A little bit of this, a little bit of that (plus, give me fashion advice)
It's not stream of consciousness today...it's more of a miscellany collection, because I have a bunch of small things I want to share with you!
Would you go into debt to have fun?
The How to Money podcast recently highlighted a Bankrate survey that asked people this question, their results said that 27 percent would take on debt to travel and 14 percent would take on debt to dine out.
(That last one surprised me! Debt for dining out??)
Since I'm only willing to take on debt in very specific situations (to fund things like a house or an education), my answer is an obvious, "Nope!" to this question.
But my main thought when I heard the question was...why would you need to choose between debt and fun?
Obviously, money can buy you a lot of delightful experiences. But there are also a lot of ways to have fun without going into debt.
First, you can enjoy experiences that just are free/cheap, like local hikes, cooking with friends, going to a book club, watching the sunrise at a park near you, and so on.
Second: there are almost always ways to get pricey things for less money (like I do when I go to the symphony). There are tons of travel, entertainment, and dining hacks you can employ to keep costs down without giving up the experiences you want.
And lastly: unless you are truly, truly pinching every penny you can just to survive*, there's always the option of saving up for the experiences you want to buy.
*in which case you are probably not the type of person who will go into debt for a dinner out!
Saving up does require a delay of gratification, but I would choose that every day over credit card debt. Debt hurts more than delayed gratification.
I read the "Outlive" book
I do not even remember where I heard this book recommended, but it's popular enough that I was not able to renew it at the library, so I had to hurry up and read it so I could return it.
It's written by a Stanford-educated doctor, and he mainly wrote it because he thinks medicine in America puts too much emphasis on treating existing diseases in people, rather than promoting behaviors that help to prevent disease in the first place.
If you haven't taken some human biology courses, some of his chapters might be a little dry and confusing, but I did appreciate the scientific approach.
My takeaway is that a lot of the things that I am already doing are really good for increasing my chances of having a lot of healthy years (a healthspan vs. a lifespan)
It's not earth-shattering stuff...it's things like:
- lifting weights
- getting aerobic activity in
- prioritizing sleep
- working on foot mobility for stability (my barefoot habits have me set up well for this!)
- eating sufficient protein (and limiting processed, simple carbs)
- getting help for mental health
Maybe the thing that stuck with me the most is how good exercise is for preventing so, so many of the diseases that plague us as we get older. If I move my body consistently, it's much more likely to offer me better health.
Obviously, some things about our health are not under our control! He acknowledges that genetics are a big factor, but the bigger point is that while we can't change our genetics, there are things that most of us can do to increase the odds of our bodies giving us more functional years.
So basically....I just felt encouraged to keep doing the things I'm doing!
I'm gonna try drinking 2 water bottles a day
(totally unrelated to the Outlive book)
I read mixed things about how much water human beings are really supposed to drink, but I do know nurses tend to fail at hydrating themselves.
So, I'm gonna try to establish a new habit of drinking two bottles-ful of my yellow water bottle.
(a freebie from my first FinCon)
It only holds 2 cups, so I'm just gonna be drinking 4 cups a day. But also: I do drink other fluids, and the foods I eat have fluid content, so it's not like this is my sole source.
If I end up wanting to drink more, I will. But I like to set very manageable goals. 😉
I'm gonna track it on my little printable calendar with X's (goal tracker apps do not work for me. I need paper!) and I'll let you know in a month how it's going.
Give me some fashion advice
I saw a Target dress on Instagram (I think?) and I decided to give it a try. I could only find a white one at our local Target, so I bought that, but then I second-guessed myself and also ordered a blue-striped one.
(As it turns out, they were on sale for $28 instead of the usual $40. Lucky me! This is the dress.)
So now I have two dresses, and I am trying to decide between them.
I do like the white one, but I suppose my main hesitation is: is it gonna be hard to keep clean? I remember that when I had white jeans, I had to think carefully about what surfaces I sat on!
Also: does the white make it look like a casual bridal dress?
I think adding the included belt makes it less that way.
The blue one also has a belt, of course.
What would you do if you were me?
Every time I take clothing pictures, I feel in awe of fashion bloggers; fashion selfies are a lot of work.
Blue stripes all the way. The white one, whilst lovely looks a little plain in comparison.
@Steph, Agreed!
@Steph, Agree. The white one looks more nightgown than bridal. So if these are the 2 choices, blue all the way. But really, Kristen should look for a shorter length to show off her legs.
Haha, well, I do have plenty of shorter dresses/skirts; I bought these ones specifically because I wanted a longer look. Sometimes you are in the mood to feel like a princess, you know??
@Steph, Agree. That blue one, with the vertical stripes... makes her look even taller, even leaner, and is OH so flattering around the bust and sides. It gives just enough for the eye to focus on. The white sort of washes out any detailing for me. I love the blue stripes!!
I think I look thinner in the blue one (the side view) because the tag is happening to obscure more of my torso.
Maybe I should keep the tag on....heh.
@Steph, My vote is for the blue.
@S. Heri,
I agree, blue one.
@Steph, I agree! But then I love anything with stripes.
@Steph, Agreed!
@Steph, totally agree!
Yup, definitely blue stripes, no belt. It looks fabulous on you! When it comes to fashion sense and dresses, there's no need to doubt yourself. (I'm thinking of your little black symphony dress. Case closed.)
@Mary ~ Reflections Around the Campfire,
Agree 100%. Kristen's symphony dress is perfection on her.
Team Blue!
Blue striped. White is a bit plain, though I guess you could give it color with jewelry.
I like the blue striped dress without the belt. I think it would be hard to find times to wear the white dress.
@Laura,
I agree no belt.
I mean, if I keep it, I probably will just take a "who cares?" approach like I did with my black dress from last summer, and I'll wear it anywhere and everywhere.
The lady at Home Depot in a white dress? It'll be me. 😉
Keep the blue dress definitely! But you look beautiful in both
I think you should keep both of them. They look great on you!
@Sharon Jacobs, totally agree!
@Sharon Jacobs, I agree!
After I graduated, we took on 10k of debt to take a 4 week trip out west before I started my very intense job. It took us 6 months to pay off, so it wasn't a small cost for us. But looking back on that trip and the amazing memories we made I wish I had thought more with that mindset than a frugal mindset. My husband passed away last year. I wish we had traveled more. I wish I had done a better balance of being frugal and living life. So I am graciously and respectfully providing a different perspective. Please consider reading Die with zero.
@Widowed mom, thanks for sharing your perspective. I'm sorry for your loss.
@Widowed mom, I am glad you had that great trip together. I am so sorry for your loss.
@Widowed mom, I'm so sorry for your loss. I agree about Die With Zero. An interesting perspective, especially for typically frugal folks. My hubby and I are on a 2-year (ish) countdown (109 weeks left!) to sell all of our possessions and AirBnB for a few years (or longer?) in the Caribbean. Die With Zero partially inspired us. I don't want to wait until we retire to enjoy our life.
