Before I get started, I wanted to mention that at 1 p.m. today, I will have an endoscopy under sedation due to a recent IBS diagnosis and some ongoing issues.
I have spent many years being the Medical Procedure Caretaker for Sarah but today, she will return the favor. She will be the one to come back to the room to see me after my procedure, get me tucked back into the car, and drive me the ninety minutes home. I know I will be in capable, loving (and experienced-in-medical procedure) hands!
I just wish the procedure wasn’t so late since it’s not a whole lot of fun to go without eating or drinking for this long. (Actually, not eating doesn’t bother me so much; it’s the not drinking that’s really tough.) I told Sarah when she comes back to the treatment area to see me afterward, she had better have a big bottle of water and a protein bar in her hand or I’m not going to let her in the door!
finding jeans and pants to fit.
I have often whined to my (longsuffering) family that I am quite sure I’ve set a world record for the number of jeans I have tried on as I’ve searched for pants to fit. Happily, I recently came across a series of blog posts which has helped me immensely in cutting down on the number of jeans I have to try on.
Based on the things I learned in these posts, I now keep a mental checklist and apply that list to each pair of pants I am thinking of taking to the thrift store fitting room. Usually, at the end of the checklist, I end up putting most of them back on the rack because I know, just by looking, that they are not going to work for me. I can’t tell you how much hassle this has saved me in comparison to the days when I would try on thirty pair and nothing would work.
Before I post the link, here are a few samples of before and after photos of the results of this blogger’s advice. Pretty amazing!
I am going to start you off with my two favorite denim posts she wrote. If you scroll to the bottom of the posts, you will find links to her other pants-fitting posts. (Also, let me just mention that some of the pants shown in these blog posts are a little tighter than I would wear but she still shares fabulous advice that anyone can utilize.)
Post About Finding Flattering Jeans (When You’re Older) (This advice applies to any age, so don’t skip it just because you’re 30!)
Let me know if you learn something new and/or helpful!
I try to add at least a couple of photos of myself and my outfits to show you what I’m learning along the way.
I took these photos in early December when I was trying to put together a dressy outfit for a Dinner Gala I was speaking at. While I didn’t end up wearing either outfit, they still provide a perfect example of how slimming column dressing is.
In the first picture, the white blouse and black skirt cut me in half. Instead of allowing the eye to move up and down without interruption, it gets stuck on the horizontal line at my waist and instantly adds 15 pounds. (NOT the effect I’m going for!)
Jacket: $4, white shirt: $3, black skirt: $2, necklace: a gift
Look how much more slimming the uninterrupted column of color is. This concept works in many different applications, whether dressy or casual.
While I was looking for style photos to share, I came across this ancient, antique picture of me back in my enormously non-stylish days. This is about what I looked like when Steve and I first met when I was 17 years old.
I thought that might give you a little chuckle to start your week. Enjoy your Monday!
Find the other posts in this series: Small Changes Favorite Style Bloggers Stars and Understudies Proportions and Alterations. Mom Jeans In the Middle Patterned Pieces
I hope it all went well amd you are feeling better today. Sorry to hear about the IBS diagnosis, that doesnt sound fun at all. Interesting jean advice!!!
Jenna,
True, IBS isn’t any fun but it’s a whole lot better than all the physical challenges you’ve been dealing with lately! I hope each day is bringing a little more improvement.
And I DO know that each day is bringing you closer and closer to spring! That’s a happy thought. 🙂
I hope your procedure went well. So glad Sarah is a good nurse to you!
Now – about those jeans: Hie thyself to the nearest Express! I’m in LOVE with their jeans, and they’re a great fit for me. I know it’s a very “personal” thing about jean fitment, but I was blown away by their jeans!!!! 🙂
Stefanie,
I have to say, I absolutely loved the “hie thyself” line. Made me smile!
My nearest Express is over 2 hours away, but the next time I hie myself in that direction, I will definitely give them a look.
I just remembered – Express is ALWAYS having “sales” and BOGO 50% events. Their jeans are what I’d call “mid-range” in price, and I’m actually willing to pay for them – but I’m super-excited when I find a pair at Goodwill (as I did yesterday for $4). 🙂
Stefanie,
That Goodwill find must have produced a very happy dance, indeed!
