Doc commented that a lot of things are going on this month - and I don't mean around the world and the nation. Even though we have had big national events like the Floyd/ Chauvin trial and the pandemic that absolutely rages on in Brazil and India, we have been keeping busy (although way more happily) here in beautiful Huntington Beach. I will show you later, but first, the outfits.
Way back on April 1st, I wore a sophisticated outfit that was all ivory. I like to wear an elegant solid block of this color. This look consists of vintage pleated slacks, a top from JC Penney, and a belt from Calvin Klein. I needed to be comfy because I had my second IPL laser treatment that evening. I will do a face update later as well.
We went over to Win and Mimi's house on Saturday April 3rd for an Easter celebration with Nathan, Kim, Joseph, Benjamin, and Calista. I wore white yoga pants from Baby Phat (remember them?) and a silk hoodie from Weekend Traffic.
Then on Monday, April 6th, I wore an outfit that I have worn before and loved. This is a pleated kilt from Cache, and an animal print top from some fast fashion brand. I thought that something was different, and I was right - I usually wear a yellow long tank under the top. I like the yellow better, so next time I will remember that. My necklace is INC from Macy's in Washington DC. You can see the kilt pin too.
The next day, I wore a lavender silk top from White House Black Market. It's such a pretty color, so I wore it with grey Express slacks and topped it with a grey blazer from Calvin Klein that did not compete with the lavender. My shoes died that day, so they got chucked. Too bad, they were great for work.
On Thursday, April 8th, I wore a cute skirt that I got up in Beverly Hills many years ago. It's a weird greenish-gray color with pink pinstripes. On top, a darker grey sequined tank and a pink crepe top from Nordstrom. On top, my INC grey leather jacket with the Venice lace back.
On Friday, April 9th, I had enough of working, so I went for total comfort. This fantastic slinky knit jumpsuit is Calvin Klein, and I always take it on trips because it travels so well and never wrinkles. My belt is my trusty Versace. The jacket is from Chico's, and it has lace embellishment on the sleeves.
On April 12th, I wore a pleated skirt that is the bottom half of a Tahari suit. On top, a V neck sweater from Exhiliration. Of course, my Tahari boots. On top, a crushed velvet moto jacket from some thrift shop somewhere.
On Tuesday, April 13th, I wore my ivory Ann Taylor slacks and a top that I got at a rummage sale. The front is black sweater knit and the back is black/white/gray striped chiffon. The double necklaces are both from Nordstrom.
On Wednesday, April 14th, I wore yet another Tahari item - this jersey knit top with huge pleated chiffon sleeves. My beautiful pearlized gold leather skirt is from INC and I have had it forever and will keep it forever. The faux pearl necklace is from LA Style, and it always gets compliments. I bought it during a 3 for $100 sale that they had. On top, another Chico's jacket - brown and gold houndstooth with gold lurex woven through.
On Thursday, April 15th, I wore a silk dress from BB Dakota. On top, a heavy knit cardigan from Ann Taylor. I always wear these two necklaces with this dress.
On Friday, April 16th, a knit shirtdress from En Focus Studio. I have a few of their dresses, and I think that you can get them at any nice department store. My belt is from Escada, and my Style and Co shoes are favorites that have been reheeled a few times.
On Monday, April 19th, I did not like this outfit. I should have gone with my original idea. The top is a silk shirtdress from BCBG Max Azria. It's really too short to wear alone for any occasion that is not super casual, so it needed an under layer. I went with this ivory scuba knit dress, but next time I will go with ivory slacks and tank top underneath. This version looks frumpy.
On Tuesday, I wore a cute little dress from a thrift shop. It's glen plaid, with a true wraparound skirt and a tie waist. The kickers were my Gucci items - logo fishnet hose and shoes. And two of my favorite accessories - the INC tassel necklace and Hermes CDC bracelet.
Yesterday, I wore a vintage silk colorblock dress with a Mixit serge swing jacket on top. My shoes are Valentino, and my necklace is from JCPenney. I was not comfy and the dress has some fraying at the sides, so I tossed it when I got home. It can't be repaired and I don't really think I will wear this dress again, so hasta la vista.
Today is another total comfort day. This stand up collar sweater is from Old Navy and the pinstripe slacks are from Express. My necklace is from Paparazzi accessories. My friend's daughter sells them and it cost an entire dollar. I like this outfit - classy but casual.
So let's talk about the face. On April 1st, I had my second IPL laser treatment. My dermatologist upped the intensity for this treatment. It hurt more, and the damage was much more extensive, as you can see. This is right after I got home. Lotsa dots and lotsa redness. But it didn't hurt after about a half hour.
But, the next morning showed a lot of sun damage spots coming up.
The day after that, even more spots coming up. They appear, then scab over, then miraculously fall right off.
Then April 4th - one look at my face, and I screamed "What Have I Done!!". There were dots and a laceration and scabs and just a lot of yuck.
