A Note from the Queen

Being the Anglophile that I am, the past week has been pretty much non-stop immersion in British media (especially the BBC’s streaming) and soaking up all the history and pageantry that comes with the death of a monarch.

The royal website upon the queen’s death.

I had written the queen a letter—a brief one—at the time of her Platinum Jubilee, just expressing congratulations and thanks for her service. I didn’t think I’d get anything back, since I’d read that the postage allowed to the monarchy offices had been reduced in the last round of government austerity, so I just sent the note without expecting anything. I just wanted to say thanks. (I think it’s important to say thank you to people!)

When I went to my mailbox yesterday, I found this—the card was postmarked the day before she died.

It was a card from the queen thanking me for my note.

The front of the card, with her royal cypher.

Image on the back of the card.

Getting this card, during the time we’re turning the queen’s passing, was very memorable (And a little it eerie, if I’m being honest!). It’s definitely something that I will treasure!

"Life, London, this moment of June"

OK, I’m not in London. (The quote is from Mrs. Dalloway, one of my favorite novels.)

And June can actually be a really hard month for me, because there’s been a lot of medical crap that went down in June. (And I actually have a squamous cell carcinoma that needs removed—that’s next month—that I just found out about, but honestly, I don’t really care, we’ll handle it)

But this June? This June has been pretty fun.

Patty discovers…THE TENT.

I’m going to see Patty and her siblings!

Peanut (Patty’s newest sibling) is growing well! S/he is due in October.

It might be really hot, but it’s super pretty. This I the view from my porch. I love sitting here and reading at night. Right now I’m re-reading Emma* as part of the Jane Summer Re-Read.

Tiffany and I went to see the Columbus Symphony play at a local church as part of their summer night music programming. Cheaper tickets, don’t have to drive downtown, and don’t have to pay to park? Count me in. It was a beautiful program!

How’s your summer going so far?

"Thank you, Ma'am"

As you all know, I am an Anglophile, and so I loved the Platinum Jubilee Extravaganza last weekend! (Well actually Thursday-Sunday). So I thought I’d share some of my favorite photos and videos, because we all need some happiness and cute, right?

From the Party at the Palace:

*Paddington and the Queen kicked off the party

* the West End segment! (the WHOLE THING, which we didn’t see here in the US)

There was a CORGI PARADE!

Royal kids stealing the show!

The flypast on Thursday:

Photos:

The Cambridge kids (L-R: George, Louis, and Charlotte) make their carriage debut at Trooping the Colour

Louis was a crack up the entire weekend.

With the queen on the balcony at Buckingham Palace

This is TOO CUTE

Charlotte and George (sandwiched between their parents) at the Party at the Palace on Saturday

The final balcony appearance of the weekend, after the Jubilee Pageant

A Little Retrospective: A Decade Past

After reading Erin Napier’s journal post on a decade in the rearview, I felt inspired to do my own, and honestly, these last ten years of my life have been pretty nuts, and thus worthy of a retrospective!

Here we go….

2010: Five Years Into It

In 2010, I hit my five year transplant anniversary, which I celebrated by doing the show Oliver! I went to Duck for the second time with my parents and my sister and enjoyed it just as much as I had the first time I went with Tiffany and her family in 2008. I was blogging but I didn’t have this site yet. I knew I wanted to write a book , but at the time it was sort of an ephemeral idea with me writing a few things here and there.

2011: Unbreak my heart

The year began with The Importance of Being earnest, and heart issues. I had Afib/SVT—we never really figured out which—which led to an admit in January and a second ablation at OSU in April, but I was released before my birthday, continuing my streak of not being in the hospital for my birthday. I did Ragtime that summer, we went to Williamsburg, VA, for family vacation and I loved it. I also moved into Barton Cottage (the townhouse) that year.

