It all started in February…
The kids bought Nigel a subscription (not sure that’s the right word) for his birthday. Basically, Storyworth sends you a question a week, a day, a couple of days a week, or a month. You respond to the question. Your responses are kept somewhere…haven’t figured that one out just yet. And, at the end of the year, you get a book published telling your story.
A little more…
Nigel celebrated a milestone birthday in February which has one of our kids in a bit of a tizzy. He and Nigel haven’t always had the best relationship, primarily because they’re cut from the same cloth! They are a bit like me and my mom. Moving closer has made their relationship closer. Covid, however, had one good side effect. These two are closer than ever. J checks in every day…usually waking Nigel from a nap, but, oh well!
Still more…
So, J was thinking he really didn’t know his dad because Nigel is not one to tell stories (probably because he can’t get a word in edgewise). J convinced his brother and sister to buy this for Nigel. So, Nigel gets the first question/prompt and responds to it…with something like 5-10 words (if that many). J decides there’s only one thing to be done. He now comes to the house, and, basically, interviews his dad, drawing out even more memories. They’ve got this rigged up so Nigel records it on his iPad and then sends it to J who types it up. Quite the production.
Even more..
Of course, J then proceeds to let me know I’ll be receiving one of these, too. I was expecting it for my birthday later this year. But, nooo-oooo (say that with an upturn to the last oo’s)! I got it for Mother’s Day! Let me tell you, I think those things are like bunnies! I answer one, and two more pop up! I am so far behind now. I’ve got a few days coming up where I’m going to be down for a bit. So, I think I can get caught up. Of course, J has already critiqued my work! He expects long, long stories from me! So, long, long stories he shall get!
My outfit…
I bought this black skirt from J Jill a few weeks ago. This wasn’t my first attempt at styling it. I’m not in love with this look as you can probably tell. I need to experiment some more to find the perfect pairings. You would have thought a black skirt would be really easy. This one definitely isn’t. It’s rather dramatic so I think it needs…more drama, less drama, equal drama…I’m just not sure. I love the idea of black and white…channeling my inner Carolina Herrera! My skirt/belt was a gift from Nigel from one of his London trips back in the day. It’s a silk Laura Ashley. I always wore it as a belt when I was teaching, too. The design, unfortunately, is just on the ends so I like to tuck it in as I’ve done here. I’m kinda glad it came undone a bit so you could see the end. Add in this linen blend stripe tank from Talbots for a pop of color (seems to be restocked in all colors in limited sizes)! As my third piece, I add an old favorite, a denim jacket from J Jill.
Dyson review…
You may recall I bought the Dyson Airwrap. The sales associate at Nordstrom used it to style my hair, and I was a little leery. But, I decided to give it a try on my own with my own products. I have stick straight, baby fine hair that tends to be quite silky and slippery. The associate even made mention of how soft my hair was. After trying it every which way except standing on my head, I’ve decided to return it. I feel badly about it because Nordstrom associates do work on commission (even though I thought they didn’t). I will, however, buy the Dyson dryer from him. It could be my problem was my expectations. I wanted curls not waves…I just have limp hair…not a good look!
A little more…
I also wanted ease and quick. I found the tool, itself, really easy to use. You have different types of attachments that do different things including a round brush, the dryer attachment which also has a smoothing option to it, two different kinds of brushes that aren’t round, and two different size barrels. With the exception of the round brush, you let the tool do the work. You have to figure out which way the air is pulling; then, the doohickey pulls the air around the barrel and curls your hair. The smaller size is what I used almost exclusively because I wanted curls. I did use the round brush which works exactly like those other round brush dryers. For this one, you do have to curl it round the attachment. At first, I just did the curling. When that didn’t seem to work, I curled, then wrapped the hair around my velcro rollers. I left my hair up in the curlers while I finished my makeup and even waited a bit past that. But, my hair just went limp. You can probably tell in today’s photos. For the price, I need to love this. I don’t love this. If you have coarser hair, you may find this is just right for you. I am still on the lookout for the Holy Grail of hair curlers!
The Lewk!
In carrying on with the black/cream/white theme, I went with these old Born sandals. I added these earrings and necklace from Kendra Scott. I don’t remember if they’re a set or not, but they’re close enough!
Wrap it up, Marsha!
If you’re looking for a good gift for an older family member or even yourself, Storyworth is a wonderful way to record those stories that may die with that person. I know J has learned so much more about his dad and his dad’s family. Is it a pain? Only, if you’ve got blogging to do…actually, it’s not a pain at all. I spend so much of my day doing nothing when I could be writing some of these prompts. J has told both of us these gifts, theoretically for us, are actually for them…J, his brother, and sister as well as their kids. So, can we talk? Are you familiar with Storyworth or completed a book? Is there a question you just wouldn’t want your kids to know the answers? Have you tried the Dyson Airwrap (or even dryer)? Please leave a comment or two, and we can talk? I promise to respond as soon as possible!