@Widowed mom,
Widowed 2 years. Feel the same. I wish we’d had a better frugal/spending balance.
We saved for retirement and he was gone within a couple of years.
@Widowed mom, I also was going to mention "Die with Zero: Getting All You Can From Your Money and Your Life" by Bill Perkins.
May your memories continue to encourage you!
@Widowed mom, Sorry for your loss but so happy and thrilled you took that trip and made a lifetime of memories. My parents were very frugal but the one thing they spent their money on was travel: China, Russia, all over the U.S. and Europe, and a few years living in Iran (pre-revolution). And I inherited the photographs to prove it. And added those to my own collection. But some of my travel was frugal to the point of cheap: a college year abroad in England at the University's expense (including trans-Atlantic passage on the S.S. France)(scholarship student here) and a $50 EuroRail pass courtesy of a check my grandfather sent me ("Don't tell Grandma I gave you this!"). Travel accommodations included crashing in other students' dorm rooms and an unforgettable stint in a bomb shelter in what was then West Berlin (after having my Time magazine confiscated by the guards on the East Berlin side -- I think they just wanted to see what was going on in the Free World). So yes -- travel and die with zero is the way to go (pun intended).
@Carolyn, my dad and mum had their dream round-the-world cruise that took in the places he'd never got to (she'd done a lot of travelling in her youth, lived all over the world) and took in some of her overseas friends. The plan was get the mortgage paid off first, THEN go.
The year after the mortgage was completely paid up, a solid decade early, he developed a brain tumour and the trip of course never happened. Insurance would have paid off the small amount owing on the house anyway.
There is definitely a balance to be struck, particularly where life-long dreams are involved. I don't suggest buying silly things and impulsively shopping, but there is a case to be made for ''if not now, then when?''
@Caro, 100% agree. I'm so sorry about your dad. I think we should use money for enjoying life - of course it's good to know what we're spending and where we can save, but we should also spend on things which bring us joy, be that travel or other things. I personally love travelling so try and save for that.
Also, another vote for blue stripes!
@Widowed mom, thank you for sharing your story, and deeply sorry for your loss. I also agree, I think I would go into debt for certain travel or memorable experiences (though probably not regular dining out). I was able to go to Europe with a friend two years ago, and while I didn't have to go into debt, I did dip into my savings I was building for a used car. It was so worth it, I made memories and grew a lot in my understanding of other cultures. If another experience like that comes up, I'll take it, especially if the opportunity is with my husband and family.
@Widowed mom, I am sorry you did not get to do the travel with him. We both have had catastrophic illnesses and after that travel became a priority. Sometimes we went into temporary debt to do it but I have never regretted a minute of it. We live in a small house but have big memories.
@Widowed mom,
Your story shines a new light on this question. I'm so sorry for your loss, and hope your memories of that trip bring a smile to your face.
Awww, I love that you took this trip. I think that was a wonderful, thoughtful use of funds.
And I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband.
I think you look great in both, but the blue one looks especially nice.
Blue striped is lovely! If you have to worry about getting the all white dress dirty, you’ll more likely hesitate on wearing it. The blue striped one looks like it would become a go-to choice for any summer occasion that needs some panache. And it fits you perfectly too!
Blue stripes looks so pretty on you!
On the dress...I am immediately drawn to the white dress! I would be apprehensive about keeping it clean also, but so often I second guess my choices in the name of practical, and then regret not going with my gut...so I say go with the WHITE! 🙂
On another note...we often spend our Sunday afternoons and even our vacations hiking...its often free or very inexpensive, we get vitamin D and some exercise and have a great time enjoying the beauty of Creation!
As a nurse who had to wear white I'd say blue for sure. But you could do things with the white like cute sweaters. Can you justify keeping both? It is a really cute classic dress.
Another reason nurses tend to not drink .... too busy to get to the restroom.
I am number 44 on the hold list for that book!
@Nancy, I was just getting ready to say that maybe nurses "fail at hydrating themselves" because their work conditions fail to schedule and/or provide sufficient bathroom breaks and/or facilities for them.
@JDinNM,
UGH. like teaching. Getting up at 5:30 to face rowdy pre-teens at 7 am and NO COFFEE because they can't be left uattended for even nanosecond before the lunch break at 1 p.m.
Lost a lot of weight that year...
Blue stripes!! It looks beautiful on you!!
The blue striped dress is just a summery as the white but I like it more.
I skimmed through Outlive and thought it was very detailed, more than your average person would be willing to do. I subscribe to the basics you outlined and hope that my days continue to be filled with good health.
I think frugality, even living within your means, is a concept that is outdated for many people. I would not go into debt to travel and definitely not for meals out but this is a YOLO/FOMO concept. I don't follow any influencers though they tout the latest products that will "change your life".
The blue striped looks better on you.
But, if you prefer plain but not white, you could always dye it another colour.
@Stacey in UK, oh, that’s a good idea ! Can’t wait to see what Kristen does !
The blue is more flattering to your skin tone.
Team blue!
Could you dye the white dress to a more manageable color?
Blue stripes, with or without the belt as you please on the given day or with the particular shoes, etc.
I don't think you can make a wrong choice regarding the dress, but I prefer the white one. It looks fresh, crisp and summery to me.
The blue dress. They both look nice on you though.
Both dresses are nice, but I prefer the blue stripe. I also feel like you could dress it into the fall season easier with a sweater or a blazer and get more wear and options for it. That being said, you look nice in both,
I like both but if you’re only keeping one then I vote stripes.
The blue dress is very light colored and the pattern is not busy. I don't think there will be an appreciable difference in keeping one clean vs the other. I also don't think the white dress looks bridal. I think it has a very casual, cool summer vibe. The blue one looks more Sunday school to me. I say pick whichever one speaks to you more. I'd ditch both belts and use a leather one to change up the look.
Definitely blue!
Blue!
I prefer the blue dress, but they both look great!
Blue stripes! It's funny, before I continued reading I thought "the white dress stresses me out about getting dirty" and "is it a little too wedding casual?" I also think the belt looks better on the blue dress, I wonder if it would work with a braided or woven belt as well? You look great in both though! 🙂
Blue! It’s You!
Definitely the blue dress!
The blue is more flattering on you, unless it’s the camera angle it makes you look slimmer. Also white is harder to keep clean and you probably won’t wear it as often because of that.
A hard "no" on the white dress for reasons you stated and others. It just looks "blah" and one wonders how see through it might be.
The blue/white stripe looks fresh and very summery--and you look great in it. There are ways to dress that up if you need to, but it's a casual look all the way. Enjoy.
Keep both dresses! They both look great on you! Someone else said this too, but I felt more drawn to the white one even though I love the blue striped as well.
@Shannon, That is what I think! Colorful chunky necklace and the white is fabulous!
@Ann, Excellent idea about the chunky necklace. Agree!
