A Speaking Engagement

The talk at the Johnson City Seniors' Center went really well on Thursday evening. Mr. Mickey graciously agreed to video the event for all of you who couldn't be there.

We learned that my camera is not up to the task. Even though I had used the largest data card available, it wasn't enough to record all of the talk. What we did capture is included in the two YouTube videos linked below.

I wanted to show respect to the people who came out to hear me speak, so I dressed up a bit. I wore black dress slacks from Saks Off 5th with a black tank from Chico's and a slightly fitted jacket by Tahari via Dillard's. The shoes are by Louise et Cie via Nordstrom. The silver necklace is from Cali and York.

During my talk, I featured the perfect long sleeve top, which is from Covered Perfectly. You can shop for it here.

This first video includes Part One of the talk.

Almost all of Part Two of the talk is in the second video below.

It was such a great pleasure to meet so many Fifty, not Frumpy followers and several women who did not yet know about the blog. Many of them stayed afterward to ask more questions and take notes.

Oil and Water

There is always a pretty glass of water on my desk. I sip water throughout the day, and I always take a small bottle of water when I am in the car for any length of time.

Our bodies are about 60% water.

Drinking water throughout the day helped me to lose weight and to keep it off. 

Drinking water helps my skin to remain clear and fresh looking.

If your lips are often chapped, it is likely because you are not drinking enough water.

If you have tummy issues or can't go as often or as easily as you would like, you may need to drink more water.

If you have headaches often or have trouble concentrating, you may need to drink more water.

If you feel sluggish, you may need to drink more water.

Mild dehydration (fluid loss of 1-3%) can impair energy levels and mood and lead to major memory and brain performance reductions.

I can tell the difference in my hair, eyes, and skin quality, and tone when I am so busy, I don't drink enough water for even one day. When I come home from a trip or get up in the morning, the first thing I do is get a glass of water and sip it slowly over the next hour. I feel revived quickly.

Olive oil is perfect to use for the relief of the uncomfortable feeling of dry skin. Just put a few drops in your palm and slowly massage it into your skin. It absorbs in a few minutes, and the salad smell goes away also.

A Dress Three Ways

Do you also enjoy wearing well-made classics that can be worn in a variety of ways?

This very comfortable and versatile corduroy shirtdress is from J.Jill.

I can casually wear the dress with black tights and over the knee boots from Vince Camuto. The crossbody bag was from Ross last year. The opaque black tights are by Yummie Tummie.

This dress can also be worn with a low slung hook belt and high heel ankle boots. Style tip: Never button all the buttons. The clutch is from Express. The belt is from Chico's. The boots are from Saks Off 5th.

For a more continental look, I can pair the shirtdress with a silk scarf and flats.

The sunglasses are by Tommy Hilfiger via T.J.Maxx. The scarf is so old I don't recall its origin. The bag is Italian made via T.J.Maxx. The shoes are by Rockport.

I have always been a fan of shirtdresses! This one will certainly get worn a lot this winter. It comes in two colors, balsam, and walnut which is the color I am wearing. 

You can find similar dresses and lots of other great classics at J.Jill.

Coldwater Creek Tunic

What do you wear on a cold rainy morning after a pedicure?

This look worked for me. The sandals are by Aerosoles, and the jeans are old from Chico's.

This soft and comfortable sporty casual tunic is from Coldwater Creek. Did you know they still have a website, and they still send out a catalog?

Leaf Peeping in North Carolina

Finding a great pair of jeans with just the right amount of fading and a fit that lasts all day makes the search worthwhile!

I wore my new smooth-fit slim ankle jeans from J.Jill for the first time On Sunday. I paired them with a faux suede jacket from Chico's, an old long sleeve white tee, and a large square scarf.

Each fall, we look forward to a long ride into North Carolina's mountains along the Blue Ridge Parkway to enjoy the changing of the leaves.

We stopped in Blowing Rock for lunch at the Six Pence Pub and then sat in the park with our scoop of ice cream from Kilwin's. (That is a requirement if you are visiting Blowing Rock!) On this Sunday, there was a live concert by the Watauga Community Band.

We were joined by at least a million other people who had the same idea on this beautiful fall day. That means parking was almost impossible! We had to resort to one of our secret spots off a side street.

Halfway through the day, and my new jeans are holding up to my fit-test really well! No sagging seat and constant pulling up of these jeans! 

After lunch, we continued our journey toward Grandfather Mountain and Linville.

Grandfather Mountain has its own weather. It can be covered in clouds when the rest of the area is enjoying clear blue skies.

The Linn Cove Viaduct was the last section of the Blue Ridge Parkway to be completed. Breathtaking views can be enjoyed from every angle as you travel across this marvel of engineering.

Going for a walk in the woods in the fall has been a joy for me ever since childhood.

This scarecrow in Newland was made from lampshades! Mr. Mickey said to tell you he has never ever worn one of these on his head at a party. I don't believe him, do you?

At the end of a long day of traveling, the J.Jill jeans still fit the same as they did this morning!

You can tell from this photo that I just folded the square scarf into a triangle and then draped it across my shoulders. When I put the jacket on, it holds the scarf in place to not have to tie it at all.