Pepto Pink and Seeking Your Help

 There's "Millennial Pink", but this is definitely, Pepto-Bismal pink. No getting around it. Being polyester, it just takes on that added bit of silliness. I'm pretty sure it is home sewn. I hope she received good marks in home economics because this is a very nice dress, save for the colour.

I attracted my share of odd looks wearing it around Omaha today. One fellow had to stop, turn around and continue looking at me like I'd somehow caused him psychic discomfort by existing. That was kind of rich coming from someone with a hipster beard, and a waxed handle-bar moustache.

 This pendant has a secret. Flip it over and...

...you can check your lippy. I love accessories that mix beauty with function. This one is vintage Avon. They made some very nice stuff in the 70's.

Outfit Particulars:Vintage 70's maxi-dress-Defunct costume shop
Vintage Johansen shoes-Thrift World
Vintage Margaret Smith handbag-Hand-Me-Ups
Vintage bangles-Both Goodwill
Vintage bracelet(part of a set)-Hand-Me-Ups
Vintage earrings-Can't remember
Fragrance-Vintage Miss Dior

 Made in the USA-you don't see too many shoes that are anymore.

I should clean these earrings-yet another case of not spotting a flaw until I post a close-up photo.

Now for the request. It is Syllabus writing time again for the 2017-18 school year. I need to have it submitted by July, but I hope to be done much earlier (I'm ready for Summer break). Each year, I try to focus the curriculum around a single theme for each semester. Next year, I'm doing our neighbours, Mexico and Canada. I typically select some readings in history, literature, humanities, anthropology etc. that I can focus on the theme.

This is where I ask you for suggestions, I don't want to assign Paz to a 12 year old, although he would probably get more out of him than I ever did. Any Mexican literature spring to mind that you'd like to suggest?

For Canada, I've been teaching post-European arrival history for a few years now, but I'd like to add some readings that acknowledge the people already living there. I have a textbook that covers pre-Confederation Canada, but I don't have any modern indigenous authors assigned for readings. Any suggestions?

I think I have maths covered but if you have a favourite Trigonometry textbook, I'd love to hear about it.

Thanks in advance!

On My Best Behaviour

 Is it so very much to expect mannerly behaviour in thrift stores? Is there something that takes possession of otherwise polite people when they pass through the doors of Goodwill on the first day of the new tag sale that transforms them into boorish jerks? I like a bargain, but I've never felt acquiring one would require surrendering my upbringing.

I noticed the frenzied shopper filling her two carts with anything tagged the .49 cent colour. It was impossible to get through the aisle with the skirts, so I went around (the long way) only to have her whip around (the short way) to block me in the next aisle. Stretching out her two carts to block access to the rail until she was done skeletanising it, I once again moved on rather than confront her with a request to let me pass. It was as I retreated that I spotted this pristine St. John Collection twin set for .99 cents.  I like to think of it as the Universe rewarding me for proper etiquette. Instead of two carts filled with worthless tat from Wal Mart, I came home with quality knits I couldn't afford new. I've had similar things happen before, and while I can't promise the Universe will always reward good manners with something this spectacular, it sure is satisfying when it does. Really people, nothing is worth behaving like that-there's plenty of used clothing for everyone, I promise.
You can click HERE to get a rough idea what these twin sets sell for new. You might want to sit down. The quality is top-notch though. I'll give them that.

The necklace isn't photographing well, and that's a pity as it is beautiful vintage enameled Trifari. The BSK Lily of the Valley brooch is fading into the print of the cardigan as well, but take my word for it-it looked better in person.

I wasn't much more successful photographing them against a solid background. Some items are just like that!

Outfit Particulars:
St. John Collection twin set-Goodwill
Vintage Junior House wrap skirt-Thrift World
Vintage Naturalizer shoes-Thrift World
Vintage handbag-Antique mall (I think)
Vintage BSK brooch-Hand-Me-Ups
Vintage clip earrings-Goodwill
Vintage Trifari pendant necklace-Hand-Me-Ups
Fragrance-Rochas Femme (the '89 reformulation, not the 2013 cumin bomb. I now own both and they're completely different. This one reminds me a bit of Mitsouko with some added plum)

We survived the severe weather. Tonnes of rain and wind, but that was about it. We've turned quite cold again which means I have used both the heat and air conditioning in the same week. Madness. The only thing growing well at the moment are the potatoes. Ah well, on the bright side I don't need to water the garden. I would however like to wear my new swimsuit...