You should keep both. The blue is very pretty on you, but the white one reminds me of those white dresses you put your girls in for beach pictures. So, obviously, you need to fly out to Hawaii again and take pictures of yourself on the beach in it. Should you also buy three more of the white dresses for your girls, take Sonia and Zoe with you to Hawaii and do a group Christmas card? Well, Zoe is old enough for standby now, right? I think we all know this needs to happen. 😉
Zoe IS old enough for standby now, but unfortunately Lisey only gets to update flight benefits info once a year. So I think maybe in November Zoe gets upgraded?
@Kristen,
Then that Christmas card turn around time is gonna be tight! Maybe go with a New Year's card?
White isn't a good color for the majority of complexions. Just washes everybody out. Blue striped.
The blue dress is a yes!
I love both of them and think you should keep both and am vaguely thinking of buying one myself.
Re medicine. Doctors are there to treat us, not not to nag about our lifestyles. I don't call a plumber to get nagged for flushing too-soft toilet paper. It's been proven that patients who are hectored about their weight, etc, are much less likely to seek treatment when they have concerning diagnoses. Also, frankly? Sounds like that doctor has never had a really sick day in his life. Much like my old doctor told me that no matter how tired he was, he went on his stair stepper every day. Guess what, doc? You still don't have chronic fatigue, you don't understand what it is, even, if you compare it to ordinary tiredness, and of course, you're now my ex-doctor.
@Rose, concerning symptoms, not diagnoses.
@Rose,
I've had plumbers tell me what I should and should not flush.
@Becca, I hate soft toilet paper, frankly. But I'll lie about flushing tampons and I'll lie about exercise to my doctor.
Also, if you want to belt the dresses, use a leather belt. Self-belts usually look cheesy.
@Rose, Perhaps flushing tampons explains your need to call plumbers. Just a thought!
@Rose, I've been thinking about what you said, and you raise a good point--if we sense that we are going to be nagged about our lifestyle habits (weight, smoking, etc.), it can factor into whether or not a we seek out health care. While I'm not a physician, I do treat patients, and it's helpful to hear perspectives like yours. I have found that my approach has modified over the years. There are many factors to consider, and it's important to weigh those when educating your patients. Health professionals are all learning and growing, and it sounds like your previous doctor didn't have a good grasp of chronic fatigue (and you were right to seek out a different one). That being said, health care has been shifting for the past several decades from a "fix me" approach to a more holistic approach, in which the patient partners with the health care team in an effort to reach a healthier outcome. We would be remiss if we didn't discuss all the aspects affecting our patient's health, and the areas over which patients can maximize their health, such as diet, sleep, and exercise. My patients who receive the best results are the ones who actively participate in their care. Most health care workers truly want the best for their patients and wouldn't be in this field if that weren't true.
Thanks for listening (well, in this case, reading)!
@Kris, I agree with a lot of what you said. I'd rather a doctor help me find a lifestyle change than prescribe a medication, which cures a symptom but not the underlying cause.
I remember reading somewhere that in ancient China, one paid the doctor as long as you stayed healthy, and if you got sick, you didn't pay them. It gave the doctors incentive to keep their patients healthy rather than wait for them to get sick!
@Becca,
I once had an HVAC guy tell me our inside house temperature was "kind of high, dont'cha think?". We keep it at 69 degrees pretty much year round, because that's most comfortable for all three of us. (YMMV). Needless to say, we don't use that company any more.
@Rose,
I get it! My surgeon and my PT tell me to do my exercises, plus wear my knee splint multiple hours a day....*except* that I work FT outside my home, cook dinner, and help with household chores, etc., when I get home. And I'm TIRED when I get home. I understand they're trying to encourage me, but enough already.
@Liz B.,
Is 69 too high in his opinion for summer or winter? My husband prefers 69 as the temperature, too, but I suspect he has childish reasons. 😉
@Rose, YES! Here is the worst former doctor: when I was on steroids for a time and in a wheelchair full time for about six months, my weight ballooned. The doctor I had was very obnoxious but I was too tired to find someone else until he looked at my husband and said, "Unless you like her this big, I suggest you lock up the food and dole it out to her." I wheeled myself out as soon as he said that, as I heard my husband say, "You are despicable." I also wrote a letter of complaint to the hospital board.
What a colossal jerk!
@Becca,
He thought it was too high in winter! Nope, it's perfect. 🙂 And my teenage son thinks the number 69 is hilarious. (Eyeball roll). 😉
@Lindsey,
I'm applauding you and your DH from down here in Ohio! The nerve of that doctor!!
I once had an ER doctor ask me, after I had 7 staples put in my scalp *with no anesthesia* (to close a huge accidental laceration) "if I was crying because of pain, or from something else". I was FURIOUS. I definitely wrote a letter to his boss.
@Liz B.,
If you wanna really freak your teen out, the next time he says 69, say "nice."
I agree that no one should be nagged; that is not therapeutic communication. And if someone is having trouble implementing some healthy suggestions, then it's better to ask some open-ended questions and see if there are some solutions that could be agreeable.
The white dress does look like a casual wedding dress, perfect for a barefoot wedding on the beach. I would also fear sitting or eating or walking anywhere in the white dress, though depending on the material, you could always bleach it or even dye in if it got stained.
I would go with the blue one. The color is more flattering on you as well.
I would take on debt to travel for say, a funeral. Or if a far away friend had a crisis and needed in person help. In those circumstances, there might not be time to find a deal or save up. Since I know that these things will happen, and since we have more money than we need just to live on, we have money set aside now for that kind of thing. But this wasn’t always the case.
I also know a lot of people will put a vacation on credit cards and then pay it off quickly. I wouldn’t, bc I wouldn’t want to pay interest on fun I already had. But I have friends who tell me that this is easier for them than saving up ahead. I mean well paid professional friends. This has been a surprising thing to me- I had assumed that when people make more money, they wouldn’t be living paycheck to paycheck. But people often are.
@Tarynkay, If you're in the U.S. and if you ever have a need to go to a family emergency or funeral, a lot of airlines have what they call "distressed traveler rates." You'd have to show proof, such as a death certificate, but they'd get you there fairly cheaply ASAP. I heard about that several years ago but I believe it is still in effect. Also if the situation involves a member of the military who is a family member, I believe the American Red Cross chapters will help you as well. Also ask the social worker(s) at the hospital where your loved one is staying.
Love the blue!!
I really love the blue one!
I'm on Team Blue Dress!
The dress has POCKETS!!
I wanted to say that I appreciate your take on saving for travel. I find that you are one of the few bloggers that doesn't seem to always be jetting off on some lavish vacation or other, and instead find ways to a) enjoy life at home, and b) save up for travel, and then make it worth it. I don't have the budget to travel by airplane more than once a year, or every other year internationally, and sometimes I read other blogs and people seem to be always going on vacation and I get FOMO about travel. I like travelling, but it is so expensive and I'm not willing to go into debt for it.
