indiana71

sherilyn70: Thank you for posting Formal Night photos! How elegant you both look! The long dresses are so beautiful:).

We will be in Nassau on St. Patrick's Day. I'm not wearing green during the day while we are off the ship and sightseeing, BUT can't decide if the "wearin' of the green" should be part of my casual dinner/evening...

Let me say - green is not a good color for me, especially near my face...and therefore, my clothing selection is very limited.

First - here is my original Outfit choice:

Yellow and orange is one of my happy cruise combinations...

This is my only possibility - Is the blouse enough green to satisfy St. Patrick?

OPINIONS, PLEASE!

When I look at the clothes selected for the Next Cruise, there are lots of bright pastel colors - pinks, limes, coral, yellow. Rarely do I choose neutrals...and that can make it more interesting when mixing and matching. BUT, bright pastels make me happy, put me in a tropical frame of mind and are so-o-o different from my daily winter attire;).

Today (during all the pre-Super Bowl television viewing), I will take my handwritten Outfit Worksheets and put all the info into the Spreadsheet.

This week some photos could be taken and posted. There should be time since Old Man Winter keeps reminding me of where I live!:p

Staying inside is the best choice...and arranging outfits for a photo shoot sounds like a good way to escape:cool:.

murfturf: Thank you for the crossbody info! My Bagalini tote is perfect for air travel but too big for carrying longer periods of time. I'm gonna check out Bagalini's crossbody options on amazon.

Outfits Try Ons begin tomorrow (think: the Annie Tomorrow song again;)!) The room heater goes to the Cruise Room before breakfast and will be high 70s for as long as I need to try on.

As I say every time: each outfit looks like a winner right now...but after Try Ons, there will be at least one "what was I thinking???" moment:rolleyes:.

Temps are in the teens today. Snow is swirling around with every gust of wind. There is NO color outside my window. And tomorrow could be even colder. Perfect day to listen to Caribbean music and look at brightly colored apparel! ...and DH, good guy that he is, will bring coffee mid-morning and wine mid-afternoon....:cool::)

All Outfit Contender components are on display in the Cruise Room. Only a couple outfits are listed on my worksheets - the Leaving from Baltimore in March ensemble includes cream cord pants and a raspberry-colored sweater. One casual dinner outfit is ready.

After all the Choosing is done, then the Try-Ons begin - Saturday probably.

Meanwhile, during my second cup of lunch coffee I glanced through All You magazine and saw an article "10 Ways to Get Happy".

#4 included this: "The findings on one Dutch study indicated that the bliss of a trip can start months before it begins, owing to the anticipation."

IT TOOK A DUTCH STUDY TO DISCOVER THAT SIMPLE TRUTH???? Why not simply come to this thread and read about all the bliss we CCFs feel while talking about The Next Cruise:):cool:.

And #6 stated: "the University of British Columbia found that it doesn't really matter if you interact with people you know well or only casually. Folks feel more chipper when they mingle....talk to strangers. Camaraderie is comforting." Well, ISN'T THAT PART OF THE CRUISE EXPERIENCE, TOO??? We talk to strangers on the ship - about the days activities, tell favorite family stories; and in general become good friends with fellow passengers for the duration of the cruise.

Perhaps these scholars from academia need to book a cruise instead of spending research $$$ on "studies"!:rolleyes:

...and now - Back to the Cruise Room:cool:;)

"Tomorrow, tomorrow - is only a day away!" -

and tomorrow The Packing Process will begin!! 44 days to go and BeCruzin is right on - a snowy, dreary day is perfect for working on Cruise Clothes.:)

Actually, DH will be at a basketball game this evening and I will start laying out possible choices (just to get a head start...)

Some photos of potential outfits - could be by end of this week:cool:

The best Birthday of My Life! From Thursday afternoon until Sunday afternoon was a whirlwind of family activity. The local DS & family were blown away by the surprise visit of Minneapolis DS & family. Our Gala Dinner Saturday was fun and the grandkids helped serve during courses.

Sunday morning we reviewed our Family Cruise itinerary and talked about ports of call.

The house is "back to normal" now since the beds were remade, laundry done by bed time last night.

After breakfast today, I looked at catalogs that came over the weekend - some summer clothes, swimsuits! No plans to buy anything, but nice to see more than sweaters and winter coats:cool:!

