Chinese Zodiac Animals by Ai Weiwei
Wearing/Buying
So. Denver. The city is beautiful, and the weather was amazing (60-70’s and sunny) all week. Sadly, I wasn’t able to log 10+ miles every day walking like I did last year in Salt Lake City (I was lucky to get in 2-3) because our hotel was so far away from town, and I did not rent a car. Almost immediately after we landed and started the drive to our hotel, I realized I should have rented a car so I could have done all the things outside the city I was seeing (wildlife refuges, mount evans, red rocks…). But I hadn’t, and I thought instead I’d try to get by with uber, and also maybe I didn’t need to DO EVERYTHING, and could just relax a little…
I went to the Botanic Gardens (nice, but sort of underwhelming compared to Atlanta), Red Rocks amphitheater (also sort of underwhelming and really really frustrating because it was basically closed to walking for trail/road maintenance) and the Denver art museum (AMAZING). The art museum has a special exhibit of women artists in Paris and I was truly moved by it. I can name all the female artists I know on one hand, so it was eye-opening, and breath-taking.
I’ve been unusually moved by art lately, just stunned by what people can imagine and create just using their eyes and hands, and maybe I’m a little more emotional than usual as well (I literally started crying listening to Sailing by Christopher Cross the other day. Granted, there was also a breast cancer walk going on…but still), but I found the exhibit and the art really moving. My favorite piece was one by Mary Cassatt that was of an older woman, but featuring big, bright strokes, and an honest interpretation of age – “more truthful than flattering,” according to the commentary on the placard. I even wrote that down it was so powerful. And then I had to sit to let it sink in. I am writing a whole post on that statement though, because I think it also applies to “modest” dressing and style that we talked about last week.
Anyway, if you live anywhere near Denver I highly highly highly recommend visiting the museum to see the exhibit before it leaves. Or buy the book. I’m buying the book.
Back to what I wore – Elizabeth Suzann clyde pants on the plane and all day travel days, Cecilia pants another day, and Rachel Comey steer jeans another day. With a t-shirt and Patagonia jacket on top every day. Of course I packed quite a bit more than that, but it wasn’t cold enough to wear the sweaters I brought. I wore my AllBirds sneakers all the time, but brought my Robert Clergerie sneakers also. I did not bring my Elizabeth Suzann florence pants, although I was tempted, just to have them for the hotel. I have worn them every day since we returned home, though, except today, because I think it’s time to wash them…
I did use my Sephora coupon while I was in Denver to buy the Christophe Robin shampoo bar, Kari Gran lip whip, and Drunk Elephant duo. I’ve used the shampoo bar twice so far and I love it. A reader recommended it a while ago, and since I’m trying to reduce packaging, I was excited to try it. I don’t really need the detangling/texture mist to use afterwards since my hair is so short, but I would love to try it – maybe next time there’s a Sephora coupon 😉
I popped into uniqlo while I was wandering around Denver and bought some heattech socks (for emergencies and to wear at the hotel – I still hate socks LOL) and was reminded how easy it is to give into temptation when things are SO CHEAP. They had lounge pants with pockets and a drawstring and elastic hems on sale for $9 and I almost walked out of there with several pairs I DO NOT NEED just because I thought they were cute, and so cheap, and why not? Ugh. I left immediately.
I know you know this, but there are some REALLY GREAT SALES happening this week. One of my favorites in particular (hint, hint) starts very soon, so be sure to check in!! I’ll try to keep sales/coupons mostly over at grechenscodes.com this week, and will attempt to post all the good indie designer codes/sales over there daily, but I can’t guarantee anything. I’m not really into encouraging shopping/buying just because things are on sale or with a discount code anymore. Except for certain sales/brands that are DEFINITELY WORTH IT LOL.
Reading/Watching
Nothing very compelling. Started watching Mindhunter and really liked it, but have only watched one episode. I have a lot of TV and reading to catch up on!!
Doing
My husband and I have joined the cult of Peloton. Sorry, I have no idea if it’s a “cult” or not, but I know it has some super-fans, and I might have just become one. Getting the Peloton was actually my husband’s idea; after we moved he no longer has a gym he can walk to regularly, and he really wanted to have something he could do at home again. I’m still doing Pure Barre, so don’t really *need* anything else, but all the people I know who have the bike also go to Pure Barre, so I thought it would be a great supplement. And it’s SO GOOD. The classes are really fun, and time flies by. It’s hard, and my ass hurts from the seat, but I really enjoy it.
Plans changed a little this week and my dad and step-mom won’t be coming to our house for Thanksgiving this year. My step-son is already here and we’re just planning on doing a few things around town, and enjoying quiet time at home. I’ve been baking something almost every day since we got home from Denver: Pumpkin bread, vegan gluten-free chocolate zucchini bread (a HUGE HIT), shortbread cookies from Martha Stewart (not vegan or gluten-free, just excellent, classic shortbread), and today I’m going to make the cranberry bread I always make with my mom for thanksgiving.
What’s going on with you? What do you do for Thanksgiving?
Very beautiful pics of Denver, Grechen! I’ve never been but would love to visit one of these days.
I watched Mindhunter, all of the 1st season, and enjoyed it immensely! I also completed all the seasons of The Americans based on your recommendation! I could not get enough of that one and cannot wait til the 6th season starts up.
