giggle fits & fashion by (me!) sandra mickanen, topps, writeousmom
"thank you lesa!"
CH = before i had my 2nd pair of the same jean converted into a skirt.. how fun it was.. 1) to laugh so hard in the company of my sister & daughter, that i peed my pants; for real..
and neither my sister or daughter knew.. i had a back up pair of the exact same jean,
so, the same look, the same expression a young person might demonstrate when they watch, for the first time, a magician pull a rabbit from a hat; or cut a woman in half, and then reveal her whole again..
that was the look i saw on their faces.. my sister and daughter;
when i left the room, having visibly wet my pants from laughing so hard..
but then returned to the room, quickly.. and had a brand new, dry, pair of the exact same pants on.
-great thing to have locked in my memory.. and i don't remember our conversation.. what it was specifically that got me to laughing uncontrollably /but now we know, the uncontrollably, refers to my bladder.. write.
****
anyway.. that's how i've been shopping for years: when i do find something i like, that fits well, on my body, and for the occasion.. i like to get it in a few different colors. -in this case, with the jeans, i just like them so well, i bought 2 of the exact same..
when i started to see jean skirts coming back in fashion.. so instantaneously, i knew i wanted to ask lesa if she could convert -one- of my jeans into a skirt..
and i am so utterly, completely, delighted with the result! wear them both very often.. the jeans, and the skirt..
it is my experience almost every time i go shopping.. trying things on.. love the fabric; but not the way the design looks on me.. love the design, find it flattering; don't care for the fabric..
love the fabric, but... if i could just.. tweak this, add that..
it's only pretty recently that i've come to know lesa, and learned all she can do.. and at a reasonable price.
and price is another huge factor for me.
i.e., i had cause to be at santana row yesterday, passed a vest in a window that caught my attention.. i walked past it, then doubled back to the store to, i don't know.. try it on..
but before i tried it on; i inquired about the price
this particular, darling vest, at a boutique on santana row... over ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS!
now, i knew i didn't even want to try it on. period. -art of immediate detachment..
another reason i love the magic of macys! i might not find the identical vest.. but i can find a darling, fashionable vest.. and it's gonna be $60. Sixty dollars..
Macy's is also in my financial lane, so to speak..
and the other thing I LOVE about MACYS.. -in many of these high end boutiques.. they are rather, age-specific,
one boutique might have wonderful items for 40-something year olds.. but a different boutique for baby clothes, and a different boutique, if you are shopping for a teenager.. different for males & females, sometimes too.. and different for product; this boutique for shoes; this boutique for sunglasses..
but MACYS! i can enter the one store, at valley fair, for example, and shop for my grandson, niece, daughter, sister, mom, aunt.. dad, brother, son, uncle, etc. i can shop for socks, shoes, jewelry, dresses, lamps, candles.. sunglasses
no, wait.. they do separate women, and then a different location at same mall, for mens & home.
anyway, point being: they are my genuine and true, one-stop-shop. casual occasion, fancy/formal occasion.. active wear.. the variety and spectrum and price points are impressive!
i do have one... like, one macy thing that doesnt sit write with me, you know what i mean? and it is this: TOYS R US, -the real, authentic, TOYS R US stores from when i, and my children, were still children.. they were MASSIVE, MAGICAL, AWESOME, AMAZING! Imagine a Costco, but all toys! and i was saddened when they shut down.. i didn't cry over it, but i was sad.. sentimental.. grateful they existed when they did, and glad that i, and my children, had that experience..
but then, fast-forward, how much time, not sure, but: Macy's brought TOYS R US back..!
that's what the articles said.. with pictures of geoffrey the giraffe.. and i was so grateful to Macy's really..
until i saw... inside an actual macy's store.. a pathetic few square feet dedicated to childrens toys on eye-level shelves, but with a bench in the area that had geoffrey the giraffe on it, for kids to take pictures with..
and i did see, when i was standing in line at the register.. i looked over and saw, what i'm guessing was a 4 year old, sitting on the bench next to geoffrey, having his picture taken.. smiling..
but inside my heart, mind, i was like.. what a joke. -that's not the real geoffrey.. and this is NOTHING LIKE TOYS R US.. they're lying to you kid...
and i could go on, but you get the point.. i keep looking for an analogy.. and i think,
yes, if you compare a little train ride offered at a park, to Disneyland..
that's a fair capture of the difference between toys-r'nt-us at macys, and TOYS R US, the original, stand alone toy store
Macy's should call their toy section by an entirely different name.
***
where was i? oh, yes.. so, Magic of Macy's.. love their selection.. appreciate their prices..
and now that i also have a friend, lesa, that i can share my alteration and embellishment visions with, who can make them come true..
shopping is even more fun!
which is exactly what i'm about to do today, with my mom and daughter..