On April 5th, I had to go to work, so I used heavy duty spackle to cover up the mess.
The last pix were taken today, April 22nd. They are screen shots from Zoom. As you can see, my face looks great !! During the ensuing two weeks, all the yuck and scabs fell off. I am super happy. Now I have one more treatment on May 5th, and then I will be completely resurfaced.
Other things - we have these giant grasshoppers that come around our house. We have a lot of flowers and I think they capture little bugs and eat them. This lovely little fellow is named G-hoppy.
Another lovely fella is our stork. He keeps coming around, and always in the same area. I guess that he either eats some of the many lizards that bask on the walls and sidewalks, or he likes cat food. I hope he keeps coming back. We also have occasional coyote sightings, but I am sure that Mr Stork can easily elude them. It would be like Roadrunner and Wiley Coyote.
Joseph, Benjamin and Calista gave me this little succulent. I have a row of cacti and succulents in one of my windows, and the kids love to look at the cactus garden. Now their succulent is having a baby !!
Speaking of Joseph, Benjamin and Calista, here they are opening up their Easter baskets. Calista was on her way to soccer, so she was wearing her uniform and her hot pink shoes. They always love getting big baskets filled with Dollar Tree toys.
The next day, Preston came over and got his basket. He brought me this beautiful bouquet.
Speaking of bouquets, here are two arrangements that I made with flowers from the yard. The salmon roses are in the backyard and the orange roses are in the front. Out front yard is currently getting a makeover, because kudzu has begun to take over and needs trimming. I will show you the final product next time.
We got a nice tax refund and since our home is paid off and I have been working extra hard for the past year, I got myself two presents. First up, Ferragamo sunglasses. I like the shape and size of the lens, and the tint is also perfect. They came from Nordstrom, marked down to $79.97 from $276. This is the condition of the face on April 15th.
Another sale item was this tan YSL purse. I have a black one, but it's smaller. This one is a nice size for everyday use. The chain allows it to be worn as a shoulder bag, a hand carried bag, or cross body.
April 15th was Calista's 7th birthday. She absolutely loves Barbie dolls, so I got two for her. One is from the "You can be Anything" line of Barbies, and she is a Pet Vet. She has a little cat patient. I also got her this Chelsea, because she comes with a little dog that can also go see Barbie the Pet Vet.
Here are some pictures of her actual party. It was at Russell Paris park, which is near our house. The theme was mermaids, so Calista had an appropriate costume.
This game had these squishy beads in it - you could put your hand in there and get a little toy.
Kim had a great idea for socially distancing the food. Each family got a pizza, a container of fruit, and a box of cupcakes. That way, there were only your immediate family touching your portion.
Calista got a lot of Barbies, including the Dream Camper. The little girls wanted to open it and play with it right away, but we were able to redirect them.
Calista also got a few outfits, all pink, her favorite color.
Both of my cosmetic bags came. First up is Ipsy. This month, it had a reusable silicone bag for either travel or food. This month's theme was green living, so all the products are organic and whatnot.
Inside, from left to right:
1) Vitamasques Detox Leafy Green sheet mask with kale, spinach, celery, green tea, willow bark, and charcoal. I like masques, but I haven't used this one yet.
2) Payot Paris Hydra 24+ Creme Glacee cream
3) Refil Beauty Balm. This can be refilled as needed.
4) Magnitone London Wipe Out Swipes reusable makeup removal pads. I have been using one and it stays nice after use.
5) Grace and Stella Spray All Day Rose Hydrating Facial Spray.
Onto Birchbox. Cute bag.
From left to right:
1) Goldfaden MD Hands to Heart Brightening Hand Treatment. I am also getting my hands resurfaced along with my face, so this will come in handy.
2) Ren Clean Skincare Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask.
3) Oryza Beauty Nude Shimmer and Color Eyeshadow - this will be used as soon as I finish the eyeshadow I am currently using.
4) Hey Honey Trick and Treat Watermelon Lip Balm
5) Nomad Sydney Bathers Bronzer in Balmoral Beach.
Then a friend from work brought in a bag of samples that she gets from Ulta. I picked a few items out :
1) Murad Intense Recovery Cream - this stuff is really thick. Last night I was peeling from the Retin A that I am using, so I used this, and today, the peeling is all gone.
2) Arcona Cranberry Gommage Exfoliator
3) John Varvatos XX Eau de toilette. I like using men's fragrances.
4) Mamonde Petal Spa Oil to foam cleanser. It smells like roses and suds up very well. I like it, but the container is awful - it's hard to get it out.
5) La Vie est Belle Eau de parfum form Lancome.
And last but not least, two excerpts from this month's employee newsletter which is called Statline.
First is the Heroes Event that I told you about. There I am!!
And next, the Dress in Blue day for colorectal cancer. Pandi and I are supporting!!
And that's all for April - Doc was correct, we were busy !!! Stay tuned for lots more fun!!
