A Snow Day in DC

This is a view of my street yesterday afternoon. The snow was really coming down and I was in winter wonderland heaven! The wee morning hours brought snow which turned to rain as the morning progressed. But around 1 pm, the rain turned to sleet and by 3 pm, the temperature dropped and snow began falling. I drove to Michaels Crafts in my father-in-law's truck while it was sleeting and I spotted several spun-out cars on Interstate 66. Most commuters were driving slow, marred in a state of panic. I quickly bought a few art supplies and drove home before the traffic and/or chaos got worse.

The DC area is first in the nation (tied with Chicago) for worst traffic. Combine the intense gridlock with a wintery mix bag of precipitation and you get absolute pandemonium! My husband, who normally has an hour + drive home, was stuck in traffic for three hours!


This is the back deck last night:

I was so happy to wake up this morning and see my neighborhood coated in snow! I estimate the area got about 7+ inches! I just wish we lived in the mountains because I would be skiing in heartbeat!

Today, I worked from home and I started a painting. I am doing an atomic/abstract piece that will go in my foyer. I also ran some errands and went to the post office. Due to the icy and slushy conditions, I wore my old pair of combat boots, tights, a black Cure Tee, and a pink cardigan. I also styled my hair differently.

I normally do a middle or left part in my hair but today I did a right side part. I think I like it! My blond highlights can really be seen:

 I hope everyone is staying safe and cozy this winter!

A Cold and Lazy Saturday

This morning,  I left the house at 8:45 am for my 9:00 am hair appointment. Despite my warm coat and gloves, I was absolutely freezing as I drove to the salon! It was so cold that I could actually see my breath and I could barely feel my feet! My car heater wasn't even kicking in! The temperature reading on my car dash read 19 degrees!

After my bone-chilling, 10-minute drive in the car, I arrived at the salon and I was happy to be inside again! During this appointment, Corry, my stylist of almost 4 years, refreshed my warm red color, trimmed my Middy, and added some amazing blond highlights as well! I had a blond chunk in my bangs colored over with a cool red tone back in September and I realized that I missed them around New Year's.  So, without further ado, here me wearing my new 49er jacket with my new hair color(s):

Here is a side view:

My blond is currently a pale shade with slight yellow tones. On my next appointment, Corry will lighten the blond again and eventually the blond will be platinum. It is always best to lighten hair gently and not process it too much at once! Hair can become damaged and even break off if the process is too intense!

After my appointment, I met my friend, Selina, at the mall and we shopped at MAC (I bought a new blot powder and a foundation brush) and then we talked over  coffee from Starbucks. It was so great to finally hang out with her! Our schedules have been super busy!

I went home after an hour or so and had lunch with the husband. He recently injured his achilles heel and is now wearing an aircast so we have just been taking it easy and not going out much. I do not mind. Besides, it was too cold to be out today! The high temperature here in the DC area only got to be 27 degrees!

After lunch, the husband and I made a fire and watched old MST3K episodes.

An upclose view of our cozy fire:

The fire was a perfect way to unwind and stay warm!

Before I knew it, it was time for dinner. Hmmmmm. What to make? Forget about cooking! I am too lazy today! The solution? Sushi takeout by the fire!

The food was so good, even Misty, my 14 year-old persian, came over to get her share:

Misty was actually looking into the camera but at the last second, she turned her head! I wish my camera could have captured Misty's cute, begging face! She has the "starving kitty stare" mastered completely!

Now that Saturday is coming to a close, I have to say it was a good day. I hope you all have a lovely weekend. And if you are somewhere cold, stay warm!

DC Covered In Ice

(photo courtesy of the AP)


Last night around 8 pm, snow and ice started falling here in the DC Metro Region. As the night progressed, the precipitation turned to sleet and freezing rain. When the man and I woke up this morning around 7 am, we looked outside and saw our yard, street, trees, and patio furniture glazed with a crystal-like sheen. It was pretty for sure. But pretty can be slippery and dangerous so today we are working from home. The government opened late and the lcoal schools are closed.

