A Day At Sea ~ What and How I Packed For 19 Days (Day 11)

 

We had been on our cruise ship for a week before we had a full day at sea.  This is the itinerary we wanted - we only had 2 sea days with our 9 days in port.  The only pictures we took the entire day were that evening while we walked around the Lido deck.

 

Our day was mellow.  We ate breakfast in one of the dining rooms for a change and enjoyed sharing a table with a couple from England and another couple from Florida.

 

After breakfast I headed to the Princess Theater to hear a port presentation for our final two ports - Invergordon and Edinburgh, while Les went to the fitness center.  We both took naps and had room service bring a snack of fruit, cheese and crackers.

 

Dinner that night was our absolute worst of the trip!  The dining room was overwhelmed since everyone was onboard at the same time.  We opted to share a table and that was a huge mistake.  Service was horrible.  We were seated at 5:45 and didn't get our food for over an hour.  Of course they serve multiple courses and everything just dragged.  My main course was cold while they tried to time everything to come out at the same time.  We finally left the table at 7:20 without getting dessert.  I  don't enjoy spending an entire evening in a crowded dining room.  I didn't write it down, but I'm pretty sure we had gelato at some point.

 

When it comes to travel there seems to be a trend to only pack carry-on luggage.  People who have lost their luggage refuse to check a bag, while others don't want to pay for checking one.  I considered doing this, but considering how long we were going to be gone and how active we planned to be, it just didn't seem possible.

 

Many who go carry-on only end up washing things by hand in the sink every few nights.  That's not what I want to spend my time doing while I'm on vacation!  Our experience traveling internationally is that airlines typically don't charge for checked luggage, which was the case for this trip.

We each checked one mid-size suitcase and carried a backpack on the flight.  This allowed us to put our backpacks on our suitcase when moving from the airport, hotels or ship.  We never have to worry about weight allowances with these suitcases - they have never weighed more than 40 pounds.

Last year I bought a set of packing cubes and they are wonderful!  I wasn't sure if I truly liked them until this trip.  One thing I did was pack a separate cube for our London days so I only needed to pull it out when we were in our tiny hotel room.  I did this again when we left the cruise ship and once more when we left Bayeux.

 

Now on to what I packed...

4 dresses for dinner
4 skorts (these were the perfect choice for excursions and walking on a breezy ship)
8 tops
4 pairs of shoes - Sketchers Go-Walk, trail shoes, casual sandals, dressy sandals
2 jackets - a light weight cycling jacket and a puffer coat.  This coat was a total last minute purchase that I'm so glad I got!  I loved the way it fit and it kept me very warm on the ship and in Normandy.

1 sweatshirt

2 purses - a smallish one that I carried on the ship and a backpack that I wore when we were in ports.

Toiletries, underclothes, socks, etc.

 

Some important miscellaneous items: 

Single load laundry detergent (I bought and used two of these.)

Electrical adapter - the UK has different outlet types than France and these are both different from the US.  My adapter works for all.

Magnetic hooks for our cabin.  The walls in cruise ship cabins are all magnetic so these hooks are great for hanging up the daily schedule, light jackets, and our medallions.

Individually packaged wet wipes.  Another thing I'm so glad I packed!  These were great when we needed to freshen up while out on adventures.

Foreign currency - we needed both Euros and British pounds.  We used our credit card, but there are times when cash is needed.  I spent all the Euros but came home with some pounds... both British and gelato based.

 

 

We both wore everything we took at least twice and many things we wore three times!  I can honestly say I don't think I under-packed or over-packed.   Princess ships have laundry rooms on each deck that has stateroom cabins.  I knew we would leave LA on a Wednesday, so I planned to do laundry each of the Tuesdays of our trip.  I ended up doing laundry on the first Tuesday morning, then again the following Monday night.  Everything that we packed went straight into the laundry basket when we got home!

