Rosie A La Mode

 I promised to show you the door frame after I painted it:

The color is called Gleaming Tan and it's a perfect accent from the black and white kitchen into the brown and black living room. One day I will do a house tour. We have a pretty little beach bungalow.

So what have I been wearing during this latest struggle, that combined summer heat waves, ongoing threats of COVID, and a construction zone? Let's take a peek at ma tenue du jour:

On August 11th, I wore a scuba knit skirt by Sharagano and a white tee with a chiffon overlay by One World. The shoes are Gucci.

The next day, August 12th, I wore a boucle knit top from St John and a pair of black slacks with a pleather waistband from Express. I got an email from Thread Up that offered me 40% off, so I got these pants, a waterfall cardigan, a pair of Saucony running tights and a Loft skirt.

The stuff was okay, not great. I prefer going to the thrifts in person.

On August 13th, I wore my find of the summer - the Worthington eyelet dress that I got at the Salvation Army for $3. It is so cute.

Then for the next work week, starting August 18th:

On Monday, I wore a silk wrap skirt by Due Et Due, a ruffled mesh top, and an ivory waterfall cardigan. The grey silk pumps are from Spiegel and were surprisingly comfy. I wish Spiegel was still around- I loved their clothes and their catalog.

This next outfit is Betsey Johnson. The dress is pale pink scuba material.

My black velvet belt is from Ann Taylor, and those shoes that match perfectly are from Marc Fisher.

Here's a good look at the pearl embellished collar. I got this dress in June at Nordstrom Rack when they had a sale, and everything was basically 90 % off. 

The next day, I wore a vintage silk shift that I have had forever. I can't remember where I got it.

I decided to wear it unbelted, but I think it looks better with a belt. I got my gold and jet bead necklace at Macy's in Washington, DC.

I had to say farewell to the Chantal and Vicky dress that I wore the next day. It is made of very delicate material, and there were snags and holes in it.

I wore a white twill jacket from Theory on top. No one commented on the despicable condition of the dress. My cute lavender shoes are Sam Edelman.

On August 21st, I wore a beautiful botanical print satin dress from BB Dakota.

The neckline is a little low, so I always wear a purple tank underneath, and green and purple Austrian crystal necklaces with it. This dress always looks good.

The hottest week started on August 24th. I wore a very fluffy lightweight dress from Billabong.

It had a sash, but I couldn't find it. I wore a topaz necklace that I got in Charlotte at the Taste of Charlotte, but I wish I had worn the cool scarf that I have from Truckee, California. Next time.

The next day, I wore a very old dress that I got in one of the little Asian strip mall shops that we have here in Orange County. Always cute and comfy.

Lots of blue topaz jewelry completed the look. The rustic leather sandals are Franco Sarto.

The next day, I wore an outfit that sorta felt like I was wearing pajamas, but I got a lot of compliments. I was surprised.

This is a bunch of inexpensive stuff - the T shirt is Old Navy, the lace skirt is from Kohl's and the sandals were $5.98 at JC Penney.

I guess it was still cute - here's a better look at the T shirt. It sure was comfy.

Since I went super casual the day before, on the 27th, I made an effort. The tank is from Stein Mart and the giraffe skirt is from Style and Co.

My shoes are black suede with a stacked wooden heel and are from Halogen. My velvet Ann Taylor belt appears again.

On top, a Tahari jacket that is part of a two piece suit.

Finally, it was Friday!! I wore very old white slacks from a designer brand called Katayone. The top with the attached silver tone ornament is INC.

The cute blue floral waiter's style jacket is from Mossimo.

I took a few photos to assess my fitness progress.

Abs looking pretty good. Abs have never been my problem area - butt and thighs have the issues.

After years of running ( let's see, about 43!!!) my legs are solid. They are getting loose skin, since I am 61, but I am trying to fill that up with muscle. So far so good, but age is a beast. I flexed for fun. Looks better unflexed.

I got my two beauty bags during this time period. First, Ipsy:

I got a holographic silver bag. This is what was inside:

1) Estate Going Nutty Pressed Bronzer

2) Generation Clay Detoxifying Charcoal Clay Mask

3) Lovecraft Beauty Highlighter

4) Glam Glow Bright Eyes Eye Cream

5) it cosmetics Creme de Nuit Douceur Metamorphosante 

Birchbox had a tribal ethnic design for their box this month.

Here's what I got:

1) KNDR Luxury Hand Sanitizer - very nicely timed !!

2) R + Co Sun Catcher Power C Boosting Leave In Conditioner

3) Vasanti Brighten Up Love My Hand Cream

4) Kate Somerville Wrinkle Warrior 2 in 1 Plumping Moisturizer and Serum

5) Tocca Giulieta Eau de Parfum

6) The Beauty Crop Glow Milk in Pear Pressure - I mixed it with SPF 50 CC cream for the weekend while I am out running. It's very iridescent.