***
hallelujah! selah! & amen!
#macys #fashion #MAGICofMACYS
New! Lancome Supermodels... us! (me! my girl! my mom!) #mothersday
#mothersday
so, i was watching;
and i thought..
you know what the world really needs..
generational real people models
that is; when i go to purchase my lancome products
"Magic Of Macys"
write now i see, one famous celebrity model, representing one age/generation
plastered all over the place
i understand about the dream.. i do.
but, during my most recent purchase..
there were young pre teen girls, young adult women, moms, grandmas, great grandmas
all shopping
and how wonderful if instead of selling one dream to every age group
"they sell different dreams to different age groups!"
/am i hired yet?
and in my imagination i projected on to the glossy, backlit images all around the lancome counter,
a pre-teen, teen, young adult, mom, grandma, great-grandma..
we see each looking their very best for the season they are in...
we see them; together!
yes.. i still have my dreams
but! wow to Isabella Rossellini.. for a long list of reasons, but skip to:
"thank you!" Francoise Lehmann for rehiring Isabella and "thank you!" both very much for removing "anti-aging" vocabulary
we need to appreciate, value, each season.
today you are one day older than you were yesterday
and that's pretty much how it goes for your entire life
whether short or long.
****
and, i thank here my dad, for my initial, very long, very loyal relationship
with lancome products. -he concluded his career as a woman's shoe buyer for Macys
and made friends with the women behind the lancome counters
-and revisited them, each time he was reinvited to be the Santa at Christmas for Macys
so, we were gifted lancome products by my dad
and even when my budget did not necessarily support purchasing these products..
and ever since..
also, fun facts.. to my own memory.. Macys was my first credit card
and i've had more success there, with shoes, dresses, clothes in general
gifts for others.. etc. -and! my mom has so often over the years treated my sister and i, my daughter..
that's why i extra love that MOM part of their slogan
Magic Of Macys
In Jesus Beautiful Name, amen.
#MAGICofMACYS
The Magic of Macy's: I found THE PERFECT PURSE! #fashion by (me!) mrs. sandra mickanen! (topps!) writeousmom
in 2025 i will have been posting here on this blog for 20 years! -but you know, you would not, prior, ever regard SHEsaysWITHaSMILE.blogspot.com as a FASHION blog..
or a WEIGHT LOSS, NUTRITION, blog.. BEAUTY & MAKE-UP.. WEDDINGS...
or an exercise blog.. or, how-to-parent blog.. but i am going to be writing on those unaddressed, purposely neglected/avoided, culturally popular topics in 2025
and i am very excited to get started! so excited, i can't even wait til 2025
and i'm going to start by writing about the magic of macy's. -not that i havent written about macy's before.. but i've written about it, without writing about fashions, beauty or make-up, in a direct way, really..
and for my fellow human-memory-storage nerds, i will [without the aide of research/confirmation] bullet point a few macy's stories i know i've written, from memory, and without giving the story away, so to speak
* my dad being santa at macy's
* lancome, us as 3 generations models
* my traumatic macys bathroom experience
* my laughed til we peed in the dressing room at macys experience with my sister; thanks to our mom
* the spiritual intervention that prevented my purse contents from being stolen while shopping at macys
* purchasing swimsuits during 2020 [purposely not using the c word] when no dressing rooms were available at macys
****
and there's probably more, but those rise to the surface.. and i've already probably shared that 80% of everything in my wardrobe is from macy's. and if i've gifted you clothes or jewelry, chances are very high i bought it from macys.. i think it was my very first credit card, but didn't keep, so can't verify..
but i remember the struggle for that 1st card... need to have a credit history in order to get credit..
-so, how on earth do you start then?
****
anyway, let me not get away from my excitement: i found the perfect purse! (for me).
k, now.. let me speak of my purse shopping criteria. [skipping here about how i used to always carry a purse... (or, bowling bag, as my kids like to tease); and then stopped using a purse entirely for a stretch 'quickest way to lose 10lbs']
and one of the great things, for me personally, about being in my 50's, is that i have learned to seek, (and find!) when it comes to fashion, what works for me; what i like, vs. being influenced by peer pressures, online influencers; media; brand names; false commercials..
further i would add, that as i've blogged 20 years without including ads on my blog, i am not tied to liking something i really don't like; i have no reason to 'pretend' or make anything up..
