Life’s too short...to never sleep in a treehouse! 8/27 TR is up! Link in siggie

[eandesmom]

45 days!!!!!!!!!!!!

Until our DCA adventure.

To say that I am excited is a huge understatement. I find myself wishing I could make it into a longer trip (and hitting DL without Jeff lol) but I just don’t see that happening.

I’ve been debating.

Shopping.

Guys, feel free to tune out.

And had convinced myself I wasn’t going to do any.

Yeah right.

I am delusional at times. Seriously delusional.

Instead, I’ve done a semi crazy amount of spontaneous purchases.

None of which were the primary items I might actually “need”.

I don’t really “need” anything, who am I kidding!

This was/is my “need” list. Which is really a want list.

• Park bag.
• Shorts
• Sundress
• Sandals

This is what I’ve bought so far

• Park bag
• Jeans (2)
• T Shirts (3)
• Tank Tops (2)
• “fancier” summery tops (2)

Not even sure that I will need jeans…I probably won’t! Then again last May in San Diego I sure did so who knows.

Of course I don’t know that any of this will even work. Status update on my "want" list.

Park Bag.
I ordered a Vera backsack from ebay. 15 bucks including shipping. I do like the pattern and the size quite a bit. Loved the price. I don’t like the fact that only the top part is adjustable, the bottom is fixed so it’s not a true cinch sak type backsack (if that makes sense). Straps are not adjustable. So insead of it being able to go on one shoulder, which is what I’d been envisioning, it would have to go on like a backpack. Which to me (on me) feels and looks dorky. If full the one shoulder might work but I’m thinking not. I may use it one day, I may not. Have not decided at all. I will bring it though.

I don’t have a plan to address this. Figure if something strikes me between now and then great, if not I’ll probably be bringing multiple options for flexibility as I usually do. We aren’t touring WDW style so the needs are a little different. I may not carry anything at all and just have Jeff deal with the daypack.

Shorts.
I despise shopping for shorts. I never find anything l like that fits right or whatever, it’s just a painful worthless exercise. I’ve looked online, I’m not seeing anything and there isn’t much in the stores now (not that there ever is). I have NO idea what I will do here. It is rather a problem. I do have capri’s. I may just go shopping there. I figure one (or two) hours at the mall wouldn’t kill anyone, especially if I leave them at the pool or beach. Shopping on vacation isn’t really what I want to do but this is a big need in general, will be a need for the August FL trip and I figure my chances of finding something I like could be far greater in LA as theoretically there should be a LOT more to choose from.

Finding a short that looks good both standing up, and sitting down and is comfortable in both positions really shouldn’t be this hard. And yet it is.

Sandals.
Haven’t seen anything I love enough to buy. If I do, I will and if not plan to work with what I have. I really would like something that is a tad nicer than flip flops but comfy for all day wear. I have some that will work for a good half day but not a full day. We will see is something magically pops up.

Sundress
Just seems like a good idea. I have some, nothing I’m all that inspired to take. Again, if I stumble across something, great. That said, this is Seattle, there isn’t much to see in the stores in that area right now. Actually there never is, dress shopping in this town as a general rule is a nightmare. I may look online, I may not.

Skort.
Ok this wasn’t officially on my list but has been a thought. Title Nine and Athleta have some cute ones but everytime I look the ones I like the best are sold out in my size. Of course the fact that I wait to see what’s on sale and am trying to avoid paying full price on anything might have a lot to do with it. I may hit the Title Nine store to see what they have in stock (versus online) it’s just kind of a pita to get there from where I live.

However if I get one then it reinforces the sandal need so it’s a mixed bag. I do plan to get one for FL regardless of whether I find one now.

Which brings me to what I’ve bought that I didn’t intend to buy.

Jeans, T shirts, tank tops and dressy summer tops.
1. All things I need
2. All things I’ll wear all spring and summer, trip or no trip
3. All things I will bring on the trip, granted it is updating what I have but still, fun

But the biggest reason has been the deals I’ve gotten. I mentioned a site that I ordered the dress for the wedding through. I’ll admit, I’ve been known to be a bit of a fashionista at times and this is basically a “sample sale” kind of site with some big names. Some I don’t know, some I don’t like, some I’d never buy for the prices, even at 75% off. But on the flip side, some really good deals on brands I do know that I’ve either looked at and decided to buy based on their price or brands I have paid full price for in the past and love. I’ve spent about $200 and for that have 2 pairs of jeans, 3 t’s, 2 tanks, 2 summer tops. Retail value of these items is about $600. And I know that’s not inflated as I see these brands in the stores. I will probably not keep all of it, not all of it may fit right, but I will say everything we’ve gotten through this site so far has been top notch. I am sure I could go out and dig around TJ Maxx , Marshalls, Nordstrom rack or the Anthropolgie sale rack and find stuff. Perhaps even pay less. But this is much more convenient! Stuff does take a while to arrive, about a month but that’s ok.