2012: New Job

I moved to the Clerk’s office after the 2012 elections, was in The House of Bernarda Alba, and was still writing. I turned 30! :)

2013: So much travel

I went to NYC for my first Jeopardy! audition and saw Once with my cousin Jack. We had a lot of fun that trip. I went to Disney World with my dad and was in Les Miserables that summer and And Then There Were None in the fall.

2014: The last working year

I began the process of taking disability retirement from the Senate, because working full-time was just not working with what my body needed. March 14 was my last day, and I saw The Phantom of the Opera that night with my friend Mary. I went back to Disney World with Dad , was in The Music Man and Hello, Dolly! and made life promises as a Lay Dominican.

2015: Getting it all on paper

I began the process of writing The Book by getting my entire story on paper, thus creating the very first complete draft. Edel 2015 was awesome—I spent my 10th anniversary there and was interviewed by Hallie Lord and Jen Fulwiler for Jen’s radio show. It was a great experience! I had my second Jeopardy! audition in Boston. Dad and I ate at Legal Seafood, Cheers, and a great Italian Restaurant in the North End. I also set up this website! So it’s five years old this year!

2016: Jeopardy!

I was in the hospital in January with pneumonia (booo!) but went to SoCal in April (yay!) to be on Jeopardy!

2017: Digging into my writing

I attended the Making Things Happen Conference and made great progress in my writing from that. I started writing and editing for Take Up & Read. We went to Williamsburg and Duck for vacation!

2018: Working

I started sending out book proposals….and more proposals….and more proposals…..My brother got married!

2019: Gold, Jerry, Gold!

I got my contact with Ave Maria Press, wrote the book in about three months, and my sister got married in Colorado. I was in the hospital when my book cover was revealed and pre-orders opened! And I moved to Orchard House! Oh, and Dad and I went to a Blue Jackets playoff game—another thing I could check off my bucket list! :)

2020: The book!!

The book was published. I’m going to New York in April. And it’s my 15 year anniversary in July.

Also coming up: Seeing My Fair Lady with Dad in March!

Woooooo!

Stitch Fix Box No. 4

It's Stitch Fix Time!!!!!!

I've switched to an every other month Fix schedule, so that's why it's been awhile since we've had one (December, in fact!). But I am always excited to share my latest box with you guys!

If you're new to my Fix posts, here are the previous ones, and here's how it works : 

Stitch Fix is an online styling service that delivers a truly personalized shopping experience, just for you. Fill out your Style Profile and a personal stylist will hand pick pieces to fit your tastes, needs and budget—and mail them directly to your door. Each box contains five items of clothing, shoes and accessories for you to try on at home. Keep what you love, send the rest back in a prepaid USPS envelope. Shipping and returns are free—even for exchanges!

The Style Profile is really detailed--it's just not stuff like your weight and height. They want to know as much about you and your style as possible, from how much skin you like to show, to your proportions, and what kind of trends and styles you'd like to try. You can even set a price range for individual categories and ask them not to send certain things. For example, in my Style Profile, I ask for no bracelets, rings, or just about any type of shoe other than a flat or lowish heel.  (Stilettos are NOT my friend.) 

There's also a place to add a link to your Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest Style Board, so your stylist can get a feel for what you like. Finally, there's the style note, where you can ask for specific items, talk about events that are coming up (I mentioned my brother's wedding in the spring), or generally discuss your style or anything you'd like to see in the box. 

So, after you fill out the Style Profile, you will pay $20 as a styling fee. This is taken off any items you decide to keep in your Fix, so I look at it as a down payment on whatever's in the box. Keep in mind that a real person will personally select all five items that come in your box for you, based on what you've told him/ her. 

When the box arrives, it's time for the fun--trying on pieces. This is where I think Stitch Fix has a leg up over normal shopping. Since the box is shipped to you, you have your entire wardrobe at your disposal when you get these pieces. You can see right away if the things that were sent work with items you already have! You don't have to stand in the dressing room and think, "Do I have anything that will go with this? How will this look with my favorite heels? Do I already have things in this color?" 

So, with all that out of the way, here's what I got in my box this time!