-the scripture, 'who God sets free, is free indeed' is coming to mind & heart here..
so,
back to my perfect purse:
i am not seeking a particular brand for status; period.
i am seeking something very pragmatic; utilitarian. like it needs to pass my 'how i actually USE IT on a day-to-day basis test [not, can everyone see the brand name test]. it needs to pass my, 'what i actually keep inside it, for what' test..
and! it needs to pass, my 'where/how i use it' test, and! it needs to pass my 'where i place it in my jeep test'
those are the primary concerns i brought with me on my purse shopping adventure..
pragmatic:
i will be wearing my purse -not carrying- my purse; i will need a long, strong, adjustable strap so that i can wear my purse, strap over my shoulder, around my body. i like to be hands-free...
purse shopping is like wordle; lots of process-of-elimination to immediately focus in on what i do want; vs. what i know i'm not looking for.. and since we are blessed in these parts to have 1000's of choices; process of elimination becomes a very important skill set for a lot of things..
so i can immediately eliminate clutches.. or anything i would have to 'carry'.
next, i can immediately eliminate any back-pack styles
when i want to get something out of my purse; i want this experience as fast and efficient and quick n easy as possible.. i want visible and physical access to my purse and contents of my purse at all times
this not only eliminates backpack styles, but immediately eliminates any purses where the flap is folded over, any purses with lots of snaps and buttons or magnets, velcro, etc. it also eliminates any purses that are too big or deep, where you have to sit n search for things..
and helps me zoom in on only smaller purses that zip (for protection of contents); and zip specifically, write at the top
when i hold the purse, seen in the pictures i provided here, the adjustable strap allows me to place it -ergonomically- write where i want to reach; comfortable on my body, height wise, AND allows me to just glance down at purse, unzip, and immediately see/get what i want..
LOVE!
so; -a smaller size purse with zippers on top; and i like a vertical orientation.. vs. horizontal. -reason being; cell phone. i love this purse, because i can place my cell phone in the front area; vertical, and zip it closed. -i love that i can 'feel' through the fabric, and be reassured, without unzipping and physically looking, but i can just 'feel' and reassure myself that i remembered my phone, my phone is with me..
LOVE!
i need kleenex close at hand.. this purse offers an area, without a zipper, where i can easily store and grab kleenex at will.. i also, playfully, use this area to place advertisements for where i am.. and delight in seeing this in pictures later..
LOVE!
i will also be carrying, touch-up make-up, floss picks, chapstick.. odds n ends..
this purse has a separate area, where i can zip in, life's little helpful blessings
and an additional area, i can zip in the more important and valuable things like id's and money.
LOVE! i place cell phone front compartment; helpful blessings center; valuables closest to my body zipped closed.
and, lastly, it does have a smaller, area, in the front, with another zipper for protection; and i use this area for something i know i will for sure be needing/using that same day, so i don't have to search through anything, i can get write to it..
i.e., ticket to an event
****
summary: adjustable strap i can wear it over me vs. carry it; zippers at top, vertical orientation; 5 distinct/primary zipper compartments, with one open for emergency kleenex..
NOW
gets even better
in the open compartment, you will see in my picture, i also have... (drum roll here...)
SUNGLASSES CASE!
these were in fact, purchased separately, and not at Macy's. the one with the glasses in the design itself, bright pink & bright green, that was a gift from my sister. LOVE!
i learned that one of the ways you ruin the fit of your sunglasses the quickest, is by sliding them up on your head, like a headband, -which i have loved because it gets my hair out of my face, but.. it does damage the fit, the shape
so i have successfully broken that habit, which i had for many, many years
now what i do; i do not 'push' my sunglasses up on my head. i remove them, and quickly, easily, conveniently, PLACE THEM, inside their designated cute little holder case.
so, in order to be quick, easy, convenient.. this container also has to be easily accessible AND have a zipper at the top. the way i have this set up, i don't even need to remove or move the sunglasses case at all, it sits open/waiting, i literally, just slide sunglasses in, and pull sunglasses out, at will. i keep the zipper partially open at all times, and the orientation in my purse, is again, vertical.. perfect!
i LOVE the case my sister gifted me, also, because, it has a small zipper compartment on the side. this is the perfect place to keep your little sunglasses cleaner fabric..
i was so enthralled with my whole set up -the perfect utilitarian purse + sunglasses case, that i wanted to duplicate my experience in different colors, for different seasons..
i am a fan of the changing seasons that inspire the different fashion palettes..
i had no success finding an exact match, with only a color change, when it came to the sunglasses case
i did find! magic of macys.. an exact match in the purse itself; so i have one for fall/winter; and one for spring/summer..
the sunglasses case my sister gifted me, is spring/summer.. so i did find one, with colors/design that complement my fall/winter purse.. but, it is not designed the same
it is missing the zipper on side for cleaning fabric..; and it unzips all the way around; not just the top (i like just the top; its all that is necessary)
but! IT HAS A FASTENER, which allows me to ATTACH IT SECURELY to my purse. LOVE THIS!
