aoknkentucky

Since there are only seven cabins and we know where our cabin is located, it isn’t hard to find our accommodations and begin unloading our bags. We lay claim to the bedrooms we want, look around the cabin, start a pot of coffee, and then head out to find a seat in the rocking chairs on the front porch. Wait! The moon is just beginning to rise over the mountain!

 

 

I can’t remember seeing the moon rise over the mountains in all the years we’ve visited. Too much hurry-hurry when the kids were younger. The opportunity just never presented itself, I guess. The picture quality isn’t great, but there isn’t any way possible to capture the feel of looking at the mountains and taking that first relaxing breath of fresh air. Wow! I did love seeing that full moon rise between the clouds. I got several pictures, but the picture quality got poorer as the moon rose and the sun set. My pictures never seem to turn out like I remember the actual event. It’s more or less just a reminder to take me back to the memory.

 

It is getting cold, cold, cold and it’s been a long day. Let’s go inside. Bedtime.

 

 

Fall—

 

 

 

 

 

No wonder we wanted to return after our initial spring visit! Right?

If I remember the story correctly, the local dentist bought his grandparents’ farm where he spent his childhood summers. He began purchasing old log cabins in the surrounding area. He numbered the logs, disassembled them and moved them to his property. Because it’s hard to put modern conveniences in solid wood, plans included adding at least one bedroom and bath with washer and dryer. The two cabins that we’ve staying in also have a raised roof so bedroom(s) and bath have been added upstairs. The history of the cabin has been recounted, framed and displayed on the wall. I’m including pictures of both spring and fall 2014 because each time of the year is so different yet equally beautiful.

 

The Smithsonian tried to buy the following log cabin in the 1960’s but the owners were still using it—as a tobacco barn. The smell of tobacco still lingers when you first walk in the door. It isn’t an unpleasant smell. It’s similar to the cherry blend tobacco that my father used to smoke in his pipe. The familiar smell also reminds me of good memories on my grandparents’ farm where tobacco was grown. And chewed. Our 3-bedroom, 3 bath cabin accommodations—

 

 

Our Spring 2014 2 bedroom, 2 bath cabin accommodations—

 

 

There are chairs or benches in several places that allow you to stop and linger. Because the landscaping outside the cabins was so breathtaking, I’m including both spring and fall pictures. Which time of the year would you like to visit?

 

Spring—

 

 

 

 

We’ve arrived. It’s a working Christmas Tree Farm.

 

 

Ah, there’s the cabin office. Look! They decorate for fall too!

 

 

And they’ve added on to the back of the cabin. Lynn is excited that she now has a two-room office.

 

 

Nearby is the game pit. Have you ever played corn hole? It’s a lawn game in which players take turns throwing bags of corn at a raised platform with a hole in the far end. It was obviously named by a city feller that never grew up with outdoor toilets. The name makes our guys smile and shake their heads every time it’s mentioned out loud. I think it reminds them of the reference to corncobs and outhouses and…well, never mind.

 

 

The following is a picture of the badminton net on the property. There are also a few basketball goals. We’ve never been to that part of the property, but there is an advertised swimming hole at the creek complete with a rope swing. Enough outside old-fashioned games to keep several people entertained.

 

This should be a real “hoot”, Ladies. You’ve experienced my husband’s lack of photography skills over the years, so I’m sure you already understand the caliber of pictures to expect during our trip to North Carolina. After looking at the pictures I took, it seems I’m not much better, but I could never do it justice anyway. It is so beautiful. So, I’ve decided to incorporate both 2014 spring and fall pictures of North Carolina and let you laugh along with me. Hopefully, it will make a little more sense when I explain as we go along.

BF (Donna, for those who met her), BFH, DH and I have visited Gatlinburg several times over the years. The guys love the mountains; the girls love waterfalls and creeks with running water. The Smoky Mountain area is the closest and easiest drive for us so that we can get all get our “fix.” That’s really what our guys call it. We think their ancestors must have come from that region or something. It’s kinda freaky. So, for the last few years, we’ve talked about staying on the NC side of the Smoky Mountains. We have been there and done that sooo many times on the Gatlinburg side and recently realized we spend enormous amounts of time in the vehicle traveling across the mountain to NC’s quieter side. Why not spend a little extra travel time to get to our destination, avoid the traffic nightmares and just stay in NC? I didn’t say we were quick studies. We recently realized, remember? Since I am usually the trip concierge, I got busy finding centrally located accommodations for the area we like to visit. My buddies trust me and I enjoy the planning. Our guys like the idea of log cabins, but none of us like the idea of being in a log cabin on a mountain with multiple cookie-cutter log cabins someone decided to build and rent out or the huge complexes designed for the masses. BF and I want clean with running water and electricity. Our DHs must have their cable TV options. Over the years, we’ve only stayed one night in a really crummy place and our accommodations were changed pronto. DH is a very persuasive person. All those years in the service industry still comes in handy on occasion.