Number 1: Hawthorne 41 Poppi Textured Pullover sweater, $68

Styled with White House Black Market jeans (check out the length! They fit! :-P), and Clarks flats

This isn't a bad sweater. Generally I really like the Hawthorn 41 line (it's one of Stitch Fix's exclusive brands). However, I didn't feel this color did anything for me, and it was sort of meh on. 

(You will see this again with another item, per the stylist's suggestion.) 

Verdict: Returned

Items Numbers 2 & 3: Mauvette Middleton Ponte Dress, $58, and Mia Pecora D'orsay Flats, $48

Here's what you need to know about my feet: I have terrible ones. I have pretty high arches, plus BIG bunions. Not little bunions. Big ones. Huge. Not bad enough to require surgery, but not far off, either. So pointy toed shoes with no support are not shoes I can wear, no matter how cute they are. And these shoes were cute. But I can never wear them. I will say I did like the style of shoe, with the strap around the ankle, which I didn't think I would like. 

This dress was very nice. It was well-constructed, and I liked the scallop detailing and the color. But I was looking for dresses for my brother's wedding, and this dress is one I would've worn if I still worked in the Senate and the General Assembly was in session--this is a "session dress". Conservative and lady-like. Which is fine, it's just not what I need most of the time anymore. And when I do, I have dresses like this. 

Verdict on both: Returned

Item Number 4: Wisp Cleo Textured Knit Dress, $88

Now, this was a fun dress. Still had the scallop detail at the neck, has a twirly skirt, and is speckled with flecks of ocean blue, coral, and white, which make it an acceptable dress to wear to a wedding (Normally I NEVER wear black to a wedding. But this had enough color.). It's very comfortable and flattering. But is it fancy enough for my brother's wedding? I don't know. It is a lot of fun, though. I would wear it as a guest at a wedding, for sure. But....I think accessories will amp it up. The right jewelry, a bright colored cardigan for the ceremony (the bolero jacket type), shoes.....

In any case, this dress will be great for going out. I could even wear it for Easter or something. It's really fun and very much my style. 

Verdict: KEPT

Item Number 5: Margaret M Deandra Skirt, $78

I have had TONS of luck with Margaret M. I had two other skirts from them (see my past fixes!), and I love them. They are all different, too. This one is more like starched cotton with some stretch, so it'll be great for spring and summer. And the colors are amazing. There's taupe gray, white, pale pink, navy blue, ocean blue, a deep turquoise, orange....it's just fabulous. 

Here it is with two different tops: 

J Crew top from my closet; Clarks flats

Verdict: KEPT

I had a $50 gift card from Christmas, so that went a long way in deciding what to keep. I was a little disappointed in this Fix, because I had wanted all dresses for my brother's wedding, and I told my stylist that. So this was a bit of a downer. I do like the clothes I got--it just wasn't what I was particularly in need of. 

My next Fix is schedule to come right before my birthday in April, so we'll see what goodies are there!

If you want to try Stitch Fix, I'd be greatly appreciative if you'd use my referral link. You get clothes, and I get $25 of credit to use for more clothes, which means more fashion shows! Here it is. 

And there is also Stitch Fix MEN! So if you have a guy in your life that needs style help, you can use my link for him, too!

Stitch Fix styles men and women, and also as pregnancy and plus sizes for the ladies! There is also Stitch Fix Luxe, which is brands like Kate Spade, if you're interested in that. 

Questions? Check out my first post, or drop them in the combox! 

 

Stitch Fix Number Two

Yes, my fashion friends, it is time for Stitch Fix! (If you don't care about fashion, go read Catholic 101 instead. ) 

This is my second Stitch Fix box. If you're new, hop over here to see what Stitch Fix is and what it's about in detail. But in brief, it's a personal styling service. You fill out a very detailed style profile, pay $20, and a stylist will personally select five pieces based on your preferences and what you've told her you'd like to see. (You don't have to do the stylist note, but it helps!) The $20 is taken off whatever you keep from the Fix. After the Fix is styled, it's sent to you, and you try on all the pieces in the comfort of your own home, with your entire wardrobe at your disposal! 