Blue
I vote blue dress - looks great with or without belt. White dress maybe worth keeping also if you feel like you'll wear it (haha I feel you on the hesitancy of stains!). With belt looks nice and a little casual. Does it look silly if you mix and match the belts (if you decide to keep both)? Could give you semi endless options.
Thank you for continuing your wellness habits and reminding us how important all those foundational habits are. I KEEP hearing about how important it is for women to lift weights and that is one of my goals for year 40 (and beyond). I'm definitely going to go back through your posts, especially the weightlifting one, for inspiration and tips.
If it's any consolation, I do not enjoy lifting weights, and I don't go crazy with it. Three sets of three varying exercises three times a week and that's about it for me.
It's better than nothing, I tell myself!
I like both of the dresses on you, but like the blue one better.
Blue stripes! You look lovely in it!
The bank around here offers "vacation loans". I said to my husband one day, "why would you take out a loan to fund a vacation?" And his reply was that it could be cheaper than putting it on your credit card. And we seem to do some of that now that most places only want plastic and not cash when we finally get away. However, we do pay it off and never put a whole vacation on a credit card.
And I might be in the minority here, but I like the blue dress. You might still have to worry where you will sit, but not as much as the white one.
Team blue!! Also if you ever end up going to a wedding the blue would be a great option.
I like the blue without the belt. The white is a bit plain, as is, and does read a bit bride-y (maybe it’s the length?).
Interesting… for the first time in my life, I am actively considering going into a bit** of debt to travel.
This is very new to me, I have always been on a team Delayed Gratification.
But my partner and I both have chronic conditions that are not going to get any better and are going to make us less and less mobile as we go, and my daughter is 20, and I can see the days that she actually WANTS to spend with me slowly fading away.
It feels very weird to even be considering, but it is definitely sticking in my head.
10! My daughter is 10! Big difference.
@Kate,
I've contemplated it recently too. I haven't decided if we will do it or not but I'm tempted.
@Kate, General health, and particularly mobility, are such important considerations. I took trips years ago that I wouldn't even think of attempting now. So I'm really glad I went when I did!
@Kate,
Yes! My son is 14, and my husband reminded me that there's "only 4 more years...4 more Christmases..."etc., until he won't be around us 24/7. I feel fortunate that he still likes to hang out with us in the evenings and weekends for now.
Another vote for the blue stripes. (With the cat applique, of course.)
The blue dress suits you better. But for the great price you could keep the white and add a black or red belt from Amazon and it wouldn’t look quite so “bridal “.
@Jennifer Maddox,
I have a white dress that I used to wear cinched with a teal blue silk sash tied in a bow. I paired it with red heels. It looked fabulous.
Blue dress!
Blue stripes, for sure! It's lovely.
What a cool dress for summer. I love the blue. paired with a jean jacket?
@Ali M, perfect!
@Ali M, that would look fantabulous!
Blue with the belt on.
I like with belt. Blue stripe. You look super cute in both.
While you look lovely in both dresses, I prefer the blue. Sounds like you'll feel more comfortable in the blue too. I know you could bleach the white, but there is just something about white clothes that make me a little less comfortable.
The blue dress is pretty and definitely more practical than white.
Both look nice, but if you're keeping one, the blue stripes-no belt looks best.
Both look very nice, but if you’re choosing only 1 I’d go with the blue striped without the belt.
I don't love either dress--they look ok. I agree that white is so hard to clean. I like the blue one better.
Blue stripes just has that extra oompf factor of summer breeze!
The blue striped one looks crisper without the belt.
They both look great on you! However, I’d keep the blue one. I have 3 reasons. Blue will be more versatile in my opinion, working in medicine you see enough white costs, etc and this is for fun not work and lastly the blue ids very pretty with you skin and hair coloring. Blue in my opinion!
The dress looks lovely on you Kristin! It matches Chiquita very well also. While I love both of those colors on you, I would go with the blue and white stripes. Like you, I am hesitant about wearing white - although I always admire/envy it on other people. I have one pair of white pants that I bravely wear about two times a year lol
Based on your notes from 'Outlive' and my family's longevity, I feel like I am heading towards a long and healthy life. However, I do not like going barefoot because floors (and outdoor surfaces) seem very dirty to me, given that people step on many yucky things while out and about, and then track that all over their house on the bottom of their shoes. I guess I will have to work on overcoming the ick factor. Thankfully my work outs and attempts at yoga definitely help my balance.
Happy Monday everyone!
@Price Chopper shopper, sounds as if your people could use a bit of training to leave their shoes by the door. I'm with you on the ick factor of tracking outdoor yuck indoors, but there is no way I can get my husband to take his shoes off. So, I just figure that if I do, I've cut down the mess by 50%.
You could do something like wearing toe socks or barefoot shoes indoors, just to keep your feet clean!
@Central Calif. Artist Jana, @Kristen, I only wear slippers in the house - ones that never make their way outside lol. My family members know of my distain for wearing outdoor shoes inside, but inevitably someone does. I try to keep my floors clean, but that has its challenges also. So I stick to wearing slippers all of the time, knowing that I can only control my actions. That's what got me thinking about the fact that I don't go barefoot very much.
Blue! 🙂
I'm Team Blue!
I would not go into debt for fun. Even as a teen I was taught I had to save up if I wanted a concert ticket or to go on a trip with a friend or whatever. If it is above my regular income then I would do something in the evenings if I really wanted it.
I have enjoyed a lot of the mobility exercises you see on IG lately. I have incorporated them into my day. Things like standing from a sitting on the ground position multiple times daily to moving your hips all around, etc. I think that with good movement daily helps a lot. My parents still mow the grass by hand (an acre) and build and lift heavy things at 76 years old.
I start every day when I take my medicine with drinking a big jar of water all at one time. Then I drink whatever throughout the day, but I feel like at least I know I got about 3 cups of water in and started hydrated.
I like the blue dress and without a belt. JMHO. I think some red shoes when you want to stand out or navy when you want to be more muted...can change a lot with a sweater also. It has more versatility I think than the white (which is very limited to just a couple months in summer). I feel like the blue is summer, but you could take it from March to October.
@Marlena, red shoes with the blue stripes —that sounds so cute.
I also borrowed the book, Outlive, from the library. It seem to be more technical version of a book that came out several years ago called Younger Next Year.
I have long believed that diet and exercise are important to our overall well-being. This was something handed down to me from my parents and apparently my children also think that way.
I have seen a change in medicine in the last few years. I have a younger GP who approaches health and well-being from a lifestyle perspective. I just love them! It is a little strange at first to be asked questions like, “What did you have for dinner last night?”, “The weather is beautiful. Are you able to get outside and enjoy it?”