I feel so indulgent since yesterday was a federal holiday for Martin Luther King Day and today I find myself home again (even though I am working). It is 11:30 am and I still drinking coffee and wearing my robe! I am going to work on my projects for work, pay bills, make a fire, and cuddle with the cat.

So, on days you find yourself at home due to inclement weather, what do you do/like to do?

Morning Snow!

Late yesterday afternoon, it started to sleet and snow here in the DC Metro Region. The amount of snow was trivial and by noon today, most of it was gone. The above picture (showing the view from my front porch) was taken at 8:00 am this morning. It was so pretty. I wish the area got more! I am so jealous that Boston is getting nearly two feet!

Here is a view of the backyard:

Here is the cat gazing out the sunroom door:

For some reason, whenever I straighten the door mat, my 14 year-old persian likes to move it/wrinkle it. Maybe she is practicing cat Feng Shui and a wonky rug brings good chi! (Jk!)

The above picture shows the other side of my street, looking from my front porch.  I wish it would look this way all winter long! I have snow/ski fever bad so I am a bit snow-crazy right now! I have even been having ski dreams!

So, how has winter been treating everyone so far?

Baby, It's Cold Outside! -My New Found Love of Berets!

This me after getting home from work last night! It was really cold! I am wearing a black angora beret I bought at Urban Outfitters for 10.00 USD about 10 years ago. I have barely worn this hat until recently. I really like the way it looks on and it pairs nicely with a lot of my 40s and 50s clothing styles.

It has been in the low-mid 30s here in the DC Metro Region for a few days and apparently, my weather "boyfriend" Doug Hill of local ABC affiliate WJLA said that the region is in for more cold temperatures. There is even a slight chance for snow on Sunday into Monday. If the area does get snow, I suspect it will not be much. But any amount, big or small, is good to me!

Since it has been so bone-chilling cold, I have invested two more berets that I bought on Etsy.

One is made with red wool:

And here is a black, hand-knit "bubble" beret:

I have not received the red beret yet but I got the black one last week. I love it!  I especially like the little 'bubbles' all over it! Too cute! The yarn is super soft and keeps my head very warm!

I like berets not only for their look and warmth but also for their ease of wear! I can be lazy with my hair! I simply style and flat iron my Bettie bangs, put on my beret, secure it with a few bobby pins, and I am out the door.

So, do you gals wear winter headwear? What are your faves?

Winter Vacation Essentials!

Having been inspired by this week's ski post and Brittany's of Va Voom Vintage cold weather essentials post, I wanted to share my must-haves for winter/skiing vacations and basics for winter in general. You can see Brittany's fabulous post here:

http://vavoomvintage.blogspot.com/2010/10/my-cant-live-without-it-list-for-cold.html

When winter comes around, my ski fever kicks in big time! The winter weather here in the Mid-Atlantic is normally non-eventful (i.e. no snow). Moreover, the mountains are (in my opinion) too small. So, what is a vintage-loving, ski freak gal like myself to do? She goes west to Colorado! Every year the husband and I stay at our condo in Breckenridge for two glorious weeks. And, it is our goal to live in Colorado permanently one day!

Nevertheless, I have some tips and must haves for winter/ski travel that I hope you find useful!

When packing for a winter ski trip, you need to take into account the number of days you plan to be away.  You can bring multiples of small items like undergarments, socks, camisoles, tees, base layers, turtlenecks, leggings etc. But when it comes to bigger, bulkier items like sweaters, ski pants, jeans, or skirts, you need to limit them. Most airlines charge passengers per bag so try to keep your wares to ONE suitcase.

Most ski resorts and/or condos have laundry facilities. Take this into account when packing. You can bring less because you can wash.  However, items that cannot be washed like wool sweaters or ski pants should be limited. For example, I will bring one Norwegian wool sweater for ski days and one pair of ski pants for ski days. I also pack four sweaters to mix and match with a different separates.  Even though I wear things multiple times,  I just 'change things' around.

For instance, one day I will wear a black turtleneck and vintage 50s wool plaid pencil skirt with a pair of leggings. A couple of days later, I will wear the same turtleneck with a pair of 50s rolled jeans. Then I will wear the 50s skirt with a red wool cardigan another day. Then I will wear the red cardigan with the jeans a few days later. Be creative with your limitations!

