What I Wore - On a Caribbean Cruise

One of the most stress inducing parts of going on a cruise was the packing list.  Why?  Well, on a regular vacation, I feel like there are stores, options, ways to buy something I forget.  On a cruise ship?  Probably not so much.

So, I did a ton of research.  Lot's of google searches.  Lots of YouTube videos.  Lots of Pinterest-ing packing lists.  I wanted to make sure that I didn't get on the boat and realize that I was missing something I really needed.

The best laid plans...  While there are some stores on the ship, it's definitely not easy to find everything you need.  Example, I somehow forgot pool flip flops.  I had sneakers and lots of dressy sandals.  I wanted a cheap plastic kind of pair.  None to be found.  Ooops.

Luckily, I did much better with dinner/evening outfits.  I was pretty happy with the variety I managed and felt like I fit in pretty well.  I had all the pieces I needed: clothing, accessories, jewelry.

So, in order to help others who might be in the same boat (punny?), below are pics of what I wore for dinners on our cruise.  Most of the pieces were from Stitch Fix; I'd asked for my last couple of fixes to be for this trip.  All of the pieces were things that I knew wouldn't wrinkle much: jersey, stretch materials, jeans.  This was key because our ship had no public laundry room w/ irons.

Night 1 - Pretty casual with a pair of stretch trousers and a printed henley shirt.

Both pieces from Stitch Fix.

Night 2 - First full day at sea, printed shirts and white jeans.

Shirt from Marshall's and jeans from Stitch Fix.

Night 3 - Cozumel port day, stretch trousers and a button down shirt.

Pants from Stitch Fix and Portofino shirt from Express.

Night 4 - Thanksgiving, Formal Night, print dress and shawl.

Dress from Stitch Fix, shawl from Amazon (I think).

Night 5 - Key West port day, same pants from Night 1 and a print shirt.

Both pieces from Stitch Fix.

Trying It - Lash Extensions

Before vacation, I do a lot of stuff...  Besides researching my intended location and coming up with a (very) thorough packing list, I primp.

Haircut.

Manicure/Pedicure.

Hair Removal.
(you know what I mean)

Etc.  Etc.

Sometimes, this routine has included highlights.  But, after more than a year of trying to grow them out from a previous vacation, I decided that our first cruise didn't warrant that kind of commitment.

Instead, I decided to try lash extensions.  Of course, my decision was helped along by a Groupon (aren't the best decisions always?).

So, I submit the following (not very flattering) photos of my eyelashes before my treatment:

Do I even have eyelashes?

(seriously)

So very wimpy!

I bought my Groupon, made my appointment and showed up to the Shadyside Lash Spa Studio the Saturday before our cruise (which sailed on Monday).  I was quickly shown to a reclined chaise and the fun began.  The first step was for my lower eyelashes to be taped down to my cheeks with some sort of adhesive pad.  This was surprising and uncomfortable for awhile.  I did eventually get used to the sensation at some point within the following hour and a half it took for the process.

My technician, Angelica, (not sure what they call lash extension staff persons?) attached each lash with a bit of glue, working back and forth between the two eyes.  Every once in awhile, she'd have to pry my eyelid off of the pad on my cheeks because the glue would stick my lashes down.  This was kind of odd, but not nearly as uncomfortable as the original step.

Then, after nearly falling asleep a couple of times, they were done!  I was handed a mirror and saw this:

Whoa, them's some lashes!

For realz.

I was kind of shocked at first.  I had chosen the "everyday" lashes, not the "special occasion" ones.  But, they seemed over the top.  Perhaps this is because I very rarely wear make-up/mascara...  It was a lot of lash for this girl.

On my way out, I got a list of instructions with such things as:
- don't get them wet for 24 hours
- don't use mascara
- don't use make-up remover with oil
- brush them out after showers (they provided me with two types of brushes).

I did get used to the lashes very quickly.  I really liked the way they looked...  I woke up and looked wide awake (maybe made-up just a bit) with zero effort.  Wonderful for vacation in a climate where makeup melts off my face within minutes.