Repost: When Satan Runs Amok in the Streets

I received an email yesterday from a modest clothing company called Kosher Casual.  According to their website: "The Kosher Casual mission is to make high-quality clothing basics that are modest, affordable and comfortable - to not only look good, but to live in."  The email said, "Happy Purim!"  This reminded me of a Sunday school lesson that Les taught.  I blogged about it in 2015, but wanted to re-post it today as Purim begins at sundown.

 

Our adult Sunday school class has been studying Feasts and Celebrations this quarter.  This past Sunday, Les taught a fabulous lesson about the Festival of Purim.  This is the celebration that was instituted after the Jews were delivered from Haman's wicked plot in the book of Esther.

This feast is still celebrated each year in March. It covers two days, the first being the Fast of Esther, followed by the Festival of Purim. This particular fast has one purpose - to remember God’s deliverance of the Jews from Haman’s attempt at extermination.  We don't usually fast to remember, but to ask God for something.  I know I have never fasted in remembrance of what God has done for me.  The next day, during the Festival of Purim, is a time of joyful celebration.

Les concluded the lesson by sharing a story of Jews in the Warsaw Ghetto during World War II.  400,000 Jews were rounded up and 300,000 were eventually killed.  It was a dark time.  There was nothing to celebrate, but Rabbi Kalonymos Kalman said:

"In the Zohar it is written that Yom Kippurim means Yom ke Purim, ‘a day just like Purim’. That is to say, just as on yom Kippur – whether you like it or not – you must fast on orders of the Holy One, blessed be He; so you must rejoice on Purim. Even if Satan runs amok in the streets, you have to be happy, it is the will of God."

If anyone had a reason not to celebrate, it was these Jews in the Warsaw Ghetto.  It is said that young Gerer Hasidim courageously emerged from their bunkers in the Warsaw Ghetto on the festival of Purim in 1943 and danced in the spirit of this joyous festival.

It often seems like Satan runs amok in the streets of America, but we must rejoice, it is the will of God.  We serve the God of deliverance and He will come through for us! 

Thursday This and That

I started my morning off with a trail run.  Seven miles of almost complete solitude.  I saw 8 runners, 1 walker, and 6 mountain bikers while I was out.  If you are not a regular exerciser, now is a great time to go for a walk.  Just keep your distance from others, but enjoy some fresh air.  I have some of my best ideas while I'm out exercising.  It's easy to let your mind work when you don't have any digital distractions.

If you're needing a little extra church, our services are streaming live but they are also being made available after the fact.  You might even hear me praise singing from time to time if you tune in while we are live.  You can find them at Victory Tabernacle's website right HERE.  We will be starting a Children's Power Hour on Saturday morning at 11:00.  I believe there will also be a Youth Hour on Saturdays at 5:00.  I'm thankful that our Pastor, Sunday school and Youth departments are putting this extra effort in.

When I was getting in my car after my trail run this morning, I saw a guy out walking his dog.  Nothing unusual, I see people walking their dogs all the time.  Except this guy was in his robe!  He wasn't standing on the sidewalk in front of his house.  He's was quite a ways from any houses.  I know we're all staying home, but it's probably a good idea to get dressed when you head out away from your house!

On the topic of dressing, I got this from my aunt yesterday!

No worrying about what to wear on Easter Sunday!  And for all the times we ladies have complained about our feet hurting after a long church service, just add some comfy footwear.

I saw this sidewalk chalk art while out running last week.  I don't even know the people who live in that particular house, but it made my day.

Keep hanging in there!  Don't let fear rule your heart.  Reach out to your friends and family.  Then reach out to someone who is not in your close circle.  We need each other.  Send an encouraging text, email, or make a phone call.  If YOU are feeling lonely, don't let loneliness control you.  Reach out!  You don't even have to say you're lonely - just reach out and tell someone you miss seeing them.  You'll make two people feel better.

