Zolucky is A Scam

When ordering from Zulily, another name popped up at checkout. I thought this was a subsidiary company of Zulily, as it opened at check out. I had no idea it was a hijack of my order by Zolucky.

After receiving a call from my bank, I tried to cancel the order. I called the number and received no answer. My call was returned and the person on the other end wanted me to cancel it on my computer but since I have an I-Pad it wouldn’t work. He assured me he would cancel my order. He did not.

So I was left with waiting for the order to arrive. It did.

Nothing was even remotely close to the images or description of the items I ordered. I tried to return them but was given a “200 dollar gift credit” for my future orders. Why would I purchase from this company deliberately after they hijacked my order? That’s deceptive business practices.

After several tense emails, I was told I could return them at great cost and inconvenience to me. Rather than endure that hassle, I agreed to a partial refund. Half the cost of the order was returned to my account and I was told to keep the stuff. Which I promptly gave away.

The whole experience was a frustration. They have no way to cancel the order, no way to contact the company which is in any way reliable, and their products are of the poorest quality I’ve ever received from any store. I cannot urge you in strong enough terms to avoid this company.

Elopement!

Our second daughter, Paige, eloped yesterday. We wish both Paige and Brian every happiness!

Capsule Wardrobe, Part 3

So the first batch of clothes I ordered weeks ago arrived today. Well, most of them anyway. And they’re going back. All but two. Out of 22 or so items. There is no reason to try to make them work when I dislike the fabric and the fit. Better to return them and use the money for stuff I still need to round out the capsule. Edited to add: Everything has arrived and I’m only keeping two out of all of them. Once I have my money safely returned to my account I will give you more information about this company and my review of it.

For my basics, I chose black, gray and white as the main colors, with red as the accent color. Most of these basics are suitable for use in a Spring/Summer capsule too. Tank tops, short sleeved tees, long sleeved tees are all easily used in all seasons. I would swap the black to another neutral, say a cream or khaki, to transform your basics into a warmer season capsule.

Any color could be used as a base color in your capsule. If you look fantastic in pink, for example, simply use it as one of your main colors. If I replaced all the black I have with pink, I would have the same amount of mix and match options in my current capsule. If white is not flattering to your skin tone, swap it out for cream, oatmeal, champagne, or camel. The point is to adapt your capsule to your specific requirements.

Choose flattering cuts, colors which look great on you, and styles reflective of your tastes. My style is eclectic. I’m bohemian, Southwestern, cowboy casual, classic and biker chic. Quite a combo, wouldn’t you say? So how on earth to add all these looks into one cohesive wardrobe?

Base colors, of course. These will work beneath my distinctive pieces, which will pull all of my eclectic items together. By having a subdued base, the wild stuff doesn’t look like I shopped while stoned out of my mind. They become distinctive, a reflection of my own unique and eclectic style.

Accessories can make all the difference when wearing a very classic and understated outfit. My sense is to be restrained when accessorizing, but I never do that. In fact, one of my “signatures” is scads of bracelets. While I wear these primarily as wrist braces/support, very few know that. In fact, now you and Laurie. (I don’t think Scott understands why I wear stacks and stacks of bracelets, now that I think of it…) I also wear boots most of the time. This is another deliberate choice, as boots give my ankles more support. I can wrap my ankles if they’re being particularly difficult and no one knows if I’m wearing boots.

Now these choices, the bracelets and the boots, are made for my particular physical needs. Yet they have become part of my “look”, which means I wear clothes to work with both. If you don’t have a personal style, go through your current wardrobe and find any consistency. If you find you have mostly classic cuts and colors, embrace that style. Jackie O and Audrey Hepburn wore classics and always looked spectacular.

If you have mostly denim and casuals, dress those up by changing your jewelry and footwear. If you have an abundance of print tees, combine them with classic blazers, cardigans and dusters. If you are finding one particular color shows up throughout what you already own, use this as a base color in your capsule. The point here is finding your personal style is simply revealing what your style already is. Simply put, we all have one whether we recognize it or not.

Art Studio Dreamin’- Flooring Options

Since deciding we’re not moving out of here after all, I’ve been focused on designing an art studio- which sounds pretentious to me- in our basement. I had planned to paint the cement floor in the barn house we were going to build. Now I’m thinking I could do the same in our basement.