BF and I consent to eat our first meal on the road at our guys’ favorite, Cracker Barrel, but after that, we use handy-dandy phone apps to locate local eateries while we vacation. Since I did a lot of the driving during this trip, BF picked out ALL of our meal stops. Boy Howdy! Did she do a fantastic job! We had one meal that wasn’t as good as the others, and it wasn’t bad. With the only wait line to get a table and just ok food, it didn’t measure up because our other meals were so great. Not Pam’s Paris great, but we thought we ate well on this trip.

Some of the prettiest leaves seen on this trip occurred while driving I-40. As the elevation changed, green gave way to gorgeous yellows, oranges and reds. It was such a pretty drive. Before reaching the TN/NC state line, we stopped to stretch our legs and eat a meal at Carver’s Orchard and Restaurant—a working apple orchard. Over the years, we’ve visited several times and have decided that we like their breakfast best because of the homemade apple julep (juice/cider), apple fritters and apple butter. There is a huge difference in homemade apple butter and what Cracker Barrel serves. You’d think I’d have a picture of this place, but I don’t. However, in the big red barn there is a huge apple sign and all kinds of produce. Who knew there were so many varieties of apples? Jugs of cider and every kind and description of jams, jellies and relishes sit on shelves below the sign.

 

 

We needed snacks for our time at the cabin and bought a few of the candy shop’s homemade chocolates, but made no purchases among the varieties of apples, indian corn and pumpkins available. (This will become important later.) We load back in the vehicle and off we go for the last 40 miles of interstate driving.

Pam, I don't want you all weirded out. I do understand the head falling off your neck though. After my second neck surgery, the doctor explained my situation as a bowling bowl sitting on a pencil. He understood!!! That was exactly how it felt. If you can't have anything around your neck, well, then you just can't. Glad there's hope to just drape a scarf though. I wear a scarf that way A LOT!

 

I didn't explain myself earlier. What's so long is how long it is taking me to download and get my pictures ready. Well, the story is pretty long too though. I'm ready to send my first installment to see if the picture works. I am so bad at this and.....well, we will just see if I have anything everyone can see or not. If not, it's back to the drawing board. I know I'm making this three times too hard on myself, but there doesn't seem to be any other way around my tech limitations here.

Oh, Anita! Oh, Pam! I had forgotten about your aversion to things on your neck. Sometimes it bothers me too. If the scarf is too bulky or too large, or just too aggravating for whatever reason. I do think it might still work. Especially with some of Anita's excellent ideas. Thinner scarves (think slinky, maybe?) tied like a long necklace is a good idea. Long rectangle scarves simply draped just inside the jacket and hanging loose down both sides is an easy and not terribly aggravating way to wear a scarf. Sometimes I tie a knot on each side of the scarf. It seems to anchor the scarf with a little extra weight so that it doesn't slide too far to one side. Try one of my castoffs when you next visit Anita and see what you think. It may still be something you can't do, but atleast that way you won't have invested any money in the project.

 

I think the next best thing is a bright colored top worn with that jacket.

 

Ya'll won't believe the time and effort that I have invested in getting my North Carolina pictures ready for viewing. It is the LOOOOOOngest story. Needless to say, it is getting on my very last nerve. But, I'm not giving up. I will accomplish this. I have too much time invested at this point to give up. Yep, I'm stubborn like that. I will show and tell about my trip. It won't be today. It may not be tomorrow. But. I. Will. Get-R-Done!

Well Ladies, Halloween and the wedding are over. The camper and all its paraphernalia should be coming home this weekend unless there's a hitch in our plans. It's suppossed to be really cold beginning next week. I will be back in the office on Monday or Tuesday and will attempt to download pictures of our North Carolina trip. I have everything written out, so it's just a matter of reeducating myself about inserting the pictures. I'll be back to post our next trip as soon as I am able.

 

Pam, I forgot to mention that some people plan their wardrobes from the shoes up. But, it's extra hard when one pair needs to be heels that will only be worn a small portion of the trip and you're trying to take less weight and space, isn't it? Has deconstructing your wardrobe here for us given you any additional insight?

