Happy Friday!
Thanks so much everyone for your great comments yesterday about connecting and reconnecting with friends. I am always so impressed by your willingness to share your thoughts and experiences with everyone!
Today, thought I would start first by sharing my spring/summer outfit with the new Nougat London top, featherweight cashmere cardigan in nectar and my white jeans. It was much cooler today, so no sandals for me yet - instead, i wore little pink nike walking shoes. So comfy! But below, are my own tender tootsies!
You can see it has been a long day - my flowers are drooping...
I went to the mall this evening as I am ordering new glasses. Yup - the old doll needs them full-time now. Since I am so devilishly spunky, and as my daughter said so succinctly "you are between jobs"(!), I can get something a little bit more funky. So I have ordered a reddish pair (no, NOT like Sally Jesse Raphael) and a pair of Raybans for driving and outdoor work (told you Tabs!). I am at the delightful bifocal stage. Welcome 50s. I will save my varicose vein stories for another day!
While at the mall I noticed a LOT of tshirts and things with pictures of travel destinations. One in particular caught my eye as it is a destination soon to be seen by a friend of mine:
The Positano sleeveless chiffon blouse at RW&Co. You can take a closer look here. I am thinking of buying it just so I can wear it around the house and pretend I am there!
Of course when I got home I wanted to see more tshirts like this. Instead, I found an academic paper entitled "The role of tshirts in the creation of tourist destination images". You can read the entire paper here, which appeared in the 1998 Latin American Journal Estudios y perspectivas en Turismo. And then I read the article. And then I realized that my daughter was indeed right: I am between jobs. It can only be a matter of time before I become EXTREMELY eccentric, as opposed to just slightly eccentric.
The tshirt above is evocative of a beautiful sea and fine wines and glamour. It makes me want to go to there. I wonder if they sell tshirts as nice as this in Positano, or if you just find the equivalent of this:
cause I don't think an I
Positano would be quite as sexy...
What about you - got any good souvenir tshirts? The only one I have in my closet right now is my Coldplay tshirt from last summer's concert. Would love to hear about yours!
In honour of Positano, my friend, and well, Friday, let's mix an Amalfi Cocktail, shall we? I have never had one of these, but then I have never been to Italy, either...I really should be ready, in case George calls...
I had to look up what Orgeat Syrup is: Orgeat syrup is a sweet syrup made from almonds, sugar and rose water or orange flower water.
So let's have it! Cheers Big Ears, Happy Friday and Stay Safe out there!
Thanks so much everyone for your great comments yesterday about connecting and reconnecting with friends. I am always so impressed by your willingness to share your thoughts and experiences with everyone!
Today, thought I would start first by sharing my spring/summer outfit with the new Nougat London top, featherweight cashmere cardigan in nectar and my white jeans. It was much cooler today, so no sandals for me yet - instead, i wore little pink nike walking shoes. So comfy! But below, are my own tender tootsies!
You can see it has been a long day - my flowers are drooping...
I went to the mall this evening as I am ordering new glasses. Yup - the old doll needs them full-time now. Since I am so devilishly spunky, and as my daughter said so succinctly "you are between jobs"(!), I can get something a little bit more funky. So I have ordered a reddish pair (no, NOT like Sally Jesse Raphael) and a pair of Raybans for driving and outdoor work (told you Tabs!). I am at the delightful bifocal stage. Welcome 50s. I will save my varicose vein stories for another day!
While at the mall I noticed a LOT of tshirts and things with pictures of travel destinations. One in particular caught my eye as it is a destination soon to be seen by a friend of mine:
The Positano sleeveless chiffon blouse at RW&Co. You can take a closer look here. I am thinking of buying it just so I can wear it around the house and pretend I am there!
