Closet Updates

Despite the birdy distractions, my closet cleaning project did get finished.  I find when tackling this job it works best if I am in the mood to go through everything from shoes to clothing to jewelry.  It's also important to have a good chunk of time to devote to it.

This time I was very honest with myself and anything that isn't being worn for whatever reason has now found a new home.  A few bags were donated to the thrift shop and three more bags were taken to a local shop that uses their profits to build a safe home for mothers and their children who are escaping domestic abuse.  The lady who works there told me that domestic violence has risen 75% during the pandemic.  I feel fortunate to have never lived in that situation.  It would make me feel hopeful if my donations could contribute to their overall goal.

Because I enjoy seeing what other women my age wear, I somewhat reluctantly, share a few outfits that made the cut.  I have had this white denim jacket for years and years.  Mostly it has been in the closet gathering dust.  After watching some YouTube videos on fashion over 50, I was inspired to try tucking in my shirt and wearing a belt.  The few belts I owned left a lot to be desired so I did buy a new one.  Apparently this belt is capable of stretching 2".  Hmm... not sure if that is a good thing or not :).

Anyhow, with this tucked in look I think my old jacket is a good length so it remains in the closet.

This is a new outfit also inspired from my 50+ video watching.

This reminds me of getting new spring play clothes when I was a kid.  Super comfy and fun.

Had I not been watching these videos I never in a million years would have bought these jeans.  I am guilty of wearing the same style of jeans for years.  The last time I changed was probably 5-6 years ago when the sales lady at Old Navy steered me toward skinny jeans.  They have served me well except when it starts to get warmer outside I find them a bit constricting.  The jeans above are the straight leg style.  Much looser and airier than my skinny jeans.

I had also been on the hunt for leather sneakers that were comfortable.  I had been holding onto a very uncomfortable pair of Keds for years.  This year I refuse to hobble around in discomfort.  It took awhile, but I finally found what I was looking for on sale at Kohl's.  They had one pair left and it was in my size so I guess it was meant to be.

Another mix of old and new.

The jean jacket is so old I don't even remember buying it.

It seems you can't go wrong with having a classic jean jacket.

I was all set to order a new one online when I compared mine to the classic Levi's model.  They were the exact same except mine was lacking a Levi's tag on the pocket.  So instead I laundered mine and moved it from the far reaches of my coat closet to front and center in my bedroom closet.  Sometimes it pays to look at old things with new eyes.  I suppose that is what I'm trying to do with my old body. :D.

Finally, the white jeans with the button fly.

Another style I would have never thought to wear at my age and with my less than flat abs.  After being assured that you can, in fact, still wear them under those circumstances I decided to try them out.

They are super comfy and I like the white paired with the blue denim jacket.  

I didn't bother with shoes in this photo, but I did wear this with my new white sneakers.  It is also recommended to pair white pants with nude colored sandals.  I'm still on the hunt for comfy nude sandals.

Overall my closet is still rather bare.  

Another thing I have learned is that when you purchase a new wardrobe addition, make sure you can wear it with at least three things already in your wardrobe.  I think I was guilty of buying outfits that I liked which was rather limiting.  Now I am striving for things that mix and match and also things that fit my current lifestyle.  Basically casual and comfortable.

 
Well, that's it from my closet.

Anything new to report from yours?

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend wherever you are.

Easily Distracted

Cleaning my closet was near the top of my to do list today.

I was taking the empty everything onto the bed and then go through them one by one approach.

Shortly after piling the last load onto the bed, I caught a flash of yellow out the bedroom window.

It seemed an American Goldfinch was coming to check out the water feature.

When I spotted another coming in for a landing, I was off to locate my phone to see if I could sneak a few photos.

After a few sips, they each enjoyed a nice long bath.

They provided a lovely bright spot on our cloudy afternoon.

As enjoyable as it was to watch them, I needed to get back to the task at hand or it would never get done.  So back to the closet project for me.

I just got started when a speck of bright blue caught my eye.

Since I had never seen the Eastern Bluebirds come to the fountain, I had to grab the camera quick.  I was happy to capture the male looking my way.  Most likely he was looking at his mate perched on the windowsill.

Here the happy couple are gazing into one another's eyes.  

Wonder what they're thinking?

I was tempted to ask them why they didn't set up housekeeping in the bluebird box we placed out for them.  We even added their favorite dried mealworms to entice them.  

Instead a sweet little Black Capped Chickadee family has moved in.

It's been fun to peek into the nest to check up on their progress.

I better hold off on checking on them today.

At least until that mountain on my bed has been dealt with.

At the rate I'm going I may need to close the blinds to keep focused.

Any bird activity happening around you?

🐦🐦

Friday Flower Fun

Friday is here and it's shaping up to be a lovely weekend here in NC.

I'm heading out the door shortly for a chiropractor appt. and then to an early birthday lunch.  I imagine a visit to the local thrift shops will figure into the plan too.  The rest of the weekend is open for time in the garden.  Speaking of garden, the tulips above have just finished blooming.  They were absolutely gorgeous, especially the one in the center.  I hated to see them go.

But, while they were here I made the most of them.

Sometimes I am lazy about cutting bouquets or think I need a greater quantity of flowers to make it worthwhile.  I am learning that even a small bouquet in the right location is all that is needed to bring instant cheer.  I am enjoying this beehive vase that I recently purchased at Hobby Lobby.  It is just the right size for my petite bouquets.  I start the day right here filling up my coffee cup.  

Fresh coffee + fresh flowers = a great start to the day.

😀

Though the spring bulbs are done for the year, the azaleas are dotting the landscape in a most beautiful way.  It's worth a "Sunday drive" just to see them blooming right along with the dogwoods.  

Here, in my garden, there are two different colors in bloom.  Hopefully there will soon be two more.

This color is pairing nicely with a thrift shop mug and spoon.

I hope you are looking forward to something fun this weekend.

Here's a little azalea bouquet to get you started.

😎😘