As far as debt goes, I would not go into debt for eating out. I just really don’t like food that much especially after Covid. My taste buds changed significantly and have not returned to normal. I would consider going into short-term debt to take a trip for a special reason like a wedding, a funeral or graduation. Those moments are precious.
@Bee,
“What did you have for dinner last night?”
"Whale blubber, the usual."
“The weather is beautiful. Are you able to get outside and enjoy it?”
"Who can enjoy anything in this economy?"
I guess most people aren't offended by these questions. MYOB, as Ann Landers would say.
My new, young GP apparently likes me, or so he said to my son, but when he said I should seek talk therapy I said nope. The next visit he asked me about talk therapy and said, "I just think everyone could use someone to talk to," and I said, "Great for you. I talk to the ghost of George Orwell. Please don't ask me again."
@Rose, Hey, Rose! When I lived in our northern coastal villages, eating whale meat was common (as in daily for some folks).
@Rose,
I think expecting a doctor to take care of your health without knowing anything about you is only giving them 1/2 the information necessary. By asking me these questions, my physician is trying to get to know me so he can take a more comprehensive approach to my care. I don’t find this offensive, I find it responsible.
I agree with this. We are getting it hammered into us at nursing school that we have to look at the patient as a whole person, and not only that, but we are supposed to consider the larger context of a person's life; what their social and family situation is, for example.
It's part of providing responsible, holistic care.
Blue, no belt.
Blue stripes, no belt. It looks totally summery and cool, whereas the white one just looks. . . white. 🙂 Also, I'm biased. I never wear white because I have high iron in my water, and it turns whites orange. Cute dress!
Ooh - quick response. Both are lovely, my vote for the striped one however. Rationale: Looks great as is and can be combined very easily with a blue cardigan or jacket, or a coloured blouse to make it slightly more formal or to wear it longer in autumn. I can see you wearing it to summer concerts or to a dinner date.
@JNL, oooh! Dinner Dates! And Kristen wouldn't have to go into debt eating out on someone else's dime. And if the date didn't work out ... who cares?
Love the blue and it looks awesome on you!!!!
Love the blue dress! It reminds me of summering by the French seaside. Oooh la la!
Blue striped. The color is better on you. Makes your complexion more vibrant. And it hides the cat hair better. 😉
I'm also Team Delayed Gratification. It may seem like the less fun approach, but my experience has been that I search for smaller moments of joy on a day to day basis, and when I do get to do the official Fun Thing, I appreciate it more.
@Kris,
It does not hide it really - it coordinates with it! That is why it works so well I think
@JNL, haha yes. The white dress wouldn't coordinate nearly as well with the cat hair (and yes, I meant my comment to say that we should choose our clothing to proudly display our cat's fur!).
Blue stripes for the win!
Keep both? They are very different. The blue one is super cute and casual. The white one can be dressed up or down with accessories and provides a lot of versatility -- think the white version of the LBD.
I really like the blue striped one!
Blue striped! It looks awesome on you- a lot of people can't wear stripes and look great in but .... you got it, girl!!!
The blue & white dress please. You can rock that belt!
Blue dress.
Wow! Everyone got up early today. So many comments/votes and it's barely 9am.
I vote blue. Looks great on you!
Outlive: read this awhile back, enjoyed the scientific information, but was disturbed at Attia's desire to prescribe himself so much 'precautionary' personal medication like statins. I prefer to use the information he provided to take a natural approach and avoid medication, even the ones he views favorably.
I have a fashion fascination with blue stripes ( I seem to buy a striped top for me or my kids each year), so I'm team blue. Both are pretty though.
I know someone who has gone into debt to pay for fun/food out. Despite wise advice from frugal friends, this person seems to dance at the edge financially to take Ubers and eat out. I just don't understand it. I have advised them to go cash only for a while- I think many of us couldn't go into debt so easily when we were younger as debit cards were not a thing.
Re: dress. My vote is for the blue as well, it really complements your skin tone whereas the white was a little bland. However, after you put a belt on the the white dress, I was quite wow:ed. I think it looks sharp and you could dress it up for a semi-formal or professional look with a dark cardigan and shoes, whereas the blue one is a casual wear.
As for keeping it clean, I have heard people say that white clothes are nice because you can throw in bleach to clarify them, but I'm always thinking the same thing.
Re debt and travel: I think it's hard to judge from the outside. I can think of situations in a person's life where it might have made sense to take on a small debt to travel. If it is a long debt or recurring debt, it's no-no for me. But take a situation where you have to travel to see a sick family member or attend a big family event, or have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join a trip that's been arranged, knowing that you have the means to pay it off in a limited time. Sometimes we can't plan optimally and need to do the planning in reverse, after the event. It takes more self-control for sure.
Going into debt for eating out doesn't make sense to me, but I can see situations where friends keep asking us out and it's hard to say no as we want to be social.
This brings me to a question or comment about how your friends really make a difference to a frugal life style. If you are lucky to have friends who enjoy similar non-frugal activities and tastes as you, it's much easier to stay on the path of less money spent than when we are surrounded by friends who spend more money on experiences.
Also, sometimes when I'm lonely I might spend more money to have an experience that other people get through friends or family. For instance, we don't have family inviting us to their homes on holidays or on trips, and I spend more money to arrange things on my own or treat ourselves to something nice. My husband loves to host and cook for friends to be social, and we end up spending a bit more in those situations.
It's a tricky balance, and I try to avoid judging people from the outside!
Blue!
Blue looks better! But to be honest I would probably get a different style!
I'm team blue.
Team Blue!
Blue is my favorite color, so you know which one I would pick. It looks great on you, even if blue wasn't my favorite.
As far as the white, if you wore colorful accessories or a cardigan with it, I think then it would flatter your skin shade more. However - if it gets stained, not all whites can be chlorine bleached and I don't have the best luck with oxygen bleach. I'd say check the tag first, then decide how comfortable you'd be wearing it. I have a white skirt I love, but I rarely wear it because I fear staining it.
Debt for vacation or dining out ... I need more information. If I put my vacation or meal on a credit card, then pay it off that month, is that debt? I usually put things on my credit card when I travel, just because it's protected better than my debit card and I won't have to carry wads of cash or try to get checks accepted.
I was fairly active as a young person and ate a good diet. I never smoked, took a bunch of meds, didn't use illegal drugs, or drank hardly any alcohol, and for a long time, I drank no alcohol.
My mom was against highly processed foods and artificial ingredients even back in the 50's and 60's when commercials touted time-saving foods like TV dinners as the greatest thing ever. As an adult, I eat as much whole, organic and pastured food as I can, I exercise at least a little every day and do heavier work outside in my yard regularly, plus I moved to exercising with heavier weights on the advice of my doctor, but I think nothing is going to beat the genetics in my family. A family tendency to arthritis is creeping up on me. All three of us siblings, our dad, our mother, our grandfather, my niece, and my granddaughter had or have autoimmune diseases. The effects of those can be mitigated by a healthy lifestyle but it is no fun to have them.