i am enormously pleased. of course, the ideal sunglasses case for me personally, would have the zipper compartment on the side for cleaning fabric; PLUS a FASTENER to secure to purse; and only unzip at top for the sunglasses.. and, it would just be pretty to look at.
and if i really put my wildest purse dreams out there.. it would be this purse, in 4, not 2 different colors, one for each season, plus one extra fancy one for special occasions; and each one would have a very pretty complementary sunglasses case..
as it stands, i LOVE it, and BONUS! BONUS! BONUS! the jeep i drive, has a smaller sized compartment -as a matter of fact, my 2 door jeep willys just doesnt have a lot of -free space- so to speak, in general, for -stuff..
i can't think of a purse i carried in the past that would fit inside what i use now;
but! this purse i wear now.. it also FITS PERFECTLY inside the compartment, that securely closes, in my jeep
that got me to thinkin'... dear Jeep, i have an idea about what you can add to your merchandising line...
because, while i'm not a name brand person when it comes to purses..
i just LOVE all things JEEP.. i placed their sticker on the gum container i keep inside my jeep and just re-fill...
how cool would that look on a purse? sunglasses case.. THAT FITS INSIDE YOUR JEEP COMPARMENT...\ !?!
caveats/improvements that can be made to my perfect purse: the zippers can sometimes open so far to the end, that they get stuck, and i have to really wiggle/work to re-zip them.. i have learned to just make sure i don't unzip them all the way; only enough to get at what i need.
*****
-first of many fashion related posts to come... AND many (but not all of them) Magic of Macy's related... and i just LOVE how, the acronym ='s MOM. don't you? I am a 2nd generation Macy's shopper..
and my first post since getting "MARRIED!" this past NOV 19TH, 2024.
oh! i can't wait to write about that too... lots of pix; lots to share... i'll be working on a collage all day today...
and you know what else! there's gonna be fresh and new in 2025.. some COOKING BLOG POSTS.. trust, me, in the past 19 years you'd never refer SHEsaysWITHaSMILE.blogspot.com to anyone looking for recipes... but, mr robert mickanen... (my sexy!) he can cook people!
well, that's colloquial.. he doesnt cook people.. [giggling here] he can cook, ~anything! amazing mick meals, i call them.. and we'll share this blog in 2025; take turns, each writing about the things we love...
our criteria for posts in 2025: do we LOVE it... write about it; in detail...
****
Glory be to God, Hallelujah! Selah! & Amen
#fashion #purses #macys #jeep #MAGICofMACYS
The (almost) PERFECT DRESS for (me!) sandra mickanen, topps, writeousmom #fashion #macys
so, couple months ago i was shopping at, -you know where, -write:
Magic of Macy's
and i tried on lots of dresses.. and was about to call it a day, but, then..
that's interesting.. wonder what that looks like on
and, all at once, i fell in love with the fabric, the design, the fit, the comfort, the look AND feel of it..
i think my husband would like to see me in this one..
but, i really do prefer a sleeve... not a full sleeve.. but some kind of sleeve..
often this is achieved, by many a' woman, by wearing a shawl, or scarf, or small light weight sheer jacket..
items of this nature:
but i did not want to cover up the dress itself. the fabric is gorgeous! -that is, the fabric beneath the black netting overlay..
but i positively LOVE that added touch.. and the way the netting allows you to see through to the fabric, and how the netting is denser at the bodice
every time i tried the sheer jacket on for the purpose of having sleeves... it took away from the dress.. ruined the overall look.. covered shoulders looked yucky..
then, of course, lesa popped in my head... and my imagination, -because i know lesa, was allowed to experiment, to think... to envision..
love, love, love, this fabric! and i imagined matching sleeves.. but, like, where on earth am i going to find a matching fabric? i did not want a solid color fabric that matched.. i wanted the exact same fabric..
and i knew in advance, i wanted the exact same fabric, but that it would look extra cool, if the sleeves were not covered in the black netting..
and then! -and a matching tie! for my sexy..
and i left macy's on that day, having contemplated... but not purchased the additional dress.
i could not sleep.
i started justifying. like, my God, i can buy two dresses at macy's for less than the price of one dress at a fancy boutique..
and started to realize.. like, if you purchase a larger size dress.. that's more fabric, but for the same price as a smaller size dress..
and then, i found my way back to macy's -went straight to the rack where my favorite dress was.. grabbed the largest size... paid for it.. and practically skipped my way back to our car in the parking lot.
inquired with lesa.. noting this was a time-sensitive request, because we wanted to wear our outfits on new years eve.. would she have the time & availability
and, lesa, when she did my wedding dress.. [LOVE!], my added sleeves were attached to the dress itself..
