indiana71

sunnydaygirl: Thank you for the reminder RE Press & Seal for jewelry! I'm going to try your method...using a straw has also worked for me.

BTW: Does anyone else see a trend to smaller, daintier necklaces rather than the big statement pieces??? ...all of a sudden the few "statement" necklaces I have...just look too big....

I'm surprised to read that so far, CCFs don't have much luck at consignment shops. :confused: Just this morning, on the national news, there was a story about how popular resale shops are and the amount of $$$ they take in.

There aren't many retail clothing stores in my area (at home and at the Lake House). Shopping online hasn't worked very well - either the size is wrong or the item doesn't look like I expected.

So for me, the one consignment shop and the Goodwill Store have been good. (and besides, I have $80+ in credit:))

Family Vacation at the Lake House is over. "My" sunporch belonged to the 4 grandkids (and various children of niece and nephews). Shoes were lined up under the library table in the living room and a card table was set up in the dining room for the kids...and now all is back to The Two of Us.

We have never had better weather Every Single Day! It was an all-around perfect vacation with our immediate family of 10 and a total of 25.:)

So now I'm looking forward to The Next Cruise:cool:. With 117 days to go, it's MUCH too early to start The Process (even for a die-hard CCF! ;))...BUT the Cruise Room is a magnet pulling me in...so I will (once again) reorganize and go through every item within the next couple of weeks.

Many of us have talked about buying in consignment shops and resale stores, so I'm curious:

QUESTION: Do you shop in consignment shops and/or resale stores? If so, What percentage of your Cruise Clothes come from one of them?

My Answer: At least 50% of my clothes come from those kind of shops. Shoes and jewelry - no.

H20mac3: Congratulations on the new Cruise Room! Make sure your CCF tiara is in a prominent spot;):cool:.

sunnydaygirl: Wow! Two needed items found!!!! What a relief.

I like your dress, but agree with others - straps would do the trick.

When you are desperately searching for something (cruise related or not), it is so-o-o frustrating - especially when the item is important.

And sometimes you find something you aren't even looking for (like DGD outfit:)).

Did you check the deep pockets inside and outside your luggage? I once found important papers at the bottom of one of those pockets...

awhfy: Good for you!! The Kohl's deal was a real find:). This is a good time to find end of the season sales.

Had to look twice to believe that winter jackets were on the racks in a department store the other day:eek:. Back To School ads are bad enough...but please not winter YET!!

I'm at the Lake House, doing the last minute chores to get ready for The Family Vacation. The fridge here is small since it's usually just the Two of Us...but now, it's bulging at the seams with supplies for 10:rolleyes:!

sunnydaygirl: Any luck searching for your passport???

sunnydaygirl: Fingers are crossed that you find your passport quickly ! Traveling isn't possible without it! It's one of those sinking feelings when you think you know where something important is kept...and it isn't there. Let us know when you find it.

Your bathroom/laundry room reno is making your house dusty now, but when it's complete, you will have an up-to-date brand new space.

Last week I sent our passports for renewal. They don't expire until October but we want to be sure the new ones are here for the November Cruise. It will be a relief when the new ones arrive (hopefully in 3-4 weeks.)

I had a date to meet DH for lunch today. Went out a little early...to stop at the Goodwill Store. Bonanza Time! 5 Cruise Worthy tops, 2 sweaters and 2 pairs of Capris AND a black and white dress suitable for Formal Night - all under $30;):).

Also found a cruise shirt for DH...but he won't get it until our pre-cruise dinner in November.:cool:

Below is a photo of one of my favorite color combinations for Caribbean cruising - yellow and bright pink.

The top is New York New York, Capris Liz Claiborne and wedges are Clark's. Hard to see the jewelry, but Brighton "fish" necklace and earrings were purchased many cruises ago.

CCFs Who Have Access to Lots of Shopping Venues: I am a tad envious... with end-of-the-season sales, there are so-o-o many bargains!

BUT my shopping itch was satisfied yesterday when the town near the Lake House had an Art Festival/Farmer's Market. I purchased 5 pairs of Cruise Worthy earrings and spent $16!

The young lady who makes the earrings is going on her first cruise this fall. I told her she MUST take some of her earrings, and she said, " I don't wear jewelry." WHAT???!! I think(hope) I convinced her to take some with her!

