OLD CLOTHES AND MORE OLD CLOTHES…

OLD CLOTHES AND MORE OLD CLOTHES…

5 DAY COUNT DOWN TO #TRACYWEARSWOOL  100 DAY DRESS CHALLENGE:  DO I REALLY NEED ALL THESE CLOTHES?

For those of you who haven’t heard…I have been invited to do a 100-Day Challenge, put on by Wool&  — and I am starting on 1/20/21.

Today’s goal:

  • Recognize what I need and don’t need in my closet — great because I am limited on space!

So I am starting small… realizing that indeed.. I have a problem with clothes hoarding.  I just hate to get rid of anything.

Top reasons I “can’t” get rid of something:

  • Sentimental value. Doesn’t matter what it is– but it is tied to an event or evokes a strong feeling.  Old concert t-shirts, sandals from that amazing summer trip, oversized sweatshirt that was stolen from an ex…
  • Comfort clothes.  That 30 year old flannel shirt, sweatpants from the 80s, boxy cashmere sweater with mothholes…
  • Cost.  Either it was super expensive… or I got a screamin’ good deal at a thriftstore.  Doesn’t matter if it fits or looks good…
  • Size.  Yep… that’s a big one.  I have to keep these Lucky jeans for when I lose those 20 lbs that are keeping me from being able to get that button close to the buttonhole.

Mostly my clothes fall into a couple of categories.    So I have come up with a plan to help me pare down my wardrobe… 

 

 

old clothes

 OK… HERE IS THE SCARY PART!

old clothes
old clothes

Not too bad… but I live in a 24′ rv!

(And… I have still more clothes in Portland.. and Santa Barbara.)

So today…. I have identified the problem and come up with a plan…

Tomorrow… I will enlist the help of my oldest and wisest daughter — because she has great fashion sensibility and practically no social filters.  She will be blunt and honest in her job as my “declutter coach.”

old clothes

By the way, sme of my coolest storage hacks are these blue bags.  I don’t have drawers in my rv, so I use them to store my clothes — on for pants, one for shirts and one for sweaters.  Light weight, and really useful for a lot of storage situations!  Get them HERE!

I also use them to store blankets, and … my favorite… YARN!! What a surprise!!!

 

 

 

old clothes

As part of the challenge, I will be posting my daily outfits on blog posts as well as social media with the hashtag #tracywearswool — please follow along — and see all the creative outfits that I can come up with!

SOME OF MY RECENT POSTS:

day 61 of #tracywearswool: down in the garden

day 61 of #tracywearswool: down in the garden

#tracywearswool day 61 out of 100 -- and spring means it is time to get out in the garden! Yahoo!! I love growing things.  I don't know how many different gardens I have had.  Practically one at every house.  Some flower gardens, some with vegetables... but the best...

read more
day 60 of #tracywearswool: changes

day 60 of #tracywearswool: changes

#tracywearswool day 60 out of 100 -- and I can't believe all the ch-ch-ch changes so far For one thing... I would never in a million years think of wearing 2 dresses at once.  Or ... knotting a dress to hitch it up.  Or, wear them with leggings and Frye boots.  And...

read more
day 59 of #tracywearswool: good day sunshine

day 59 of #tracywearswool: good day sunshine

#tracywearswool I can't believe that it is day 59!! And I have that song in my head: good day sunshine... Do you ever get a song stuck in your head, and it keeps popping up all day?  I do, almost every day.  It is one of the ways I title my blog posts.  More often...

read more

Beach Hat

Beach Hat

A slouchy comfortable to wear hat knit up in worsted weight. Easy to memorize 6-row pattern incorporates Knit together and yarn overs on one row for the waves, and an easy cable on another for added interest. Easy to see where you are — so no pattern watching with this. Perfect for solids, variegated and long stripes. Makes a fast gift. Great beginning lace project.

There are two versions — regular beanie style, and a slightly longer style.

Size: 8” flat across, and 7.5″ or 9.5″ tall (unstretched) –slightly snug fit to show off the lace pattern.