Finally, we sang an old song last night.  "Hold To God's Unchanging Hand" was written by Jennie Bain Wilson in 1904. She was born on a farm at Cleveland, IN, on November 13, 1856, to Robert and Mary Frances Russell Wilson. Her father died while she was still in her infancy. When she was about four years old, an attack of spinal trouble resulted in her being rendered an invalid, confined to a wheel-chair and bed.  A prolific poet, she produced about 2,200 poems and hymn texts in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Yet, over the course of her life she never interjected sadness from her condition in her works.  She died in 1913 at the age of 57, still holding to that unchanging hand.

Hold to God's Unchanging Hand

Time is filled with swift transition
Naught of earth unmoved can stand 

Build your hopes on things eternal
Hold to God's unchanging hand

 

Hold to God's unchanging hand

Hold to God's unchanging hand
Build your hopes on things eternal
Hold to God's unchanging hand

Trust in Him who will not leave you
Whatsoever years may bring
If by earthly friends forsaken
Still more closely to Him cling

Covet not this world's vain riches
That so rapidly decay
Seek to gain the Heavenly treasures
They will never pass away

When your journey is completed
If to God you have been true
Fair and bright your home in glory
Your enraptured soul will view

Hold to God's unchanging hand
Hold to God's unchanging hand
Build your hopes on things eternal
Hold to God's unchanging hand

Just keep holding to His hand, it's unchanging!

Two Easy Fixes

I had two things that needed fixing this week and wanted to share what I did. 

Fix that drain!

First was the drain in our shower.  It had gotten slow and then to the point we had standing water.  Our plumber had told us to never use Drano (or any other harsh chemical.)  His solution:  baking soda and vinegar.  He didn't say how much, so I turned to Google and found this easy method from Crunchy Betty:

Instructions:

• Pour a pot of boiling hot water down your drain.
• Dump in about 1/2 c. baking soda. Let that sit for a few minutes.
• Then, pour a mixture of 1 c. vinegar and 1. c very hot water down on top of the baking soda.
• Cover with a drain plug (to keep the reaction down below the drain surface) if you have one and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
• Flush one more time with a pot of boiling water.

This worked like a charm!  

Fix that neckline!

I have replaced several of my old casual tops this summer - they were either falling apart or had stains.  I've picked up several cute ones from Amazon for under $20.  I got this one but the neckline on me was lower than what I like. 

I didn't want to wear a t-shirt or tank top underneath.  I found these mock camisoles on Amazon.

I got a pack of 10 for $17.99.  You're not going to find many t-shirts for under $2.00.  They snap to my bra strap and add just enough coverage.  Some of the reviews said they were too small, which I think they would be for someone who is larger.  They are "one size" and a perfect fit for me.   There are other styles available, so if you're in the market and don't think these would be large enough, keep looking!

Cute Dresses on Amazon

I might have a little problem.  I've been doing some dress shopping on Amazon.  With Amazon Prime you get free shipping and free returns.  It's that free returns that makes me click "Add to Cart" without too much fear!  So far, I've kept everything I've ordered.  They've all been lightweight knit.  I have ordered a size up because I don't like anything to be tight.  Big bonus - they were all under $20!

I started with this black one:

I have this one in green and navy.  The solids go with so many sweaters, jackets and sleeveless tops I already had in my closet.  I'm 5'2" so this is longer on me than shown on the model.

This striped one is super comfortable!   They have a couple red, white and blue ones that would be cute for a 4th of July gathering.

This floral is very similar to the navy and green.

Finally, this plaid one.  I think it's my favorite!  I've gotten tons of compliments when I've worn it and it is SO comfortable!  I think the picture is a little misleading - the pockets are in the seam and don't show at all. 

Are you an Amazon Prime member?  Any great finds lately?

Friday Fashion

A headline on USAToday.com grabbed my attention this morning - "Queen Elizabeth II tops 'Vanity Fair' best-dressed list."  The writer of the article seemed to be poking a little bit of fun at her, "Yes, the British queen. She's 90, and hasn't really been a fashion icon since ... well, maybe the 1950s or 1960s."