but i explained for this one, .... i'm gonna be on the dance floor.. i need full range of motion..
i did not want the sleeves attached... restricting my movements in any way /showed her a few of my dance moves..
and when it came to the way i wanted my sleeves to look, i brought this top over.. i love this top, love this fabric, and this is my favorite sleeve! -length and style:
and we talked about velcro as a way to keep the sleeves -up- to keep them in place..
now.. when i got to go back and pick up the sleeves she made.. and the matching tie! i could not have been more pleased..
and on my initial try-on, dress rehearsal at home.. the sleeves stayed put. but they did not want to stay put on new years eve. on new years eve, we secured the velcro, and i added the use of double-sided fabric tape, but they just would not stay up..
to dance freely and not worry about it, i just left my sleeves at our table
but, my mom and i, we've been talking about how maybe some elastic string might help..
and i love the look and feel enough, that i am very willing to experiment, with the goal of wearing this again, but being able to keep my sleeves on..
while i dance another night away with my sexy husband.
"thank you!" here to magic of macys, lesa, the designer of the dress..
now, i do want to share my -if i could customize and make this dress look even better; my dream would be this.. double-sided fabric. see how the sleeve reveals the plain white.. as you move, dance around.. well, if that was the gorgeous fabric, inside & out.. on the scallop of the sleeve A+++
****
and i light-heartedly joke about math now and then..
but, i can do the math: magic of macys + dress + my imagination + 1 more dress + lesa ='s
****
i think it is VERY COMMON that when we shop, we love something.. but, just want to tweak it somehow..
i learn too, from my friend & neighbor, fancy nancy.. she can layer, so creatively and colorfully! i will admire a dress she is wearing, an outfit.. and learn she added an applique.. painted something.. embellished... if anyone should have their own fashion blog.. or magazine.. it's her, i promise you. and since i'm blogging on the topic of fashion this year.. i know in advance i'll be sharing pix of her amazing fashions and style.
#fashion
#macys
this is all a "thank you!" prayer..
hallelujah & amen
#MAGICofMACYS
LESSONS BY ROBERT, Lancome Event @ Magic of Macys, Valley Fair, San Jose
Public "Thank You!" to Robert -make-up artist & magician.. 40 years in the industry.. /so, started at 5 apparently..
great pleasure to meet you! and loved learning about you as an artist; sculpture; builder; landscaper.. mixed media artist too! 'maximalist' home interior & exterior designer.. -friendly neighbor;
truly inspiring! next level creativity!
****
and, now, i'm not fooling myself. i stand about as much a chance of being able to duplicate the way you did my make-up,
as i do, styling my hair the way it looks when i leave the salon.
***
my efforts usually pale in comparison, but i do enjoy trying.. and learning.. and, as i mentioned once or ten times,
i am very grateful you taught me a new way to apply my eyeliner; under the lashes not over. love it!
that i can do. -and i've never used a bronzer before, ever in my life.. how did i live without this?
and can hear your voice.. 'eye lid is valuable real estate.. you can make lighter darker, but not darker lighter'
or was that..
anyway.. enjoyed meeting ronnie too, and fun to be a part of the crowd, vibe, energy of your lessons by robert event. thank anna for encouraging me to sign up for it. -very glad i did.
and close, with my lancome request for the powers that be; please make your moisturizer available again.. the one in the white bottle.. w/spf.. pump. white color; texture: light, thin..
positively love your toner w/beautiful, light and subtle, but lovely fragrance..
positively love your idole lash mascara; and idole line of products..
and, -feedback from this loooong time lancome customer. -no one should be having to 'sharpen' make-up pencils anymore.. all that unnecessary yucky scraping of the lids or lips, until you sharpen again, and again..
may i suggest, chunky/large mechanical lip pencils and thin/small mechanical eye pencils only.
lastly, love sharing with everyone
#magicofmacys so much in the archives..
***
and adding more magic of macys experiences.. because write after Robert help my face come to life..
i got together with my new GFFS.. macys fashion stylist, rhonda, and with her help & guidance, found a few new wardrobe items for the fall season. -pix upcoming..
****
then, followed all that with a manicure, pedicure
***
feel all put back together and ready to do things, go places..
thank here also and of course! my sexy husband, and my loving Jesus..
hallelujah & amen.
emergence of "The Bathroom Collection!" by (me!) sandra, topps, writeousmom
what does this prayer plant collage have to do with the emergence of "a bathroom collection!"
follow along,
i've been blogging for 20 years now, -all creative non fiction..
without ever intending to write 'collections' -the potential for short story collections has emerged:
there is the potential for a
poetry collection, of course,
embarrassing moments collection, magic of macys collection
and i do believe i have one of the most unique movie/book/art reviews collections..