The difference is the basement is underground and, therefore, significantly cooler than an above ground room would be. Carpet provides warmth beneath your feet. It also greatly deadens the sound in that cavernous room. And it is quite cavernous. It’s the full length of our home and half the width.

Add Evan’s old bedroom-which is the largest in our home-as a storage room for my temperature sensitive materials, and we are talking just under 1000 sq. feet for my arting. Given the tiny workroom I had before, this is enormous. Almost mind boggling large.

The carpet needs to be replaced throughout, no matter what we decide to do down there. It’s old and well “loved”. I just keep thinking how much easier and less stressful working on painted cement would be for me. I wouldn’t need to be nearly as careful with my paint and clean up would be a breeze. Sweep, mop and done. Now I have to vacuum and spot clean, which I hate. Vacuuming really bothers my arms. I’d rather use my limited function for something fun, like creating art, instead of vacuuming. (Although I did wear one of my many tiaras while doing it. That way I had some fun thrown into the activity.)

Laurie and I discussed the studio plan yesterday. She has some ideas I hadn’t thought of before. I really appreciate her input. She has her own studio and has insight on what works and what doesn’t. Yes, Laurie is a fiber artist and I am a mixed media artist, but storage is needed for both. She can see my space and, knowing what I do, how my storage needs to work for my supplies. Shelves and drawers will be needed, but so will some display space for my specials.

We talked about the office, and she suggested putting an electric fireplace in there for both ambiance and warmth. Now I’m considering two. One for each section of the space. I had thought about sliding barn doors to close the office, and Laurie suggested the same thing. So I felt this was a good ideas since we both thought of it. My concern was having it open when having our family dinners. I don’t want my grandchildren to get into it.

Of course I don’t want them to get into the cupboards, cabinets and closets I’ll have in the workroom part of the space either. They will just have to be told not to touch any of Monkey’s stuff. It’s just that simple.

The entrance to the office would be wider than the work table I am hoping Scott will build for me. So it could be rolled into the office and out of the way when necessary. There is plenty of space in the workroom part of the studio to hold the tables and chairs we’d need for a large family gathering. And it’s wide enough to accommodate everybody even with built ins around the outer walls of the room.

We could replace the carpet in Evan’s room with new and paint the main room floor. Even though I plan to use his room for storage, it should still be a bedroom. We could even put carpet in the office part of the studio, which would make the space much more comfortable. I will be using the office primarily for research and writing. And since I’ve spent the last several months on this book, I fully expect to be in the office a lot. I want the space as warm and cozy as I can make it.

Capsule Wardrobe: The Basics

These are the basic pieces I just bought to create a capsule wardrobe:

1. 4 tee shirts. Black, Gray, White and Navy

2. 4 tank tops. Black, Gray, White and Navy

3. 4 long sleeved tee shirts, V-neck. Black, Gray, White, Oatmeal

4. 4 long sleeved turtlenecks. Black, Gray, White, Coffee

5. Black straight leg dress pants

6. A-line blue jean skirt

7. Black wrap sweater with tie

8. Gray duster sweater

9. Tan cardigan sweater

10. 5 pair knit leggings. Black, Dark Green, Red Wine, Gray, Navy

11. 2 jean leggings. Black, Denium

12. Black faux wrap dress

I already had:

13. White button down shirt

14. Blue jeans

15. Blue jean jacket

Now your capsule may look different if you work outside your home. You might need more basics suitable for a professional environment. Those might include a pencil skirt, a blazer, a patterned day dress, a plain crew neck sweater and matching cardigan. However, several of the basics in my capsule would be usable for a professional wardrobe too.

When you have nothing basic in your current wardrobe, it becomes a bit overwhelming when thinking about how to start. First, I cleared out everything I had in the closet and drawers. I packed up everything which was for summer and not usable in the fall or winter months. This didn’t leave me much of anything.

After whittling my clothes down to only what fits and would work in the changing season, I was stunned by just how little I had to work with. I kept 4 sleeveless tops which will work under sweaters and the blue jean jacket, I have a blue jean-ish duster, a wild orange print dress, my 3 tunics which I wear over leggings, and a day dress.

I have three turtleneck sweaters which are ancient and look it, a few casual tops which I would only wear around the house, and a black tiered peasant skirt which is rough too. I’ll keep these for arting in, once we get the work space completed. If I get glue and paint all over them it’s no big deal.