Packing some accessories like a few scarves, barrettes, earrings, bangles, and necklaces can give more mileage to the variety of outfits. I always bring some fun rings, bangles, and earrings for nights on the town. For example, the first day I wear the black turtleneck, I will put on a pair of glass and rhinestone cherry earrings. The second time I wear the turtleneck, I will add a bangle and wear different earrings.

Ski pants and thick sweaters tend to take up a lot of space. I have found that placing these items in plastic grocery bags helps greatly! I put an item neatly folded in a bag, I tie it shut, and then I smoosh the air out. This causes the item to become more flat and compact. Now I have more space! I also use same grocery bags for laundry. I simply untie the bag, store away what's inside, use it for dirty clothes. Then I take the bag(s) down to the laundry facility. Easy!

Now, if your condo does not have its own washer and dryer, the building will more than likely have a guest/tenant laundry room. You will have to pay about $1.50 for washing and $1.75 for drying. You will also have to pay for detergent and fabric softener. I bring my own. I pack a few fabric softener sheets in a ziplock bag and I use the Purex Laundry Sheets. These sheets contain detergent. Simply throw a sheet onto the wash! There is no need for powder or liquid soap! I normally pack 5 sheets in a ziplock. I then place both ziplocks in an outer zip compartment on my suitcase.

When it comes to packing your toiletries, you will need to have these items:

-Sunblock
-lip sunblock
-reddness gel or cream (this is vital for skiers! Exposure from wind and cold do a number on delicate skin!)
-travel shampoo and conditioner
-toothbrush/toothpaste/floss/mini mouthwash
-comb
-brush
-bobby pins
-mini hairspray
-mini styling products
-makeup remover or cold cream
-travel cleanser and toner
-travel facial moisturizer
-travel body lotion (the cold, mountain air is very dry!)
-mini hairdryer (most condos' hairdryers are sub-standard)
-curling iron or pin-curl clips
-feminine items (if needed)

When packing your cosmetic bag, keep it simple! Have one day look and a one night look. Bare in mind that you cannot really wear cocktail attire or fancy evening couture in a cold, snowy environment! Therefore, your makeup should reflect your needs.


In most ski towns, the dress code is typically very casual, even in upscale bars and restaurants. When I was in Breckenridge in  January 2005, I wore heels to dinner one night and I fell many times! The sidewalks and streets in ski towns are normally covered in packed snow. There can even be patches of ice. As much as I prefer vintage rayon dresses and velvet heels, I stick to pencil skirts, leggings (instead of stockings), and insulated combat boots with lots of traction when visiting Colorado in winter.

In my makeup bag I have:
-NYC Color SPF 12 powder foundation
 -concealer
-2 blushes
-MAC eyebrow pen
-clear eyebrow gel
-NARS eyeshadow primer
-MAC Opulash Mascara
-2 shades of red lipstick (one warm and one blue-based)
-2 matching lip pencils
-my MAC pro palette containg 4 nude/neutral eyeshadows
-MAC Paint Pot in Painterly
-MAC Paint Pot in Bare Study
-MAC Liquidlast Liner in Point Black (great for doing cat eyes for a night look)
-a travel size loose powder (I fill an empty, small-sized, plastic sifter jar from MAC)
-a few of MAC makeup brushes tucked away in my MAC brush roll. (I have so many so I just pack the ones that I tend to use the most).

If the resort/condo has hot tubs on site, be sure to pack a bathing suit and a pair of flip-flops. There is nothing more amazing that slipping into a hot tub after a long day of skiing! It relaxes tired muscles and it's neat to sit in an outdoor tub while it's snowing!

Be sure to pack your ski gloves, ski hat, scarf, and goggles. Since it is usually cold when the husband and I arrive in Colorado, I do not pack my ski jacket in my suitcase. I keep it with with me so I can put it on after leaving the airport. My jacket is insulated and waterproof and I wear it on and off the slopes. I also keep a pair of insulated gloves and a scarf in my carry-on bag.