/one of which also belongs in my most embarrassing moments collection..
then there's
meeting authors/getting autographs book signings collection..
raising taryn & jack collection, family/parents/siblings/children/grandchildren..
live concerts/live music collection..
barones collection.. falling in love collection,
ricks picks/danville, ricks picks pleasanton collection...
all things alden lane...
family adventures in pleasanton collection,
politics collection; Christian walk collection.. humor collection..
on the craft of writing collection..
and a much longer list. plus photography collections; mixed media art.. indigenous word art...
yard art...
but my personal epiphany for "a bathroom collection!" happened yesterday at pintello comedy theater
****
of course it starts with the fact i had to use the bathroom..
and when i did, there are a few different doors to chose from once you enter the main one..
-this one's locked/occupied.. try the next.. whoops! -this goes to the kitchen..
but, eventually a vacant bathroom, and then.. hand-washing, because my momma raised me write..
and that's when i saw it,
and i looked around for anyone who might listen..
and there was a dark haired woman standing nearby.. total stranger.
and i treated her as if she paid to attend my talk on the beauty of the prayer plant.
i pointed to the picture on the wall..
do you know what this is? she politely nodded no.
i had her trapped...
well, this is a black n white version of the plant, but it's a prayer plant.. called a prayer plant,
and if you see one in color! it is actually one of the most beautiful plants ever, with the leaves in light and dark green, and then beautiful red lines...
pointing to where they might be..
gorgeous..
and bless her heart because she just smiled; look a little entertained, and said, thank you for sharing..
no,
"Thank You!" for listening..
****
and now, how many do you need to call something a 'collection' ?
****
flash back here to when my friend (of long ago), shelley, was at my apartment and went to the mantle..
she asked, 'is this supposed to be a robin williams collection?"
i nodded yes..
she doubled over in laughter. you have TWO!
i didn't really laugh back... i just thought to myself.. you have to start somewhere, -write.
/now i've got quite a wonderful robin williams collection...
****
but, point being, i don't know how many 'bathroom' related blog posts i have written in the past 20 years..
but there is the very recent bathroom pow-wow at mr mojitos in san jose,
and two others that come write to mind, without effort: fun/entertaining; both true and zeitgeist dense
WALGREENS BATHROOM STORY, Pleasanton, California
BARONES PORTA POTTIES, Pleasanton, California..
and of course, competition for which collection -bathroom or embarrassing moments:
Macys Bathroom Saga -Stoneridge Mall, Pleasanton, CA
***
yes, of course, i would love it... new, published collections.. eat, write & exercise, was the result of just understanding i had written enough to have a book of blog posts.. a creative non-fiction short story collection,
but, that came out in 2009! and i've done nothing but write more and more sense..
SHEsaysWITHaSMILE 2005 - 2025 lots to choose from...
published collections.. for this i pray
selah! hallelujah! & amen..
Iconics LIVE @ Mr Mojitos in San Jose! (micks! & wilsons!) and #fashion
our yard art has helped us meet so many people we would otherwise never meet.. some time ago, a passerby stopped to talk with us out front.. during the conversation -who knows how- but my husband and i mentioned loving live music..
the passerby then, -shares that he is in a band! we learn his name is tom... he lives walking distance away from us.. he's a drummer for the iconics... and he said we could find their calendar of events on facebook, but..
we don't have facebook. -we asked if he would bring a schedule by.. and "Thank You!" very much, because not only did we get to see the iconics live.. a new-to-us band..
but at a venue that we probably would never have visited without the iconics playing there..
and we love your band! and we love the venue! and we loved meeting your family too!
win/win/win...
but since 2025 is all about fashion for me.. shall we:
look at my beautiful friend 'awesome elva!' green tank, beautiful accessories, glamourous hat!
and i was comfortable hitting the dance floor in my floral mesh amazon top.. white large cuff steve madden jeans (macys); and my dansko's.. (nordstroms)
but the really fun fashion talk took place in the womens restroom..
it was while i was actually in my own stall with the door closed but my ears open..
i overheard these ladies.. how do you get your top to stay off your shoulders.. mine always slips back up..
and i was like, through the door... don't go anywhere.. i want in on this conversation... wait for me.
