This is Us

Yep, I did it.  Nope, I did not pull a "Claire" on Modern Family.

It was a bit tough to relax though.

The chair is not a good accessory for the ass.

Emily just had to get this shot.

Overall the massage was great.  The ambience was lacking.

*****

Kids are home

Em is in training to run a half marathon in March...she ran 7.8 miles today.  What did I start with the 5K?  I was asked if I wanted to partake...hell no.  So instead I am doing "The Push Up Challenge" with her and her little baby arms.  We are up to FIVE!

Tyler, yes that is my son and not the Diet Dr. Pepper guy or the Hairy Rob Lowe from the commercials, came in last night.  He has since shaved and got a haircut.  He and my father (bald guy on left) left this morning for Las Vegas. What grandfather takes his grandson to Vegas for his 21st birthday?!  A good grandfather.  They shall be back Thursday night with hopefully lots of stories, no rap sheets, no STDs, and maybe with a bit of money in their pockets.  A 73 year old and a 21 year old plus my dad's two younger brothers...could be fun!

My dad and Mr. H on a previous trip.  They look a little too happy.

My mother wisely opted not to go.  She now has four full days, in her house, all by herself.

I wonder if she'll even leave the house.

*****

Just wanted to wish every one a Very Merry Christmas.

Love you all.

J Crew and Massimo Dutti

Haven't done much clothing reviews.  Let's jump right in...

J Crew Mixed Media Bib Top, Heather Gray, Size 10

On Model

I have 39 1/2" bust, wear a 34F bra.  I know, right?!

Ta Da

This is straight out of the box and a bit wrinkly.

I am wearing with my long johns and Smartwool socks.  Sorry.  Wanted to show length.  Covers ass.

Girls are contained.  No gaping.

Nice job with placket (?)

Sleeve detail

Back of garment is a bit see-through

When I first put this baby on, the bib part was stiff (has wool in it) and I thought the mega cuffs on the sleeves a bit odd.  I steamed the whole thing and love it.  It's light but has weight.  I have worn it a couple of times with my AG Stevie cords and SW black booties.  I am 5'6.  Because of the length I do think a bit of heel is needed (2") otherwise my legs look stubby.

Massimo Dutti Diagonal Weave Blazer, Navy, Size 10

Aren't the boots pretty spectacular?  Didn't have my size.

On Me:

You are all now worthy of real pants.

Fits very nicely in the shoulders.

Lined and with a hook loop.

More lining

A place for something small.

Single button but a pretty button.

Vented at the back

This is a heavy blazer.  I actually used as a coat/jacket two evening in Chicago first of November.

Yes, I've been slacking.  And yes, this was before the big freeze.

For those not familiar with Massimo Dutti...They offer free shipping and returns.  However, the items must be returned within two weeks.  I am still trying to figure out my pant size...no luck yet.  I could not get them over the hamhocks...hate that, don't you?

Time to Get Back Out There

Although I miss my little Peanut, it is time to get back to this thing called living.

I reviewed my 101Things to Do in 1001 Days List.  I am 57% done with 594 days left.  Dreading some of the things that sounded "fun".

101 Things to Do in 1001 Days

1.

Complete 101 list 

2.

Ride a motorcycle    This may never happen

3.

Celebrate 25th anniversary in Tuscany  This is going to happen in April!

4.

Go to a concert 

5.

Go to the opera 

6.

Visit New Orleans 

7.

Vegas Baby 

8.

Learn some Italian  So behind the eight ball

9.

Watch a professional football game live 

10.

Watch Citizen Kane 

11.

Visit a blogger friend 

12.

Start a vegetable garden 

13.

Add sunroom to house 

14.

Remodel master bath shower  This is going to happen in February

15.

Install a security gate on driveway 

16.

Buy opera length pearl necklace 

17.

Run a 3K race 

18.

Run a 5K race 

19.

Try caviar 

20.

Get in touch with an old friend 

21.

Make a new friend 

22.

Go on vacation with just my sister 

23.

Take a pottery class 

24.

Get a massage 

25.

Go to SOFA 

26.

Bake and decorate a cake 

27.

Eat a tofu dish 

28.

Sell a house 

29.

Take Softplan course 

30.

Find a new church home 

31.

Volunteer at an animal shelter 

32.

Volunteer at a soup kitchen or homeless shelter  My dad and I do Mobile Meals

33.

Visit Napa Valley CALIFORNIA

34.

Clean out my garage 

35.

Sleep under the stars 

36.

Play in the rain 

37.

Have my cartoon portrait done 

38.

Buy bracelet from Hermes 

39.

Spend the whole day reading 

40.

Watch movies on a rainy day 

41.

Don't get out of bed until noon  Probably NOT going to happen unless deathly ill

42.

Stay up past midnight 

43.

No TV or computer for a day 

44.

Have a party 

45.

Place a max bet on a penny slot machine 

46.

Go to the horse races 

47.

Do the Bourbon Trail 

48.

Fast for a day 

49.

Sew a pillow 

50.

Repot all my house plants 

51.

See a magician Back to Vegas...will do this

52.

Have a banana split for lunch  Again...Vegas

53.

Get my palm read  Ugh, why did I put this down

54.

Do a shot  Vegas

55.

Learn to use my camera 

56.

Go commando 

57.

Take Nana to Cherokee 

58.

See Mark and Kara's new house 

59.

Get a pedicure 

60.

Try eggs benedict 

61.

Touch my toes I have to get started on this

62.

Start yoga...again 

63.

Finish kids photo albums Sigh

64.

Eat Chicago Pizza 

65.

Visit the zoo 

66.

Help Karns high school 

67.

Go to hockey game 

68.

Read Little Women 

69.

Write a love letter to Hunter 

70.

See a waterfall 

71.

Make a snowman 

72.

Go tubing 

73.

Learn to shoot a gun 

74.

Eat beets 

75.

Pick blackberries 

76.

Travel on a whim 

77.

Make S'mores 

78.

Get a massage from the mall massage guy 

79.

Take a picture of my deer 

80.

Make a Key Lime Pie I ate one...can I count it?

81.

Buy a new lipstick color 

82.

Dessert at Melting Pot Have to remember to do this with Em over her break

83.

Wine by the Fire 

84.

Vacation with the whole family…one more time 

85.

See a shooting star 

86.

Vote 

87.

Host a big meal for entire family 

88.

Feed a squirrel 

89.

Wash my windows 

90.

Fix my oven fan 

91.

Have overnight guests  Do my kids count?  Or maybe drunk friends/family?

92.

Take a class with Marga 

93.

Get a Physical 

94.

Sell things on Ebay 

95.

Do the crossword puzzle every day 

96.

Make my own peppermint bark Williams Sonoma's can't be beat...why bother

97.

Golf with my parents 

98.

Buy a sweater from Brora 

99.

Go to the ballet 

100.

Watch Orange is the New Black 

101.

Skinny Dip101 Things to Do in 1001 Days

I have decided, and am in training, to tackle one of these items this Friday.  I am scared to death.
Hint...I will be at the mall with Emily.  I'll tell you ALL about it and may even have a picture.

To Peanut.