Of course when I got home I wanted to see more tshirts like this. Instead, I found an academic paper entitled "The role of tshirts in the creation of tourist destination images". You can read the entire paper here, which appeared in the 1998 Latin American Journal Estudios y perspectivas en Turismo. And then I read the article. And then I realized that my daughter was indeed right: I am between jobs. It can only be a matter of time before I become EXTREMELY eccentric, as opposed to just slightly eccentric.
The tshirt above is evocative of a beautiful sea and fine wines and glamour. It makes me want to go to there. I wonder if they sell tshirts as nice as this in Positano, or if you just find the equivalent of this:
cause I don't think an I
Positano would be quite as sexy...What about you - got any good souvenir tshirts? The only one I have in my closet right now is my Coldplay tshirt from last summer's concert. Would love to hear about yours!
In honour of Positano, my friend, and well, Friday, let's mix an Amalfi Cocktail, shall we? I have never had one of these, but then I have never been to Italy, either...I really should be ready, in case George calls...
Amalfi Cocktail
Instructions
Mix all ingredients except club soda in a shaker or blender with cracked ice. Pour into a chilled glass. Fill with soda.
Ingredients
I had to look up what Orgeat Syrup is: Orgeat syrup is a sweet syrup made from almonds, sugar and rose water or orange flower water.
So let's have it! Cheers Big Ears, Happy Friday and Stay Safe out there!
I have my treasured Roxette tank top from last year's concert! he he
ReplyDeleteI read through your previous post (didn't have time to comment earlier today), I enjoyed everyone's replies so I'll just reply here! Most of my friends are long-distance, and many of them go back 10-15-20 years. We catch up either in person or on FB, at Christmas, driving to a concert, etc and pick up where we left off 6 months to a year or two later. Most of my friends are older than me, though I do have some younger friends. I've always been an old soul.
Hubs and I share some of the same friends, as we were friends first and knew many of the same people. We're both introverts but we have our small core group of close friends that we try to get together with every so often. A few of our friends are single, so we try to include them too so it's not just couples. (Our Mad Men parties are a great time to catch up and dress up!)
I teach piano a few nights a week, so I have kids and parents at my house every week, plus I'm involved with other music endeavours so that keeps me in the social & music loop.
My church parish is fairly eclectic, which I love - there's a mix of people there, young & old, and there's quite a few immigrants, singles, some families.
I have made a few new friends at work this past year when the firm I worked at merged with another. The people from the new firm were more social and friendlier than the people from my firm! The others are quite reserved and some are standoffish and are hard to get to know (even after 8+ years at the same firm!), so it was nice to finally meet some new people with some personality and don't mind chatting about The Bachelor or shopping in the USA while waiting to use the photocopier or fax. :)
And I totally want to go to Positano one day!
Hi LR - wow - you do have an eclectic mix of friends! I am so impressed that you teach piano! I always had wished I learned! Love that the merger afforded friendlier folks - I am still good friends with many of the people I worked with 10 years ago- it was/is a wonderful group and I will always be close to them!
DeleteHi - I did not have time to reply to your post yesterday but it is a topic near and dear to me. I have been working independently for over 7 years. I work from home and have events and clients once or twice a week. I am social and like to spend time with others, but my friends all work full-time. I have met other stay home moms, who don't work, though volunteering at school, but have not really made the real connections that get you out if it isn't a meeting. Of the dozens of things I don't miss about working in a corporate environment, what I miss the most is the positive colleague relationships. There are always plenty of petty and competitive relationships in an office, but I had some really great alliances that I just don't have in my daily life outside of phone calls.
ReplyDeleteI hope you can find a group or meet some other women though organizations or your hobbies - perhaps a garden club - to fill that gap.
I'm meeting some people at the dog park and getting out more now that the weather is warming up, but my days can be very solitary so having this virtual community is a real benefit for me.
I'll have a crisp chardonnay as the weather is toasty today. Cheers!
Julie - I think that is one of my transitions - the working from home is wonderful, but it does require one to make more of an effort to be social and to expand the circle. I think GF does a good job of this. I am doing better at this, but it does take time. I was working so hard and had too much "face time" in my old job that when I arrived home all I wanted to do was sleep!