 

I'd like to be better about buying clothes and shoes that could span several different dressy or non-dressy situations. I want that perfect middle of the road wardrobe where all pieces mix and match; that never wrinkles, washes and dries in a flash, fits my body style to perfection in the hot FIRE colors we all now know and love. Did I leave anything out of this non-obtainable wardrobe?

Smitty, hang in there with the Style Statement book. It IS frustrating, but I have felt much more comfortable in my own skin since I completed that lengthy process. Fit, style, and color have all been extremely difficult for me because I waited until my 50s to spend time and effort on myself. Trying to find killer bright FIRE colors has been such a challenge for me along with dressing to fit my lifestyle and body shape. Knowing my style statement has grounded me and I now understand why I gravitate to certain fashions and home decor. I really think you will appreciate the effort.

Pam, I think you've done an excellent job of explaining your trip. I had a lovely time!

I have been working on this post today between office duties. I refreshed the page before posting and read what Margaret wrote. I whole-heartedly agree. Maybe to the point that my rambling isn’t necessary, but because I spent time working on it and maybe some of what I’ve said might add to the conversation, I will post my thoughts anyway. Here goes—

With my usual disclaimer that I am a poor example, I think you have dissected your trip wardrobe quite well and know exactly where the weak spots occurred. Again, with my usual disclaimer, here are my observations---

#1-Do you need comfortable shoes? Most definitely! Shoes are terribly difficult for me. My foot is very small in proportion to my body height (and weight), very wide, with a high arch and a narrow heel. YUCK! Shoes just don’t fit. By the time I have a shoe an adequate amount of time to know if it will be comfortable, it is usually nearly worn out. I would wager a guess that I have spent double the money over the years on shoes rather than clothes that don’t work for one reason or another. Now I have these protruding bones on the inside of both feet where my toes connect to my foot. I did a little research. Bunions!?! What? That sounds like an old woman ailment. How depressing. Now several shoes that were stylish and only hurt occasionally will be sent to live with someone else because the ‘break’ hits right where this newest ailment sits. Oh, the pain of it all. I feel your pain. I don’t have any useful, helpful advice other than please make sure you take at least two pairs of comfy, comfy shoes to alternate. OH, and if you find something that works, please post it here for me. I would love to own a flat shoe with enough pizzazz to wear with dresses as well as slacks. Does such a thing exist?

#2-Jackets/over-layers? Yes, I’ll agree that Anita should be receiving a new jacket soon. Pictures of me in EARTH colors turn my face gray also. But I agree that the animal print jacket might be ok. I think I saw that same jacket at lunchtime in a restaurant today. But my first reaction when seeing the animal print jacket was………….Oh, Pam, you need a scarf!!! Just a simple drape around your neck and dangling down the inside of your jacket to peep out over the edges on both sides would have given just the pop near your face that you needed, maybe?

Which brings me to talk about #3. What else would I suggest? Why, scarves, OF COURSE!!! Necklaces are nice, but I never have a necklace that gives me that pop of color near my face that a scarf provides. Scarves take up very little room or weight in your suitcase and change the outfit especially if the tops are solid color. At least one scarf should incorporate several of your top colors with whatever design you prefer (floral, stripe, geometric). For instance, if you took one solid yellow scarf from the print top color in the first suitcase and a scarf with the red, blue, aqua and yellow colors of the print top in your second suitcase, imagine how much oompf that would give those outfits in the first suitcase. The second suitcase has lots of color, but maybe a scarf combining the purple, blue, red and aqua along with a scarf the exact shade of blue in the print capris? Some necklines don’t work with scarves as well as necklaces and if the weather was really warm, I understand where this might not be the perfect solution, but I wanted to throw out this option for you to think about.

#4, maybe? You mentioned your problem of repeatedly wearing the same outfit. I fixed this problem for myself when I began compiling a spreadsheet for a longer trip about five years ago. I know you take them quite frequently, but the only time I’ve ever taken a 14-day trip was visiting Europe as a high-school junior. The thought of managing my own luggage caused me to scrutinize each item for this longer trip. Due to medical issues, I decided I could only comfortably handle a rolling carry-on and a large purse. Because I uber-planned my outfits, the spreadsheet was invaluable. I think I’ve mentioned this before, but before our trips DH always asked if I have the tickets and trip paperwork. Now he asks if I have my spreadsheet. He knows it is THAT important to me. It takes all stress off my back and lets me enjoy the trip.