Not to say a healthy lifestyle is useless. It is extremely important, and can really turn around the poor health conditions for some people. I highly support the actions suggested for better health and longevity. Now I need to read that book!
@JD,
I was thinking the same thing about the debt. Technically it is debt... for the 30 days.
However, I don't think that's what they mean in this case. If so, I'm sure it would be a lot more than 30% as hardly anyone uses cash anymore (although this may be changing due to people being charged the credit card fees ever more frequently now).
@Jaime,
Not sure where I got 30%...I mean 14% (I think it was for dining out)
Agreed about genetics; those just are what they are.
But I bet that your healthy habits have at least mitigated some of the effects of your genetics. You have made the best of the hand you got dealt.
Also Team Blue Stripes. I adore narrow blue and white stripy shirts and have many. The dresses look adorable on you. Can’t you keep both? One for casual, one for symphony-type things?
Love the blue one.
Blue one !
Blue!
If you must choose one dress, definitely, the blue stripe.
I like the striped one best!
As for water, the general guideline is 8 cups/day. It's tough though as I usually don't get more than 30ish ozs unless I'm really trying.
I wouldn't pay interest on dining out. I have gone out to eat when the budget technically says "you have no money", put it on the credit card, and figured out how to pay in full when statement comes (the good old credit card float, that I unfortunately know way too well).
I've gone into debt to do vacation before (the trip counted for class credit). It's a long time paying back and sometimes I think I shouldn't have done it. It was an amazing trip though. Now, if I ever took debt for a trip it would be on a zero interest credit card and I'd pay it off in those terms. I've debated it but haven't actually done it.
the white would be nice for summer.
I'm joining team blue stripes. White dresses are hard to pull off in a lot of social situations.
I love the stripes. The white dress is ice but I would have that dress a mess. I love both of them belted. They are both lovely.
Blue stripes- classic, never goes out of style
I read Outlive and loved it. My father is 83 and still runs, plays tennis and lifts weights every day. We joke that he will outlive all of us. I was going to get him that book, but then I figured, he knows all of this anyway! He is living proof to never stop moving.
Love the blue!!
I wouldn't get the white one for all the reasons you mentioned.
If you want to keep only one, I vote for the blue one. An all-white dress is just a magnet for spills and stains and you will unconsciously not choose it often.
DH and I are right at full retirement age with no desire to work until we drop dead, especially not in the post-Covid "wring-'em dry and toss 'em out" model of how employees are treated. Thus there is nothing we choose to go into debt for.
I love the blue stripes dress! Both look super cute on you! Maybe keep both? One for spring/summer? The other for fall and pair with a cardigan? Both are functional for dressing up or down and could both give you a multitude of choices. 😉
Opinions, common sense version:
1. Debt ONLY to buy a house (with a hefty downpayment saved up first) —delay gratification, pinch pennies, take on side jobs, stop wasting money on temporary things so that you can afford more expensive fun—all this used to be common sense.
2. "Outlive" sounds as if it is full of what used to be considered common sense.
3. I'm glad to hear that 8 8-oz. cups of water a day might no longer be the standard. (Who has that many opportunities to run to the bathroom in a normal workday??)
4. Your hesitation on the white dress tells me that if you keep both, you will always choose the blue stripes. If you keep the white, you will put it on, change your mind, and change your outfit every time. Besides, it does resemble a dumbed-down wedding dress.
I like the blue dress. I want to comment about multiples…I have previously bought things I liked in multiple colors (2-3) so same style but different colors. This is my thought process and thoughts on multiples…if you can picture using both items…if you like both items equally…if both items will fit in your clothing storage…if both items will fit into your style/lifestyle. I recently bought at target 2 pairs of their stars above capri pj sets one in gray and one in blue. I liked the blue but then wondered if I’d like the gray too/better. But then I tried both on and thought about some of the things I mentioned above, and realized I looked better in the blue, blue is more practical if I have a time of month accident (sorry for the tmi), and really only one was going to fit in my pj storage area and there are other sets that I like better at JC penny that if I wanted a another PJ capri set I would buy instead of the gray pair. So I only kept the blue pair and returned the gray pj set. On the other hand I have multiple LC by Lauren Conrad blouses that tie in back of the neck from kohl’s in different patterns (iykyk) these are so practical they don’t need to be ironed, they wash nice in garment bag, they look professional and are good for winter with a suit jacket/sweater and good for summer by themselves. I feel I can justify owning them all because I wear them all, they fit my style and in my closet and I like how they look on me. Just thoughts on owning multiples. In the end, you should do what is best for you.
I'm not a huge stripes person, but I love the blue striped dress on you. I think the white looks good as well, but share your concerns on keeping it clean.
Blue stripe! Classic and cute!
Blue striped dress for sure! It looks great on you. Very summery and cool.
I might go into debt to travel, depending on the circumstances -- for instances, to see an aging parent, to a dear friend's wedding, or to take advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that's unlikely to come along again. (Example: a friend's husband was sent to New Zealand for 5 weeks to work. She took a leave of absence from her job and went with him. I have no idea if debt was accrued because of this, but it was an opportunity she couldn't pass up.) That said, I'd make a plan right away to pay off the debt.
You could dye the white one - even if it's synthetic, there are pretty reasonably priced dyes. Maybe a color you're missing in your wardrobe (I keep thinking a bright yellow, or apple green?). But if that's not something you're interested in, the blue stripe gets my vote.
I like the blue stripes!
I like them both! I do think the blue will be easier to wear - less thought about keeping clean, where to set, etc. But; I remember I used to put my son in white tee shirts for years, yes, he got them dirty but you could always see the problem and treat it - even bleachng them or soakng. If it's not ridiculous for you to do so, consider keeping both. I usually regret when I love a dress, and wear it out that I didn't just get two for twice the wears!
Blue striped dress! As for water- I am all about drinking plenty of water. If people are not fond of plain water and have room in their budget, Spindrift is an excellent thing to include in your day! I am familiar with Dr. Attia. He is right!
I wish this post was in two posts-- Blue or white, (blue seems to be winning!), and going in to debt for fun.
I would go in to debt to go to a funeral. However, I SHOULD have visited those friends and family members more before they died; that is when some carefully curated debt should have happened. Going for a wedding or anniversary is much more hopeful. Now, at this time in our lives, my husband and I can afford pretty much whatever travel we wanted. But a number of opportunities are now gone.
So I have reached the point of saying that yes, I would go into debt (with a plan to pay it off) to have fun.
Absolutely the blue one!! The white looks too much like a wedding dress or a “special occasion” dress where I would wear the blue one more often. It is pretty but casual too..COULD dress it up with jewelry for an event.. I just like it a lot better!!ANd yes, All white is always a pain to keep clean. You look beautiful in BOTH dresses!!
Peter’s book seemd a bit much for me, and his own background left me feeling perhaps his info is a bit extreme.. but I liked some of the info.