I’m reading a book by the crime author James Elroy called My Dark Places, a sort of bio and historical non fiction on his own life and his mom’s unsolved murder that happened in LA (I know, not really a happy topic but my is it fascinating!)
We are traveling to Ohio on the red eye Tues night to visit my boyfriend’s family for the holiday. I’ll be meeting his mom for the 1st time and a slew of other relatives. I’m really excited! I think I’m going to wear the ES Florence pants w/the ES Artist dress for the actual holiday itself. Hoping to pack light as we’ll only be there until Sat morning.
Hope you and yours have a wonderful Thanksgiving (and all your baking sounds so divine!)
Regarding cycling: strongly recommend padded bike shorts, just because you are inside doesn’t mean you don’t need the padding! I like the Pearl Izumi shorts best…
Zanna
So fun to hear about your vacation and see the pics. My parents met in college in Colorado. I’ve visited once (a high school friend had moved there) and was so awed by the huge parks and the environment in general (completely different from Hawaii!).
I will definitely take a look at the book (is it the exhibition catalog?) that you linked regarding Women Artists in Paris. Visiting museums and art shows is one of my favorite activities. My BF and spend quite a bit of our travel doing that. I started working for our city’s museum in the spring and even if work is stressful I am always so grateful to be here each day, it is such an introspective and learning environment. So thanks for the referral! I generally have enjoyed any books I’ve checked out that you have mentioned.
Always helpful to hear other peeps review of their packing. I do the same, I take note of what I wore and what I didn’t. The next time I go, I generally am able to streamline.
Enjoy the rest of your trip Gretchen!
yes, thank you! i did a lot of mountain biking 15 years ago and had some padded shorts – no longer, of course, but i’ll probably get a pair soon 🙂
Denver looks beautiful! I’ve always dreamed of going to Red Rocks for a concert, sad to hear that it’s underwhelming. Maybe it just looks better on TV when it’s lit up at night. I’d ALWAYS choose an art museum when I’m in a new city, but I’d probably get a bit of resistance on that idea. Good idea to go alone. 😉
You made me smile, tho…60-70 is amazing in Denver, but in Dallas, you’d have pulled out your alpaca sweaters!!! 🙂
I finished watching Season 1 of “Ozark” and all I can say is “WOW!” Hoping there’s a Season 2 to follow. Bill and I are into Scandinavian crime dramas, so we started watching “Occupied.” I’ll reserve judgement until I’ve watched a few more episodes. Not pulling me in so far. We finished all of “Stranger Things”…I told him he HAD to watch it since it’s based on alledged experiments at Camp Hero, Montauk.
Finally feeling better today after a loooong stint – 10 days – with a headache. (Knock on wood!) I have had to cancel so many engagements and bow out of events. I’ve got an MRI on Friday. Lots of “stuff” going on. I’ve got cabin fever, tho, after being housebound for so long, im thinking of going to see “Ladybird” today. It gets 100% on Rotten Tomatoes!
I’ve already ordered a lot of Christmas stuff for my grandkids, and I have good lists for everyone else. We’re going small this year. One gift each and a bigger donation to a charitable organization. It’s kind of a protest of our current administration, but at the same time, a desire to “live generously” and smaller. Our daughter, Rachel, will be home for 2 weeks, on-leave from the Peace Corps in Colombia. I can’t wait to see her!!! It’s been a year and a half. (Tears…)
Let us know what you think of the Drunk Elephant stuff (skincare post?!?) . I’m in love with what the Vitamin C does to brighten my skin and eliminate redness. Ah…and Kari Gran, my favorite! It’s a treat for the lips.
Have a good week!
Mindhunter! To be honest I really did not like the first episode but luckily a friend of mine told me to push through, and it’s gotten SO much better. I used to be really into psychopathology and all things related to it (any wonder what my profession is now?!) but since I started working in Mental Health, I’ve become extremely sensitive to shows that focus on traumatic events. But with Mindhunter it doesn’t focus so much on the gore as much as on psychology, empathy and actually understanding what’s going on, so I just nerd out the whole time. Plus, I have a crush on Holden and wish he would break up with his (IMO) awfully casted girlfriend 😉
i think in denver because you’re so high up (mile high!!) the sun feels really warm – or at least that’s what i told myself! i was pretty hot in the sunshine. i really wanted a break from the heat 😉
i’m not sure how i feel about drunk elephant yet – as opposed to the mad hippie stuff i used before, that is. i can’t tell a huge difference yet? i wanted to try it because of the dispenser – someone (you?) mentioned that vitamin c loses efficacy when it’s exposed at all to the air and the dropper that mad hippie uses isn’t the best for that. also, i’m interested in trying the ordinary’s vitamin c. any experience with that??
i’m a vitamin c convert definitely, i just need to find the right one i guess?
and you were the reason i’ve been using kari gran for a while now, i love it!!
hope you figure out what’s going on soon , i hate migraines 🙁
Thanks!
Yes, Vitamin C does lose its efficacy when exposed to air. That’s one of the reasons I love Drunk Elephant’s bottle…and it’s perfect for travel because it doesn’t open accidentally. Well, I can thank you for getting me to try RMS Un-coverup. I’m wearing less foundation as I get older and I love it!
Alyssa, I wasn’t into the first or second episode myself! My boyfriend liked it though so i thought i’d continue on and i’m glad i did. And Holden is my crush too! 🙂 And you’re totally right about the girlfriend…he deserves so much better!
Yes! Glad I’m not the only one on the anti-girlfriend train!