Today was the last day of a Royal Caribbean sale. I saw an itinerary that we have done before, out of Baltimore on Grandeur of the Seas. DH said, "Book it!" Gotta love that guy:).

So now we are booked for end of November, January, March and a back to back in June:cool::).

In September, the Cruise Room will get a thorough Go-Through. I will inspect every item and re-organize where necessary...before the next Packing Process gets underway.

I was driving to the Lake House this morning when a dump truck in the opposite lane kicked up a big stone and it broke my windshield:mad:! Grrrrr...it's the bottom left side - and doesn't impede vision or let in rain (yes, it was raining again).

I talked to the salesman who sold us the Camry hybrid and he made arrangements to have the windshield replaced near the Lake House.

It was a yukky way to start a day, but thankfully, the damage can be fixed.

The scrapbook is put together for The Family Cruise - 400 photos!

The Cruise Room gets a break for a couple months - no activity until October (unless I can't stand waiting:cool:).

The Next Cruise is 10 nights, Western Caribbean...and more than 100 days away.

But Family Vacation is the last week of July, so I have begun laying in supplies for the week (for 10 of us rather than 2:rolleyes:)

Outfit selection isn't a Process for FV. There are clothes that stay at the Lake House, and I supplement with things from home. The spreadsheet is perfect for Cruising, since most days are planned. Don't need to know in advance for a laid-back week of family activities.

Are you starting to see End of Season Sales yet?? I haven't been shopping since pre-cruise, but will be looking for mark downs soon.

jkudzu: Bravo! You beautifully put in to words what so many women need to hear!! For that, you have earned the CCF Tiara Award:).

On this thread, we don't give our vital statistics, but I know CCFs come in all shapes. We're here because looking presentable while being comfortable is important, (on a Cruise OR not!)

I hope anyone who reads your post will be inspired to think positively when looking in a mirror!

We returned Saturday from the Family Cruise and happy to say it was delightful!:cool::)

Weather was perfect - 85 and sunny every day. Lots of happy memories...and about 500 photos to go through...and very few to delete:rolleyes:

I have never purchased a dress in the shops onboard...until now! There was a dress in the window and my size was available! I wore it for a Formal Night - not as formal as the cocktail dress on my spreadsheet, but it fit without any alterations, so a no brainer...the photo makes it look a little longer than it is??? and you can't see the detail very well...but this one will go on Future Cruises.

sunnydaygirl: Thanks for sharing your clothes photos. Even small, they look very cruise worthy! I use snapfish and simply copy and paste here.

BTW: Congrats on losing the pounds! Let that be incentive to continue.

DS & family from MN flew to Phila today and are at DIL's parent's home. So their vacation has already begun:cool:.

Other DS & famly and DH & I will meet approx 8 AM at a rest stop on PA Turnpike tomorrow. Should arrive in Phila by 11:30. While the kids and grandkids explore historic Phila, the grandparents will enjoy some backyard deck time!

Thurs AM, we plan to arrive at the port by 11 AM:).

This is my last post until after the Family Cruise:):cool:. Keep the conversation going and I will be back in 2 weeks...or a little sooner if After Cruise Chores are done!

Blanq: There was an Old Navy store in the local (small town) mall for a couple years...and then it closed. While it was there, I found several cruise-worthy items. Also a couple light pullover sweaters that get lots of wear in cooler temps.

Some of the clothes were poor quality fabric or not made well, but looking more thoroughly, I could usually find something.

Good for you - shopping at Old Navy gave you a couple fun dresses for your Next Cruise:cool:!

In five days my family will be gathering at DIL's parents home in Phila. We are very lucky to be friends with both DIL's families.

Meanwhile, here's my observation on two types of cruisers when there is less than one week on the countdown:

Completely Organized List Maker:

HAS checked off every item on the Packing List and Spreadsheet. Luggage is tagged and ready.

HAS notified post office, newspaper delivery, etc.

HAS already been to the salon for hair, mani, pedi

HAS cleaned the house, except for a couple last minute chores

HAS set aside a little time the Day Before to have car washed and detailed

Lots of Other Obligations, Waits Till Now to Think About Cruise:

HASN'T gotten out the luggage yet, but knows what's going in

HASN'T looked at mail or newspaper in a week - will send a text to a neighbor to collect while gone

HASN'T had time to make a salon appt. Hopes to stop at a no-appt-needed salon for a trim. Will check last summer's bottle of nail polish to see if there's enough for a DIY mani/pedi

WILL ask (bribe if necessary) family members to put dirty clothes in the laundry and help clean up the house.