Loved all the manis that were posted. Hope my nails are at least past the tops of my fingers when it's time for my Mani/Pedi:confused:.

Shoes with Formal-Night Navy Dress - IMHO, black is very safe, but on a cruise, silver would be my choice. Not sparkly, glittery, just nice silver fabric. And DHs tie could be gray with possibly a design or stripes in colors that would add interest.

I have printed our SetSail Pass and Luggage Tags:):cool:! With a couple chores today and tomorrow, Weds is designated as Time to Start the Packing Process Day.

Setting aside items that I really want to wear will be the first step. Often, after having all outfits ready, I come across shoes, jewelry, top, whatever, that is a favorite but didn't make the cut. Hope to change that this time.

sunnydaygirl: Love your tops! Pink + Sparkles = A Happy CCF!

Interesting way to pack - folding outfits together. Haven't thought of that. So when you unpack, the folded outfits go in drawers/stay together? I want to hear more...

I loved when you said "If something great jumps in my way, how can I say No!" Will keep that in mind and use it on DH...;)

pcur: Oh my! ONE suitcase + 2 rolling backpacks - that's unbelievable! You will be the envy of every CCF who strives to pack light!

Wow! Lots of good posts since my last visit:)!!

sherilyn70: Your dresses are GORGEOUS! The styles are elegant and the colors timeless.

BlessedAZwife: Your post could easily have been mine - the Packing Process, DH...., Unpacking (& DH getting out of the way:rolleyes:). And even using a suitcase for a hamper. I told my DH that he's not the only one who spends time on his interests, and barely thinks about packing. There are lots of guys out there just like that!

Thank you for the nice comments, too. This is THE place to come for lots of useful, interesting and fun info.

fitmomd - As a CCF, you are entitled to a Pre-Cruise Shopping Spree! It's in the by-laws;).

sunnydaygirl - I have never had the opportunity to do any serious shopping in Florida. My fantasy would be that there are shops full of cruise clothes and accessories that would be calling my name:cool:.

Let us know what you find!

tbbtravels - A Packing List, no matter how detailed or quickly put together, is a prerequisite for a stress-free cruise. I'm sure you still had a good New Year's cruise...even if you had to wear black bras under white tops!

We're 53 days away from The Next Cruise...but the Cruise Room is still the Guest Room. I've been cleaning and getting ready for Family Birthday Weekend. With the Minneapolis DS & family coming, and the nearer-to-us DS & family not knowing, it's even going to be more fun!

Sunday, after breakfast, we will have a discussion on The June Family Cruise. Last time (our first Family Cruise), I had tops for the moms, golf shirts for the dads and t-shirts for the kids that were all the same color. DS took care of the family logo embroidered on all the tops. This time, I might just order similar tops from "Life Is Good".

By this time next week, the festivities will be over, the house will be back to an empty nest...and the Packing Process will be very close to starting:cool::). Meanwhile, I will check in here to see and read what all the CCFs are doing.

notanlines and JediMom: Yay for spreadsheets/menus!

Now, if only we could find a way to market that spreadsheet and make enough $$ to pay for a couple cruises;):cool:!

On Monday, 1/26, I'll be getting The House back to it's usual state (we will be accommodating 10 for that long Gala Birthday Weekend), and Tuesday, 1/27, is designated Take It Easy Tuesday - meaning a day in front of the fireplace, catching up on DVR'd programs and magazines.

AND THEN - finally the clothing and accessories will emerge from their storage places to begin Outfit Try-Ons:cool:!

pcur: Thanks for the heads up RE Princess Cruises. The reason Norwegian will probably be our choice is that we want to start and finish in Hawaii. Norwegian doesn't go anywhere else and we would dock overnight on 2 islands. Would also do a pre-cruise hotel stay and Norwegian arranges that, too; since they have an office in Waikiki.

Booking for June 2016 isn't on the NCL website yet...will wait at least a couple weeks before calling.

We have gotten used to the perks that come with being RCI Diamond+. Too bad their itineraries don't work for us. We will miss "Wine Time" with free wine/drinks 5-8 PM, the Concierge Lounge, etc.....