DeleteJulie, I too still miss the office support network, getting to know people better when teaming on big projects, mentors at hand etc.
DeleteWMM, I am only doing better because I did badly at first and then finally had an ah-hah moment. Have a meeting early, but then detouring to that big Target where there is a Starbucks. To meet two of my at-home mom friends and check balcony accoutrement (weekend project.)
GF - I can't wait for target! i drool fabulous florida mommy's great snags from there! I am of to do groceries this am as I actually have a very social weekend ahead!
Deletei am hoping to buy and pot all my hanging baskets on sunday - barry loves his red geraniums around the pool!
I don't have any souvenir tees. I used to have a Swiss one a long time ago but it bit the dust a while back.
ReplyDeleteI used to have a bunch of them, but I tend to focus on buying a piece of jewelry or a christmas ornament when I travel. Have a great day Rose! (BTW - loved you in green dress - though I know it was short - but wowza!)
DeleteYou look nice!
ReplyDeleteI love that the friendship conversation is continuing today!
No souvenir tees here, though I do have one T Shirt from the 2008 US election.
I would love to go to Southern Italy. I will be on the Mediterranean next week! I will mostly be inland (rock climbing), but I'm sure that a rest day on the beach will be called for.
I wish I had a tee from the 2008 election! that is a keeper for sure!
DeleteI am so excited for you about your trip. and you definitely deserve that rest day, with some nice wine and lots of sun!
Abby climbing near Med sounds glorious. Enjoy, and when we're at hump day, we'll think of you sunning at beach.
DeleteThanks GF & Wendy! We dithered about where to go for our holiday (car was arranged, as were days off, and activity choice, but location was only narrowed down to "South of here"), and finally decided on Wednesday - now I'm really excited!
DeleteI think it is so great that you are taking advantage of all of these spots while you are there!
DeleteThanks Wendy! We're finally settled in enough that travelling has become a little easier. We have spent a lot more time in rural places than in the cities, and it turns out that is a great way to get a feel for a place.
DeleteI just read your tags, hilarious as usual. I wear glasses full time, have for ages, and I manage okay ;)
We do tend to buy tshirts when we travel. Of course, after we are home and the shirts get washed, I end up with Hunter's and Tyler's, Em ends up with mine, and we have one that could fit a ten year old. Last year we went to Peru and purchased fleece because it was so cold...Em and I wore ours all winter. She has threatened to take mine to college. I also have my Roger Waters The Wall concert tee that gets worn quite a bit.
ReplyDeletelove the exchange of tees! thought of you this morning - my bathing suit has bit the dust and i need to order a new one as the pool will be warm enough to swim in soon!
DeleteBB Hah on shirt swap. My tees could fit a 10-year-old, in fact, at events I often buy the largest kids size.
DeleteMay the force be with you WMM.
DeleteYesterday I forgot to say how much I like the new look of your blog. Very clean and modern. I wear bifocals for reading myself and get many compliments when I wear one. it also gives me some gravitas when I attend meetings. I find people wearing glasses sexy so I can't wait to see wearing your red funky glasses. I am not a fan of souvenir shirts and the only souvenir shirt I still wear is my college T-shirt. It brings many happy memories since I met my husband in the college library. I was drawn to this cutie pie with glasses, you see. Cheers to a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteyou met your husband in the college library? oh that is so cute!!! thanks for the compliment on the new blog print - i have a picture I want in my banner, but haven't figured that out yet! as soon as i get the glasses will post. the raybans are really cool - very risky business but much needed by me for driving and working in yard!
DeleteI love that you met your husband at the library!
DeleteI <3 MT WMM that cardigan does lovely things for your skin and hair. You look so spring-like. The only graphic tee shirts I wear anymore are Fashion Targets Breast Cancer every year (although I like it when the bulls-eye colours are NOT pink) and a boot camp tour tee shirt from the Good Lovelies, a Canadian trio in the Sarah, Kathleen vein.