For that recent longer trip, I wore a jacket, top and pants, and I packed two jackets, two pants, two sleeveless tops, two Ts, two 3/4-sleeved tops, two long-sleeve tops, and a vest. Other than one striped top, the tops were all different textures but solid colors. What elevated this wardrobe? I took seven scarves. If I hadn’t used a spreadsheet, I wouldn’t have remembered what I had worn the day before. No matter whether the weather was warmer or cooler than expected, I felt prepared with two of every sleeve-length top option. If I changed Tuesday and Wednesday outfits, I noted it on my sheet. Our schedule was too busy to decide each morning what to wear. My spreadsheet allowed me to stage my outfit the night before and hit the ground running the next morning. I was so concerned that everyone on the trip would notice those same few tops over and over, but I’ll never forget the nice lady that commented how she looked forward each day to seeing what scarf I’d be wearing. That sealed the deal for me.

Scarves and a spreadsheet—they may not work for everyone, but Man, Oh Man!—I’ll never leave home without them!

Ready, she asks? These days I feel like I'm meeting myself coming and going, Linda. I'm never ready. I have my dress for DS's wedding, but it isn't pressed. Wrinkles galore. Where's my iron/steamer? I have it all. I just don't have it all together. KWIM?

 

Pam, I know I've said thank you already, but I really appreciate the time and effort that you've taken to show us Barcelona. I don't think you've hogged the thread at all. In fact, because I knew you travelled to Paris and I've been waiting to see and hear all about it, I haven't started compiling my pictures and thoughts about our North Carolina (you were right) trip.

 

If you need a break and want me to post NC before we see Paris, I will, but it will take a bit of time. I have Halloween, DS's wedding and a camper with 9 months of "stuff" to bring home in the next three weeks. I keep telling DH that I don't have time to be working 5 days a week! I'm too stinking busy to be trying to work! However, if it wasn't for office time, I don't know when I'd catch up here. I'll be working on compiling my thoughts as office hours permit. Tee-hee-hee!

 

Oops, Pam. I forgot to add that I didn't think the Guadi house was gaudy at all. It may have been my favorite! I must go and find the info on it and educate myself. It struck me funny.

Pam, I am so enjoying your pictures and your commentary about the trip. I feel like I'm really there. I read a book several months ago (maybe, years!) about a grown daughter and her mother that visited several old cities. Part of their mission was to track down as many Madonnas as possible. I remember a Black Madonna being especially important and was glad to see your picture. Isn't it strange what information I retain in my little pea brain?

 

Had to interrupt to say--I think I have the same rain jacket!!! I ordered it from Columbia.com to be sure that I purchased a FIRE jacket. I had a cream with black interior (yuck! around my face), a pale green (horrible) and a pale blue (just as bad), and was determined to have a good FIREY jacket. Paid lots more than I would ordinarily, but couldn't find anything I liked in local stores. I really like the packable thinness of the jacket; the jacket length and hood are perfect. I'll let you know if it keeps the rain away for me.

I really need to get back to work, but....

 

Sailor Sally, that will be one attractive denim-dressed lady at the reunion! I almost always do my version of column dressing that Anita mentioned. Open jacket with matching bottom and untucked accent color top to elongate, elongate, elongate. I don't think I have worn a top tucked in since my last child was born in '85!

 

Thanks for the JJill suggestion. I have also thought that brand was too young for me.

 

I think your dressier Saturday outfit sounds just right.

 

Melody, could you possibly be an AIR? My mother's hair grayed so pretty. It never looked like it needed color, it just gradually looked like she was highlighting and then lowlighting, and finally it is almost all white now. She just adjusted her clothes color choices to deeper saturated versions of the colors she wore when her hair was a lighter red-brown and her freckles showed a little more under those gorgeous cornflower blue eyes. Why did my little brother get her gorgeous hair and eyes? My dad is really smart though. I take a little after him. LOL

Thanks for the JoAnn site, Anita. At 59" wide, that would make lots and lots of pockets! My reason for side pockets was to carry lipstick and such. I wouldn't carry valuables, but I guess it might look wonky if the material was super sheer though.

 

http://www.landsend.com/products/womens-aquaterra-short-sleeve-zip-front-rash-guard/id_258166

 

is the lime rashguard that I bought this year, it's still available and it's on sale in a few select sizes and colors! I thought it was a good FIRE green, but then, I'm easily persuaded too. YMMV There was also a multi color floral, but I wasn't sure that the colors were quite right. DD finds it necessary to pull me away from the multi floral prints. Can we say Debbie's scarves????? --Debbie

SS, I'm beginning to think that Alfred Dunner and the like really isn't me and never will be. KWIM? Every time I see those elastic waist pants and pastel floral designs, I cringe. I just can't go there. I am 58, my mother is 78 and my daughter is 34. DD and I have persuaded Mom that even she looks better when she wears clothes that fit a little better and have a little shape.

