I have been writing my blog since 2007. I've gone the distance. Though I don't write as often as I used to I do continue to pound out the prose at least once a week.
The Lady in the Stone House has for the most part been about my family, home improvement projects, books I'm reading and some favorite recipes.
Once in a great while I throw in fashion. Usually fashion dilemmas. For many years I was the soccer mom bundled up against the wind and the rain. The mom that had no time to shop for herself and therefore, I looked like I bought most of my clothes at Costco. Probably because I did. You know, groceries for three growing teens, hamburger, two black tees, romaine lettuce, two white tees, laundry detergent and some jeans. One stop shopping for this mom. Before I was married with kids I loved shopping. Over the years it became just one more thing on a tight budget.
Now I'm in my mid fifties, with a bit more time and budget. That doesn't make it easier. None of this is easy for me, the shopping, trying new products, packing, writing about it. It's not my gift set...
And I am fifty*five so there are some body issues too.
Hubby and I went to Burlington this week, to pick up a few things for our trip to Maui. We went to Macy's for Hubby and I ended up with two pairs of boots. It is hard for me to buy off season because I am all about instant gratification, but I could not resist the 80% off sale. The black pair is bit on the biker side for me but hey, sometimes a girl has to live a little.
And won't I be happy with my boots in the Fall?
While in Palm Desert my friend Sheryl taught me about Aveeno lotion with 15 SPF. I am in love. While in Burlington I bought the Aveeno whipped souffle at Target.
The Positively Radiant with 15 SPF is from Costco.
Love, love, love it! Sheryl and Shelly also taught me to purchase sunscreen from Costco. Who knew?
While in Palm Desert my friend, Chris told me about Tide to go. These are great to have in your purse for when you trip, fall and get stains on your white jeans. Or if you spill salsa on your shirt before dinner or coffee on your shirt before you get on the plane. Not that these things ever happen to anyone beside moi.
Since packing and shopping are a struggle for me it seems like one vacation I over pack and so the next trip I under pack and this cycle goes on and on. Since I have been packing, unpacking, packing, unpacking, and packing again so far this year I decided to watch some youtube videos about packing.
Dr. T does a great video showing everyone how to pack like a pro. It's pretty much changed my life. NO folding. NO kidding. This trip coming up I'm trying to only take three pairs of flip flops. This could be an under packing mistake. I could go with a carry on piece of luggage for ten days but the shoes. It sounds easy to cut out shoes but it's not. I do love my new dressy flip flops that I bought in the Desert. Aren't they glitzy?
While in the desert we shopped a the Macy's swimwear department which is actually a whole separate store just for swimsuits and cover-ups. At one point during our second trip Shelly looked at me and said, "girlfriend, we need to up our coverup game." We were lacking. So, I found a new coverup and suit for Maui. I got a black dotted Miracle Suit.
I have worn glasses since junior high, contact lenses since high school. Choosing new frames is difficult for me. Danny suggested I try Zenni Optical. An online choice with great prices. My package arrived in the mail today. And yes, it is hard to choose new frames without actually trying them on.
First up, large and blue to bring out my blue eyes.
Secondly, tortoise and a bit more serious look. Pretty serious, huh?
Thirdly, sunglasses with my prescription. I haven't ever had prescription sunglasses. I am wearing my contacts less now and it is going to be great to have this option. Otherwise, if it was sunny I had to wear my contacts.
Please excuse my hair today. I ended up washing it with Axe body wash this morning.
How do these things happen to me? A Long post for another day.
Anyway...
Once I wear the glasses out in public I'll know if they are a good look for me. You know how someone comments, "oh, you got your haircut." Or, "where did you find that dress?" Or, "interesting combination... I wouldn't have thought to wear that shirt with that skirt." Or stating the obvious, "you got new glasses."
No compliment, just a big ol' comment with a pregnant pause where the compliment should be.
One of the best purchases I made in Palm Desert was a canvas with one of the best little bits of advice ever. Especially if you're that woman that trips, spills, has tread mill episodes and fashion dilemmas.
It's hard to know what to wear, what to take on a trip and I do know these are first world problems. I don't think I'm the first woman in her fifties to have these dilemmas but if you know where to shop and what for, please share and count your blessings. Cuz it doesn't come easy for everyone.
No one paid me to mention these products. No one has ever paid me to write and share this drivel. Ever.
Really.
