, he'll do just about anything if I slip him a $10 bill so if I get desperate I can call him in.  Of course, I'm not feeling my best either, but just in case I do leave the house, the outfit lineup is as follows:

 Outfit #1 is anchored by a red, white and black striped cardigan that I've been saving just for Valentines' Day, however I realized that it has a "Where's Waldo?" vibe that I am not comfortable with. 

Outfit #2 is gold and black, centered around an amazing $100 skirt that I found, new with tags, for just $2 and a pair of painted black tights that I've been thinking about for months.  Unfortunately, the project didn't go as planned, and they don't look....presentable  good.  

The set up was promising...

Outfit #3 is purple, a color that I really don't wear often.  I'm concerned that it may be a little too much fuss for me and you know I have issues with feeling "conspicuous".  It involves velvet, satin, and tiers.  Sounds like Scarlett O'Hara.  So let's see.  I have Waldo, Scarlett and a bad paint job. At this rate, I'll be lucky to find a bathrobe that I'm happy with. 

 The big reveal will be tomorrow.  What do you think I'll decide on?  

Speaking of decisions, I made a really bad one today.  I make smoothies all the time and I experiment with different fruits and veggies. This one has beet juice, purple carrot and sweet potato, plus lots of cherries and blueberries.  The color is amazing.  The taste?  Not so much. Make that awful. Beets in a smoothie just isn't working for me.  Filed in the "never again" file. 

Bad Decision!

How are you prepping for Valentines' Day?  

What's Wrong With Feeling Deprived?

Deprivation gets a bad rap.  I mean, sometimes less is more, right?  Less makeup, fewer accessories, smaller portions...you get it.  Today I went WAY off the deep end (no pun intended) and spent an hour attempting to deprive my senses of all stimulation and concentrate on....NOTHING.  I didn't think I'd be a good candidate for a sensory deprivation tank, or flotation tank, because I knew my mind would never shut off.  This is however, a bucket list thing for me.  One of those that I could pretty easily check off my list (Unlike jumping out of a plane.  Just kidding.  I am no longer interested in that).  Trying out a flotation tank was on my list, as was experiencing weightlessness.  I didn't realize that I was checking off two items.  Technically, you are "weightless" when you're floating but I still think I want to see stuff floating through the air while I, moving in extreme slow motion, attempt to catch them.  I need to go to Space Camp.

And back to the story.  I have been completely intrigued by the claim that 1000 pounds of Epsom salt in 8 inches of water would make anyone float.  I have never been able to back float, so I was excited about that, as well as the floating aimlessly in a giant bathtub with no sound or light.  I wondered if I'd lose it.  Well, courtesy of a thoughtful Groupon I received for my birthday from my daughter, I trekked over an hour from home today to check it out.  Long story short---I loved it.

I started with a one hour massage which was arguably the best massage I've had.  I fell asleep.  Then I took a rain shower and after receiving instructions, was left alone with the shower, and beyond a white door, the Tank!  I've seen these things before, and typically, they kind of resemble a dumpster.  Lucky me, this place had just installed (over the weekend) a new, state-of-the-art tank, and I was one of the first to use it!  Rather then stepping down into a "pod" and pulling the overhead doors down behind me, I was able to just step into a small room-sized tub with lighting that I could control.  Once I got comfortable, I turned off the lights.  Believe me when I tell you that you become very familiar with the sound of your heart.  With earplugs in, I tentatively laid down in the body temperature water and I actually floated.  Me!  I was like a buoy, bobbing around in there.  I got comfortable, and actually dozed off a couple of times.  When I woke up, it was almost like being in bed, except I couldn't feel the pressure of whatever was holding me up.  I thought my mattress was amazing, but imagine being held up by nothing!  The water was almost undetectable due to the temperature, and I was only aware of it if I moved.  (I learned that my right arm likes to go up above my head and the left arm likes to just hang out by my side.  This is what naturally happened.)  It took a while for me to really relax, as I spent a little time consciously relaxing all of my muscles, but honestly, as soon as I laid down in that space shuttle, I was a happy camper.  Shutting my mind off proved nearly impossible, but I wasn't worrying.  After I finished telling myself "I can't believe I'm doing this!" about 20 times, I settled in to some inane thoughts about...see, I can't even remember.  Another 30 minutes in there would have been perfect.  I wasn't ready to get out, especially since I had to get out after the first 20 minutes because the corners of my eyes were burning.  The water made a circle on my face that was big enough to keep my mouth and nose dry, but it reached the corners of my eyes and all that salt was kind of tough on that delicate skin.  Before I went in, they warned me about any abrasions I might have, and even gave me some ointment in case I needed to cover something.  Note to self:  Next time, put a little around my eyes.  I was in and out in about two minutes, and it took nothing for me to get back to relaxed.  Personally, I would have loved some spa music, but the idea is no sensory stimulation.  None.  I get it, but I really like spa music.  After about 55 minutes, the spa music does come on, a little loudly, but it's to let you know that it's time to wake up.  After a nice shower and hair washing, I got dressed and sat in the lobby for a bit.  The workers were super and I liked it so much that I paid ahead for my next "float".  I might even buy one of those "floater" t-shirts.  Yes, they exist.

See?  If you've seen the "pod style" tanks and been
scared off, try this one.

I was more than a little apprehensive about this experience a year ago, when I first started looking into it, but I really enjoyed it.  It wasn't scary, but it was definitely weird.  In a good way.  I think the darkness was the hardest part, and the beautiful blue light, as well as the "stars" are your choice, but I really wanted to challenge myself to shut off everything and just TRUST.  I found that I didn't want the lights after all and I was really proud of myself for just being still for that long.  

And I'm probably the only one who's noticed, but you can kind of see your reflection in the ceiling when the blue lights are on.  Have you seen Avatar?  Yep, it was kinda like that.  I was an Avatar.  I think I'll add that to my bucket list just so I can cross it off.