The tea is very hot and comforting to me right now. The snow’s reflection from the lawns and the rooftops across the street makes the house brighter during this mid-day.
This English Breakfast Tea warms my body because it is 64 degrees in my house and is 10 degrees outside. I’m afraid to touch the thermostat!
All is quiet. The Pita bread has been made and is resting easy until dinner tonight. Dough is in the oven proofing for Bonaparte’s favorite weekend Pullman loaf.
Chef John’s Pita Recipe! Hands down, it’s the best!
Chippy is snuggled up on the cozy throw I placed on one of the sofas to protect it from any paw dirt.
This little nugget is freezing his doggie balls off! But he’s comfy!
As I look around, I wonder where the holidays went. Did we celebrate Christmas—or was it just a vivid dream? Last night Oona and I pondered this while talking on the phone.
Good bye tree…it seemed like we just got you yesterday!
Oops! Looks like a certain Frenchman is happy the tree is leaving!
Tea is my filler as I study all my Weight Watchers information from years past. I’m not even going to bother with the new “Freestyle” program because Weight Watchers changes their plans as many times as a mother of a newborn baby changes diapers.
Screw it. I’m sticking to Old School Weight Watchers–this program from 2012!
I’ll stick with what works—looking up points and tracking what I eat.
If I bite it, I write it! Words to live by!!!!
Though I won’t weigh myself for another few weeks, I feel reassured knowing my clothing still fits—albeit tight, but still fits!
Yeah. They are tight but still fit. A great time to revisit a diet!
It snowed yesterday. Here in the Philly ‘burbs, it wasn’t a blizzard, but it was enough of an accumulation that, with the temperatures in the low teens and single digits, the white blanket will stick around for a while.
It’s gonna be a while before we have drinks out here!!
The view from yesterday…
And my annual “Bare Foot In The Snow” photo!
And that’s what I kind of like about January. The month always seems longer than it is. It’s that 31-day span when you just want to live in nothing but pajamas, wrap a cozy throw blanket around your body, sit on a deeply cushioned sofa and sink into it—whether you are reading a book, a magazine, bingeing on Netflix shows or playing Candy Crush Saga on your iPhone.
And as soon as I finish this post and head to the grocery store, I’m coming back and getting into this!!!!
This is the month of hibernation. When the winter is at it’s most wicked. The wind isn’t softly kissing your cheek—it’s blowing you a sucker punch when you leave the house. Running in this weather—I’m sorry but the only thing running on me is my nose!
January is a month of planning, reassessing and looking forward to the coming months of summer. And while January is visiting, I make no effort to throw this yearly visitor out to pasture. I welcome her. Life is too short to complain about the baggage she brings. While we are housebound we get to work on projects. Perhaps hanging drapes or curtains. Maybe some new houseplants. New pillows for the sofas? Dressing up the bed with a new and fluffier-than-a-cloud comforter? This is when we can do things that we don’t have time to do during the rest of the year. January is a respite from our busy lives—time to stop and think about the roses!
I’m writing recipes into my bullet planner–don’t even ask why!!!
And now that the needles from the tree have been vacuumed up, I am enjoying the blandness of the house.
The corner of the living room where the tree stood is back to normal…
And flowers are adding color to a neutral scheme.
But, I’m also enjoying my blondness! Yesterday a new wig came in the mail. It was one that I was coveting so badly. After watching a few YouTube reviews on this perfect long bob, I knew that Swami had to be mine. The only thing was that she was sold out in every color with the exception of the TSMocha color, a blonde/brown color with darker roots. I took the chance and ordered it anyway.
As Gomer Pyle would say “Surprise, Surprise, Surprise”! I’m blonding it!
Can you believe this new hair?
Let me tell you something. I dig me as a blonde. I’m feeling so “Khloe Kardashian”. The change is so much fun! And that’s what a wig should be—fun! At this point wearing wigs is just a part of getting dressed and I’m equating it with a different sweater or shirt, pair of jeans or shoes.