Our outdoor pool will be open by the end of the month for Memorial Day weekend and I'd really prefer to avoid sitting poolside in a swimsuit and wool cardigan. I was going to buy this swimsuit in black and then thought better of it and went for hot pink instead. Just add sunshine...PLEASE!

Have a wonderful weekend.

All Killer...

 ...no Derma filler.

 I personally don't think my skin looks particularly great (maybe for my age) but as I keep being asked about my skincare routine, this seemed like a good time to write about it. Keep in mind, cosmetics applied skillfully can keep a complexion looking better than it is. Anyway, you asked, so here's the story.

I don't spend a great deal of money on skincare products. For cleansing in summer, or after a workout, I like Pears soap, followed by Dickinson's Witch Hazel. In cold, dry weather, I cleanse with Ponds Cold Cream, which I always use for makeup removal anyway. Nothing removes mascara like cold cream.

For daily treatment, I use Ponds dry skin cream in winter. In the summer months, I use  Ponds cream developed for reducing age spots. Does it help? Not much, though it might be worse if I didn't. My skintone is quite uneven, but again-carefully applied cosmetics do wonders.There's sunscreen in the cream as well as my cosmetic foundation, so I don't bother applying an SPF to my face. I'm no longer prone to serious break outs, but when they happen I find witch hazel as good a treatment as anything.

 I probably ought to use an eye cream, but can't be bothered. My hands take a serious beating in cold weather, but that's what gloves are for (hiding). Body lotion is whatever came with the perfume sets over the years-I'm currently working my way through, Passion, Jean Nate, and White Diamonds. Unless I start running around naked, I think they're probably good enough.

I should mention, when I was young and my skin was oily, I found Erno Laszlo Sea Mud Soap a great help. It is expensive, though it lasts for ages. I don't know if it had an overall effect that I'm benefiting from now (doubtful) but it did keep the break-outs at bay in my younger years.

My skincare isn't focused on trying to look younger (talk about a futile effort). I'm rather enjoying watching my grandmother's face emerge on my body (and why not? I liked her!) but I don't enjoy flaking, peeling, and cracking skin. If I can keep that under control I'm happy enough to have some laugh lines-better to laugh than cry. I try never to say, "never" but I don't see myself having anything injected into my face as I'm somewhat squeamish. I don't even like going to have my teeth cleaned. I've never bothered having the chicken pox scars dealt with, and these days there are such excellent makeup primers that they're hardly noticeable if I bother to apply it. I've lived with the scars since I was six-no point getting all worked up about it at this late date. I do have a mole on my chin that needs to be looked at, but otherwise trips to dermatologists are rare. I  have an autoimmune issue that flares from time to time, and that is dealt with as needed, and Dermablend is ace for hiding ugly red rashes. And that's about it. No great secrets...must be the ...er...clean life I've led. *Cough*

Moving along (because those close-ups of my face are frightening me)...

...I wore my Pendleton Turnaround skirt. It is reversible, though the colours are the same just in more muted tones. Yeah, I should have ironed it. Obviously, that isn't happening if I can avoid it. If you start ironing your clothes, next thing you know you're combing your hair. Ironing is surely a gateway to something horrible, and I'm not going there. No, you're right. I'm just fucking lazy. 

 Outfit Particulars:

Pendleton Turnaround skirt-Thrift World
Polo Neck-Gordman's
Napier pendant-Hand-Me-Ups
Clamper bracelet-Salvation Army
Earrings-K Mart
Ralph Lauren cashmere scarf-gift about 20 years ago
Tights-Walgreen's
Fragrance-Lentheric Miracle

Am I missing out on some great skincare product? I'd love to hear what you're using to keep yourselves from shedding dead skin all over the place like a snake. 

