sunnydaygirl

My house is undergoing bathroom laundry room Reno. So much dust everywhere. In prep for this I hauled loads of "stuff" to goodwill. I now cannot locate my passport or cameras. I really can't start cruise prep because drywallers will come and creat more dust. So I'm gonna be one busy girl when all the dust settles. Really need to pre-register for my cruise but can't till I locate passport. I know I packed things away to keep out of mess. Gosh I hate to forget where you put things. I really thought my passport was in my zip bag of all things cruise. Ugh!!! But this mess has "forced" me to leave the house! And I may have picked up a couple of cute new pieces!! Have a whole month to get my act together!!

Sunnydaygirl, they ordered that for me, should be here next week. I was SO bad [emoji6]

Nah, never bad! I keep my small ID attached to my purse strap to make going through airports easier.

I'm getting tons of emails from Lands End & Athleta on end of season sales. I did get to shop yesterday (my dentist is 10 miles from the outlets & DH said okay, just a few minutes [emoji6]). Columbia had board shorts in dark grey, navy & black (perfect for paddleboarding) on sale for under $20 (does anyone actually pay $60 for them?). Also found 3 pairs of shorts & shirts for DH in Columbia. All were SPF30-50. Walked next door & hit up Chicos for an asymmetrical bottom turquoise/cream/grey pattern shirt, turquoise casual pullover & teal/white pattern 3/4 length shirt & a pair of travelers khaki shorts. Then walked a couple stores down to the new Vera Bradley store! I'd never bought from them before, but a 50% off sale (& an additional 10% military discount) lured me in. Had to buy these, they screamed take me on a cruise [ATTACH]355412[/ATTACH]. I only walked down half an aisle there.

 

I did get my stitches out of the foot this morning & we're cautiously optimistic that this might have taken care of the problem. Thanks to so many of you that wished me well. Melody

Your Vera on the left is my favorite purse!!! It fits my mini iPad or nook, whichever I'm using, perfectly. I actually got their new toiletry/jewelry bag. . My friends all have them but this is my first. I think you'll love them.

I'm really getting excited( and a little jealous) of all you lucky people booked on the maiden voyage. It goes without saying that you all better come back here with pictures and stories.

No, really, please satisfy our burning curiosity about all "things" Escape. There can not be "too many" pictures and or food porn, shared.

Just got done reading all 120 pages of this thread :) It's been my guilty pleasure over the past week or so.

 

While I don't have anything booked on Escape at the moment, I am a general enthusiast of following newbuilds and I've really enjoyed "getting to know" some of you more frequent posters here, and taking a trip back in time to see the progression of this amazing ship. Suffice it to say, you've all got me plotting ways to fit in an Escape cruise in the near future :D

I understand that!! I'm so excited about this ship I booked Getaway for Sept.

I'm happy to report that as of this am I've managed to get 9 lbs off. Still a long way to go but I'm headed in the right direction. At least 5-10 more by Sept would make me happy.

Sooooo , my pictures aren't so good. Where should I upload to make better.

I also think white capris would look nice with white cuffed navy striped knit top. Best to have options.

A better picture, with my capris. Two choices of jewelry. One silver one gold.

Sorry there were some typos. It won't let me back in to edit. Wish pics were of better quality.

This is a new pair of pants. Finally decided to go with trend. They have very loose elastic at the bottom, not at all tight, just prevents big billowy legs. $9.99 at Cati. Had the top from Label$ from last years favorite purchase and the blue necklace came from Seatle's fish market stalls. I also have a solid blue tunic if I want to dress it up more. For casual dinner. Pewter sandals.

New 3 qt sleeved navy striped to wear with skinny jeans, my just in case chilly night.

Caribbean Joe shirt and my fav of all time green necklace. I have earrings and ring to match. Bought years ago in Cozumel. I have Ned green capris to match.

New flirty skirt hits right at knee. A TJ Maxx find. Have a royal ss shirt and necklace already.

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Just fell in love with swingy top. Cato's sale rack too. Have black knit shorts. A leggin-ish pair to right above the knees and regular knit and also walking shorts. Options.

love this swinging dress. Falls straight from the shoulders. Would wear knit shorts or leggings under. My Mother's Day she'll necklace and earrings I found at TJ Maxx. I think this might go with white leggings too. Bought at label$.

A shear 3/4 sleeve wrap with a sleeveless black tank with small jeweled neckline. Both pieces at Label$. I'll wear with skinny black pants for dress up night. Probably just sparkly earrings.

That was from two different excursions. Think I should stay home now!

I've been out hanging with my bestie. That ultimately leads to shopping. Lost a little weight where my clothes are fitting better. Getting just a few new pieces. I'll take pictures and share. Packing will be tough choices. Sept 5 will be here before I know it. [emoji485][emoji486][emoji509][emoji572]️

OMG! What an awesome place to propose!!!! That just takes my breath away!

 

 

 

Thank you for the packing tips. My very victorian grandmother had a great influence on my upbringing so I tend to be a little more formal when I'm venturing off into the unknown (yes, I had hats & white gloves as a child:D). I will adjust my packing list as I want to pack as light as I can for the week we are there. I totally understand starting the walking process now - currently rehabbing a knee. Any other tips for this newbie?:D

For your Hi cruise(my daughter lived there so we did a cruise awhile back) I would take a couple long wrinkle free skirts pretty tanks and a wrap. We had light weight khakis from a sporting goods store with zip off legs. Cotton t's. Oh, and just in case take mosquito repellant. The no see um's are horrible at bottom of mountain. We took the train there and natives meet you to sell it!!! A great native market near train station. Be prepared for altitude sickness. Abrupt and awful. Hope you're lucky and not get it. My husband drank the tea and never suffered. I did:(. If you like hats, you can find one in the market and a pretty piece of jewelry. Back to the bugs. We did a tea excursion and they swarmed us. Take one long sleeve t and long pants if you plan on doing this. Loose comfy shirts and shorts, throw in a couple pair of capris for dinner at night and detergent. Be the first in laundry on ship, you'll need it!! So jealous. I'd like to go back. In Lima there's a pizza alley, they beg you to come in and eat. Even bargain with free stuff!! The JFK park is awesome. At the airport change some money, but ATMs have better exchange rate, and the banks have signs out.