Materials:

*100 g.(200-220yds) light to medium worsted
Needle: US7 36″ circular for Magic Loop, or 16″ circular and set of DPS needle or size needed to obtain soft drape and gauge.

Gauge: 5.5 Sts per inch as knit in Beach Chart

This will fit most heads. For larger heads, go up 1-2 needle sizes. You should still have enough yarn on a 100 gr skein

DIRECTIONS:

Cast on 88 sts loosely, using knitted cast on, cable cast on, or similar stretchy cast on. Divide for Magic Loop — 44 on each needle– or use a smaller 16″ circular needle & place marker for BOR.

**Magic Loop How-To Video: https://youtu.be/1mqIqRdJc68

Engish Ribbing: *KTB, P* around for 6 rows.
*KTB = Knit stitch through the back

Begin Beach Chart.

Repeat 8 times for the shorter version, and 10 times for the longer. .. or until the desired length.

Begin Decreases according to Beach Decrease Chart:

** If using a short circular needle, switch to DPNs when needed

 

Break end leaving a long tail. Using a needle, run tail around through the remaining 8 Sts, twice around, and pull tight. Pull yarn to inside of the hat and tie off.

Weave in ends. And Enjoy!

beach hat
beach hat

Ravelry users: Coupon code at checkout for FREE Canyon Hat Pattern: beach 

-or- go HERE for instant checkout!

CLICK HERE to download the BEACH HAT pattern PDF for Free!

Be the first to hear about all the free patterns and promos that I will be running. Sign up below, and I’ll be sending an email out, with the coupon code to use on MY STORE, Gypsywagon Knits, on Ravelry , and other special offers! If you are not on Ravelry, Respond to my welcome email, and I can send you specials directly!!

Check out more knitting information, tips and techniques on my main KNITTING page. You can also get links to the yarn I used for the Bulky Version of the Canyon Hat (top photo), and some really cool needles. There is also a link on how to do the MAGIC LOOP technique that I used for the hat. But, you can also knit this up with Double Pointed Needles, and/or a small circular.

The advantage of Ravelry — for those not on it, is that you will automatically get updates. And plus… it is the BEST resource for knitters and crocheters!

 

MORE FREE HAT PATTERNS:

MORE KNITTING POSTS:

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best dining and kitchen ware

best dining and kitchen ware

I must say, I love searching out and finding the   best dining and kitchen ware deals.  I Just have a fascination for practically all of it — from dishes to gadgets, bakeware to frying pans.

So, I have been keeping my eyes peeled for the best dining and kitchen ware ideas and deals… so that I can share them with you.  We all have different styles, and different situations.  But I think you will find some great ideas for your home, and also for gift giving.

Personally, I grew up in the back of a Mexican Restaurant, — literally. And I don’t say that like it’s a bad tghing! You see, it was our family business. I grew up around food, and so I have a LONG history, and great fondness for food and cooking.

And in 7th grade, we moved next door to a woman who had vast cooking experience and had lived all over Europe. She taught me how to make crepe Suzette and chocolate souffle…. and she had a copper plumbed espresso machine… so she made me cafe au lait to go with my after school “snacks”. So began my obsession with food… and coffee! ( so you can see where this fascination with the best dining and kitchen ware came from!)

So here are some of the best dining and kitchen ware ideas that I have been coming across. I hope you enjoy them!

** CLICK THE IMAGES BELOW TO SEE WHAT I HAVE FOUND**

Editors' pick: Coffee upgrade
Kitchen featured categories
Best Deals for Kitchen and Dining
Best Deals for Kitchen and Dining
Best Deals for Kitchen and Dining
Best Deals for Kitchen and Dining
Best Deals for Kitchen and Dining
Best Deals for Kitchen and Dining
Best Deals for Kitchen and Dining
Best Deals for Kitchen and Dining
Best Deals for Kitchen and Dining
Best Deals for Kitchen and Dining
Best Deals for Kitchen and Dining
Best Deals for Kitchen and Dining
Best Deals for Kitchen and Dining
Best Deals for Kitchen and Dining

More BEST dining and kitchen ware deals… click link below:

kitchen and dining

 

Enjoy yourself, and some of my favorite food quotes:

“This magical, marvelous food on our plate, this sustenance we absorb, has a story to tell. It has a journey. It leaves a footprint. It leaves a legacy. To eat with reckless abandon, without conscience, without knowledge; folks, this ain’t normal.”