I prefer Dr. Greger..How Not to Die and his latest book too, I forge the title , but it is about foods/nutrition/ageing.. A BIG book but soo interesting to me. I did not read “How Not To Die” just because of the title, for a long time!! LOL. But it is AWESOME and has some very doable actions in the book.Many of which you (and I already do.)
Just a few tweaks with HERBS and cruciferous veggies is so valuable. .cinnamon ,turmeric, cardamon..when you read about the benefots of some common spices.. you will be amazed! And he recommends just the dried herbs,from the grocery!
Highly recommend his work!
AND,ENJOY the new dress you buy!! Whatever color you choose.
Did you feel shocked at how much time he spends exercising? Most of us do not have enough hours in a week to devote to working out like that.
Definitely the blue stripes! The color looks lovely on you. The white (while so cute!) looks like it washes you out? Maybe just in the picture.
I love the white one, but think dyeing it would be amazing. I found clothing dye that works in the washer (no boiling required) and think that would be a fun way to make it yours.
i like the striped one best. But both are lovely. Pick YOUR favorite.
I like the striped dress with out the belt.
Another vote for the stripes,it looks summery, fresh and just so cute on you
This is me,but I have troubles with white,seems like I attract stains when I'm wearing it,so I avoid it.
I can't think of a situation where I would go into debt to eat out... But I agree with the people who have commented that debt for travel might be related to a death or bad accident in the family, or some other unforeseen situation where you don't have time to look for a good deal. However, an emergency fund would hopefully cover that.
I would vote for the blue dress 🙂
Blue stripes and Chiquita agrees.
Another vote for the blue!
Blue striped dress for sure! It looks beautiful on you. And I like it better without the belt.
While I never went into debt to travel, I did choose travel over other priorities, and I'm so glad I did. The memories I made with my children on our trips were worth all the sacrifice in other areas of our budget. I now live alone, as my children are grown, and can make saving for retirement a priority. Once everyone is grown, it's too hard with everyone's schedules and other priorities to travel together. Do it while you can!
Blue! They both look beautiful on you, but the color makes it even prettier and the white does whisper bridal.
Consider: White does not camouflage how wrinkled it gets. Blue always looks fresher. Plus, I've found whites tend to yellow or gray over time.
Team blue stripe dress!
Totally blue stripes. White would be nice with a tan, but practically, and usefully, the stripey one is the winner.
Oh Kristen, I should be the last person to give you fashion advice! I like the white with the belt or maybe a little gold belt would be fancier. I love the blue stripe without the belt, it just screams laid back happiness. I had a dress almost identical for my 8th grade graduation that I wore thru college and beyond (I made it from a Jessica McClintock pattern) That was a few decades ago, ahem!
My cousin's daughter who is a model in NYC and Paris/Milan, was wearing one the other day with a cute denim jacket. It was for a sunglasses photo shoot. She had accessorized it with a little gold belt, gold hoop earrings.
Learning to drink water now and start the habit now is important. Almost 75% of all older folks who ended up in my E.R. were dehydrated. For my elderly mom, she drinks 60 oz daily, plus any hot tea or juice. After many follow up tests, this is the exact amount to keep her healthy and happy.
My rule is side hustles pay for fun excursions/concerts/camping expenses. I have enough saved up (over $5k) so I am now using it to help purchase a new to me small (35 hp) tractor for the farm.
Haha, I love that you are using your fun money to buy a tractor!
@Blue Gate Farmgirl, I LOVED Jessica McClintock patterns. And Laura Ashley and Gunne Sax too. Wait, was Jessica McClintock the designer behind Gunne Sax?
Love the blue and white one!! The white one reminds me a bit of a slip, or nightgown. The blue one looks wonderful on you!
I think you look lovely in both dresses and I could see either one being useful for various occasions. So I would keep both! Granted, the white one seems less practical and, as you mentioned, possibly a challenge to keep clean. If you had to choose just one though, I’d say keep the striped one.
Years ago a nurse told me that adults should drink half their body weight in ounces of water per day. I’ve maintained this practice for years now. Hardly ever do I feel dehydrated though occasionally this does happen. Usually, my only other beverage is coffee and/or hot tea in the morning. But I pace myself with the water throughout the day and I feel like the practice serves me well.
Before we met each other, my husband and I already had the financial habit of never incurring credit card debt. This made our marriage money management a whole lot easier than if we had different perspectives on money matters. We use credit cards but pay the bills in full each month. Our one splurge/ investment is our dancing. It’s costly but we are staying very active and hopefully more healthy through our regular dance outings. We also walk which costs nothing.
The blue dress! It has a fantastic summer feel.
Glad to know that my "bad" habit of going barefoot is good for me! The podiatrist told my mom, back when I was a toddler, to let me go barefoot to correct my "pigeon toe" condition, and thus began a lifelong thing.
As for the dresses, could you possibly use another belt with the white one? That would keep it from looking like you're going down the aisle. Although....maybe you want to put it aside, you just never know when Prince Charming (or Dr. Dreamy) may show up for you someday....I could envision you having a beach wedding in Hawaii in that dress.(Or maybe get one for Lisey....)
I vote for the blue stripe dress.
Good for you for making hydration a daily goal! I am a retired nurse and agree that as a group, nurses fail at adequate hydration. Some posts pointed out it is hard for nurses to get away at times to use the restroom, that is so, so true. Still, it is a good goal to hydrate yourself. All of those good health practices- lifting weights, eating healthy foods, adequate rest, walking, and taking care of your mental health are so, so good for all of us.
Thank you for modeling these choices!
Keep the blue! Lose the white! The blue one looks so much better and I love it with the belt.
Both are cute but I vote blue stripes!!
BOTH! BOTH! BOTH!!!
Both dresses are cute on you, but the blue stripes looks better. Plus white is so hard to keep clean.
Love love love the blue and white stripes. Also love your site.
My dress vote is for the blue striped one. It has more personality; it's more interesting. The white one is a bit blah. Also I agree with those who said it should be shortened. What a pretty summer dress!
Blue definitely
Love the look of seersucker
I'm a long time lover of blue and white stripes, especially for summer, so I'm a bit biased, but include me as a member of TeamBlue. I feel the same way about all-white clothing (except white t shirts).....I'm a slob, and am constantly slopping things on my clothes (coffee, marinara sauce, ice cream, you name it), so all-white things are not a part of my wardrobe. White t shirts are easily washed and replaced, so while I don't enjoy slopping stuff on them, it's a compromise I can live with.
I think that style of dress looks wonderful on you, and you can dress either of them up or down (add a sweater, a wrap, a jean jacket, jewelry...there are lots of possibilities). The white dress would make a fun, easy to wear casual bridal dress for those looking to get married, but it doesn't scream "bridal dress" to me.