Her "resolute sense of style" across a century is worthy of admiration, says Vanity Fair special correspondent Amy Fine Collin.

“She has consistently represented who she is and what she stands for, without wavering from a standard she set a long time ago,” says Collins. “Politics, culture, and class structure in the empire — all of that shifts constantly, but she doesn’t. She’s a beacon.”

I'm not one who closely follows the royal family, but I do appreciate the classy way the queen has dressed through the years. 

How about it, ladies?  Do we represent who we are and what stand for in our attire?  Fashions come and go, but modesty is timeless.  And don't forget, a smile is your best accessory!

MOD Sportswear

 

Most of you know that I've been active for many years.  LOTS of running (including 4 marathons) and lots of cycling.  I've worn a skort by Dressing for His Glory for all of those marathons and the many miles of training that go with it.  With all the time that we spend in Hawaii, my one complaint has been the color - Black.  Not exactly the color you want to wear for a 10 mile run when it's 80 degrees out!  Enter my new favorite running skirt from MOD Sportswear:

I got my first one in February and I've been running in it ever since.  There is a matching short attached.  It is super light weight.  It also has a snap at the bottom, which was perfect when we went kayaking.

I wore it this past Sunday morning during the Bill Beauchamp Memorial 10k.  The race director was standing on a corner where we needed to turn and said into his megaphone, "Best dressed runner out here!"  I also placed 2nd in my age group!

MOD recently made some revisions ~ two highlights are zippered pockets and it comes in purple!  (Yes, I already have one!)  It also now comes in two lengths - 24" and 27".  The 24" is perfect for a shorty like me.  I did size up so it would fit comfortably in the hips.  (Have I ever told you that I don't own any pencil skirts?  Well I'm not shaped like a pencil, you know!)

Hannah, the owner of Mod Sportswear, has been a sweetheart to work with. Guess what?  When I reached out to her about featuring her here on my blog she offered YOU, my readers, a 10% discount!  These skirts are already very reasonably priced, so snap 'em up!  Just enter coupon code MOMENTS at check out.

I asked Hannah how she got into the modest sportswear market and her story is just too cool not to share!  I've condensed it a little, but hats off to Hannah's mom for getting the ball rolling:

"I went to a Christian school and loved playing sports. To gather me a few cool points, my mom made me SportSkirts out of men's basketball shorts. My mom's hobby really took off and became a ministry. She named her ministry Apostolic Sportwear and set up a Facebook page and website. She would sometimes advertise, but when sales got to be too high, she would pause advertisement because it was "getting to be too much." A LOT of people wanted what she was putting out.

Christmas 2014, mom was telling me again about how her business was just booming. Feeling very Shark Tankish, I asked her what she considered to be the valuation of her company. She said she didn't know. This dialogue got conversation going quickly. She and my dad had talked. They wanted to give me the business. When I drove home from Christmas, I drove back with 90 lbs of product, enough thread to reach the heavens, and the sewing knowledge of three tutorials. 

We decided that at the beginning of Q2 of 2015, I would 'officially' take over Apostolic Sportwear. I did. And right away I faced a lot of obstacles. Transforming men's shorts into skirts was quite the ordeal. And during the winter, those shorts are scarce in the North!

I initially charged a local seamstress to make the SportSkirts. She pretty much chuckled, called me cute, and told me that there's no way I'd make money if I went that route. So I took to the world wide web and found a factory overseas that would custom make the SportSkirts I envisioned and designed. 

My design knowledge and experience can fit into a Tall coffee cup at Starbucks. After lots of awkward body measuring of different friends and coworkers, countless research of what's practical and comfortable, reaching out to friends of all hobbies and body types, I finally submitted to the factory the 'winning design'. 