So this time, I had asked to try another striped top, some more cardigans, and a scarf in the seasonal favorite berry color. I love a good scarf! Above, you can see what I was sent in this month's box. So, without further ado....

Item Number 1: Crescent Leeanne Textured Knit Dress, $68

Since my brother is getting married in the spring, I've kept a note in my style profile that I'd love to see dresses for that. And I just love a good dress anyway! This is a knit dress, which has some lovely stretch, and a fuller skirt than the dress in my last fix, which I love. This dress is great on its own, but when it's kicked up a notch....

Then it really becomes special, to me. That's the great thing about this dress. It's so versatile. So this is now my Christmas outfit. 

Styled with: black patent leather Mary Janes (for that Downton Abbey vibe), red merino Banana Republic cardigan, and Touchstone Crystal earrings. 

A better look at the earrings I wore--the middle pair. The top is J.Crew, the middle and bottom are Touchstone Crystal. These are my earrings, but Stitch Fix does also style jewelry!

You can probably guess the verdict on this one. :) 

Verdict: Kept

Number Two: Colette Chavez Pop Color Cuff Knit Top, $48

I love a good striped top, and I love the colors in this one. However, it's a really thin fabric (you can see my jeans through the top in that second photo), and it's also the type of fabric that snags easily. I know I'll snag it on something and ruin it. Plus, it's so clingy that it makes me look rounder than I am. 

Styled with: Talbots jeans

Verdict: Returned

Number 3: Dreamers/Debut Barton Cable Trim Cocoon Cardigan $58

 

When I first saw this in my Fix, I thought, ehhhh. I sort of have a cardigan like this. 

I was so wrong. 

This guy is so soft, with intricate little details tucked in the ribbing that make it really stand out. It's long and feels like a hug when you put it on. Really, it does! I can fit t-shirts under it without weird lines happening, which makes this very versatile for turning my summer t-shirts into things I can wear in the fall and winter without freezing. And I love the shaping at the bottom. 

Styled with: Talbots jeans, J. Crew Perfect V-neck tee (black)

Verdict: Kept

Number 4: Market & Spruce Marcello Cable Knit Cardigan $78

This guy was just...too too. We had the "Little arms" problem again here--I had to roll the cuffs, which is fine, but the other problem is how low the cardigan hits, and how the buttons draw eyes RIGHT to my middle, which is not really where I want eyes. It was very warm and I loved the color (I'm a sucker for gray!), but, sadly, not for me. 

Styled with the same items as above. 

Verdict: Returned

Number Five: Octavia Russo Plaid Reversible Infinity Scarf, $34 

I love the colors of this scarf. However...I feel like it's eating my head! If this had been a regular scarf I would've kept it, because it has great potential for being a great accessory. However, it was so big that it's only real purpose would've been to keep me warm if I was going to a Packers game in December, and I have my Hufflepuff scarf to do that for me already! 

Verdict: Returned

And now, for TIPS and FAQs. 

You do not have to receive a fix every month. You can receive one every 2-3 weeks, every month, every other month, quarterly...there's a bunch of ways to set it up! There is NO obligation to buy another box after your first one--it's completely up to you. I have heard that it can take two boxes to get you and your stylist to jell. (Christine and I are on the save wavelength, which I adore.) You can also adjust your Fix shipment schedule at any time. 

If you want to try Stitch Fix, I'd appreciate it if you'd use my referral link: I get a $25 credit for every Fix purchased via my link. However, my opinions in this post are totally my own. Stitch Fix didn't pay me to write this! 

Once you check out, your card will be charged for what you kept. The $20 styling fee will be credited to your purchases. 

If a piece in your fix isn't your size, you can ask for an exchange--sizes only, not colors. (At least not yet.) 