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Thank you!
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10 on the 10th…
A little grace here, please…I will have a graphic soon! But, I wanted to give you the questions.
- What is the most amazing thing you remember about your wedding?
- Tell us about your wedding dress.
- Did you include all three things (they start with b) at your wedding? Care to share more?
- Where was your wedding held…church, park, neighborhood bar?
- What is the worst thing you’ve ever seen at a wedding?
- Do you think less of a bride who doesn’t wear white?
- If you got married tomorrow or sometime soon, what would be in your bouquet?
- Have you ever attended a celebrity’s wedding? (Yes, I’m looking for name droppers!)
- What wedding tradition means the most to you?
- Describe your perfect wedding.
Where you can find me:
Linking up with Nancy’s Fashion Style, Fine-Whatever, Is This Mutton, Shelbee on the Edge, Chez Mireile, The Grey Brunette, and Away from the Blue. I also link up with This Blonde’s Shopping Bag, Doused in Pink, I do deClaire, Mummabstylish, and Style Splash. Please check out these wonderful ladies and their blogs! I also am a co-host for Ageless Style on the third Thursday of the month and Songful Style on the last Monday of the month. I co-host Traffic Jam Weekend with Michelle every Thursday. I also host Final Fridays on the last Friday of the month as well as 10 on the 10th on the 10th of the month! I do hope you’ll check out all of these blogs and link parties!
The Storyworth concept sounds great for releasing memories from men who don’t talk much – like my husband. Unfortunately he doesn’t seem to remember much either – is that a man thing?
Hahaha!! I think it just may be! Jordan will call me at random times and ask me about things he does or doesn’t remember. I’m glad he and Mike are doing this together. It’s been a good thing for them.
Thanks, Gail!
I have heard of the Storyworth book idea before (from another blogger I think) and thought it sounded like a cute idea…. but knew that none of my family members would appreciate it. My grandfather would have as he was all about preserving the past for future generations– even tracing his family geneology back to the Mayflower and compiling a book of everything he found along the way.
You know, Mike is really into genealogy so I’m not sure why he’s not as forthcoming with his answers except they’re about him. I’ll have to say something to J to see if there are questions about ancestry he could include!
Thanks for the idea, Joanne!
I have heard of Storyworth and think it sounds like such a good idea. I may just get it for my mom for her birthday!
I really like this outfit Marsha, love how you styled it. The denim jacket is a great way to make this dressier skirt more casual.
The Dyson Airwrap has seemed to get mixed reviews, I never spend too much on products for my hair because it is what it is – straight and fine!
xo,
Kellyann
Thanks, Kellyann! I love this skirt, but I’m just not loving the styling. I’ve just bought a denim jacket that I’m going to chop off to make it shorter and distressed. I’ll try it with the skirt then.
Oh, I think your mom (and you and your sister) would love this! I wish there had been something like this when my parents and grandparents were alive.
I am always looking for the miracle cure for my hair…it’s just so fine and silky soft. I was hoping the Dyson would do something, but it didn’t! Live and learn!
That is exactly a kind of skirt I find impossible to style on myself, so I can understand that you’re struggling with it. There’s something about the combination of poofiness, length, and color that I find challenging. I know, black is supposed to be such an easy neutral, but I think it can actually be difficult to style for summer. I always think this kind of skirt looks best with a full tuck, but that’s usually not such a great look for me!
Sally, it’s probably the kind of skirt I should avoid, too! But, I just love the style so I’ll keep trying! I agree with you about black seeming to be easy to style but actually being harder!
Thanks, Sally!
I’ve heard of that Storyworth and it sounds like such a good idea.
As for the skirt, I think you’re overthinking it, haha. It’s a wonderful black skirt, and I don’t see why you can’t pair anything with it. It may seem dramatic, but I don’t think it’s going to get up and perform for us, hahahahha.
Not to sound critical. I know exactly how you feel. It’s how I was when I bought my first pair of leopard pants. Like, they were so bold and how could I wear them?? And now? I laugh because really they are just print pants in a leopard print and I wear them with everything.
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Thanks, Jodie! I am overthinking it, but this skirt just seems to scream for something dramatic to go with it. Others have suggested graphic tees, so I’m going to give that a shot! You don’t sound critical at all. It’s funny how we just get so caught up on something and then it becomes just an everyday thing.
I don’t have any idea how much this Storyworth costs, but you end up with a book of memories so I think it’s probably a really good thing. And, it’s definitely an unusual gift!