I’m certainly living a little with this small change!!!
With fake hair, I’m not giving my bio hair additional damage by dying it every color of the spectrum. I can plop a different colored wig on my head and that’s it.
It’s funny—as we get age, we should be open to change. It’s a blast to get out of our ruts every now and then. We don’t need to fulfill everyone’s stereotypes that we should look like a fart waiting to escape our pants.
I feel so Khloe Kardashian. I just may wear this wig on my 63rd birthday this April–or to our Gorman Family Reunion!!!
Change is fun. Change is good. And whether it is the smallest amount of change like adding an animal print belt to your wardrobe or a change of traveling solo—it’s all wonderful.
What say you? Any little changes you’re making? Think about it. January is a great month for thinking about change—we can do a lot of changing while in hibernation mode!
I did a wig video today on this spectacular long bob. Here it is if you would like to further see my change. And if you like it, head over and subscribe. My “goal” is to try to make more videos this year. “Try” is my motivational word for 2018!
Have a great weekend!!!! XOXOXOXO
Love the wig and color on you! Happy to see you writing, and vlogging again. My wig didn’t come yet, weather delay. But my toaster oven, cordless sweeper and other home stuff did, so I’ve been reorganizing and rearranging. Like you said, it’s a January thing! Xoxo
Lori. You have to post on IG when the wig comes in. I can’t wait to see it. We ventured out earlier today and it’s just too cold to do anything but chill indoors. I’m going to binge on Netflix “Fuller House” this afternoon–my big intellectual stimulation! LOL!!!XOXOXOXO!!!
I posted a pic of the wig today!
Love it – love all your wigs and isnt it just the best fun to ring the changes, it keeps people guessing and keeps you (and them!) out of a rut. When I gave up the hair dye, I had it chopped from mousey brown and shapeless into a short white “do” I tell you it was one of the best days ever to go into the office the next day – people dropped cups of tea, walked into pillars, hilarious. Keep keeping us guessing – we love your adventurous spirit and you always look amazing
Juliet–you are so correct about keeping them guessing. Only the brave will approach to seek an explanation! Thanks and enjoy the weather. It’s cold as balls here. I’m baking and keeping warm!!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
Love the new blonde wig the most – really flattering on you! One always reads, “Lighten up,” as we age.
Hi Lynn!! Thank you. I swear, I am really digging this lighter color. And the funny thing is–I’m treated differently. Yesterday I was in Wegmans looking for handsoap. I asked a group of workers where it was and one of the guys was “Oh. I’ll take you there!”. I started thinking “Is this from my lighter hair”??????? XOOXOXO!!!!
You are speaking my wig language, I have found myself drawn to lighter colors. I love this wig on you, as well as all the others you post.
Hi Arabella (btw, I am in love with the name Arabella), my daughter Oona suggested going for a light gray long and wavy wig–I may take her up on that! It’s so funny how the entire family is now getting into suggesting wigs!! I love it!!!! Thank you so much!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
I will not dress or act like an old woman!,! Why should I. “Age appropriate”is not in my vocabulary. Nor should it be in anyone’s. Find pics of Iris Apfel. See if she can we can. Clothes, jewelry, and hair can disguise the age spots and wrinkles!!!
Yo Linda! You go girl!!! I’m with you. Iris is one cool lay-dee! Did you see the documentary about her on Netflix. She rocks! And I will never dress like a granny or an old fart. Why should we??? We are the same women we were when we were in our teens, twenties and so on! Our views should remain youthful, positive and energetic!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
I so enjoy reading you. Me, I only managed to write just one after the New Year. A little sad one about a friend who, like most wonderful people, left this world too early. Reading your writings are a therapy and put a smile on my face. Enjoy your hibernation!
Oh ejsna. I’m so sorry about the loss of your friend. It’s worse when someone leaves us too early. My sincere condolences to you. Thank you for enjoying the blog. I appreciate your support and kindness!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
Love this wig! Hey, is that a mallomar next to your tea……?