The skirts hit production in September 2015. I pressed them to be done early so I could take product with me to my first big show - General Conference in Nashville, TN. Heeding the counsel of a high-end marketing guru, I changed the name of Apostolic Sportwear to MOD Sportswear. In the month of September, ASW became MOD. We rebranded, re-logo'd,  kicked off the new website, promoted our new product, and had our first BIG show in Nashville. It was quite the month.

Things haven't slowed down since then. There are always kinks to work out and customers to serve, but the Lord has been gracious during every part of this journey and has blessed this company.  This year's life verse is Zechariah 4:6 "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit." and that's truly been the case here. God has been breathing into this project from the very beginning. 

As of tomorrow, I will have officially hired my first part-time employee. My heart is bursting with joy and thankfulness as I consider what the Lord has done and what he's doing. MOD will always be for His Kingdom."

I truly love this story, Hannah's passion, and MOD Sportswear's product!  If you're looking for a modest skirt to be active in, this is it!  You don't have to run marathons like me, these are great for water activities, going to the gym, walking, cycling, hiking, pretty much anything!  Go get your skirt today and save 10% by using coupon code MOMENTS (code ends July 1st.)

Jade Mackenzie Apparel

From time to time I like to post links to online stores that have modest apparel.  I have not personally bought anything from Jade Mackenzie (yet!) but I like what I see.  One item that I know a lot of people are always on the lookout for are "Layering Tees."  These are a good deal, starting at $12 for one and slightly discounted for multiple purchases.

I love supporting our sisters!  If any of you have bought from her, I'd love to hear your experiences.

Change Your Clothes

A few months ago I spotted a really cute skirt online. I bookmarked it, but didn't buy it.

When we were in Hawaii in April I spotted this cute top at Macy's.  I did buy it.  {April/May is typically my one time of the year that I do a little frivolous shopping - I have birthday money burning a hole in my pocket!}

Last week, I found that bookmark and thought the combo would be really cute.  I ordered the skirt, but when it arrived it was just a little too short.  It fell to the bottom of my knees (barely) but it's quite full so I knew it would have a lot of movement when I walked.  After my success last year with changing my clothes, I felt sure I could make this skirt the right length with a little work.

A trip to Jo-Ann Fabric, $3.50 for a half yard of fabric later, and I was ready to go.  As I posted yesterday, my adventure began, but it did not go smoothly.  My sewing machine belonged to Mom.  When I was a child, she sewed most of my clothes on the machine she received as a teenager.  I believe she got this machine in the late 70s or early 80s.  It became mine when she passed away in 1998.

I spent some time trying to adjust it on my own, but quickly got frustrated.  I sewed one seam (trying to attach two pieces together) and that was it for yesterday.  Google to the rescue!  The machine was manufactured by White Consolidated Industries, founded in 1858.  It is now under the ownership of SVP Worldwide, which includes the Singer brand.  I was able to find the manual for my sewing machine at Singerco.com.  I got up this morning determined to get things going.  I opened the manual on my iPad and in less than 15 minutes adjusted all the dials for the proper tension, stitch type and stitch length.

My skirt has a lining, which made my project so much easier!  I marked a line on the lining, then pinned my additional fabric to it.  With my machine humming along, I was able to sew my addition to the liner.  I then turned the hem, machine basted, then hand sewed it.

And voila!  I changed  my clothes!

I can also dress it up a little with a white jacket.

Don't be afraid to change your clothes.  If  you're not a seamstress or don't have a sewing machine, find a friend who can help you.  It doesn't take much time or money, but you may need a little extra patience!

One more little item that showed up in yesterday's post.  This pin cushion:

I think this little pin cushion is about 40 years old!  Mom and Grandma Luella made a bunch of these way back when.  I'm sure they used old scraps of fabric and trim because I remember a variety of colors and patterns.  The spools of thread were held on by elastic.  (I found a tutorial here.)  The elastic on mine finally deteriorated, so I just put some ribbon through it.  I really should take the whole thing apart, wash it, and give it a fresh piece of elastic, but it continues to serve me well!