If you take every newly purchased top including the white button down, just by itself, and combine it with the jeans, black pants and denim skirt you get 51 different outfits. Now add the black sweater with each top for another 51. Then the tan cardigan; 51, and the gray duster; 51. Replace with the jean jacket and you get another 51. Use the white button down as a “jacket” and you get 48 more. Use all tops, with the white shirt over top, and then the black sweater, 48. Do the same with the tan, gray and jean jacket and you have an additional 144 options.

Let’s add these up and see how many different things we can wear with the few items I purchased. If my math is correct, and that’s a huge if, I think we end up with 426 different combinations. That’s just with the tops and three bottoms. If we throw the black dress in there, we get four more with the sweaters and jean jacket and one with the white button down, which is six. Oh, and I can wear it by itself, too, so 7 options with the black dress.

This brings us to 432 different outfit options in total. From 25 individual pieces, three of which I already had. That’s quite impressive, wouldn’t you say? I’m not ever going to wear some of the combinations, but they are counted nevertheless. Since I do not consider leggings to be pants, I didn’t include them in the count. They will go under the long tunics, any day dresses and the denim skirt.

This has taught me something important. I don’t need to have a closet filled with clothes to be able to look pulled together when I leave the house. I just needed some [boring] essentials to give me options. Toss in some jewelry, scarves, boots and shoes and the possibilities become even more mind boggling.

If you haven’t tried this with your clothes, give it a shot. I knew I had nothing, which meant I had to shop. But for most people, they probably already have a bunch of the stuff I just bought. Have some fun with it, and just play around with your clothes. Combine different patterns and textures, unusual color combinations, or unexpected pairings like biker boots and a tailored pencil skirt.

Some of your combinations may be heinous, and that’s fine. Some, on the other hand, will be spectacular and surprising. You’ll be amazed if you just let yourself relax and have some fun.

Art Studio Dreamin’- DIY Built-Ins

After discussing my idea for pre-built cabinetry in my art room, Scott decided it would be cheaper and easier for him to build them. I confess, I like this idea much better too. This way he can put drawers exactly where I need them, in the correct width and depth for what they’d hold.

Another obvious advantage is they would be made specifically to fit the space we’re using. No gaps or funky edges to make them fit when they really don’t. And they can have solid doors or glass doors, shelves and interior drawers, display space for my treasures, a simple gray countertop for seeing colors accurately…The work table itself, which will be huge, can be on casters to roll out of the way when needed. My rolling carts can be stored beneath a countertop with curtains covering the opening. Easy to get to, yet out of the way when not in use.

The idea of being able to attach and detach the work table from the counter still appeals to me. If built the way I envision, there would be a huge amount of storage beneath the work surface itself to hold all my most used essentials. Then, when attached to the counter, there would be shelving or pegboard on that wall space. Again for easy access to my most used tools and larger items.

The YouTube set up would hang down from the ceiling, on an adjustable mount. Reflective shields along with lights attached to my work table should give me ample light for filming. My grandma’s old enamel table would stand on the wall beside Evan’s bedroom door. This is where I would set up displays of my projects to take pictures and then list them for sale. Beside the open stairwell would stand my easel and taboret. The other side would be a space to work on jewelry, clay, miniatures or set up with my sewing machine-not sure yet.

Scott’s concern is looking down our open stairwell and seeing a mess. I explained my workroom was a “mess” because I lacked storage in there. And it really wasn’t a mess. It was as organized and functional as I could make it. I was very happy with it once completed. Because Scott’s office had abundant storage and a very large work table too, his space always looked less cluttered than my work room. And, obviously, he had much less stuff in his room than I held in mine.

The basement is about the same size as the studio I designed in the barn house plan. There was a storage room and bathroom included in that one. I can use the shelves in the back room as storage for drying paintings. I’ll just have to continue using the gallon jug water method since we won’t be adding a bathroom downstairs. My concerns are lighting and electrical outlets.

Capsule Wardrobe, Let’s begin:

So far, 7 new items have arrived. A gray turtleneck, black V neck, 1 black and 1 white tank top, a gray duster sweater, a black wrap sweater and black dress pants. Add a pair of jeans and a white button down shirt, which I already have, and I have 38 different outfits.