As for going into debt to travel.....hmmmm. It would depend on the travel plans. As a young single person, I was afraid to spend money, so taking trips was not something I did, unfortunately (flying was so much cheaper back then!! and no security lines to get through!!). I missed out on a lot, including my high school bff's wedding, for example. I now regret not taking advantage of my relative freedom to travel (don't get me wrong, I love my DH and DS, but it's much more complicated and often more expensive to travel as a family).
How do folks get sufficient protein? I tend to mostly eat meat/beans in the evening and know that isn't enough. Right now I've having 2 scrambled eggs for lunch. What are other winning ways to up the protein?
@Cindy, I had to increase my protein in the past few months, so I hear you! I don't really like protein shakes/bars either, so at first I found it really hard. But first I recommend thinking of things like whole grains, nuts, nut butters, cheese, milk, yogurt, as all viable protein sources, even if smaller than say, several oz of chicken. I also have started paring protein sources (even if it's just a handful of nuts) with every snack I have, as I'm more of a grazer.
@Andrea,Thank you so much! I'm a grazer too! I was finding that a bunch of nuts at a time left me unsettled but the idea to grab a few at a time will help. And I love cheeses. I don't mind protein shakes but sometimes it's too much milk - probably need to explore some different milks. I enjoy beans of most types and they don't bother me, I just tend to forget about them being in the fridge after the first use.
Appreciate the feedback!
And I didn't respond on the dress - but like many, I loved the blue!
Cottage cheese is a great source of protein!
@Kristen, Really not a fan of cottage cheese. But then again, it's been years since I tried it so maybe I should give it another go.
Thanks!
Blue dress!
Blue.
Blue.
I like the blue striped dress. With the white one, I would be tempted to dye it a vibrant color. I somehow manage to get whites dirty just by putting them on, though, so I wouldn't be comfortable in solid white.
Blue stripes! Classic!
Blue stripes! Hands down!
Blue for the win! My first thought was bridesmaid for the white, and the blue looks divine on you!
I love the blue one! The white one would be cute if you are going to throw on a cropped cardigan in a bright color, but that sort of defeats the purpose of the spaghetti straps. The dress fits you perfectly either way you go. Hey, maybe you should keep both!
I love blue and white striped clothing, and that dress looks amazing with blue and white stripes.
I really like the blue stripe dress
Love love the blue striped one!
Keep both. Just don't wear the white one to your usual berry picking or mud wrestling events. The white one would be so nice with a summer hat and colorful shawl.
Blue!
You look terrific in both of them. You'd look great in a burlap sack. But I agree that the white one looks sort of weddingish. Also, when I wear white, it soon ends up wearing whatever I ate for lunch. I realize you do not sport a continental shelf on your chest but drips happen...
Continental shelf....bahahaha! Yes, that is true.
Blue for sure. I agree on keeping white clean.
The blue striped one.
I vote blue.
Definitely the blue. This is the first comment I've left in MONTHS, and it's to say get the blue stripes!!!
Haha, well, I appreciate you delurking for this.
Team blue!
Blue stripe is a winner!
I like the blue dress best.
Bread, pasta, buns, etc., are all simple carbs and are turned into glucose just like table sugar is. The body doesn't process them any differently.
I would argue that this depends on the type of bread or pasta; carbs that are whole grains do eventually get converted into glucose, but the process is slower and kinder to the blood sugar situation.
Keep the blue
I really like the blue dress! Blue looks so good on you. Also, white clothes make me nervous, so the practical side of me would go for the blue.
Blue is a better color on you. White washes you out. Blue gives you a more confident look. White, well, vestal virgin "vibe" (I'm being nice).
And I saw today that 9 glasses of water for women and was it 14 for men? Of course that segment immediately followed a segment on PFAs in water. Go figure.
Too many in the medical profession should practice what they preach.
I have like zippo yearning to travel - retirement is going to be a compromise. Might be genetic, my relatives came over in the 1600s (not Mayflower but not far behind). Moved a few times and settled in the area where I still live. I love my home, my yard, my life. And a bit tired of those who think being alive is the same as living, it is not. Who are they to tell me all stops (at exorbitant cost) to keep me alive *has* to happen. A pox on them.
The blue; it’s looks so good against your skin tone. And the white is beautiful but does give me wedding vibes.
I’d like to see the white dress with a camel brown belt and espadrilles or maybe pointy toe flats? But I like the blue one too!
I'm late to this party, but the blue dress is my vote!
Blue and white. It has an almost vintage look which is called something that’s not coming to me at the moment. I have a pair of pants like that and they’re cool looking
Blue all the way!!!
blue all the way. plus chiquiita votes for blue.
Blue stripes.
one of the reasons i became interested in frugality was that I didn't want to live check to check. in my youth i had huge medical bills and i loved to shop and travel. i mostly used stock profits to travel. dug myself out of debt three times. hubby has been unemployed for two years now, and we are doing ok. thank g-d. between savings and investments, i am truly blessed. i have been retired for ten years. instead of the company's pension i asked for a lump sum. was there 40 years. we have no debt and i hope that remains the case. i teach my two kids to pay cash for everything. they are 15 and 13. when they are on their own there probably will be no cash. (sigh)
If you really only want to keep one, I’d ask
- do you have another white dress and/or do you like white dresses?
(Not everyone does)
- would it matter to you that you could probably squeak a little more wearing time out of the blue stripe?
(Ok for early Spring and Autumn if paired with a jean jacket)
Both dresses are so cute on you. And they were on sale…perfect for summer. I guess I would be team blue stripe as it has Ralph Lauren vibes. But the white would also be cute with your jean jacket or even a little pastel cardigan for a Baby Shower or Home Depot. Belt or no belt. They look great on you.
Blue is the winner! Looking good.
they both look nice on you - if they weren't expensive as you said, why not keep both? have to ask yourself which one would you get most wear out of. With the white dress you can put a short jacket over it to either dress up the dress or a jean jacket to dress it down. (white goes further )- it looks great to if you get tan. could you keep both dresses and keep the white dress that same length and do something differenct with the stripe dress (cut it down to where you could were as a long top with jeans, or wear as a top with white pants. ( i would keep both and do just what my last sentence said to do. with the extra material cut from the blue stripe dress a bag can be made out of it (one that is a hobo type bag.
good luck
Blue dress - no belt
If you can keep both, perhaps you could dye the white dress - a color that you love and looks great on you!
I would keep BOTH dresses! They look so amazing on you!
Blue/white stripe a classic summer choice looks best on you.
I'm a sucker for blue and white anything!!! Both look great on you but I vote blue 🙂
I vote for the blue dress!
I like the white one, but LOVE the blue and white striped. It's so pretty, and pretty on you! 🙂
Blue stripes, without a doubt.
As for people being willing to go into debt to travel or eat out, it boggles my mind how much risk people are willing to take on just for some momentary pleasure. I would never do it. I sacrifice today's pleasure for tomorrow's safety without a sigle thought. This mindset has saved me countless times.