And, they lasted way longer than I expected.  The last three came off just last night, about six and a half weeks later.  I won't say they looked amazing the last couple of weeks, but it wasn't quite as crazy as I feared.

Did I like it?  Yes, I'm glad I tried these and enjoyed having them on vacation.

Would I do it again?  Maybe for a special occasion or vacation...  I'd have to find a good deal and I definitely wouldn't be up for everyday maintenance.  I'm thinking about trying lash tinting next to see how that compares.

Would I recommend it?  Sure.  It seems like a great option and it was kind of fun to have long, thick eyelashes for a change.

35 Days of Focus

Every once in awhile, something comes along that motivates me to start eating better, exercising more, generally working harder towards my physical and health goals.  A lot of times, it's a vacation or a get-together (wedding, reunion, etc.).  Vanity and the fear of horrible pictures of myself can be rather motivating.  But, this time, it's the looming bio-metric screening at work... September 1st, 35 days out.

This screening determines if I'm eligible for discounts on health insurance throughout the upcoming year...  Or, if I have to participate in a wellness program in order to get them.  Last year, I ended up sitting through 10 weeks of Naturally Slim web videos.  And, while I assume that the program helps some people, it just served to make me angry for 45 minutes each week.

Why?

Well, I already know the difference between a carb and a protein.  I know that drinking water is important.  But, I don't think that you should be able to eat whatever you want just because you make every meal last 25+ minutes.  I don't think that cheese covered broccoli should be the ultimate example of a vegetable.  And, I don't think that it's reasonable to expect people to eat only once or twice a day.  But, that's just me.

So, this year, in an attempt to avoid another anger inducing set of videos, I'm trying to buckle down and get my 3 (or more) acceptable measurements.  I like to think that I'm pretty close, especially compared to last year, but I don't really know...

The hubby and I have been doing CrossFit since December.  We're pretty regular, usually three mornings a week.  Plus, I've been trying to get back into yoga (I actually made it to class last Saturday).  And, I joined a women's golf league that gets me out for nine holes once a week (barring weather or work related issues).

But, I've been at a standstill (weight wise) for awhile and I want to jump start my progress again.  Focus shifts to the eating portion...  doesn't it always?

Last October, I started my first Whole30, which finished right before Thanksgiving.  It was amazing!  I felt better than I had in years.  The regular pains in my feet and back seemed to disappear.  I had more energy.  My seasonal vertigo symptoms cleared up.  I slept great.  And, due to my positive outlook, I signed myself and the hubby up for our gym's CrossFit Fundamentals.

After getting through the holidays, I did another Whole30.  Similar warm and fuzzies.

Then, I got lazy.  It's hard to meal prep for EVERY SINGLE MEAL.  Because, no matter what people say, if you're really trying to stick to a paleo diet, you can't eat out at most restaurants.

I'd go on and off trying to follow the program.  Weekdays only.  80% of the time.  All sorts of crazy exceptions, etc.  Then, as soon as work kicked up with budgeting season and the summer started (with all of it's parties and travelling), I was done.

Which brings me to current day...  Aching feet.  Allergies out of control.  Not sleeping a lot of nights.  Struggling at the gym (and anywhere else that requires moving).

I want to get back that "Tiger Blood" feeling...  Today is day two of really getting back to it.  I'm trying to stay accountable to my goals and pay attention to how I'm feeling (physically and emotionally) each day.

I'll wrap up with a few examples of what I've been eating so far...

Yesterday, I made this saute of garlic scapes, beet greens and sausage.

Half got mixed into eggs and topped with salsa for breakfast.

The other half topped off a baked sweet potato for lunch.

I love double duty mixtures!

Today, I used leftover pork roast to top off another baked sweet potato for lunch.

Finally, I've been using these paleo blueberry muffin(ettes) as snacks.

Cutting out snacks cold turkey is impossible for me...  

But, I can make smarter choices.

