Sometimes you just need to stop and throw rocks in a pond.
Thank you so much for all of your input and assistance yesterday! Sometimes it’s nice to know what other people think of the ideas you have floating around in your head, even though sometimes I just let those things go in the wind and do what I was going to do in the first place. Can’t help it!
In this case, I had a sort of favorite/front runner among the dresses…
So yesterday when mom and I were at the mall I looked for it. Unfortunately, our Dillard’s didn’t have the dress in stock. If I want to try it on, I’ll have to check out the one in Oklahoma City. Hopefully I will be able to get up there sometime in the coming week. I do want to try it on, badly.
On a whim, we visited Dress Barn. I think I’ve only found one thing there in the past 10 years that I really cared for and I wasn’t optimistic. But there was this vibrant, royal blue dress hanging up and I pulled it down to get a better look. It’s a fairly classic cut in a comfortable fabric that would be nice outside if it happens to be warm. The dress available in 3 different colors — a sort of cerulean, purple, and the royal blue. Out of them all I wear royal blue the best, so I headed to the dressing room to try it on. I’m not posting the photo here, so you can consider it an Instagram exclusive. Heh.
I put the dress on and I loved it. It’s another safe choice for me, but it’s so pretty. And I can’t deny that I wear the color better than most other colors, even some of the ones I’d picked out in the first post. It was a good deal to begin with, so I went ahead and purchased it. The tags are still on and a saved the receipt just in case I do find that other dress and fall in love with how it looks on me.
Here is the dress and the fabulous pair of shoes I ended up with…
Recently I received another phone to check out from Verizon Wireless. It’s the BlackBerry Z10. This is my first BlackBerry so this is an entirely new experience for me.
I’ve had it for a couple of weeks now and wanted to let you know what my first impressions are.
Next time I’ll be back with some of my favorite apps that I’ve found for the phone.
One of my younger cousins is getting married in a few weeks and she has asked me to be a hostess at the reception. Of course, I’m choosing to make this a reason to buy a new dress. It’s an outdoor wedding, middle of May, in southeastern Oklahoma. There’s no telling what the weather will be then, though we’re all hoping it’s pleasant. FYI — it’s May 2 and it’s SNOWING in parts of Oklahoma. Good grief.
But anyway, I have the dress choices narrowed down to a few. I’m heading out to the mall today and may end up with one from Dillard’s (those are included here), but if I can’t find anything I like there, I may be going with ModCloth. There are a few that are reasonably priced that I like a lot. Another bonus — over there at ModCloth people post photos of themselves in the clothing so you get more than just a form model wearing the clothing. It is so nice to see someone with a figure closer to mine. It’s often difficult to make the leap from mannequin to me (things I think would look nice look awful).
So, I am asking for your help and opinions. Which do you like best and which do you think I would wear the best? Have an opinion on one that’s better for a wedding? Please share!
Dresses are below the cut if you’re viewing this from the front page of my blog!
Random participant chosen to win a $15 Amazon gift card is — Ruth @ Bookish Ruth! Congratulations and thanks for participating!
Congratulations on making it to Hour 9 of Readathon! I’m here this hour (and for the next 3) with a challenge that will get you out of your seat, increase blood flow to your brain, and stretch out those muscles that may be just a little bit tired of sitting.
You do not have to be an experienced practitioner to do these poses, but you should listen to your body as you’re doing the stretches. If it feels like too much, stop. If you have any injuries, specifically knee, back, or wrist injuries, or if you have glaucoma, I recommend sitting this one out.
I’ve placed the poses in a particular order to create a sort of flow, but you can pick and choose the ones you would like to do. All of them are excellent at increasing the blood flow to your brain and gently stretching your muscles. Be sure to take even, deep breaths for the best benefit.
Begin by standing straight, feet slightly apart, with your arms down at your sides. Take a few deep breaths here. Getting yourself out of a seated position and breathing a little more deeply will help you wake up if you’re hitting an afternoon (or middle of the night!) slump.
This pose is fairly straight forward — you are slowly bending down to touch your toes. Keep the belly pulled in, reaching as far down to the floor as you can. If this is a challenge, don’t push yourself too far. Reach only as far as is comfortable for you. Breathe here for a few counts before lowering yourself onto all fours.
Palms on the ground, knees bent, back straight — you’ll begin to pull your belly in and up toward the ceiling like a cat arching its back. Move on to Cow Pose and repeat.
On the inhale you will do the inverse of Cat Pose, lifting your head to look straight ahead, lifting your sitting bones toward the ceiling, and letting your belly sink down. Exhale – Cat Pose, inhale – Cow Pose. Do a few of these together to massage your spine and provide a gentle stretch for your neck.
One of my favorites. Remaining on all fours you will push back with your feet on the ground, lifting your tailbone and keeping your spine straight in alignment, pointing toward your palms. Palms are extended on the floor and most of your weight should be pressed into your feet, working slowly at stretching your calves to press your heels into the floor. Be easy here and do not force your heels to the floor. You may stay in this pose for a few minutes, if you wish, before coming down to rest in Child’s Pose.
A restful, restorative pose. You may remain here as long as you feel comfortable (just don’t fall asleep!)
Push yourself back into a seated position, stretching your legs out in front of you. Straighten your spine, rocking on your sitting bones to lengthen and adjust yourself into a comfortable position. Slowly reach forward, pulling your core in, and slide your hand forward, reaching to touch your toes. Once again, only go as far as you feel comfortable.
This is another great pose for increasing blood flow to your brain, but it is optional. There are a few ways to modify it if necessary and I recommend clicking the link to check those out if you feel like you might need them.
For this one you will need a wall and blankets or towels. Roll your towel and use it for support at the base of your spine. The distance from the wall will vary on what you are comfortable with and your height.
Finally, we come to Corpse Pose. Lie back and relax all your muscles, arms down at your sides, legs and feet relaxed. Close your eyes and remain here for as long as you like.
I hope this helps you to feel recharged and a little rested before you return to your reading!
To participate in the challenge:
The challenge will run for 3 hours (3pm-6pm Central Time) and I will then pick a participant at random to receive a $15 Amazon Gift Card!
Photos courtesy of lululemon athletica, my yoga online, and uwenna.
Oklahoma girl through-and-through. Writer, aspiring domestic goddess and totalitarian dictator. Taking on the world one carb-induced coma at a time. Co-host of Picture Shows & Petticoats. More...
