5 things I love this week

It’s been a busy week, and it feels as though my attention has been pulled in a million different directions. But here are a few random things I wanted to share….

A cozy sweater

They aren’t kidding when they call this sweater “supersoft.” I can’t do a full turtleneck, so this lower rollneck is just enough to keep the chill off without feeling like I’m being strangled. It’s also fitted enough that you can wear a necklace on the outside if you like.

There are a bunch of good colors, and it’s available in size XX-Small to 3X. I ordered the Small which is a good fit: relaxed but not oversized. Here’s a color breakdown for the seasonal palettes:

  • Spring: Heather Blade, Sweet Dahlia
  • Summer: Pale Pink, Aqua Multi, Hthr Graphite
  • Autumn: Hthr Mushroom, Bridgeport Brown
  • Winter: Hthr Pine (shown), Midnight Burgundy, Black

I need to see that red in person, but it looks warm-ish on my monitor, so probably best for Springs & some Autumns.

Rediscovering a favorite fragrance

I like to change up my fragrance with seasonal changes. A few days ago, I was going through my stash and trying some old favorites, and this is the one that resonated and didn’t annoy me after a few hours. (I don’t know about you, but I think either my chemistry or olfactory perception changes every few years. Which is why I’ve never been able to settle on a “signature” scent.)

Just a note: I mostly wear fragrance when I’m at home or know I won’t be in confined spaces with others.

Subtle sparkle

Susan B. wears earrings and a ring from the Dean Davidson Petite Pave collection.
EARRINGS (C/O) | RING (C/O) | NECKLACE

If you prefer your jewelry on the delicate side, you might like the new “Petite Pavé” collection from Dean Davidson. They kindly sent me these earrings and ring to try, and they’re lovely! Both are pieces I’d wear for every day, though if you wanted more of a statement piece, I’d check out these dramatic drop earrings, or bold circles. And all of these styles are available in gold or silver!

A clean machine

How did I not know about this before?? I love my front-loading washing machine, but if I’m not diligent about leaving the door open in between uses, it can get to smelling a bit musty. A friend recommended these cleaning tablets so I ordered, and they work like a charm. I just use them on the “clean washer” cycle, and not only is the musty smell gone, but I can see how much cleaner the drum looks.

Derry Girls is back!

Derry Girls final season on Netflix

The final season of Derry Girls has landed, and if your Netflix queue could use a little levity and over-the-top characters, you’ll want to check this one out. (But first catch up on Seasons 1 & 2, if you haven’t already…) There are some fun cameos this season, and yes, Uncle Colm returns.

Fall weather was made for boots & a sweater

A French bob haircut, and how going gray affects your color palette

How to make a relaxed outfit look polished

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16 Comments

  1. Hi Susan
    just FYI: a cup of vinegar in the “sanitize” cycle does the same thing and is cheaper.
    My washing machine (Miele) user manual recommends vinegar. It also gets rid of the extra scum that gradually accumulates.
    Remodelista has a new book: The Low Impact Home full of good info!
    Great blog!

    1. This is good to know Mary. With every wash I put 1/4 to 1/2 cup white vinegar in the bottom of the machine along with the detergent. Somewhere I read that vinegar acts as a fabric softener without all the chemicals. I’ve been doing it for over 2 years now and haven’t ruined any clothes, there’s no vinegar smell in my clothing, and they seem soft (especially towels and bedding). It’s nice to know I’ve got the added benefit of keeping my machine clean too.

      1. Vinegar should be added as the rinse agent. When vinegar is added to the detergent, it makes the detergent less effective. Vinegar is an acid, detergent is base.
        Any vinegar odor barely exists and after the heat of the dryer, it is totally gone.

  2. The earrings are lovely but they are gold plated and not gold filled. So for those of us with sensitive ears, they may not be the best choice alas. I really think they are great.

    1. I agree – I think they are fabulous but I also have metal sensitivities. There are many of us who need hypoallergenic earrings. I wish manufacturers would wake up.

  3. Thank you so much for listing which colors work best with which season! I am still struggling to choose the correct colors for my Autumn palette.

  4. I’m so glad you love Derry Girls! I would like to suggest some folks might want to turn on closed captions so you can catch all the dialogue. My husband is from Northern Ireland so I have no problem with it, but some of my friends complain that they can’t understand. It’s SO funny and charming and SO true to life!

  5. Your recommendations by season are so much appreciated. I can order with confidence knowing my Spring colours are spot on. Thank you, Susan

  6. Yes to Derry Girls and Uncle Colm! I have only a couple of episodes left in season three. Too soon it will be over.

    I use Affresh tablets in my washing machine. Nothing else seems to work, due to the hard water where I live.

    The sweaters! Those spring colors are right up my alley.

  7. Susan, thank you so much for listing the seasons for each of the sweaters. I am a light spring and ordered the Hthr Blade. I love that apple green color. Have a wonderful weekend!

  8. Susan – this is totally unrelated to your post but was wondering if you or your readers had any suggestions for shoe bags in a carry on. Have been using plastic bags from the grocery store but wondering if there are better options. Thank you!

    1. Hi Stefanie, I collect and have been using hotel shower caps. I find they can be re-used several times and cover the soles of shoes without adding bulk. I prefer to cover & pack shoes singly, as it gives more flexibility when space is at a premium. Cloth shoe bags are another option, but many add weight and bulk.

  9. Susan, I purchased the Everlane vest in mango and have worn it several ways since it arrived.
    Great contrast with my Autumn wardrobe of creams, rusts, olive, and some print blouses.
    Thanks for the heads up for that item!