Getting Boxy

For the last 10+ years, I've shared my life with two very special men: Ben & Jerry.  No, not the ice cream guys, these guys:

Ben - Always adorable, even upside down

Jerry - Debonair doesn't even begin to explain it

But, the hubby is not what you'd call a "cat person".  They are my cats...  He tolerates them (and sometimes cuddles with Benny), but I am the caregiver, cleaner, feeder, etc.

He would definitely prefer a dog.  So, when we were looking to buy a house, one of our "nice to haves" was a puppy yard.  This meant a sizable space, preferable fenced-in (literally or invisibly).  Our current home has almost 1/2 acre of land, the back of which is completely fenced in.  A beautiful, lush puppy yard.

But, until this weekend, there was no puppy.

Then, there was this:

Our new puppy!

Needless to say, it's been an eventful weekend.  Friday afternoon, before leaving work, I did my weekly scan of the animal shelter websites.  I came across this beautiful boxer mix named Brittany.  She was located at the Animal Rescue League.  I quickly filled out the request info form and sent the link to the hubby.

Then, I went home and didn't really think much about it.  Anthony got home a little later, around 6:30.  I asked what he thought about the puppy.  Since I hadn't heard back from the shelter yet, we both assumed she was already adopted.  But, we called.  She was still there but they were only open until 7:30 (and stopped doing adoptions at 7:00).

We immediately got into the car and headed over to meet Brittany.  She was as adorable as expected.  So sweet and happy.  There was a lot of licking (from her) and cooing (from me).  Soon after, we were putting down a small deposit to hold her adoption for a day.

The next morning, after some serious name brainstorms and a thorough basement puppy proofing, we were driving back to pick her up.

A day later, she seemed to have settled in nicely:

Lana "Danger Zone" R., watching golf with Anthony

Now, how in the world do we train this puppy properly?  And, how in the world do I make it through this week with her alone, while Anthony travels for work?

A Quickie - My 2nd Stitch Fix

My second Stitch Fix box arrived while I was out of town for Easter... So, I didn't take a ton of pictures for a review.  Plus, I only kept one thing.  But, these pants are so cute, I couldn't help but share:

Margaret M Cropped Trousers in Kelly Green

(please note that I've found the secret to selfies: cut off the head... lol... no really)

 

This is a great example of what makes Stitch Fix so great - there is NO WAY I would have picked these up from a rack in the store.  Skinny pants on my body?  No thank you!

 

But they work so well.  So comfortable and (magically) flattering.  But, what in the world do I wear with these?  I had nothing in my closet that resembled the styling ideas from my SF card.  I wanted something blousy and fun.  So, I stopped at Marshall's early this week to find something to pair them with.  I ended up with a thin, grey Tahari tee and a lightly patterned Cynthia Crowley blouse.  So cute and Spring-y.

 

Now, I just have to find the courage to wear something this bright to work!

My First Stitch Fix - A Review

Yesterday, when I got home from work, this was waiting for me:

My first Stitch Fix!

I ordered this 'fix' specifically for our upcoming vacation to Jamaica.  I wanted some items that would travel well and might work for the vow renewal ceremony we'll be attending while there.  I filled out the initial questions on the website and started a Pinterest board with some of the beach stuff that I liked.  I gave a brief description of what I was looking for and scheduled my delivery.

All of this is pretty typical for what I've seen in other reviews of Stitch Fix...  But, I was kind of skeptical about this whole thing.  Why?  Most of the other reviews I've seen are written by women who are much smaller than me.  I currently wearing a size 14 pant and XL shirts.  I usually can't wear button downs because I'm super top heavy.  Trying on clothes is generally a painful experience.  Item after item after item...  Many times with not a single thing that works.

All that aside, I was hopeful.  Oh so hopeful.  Maybe I'd end up with one piece that I liked enough to buy.

So, now, I'm going to skip all the other details about how Stitch Fix works (mostly because it's all been said before... and, if you're searching for reviews, you probably already have a good idea on it)...  Instead, I'm going to dig into the box and show you what came out.

A reminder of how it works...  Nice packaging.

There they are...  My five pieces.

An envelope with all the details and the style card...

A note from my stylist and 

some ideas for each of the pieces.