LOL!!! That’s my mouse next to the tea!! OMG–you just brought back memories of my dad and his love for Mallomars. When we were kids, we had to ask permission if we could eat one of his. I”m not kidding. He hid them from us because we were a pack of animals. He would put them in the freezer and mark off how many were eaten so he would know if one of us took one. Can’t make this up!!!! XOXOXOXO To this day, I’m afraid to eat a mallomar!!!!
WOW! Love love love this wig on you! I think you’re channeling your inner blonde bombshell! You may just have to change the name of your blog though, no one would believe you’re 60 much less 50 as a blonde! Also, fantastic idea to link to your YouTube at the end of this blog post! I would love if that was a regular thing, when a new YouTube is up! You are so inspiring, taking this cold cold weather and making it into a time to reflect! Brilliant!
Hey Kewl. I freaking LOVE the color. There’s a certain Frenchman who likes the color just a bit. I don’t care. I’m wearing it and love it!!! Thank you–I”m going to try to make more videos but I feel kind of bad because so many “vloggers” have great lighting and video systems. I have jack $hit but I don’t care–we’ll see how it goes. I think its a lot of fun and its fun to see a “real” person with bad lighting!!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
We have a conservative estimate of 44 degrees tomorrow, celcius! Google is telling me that is 111F! Away from the coast they had 48 degrees last week in a couple of places.
4° Fahrenheit here first thing this morning (-15.5 Celsius), but expected to climb all the way to 13° (-10.5 Celsius) today! Brrr!
Kewl. It’s so cold here that I’m actually wearing underwear at home! I swear, normally the bra and panties come right off when I get inside my house and leggings and an old top or PJ’s go on with nothing underneath. You know it’s cold when I keep the undies on!!!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!!
Q. Dianne sent me a message today about the Oz weather. Bonaparte was just about in tears because he lives for the heat! LIVES for it!! 111 F is a bit too hot for my personal taste–unless it’s super dry!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
The news is saying it is 47.1 degrees about 30 minutes from my home! The hottest place on earth at this very moment! (I think that is about 118 F?)
Also, i forgot to say before, love the new wig! You are rapidly becoming my style icon!
Cathe, such a great post! I don’t know where to start…I love the blonde on you. So fab! I want to sit and drink tea with you…so next time I’m in PA, let’s plan a tea date! I adore your annual bare foot in the snow photo. So funny and so unbelievably you! I hear you about January…the longest, coldest, dreariest month on the calendar. I always just pray that the 31 days fly by…I actually cannot believe a full week as passed already…that’s a good thing in my opinion. And as far as the naked corner of your living room sans Christmas tree…we have an artificial tree and I am leaving it up…maybe all year. Because I love the lights in the dark morning hours while I sip my coffee and make my blogging rounds. I am taking all the decorations down today and removing all the ornaments from the tree, but the tree will remain with its pretty white lights! Thanks so much for joining my Link Up On the Edge, dear friend! Stay warm.
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
OMG. Yes. Next time you are in PA we have to have a date! I love the fact you are leaving the tree up. That would have been my kids’ dream when they were younger!!!! I love your linkup! It’s allsome!!! Enjoy the day and everything it brings!!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
NOTA ABLE TO COMMENT….GRAVATAR something will not take my PASSWORD! I WROTE A LONG COMMENT TOO! SORRY…….. XX LA CONTESSA
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Hi Elizabeth! Ugh. Those gravatar things. I have major issues trying to post comments on some of the blogs that I read regularly. It’s so annoying!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
You look great as a blonde!
Thanks Paula!!!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
Happy New Year! Your blog is seriously becoming my favourite. Very talented at expressing yourself in writing – but also nice to hear your voice on the vlog too. And Chippy is such a cutie! Keep warm! I’m on the Black Sea Coast of Bulgaria, fortunately this year we seem to be having a milder winter than usual. But that could change at any time … Lise.