My Tips for Getting a Great Fix

1. Be VERY specific when filling out your Style Profile. I wrote things like "I hate pencil skirts, distressed/ripped items, dolman sleeves, and stilettos." I also dislike skinny jeans and ponchos, so I wrote that as well. I also noted that my brother is getting married in the spring, so I'd like to see spring dresses, and that I love flats and A-lines. 

In addition, you can write a note to your stylist after you schedule a fix. I wrote I'd like to try v-neck cardigans again, and see things that I can wear to holiday gatherings. I'd also like to see a scarf or two, since I love to accessorize with them. And what did I get in this Fix? Those things. :) Christine is really awesome that way. Of course you don't have to do this. But if there are specific things you want to try or need in your wardrobe, it's worth doing. 

2. Do a Pinterest board. Here is mine, and you can see, my stylist definitely looked at it! If you don't have Pinterest, it's worth it to get it just to do this board. If you type in "women's fashion" in the search bar, five million pins will come up. I love how Duchess Kate dresses, so she figures in a lot of my pins. I have a fairly classic, pretty style, and that's reflected in what I've pinned. Take the time to do it; it's fun, anyway. At least I thought so. Also put "Stitch Fix" in the title, so if the link is wonky, your stylist can still find it. 

3. Do not lie about your measurements. Come on, ladies. Put your real weight, your real bra size, your real height. Just be honest. :) And update it! If you've lost or gained weight, put that in there. Always give the most recent information so you can get your best fix. This also applies to the Pinterest board--keep it current. If you search "Stitch Fix" on Pinterest, you'll get lots of ideas and see items that Stitch Fix has, so your stylist can pull them for you (if it's available)! 

So that's box number two in the books! The next one will be in December or January--I haven't decided yet. :) 

My First Stitch Fix Box--An Honest Review and Tips

I've been curious about Stitch Fix for awhile, but my size prevented me from giving it a try. But since April I've lost 27 pounds, and I finally decided that the time was right to give this a whirl. If it was all terrible, well, at least I knew it wasn't for me, and I was out $20. But I was really intrigued by the idea of a stylist picking clothes for me. 

So what is Stitch Fix? It's a styling service. Here's how the site describes it: 

Stitch Fix is an online styling service that delivers a truly personalized shopping experience, just for you. Fill out your Style Profile and a personal stylist will hand pick pieces to fit your tastes, needs and budget—and mail them directly to your door. Each box contains five items of clothing, shoes and accessories for you to try on at home. Keep what you love, send the rest back in a prepaid USPS envelope. Shipping and returns are free—even for exchanges!

The Style Profile is really detailed--it's just not stuff like your weight and height. They want to know as much about you and your style as possible, from how much skin you like to show, to your proportions, and what kind of trends and styles you'd like to try. You can even set a price range for individual categories and ask them not to send certain things. For example, in my Style Profile, I ask for no bracelets, rings, or just about any type of shoe other than a flat or heel. 

There's also a place to add a link to your Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest Style Board, so your stylist can get a feel for what you like. Finally, there's the "style note", where you can ask for specific items, talk about events that are coming up (I mentioned my brother's wedding in the spring), or generally discuss your style or anything you'd like to see in the box. 

So, after you fill out the Style Profile, you will pay $20 as a styling fee. This is taken off any items you decide to keep in your Fix, so I look at it as a down payment on whatever's in the box. Keep in mind that a real person will personally select all five items that come in your box for you, based on what you've told him/ her. 

When the box arrives, it's time for the fun--trying on pieces. This is where I think Stitch Fix has a leg up over normal shopping. Since the box is shipped to you, you have your entire wardrobe at your disposal when you get these pieces. You can see right away if the things that were sent work with items you already have! You don't have to stand in the dressing room and think, "Do I have anything that will go with this? How will this look with my favorite heels? Do I already have things this color?" To me, that was huge. I'll explain more in a second, when we get to the pictures. 

(A word about the photos: This was my first time doing this, so they're not great. I'm sorry. They will improve in future Stitch Fix posts, I promise!!)