I’m always happy to have more brands to watch out for when I’m doing my thrift shopping. Will definitely add Express to the watch list.
Praying all went well yesterday and that this is the only test you have to go through for them to get the answers they need/want.
Nicole,
Thank you! And yes, I would definitely love to be done with tests; that would be lovely! 🙂
We’ll say what they say after my follow up visit.
Not a lot I can say about mom jeans….when I observe women of my age and approximate weight wearing jeans, I remember why I no longer own nor shop for them.
Glad your endoscopy is done; hope there wasn’t too long a delay before you got fed afterward!
Love the “Becky as a young, young woman” photo. Such a cutie!
Jan,
Yes, sometimes we can learn a lot about fashion dos and don’ts simply by observing others!
I’m glad someone thinks my 17-year old self was cute! 🙂
I hope everything went well today! I’m sorry that Sarah had to be in this role (you as well) but if it had to be……who more perfect? Sarah has such a kind, sensitive & caring spirit that I’m sure nurtured your heart today! Much love! Jodi
Jodi,
Yes, Sarah was a wonderful nurse and caret taking companion. We’ve been through a lot together and she sure knows the drill!
Got to my e-mails this evening, so praying that everything went well. I know your “nurse” was attentive and took good care of you.
Sharyn,
Everything went fine and the food afterwards was delicious! 🙂 Thanks for your concern.
So sorry to hear that you had to have an endoscopy but hope you got good news. I’ve had 8 done in the past six years and really hate the preparation process. No matter what my doctor says, the go lightly mix does not taste like a cherry drink! Am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Debbie,
Happily, mine was just a regular endoscopy and not a lower endoscopy which is the same thing as a colonoscopy. (I just found out the difference this week.)
Eight colonoscopies in 6 years is a LOT of prep and a lot of Go Lightly to take. I know you must be tried of that whole process!
Thinking of you and hoping that all goes well for you today.
Thanks for the great jeans info. too!
Leeanne,
You’re so welcome. I hope the jeans info is helpful to you; it sure was to me!
Good luck today Becky, I had an endoscopy for esophagael pain back in May, the prep is so much better than having a colonoscopy and I felt fine after I woke up! I agree, you are in excellent hands!
Dale,
Yes, an endoscopy is SO much easier than a colonoscopy! I’m glad to have mine done.
With you in spirit! Sending love and a hug. And I will definitely make use of the jeans info!
Deb,
I was reminiscing with Sarah on the way home from the doctor yesterday about how you and mom flew down here to be me with me after my mastectomy and how thankful I was for you both. Thanks again for doing that!
Good luck with your procedure today. I have IBS and have had it for some time now. I am sure you are in the best of care with Sarah with you.
Take care!!!
Shawn,
I’m glad to hear of someone with IBS who is doing well with it. My doctor did a few biopsies and tests yesterday that I will have results from in a couple weeks. He seemed to be re-thinking the IBS diagnosis a little bit but these tests should give us some definitive answers, one way or the other.
Prayers that all goes well and you get some answers. May it be minor and you get relief. Know Sarah will do a good job caring for you. Safe travels. Will have to ck out the “jean” site. Like the slimming picture.
Ann,
Yes, I was in very good hands with Sarah! She got me food and got me home safely–even though she was was struggling herself with a bad cough.
Hope you enjoy reading the jeans info. I love it!
Hoping all goes well with your procedure. Have you tried gluten free to see if that could be a cause of IBS symptoms? I ask because our son in law was having possible IBS symptoms and tried gluten free and it changed everything.
Wishing you the best.
Liz,
To be honest, I have always thought I could NEVER handle a gluten-free lifestyle and always dread that a doctor is going to recommend it for me. I guess if it ever comes down to it, I will do what I have to, but it seems to be so difficult!
I’m so happy your son is doing well with it.
hope all goes well this afternoon
Mrs. Pam,
It’s over and done and I’m feeling okay. That first bite of food was certainly wonderful. 🙂
will be praying for you at 1:00. You are in excellent nursing hands
Becky,
Thanks for the prayers and concern; so thankful to have it all finished! Sarah was a wonderful companion and a great help.