Playing Dress-Ups!!

As we become older I think we sometimes forget to play. Play can come in all different forms to different people. I love being a girl, so playing for me usually will involve something to do with fashion, make-up, hair or, what I like to call, “Playing House.”  I wrote about in my other post.

I am very fortunate to have wonderful friends around me that I can play with. The other day a very close friend of mine and I did a day that I liked to call playing dress-up.

We went to a store called Ulta. It is a make-up and hair care product store. We went up and down the aisle trying different colors of make-up and finger nail polish. What we were really looking for was some hair care products.
 Both of us are going to be taking a little trip to where we will be in the sun and we like to protect our hair.

I volunteered to go on-line and investigate some products. We opened several bottles to smell the fragrance of each and there was one that stood out more than the others!!

Oscar Blandi Sun Shield. The fragrance in this product reminds you of being in Hawaii. It reminded me of the Plumeria flower. We are both going back to get this on a special sale event!!

The other product that we fell in love with the feel and the fragrance that it left on our hair was Alterna’s anti-aging hair spray. It is a bit of a luxury as far as hair spray goes but Oh my!!! does is smell amazing. I am waiting until it is on a special to make a purchase. Alterna products are what Jennifer Anniston uses on her hair. I figure if it is good enough for Jen it is good enough for Kathysue.

I was surprised after a day in a make-up store that I did not buy a new lipstick or lip-gloss. I actually think this is a first!

I love being a girl and playing dress-up with my friends!!

What do you do when you play dress-up?!

“Enjoy the Process” Of:

Being a grown-up girl and still playing dress-up with your friends!

Kathysue

A Fall Green I Love!!

Today I am going to talk about the Fall color Artichoke Green.

Sherwin Williams SW6179

It is no secret I am a lover of green, as you can see from my kitchen.

Greens come in so many varieties, however, since I am talking about Fall and ideas for Fall decor I thought I would talk about Artichoke Green.
Artichokes can be used in so many different ways in your Fall decor. I have collected some images that I hope will inspire you to add this wonderful color to your Fall palette.

Simple? Yes, but this could be very striking in your kitchen or on your dining room table with candle light.

 

Speaking of candlelight. We not only have artichokes, but we have green beans and asparagus all in great shades of green I also like that they did not tie a bow to hold them, just a simple knot with ribbon.( I am not big on bows and I prefer something a little more simple)

Speaking of bows, I do love the purple with the artichoke and asparagus green, but, and I do mean but, think how much more sophisticated it would have looked without the bow, just a simple knot would look so much better, IMHO. This is really a simple, but fun idea.

I love the dark brown of the pinecone with the green of the artichoke. That is really a great fall color combination.

Oh! Why Not?!!

In Style Magazine

This is perfection to me. A simple white pitcher filled to over flowing with artichokes and surrounded by herbs and wood. Love this!!

Purple really looks pretty with artichoke green.

How about a wreath of wheat and artichokes?!

Artichoke used as a vase for mums and lavender. A very pretty color combination.

More lavender and artichokes pretty with white.

Simple yet very pretty!!

 

These last two pictures are my favorites!! 

This is what I learned about myself while doing this post. I love artichoke green when it is mixed with simple white and dark brown/black. I told you, I am always on a learning curve.

Did you discover anything about your like or dis-like for the color of artichoke green? Which color combination did you like the best?

Before I let you go I have to share a few rooms that are decorated with the color artichoke green, Enjoy!!

“Enjoy the Process” Of:

Decorating for Fall with Artichoke Green!!

Kathysue

BTW: I don’t normally talk about cooking on this blog, but if you love to eat artichokes this is the best recipe ever!! This is from a restaurant in Carmel, California called the Rio Grill , that I also highly recommend!

Dress For Your Reality!!

Since it is nearing cooler Fall weather I have been thinking a little bit about my Fall wardrobe. Not at great length, but enough to have read a few articles about what is IN or OUT and the top ten must-haves and the like.

I read a statement at In Style Magazine that said:

 “Dress for Your Reality.”

That made me take pause. Hmmmm??? What is my reality?

I think it means,  "What are your activities? And, how should you dress for those?"

Since I am retired, my requirements are different than they use to be.  No more stylish work clothes that say, “Hi! I am your designer.”

My life is pretty casual. I thought I would make a list of my activities and the type of clothing I need for  what I like to do:

1. Hanging out at home, puttzing around doing household chores.
2. Grocery shopping
3. Family gatherings
4. Lunch or coffee with a girlfriend.Dinner out with hubby or friends.
5. Thrifting/Antiquing
6. Traveling with hubby

As you can see, it is all pretty casual these days, so there really is no need for a lot of real dressy attire.

Here is how I try to “Dress for My Reality”

Hanging out at home:

I don’t know about you, but if I am at home I want to be comfy and still look presentable for when hubby comes home, or if someone pops in for a visit.

I always wear shoes because I think slippers make you shuffle. Don’t laugh, I don’t want to be THAT lady!!!

Here are some of the looks that I like for hanging out at home. I use Macy’s as my Go-To place since you can buy on-line if there is not a store in your area.

I like black knit pants/yoga pants for around the house. I get the solid ones without stripes so I don’t look like I have on a jogging outfit. I obviously don’t jog, so what is the point!  But, I do like comfort and when they are in solids they always look presentable.

 I know that leggings are in and so are the skinny pants, but, and I do mean a big BUT!! Look at yourself from the side. If your leg reminds you of the chicken leg you ate at Sunday dinner, do Not under any circumstances wear them!! Just a little friendly advice. I have two DIL's that both have beautiful long thin legs and they CAN wear them and I use them as my criteria for this statement.  I on the other hand would fall into the chicken leg criteria.

I love this top. It has cute snap enclosures and it so comfy and yet, again. looks better than a plain T-shirt. I have this in white and black.

This little jacket is also in knit.  Look at the cute detailing with zippers. I think this would look much cuter than a hoody. Ladies if you are going to wear a hoody, wear one that fits close to your body so you don’t look shaped like a box. I figured this out a long time ago, trust me on this one.

Here are a couple of other knit jackets to keep you warm around the house and still feel put together.

 

I have this little jacket. I scrunch up the sleeves and cinch in the waste and I feel very comfy. Camel is a big color this season and when paired with dark gray, it looks pretty cool.

I wear a cute pair of mule type tennies in black patent and I am comfortable for hanging out at the house. I think this beats an old house dress or a pair of sweats and a T-shirt any day.

Top it all off with a little lip gloss, blush, curl your eyelashes put on some mascara and don't forget the earrings. I usually wear simple pearl earrings and then I feel like I am good to go!!

I am not claiming to be a fashion expert by any stretch of the imagination.  But, I do like to be comfortable and look presentable at the same time, even if I am just hanging out at home.  I have just found that these pieces work very well for me and I thought I would share my findings with you and maybe you can share some of your fashion advice with me.

What do you wear when you are hanging out at the house?

 How do you “Dress For Your Reality”?

“Enjoy the Process” Of:

Dressing For YOUR Reality!

Kathysue