Gala Birthday Weekend Update: amazon must look at incoming orders and say, "Oh, HER again!":rolleyes: I (and DH, too) want to pamper the "kids" like they were on a cruise, so ordering online is the way to do it in Small Town USA. Grandkids will get special luggage tags, imported cheeses, to name a few.

Our Family Favorite Drink is from Bermuda: Dark & Stormys, made with Black Seal rum and Goya ginger beer (young'uns will have root beer). That will be the beverage offered Friday night.

When we're cruising, all of us love it when lamb is served for dinner. DH has taken responsibility for preparing The Best Leg of Lamb Ever. I ordered it from a nearby company that supplies many high-end restaurants.

Sunday morning, after breakfast, there will be a Ports of Call Information gathering (with Mimosas for adults, orange juice & spariling water for the cherubs!). The grandkids are mostly interested in swimming and being able to order whatever they want for each meal. We will be just under 5 months to The Family Cruise.:cool:

Isn't it interesting how cruising just seems to weave it's way all through life -even in the middle of winter...in western PA...with snow falling as I look out the window....

sunndaygirl: Your new top is so-o-o cruise worthy! Good for you. It will be perfect:cool:!

RedInLove: Thanks for checking in again! Welcome back!! DH & I are always surprised to see babies and toddlers on cruises...but they seem to be having fun! Sure makes it nicer when grandmas and grandpas go, too;).

I've been doing some spring (make that mid-winter) cleaning, in preparation for our Family Birthday Weekend in 2 weeks. Washed everything in 2 china cupboards and will be taking a quick trip to the Lake House for a blow-up bed and pillows.

BUT - have also had time to do a little 50th Anniversary Cruise Research - and we have decided to go to Hawaii:cool::)! We went to Oahu when DH was in Vietnam and had leave time. That was in our 2nd year of marriage, so it seems appropriate to revisit and also see the other Hawaiian islands.

Looks like Norwegian has the best itinerary for what we want, but no reservation made until after The B'day Weekend. It sure is fun, though, to think about....

Plane are always cold to me, too. Long sleeves for sure!

Today I printed my preliminary worksheets for Outfit Planning. The spreadsheet is ready to go also. No outfits listed yet.

We're having a Family Celebration Weekend January 22- 25. DS & family from Minneapolis haven't been home for a couple years. They go to the Lake House (where there's lots more to do!) But our 2 sons, granddaughter & I have January birthdays so we asked them all to come for a long weekend.

So instead of going on a cruise and being pampered, it will be my turn to do the pampering for 8 of my favorite people (+ DH, of course!) It's going to be a crazy, happy time:)!

Since all the bedrooms will be occupied, The Packing Process won't begin until after they have left (and the household goes back to Just the 2 of Us):cool:!

DH mentioned that our 50th anniversary is in 18 months...perhaps we should plan a Special Cruise. Gotta love that guy!! It's going to be fun to choose. Right now there are 3 possibilities: Hawaii (Royal Caribbean), going through the Panama Canal (Royal Caribbean) or maybe a river cruise (Viking has a 15-night Grand Tour). Itineraries and pricing for June 2016 aren't available on the websites yet...that's okay. I have a big weekend to plan!!

Thanks for the feedback RE the "frumpy" look! I have a white pashmina, and also Bolero-style cardigan. I'll try those when The Process begins.

When we fly from cold Pittsburgh PA to warm Florida, there's always the "what's appropriate for both climates" issue.

In early December it was cold at the airport, but I wore black Capris, sandals, short sleeve knit top and a light-weight jacket...and left my heavy winter coat in the car.

I wasn't cold more than a few minutes. Once inside the terminal, temperature was comfortable. Dealing with a bit of cold was preferable to me than to have heavy winter clothes in my stateroom closet...reminding me of what I'm getting away from.

Returning to reality, we had a temperature drop of 40 degrees:eek:. But it didn't take long for the car heater to warm up (after I put on my heavy coat and gloves.)

MandyMommyof2: WELCOME to CCF, home of Ladies Who Love Looking Good;). Join the conversation and keep us updated on your Packing Progress!!

I need an honest opinion - after seeing this photo, the long dress isn't doing much for me. Do I look frumpy? Seriously, tell it like you see it!

