Saturday, February 7, 2015

February Checkerboard Blog Hop

Oh dear, does anyone else feel like they can't quite catch-up since the Holidays?   I feel sort-of breathless trying to do all the tasks at-hand.

The exciting news: I was unexpectedly invited to attend a Black Tie Gala in Atlanta by a very special colleague at work..to represent my Hospital!  This was in recognition of some hard work over the last few months.  I was so honored ('speechless' at the time, as I recall..and I am never speechless).  I've never been to Atlanta before..this is all very exciting!!!

Segue: What to wear?!  I've never attended a Gala before.  My every-day wardrobe definitely doesn't include glitzy-glamorous pieces or a ball-gown.  I'm more 'business-casual' for work..nice slacks paired with a pretty sweater or classic button-down top.  I'm also in the process of gradually losing a bit of weight that had 'gradually' accumulated over the last 5-6 years (while I wasn't looking!).  So, right now isn't a good time to invest in clothing.

I did finally find, after lots of 'returns', a very pretty 3-tierd black chiffon-satin skirt! on-sale!  It was packed into the suitcase this morning, when I realized I didn't have a proper (ah-hem) slip to wear beneath it.  After the panic, I removed the skirt, then placed my tried-and-true dress black slacks into the suitcase instead (there was no time for shopping today..did I mention our roof was being replaced today..it was a mess).

Those black slacks, paired either with a black-silvery glittery bolero sweater (thank goodness I found this a few weeks ago, on-sale!) or a black chiffon jacket (also a deal-maker!) will be my outfit for the Gala.  True to form of late, my 'final decision' will occur in Atlanta while getting dressed.  Thank goodness I had a pair of almost-new sparkly high heals and a beaded black bag from my Niece's wedding 2 years ago..or I may have fainted today.  I think all of this will do nicely...and it's more 'me' and comfortable, yet still dressy..I hope.

So..the jewelry was also a last-minute decision today.  I knew I had a made a beautiful black and silver Swarovski Crystal necklace a few years ago that has received minimal (once) wear.  It is simple and elegant, but a bit too glittery for work.  YAY!..it is perfect for either of my outfits and the Gala.  I was even brilliant enough to make a pair of earrings to match the necklace..whew!

A few hours after packing, I was stunned to realize that Lisa Lodge's Pine Ridge Checkerboard Hop is due today and had nearly passed-by in my frenzy.  Again, I don't know where time has gone, this was the very first Challenge I had signed-up for with Lisa back in July or August of 2014.  This too all turned-out perfectly (albeit at the last-minute).

I had no bracelet for my Gala outfit...and that's just-not-right.  I pulled out Lisa's beads and those same Swarovski's used in my necklace..and here is my new Gala bracelet:



Lisa supplied those gorgeous deep red/claret pearls!  I added a cluster of dangles to give some movement (they will sparkle as I lift my hand to drink my Gala champaign!)  

Lisa, I promise I will make more from the rest of the kit, as soon as I catch-my-breath!  The beads are too pretty not to use!

Thank you for being with me today,
Carol

7 comments:

  1. Hi Carol, Congratulations on getting to go to a gala event. (It is one of my dreams) I hope you enjoy it. Your bracelet is lovely. wear it proudly.

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  2. Very pretty bracelet sure to be the perfect finish to your gala outfit. I hope you have a fabulous time!

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  3. Congratulations on the gala, Carol. All of your hard work is being recognized. Your pretty bracelet will be just perfect with your fancy outfit. Enjoy it, and thanks for being in the hop!

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  4. What a beautiful bracelet! It will be perfect for that special occasion!

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  5. Congrats on the gala! So exciting to be recognized in such a big way for hard work :) your bracelet is stunning! perfect for your event.

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  6. Your bracelet will be just perfect for the event! I hope you get a picture to share with us of you at the gala.

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  7. You are off to a good start. The bracelet is just fab.

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