At this point, I was getting more and more excited.  It's always hard to picture things on me when I see them this way.  A flat picture is hard to translate.  Heck, even a mannequin doesn't work for me most of the time.  I need to see the clothes on my body.

Now, before we get to the next section (the one in which I post pictures of myself in the clothes), I'd like to make a disclaimer: I do not take selfies...  pretty much ever.  I suck at it.  I couldn't get the lighting right.  The flash did not work (ha, cause of the mirror, I learn quickly).  My poses are stiff and I'm usually looking at the phone to make sure I'm in focus.  But, I got a couple that at least show the pieces and how they fit.  

Without further ado, here we go.

Item 1: Dovette Draped Detail Dress

I LOVE this dress!  The fabric is perfect for travel.  The color is fantastic.  And, bonus, it fits wonderfully.  I'm definitely keeping this one.

Items 2 & 3:  Jayla Front Twist Sweater & Calla Solid Swing Skirt

Skirt - more LOVE!  This has a gorgeous color.  The fabric is great.  And, it has a wonderful weight to it.  I don't know exactly how to describe it, but it works.  Plus, its lined, which I really appreciate for a day skirt (no seeing through my legs, thank you very much).

Sweater...  When I first tried it on, I wasn't sold.  Then, I went back and re-read my stylist's note, suggesting pairing it with the skirt and a cami.  Out came a dark blue tank, and voila, my mind was changed.

Keeping both pieces.

Item 4: Alan Cowl Neck Asymmetrical Cardigan
This is a fun, unique piece.  Might be a little heavy considering the warming temps, but I really like it.  Additionally, this was my husband's favorite piece (he patiently watched the entire fashion show).  It's a keeper.

Item 5: Fiona Embroidery Detail Striped Maxi Dress
As soon as I pulled this from the box, I loved it.  I so wanted it to be perfect.  I slipped it on and it fit.  It felt great...  And, then, my husband said "the lines don't match at the seams, it makes it look cheap."  Boo.  Hiss.  I still loved the way I felt/looked in the dress; but now all I could see was the mis-matched lines.

This was the only item I really, really debated keeping.  Then, I did some math (see below the picture).

My Math

Option 1 - Buy everything:

Dovette Draped Detail Dress	$58.00
Jayla Front Twist Sweater	$78.00
Calla Solid Swing Skirt	$58.00
Alan Cowl Neck Asymmetrical Cardigan	$58.00
Fiona Embroidery Detail Striped Maxi Dress	$78.00
Total	$330.00
Minus $20 Stylist fee	$310.00
Minus 25% Discount for All	$232.50
Option 2 - Buy everything except the maxi dress:
Total ex. Maxi Dress	$252.00
Minus $20 Stylist fee	$232.00

So, for an extra 50¢, I'm totally buying the dress.

I have to say that any expectations I had for this service were met... and then some.  I'm already planning on seeing when I can get my next 'fix'.  I can't wait to see how they handle everyday work clothes.

(FYI - I received nothing from Stitch Fix for this review...  I couldn't even find a coupon code for my order, lol.  I have no affiliates.  I wrote this b/c when I was deciding whether or not to order from the site, I read A LOT of reviews.  Hope this helps someone out there.)

A Quick Look - Wedding Trailer

While I happily (well, maybe not happily) spent dollar after dollar on our wedding, one of the things I wasn't willing to drop a couple thousand dollars for was a wedding video.  So, when I found a deal for WedIt through WeddingChannel, I jumped on it.

I think that we probably could have put a bit more energy into planning how we'd use the cameras and prepping our guests/videographers...  But, overall, I'm so happy with how the videos turned out and the experience.

So, here is the trailer version of our wedding video...  I had to watch it again this morning because it always makes me smile.


I definitely think that this was the perfect solution for us.  We have video of our big day and didn't have to spend a huge amount.

Plus, the whole things was pretty simple.  The people at WedIt were responsive and helpful every time I had a question.  The cameras showed up a couple days before the wedding and were extremely easy to use.  And, best of all, we got video of things we may not have with a traditional videographer (like Anthony running the zombie race in the morning).