So, here's what comes in your box: 

Five items are in every box. Along with that, you get a pre-paid USPS envelope (A BIG one) that you use to send back whatever you don't want. It's already labeled, all you have to do is put the clothes you don't want in and drop it in the mail box! You also get a note from your stylist, as well as style cards for each item in your Fix. The style cards show two styling ideas for each item. 

As you can see from my note, my stylist, Christine, went above and beyond! She looked at my Pinterest board, and read my notes, and took them seriously! Three of the items I received were directly based on what I asked for, and the other two are totally my style. 

So, here go the clothes: 

Item Number 1: Pixley Greenich Striped Knit Top $48 

I love a good Breton top, which is evident on my Pinterest page, so Christine knew what she was doing when she sent me this! It was heavy, almost sweater-like weight, so it's not just a t-shirt. It was very comfortable and soft, and I loved it--except....

Elbow patches that weren't elbow patches. These are more like forearm patches on me, because the sleeves were too long--I have short arms--so it didn't work the way it was supposed to work, and made the shirt look too big. I loved this item, except for those dang patches!

(Styled with my Talbots jeans--so many jeans are long on me, and I should've rolled the cuffs, but I was in a hurry to show gorgeous clothes to everyone! The earrings are Silpada studs.) 

Verdict: Returned

Item Number 2: 41 Hawthorn Nadia Cargo Rain Jacket $78

This was an item I specifically asked for, and I love it! I love the navy color and the whimsy of the polka dots. The coat also has a hood, and an adjustable waist, so you can cinch it however you want. 

A better view of the cinched waist. 

The coat has a lovely soft liner and great pockets, so I knew this was a keeper. It's going to be one of my favorite pieces! 

(Styled with the jeans and my Garnet Hill flamenco knit skirt from about 12 years ago. When I find something I love, I wear it until it dies.) 

Verdict: Kept!

Item Number 3: Pixley Selena Faux Leather Detail Cardigan $64

I love a cardigan. I do. Especially a lovely, soft, v-neck cardigan. However....

Sadly, I am like the T.Rex in Meet The Robinsons: 

So as much as I loved this one, it was a no go. 

(Styled with Talbots jeans, J. Crew indigo t-shirt, Clarks patent leather flats)

Verdict: Returned

Item Number 4: Margaret M Kayla Skirt $64

This was another item I asked for specifically--a jersey skirt. I hate pencil skirts and like A-lines, full skirts, anything that's not a pencil. Christine saw that and sent this one accordingly!

I styled it two ways: 

Styled here with the same J. Crew indigo tee and black Clarks flats--the more casual look. 

This is with a J. Jill white camisole and a Banana Republic red v-neck cardigan (very lightweight so it's a great layering piece). 

Here's a detailed shot of the skirt: 

I adore this skirt. I love that I can interchange it with so many things--I even have a navy blue cashmere sweater from J. Crew that will look fabulous with this. I can wear it with flats, or I could wear it with tights and heels or my boots. This is a total winner!

Verdict: Kept!

Item Number 5: Pixley Millie Textured Knit Dress $58

This was the one item in my fix that I was sort of nervous about. I love dresses, but it can be hard for me to find one that looks good on me. However, I was so excited to see this navy blue and white piece! And it is, by far, the most popular item in this Fix, according to my Facebook and Instagram friends: 

The white part is sort of fuzzy--very soft, and the navy blue detail around the neck is mesh, but it works! This dress is going to be great for so many things--Easter, wedding rehearsal, bridal showers, etc. I'm so excited to wear it! 

I didn't take photos--bad blogger--but I tried this with my red cardigan from the previous item as well as a J. Crew navy blue cardigan I had, and both were winners. This dress could be styled up or down, depending. I could wear pearls with it, or a more casual necklace; I could wear my gold Sperries or my favorite patent leather black heels. I love a good mix and match piece. And this dress was so comfortable!

Verdict: Kept! 