On the other hand, I really like this outfit. Shoes aren't visible, but the skirt was a consignment shop purchase and the print is appropriate for cruising. The pink purse is a "Pouchee" that is supposed to fit in a handbag (to keep things organized), but it's roomy enough for me on its' own.

CruiseDivaNJ: Yippee for your new shoes:)! They sound totally cruise-worthy! We CCFs do like our footwear;).

Tomorrow at this time, most of the family will be gathered for holiday festivities. After all the prep and anticipation, time will pass quickly. I won't get back here until the weekend. It's time to enjoy the company of family and friends.

Happy Holidays to all CCFs! May the Spirit of Christmas fill your hearts.

slidergirl: You are so right! There's not much variety near my town. When we visit DS & family, near Pittsburgh, I go to Talbot's. And from the lake house, it's 45 minutes to Erie and a mall (Macy's, jc penny - Cold Water Creek was there, too. Sorry to see it go:(). Close to the lake house is a really nice consignment shop.

There's a small clothing shop in my town, and of course, the Goodwill store:rolleyes:!

Online shopping would be easy...if clothing manufacturers were consistent with sizes! zappos is good for shoes, with their free return policy.

sunnydaygirl: How wonderful that your son has found "the one" and what a thoughtful way to propose! Hope all goes well and his new fiancee is showing off a ring!

sunnydaygirl: Trying to get Christmas finished and packing done makes double stress. You have done lots of cruises and will be just fine...even if you forget to pack an item or 2.:rolleyes: The holidays and cruise will be happy and relaxed. It's the preliminary chores that gives one the jitters!

Here's a photo of one of my Sea Day outfits - Talbot's blouse & shorts, my favorite Naot sandals (they are still available from zappos, I might order another pair to keep on standby!) Lots of photos were being taken by the tree.

This photo was taken on the helicopter pad. Needless to say, the wind was strong. Every CCF has a pair of white Capris (I should look for a backup pair...). Love my Dooney & Bourke cupcake purse!

The cruise on Explorer of the Seas was wonderful:cool:! The embarkation was horrible!! Folks who cruise out of Port Canaveral regularly, blamed the disorganization on Explorer. Those of us who have cruised on EX several times, blamed it on the Port terminal procedure. Whichever it was doesn't really matter - we arrived at the terminal by taxi at 10:30 AM and didn't board until noon:confused:.

There was a scheduled rocket launch at NASA that morning and, no doubt, caused some of the backup. Disappointed that the launch didn't go off until the next day.

But the Cruise was magnificent! We basked in the tropical sunshine and enjoyed the 4 ports of call. I had only a couple items that didn't get worn.

Since there were many senior citizens, fashion was mostly conservative. No inappropriate T-shirts or clothing that was a couple sizes too small.

We have decided not to cruise again in December. The ship is decorated with pointsettias and a lovely large tree, but after 3 pre-Christmas cruises, we want to stay at home next year...so I will be cancelling the December 2015 cruise...but will look for one in January...

Meanwhile, I'm getting caught up on holiday chores and will post some photos in the next day or two.

RE: Black skirts - neutral bottoms are good choices since you can be as bright as you like on tops and accessories. And, as I think back to how people were dressed, I tend to look from the waist up!

I won't start the Packing Process for the March cruise until the end of January. Family will be visiting for a weekend and the Cruise Room will be sleeping quarters...but after that, I will be pleased to start all over again:cool::)!

Vera Bradley is so-o-o popular! DDL has several and has even worn out the shoulder strap on one of them:rolleyes:. My issue is that they are mostly patterns and so much of my wardrobe is multi-colored. (Don't know the pattern, will look online.)

I'm hoping to use my new one alot since it's lime and hot pink - 2 colors that appear in several cruise outfits.

The shop where I bought the Vera B items had a promotion if you spent XXX dollars - and I did...so got a duffle bag. It folds up to a very small size and is in the suitcase to be used to carry beach towels, sunscreen, etc.

Since this is Giving Tuesday, I took several bags of Christmas decorations to the Goodwill Store...and expected to make a quick sweep through the store...

came home with 5 tops: Ralph Lauren, Ann Taylor, a perfect LL Bean cardigan for winter and a Tommy Hilfiger. Ah, there's always the Next Cruise:cool:!