If you bring your own skis and boots, make sure your skis and poles are stored in an airline-approved ski bag. You can find a variety of styles at most ski shops. Also, I have noticed that if I try to pack my ski boots, they usually need their own suitcase due to their size. Since the airlines have gone "nickel-and-dime-crazy"  when it comes to baggage, I put my boots in a large carry-on bag.

So, I hope this winter is going to be cold and extra snowy! I cannot wait to cut fresh tracks and take in that clean, mountain air!

Here's to winter!

The Thrill and Joy of Skiing-Guidelines and Tips

First and foremost, I would like to apologize for being 'off-radar' for a couple of days. I have been busy with work and a family member is having surgery today. I know all will be fine with them and being busy is normal.  But hectic moments like this remind me that I need a break! Oh, what I would do to be on vacation right now! It's October and soon the ski season will be here. Even though part of me longs to bask in the Caribbean sun, I am ready to hit the slopes!

Every year for two weeks (usually in January or February), the husband and I visit Colorado for skiing and winter fun. As a daughter of a Norwegian ski champion, skiing is literally in my blood! My dad taught me to ski when I was a kid and I am lucky that I continue to have the opportunity to enjoy the sport.

When I first set out on my skis, I was trying so hard not to fall and remember what my dad told me. Despite my futile efforts, I still fell and there were several times I wanted to quit! Being the stubborn mule I am, I refused to give up and thus, I kept trying. After some time, I found myself letting go of the "rules"  and the 'proper way' to place my skis, and before I knew it; I was actually skiing well. Skiing became fun.

So, if you fellow skiers out there and for those of you who want to learn but never have, here are some tips and must-dos.

1. If you have never skied before, take lessons. If you prefer a group or private one-on-one setting, lessons will help you in so many ways. Think of the lessons as an investment: the more knowledgeable you are, the more you will enjoy skiing for a lifetime. The lessons are like building blocks that will help form the backbone of your skill-set. I DO NOT recommend anyone going out with friends or family who want to take them down a ski run without any understanding of what to do! You CAN get seriously hurt, if not worse!! Start slow and learn how to ski correctly. Even the pros can get hurt.

2. If you have skied before and/or if you have not skied in a long time, take an intermediate or refresher course! Again, you can do this in a group or private setting. I have been skiing for over 20 years and occasionally I will take a refresher too! Not only do I build confidence, I learn things that improve my skiing. Last year, I learned how to carve down an expert trail (black diamond) and let me tell you, it was work! When I was younger, the skis were straight and I now have a new set of shaped skis. Talk about a HUGE difference!

3. Do not ski outside of your knowledge and confidence! Again, you can get hurt! Skiing is about enjoyment. It's not the Olympics.

4. If you are skiing with friends and/or family, always have a cell phone or a two-way radio in case you get separated or lost. Garmin makes a wonderful radio that clips onto your jacket or backpack. It also has weather information channels and a GPS.

5. Follow the rules of the ski resort/mountain. They are there to keep you and others safe.

6. Have a map of the ski trails at all times and study the map for the best routes that meet your skill level. The map will also be helpful if you get lost.

7. If you ski often, be sure to take your skis to your nearest ski shop for annual adjustments. Do this before your trip if you plan to bring your own skis. The rates for ski maintenance in resort towns can be high.  Getting your skis adjusted or "tuned up" can prevent your ski bindings (the place where the ski boot "clicks" onto your ski) from becoming loose. Imagine if you were skiing and your ski boot separated from your binding! Not good!

Also, make sure the bottom of the skis get re-waxed during routine care and maintenance. Re-waxing will make skis glide better and if you have skied over bare rock or ice patches during the previous season, a new coat of wax and compound will smooth out any rough edges or chips. If your skis are rough, they can catch and drag which can cause injury.

8. If you plan to rent skis, ask the pros in the shop. They are there to help you! Also, do not feel like you have to 'fudge' about your skiing abilities. None of us have to be like be Lindsey Vonn! Let them know about your proper skiing level and what type of skiing you are comfortable with.