I would've kept everything in my Fix, if not for those pesky elbow patches. If you keep all five items, you get 25% off your order! But those patches were my downfall, so those pieces went back. 

Once you decide what you're keeping, you go to "check out" on the Stitch Fix page/app. Be very specific about what you liked/didn't like about each piece, so your stylist can get the best feedback possible!

And now, for TIPS and FAQs. 

You do not have to receive a fix every month. You can receive one every 2-3 weeks, every month, every other month, quarterly...there's a bunch of ways to set it up! There is NO obligation to buy another box after your first one--it's completely up to you. I have heard that it can take two boxes to get you and your stylist to jell, so I do think it's probably worth getting two boxes, which I would've done even if I hadn't loved everything here. The fact that I loved everything just made it even easier! You can also adjust your Fix shipment schedule at any time. 

If you want to try Stitch Fix, I'd appreciate it if you'd use my referral link: I get a $25 credit for every Fix purchased via my link. However, my opinions in this post are totally my own. Stitch Fix didn't pay me to write this! 

Once you check out, your card will be charged for what you kept. The $20 styling fee will be credited to your purchases. There is also sales tax, which I forgot about--it was about $15 on this order. (Can't we all be like Pennsylvania and remove sales tax on clothes? Come on!)

If a piece in your fix isn't your size, you can ask for an exchange--sizes only, not colors. (At least not yet.) 

My Tips for Getting a Great Fix

1. Be VERY specific when filling out your Style Profile. I wrote things like "I hate pencil skirts, distressed/ripped items, dolman sleeves, and stilettos." I also dislike skinny jeans and ponchos, so I wrote that as well. I also noted that my brother is getting married in the spring, so I'd like to see spring dresses, and that I love flats and A-lines. 

In addition, you can write a note to your stylist after you schedule a fix. I wrote that I wanted a jersey skirt and a rain jacket, and behold! They appeared!  For my next Fix, I have noted that I'd like to try v-neck cardigans again, as well as pullover sweaters, and see things that I can wear to holiday gatherings. I'd also like to see a scarf or two, since I love to accessorize with them. 

2. Do a Pinterest board. Here is mine, and you can see, my stylist definitely looked at it! If you don't have Pinterest, it's worth it to get it just to do this board. If you type in "women's fashion" in the search bar, five million pins will come up. I love how Duchess Kate dresses, so she figures in a lot of my pins. I have a fairly classic, pretty style, and that's reflected in what I've pinned. Take the time to do it; it's fun, anyway. At least I thought so. Also put "Stitch Fix" in the title, so if the link is wonky, your stylist can still find it. 

3. Do not lie about your measurements. Come on, ladies. Put your real weight, your real bra size, your real height. Just be honest. :) And update it! If you've lost or gained weight, put that in there. Always give the most recent information so you can get your best fix. This also applies to the Pinterest board--keep it current. If you search "Stitch Fix" on Pinterest, you'll get lots of ideas and see items that Stitch Fix has, so your stylist can pull them for you (if it's available)! 

So, that's my first Stitch Fix box! The next one is arriving in mid-November, and I can't wait to have another fashion-y post with you. Sometimes we just need something fun, right? If you have any questions, hit me up in the comments!

Interview with Tiffany Part Three

21. Best. Movie. Ever: The Wizard of Oz.  Closely followed by Pride and Prejudice. (And if you have to ask me which version, then You Don't Know Me.) 

22. Favorite thing about my family: We have a wacky sense of humor, especially when we're all together. 

23. Least favorite thing about your family: The inability to plan things. I like a plan.  

24. Favorite color: Blue. It's Tiffany's, too. (As seen in the photo above)

25. What TV show would you like to act on: If Downton was still on, that would be my answer. Since it's not: Outlander! And actually, Outlander might beat Downton by a smidge. 

26. How do you define success: Getting to Heaven. That's success. Loving well, doing good, and growing in faith. 
At the end of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Dumbledore calls Cedric a "fierce, fierce friend." I've always liked that line an that's another definition of success to me, in the friendship realm, anyway. 