 

Current is a good thing. I've been searching for the right boutique tunic (what I call them) since a friend wore one with leggings to a wedding rehearsal a few weeks ago. She's in her mid 60s and looked cute as a button. Just the reason I'm trying to locate one for myself, of course. Sincerest form of flattery and all that.

 

What is it about class reunions, weddings, and other big life events that cause me to second guess every item in my closet? I have plenty of clothes. I have too many clothes actually. I have nothing to wear to XYZ that is perfect and it must be perfect. I feel your pain.

 

Whatever you decide to wear, remember that you won't be the only one there wondering about what they have on. Just enjoy the festivities.

 

Oh dear, I'm such a clutz at trying to say the right thing. I know what I mean, but I'm afraid I stick my foot in where my mouth needs to be shut! I truly do mean well, Sally. Tunic with leggings, denim dress with capri leggings, pants and top, they all sound good to me. Didn't know if you were wanting another option or input on your choices, but how about a knit T-shirt dress with a denim jacket? That seems current these days and can look just right casual with the right accessories and shoes if the weather isn't too Florida hot. --Debbie

Thanks, Pam, for the purple top explanation. I think it’s amazing how different the purple top shows on my monitor in the different pictures it’s in. Kinda reminds me of long ago when I was trying to post all my green tops and have the ladies here help me decide what was FIRE and what was not. Different lighting and backgrounds and all that, right? Any ways, I like you in that top, whatever its IRL color.

 

Friends? What DO you call people that are more than acquaintances, but not quite what I consider friend category? Associates or contacts, maybe? I’m waaaay too straight-shooting to allow that to happen more than once, I’m afraid. Really. I’m glad you made the most of your time in Miami, though.

 

I really, really like your hair style. Sharing my experience with a flat iron might not be the best help for you since it is something relatively new for me and my hair is thinner now than it was before my last surgery. It hasn’t returned to the thick, baby fine, stick straight hair that I had a few years ago. Now it’s just baby fine, stick straight hair so I turn the heat setting dial lower and very quickly run a flat iron through sections of my hair, curling it under on the very ends. Very easy. Much easier to use than a curling iron, IMHO. I always thought I couldn’t possibly benefit from a flat iron when my hair was as straight as it is, but it puts a finish on it that you can’t get with just a hairdryer. And, I don’t burn my head and hands like I usually managed to do with a curling iron. So not only am I the lone dark FIRE of the group, I guess I’m the only one with non-frizzy hair too, huh?

 

I like the living wall very much. Wouldn’t it be great if you could make a smaller version of herbs in the kitchen to use for cooking? Just snip, snip and throw it in the pot? I can’t grow cactus, so I personally couldn’t do such a thing. Just another great idea…..

 

So, the 100% cotton fabric skirt—thin, very light weight, but does it still need to be ironed, i.e. wrinkles easily, since it is 100% cotton? I simply MUST dig out my old Singer and get busy. Heck, I’ve probably got material somewhere that would work if it hasn’t dry-rotted by now. I just love this idea and the pocket idea is brilliant. I think I’d like both the regular side seam pockets and the baby waistband pocket on mine. I’ll put it on my Crafts I’m Going to Work On When I Have Time List. Yeah, right.

 

Pam, you asked about ship wardrobe choices. On sea days, I usually wear some version of what I wore the night before unless the night before was Dress Up Night. I tried one trip to take non-committal skirts and tops (neither too terribly dressy or too casual) so that if I decided to read a book sitting inside or outside, I didn’t feel inappropriately dressed. It worked rather successfully. As I’ve already shared before, one of my favorite outfits is the cover-up set I use of zip-front rash guard cardi and skirt made of board short material. The one I have is a little short, so I plan to get a men’s board short and remake it into another skirt. Yeah, see List mentioned above. LOL

 

I especially like the way my monitor showed the last picture of your swim dress and rash guard. Love. Love. Love that color. The soot clean-up story? Too funny. I don’t mind washing out thing or two and have learned to lay my wet item on a towel, overlap extra towel material over top of item, then jelly roll it and twist gently. SOOO much water comes out that, depending upon the fabric, it is almost dry, and how great is a $40 credit!?! So, I very much admire the frugality of it all.