Hi Lise. OMG. Thank you so very much!! You’ve made my day!! LOL–at 12 degrees F, I’m trying my best to keep warm and toasty!!! Ohhh. I hope that the remainder of your winter does stay mild and doesn’t turn into the tundra that we are experiencing here in the Northeast US!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
Is it true that blondes have more fun??? Btw is that pink lippy (8th pic) the NYX Meringue? It’s lovely.
We’ve got it cold and very windy here but nowhere near as freezing as you have it, AARGH! How could you put your naked foot in snow, are you mad woman? I’m never without hideous thermal socks at this time of year, my circulation is shit.
Had to laugh at the orange person’s recent tweet about being ‘like, really smart’ I bet you had plenty to say on that subject!
Sad to hear about France Gall today, two French legends in a month.
xxx
Holy Shit. Fiona. I didn’t know about France Gall. OMG. She and Francoise Hardy are my favorite ye-ye girl singers and Hardy is very ill. I’m so sad. I love the song Resiste–I hear it all the time on the radio when we are in France. I have a “best of” cd of hers. Oh man, I’m so sad.
Ugh. That orange imbecile. He’s nowhere near having one iota of genius in his moronic half-wit brain. XOXOXOXO!!!!
Yes I was listening to Nostalgie at lunchtime and heard it on their news, so I googled it just to make sure I’d understood correctly. I’m sad too, I have CD also, Comment Lui Dire was the first French song I got to know and holds great memories for me.
☹ xx
Here is some news France Gall has passed away yesterday at the age of 70. She was a wonderful singer. unfortunately her husband died before her do her daughter (Age 19). It is the generation of Bonapatre. I thought you might want to know.
Hey Dude. I was so upset about that news. I love France Gall and have her music in the house. Given Berger’s and her daughter’s untimely deaths, I can feel a film somewhere. Bonaparte was a bit upset as well–and his reaction was that he’s petrified the next news we hear will be about his beloved Sylvie Vartan. It’s sad…..XOXOXOXO!!!!
I love the new color!! Any suggestions for wigs for very active people. I am also warm a lot of the time. I need something I can wear under a ski helmet, bike helmet and to a sweaty step or cycle class
Try the Bobbi Boss Weave-a-Wig line. Rather than lace, the wigs have netting, which can be cut the same way. The cap isn’t as “cappy” as other wigs and they are extremely light and have three combs for security. they are the perfect summer and active wig!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
Interesting subject, Catherine. And to me ethical fashion is more about sustainability, fair working conditions for those who make the fashion and nothing about where the stuff is made. Actually many luxury brands make their stuff in China these days, and a lot more of the cheap brands are actually making sure they produce things under fair conditions. So it is quite hard for a consumer to know if they are shopping ethical or not. I am not all certain it´s ethical just because the things are American and Canadian, and to be honest I wouldn´t be able to pay for those things anyway, with the customs and taxes, which is why I stopped shopping online from the States. More important for me, personally, is the sustainability and so I return garbage fashion to H&M (and get discount codes!), Other Stories and other cheaper brands that re-uses the material. It is also one reason why I like vintage clothes and why I embrace the capsule wardrobe. I guess the way the world looks today there is just so much you can do, but even a small gesture could make a difference, right?
Hi Angelin. It is an interesting subject. As far as luxury brands go, I remember watching a documentary on TV5Monde a few years ago. The doc was about how certain luxury brands get “around” the sweatshop thing. It focused on Chanel and their bags. Did you know that in Italy, there are homes where Asians live. These Asians are in the basements of these homes producing Chanel bags for the equivalent of 33 euros and sold for thousands. This was on the documentary. Even if I could afford it, I would NEVER purchase a Chanel bag. I was so disappointed in that vile practice. XOXOXOXO!!!!
Your hair is so pretty!!
Thank you so much! I’m awaiting my second Swami wig to be delivered. I’m so in love with the color!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!