Safe From Sea Monsters in 2017

Hello 2017!
I was met with a beautiful start to the new year with mild(er) temperature and roads free of snow and ice. I couldn't think of a better way to start the year off than plunking money into video games, so...

It wasn't terribly crowded. Probably not a good place to go 1 January with a hangover. We were on a mission though. Danny wanted to see how far he could get on a Sega game called, The Ocean Hunter.

He finished the game. Forty minutes after starting, he completed the bloody game. I've never run a video game to the last level. That's either a great start to the new year, or a disappointment because nothing else will ever be as exciting. Anyway, that's a proud parental moment though I can't take any credit for it-we only drove him to the arcade. You'll be pleased to know he's rid the planet of some very nasty sea monsters, so next time you're at the beach you know who to thank. 

We made the traditional American New Year's bean stew, Hoppin John popular in the Southern states. I did a meatless version with soya bacon, and served it over rice.

I'll be packing away my holiday china this week, but I haven't decided which set to use until spring. I have a full service of Johnson Brothers Friendly Village, but I might rotate it out with the Noritake stoneware. I have far too many sets of dishes for three people. I hope Danny takes them someday when he moves out.

Let's have a quick cocktail:
The Artillery
2 oz. gin
1 oz. sweet vermouth
2 dashes bitters.
Stir well with ice, and strain into a cocktail glass. Serve with a twist of lemon peel.

Outfit Particulars:

Vintage skirt-Goodwill

Boots-Hand-Me-Ups

Vintage chain belt-Hand-Me-Ups

Vintage polyester top-Goodwill

Vintage crochet vest-New Life Thrift

Vintage pendant-Sequels

Earrings-K Mart

Vintage box bag-Antique mall

Fragrance-Madonna Truth or Dare (aka, "Fake Fracas")

I won't be taking myself too seriously in the new year (I'm too old to start now)!

Hope 2017 is good to you.

Purrrfection

 I'm digging deep into my wardrobe for this early 90's Carole Little animal print skirt. Yes, the material is furry, and no, it isn't warm. Next time, cable knit tights!

I can't remember where I bought it. Probably Marshall Field's, on a visit home to Chicago, but it might have been Jordan Marsh in Boston. Sadly, both stores are now long gone, but I still have this rarely worn mini skirt. I considered wearing it with my leopard coat, leopard boots, and matching hat-then, I thought better of it. The skirt is wearable in a non-ironic way, so I decided to play it straight and see if I could style it for modern day wear. 

I wore my ugly but oh-so-comfortable Siebel shoes. At least I can't be accused of accessorising it too sexy...unless you're into women wearing orthopaedic shoes in which case, I'll see you on the shuffleboard court, grandpa. Bring condoms coupons. 

I kept with a feline theme for the handbag and my necklace has a tiger's eye in the centre. Can you guess what fragrance I'm wearing? 

Outfit Particulars:

Vintage Carole Little skirt-Probably Field's

Sweater-Target about 15 years ago (I stretched it out beyond all hope wearing it through my pregnancy, but I still wear it because I can't find one I like better)

Vintage disco purse-Hand-Me-Ups

Shoes-Hand-Me-Ups

Vintage necklace-Hand-Me-Ups

Bracelets-Claire's

Earrings-Hand-Me-Ups

Fragrance-Tigress!

I finished sorting out my winter wardrobe and made a few discoveries. I think there will be an upcoming, "Jumpsuit Week" here at Eat the Blog as I seem to keep acquiring and never wearing them. My inner-Elvis is screaming to get out. Additionally, I own a lot of velvet, A Lot! Last year I did Plaid Tidings for Advent, so this year I am thinking of showcasing the velvet pieces. As with the plaid, I could probably do a few pieces each day, and still have enough left over to go through New Year's. I'm also considering a Brooch of the Day feature, but perhaps after the winter holidays. I'm open to suggestions if there's something in my collection you'd like to see more of (Perfume of the Day? Hat of the Day? Vintage cookbook of the day?).

I'm off to go watch the World Series. Go Cubbies!