 

Thanks for taking us on your cruise. You ARE going to take us to Paris too, right? Don’t just leave us over there in Spain! Here’s waving back to you, Pam!

Is this you, Cholla/Barbara?

 

http://fireiceearthandair.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/colorinterventionbarbarahbeforeafter.jpg

I've just finished my detective work, and agree that Barbara's current hair color may be what's encouraging us to veer away from her natural EARTHy self. I agree with Curt's diagnosis of EARTH.

Yea!!! Pam, I. LOVE! The purple top. It's exactly the color I've searched desperately for my son's upcoming wedding. It's been called orchid, magenta, blackberry (maybe), and red-violet so far on my returned purchases. Do you remember what color your top was called? Big woot-woot to Anita for the skirt redo. Excellent length, yes?

 

So glad to "see" you. I'll try to work on re-educating myself about posting pictures so when you have finished taking us across the Atlantic, I'll be ready to take everyone to North Carolina. I'll have to dig up Anita's old notes about how to post. But you have plenty of time to tell your story. Today was my first day back to work and I'll start the day tomorrow with only 47 emails that need my attention. I got a lot accomished today.

I learned about this stuff from this board and it is amazing! I use it as a primer and much more. I have learned so much from everyone here but have never had much to add, but you should really try the Monistat chaffing cream, it works. Just one more note I have very sensitive fair skin and this caused NO problems, just baby soft dry skin.

 

his subject has come up once before and a poster recommended something other than the normal face primer.......now don't laugh until you try it. I tried it, now it's what I use and it's just so darn CHEAP. Here are 2 blogs with details, one that even compares it with Smashbox.

 

http://www.myvanitybasics.com/2012/0...box-photo.html

 

http://bunbunmakeuptips.com/5-good-r...a-face-primer/

 

I agree wholeheartedly with Cindy123. This may be the very best tip/hint I've read over the years on cruise critics. IT WORKS like a dream and I keep more of my cold, hard cash for more important things--like travel!

Pam, we are ready for you to post as much as you are willing to share about your trip. I'd love to hear ALL about it. Things you saw, food you ate, fashion...whatever and as much as you are willing to share. I'm off on Tuesday for a short jaunt to the mountains , but I will be checking in here to see what's current, and will try my best to take a few good pictures of my FIREY Natural Nostalgic self to share when I return. My bare-bones mix and match wardrobe may be the smallest I've ever taken for a 5 day trip.

Hope you feel better soon, Anita. Bummer that you couldn't fully enjoy your parent's visit.

 

Sally, glad your SO is improving.

 

Laurie, I love the visuals. You inspire me to do a better job with my jewelry options.

 

Ladies, I've mentioned it before, but I really enjoy listening on your EARTH conversation. It helps me focus on my FIRE colors.

Here's a quick photo of the fabric laid out. Pay no attention to the colors--I didn't set the camera settings :eek: But, it will show the full pattern of the fabric :)

 

https://plus.google.com/photos/106816041713365180641/albums/6062784965604591121?authkey=COyU_cf4x-O67wE

 

I. Absolutely. Love. It! The pattern of the green medallion piece is wonderful. You make me want to dig out my old Singer and start sewing. Just lovely, Kim.

Anita, my cover-up skirt is blue. I have a lime zip-up rash guard for my lime/aqua floral suit and a bright blue zip-up rash guard for my blue/ivory stripe suit. I don't remember which one I wore, but it was one or the other. I think Kim was wearing green. A quick dunk in the water takes care of over-heating while wearing the rash guard, yet I can remain covered as long as I choose.

 

I love me some scarves. Lots and lots of scarves. How much fun to let the scarf, the outfit and the mood of the day determine how the scarf gets tied (or not). Each time is different. So much fun!

I have a general idea, but would also love to know specifically how to make a skirt from board shorts. I have a cover-up skirt exactly like this that I LOVE, but have never seen another like it. If I knew how to make one, it would. Make. My. Day!

Someone mentioned cover-ups a few posts back and I'd like to share my favorite. I wear a tankini and for coverup, I use a zip-up 3/4-sleeve rash guard (LandsEnd) and a skirt made from quick-dry material that's similar to the skirt made from board shorts featured on the Sewing for a Cruise thread. Same design and length, I think, but mine is a solid blue instead of black/white floral. This combo is much more flattering for my top-heavy body style than any one-piece pull over the head cover-up that I've tried.