Wednesday, February 27, 2013

And Now for Something Completely Different...Garnet Hill Reviews

Garnet Hill, I try.  I really do.  First you send me an e-mail saying free shipping so I jump to purchase the gold sandals and some other things.  The very next day- BAM- 25% off eveything.  Can I call and just apply that savings? No.  I have to reorder and then send back the first order and then try to put my foot behind my head.  Sigh.  But I got the shoes:
 
Gentle Souls Upon-a-Star Gladiator Sandals, size 9, soft gold here
 
So much better than the J Crew monstrosities.  They fit TTS.  Garnet Hill has them listed in their dress shoes..but I think they can do casual too.  Lots of support and padding.
 
Of course I had to be a good consumer so I also tried a pair of shorts, a top, and a swimsuit...cruise is coming up (24 days and counting).
 

Washed Silk Shirt, Size 10, surf here
Boyfriend Denim Shorts, Size 8, dark denim here
 
 
First the shirt: It is huge.  I was tempted to get the 8 but not sure that would do.
 
The color and feel are great.  Just not sure of the size.  You're on your own there.
Now the shorts:  I am over either a 3" inseam or cuffs.  I have thighs and the cuffs just draw the attention right there.  The shorts fit tts.  The denim is thick.  The rinse is good.  I am just not sold.
Butt view.
Look at that six pack.  Rise is good.
I really am getting a flat ass. Sigh.
Just not right for me.
I look stumpy.
Now for the swimsuit:
 
Garnet Hill Retro Ruched One-Piece Swimsuit
Boy I hope I look like that in mine.  That and it can contain the girls.  It is suppose to mail out today.  They are having 20% off all swimwear right now.
Garnet Hill Retro Ruched One Piece, mine's Aqua here
Yes, I will post pictures if it works.  If not, you will never hear about it again and i do not want it mentioned.



Friday, February 22, 2013

Travel with Teens: Costa Rica

Family travel always seems to mean with kids.  Meaning rugrats.  Meaning small children.  Meaning not my kids.  I for one do not want to sacrifice my sanity nor my vacation.  I want something/somewhere I want to do/go but will meet the needs and wants of ALL travellers.  No whining from the kids.  No whining from the adults.  And in some cases, no whining from the grandparents.
COSTA RICA
Fly into San Jose' and 40 minute ride to Peace Lodge here
Beautiful.



This hotel was breath taking.  The room was one of the most romantic I have ever stayed in.  Large King bed with a fireplace and two couch/futons that each kid slept on.  Sigh.  There was a balcony with two lounge chairs, a hot tub, ahmmock, and hummingbird feeders to attract multitudes of hummingbirds.  The bathroom had two sinks, toilet, a rock shower with overhead rain shower, and a tub with a waterfall.  I know.  Amazing.
La Paz Waterfall Gardens are attached and you have free access to the gardens.  They have a butterfly house, a bird aviary, and at night for a little money you can go to the reptile/amphibian house.
From there we did excursions to white water raft, horseback ride, visit a coffee plantation, visit a volcano, and zipline.
Coffee Plantation
Kids with Grandpa getting ready to ride
Paos Volcano

Yes, they let you zipline on one route
Spider Monkey
Nice things about Costa Rica for Americans:
  1. Take US dollars
  2. Speak English
  3. The roads are in good shape so travel is not a chore.
After staying at The Peace Lodge for several days, we packed up and took a flight to the Papagayo Peninsula on the beach.  We stayed at the Grand Papagayo here:


    This resort was beautiful but reminded me of a typical resort in Florida.  A bit too touristy for me.  The spa was lovely and the Japanese Restaurant was so much fun for the whole family.  The employees were delightful and made our stay relaxing.  We did take a walking tour of the surroundings.

    Next it was back to San Jose for the flight home.  Because of the flights we had to stay in San Jose for one night.  So, we picked Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation & Inn here.
I would recommend two nights.  It was beautiful and in the evening it was one great big family dinner with everyone staying.  Absolutely delightful people and the food was GREAT!

Old people, middle aged people, and young people.  We did everything as a group, well.. Grammy did not white water raft or horseback ride but she did zipline.

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

J Crew Kira Metallic Sandals Review

Kira metallic sandals
J Crew Kira Metallic Sandal, Metallic Gold here
 
I have been thinking about these sandals.  I have used them in numerous Polyvore pages.  I had my reward card from J Crew.  Time to orders these beauties.
 
Either it is my white legs or the blinding sandals.  Wow!  Yes I need a toe job but who notices my toes with these puppies on.  They are REALLY gold.
With yoga pants.  Boy my feet are REALLY white.
Thank you lighting.  You can still see how reflective the shoes are.  I ordered my normal size 9 and the fit TTS.  Not used to bindings on my ankle.  Not uncomfortable just a bit awkward for me.
No support but I was expecting that.  When I walk in them my heel sticks and makes an annoying noise when it pops off.
I hooked a gold bangle to show it is exactly the same color, shine, etc.  I think they are a beautiful style of sandal but they look sooooo cheap.  They are going back.
 
I am going to try these next.  I have another pair in reptile print.  They are very comfortable.
 
Gentle Souls Upon A Star Soft Gold Tumbled Metallic
Gentle Souls Upon a Star here


Saturday, February 9, 2013

Anthro Reviews: Peaked Pointelle Sweater, Lace Channel Sweatshirt, and Velvet Tile Pouch

UGH! I should have known.  I was still trying to put my outfit together for the wine auction and needed a clutch.  I was so good the first time and only ordered the dress when the personal shopper at Anthro gave me free express shipping (see my finished look at the end).  Well...when I ordered the clutch I threw in a couple of things this time.
 
Peaked Pointelle Sweater
On the Model:
Peaked Pointelle Sweater, in Pink Size M here
 
On Me:

Something is not quite right.
 
I placed it next to a pink Tippi from J Crew (what I consider to be a true pink).  It's kinda corally.
It just kind of hangs there on me like I was a hanger.  The sweater is soft and the detail around the bottom is very pretty.
The back has a detail to "help" give it shape.  The arms fit tts but something was just not right for me.  Definitely the color, but also the fit.  I felt like a linebacker in it.  I have very square shoulders (not broad) and am a 36D.  I so wanted to like this but...NO.
 
Lace Channel Sweatshirt
 
Well, this puppy has gotten good reviews and I knew going in it was a tee not a sweatshirt.
Lace Channel Sweatshirt, Grey Size L here
I wanted a slouchy feel so I sized up.  It hangs to the right.
Side shot
Detail
Peeking through lace at striped material underneath.
Still hanging to the right.  Sigh.  Just didn't fit.  I did not like the neckline.  Too wide or not wide enough.  I don't know. Going back.
 
Velvet Tile Pouch:
 
 
 
Stock Photo, Sale $30, Pink here
My Photo:
Sorry, too much light.  Unlike the one reviewer on line I think the color is dead on to the stock photo.  However,  where is my blue tassle?  I talked to my personal shopper and she is sending me one so I'll have two colors to choose.
One zippered pocket.
 
My final look:
 
L'amour du Vin
Lora Maxi Dress here
J Crew Coat, old (not really but couldn't find it)
J Crew earrings, old
Banana Republic Bracelets, old
Kate Spade Shoes, old (not really but couldn't find either)
Anthro Velvet Pouch here
 
 
Bottoms Up!