So, that's it. I am sooooo happy that my kitchen is finished and I can cook Doc some delicious meals. 

Stay tuned for more hijinx. Hopefully, we will see the grand kids for their birthday over the Labor Day weekend.

Hey Good Lookin', What You Got Cookin' ?

 Well, we suffered through the torture that is called a kitchen remodel. It took FOREVER, unlike promised by the contractor, but we are getting ever closer to the finish line. The first day, little Pandi was very scared and protective of her territory:

She hid in her crate.

First, the entire area was shrouded in sheets of plastic.

The work site encompassed the entire kitchen and dining area.

The windows were left open to allow the enormous amount of dust and fumes to escape.

All the appliances are fairly new - so they were ripped from their moorings and stored in the dining room.

Then the ceiling light fixture was removed and the counter tops torn up.

Here we are, halfway through the demolition. The old kitchen had black cabinetry that was chic 15 years ago. I went from the dark side to the light side. The new cabinets are white, with Black Galaxy granite counters, black appliances, and tan tile backsplash.

The cabinets were refinished, and formica lining was put down in each one.

That process took a few days. Then they were primed and painted.

Then, a layer of plywood was put down for the new granite tops.

Here are the cabinets, halfway through.

The flooring under the kitchen sink was replaced, sealed, and all new plumbing fixtures put in.

After a week or so, it was time for the counter tops to be put in.

This was the scene very evening - a little progress, and lots of Husky tools laying around.

After the counters went in, I had my antique gas cooktop reinstalled. It is the original, from 65 years ago. The contractor hated it, but his assistant (who loved our antiques throughout our house) and I loved it.

Then a black range hood went up.

 

Then a brushed nickel sink and new faucet were installed.

Next, our dishwasher was replaced - it is stainless steel with black accents.

After that, my black double oven went back into place.

Here's a closer look at the new sink. And all the drawers were outfitted with soft close drawers and doors.

The door that leads to the garage was replaced and recessed a bit more than the old one.

It finally got a doorknob, and I was able to hang my little decorations back over there.

Then it was time to pick the material for the cabinet facings. I went with this white with gray/light black streaks on it.

I was able to put all my stuff back into the cabinets and finally clear a path through the garage.

All my fancy glassware and bar ware and vases went back into their homes as well.

The kitchen was semi-functional at this point.

The inaugural meal - roast chicken!!

I was also able to redecorate my dining bar area.

Then the cabinets were refaced.

I selected a modern brushed nickel style of drawer pull.

The striped formica goes well with the black appliances.

Then it was time for the fancy stuff. Underneath everything, there were several layers of wallpaper - after all, this is an old house.

This is the second layer.

The gas line to the ovens was weird, so the contractor lowered it and rerouted it.

Here are the third and fourth layers of wallpaper.

After all of that was ripped out, it was time to plaster and paint that wall.

After it was all smooth and pretty, I put my decorations up in a new arrangement.

The same thing goes for the far corner of the kitchen.

Then the wall that leads into the living room got the same rip, plaster and paint treatment.

Once repainted, I decorated that wall also. I am going to paint the doorjamb myself, as soon as I decide on a color. I am leaning towards a tan shade that matches the tile.

One of the last things was the garden window. It was sanded down and prepped for a finish that matches the countertops.

Here is the sparkly granite base.

And all redecorated with the many bunnies that I have collected over the years - most have been gifted to me, since I used to raise rabbits in our old house .

I got a few new little things for the redesigned kitchen. I mostly got rid of a lot of crap and purged. I did get new towels and new Van Gogh Light switch covers in the Sunflowers pattern.

And Doc's bathroom also got all new fixtures - we had oil rubbed bronze, but it does not age well in hard water areas. So it was switched out for brushed nickel.

And my bathroom got just a touch of love - it is all white, with this beautiful light fixture and an antique mirror that was my mom's. I wanted new drawer pulls to finish the look to perfection.

Crystal and silver that lends the perfect touch to this beautiful bathroom.

As I was rearranging all the artwork, I moved a lot of pieces around. Some ended up in our bedroom.

Then, last weekend, I was finally able to cook both meals - I am a good cook, and both Doc and I missed home cooked meals.

On Saturday, I made bratwurst with veggies and red cabbage and rice.

On Sunday, I got two frozen pizzas and dolled them up with lots of extras.

They turned out great !!

So that's about it - the light fixture is still only halfway done. I didn't like the glass that the contractor chose - too ornate. So I ordered a different piece and will show you after it arrives. And I will shoe you the doorjamb after I finally decide what color to paint it.

This entire experience was torture. I am so happy that I will never have to do it again.

Stay tuned for more shenanigans!!