Sucker?

Maybe



The dress for the wedding is the bomb. REALLY happy with it. And it's perfect with the shoes I have so I am not even going to look. I may alter the top but haven't decided and I have plenty of time. I do want a necklace for it and will have a friend make it for me. I may have her do that sooner than later as I wouldn't mind having the necklace for the Cali trip. After looking with Kendall on Sunday for something for her for the wedding it just really reinforced what a good decision jumping on that was. YUCK to what’s out there on the racks. So I feel good about trying more from them.

And on the positive side about all I will need for FL is the stuff on the want list that I haven't purchased yet and a few more sleeveless tops.

Still, I need to quit looking (unless I see shorts, sandals, sundresses or skorts lol). Any suggestions on the shorts, sandals and skort problem is welcome!

 

[eandesmom]

That is the hardest part - such a large country and the biggest cities are all along the coast - north, south, east, and west. Definitely makes it tricky.

Exactly!!!!!

Not to mention I think I read too many Outback based Harlequin's as a teen and would like to see it. Not at all on Jeff's radar.

He is open to Perth though less so on Sydney. I actually need to do my own homework before I even have the conversation. It goes much better if I go in with a plan.

 

[winkers]

I feel your pain! It is almost impossible to find a nice dress except for around Easter and mother's day.

Shorts are another problem all together....so, despite Jordan's disgust for capris, that's what I stick with.

No one deserves the punishment of having to see my flabby white legs above the knee.

 

[carissanboys]

Can't wait to see a picture of the bag - great price! I'm interested in a new bag (or three) for my trip so doing my research now.

I hate shorts. I refuse to buy them anymore. Short, chunky legs just do not mix well with shorts. I stick to capris. Much more flattering for me.

Our Perth/Bunbury trip was one of my favorites (along with Kangaroo Island). Sydney was okay. We really only went there because we had to fly from Alice Springs to Sydney to then fly to the states. There's a ton to do there, but the vibe of the city wasn't really for me. I like the smaller places. Darling Harbour is pretty cool (reminds me of the Inner Harbor in Baltimore) and we took a ferry over to Manly Beach. It took us right by the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbor Bridge.

 

[eandesmom]

I feel your pain! It is almost impossible to find a nice dress except for around Easter and mother's day.

Shorts are another problem all together....so, despite Jordan's disgust for capris, that's what I stick with.

No one deserves the punishment of having to see my flabby white legs above the knee.

I did not know Jordan was disgusted by Capri's....very interesting! Honestly I don't think leg color, size and shape really helps (unless you are 16 and want to wear short shorts, which Jeff might love but no thanks). I don't have issues with my legs as long as we aren't talking a bikini or short shorts but I can't find anything that works. I think it's partially a short waisted issue...

Can't wait to see a picture of the bag - great price! I'm interested in a new bag (or three) for my trip so doing my research now.

I hate shorts. I refuse to buy them anymore. Short, chunky legs just no not mix well with shorts. I stick to capris. Much more flattering for me.

Our Perth/Bunbury trip was one of my favorites (along with Kangaroo Island). Sydney was okay. We really only went there because we had to fly from Alice Springs to Sydney to then fly to the states. There's a ton to do there, but the vibe of the city wasn't really for me. I like the smaller places. Darling Harbour is pretty cool (reminds me of the Inner Harbor in Baltimore) and we took a ferry over to Manly Beach. It took us right by the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbor Bridge.

Oh I'd buy them if something existed in between a bermuda and a short short. It's like there are only these categories in shorts.

• Frumpy (ill fitting and baggy)
• Soccer mom bermuda (looks fine standing up but is hideously uncomfortable to me sitting down)
• Hoochie mama
• Workout
• Swim

I actually have swim shorts I like a lot. but they are for the pool and no where but the pool. Or the lake or beach lol.

On the bag, I need to take a picture of it with stuff in it, otherwise it just looks flat. I do like the Inner Harbour in Baltimore...I need to check out this Kangaroo Island!

 

[englishrose47]

I'm with you Cynthia shorts can't be Hoochie Mama for me !!! Scary Thought a Hoochie Mama Granny!!!