Would you like me to send you access to my photo albums? Send me an email address.

Sorry I rambled but things just kind of occurred to me.

Oh, if you find out lava is visible from ship, go get in the hot tub as you pull away at night. Breathtaking.

Indiana71 - I can't wait to see your pictures from your family trip! We are still 10 months away from our cruise but I'm so excited for my first trip through the Panama Canal and onto the caribbean! I am a planner so spreadsheets and checks lists for me! Just purchased a pair of gauzy cotton capris for the trip!

 

We are going to Hawaii for 8 days and the packing list and check lists are done! Of course if I come across a really cute buy - adjustments can be made!

 

We are going early to tour Machu Picchu, Cusco and Lima - Question for you all - is it more correct to wear a long skirt to tour churches or are modest cotton gauze trousers ok? I thought it prudent to bring a lightweight scarf for my head. This will be my first trip to the southern continent. Guidance is greatly appreciated.

 

jkudzu - working retail can be so much fun! Hard on the feet but fun!

I made a trip there a few years back with my DH and DD, her boyfriend proposed on Machu Picchu mountain, over looking the ruins! We were gone for 2 weeks doing a lot of touring. Wore clothes to be comfortable and hiking shoes. Don't think I even took a skirt or dress. We went into some very old churches too. Been to all three places, and more. You'll love it. Get lots of walking in now, so you'll be prepared.

I wish we had a like button[emoji41]

The reason I mentioned the press and seal is I have some long necklaces that have charms/stones all along it. A straw wouldn't work. I also have one that is five strands. They all hook together or separate. It gets tangled and is a bear to straighten. The P & S should keep all those things separate, worth a shot!

sunnydaygir,

 

 

 

I really love the bag. Nautical "stuff" is just up my alley. Right now I am making a skirt with anchors on it!

 

 

 

indiana71,

 

Happy to hear that you found a new hairdresser by your lake house. She sounds like a keeper!

Thanks. I wouldn't think of making my own clothes. That ship sailed!! Haha!! So impressed with people who do. I do now have a dedicated sewing space. It's only taken 27 years! I'm reduced to mending and maybe something for the kids.

My grandson is not yet 2 and going in Sept. So I picked up these. Couldn't resist.

I found a new anchor necklace. By the time I looked, only the purple was left. But was on sale, and I love purple. it's a long chain. I liked the tips hack that has you laying your necklaces on press and seal to keep them from tangling. I have gotten some new longer pieces that do just that. So will be trying this tip in Sept.

[emoji112]

I was out today, and as usual anything cruise caught my Eye. I'm very limited on space next cruise, 40 lbs. so this will be very flat inside bag for beach. $1.99 at Cracker Barrel.

My SIL is Cuban, visiting there(family)before we leave on Sept 5 for Getaway. We've always told him we want to go along. Would love for it to happen on the Escape. Feb6

These racks are all from ikea and all are across from my new washer and dryer. The pant racks collapse against the wall when not in use. $19.99. Great for hanging bottoms but I now see I can use these when I'm packing too. . Lol!! Just realized those are my purple smart wool socks hanging there!!

SunnyDayGirl - I would LOVE a shoe recommendation (just don't tell my husband). Unfortunately I have to have arch support in my shoes so that is important. I'm traveling with friends so we are planning a trip to REI to check shoes and other things ;) I have at least one pair of Smart Wool socks is that similar to yours

Yes, "smart wool" socks are great. My son, bless his heart:), manages a Northface store. That is where my shoes came from. But I also have a pair from Jeep41. But all the brands have them. Used them in Hi too. Gosh, it's fun to travel!! Just booked another cruise. Although the ports are a repeat, taking a daughter and 18mo grandson, so who cares where we go!!! She gets sea sick so patches for her.

As far as cruise clothing, or any clothing for that matter, I am really struggling with weight gain from my winter in Florida that included a Jan and Feb cruise. Since I'm looking ahead to cruise 1 in Sept. #2 in Oct Disney 9 days in Nov. Thanksgiving and Christmas, back to Florida and cruise #3 Feb 6 on the new escape. They'll be rolling me home in March.

I've been painting furniture and redoing a couple of rooms, one will definitely be the packing room, next to laundry and full closet!!

My bike has air in its tires and I'm waiting for this Indiana weather to stabilize.

I've definitely eaten my share of salads and no pot or bread. Slow goes the snail. Have a great week ladies.

It's official. I've booked the Sept 5 Getaway!! I think I got antsy waiting till Feb 6 for the Escape. Will get a taste of what to expect. The Majesty in 2008 was my last(3rd) NCL trip. I know I'm going to be blown away. Have been on the Oasis and Carnival Breeze and Celebrity Reflection so hopefully I won't go around with my jaw hanging open. As you may note, ship means a lot to me, I'm as yet, not partial to any one line. I'm curious tho, how many specialty restaurants do you book and why?

Thank you for your excellent review. My family just booked Getaway for Sept and went looking for specialty restaurant info and found your review.

We choose the promo Beverage pkg as a booking perk and are now wondering about specialty dining. Do you have two must do reccomendations?

Thanks. Joy

They each get a $50 dining credit for inside room, if you can do this. I'm sure it would be just like them buying you a drink.