I got that for my mom a year ago and she raved about it! She was so excited. I even got her 2 books printed so my brother and I can each have one. I am looking forward to reading hers! Now she wants to have my dad do one. That skirt is really pretty. I hope you take some time play around with it and try out your tops to see what you like best!
Thanks, Laura! I will keep working with this skirt!
It’s been fun listening to Mike and J work on his. I’ve been just toodling around with mine after I’m done blogging.
Marsha, I love this Storyworth idea! How fun is that? I cracked up about the difference between Nigel’s very short answers and your long stories! I think this outfit is super cute. I really like dramatic skirts like this styled casually with a graphic tee and sneakers, too. I hope you have a most wonderful weekend, my friend!
Shelbee
Thanks, Shelbee! I will have to try lots of different things with this skirt.
Yeah, some of his answers were literally one sentence! The two of them have lots of fun going through the questions and answers. Have a fabulous weekend!
I love how you styled this! I like mix matching expectations with clothes – like a fancy skirt but paired with something toned down.
So I have thick coarse wavy/curly hair and it’s not all that you may hope for. Lol. I do have my eye on the Kitsch satin heatless curler thingy, but summer would be a terrible time for me to try it with the humidity. My hair turns into a puffball in the summer so I tend to not bother with it and let it just sort of be wilding.
Storygraph sounds so cool! I love that it has turned into a whole thing, with Nigel and J. working together to do it. What a cool idea!
Thanks so much, Erin! I need to play around with this skirt…maybe, it needs that more casual top!
My oldest granddaughter has extremely curly hair which, luckily, just falls into ringlets. But, it is so thick she has to use gobs of conditioner just to comb through it when it’s wet.
It was the perfect gift for Nigel, but he didn’t think so. I honestly think he really enjoys the reminiscing with J because they always go off on tangents.
I hadn’t heard of Storyworth. What an interesting idea! I loved hearing my great grandmother tell stories. I was 14 and she was in her upper 70’s. I thought she was ancient. But she’d lived through so much! Going from horses to cars. She confided in me once that she wanted to date my great grandfather because he had a car. (I guess teenager are all the same!) She remembered the 1918 flu epidemic. (She was 18 years old.) She remembered how awful it was before vaccines and antibiotics. I wish I had some sort of recording in her words. It’s been 45 years since she and I had those conversations, because although I can remember the substance of the conversations, her emotions, and the nuances have faded. Good for J on getting this started!
Michelle
What wonderful memories you have of your great-grandmother, Michelle! So many things have been lost to the years, right? How smart you were to sit down and actually listen to her talk about what she’d lived through.
Storyworth sounds like a great concept. I think I’m going to have my daughter get it for my mom. I was always curious about the Dyson and appreciate your review! I have fine thin hair also.
Jill – Doused in Pink
Storyworth is a wonderful gift and a way to preserve memories. The really neat thing is you can choose your own questions!
If your hair is thin and fine, the Dyson probably isn’t for you, either. I was so hoping it would be the miracle cure!
I need a good black maxi skirt. My last one, I forgot in the republic of Georgia 5 years ago and I never replaced it. I like what you did here with the scarf as a belt and the skirt is definitely a fun one with all of the material. I had never heard of Storyworth.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Thanks, Mireille! I have only ever lost two things while traveling…a belt and a curling iron. I hope you can find a good black skirt!
Wait — women still curl their hair? I seriously had no idea as my 6 closest friends don’t anymore. I have wash and wear curly hair, always have had, and it just like does it itself. I rarely ever even look at my hair. Grey as well but I don’t care. Well let’s be honest I am now white and also don’t care. Can you just get a cut that flatters straight hair and live with it? That seems like the easiest option.
Oh, how I wish I could find a hair cut that works for my hair. That would mean a short pixie, but even that doesn’t work because I have wonky cow licks all over my head! I have a hair appointment next week and hope my stylist has some ideas because I’m a little tired of my hair at the moment!
Thanks, Bernie!
I need to look into this Storyworth! What a cool idea for a gift. Love this look and adore the scarf you wore as a belt. Would love to give the Dyson a go myself!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Storyworth really is a cool idea…I just need to get busy answering the questions or I’ll be doing them all at the end of the year (which wouldn’t be until next May…but I’d better not start thinking that)! Oh, I bet the Dyson would work well on your hair. Mine is just so thin and soft; it did nothing!
Thanks, Kathrine!
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Haven’t heard of Storyworth but it sounds like a good idea. I really like the skirt by the way! It can be styled in different ways, looks lovely the way you styled it too.
Thank you so much! I have really been working on getting caught up on Storyworth. My kids are telling me how much they like it because they’re learning things they hadn’t known before about me and our family.