ReplyDeleteI also kept my TIFF volunteer tee (ORANGE) and have a couple of signed football (soccer) jerseys I don't wear.
A few years ago I had a lap-size Campus Quilt made with tees from my youth (Squeeze tour, Canadian Navy deployment to Haiti and Caribbean.) It was a good way for me to keep them around.
I was to that part of Med once, but not Positano, and Italy is absolute top of my trip list. Might have to duck into RW on my way back from TTC just to see.
PS Lucky friend, and well done, this week's cocktail proportions are more realistic. Orgeat syrup is really good in coffee, Mai Tais and I've even seen it mixed with water and ice in Europe, for a milky summer drink. It might not be labelled as such, but you can usually find something reasonable in your local Starbucks or independent coffee house - the Torani almond syrup. Although I think now it might be made with essence vs. real almonds. Oh and it's pronounced pronounced or-zsa, or so the "spiritual" advisors edu'd me. (When you get back to France the original version with a tinge of orange flower water is worth getting mitts on.)
thanks GF! I have the best book for us that I am posting on the weekend - your post made me think of that! no almonds for me, but there must be an equivalent - maybe just plain old rose water?
DeleteDuh, *smacks forehead*. Yes either orange flower water - better - or rose water (but not in water or coffee, just drinks). Even a drop of that orange Curacao would work.
Deletethanks my connoisseur!
DeleteThis reminds me that the old men in small town France drink their wine or beer with added shots of flavoured syrup.
DeleteGF, do you listen to Sarah Harmer?
Abby, on occasion. Used to organize an annual concert event (resort girlfriends weekend) with Good Lovelies, mates Kathleen Edwards & Sarah Harmer, Holly Cole, Jann Arden, Chantal Kreviazuk, Amanda Marshall(not all same year, like a very mini Lilith Fair although I could never afford Sarah Mc. ) Was a serious Alanis addict at one time. In that sorta vein, my current fave remains Corinne Bailey Rae, and if I'm going "old school," Suzanne Vega. Girl power ;-)
DeleteAh very cool that you organized that. I was wondering which Sarah you were referring to earlier. :) I had some roommates in Montreal who loved Sarah Harmer, and I still listen to her sometimes.
DeleteI don't own a single souvenir tee shirt! MrBP on the other hand, gets out of control quite quickly buying tee shirts when we're on holiday. Well I finally realized he's a secret shopper but only has time when we holiday, so I stay away from the shops as best I can. It doesn't matter I still come home to a big visa bill from the MrBP shopping antics!
ReplyDeleteAmalfi cocktail sounds just the thing today... our son is coming home for the weekend and I can't wait to see him, I'll have to go to the Happy Store and get him a Guinness!
oh glad he is coming in for the weekend. Barry has a thing for pens when he travels. I find that odd, but there you go. I am off to search for a new bathing suit. ugh. you will hear my screams in about 10 minutes
DeleteI actually do have a I heart Capri tee but I didn't buy it in Capri. I think that since ON and the likes started to churn out souvenirs tee it is less fun to buy the "real" ones on vacation. My favorite one is the I heart Punta Cana that I bought last year.
ReplyDeleteis that because Punta Cana was so nice? I agree - you can buy these shirts everywhere, including online from mass market places, that takes away the thrill of buying it on the street
DeleteI'm not much for souvenir tees. I've held on to a few - GOT HOPE? was one I'm saving for my grandchildren, along with the NYTimes of the day after Election Day and my invitation to the inauguration. Wow, sounds like Antiques Roadshow material...
ReplyDeleteSouvenir scarves, well, that's a different story. A long time ago I decided that rather than buy a bunch of throwaways and dustcatchers while traveling, I'd buy just one wonderful thing per trip. Today's prices have slowed even that down, but the H scarves from early trips have appreciated in value beyond most other investments I've made, so maybe that was the long game after all.