WILL also ask/bribe family member to take car to carwash. And if that doesn't get done - car is going to sit out anyway!

I have also observed that both types have a perfectly delightful time on their cruise;)!

I'm not a perfume-wearing CCF, but do something similar to Li'lImp: I take H2O Spa Sea Salt products on cruises. Love the scent and they come in travel sizes, everything from shampoo, conditioner to body wash and lotion. Ummmm! Don't use it often at home...only when I need a serious Remember the Last Cruise moment;). Thanks to Li'lImp for putting that whole thought into words. Smell is a very powerful reminder!

jtperry322: My DH also endures my modeling efforts: "What do you think of this?", "Does this look Cruise Worthy?", "Which earrings/shoes looks best?"....and on and on. Gotta give these guys credit for helping. And besides, we really dress for them (most of the time:rolleyes:)!

sunnydaygirl: Hmmmmm...press and seal for necklaces...I will give that a try for the Next Cruise. Straws work for me, too; but your suggestion is worth trying.

I think CCFs naturally like anything with a nautical theme! Grandson's clothes are adorable! Start him early!!

The Cracker Barrel has some good cruise-themed items. There's a Cracker Barrel near the Lake House, so that's one place I can have breakfast and get a little shopping/looking, too:)!

I'm going to a new hair stylist. Decided to find a salon for when we're at the Lake House. She did a cut 3 weeks ago that I (and DH) really like. So today, I went for color - a little scary with Cruising next week...wonder if the color is all wrong:eek:!?? Didn't happen! Love the color AND the cut. She's a keeper.

My hair is shorter now, earrings are easy to see...and I haven't used the flat iron since:).

jkudza: All the suggestions sound good! Anything silk or satin would go IMHO. White is always elegant, but other colors would completely change the look. Your skirt is the perfect basic LBS (Little Black Skirt;))

Our suitcases are 98% packed:cool:. I spent a lot of time choosing outfits for the Family Cruise - wanting to wear favorites or clothing/accessories that haven't been worn for awhile.

I always plan to have lots of Outfits pictures...but this time I will tell my DILs to remind me...hope that will work:cool:,

TEN days from today, we leave for Phila and an overnight visit with DILs parents and both sons and families. It's been over a year in the planning, and now it's within sight!

jkudzu: Good for you:)! The ideal job for a CCF!! It's as much fun helping others put outfits together as doing them for yourself (well, almost as much fun;)).

I have a white necklace and earrings for the brown & white halter dress. White wedges, too.

Here's another photo of Next Cruise attire:

The way the tops are folded here is how they go in the suitcase.

Less wrinkles...

The shorts, upper left, are a palm tree print Pappagallo that I bought years ago at Goodwill. Haven't worn them for a while. My granddaughters are in to palm trees, too; so these shorts HAD to make the cut!

The purse with the shorts outfit, upper right, has a swimsuit motif. Sydney Love is the brand...don't know that name...but love that little purse...another consignment shop purchase.

Love the ikea racks! They do a great job of holding Cruise Clothes and can be brought out when needed. Thanks for posting the pix, sunndaygirl:cool:!

Since I'm a compulsive organizer, racks, shelves, etc., lure me in and call my name:rolleyes:...too bad there isn't an ikea near me...

WELCOME H2Omac3! You have just received your first CCF Tiara for keeping a Cruise Excel spreadsheet:cool:!

So pleased to have you join all of us who love to cruise AND love to put together outfits.

I would go with cotton and seersucker. Synthetics don't work well for me in warm/hot climates. They just stick to me! Hopefully, another CCF can give you more knowledgeable advice.

Where Has May Gone???:eek: Yes we were on a cruise. Yes we have been doing some maintenance at the Lake House...but still, this month is flying by!!

This is the latest I have ever opened the suitcases to start packing - less than 3 weeks to go! BUT, outfits are chosen, checklist for non-clothing items is ready.