That clearly tells me I had gaps in my wardrobe.

Now I have several different sleeveless tops which can be worn beneath both sweaters and with either jeans or the dress pants. That will make a lot more, but I only want to work with what I ordered, the white button down and jeans.

Now, if I add the blue jean skirt I ordered, there’s an additional 19 options. Which makes the grand total, with 8 new and two already have pieces, 57 different outfit combinations.

Obviously, adding basics to my existing stuff can really make a huge difference in my wardrobe options. And it’s fun to mix and match pieces to see what you can come up with. I wouldn’t wear all of these 57 combos, but it’s interesting to see what you can do with only basic stuff…It’s like Garanimals for grown ups!

Now, if you add accessories like belts, scarves, jewelry and footwear to the mix, you can come up with tons more. If I had no extras at all, I’d begin with a reversible belt- black and brown, a set of pearls- necklace, earrings and bracelet-a set of silver (or gold, depending on your skin tone) jewelry, and a pashmina in your capsules accent color. Whatever your accent color is, make sure it’s a color you love.

Another idea is a thin, patterned scarf or finished piece of fabric to use as a belt, hair tie, or a neck scarf. For example, a sheer solid red would work great with my black, gray and white basics. But so would a wild and outrageous pattern in many different colors. Since the scarf is thin, it wouldn’t be overwhelming, but would be a nice punch of color. These accent pieces can add so much personality to your wardrobe. (Okay, let’s be real here. I’m not going to wear a thin scarf as a belt. But I would wear it wrapped around my arm like a fabric bracelet…Or braided through my hair. Or wrapped around a headband. Or hanging from a lapel, held there by a treasured brooch…But it is very unlikely I’d ever use it as a belt. Just sayin’)

Footwear should be very comfortable-to wear all day and into the night without foot pain-and appropriate for many occasions. For example, a simple pair of black pumps- in a heel height which is comfortable for you-black knee-high or ankle boots, a neutral or accent color heel, and plain sneakers. Since I already own black and brown cowboy boots, red suede cowboy boots, knee high brown leather (with red accent) boots, black and gray kitten heels, black, red and green plaid “work boots” and gray winter boots, I have quite a few options. But, again, I see gaps where I can fill in with some personality. A fabulous red heel, comfortable black heel, and thick soled sneakers would round out the collection well.

Obviously the goal here is to use what you already have in your wardrobe and add pieces where you have a “gap”. As I’ve mentioned, my stuff is pretty eclectic and bright. I didn’t have many basics to use with them, other than jeans and a white button-down shirt. This means I had to start by building up from nothing. I’m sure you all have basics already and won’t need to spend a crap ton of money on them right from the start.

Since I had to buy everything, I didn’t necessarily buy the highest quality. However, I can replace as needed with better quality and end up with a wardrobe which will be functional and easy to wear for years…It helped me to think of the wardrobe like pantry staples in the kitchen. I always have flour, sugar, salt, pepper, poultry seasoning, real vanilla, canned soups, rice, noodles and tomato sauce, for example. The clothes I just bought are like that. I can whip up all sorts of things from what I keep in the pantry, and now I can whip up all sorts of outfits from what I have in the closet.

And in spite of how depressingly colorless these things are, when paired with my more eclectic stuff, they work great. A simple black turtleneck makes a perfect under-layer for my wilder tunic tops. A gray tee shirt works well with my peasant skirt and jean jacket. A white tank beneath the white button down shirt can be worn with my chartreuse ankle length dress pants…All “toning down” the wild prints and bright colors, yet letting my own style and personality be seen.

How to Determine Value

You may recall many of my posts involve getting the best value for your money. Most often this has involved art supplies and materials. Today we’re looking at some other things.

Let’s begin with clothing. The key to understanding the value of your clothing is to determine how often you’ll wear it. As an example, if you live in a cold climate you’ll need a warm winter coat. The cost of that coat might be quite high for one of excellent quality and warmth. Let’s say this coat cost 200 dollars.