-and they did... and we talked about macys, nordstrom, calvin klein.. /one of the ladies worked for...
and i shared my recent swimsuit rant.. and one lady was about to travel and loved the other ladies outfit.. wish i could wear something like that to...
and she said, i'm the type that would just give this to you... do you want it for your trip?
and, one lady shared about being a breast cancer survivor.. -round of hugs.
and we just chatted up a fashion storm without ever leaving the restroom..
and they seemed really curious about my courage tattoo what does it mean? i've never seen anyone have a tattoo on their face!
and ultimately, we all exchanged some high fives.. trust me here: no one makes it to their 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's and beyond without courage. just showing up and knowing how, and being willing to still have fun is deserving of immediate and mutual respect.
and i may never see any one of these beautiful women again.. but we connected via fashion.. and they let me take their picture.. -see how different each outfit is.. each look. each hairstyle.. each sandal..
one of the blessings of getting older is that -along the way- you experiment, experiment.. and find what YOU like on YOU.. you get your very own style & vibe going on in collaboration with what's available to choose from.
"Thank You Fun Fashionable Ladies!"
we had such a wonderful evening... so much fun.
****
will just close by sharing how my husband and i, -we got a laugh out of identifying the different seasons of our life..
in our individual youths.. we danced from 9pm to 2am.. and still went to work the next, -that day.
when we met, in our 50's, at barones in pleasanton, music under the stars: 5pm-10pm..
now, 60-ish.. at mr mojitos in san jose.. 6pm-9pm...
and we are fulfilled. "cheers! & amen!" #vellumdays
Productive Procrastination by (me!) sandra, tvgp
I believe the term was coined by Ray Orrock.. and ever since I read it, ive employed it; both in my vocabulary, and my life:
so, for example, or i.e., as the scholars like to say,
I have 7 or more boxes in~waiting for me to unpack.. and wait just a few moments more they will, while I bring you this: my favorite pair of shoes ive ever owned! -purchased originally at macys where the magic of my mom and macys collaborate on many occasions to delight and astonish friends and family members #MAGICofMACYS
but now, what happened was: did a little watering at alden lane, and these shoes ain't made for waterin'
then, as you know I went on a hunt for a new pair.. no luck at the store; no luck online; no luck with manufactures website.. and I'm repeating myself I know, but .. the boxes.. so repeat myself I will
my sister tried too; no luck x3 again.. but "my mom!" -and now just look! so i'll be wearing the old, water damaged ones to alden lane.. and the new ones only for walks around town..
and the thing about these shoes, and the tag.. there is not a specific person to thank and acknowledge for the design, only the larger umbrella of the brand name/manufacturer.. so, whoever you are
"i love 'em!" -they are so (me!).
"Magic of Macys!" to (me!) ~tops
we love it when they catch the bad guys!
CH=
and i'm hunting through my archives, for when i wrote about having my [empty] purse stolen...
"HERE IT IS!"
Praise God! xoxo hallelujah & amen. #MAGICofMACYS
God and a sense of humor..
joy & laughter
"Thank You!" prayers and magic of macys tithing
The Perfect Tattoo.. for (me!) mrs sandra mickanen (topps! writeousmom!)
tattoos are a form of fashion too, arent they. and for artists, the skin is just another empty canvas.
regarding my courage tattoo,
i knew where, before i knew what..
and i knew where, because when my kids were little, we used to sometimes just play with make-up, draw on each others faces, and there was something extra i liked about the canvas area on the cheek, near the eye.. a cute spot for cute things.. [will find pix of my daughter with a little heart drawn there..]
anyway, the where entered my mind/heart around.. year 2000,
but i did not get my courage tattoo until 2006, when i was 40 years old. on some day with which i cannot be specific, i was shopping..
guess where
MAGIC OF MACY'S of course.. and i came across a t-shirt with a super cool looking symbol on the front, and the word COURAGE (i remember be research..) on the back. and i knew so instantaneously: that's my what. and i cannot be specific, but that t-shirt was folded in my dresser drawer and i'd come across it now and then..
and then, one day.. just called around for a tattoo shop that would take a walk-in. showed up, as requested with a picture of what i wanted.. -remember the place was in dublin, ca; remember the artist's nickname was droopy [because of his bedroom eyes]
and in 2006 having a tattoo on your face was not so common. they are ubiquitous today, -as is social media and posting pictures and getting lots of feedback from both supporters and mean, mean haters
i can't say that if i was in my late teens, early 20's.. 30's.. that i could have fielded all the feedback
but by 40, [and in the absence of even having to deal with in 2006, what people deal with today]; i was completely prepared. it turns out; if i like or love something enough on my own
no other opinions can sway me. "thank you!" for the compliments; and my favorite response for haters:
-your liking it was not my criteria for getting it.