And speaking of the Next Cruise - we leave for Florida tomorrow:cool::)! DH and I are counting down the hours. He just printed our boarding passes and checked to see that the flight today departed and landed on time. Fingers crossed that will be the case tomorrow.

No more posts till we return! Photos will be posted. Keep the conversation going CCFs!

Abercram: CONGRATULATIONS! one more time!! What a wonderful surprise...now remember - it would be only right to invite all CCFs to your wedding;)!

We had a delightful and delicious Thanksgiving at DS's house. DDL goes all out in cooking this yearly feast for 24 of us.

She and I did a tiny bit of shopping on Black Friday - but not for anything special. (My Christmas shopping is done, gifts wrapped.)

BUT - in her favorite shop, the Vera Bradley rep was there...and she was a good salesperson! I bought a crossbody (pink, lime, grey print) with a matching wallet, and a black & white scarf. The scarf has gone into the suitcase and will be perfect for Formal Night. Also bought DDL a wristlet (she deserved it after such a good meal!)

Final Countdown is underway! Only a few item on the To Do List. Weds will be here quickly:cool::)!

Yes, it was cold for Light Up Night, but not windy (thank goodness for small favors!). Before the parade, I stopped in a couple shops...and found a bracelet that should be perfect for Formal Night #2. I'm wearing a black LBD, silver heels and silver evening bag. Necklace is red stones on silver (was my mother's), red & silver dangly earrings...and now a red stones and silver bracelet (nothing that needs to be insured, just a fun piece of jewelry).

I wanted to be seasonally festive without going over the top. (Will hopefully remember to have a photo and others after The Cruise.)

SailAway is in TEN Days!! DH's Countdown Clock shows when we leave for the airport, and that's NINE days:cool:. Lots to do in the next week.

Yesterday we had almost tropical weather - 60+ on the thermometer, so took advantage and put up outdoor decorations. And finally, all the leaves are down and we filled one last bag.

Whew! Down time today. Hair and eyebrow wax appointment tomorrow...

The To Do List has lots of checkmarks! Chores are being crossed off. Many times the last 2 weeks before a cruise drag on and on...but NOT this time! Whew! Thanksgiving and the day after are wonderful. Our family will be together, except for DS & family in Minneapolis:( but Skype, at least gives us a chance to chat face to face - even though it gets loud as all 25 of us try to give holiday greetings at the same time:rolleyes:.

Tomorrow evening is our small town's Light-Up Night. It's going to be in the low 20's, and shops will be open...I might have to go inside to get warm...and who knows, maybe find ONE MORE FUN ITEM to tuck in the suitcase:cool::).

It must be a guy thing! My DH wears a shirt a couple hours, hangs it up...wears it again. I know it's been worn because he doesn't bother to button the top button, and after washing & ironing, I always button;)!

And as long as I'm dissing the guy...he's in his recording studio working weeks ahead (so his shows go on while he's away)...but he can't understand why I want the packing done ahead:rolleyes:.

He IS doing better this time. And since we're flying, it's all about the weight. My suitcase is done and is just over 42 lbs. His needs a few more items, and right now weight is 38 lbs. Nice to know the packing procedure is winding down:cool::)!

Yes! The digital luggage scale is a godsend! The old method of standing on the scale, getting off, holding a suitcase, getting back on - is SO not reliable! Besides, that only works for one way. We still need to re-pack and get that luggage home. And the luggage scale is small and light - no problem taking it along:).

pcur: Loved your Packing/Re-Packing story! We want everything to be perfect for the Pre-Cruise...but coming back - it all gets laundered/dry cleaned anyway:rolleyes:. Laying on the bed, reading a book is the best idea!

Whew! Suitcase weighed 38.5 lbs, so I added a couple of DH's shirts (since there was still room). DH will add a two pairs of shoes to his suitcase - and they are heavier than my nine pairs:rolleyes:. So, if his suitcase is 50+, there's room in mine.

QUESTION: We talk about who packs the luggage pre-cruise (I do, DH packs his own, etc.), BUT - who does the unpacking onboard?

We have a procedure that works well for us: Suitcases are opened on the bed. DH takes his station in front of the closet. I hand him items to hang up and shoes to put in the shoe bag on the bathroom door. All shelf & drawer items are mine to put away.

It doesn't take very long and asap, my suitcase is under the bed, and DH's is used as the hamper.