Now, if you wear the coat for one winter-say 90 days-you would divide the cost by the daily wear. Which leaves you with 2.2 dollars per wear. If you wear it two seasons, at the same cost divided by 180 days you wear it, this leaves you with a cost-per-wear of 1.1 dollars. If you wear the coat for 5 seasons, the cost per wear is .44 cents. (I think. Math is not my strong suit…)

Use this method to determine whether or not a purchase will be a good one. If you’re only going to wear something once or twice, other than for a special occasion like a wedding, it would make no sense to spend vast amounts of money for it. Spending more on something of high quality you’ll use often-like a purse, billfold, eyeglasses, a couch, pots and pans, rugs, mattresses and bedding-would be a wise purchase because the higher quality will withstand the daily use it will get. If you need to replace something every few months because it is often used and wears out, you’re likely spending more money then had you just purchased it in a higher quality which will last for years.

Occasionally used items-like holiday decor and seasonal clothing like a Christmas sweater or jewelry-could be purchased at season close-outs or second hand to make the cost per use more reasonable. Better yet, purchase things like a simple red sweater and a green turtleneck which can be used for Christmas but also as separates throughout the year.

If possible, make your purchases do more than one thing. For example, a black wrap sweater can do double duty as a “blazer” to complete a black suit or as a sweater with jeans. It can also serve as a transitional jacket in the Spring and Fall. A jean jacket can work the same way. A sleeveless little black dress can be used beneath a jacket/sweater for work, dressed up with jewelry and heels for an evening out, worn with leggings and flats for a casual outing.

With our remodel, and our son moving out and taking a whole lot of our stuff, I’m considering new furniture for the living room and dining room. I have a pretty good idea of the style I am going for, but the whittling down to a couple choices is a struggle. For one thing, I want to know how the furniture feels when you sit on it. This is impossible when you’re searching online. (I also have a problem with spatial reasoning. I cannot visualize how a piece will look in my room because measurements don’t help me. I usually make a template of the item, using newspaper or old wrapping paper, in the size listed. Then I place it where I would want it to go and judge if it’s the correct size and shape for the space.)

Furniture is one of those things you use all the time and should be purchased in the highest quality you can afford. You don’t want to be replacing your couch every six months, or have your dining room chairs break beneath your very large grandson. Furniture is an investment piece in your home. Lamps, not so much. You can replace those easily and relatively cheaply.

Now if you consider the cost of a high quality couch in the style I want-2000 bucks is a lot of money. But if it lasts for 20 years (6700 days), the cost per use is .30 cents per day. A 1500 dollar dining set ends up as 22 cents per day. (If my math is correct.) If you’re a person who gets bored with your furniture after a couple years and want to replace it with something else-it would make more sense to buy a less expensive couch which only needs to survive a short time. I don’t really replace my furniture that often, unless it’s been destroyed by kids, and when I do it’s with more second-hand stuff.

Use the cost per use method to determine whether or not something is a good buy. This can make a huge difference in the way you consider your purchases and where your limited budgeted funds should be spent.

It’s Official!

My son Evan and his girlfriend Jenna are engaged!

We are thrilled for them! I’m so thankful Evan found the most lovely-in-every-way woman to make his life complete. They are well suited to each other and I’m sure they will be very happy together.

Goatless!

The neighbor no longer has any goats! This is a fantastic turn of events. Since the goats haven’t gotten loose lately, my flowers are finally blooming. In October.

This recovery of my landscaping is frustrating for me, as I spent quite a bit of money on the plants at the beginning of the season. Nevertheless, my hope is Jon will realize goats are not the way to go and not replace them.

Today our son moves into his new home, 45 minutes from here. My heart is breaking, while I’m also thrilled for him and his future wife, Jenna. They will, once they’re married, build their lives together. And this house will become their home. God-willing, filled with love, laughter and joy. (And, hopefully, many grandchildren!)

Speaking of grandchildren, today is Anthony’s special day. The special needs students join together with the high school football team, for a “game”. Each student is given the opportunity to throw the football, and to run a “touchdown”. Erin made all of us “Team Anthony” tee shirts to wear today. This is one of his favorite things about school. He’s so excited he said he had to go to bed early so he could get up early to get ready to go.

He’s so precious! I just love these special events the school provides for the kids. It means so much, not just to the kids, but to their families. When you have a child with special needs, you face daily challenges.

Your heart breaks often. The realization crashing over you again and again; your child will not ever live independently, drive a car, go to college, hold a job, find love and marry, none of those things we recognize as normal life milestones will happen for your loved one…

So we find joy where we can. And today is joyful!