****
anyway.. i consciously did this for more than just 'cute spot for cute things' reasons. i was also aware that, the same way commercials work -repeating, repeating, repeating a message..
i could create my own commercial, with my own message; use my own peripheral vision; proactively place my own subliminal message; by me, and for me.
where the message would be seen, repeated to my mind/heart, heart/mind, every. single. day: you are courageous.
and in fact, i never did look at my face everyday in the mirror while washing, brushing teeth and putting on make-up and say out loud, i am courageous or anthing like that; -but what i knew, is that
the icon for courage; the symbol.. my mind was catching sight of it every time i looked in the mirror.. and not itemizing the words.. you are courageous..
but the message was (and is to this day) being received and repeated and received and repeated by my heart/mind daily
and for those of you familiar with the number and severity of traumas i've been required to transcend; you will immediately understand how necessary the daily, ongoing repetition of this message to my heart/mind has been.
and i love my tattoo! i've had fun making up stories about what it means (to people who ask, but i guess wont really be looking it up...) the 'what it means' answer has morphed from year to year... different answer for different people at different places.. /all here in this blog somewhere...
but i've returned, really, to just answering with 'courage' "stripes i've earned on life's journey"
and, let's say you see a military service person, and they have those embroidered stripes on their uniform. i'm guessing when they get dressed, glance in the mirror, there is a certain good feeling attached
i have a good feeling permanently attached to my tattoo.
hallelujah! selah! amen!
#fashion #macys #tattoo #courage #MAGICofMACYS
back to #fashion, let's talk pockets & jackets love -sandra
still february, so let me fit my winter jacket pockets thank you and request to designers:
i love both jackets, in both pictures above. LOVE! -and, magic of macys, of course..
i default to the one on the left, with the 3 buttons going vertical down the front for the primary reason that I LOVE THE POCKETS!
i can place my hands, -naturally, in both pockets for warmth.. to relax.. to grab a kleenex, or some chapstick or change..
the placement, the angle, the depth, the lining.. wait; not lining, but
placement, angle, depth, all perfect for a very comfortable, natural, hands-in-pockets fit and experience.
the lining, inside one of the pockets had to be repaired.. i did purchase it 'clearance' [last act] and the lining in one pocket had a hole in it.. -easy fix. "thank you lesa!"
but strong lining.. -because people sometimes place their keys, pens..
strong lining in the pockets is always a plus.
****
i LOVE the jacket on the write too.. the fabric, the look, the fit, the feel.. i love everything
except for the pockets, which i realize, are just there for looks, for the design.. and not for actual use. but! if this jacket also had utilitarian pockets.. i'd wear it much more often.
****
hallelujah & amen
#MAGICofMACYS
Magic of Macys... putting the Merry back in Christmas "Thank You!"
we all predict success. this seems like an excellent business decision!
especially if you price it -write.
#MAGICofMACYS
Long Live me Favorite Long Dress! -sandra, topps, writeousmom #fashion #longdress
as st patricks day nears.. and, as we are currently working on our st patricks day yard art
[3 10ft tall irish dancers..] i find myself using 'me' for fun when i talk about things..
it's such an irish thing...
increases feb and march; then subsides again until the next year. with that in mind..
long live me favorite long dress! slainte!
****
women know.. long dresses come and go, trend in and out, quicker than [interactive creative non-fiction crowd sourcing here];
and that is as true for summer as it is winter..
*****
for this reason, if i go look, to double check what i'm about to share is true..
yes! this is the one and only long dress in my closet. and, even though i have a number of dresses in my closet.. a number of cute, pretty, cocktail, formal, casual dresses..
this is my personal favorite of all my dresses, short or long. and the number one reason for that is this: look at that fabric! that silky-ish, flowy, soft, beautiful fabric with such a gorgeous flower pattern design! and i crazy love the color palette! the black background, with the tan, beige, silver; the detailed lining of the flowers.. it all blends into something so beautiful to me... there's something that works about the size of the flowers and design.. like, i'm only guessing, but i don't think if it had lots of large flowers, or medium flowers, that i would be as drawn to it..
and even though it has this darker color palette, because the fabric is thin and light.. i've worn it by day and by night. i've worn it for formal occasion and casual occasion..
it does come with a separate spaghetti strap black lining slip that sits underneath. love that also! use it as a slip for other dresses too
anyway, it is my current plan to keep this dress forever.. because i LOVE the fabric, and because long dresses trend out.. i have considered having lesa transform it into something else.. just a skirt? just a blouse.. and create 2 separate pieces...
but exactly because long dresses will without any doubt, trend back in..
and i love it as it is so very much. it will remain as is..
and, -as we love to do for many occasions -my husband and i enjoy color coordinating..
for that reason, the pix of us together at the top, is a treasure to me. xoxo
#MAGICofMACYS
#fashion
#longdress
****
the vest was a hand-me-down from my best mom ever... love that too! "Thank You!"
****
hallelujah! thank you Jesus! -fashion designers, macys, mom -and amen
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