A Trip To The Arlington...

My daughter and I traveled an hour down the road and wound up at The Arlington in Hot Springs last week. We did the "Pamper Me" Spa Package and had quite a squeaky clean time! For $269 (plus tax and tips), the package for two included an overnight stay with standard room and two extra comfy beds, a spa treatment of choice for each person, a special spa gift, breakfast in the Venetian Dining Room, and one of their famous white robes to wander around in during the visit. No flashing allowed.

For our spa treatment we naturally chose the famous Hot Springs bath with 30 minute massage. If you live close to the area and don't go for a HS's bath every now and then, I'm afraid there's something terribly wrong with you. I know you have to strip down in front of the personnel, but at this age, who cares. We also chose an extra spa treatment for $130 and loved the Deluxe Signature Facial that lasted well over an hour with intense pampering on our face, hands, and feet. My lady, Jade, had worked at the 4 Seasons in Dallas for many years and was such an accomplished esthetician. Our special spa gift consisted of lotions and gels for our newly refurbished bodies. Nice.

Naturally we had to shop while in the pampering mode and found this darling little hole in the wall, C'est Bon Boutique, next door. Sandals were half price so you know what that means...two pair for sure. Also, a couple of cute tops were snared. We chose to eat lunch at Belle Arti and dinner at Rolando's. A glass of wine on the Arlington veranda, among all the hustle and bustle, sent us over the top. Then, we went to the room, took a short nap, panicked when the cable conked out (couldn't miss Big Brother) and had an early evening. Overall, the visit was really nice and the following morning, after our included breakfast, we hated to get into the car and drive back to the real world...

Enough With The Shoes!

Why is it these days, one has to have a different pair of shoes for every outfit worn?? Ladies, remember when we were able to meet our needs with a standard pair of heels, loafers, boots, tennis shoes, and flip flops?  That's a tidy five pairs per closet. However, in these consumer frivolous Pinterest (follow me) days, we most often determine our purchases with detail to must haves, texture, color, designer, purpose, event, etc. as well as the outfit.

Gee, there's shoes with spikes (for what occasion I have no idea)...

and shoes for river paddling (if you do that sort of thing)...

and designer shoes (certainly not designed for walking)...

and shoes for sports events (like calling those ever-loving Hogs)...

and shoes for flaunting expressing your status...

Gosh, enough with the shoes!  I must confess, (out of all the numerous shoes in my closet) the most overwhelming fact of all is that I never have the right pair of shoes for any occasion (hence, the need to shop for more shoes). In fact, who's up for returning to the good ole days...when one pair of shoes could take you anywhere...

Lots of Artistic People in the Natural State

Last week I went to one of favorite lil' hole in the walls (as for clothing, jewelry, shoes, handbags and lots of other girly stuff), The Box Turtle on Kavanaugh in Little Rock. I love shopping at Box Turtle because it is an "artist driven boutique" specializing in unusual and clever stuff made by very gifted and talented one of a kind people. And, as usual, I found something I couldn't live without. This cool 50% polyester, 38% cotton, 12% rayon t shirt by ELL. Little pricey at $36.00 but what can I say...no control when it comes to cool artists, fashion, and anything promoting the Natural State!

Devilish Di's Dirty Little Secret...

Got a great little tip in the Hints by Heloise column this morning. A reader wrote in to share her tip on using a new plastic shower curtain as a mattress cover. No tugging with those cheap, plastic zippered things you get at Wal-Mart that very quickly tear up and become puckered to one side which is exactly what my mattress liner is doing at this very moment. And, speaking of great tips, Devilish Di has one for you:

On laundry day when removing and folding cotton t-shirts from the dryer, it is always easier for the launderer if the person tossing the garment into the dirty clothes hamper turns the item right side out. Have a little pow wow with the spouse, kids, significant other, or whomever you do laundry for and tell them to please be sure to do this simple and easy act of kindness for you. I'm sure everyone in your household will listen intently and do just what you have asked. However, just in case you have an unruly launderee, don't waste your breath pouting or raving about how they couldn't do one little thing to help make your laundry day go a little smoother. Doesn't work. Just continue to calmly fold the shirt wrong side out, place it along with all the other neatly folded wrong side out t-shirts into their drawer, and try not to laugh too hard when they go out in public exposing their tags and all...or your dirty little secret might be out.

What To Wear For Easter...

Today, I must go into the closet and find the perfect Easter outfit because this week end is going to be CRAZY with egg hunts, ham dinners, sunrise sermons, and special family gatherings!! My choice should be colorful enough to depict the arrival of spring and comfortable as well to endure all the outings Easter week end brings!

I think this comfortable (no name because I cut it out), elastic band beige skirt with a greenish colorful, 100% cotton sequined pull over top by Forbidden (which I bought years ago at Dillard's and have never worn...shame on me), and matching green pumps by Michelle D will do nicely!

Hope you have a wonderful and special Easter weekend with all the ones you love...and always remember the REAL reason for this glorious event...He Has Risen! 

I Must Confess...

I Must Confess...I purchased another pair of sandals the other day when I own way too many pairs already! However, these Warm Cedar Bark Kenneth Cole Reaction beauties from Warren's at Pleasant Ridge Town Center match a dark brown summer dress I've worn for years and go beautifully with my new Wet N Wild Megalast Salon Nail Color/218A which is a gorgeous turquoise! I think I've got a winning combo here!

On The Road To Charlotte...

I always find time to shop at the Outlet Mall in Lebanon, Tennessee where I recently found these three cool Ralph Lauren Polo tops!