 

[GreatBiscuit]

Guys, feel free to tune out.

La La La La La La La. I can't hear you....

 

[carissanboys]

I need to check out this Kangaroo Island!

It's south of Adelaide. You have to take a ferry to get there. We saw our first koala in the wild, hand fed kangaroo (which you can do all over Australia, but it was still cool), and got to see a fisherman feed some pelicans up close and personal. We rented a house and had an amazing view of Emu Bay. There is quite a bit to do on the island, but also remote and quiet.

http://www.tourkangarooisland.com.au/

 

[eandesmom]

I'm with you Cynthia shorts can't be Hoochie Mama for me !!! Scary Thought a Hoochie Mama Granny!!!

La La La La La La La. I can't hear you....

It's south of Adelaide. You have to take a ferry to get there. We saw our first koala in the wild, hand fed kangaroo (which you can do all over Australia, but it was still cool), and got to see a fisherman feed some pelicans up close and personal. We rented a house and had an amazing view of Emu Bay. There is quite a bit to do on the island, but also remote and quiet.

http://www.tourkangarooisland.com.au/

oh that sounds lovely!!!!!!!!!

 

[Native NYer]

Just caught up with the interview portion of your updates. 6 hours is a long time. Good luck with the second round

I never think about vacation time. And sometimes I forget most people don't get 2 weeks in December, a week in February, a week and a half in April, and all of July and August

I hope everything works out in your favor

Now, back to read today's update

 

[Native NYer]

Shorts are always a problem.
You could always add a trip to NYC to short/skort/sandal shop

 

[MEK]

I can't wait to see a picture of your Vera bag. That is an amazing price. I still love your little tinkerbell bag....cutest thing ever!

 

[eandesmom]

Just caught up with the interview portion of your updates. 6 hours is a long time. Good luck with the second round

I never think about vacation time. And sometimes I forget most people don't get 2 weeks in December, a week in February, a week and a half in April, and all of July and August

I hope everything works out in your favor

Now, back to read today's update

See that's when I wish I was a teacher! It would be lovely to have the same schedule as the kids.

I used to have 4 weeks plus another 80 hours of sick time (not personal days, just sick) but it was pretty sweet. I miss that. On the plus side sometimes the small companies take extra holidays (like the day after turkey day and xmas and new years eve) that the big ones don't so I hope that is the case here. If I even get the job!

Shorts are always a problem.
You could always add a trip to NYC to short/skort/sandal shop

Oh I would LOVE that, it's been far too long. Although somehow I don't think what I'd find in the city would be intended for Park Touring! I was checking out all the trade show cities for what's coming up with the potential job...no NYC and of course the big show was in Orlando last year...not this.

I did see some stuff on the Athleta site today but don't really want to pay full price and the sale stuff is still a bit pricey. We will see. If I get the job I may indulge. I don't want to get hit with the return shipping or I'd have probably placed an order already. The free return sites get a lot more of my business that's for sure! Free "exchanges" is not the same thing as returns!

I can't wait to see a picture of your Vera bag. That is an amazing price. I still love your little tinkerbell bag....cutest thing ever!

I Tink but am saving her for Florida. I might take the tote on the plane for the DCA trip though, that would be fun and it's a great beach bag!

 

[winkers]

Jordan told me that men don't like capris My step dad feels the same way...D.Jay doesn't care....

I guess we need the few men here to give their opinion.

 

[Sleepingbooty]

I can't find the exact style I bought (probably because it was last fall), but I managed to find two pair of very comfy sandals. One was a Born, the other Clarks, I think. Got them on sale at DSW. This pair looks really similar to the Clarks:

http://www.zappos.com/clarks-katesbridge-dark-brown-leather

 

[GreatBiscuit]

Jordan told me that men don't like capris My step dad feels the same way...D.Jay doesn't care....

I guess we need the few men here to give their opinion.

Shorts...good. Pants...good. Hybrid...no way Jose.

Edited to clarify: I'm refering to the so-called man-pris. If you are asking what we think of capris on women, I don't really care one way or the other.

 

[MaryAz]

Wow, the interview sounded intense but in a good way. To be pushed and to have to really think on your feet. I do that at times with my 3 yr old but not so much with adults.
I totally agree with you about an in between short. And one that does not stragle your tummy when you sit.

 

[All7OfUs]

Shorts are another problem all together....so, despite Jordan's disgust for capris, that's what I stick with.

No one deserves the punishment of having to see my flabby white legs above the knee.