27. What is your dream job? Well, it's to be a writer. So, really, I just have to get published, and then I'll have the dream job. :) But one that's not entirely practical? Acting. 

28. Would you want to win the lottery, and what would you do with the money?: I probably wouldn't want to win the lottery, because most of those folks don't seem to end well/ be happy. But if I did win, I'd buy a house, then travel all around the world to all the places I want to see. And I'd buy every good book in creation. 

And then I'd probably give it to monasteries and churches and hospitals. And my parents would get some of it, of course. 

Interview with Tiffany Part Two

And we roll on....

11. What dead person would you like to meet if they were alive now? JANE, OBVIOUSLY. Other than Jane: My paternal grandfather, who died before I was born, and St. Pope John Paul II. 

12. Do you like licorice?: Not black licorice. Red. But is red really licorice? 

13. If you could have one superpower what would it be?: Telepathy.

14. Team Captain America or Iron Man?: Captain America, but I love Iron Man's sarcasm. 

15. Do you have a Fairy Godmother?: Well, I have a real godmother, who is cool. 

16. Do you wish you could fly?: YES. Oh my gosh.....

17. Favorite subject in school: English. History/ Social Studies (whatever it was called) is a close second. 

18. Least favorite subject in school: MATH MATH MATH MATH MATH

19. What's the funniest thing a kid has said to you?: From CCD, when I asked what a kid was drawing: 

"A SEA MONSTER! HE'S GOING TO EAT ALL THE PEOPLE!"

20. What's the funniest thing you remember saying as a kid?: I don't actually remember saying this, but my parents say that when I was two or so, I was waiting for a blood draw, where I dramatically announced that I smelled blood. So, you know. 

Interview with Tiffany, Part One

I have decided that we need some levity here. We need something fun. 

Enter Tiffany. 

Tiffany is one of my bestest friends. We have been friends since 1996, if you can believe it, so, holy cow--20 years. Like, today, really, since we met on the first day of Freshman year of high school. 

So, in order to have fun and in order to mark 20 years of Awesome, Tiffany asked me a whole bunch of questions. So many, in fact, that I have to break them into installments. So we're going to have fun for the next few days. 

1. Grapefruit vs. cantaloupe: Neither. I can't eat grapefruit because it messes with immunosuppression dugs, and I don't like cantaloupe.

2. Which Bond film is the best: Skyfall. 

3. Which James Bond is the best: Daniel Craig. (Sage loved Bond, and I don't think she agreed with me on this, when we discussed this. But full disclosure, I haven't seen ALL the Bond movies, so....)

4. What I miss most about high school: Lunch period. I loved having that time with my friends and just getting to mess around. And choir. 

5. What I miss most about college: Student Government and choir. 

6. Cats vs. dogs: Well, we never had pets when I was growing up, with the one year randomness of Snowball The Guinea Pig notwithstanding. Generally, I would probably say dogs at this point, because I can be around them. Cats are a little trickier. However, I love my sister's cat, Bella. She's a very nice cat. 

7. What will you ask God first when you get to heaven: Why wasn't "thou shalt not be stupid" the 11th commandment? 

8. Dark chocolate or milk chocolate? Generally, dark. 

9.  Best Disney quote: Good Heaven, we'll be here all day....and she knows that. So here's some fun ones: "Just keep swimming!" 

"It looks awful."
"That's because it's on you, dear."

"Fold? Oh well."

"I want adventure in the great wide somewhere/ I want it more than I can tell./ And for once it might be grand/ to have someone understand /I want so much more than they've got planned."

"Have you got anything new?"
"Not since yesterday!"
"That's all right. I'll borrow this one."
"That one? But you've read it twice?"

"You were my new dream."

"Look at this stuff? Isn't it neat?" (the whole song then continues.....)

"The tank is clean! THE TANK IS CLEAN!"

"Suivez-moi!" 

10. How do you get rid of hiccups: Holding my breath.