For instance, I am 5'3 and weight 127 pounds. I am an intermediate skier who prefers an average skiing style (i.e. I can go faster or slow but not lightning speed). Therefore, I am best-suited to a pair of 152 centimeter length skis with a moderate release setting ski binding.  However, the husband, i.e. the expert, fear-nothing crazy man has a pair of 184 centimeter skis with a high release setting. Again, ask the pros!

9. When it comes to ski clothing, be sure to dress in layers! Layers keep you warm and you can remove layers if you get hot (especially during the warmer, late-winter/early spring months). Always wear a base layer like body-skimming 'long-johns' or a lyrca blend top and leggings.

The modern base layers look and feel like slightly looser-fitting Spanx or shapewear. Base layers need to fit like a second-skin but they should not be restricting. Turtlenecks, cotton or poly-blend go great under wool sweaters or fleece tops. Ski sweaters or fleece tops should fit nicely and not be bulky. Remember always to account for movement! Ski jackets should be insulated and WATERPROOF! Do not buy anything labeled "water resistant." This means water can eventually soak in after a while. The key words you need to look for when it comes to ski jackets and ski pants are waterproof, insulated, 'Thinsulate,' and wind-resistant. Again, ski jackets and pants should fit nicely but not be bulky.

When you go to buy ski jackets and pants, try to wear a sweater and even leggings to get a 'real-life scenario' fit. There is nothing worse than a jacket or pair of ski pants that are too tight! For example, in 2005 I went skiing for my annual trip. I weighed 155 pounds and I accidentally bought a pair of ski pants that were a size 8! They were on a hanger labeled 12 and like a dummy, I did not try them on until the husband and I were in Colorado. They were tight but I could still zip them up and button them. Well, when I fell a few times, the button popped off and the zipper came flying down! I nearly lost my pants at least three times!

10. Even though skiing is a winter sport, the sun WILL get you, especially when it's reflected off the white snow! Therefore, wear at least 30 SPF sunblock and lip block. Even on days the clouds seem more prevalent, the sun, especially at high altitudes, will burn. I wear ROC SPF 30 sunblock moisturizer and NYC Color powder foundation in SPF 12.

11. Due to the heat of the body counteracting with the cold air, you will need anti-fogging ski goggles with UVB protection. I have tried to wear my 50s vintage cat eye sunglasses but I usually find that I have to keep them at the condo and wear my Roxy goggles instead. Sure, I do not look and feel vintage-fabulous but it sure beats being blinded by condensation on my lenses.

12. When it comes to ski gloves, you will need an insulator and a waterproof shell. Many gloves are now made with both features. Make sure gloves have a proper fit and dexterity! You need to be able to move your fingers and also be able to grip your ski poles. If your hands are prone to getting cold no matter how advanced the glove technology, you can buy chargeable, heated gloves. These are amazing and I have a pair. I wore them for the first time in January and they allowed me to stay out longer! You can also buy air-activated heat packs that go between the glove insulator/liner and the shell. Most packs last about 4-8 hours but they take about 20 minutes to warm up.

13. If you plan to visit a ski town or resort that is over 7,000 feet above sea level, you need to account for the fact there is less oxygen. If you are already active, increase your cardio workouts weeks (at least a month) before your departure date. If you are not active, try walking or biking to build your lung capacity. Many people experience "high altitude sickness."  You can read about it here:

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4618

Also, please note that when you are at high altitude, you need to drink lots of water! Get plenty of rest, especially after activity and limit alcohol! The very first time I visited Breckenridge, Colorado (elevation 9,600 feet) in 1996, I had two beers during my first night and I felt I had an entire six-pack! This symptom does subside after a couple of days but due to the dryness of the high altitude air, be sure to drink lots of water for the entire length of your stay.

14. If you plan to bring skis on board an airplane, please note that most airlines will charge you an "oversize baggage" fee. However, if you fly first class, the airlines will usually waive this cost. Airlines have their fees listed on their websites.

15. When it comes to skiing, just enjoy yourself! Do not fight falling, drop your poles when you fall, have a sense of humor, and smile! It can only get better!