Couldnt' have said it better myself!!

I hate shorts. I refuse to buy them anymore. Short, chunky legs just no not mix well with shorts. I stick to capris. Much more flattering for me.

Me too!! And very well said, Carissa. I'm in your capris camp.

[*]Hoochie mama
[*]Workout
[*]Swim
[/LIST]

Hoochie Mama!!?? NO WAY? Workout, I do that in privacy. Swim? I actually wear pants. Sadly, shorts are NOT on my list.

 

[eandesmom]

Jordan told me that men don't like capris My step dad feels the same way...D.Jay doesn't care....

I guess we need the few men here to give their opinion.

Surveyed Jeff.

His response...

"Crapi's?" (which is what he's always called them, I think he thinks it's funny somehow). "Sure, I like them" (on women, he didn't comment on men but he doesn't own any so there you go).

His response to the why (the short question) and my "issue" (short waisted) was..."well you just need to buy them shorter!"



so predictable.

I can't find the exact style I bought (probably because it was last fall), but I managed to find two pair of very comfy sandals. One was a Born, the other Clarks, I think. Got them on sale at DSW. This pair looks really similar to the Clarks:

http://www.zappos.com/clarks-katesbridge-dark-brown-leather

Those are cute but a little heavier than I like. Without TMI (though of course it is) my feet would sweat in those and they'd slide off! I am looking at these...which may be too strappy...and are more than I feel like spending. I'm either looking to go this route or a dressier (with support) thong style sandal (yeah, everyone go ahead...it's what they are!)

Although I did spend that much for my Keens and I my Keen flip flops.

http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=7419510121075&cid=35978

Shorts...good. Pants...good. Hybrid...no way Jose.

Edited to clarify: I'm refering to the so-called man-pris. If you are asking what we think of capris on women, I don't really care one way or the other.

Wow, the interview sounded intense but in a good way. To be pushed and to have to really think on your feet. I do that at times with my 3 yr old but not so much with adults.
I totally agree with you about an in between short. And one that does not stragle your tummy when you sit.

Ugh, exactly with the tummy! I actually measured my waist today and am officially short waisted. Which explains a lot of the issues. And why I actually like low rise jeans (within reason) as they aren't nearly as low on me as other people!

Couldnt' have said it better myself!!



Me too!! And very well said, Carissa. I'm in your capris camp.



Hoochie Mama!!?? NO WAY? Workout, I do that in privacy. Swim? I actually wear pants. Sadly, shorts are NOT on my list.

so do you not wear clothes at all in your private workouts? Sorry, that just sounded funny for some reason!

Pants, swimming? Really? I'd die. Of heat. I like my sun. It will probably bite me some day but...I want to feel that sun on my skin when I can. With sunscreen of course! Wet pants, waiting for them to dry, I'd have a hard time with that be it quick dry pants or swimsuit fabric. I do have quick dry capri's for hiking but I can't imagine actually swimming in them.

I'm going to milk the bikini top and swim shorts or skirt as long as I can decently get away with it. If Jeff had his way it would be a true bikini but I'm sorry, just because one can wear it...doesn't mean at my age one "should". Pushing it as it is. I have tried one pieces but...bleh they don't fit right. Probably has something to do with my newly uncovered waist issues.

 

[All7OfUs]

so do you not wear clothes at all in your private workouts? Sorry, that just sounded funny for some reason!

In the buff, baby! NO!! J/K. Things on the top side aren't what they once were after nursing 5, can't be risking making things worse than they already are.

Pants, swimming? Really? I'd die. Of heat. I like my sun. It will probably bite me some day but...I want to feel that sun on my skin when I can. With sunscreen of course! Wet pants, waiting for them to dry, I'd have a hard time with that be it quick dry pants or swimsuit fabric. I do have quick dry capri's for hiking but I can't imagine actually swimming in them.

I wear something really similar to this. Mine's green and very comfy! Dries super quick, is not heavy, and is easy to swim in. I love it!!!!

I'm going to milk the bikini top and swim shorts or skirt as long as I can decently get away with it. If Jeff had his way it would be a true bikini but I'm sorry, just because one can wear it...doesn't mean at my age one "should". Pushing it as it is. I have tried one pieces but...bleh they don't fit right. Probably has something to do with my newly uncovered waist issues.

After I get back to exercising as I should I may feel better about poolside attire, right now, there's just no way I'd feel comfortable in getting things covered up that have no business scaring people to death. Trauma like that at Disney is just not necessary.