I ran into a neighbor who was wearing the cutest sunglasses, started thinking I may be due for a new pair. I have super peripheral vision, though, so I need enormous sunglasses or all I see is the edge of the frame. Very interested to see yours!
Fred - you were invited to the inauguration? How cool is that????? Assume you went?
DeleteNo, the invitation didn't include tickets, although other family did get tickets. I think all early supporters got the invites, and it is a lovely and impressive piece of history to have.
DeleteI didn't take the time to come here and chat during this week and I have been missing you Wendy... I have read your posts though and they were all very interesting! I love this printed pink Nougat dress... A lovely one that suited you very well. I own still a couple of souvenirs t-shirts from my recent trips to US... But they really are in balance as they will leave soon... I was wearing them for sleeping, but they have nothing, really nothing feminine... Which make my look absolutely terrible as I am not generally very feminine...
ReplyDeleteI have been wearing glasses for years and used to change them every other year until I found the Tom Ford range... I just love them. The pair I have in now 3 or 4 years old and I still love it very much... I really hope you will show us you red frame!
Have a lovely weekend Wendy.
Hi Steph! Hope your week has been well! We don't have any places that sell Tom Ford around here, but he is such an amazing designer and they are all so nice!!! I need new bedtime things too - have been wearing two nighties that are just not flattering!! I hope you have a wonderful weekend too and that the weather gets warmer for you!
DeleteOnly procured by the kids on their travels. Currently have a Galapagos one I wear in the garden ( we may go later this year...). I have Common Ground Fair ones from the big organic fair as they are usually very cool art. I mostly like plain T's, though.
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely social weekend-- going to be good weather!
Lane - have you planted your dahlias yet? I was going to send you a note - has been so nice this week I was tempted....
DeleteI am going to this weekend. I think they should be fine.
DeleteHey-- there's a catalog shoot for Land's End down the street from me! Cute blonde model, fun to watch.
That is fun - you are living in the quintessential summer place!! Oh great - will plant them up as well! I ordered a bathing suit from Lands End this am - am saying prayers - not because I can't send it back, just because well, i kind of loathe bathing suits, even when I was skinny I did!
DeleteMe too-- rarely wear them as not a big beach or pool goer. if I do, I knot a pareo over it and wear a chambray shirt.
DeleteHi Wendy, your peach and white outfit is lovely. I have one souvenir t-shirt, it's cap-sleeved and the print is a black and white collage of Paris sights and street signs, it's quite nice. I'll be receiving another souvenir t-shirt soon - we signed up on Kickstarter for the new Zach Braff film, it's so interesting getting updates and learning the ins and outs of how a film is made.
ReplyDeleteI have glasses too - my first instinct is always to go for something a bit trendy, but my husband usually doesn't like that, then I get to thinking, hm, I have to have these on my face all the time, and I tone it down.
Have a great weekend!
Patricia - that is an excellent point! He hasn't seen them and won't until they arrive! oh my gosh - well hope he still loves me after that!! Your tshirt sounds nice. I had heard about the Zach Braff film - will have to go take a look - that sounds really cool!
DeleteAbsolutely love your creamy London top, very beside the Amalfi Coast on the rocks and that yellow cardy makes me want to get one. Feels like the most wonderful sunny break coming over here
ReplyDeleteI don't collect souvenir T-shirts for myself but occasionally buy them for my hubs. The cocktail looks like a winner. That Orgeat syrup sounds yummy. BTW...if George calls, can you bring a friend(me)?
ReplyDeleteYour new top looks good! My favorite souvenir tee was from Sevilla. I wore it out and let it go. That was a great t-shirt, I'd forgotten all about it until your post.
ReplyDeleteWow i think it so beautiful, i remember it was favourite t-shirt, i alway take it when i had change.
ReplyDelete