I have said here, that patterns and color are my preference...here's proof - a few of the clothes that are about to go in the luggage:

The black, green, blue and white strapless dress was almost a consignment shop castoff...but I tried it on and asked DH if it was appropriate for my (youthful) age. He gave a resounding Yes!

The brown & white dress is a halter style.

The black with slashes of color is a Betsy Johnson that was on sale. I'll wear that the evening the 6 adults go to a specialty restaurant.

The pink & white Capris & top were worn on our First Cruise...and have stayed in the closet since then:rolleyes:. Don't know why it hasn't made the cut more often, but that's the outfit I'm wearing on SailAway day - meaning it goes on in the morning for boarding and stays on through dinner and evening activities. Casual sandals and the Bagalini tote will be swapped for dressier shoes and a clutch purse.

The other Capris are daytime outfits.

A couple more photos next time....gotta get back to the Cruise Room and those suitcases!:cool::)

I have used plastic dry cleaner bags between layers, but find that clothes slip around; so tissue paper works better for me.

The black dress has "rhinestones" on the shoulders. The fabric is no-wrinkle and is forgiving where it needs to be...

On RCI, there's always a 70s night when the Cruise Director and staff dress as the Village People. After the show this time, they stayed around to pose within anyone who wanted a photo...that's me in the blue skirt - on sale in Bermuda. The black buttonless cardigan is from the same store...and on sale, too. I added the jewelry, shoes and a black cami.

NOTE: Always have a couple neutral pieces packed in case of purchases to wear onboard...

FamilyMooner: Thanks for posting Outfits Photos! I, too, like that you paired accessories with each one. The colors and patterns are perfect!

Here's a photo of the dress DH found for me in Hamilton, Bermuda. Luckily, the accessories I had for another LBD worked with this one:)

The other Bermuda purchase is in a photo, but snapfish (where my photos are stored) isn't opening...will try again tomorrow...

fyree39: Your photos are exactly what a CCF wants to see:)! And the good deals you got are tiara worthy!

The dress you like, but aren't sure it looks all that good - it DOES look nice on you, and with pockets, it's a cruise-worthy keeper:cool:.

We arrived back home yesterday and came to the Lake House today. Bermuda was beautiful, weather perfect!! I will post some photos, probably tomorrow.

The women in Bermuda dress so well! Their clothes fit and none looked like they had just scrubbed floors:rolleyes:.

We did some shopping in Hamilton....yes WE - DH bought a black linen sport jacket and saw an LBD on a sale rack that fit without any alterations. Also bought a maxi skirt (on sale) and a long sleeved top for cooler cruising days. Photos coming...

And now, it's one month till the Next Cruise. Packing Process will begin later than usual...since there won't be a couple days in a row at the main house for a week or two.

Twelve hours from now - we will be boarding the bus to the Port of Baltimore:). The weather as we cruise down the coast might (will probably be) a bit rough. C'est le vie!

We will be docked two nights and the return trip should be smooth.

Looking forward to doing some shopping in Hamilton...and planning to take CFF photos:cool:.

Meanwhile - keep checking in and I will log on May 17 or 18:cool::)

Went out this morning to vote since we will be cruising on Primary Election Day:cool:...and stopped (without any expectations) at the Goodwill store.

Got several tops!!! Two Banana Republic knits, a Ralph Lauren tennis sweater (no, I don't play tennis, but like the style:rolleyes:), a no-wrinkle blouse, a Talbot tank and white Coldwater Creek Capris.

The one Banana Republic top will get worn Friday for traveling to Baltimore.

It was nice to go out without a coat or jacket. Beautiful weather! Right now we're getting an afternoon "heat of the day" thunder shower, but I am delighted with Mother Nature today!

Suitcases are zipped and in the hall - ready to be toted to the garage.

Tomorrow we are going to a mid-morning minor league baseball game and of course, Cocktail Hour at 5 PM. After that, Nothing Left to Do but relax a bit, get a good night's sleep and wake up alarm at 5 AM Friday:cool::)

We have never cruised on Halloween...but if we did, dressing up would be fun! Probably not an elaborate costume, but something to celebrate the holiday. On St Patrick's Day, we see cruisers decked out in green wearing silly shamrocks on their heads or elsewhere...(and having a great time!). My suggestion: take costumes with you and ask what others are doing. Better to have the where-with-all than to be the only one without!