– Joel Salatin

“This evidence is overwhelming at this point. You eat more plants, you eat less other stuff, you live longer.”

– Mark Bittman

“If you really want to make a friend, go to someone’s house and eat with him… the people who give you their food give you their heart.”

– Cesar Chavez

“If organic farming is the natural way, shouldn’t organic produce just be called “produce” and make the pesticide-laden stuff take the burden of an adjective?”

– Ymber Delecto

“Food is an important part of a balanced diet.”

– Frank Lebowitz

“If you bake bread with indifference, you bake a bitter bread that feeds but half man’s hunger.”

– Kahlil Gibran

“Nothing would be more tiresome than eating and drinking if God had not made them a pleasure as well as a necessity.”

– Voltaire

“You don’t have to cook fancy or complicated masterpieces — just good food from fresh ingredients.”

– Julia Child

“The gentle art of gastronomy is a friendly one. It hurdles the language barrier, makes friends among civilized people, and warms the heart.”

– Samuel Chamberlain

“Laughter is brightest in the place where food is.”

– Irish Proverb

“We should look for someone to eat and drink with before looking for something to eat and drink.”

– Epicurus

“One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.”

-Virginia Woolf

“The food you eat can be either the safest and most powerful form of medicine or the slowest form of poison.”

– Ann Wigmore

“Let things taste the way they are.”

– Alice Waters

— Tracy Wright

more posts:

day 5: belted

day 5: belted

Day 5, and I was a bit worried about wearing it belted. I just didn't want to look like a gray potato sack trussed up in the middle. I think sometimes we get caught up with notions like this because of something we heard as a child or young person.  Such as  don't...

read more
day 4: color me pink

day 4: color me pink

Day 4 and color me pink.    I love the color pink... and have for quite a while.  It just makes me feel happy, and I have it all over my world: pink hats, pink sheets, pink clothes, pink glasses, pink leashes and tote bags.  Pink fountain pens and pink sandals.   So...

read more
day 3: dress and dogs

day 3: dress and dogs

Day 3 for the dress and dogs.  yes... I have two of them.  At first I was concerned that i would be covered with dog hair... I ordered the steel gray #Rowena.  But I must say that it hasn't been a problem.  Woolamina is the name I chose for my dress Woolamina Merino,...

read more
day 2: rhythm and the rain

day 2: rhythm and the rain

Day 2 for the dress. What's my rhythm?  Decide in the morning what to wear or lay things out the night before?? Loaf in jammies until it's time to get down to business .. then DRESS up? Lot's to think on. Being in the Pacific Northwest, we never know what the weather...

read more
day one – the dress arrives

day one – the dress arrives

The dress arrived!! Yahoo... and just in the nick of time!  I am so excited to get started with this challenge!!For those of you who haven't heard...I have been invited to do a 100-Day Challenge, put on by Wool&  -- and I am starting on 1/20/21.  i hope... Today's...

read more
SHOES – IN FOR THE RUNNING

SHOES – IN FOR THE RUNNING

LET'S TALK SHOES. IT'S A FEW DAYS AND COUNTING DOWN TO #TRACYWEARSWOOL  100 DAY DRESS CHALLENGE.  AND I AM ANXIOUSLY (STILL) WAITING ON THE MAIL... YIKES, CUTTING IT CLOSE.For those of you who haven't heard...I have been invited to do a 100-Day Challenge, put on by...

read more

Interested in starting a business from home — check out these ideas: CLICK HERE

low-cost rv hacks

low-cost rv hacks

Full-timers in the RV world (like me) are always on the lookout for low-cost rv hacks to improve their homes. Hack is such a funny word. In previous generations, it meant to chop up… or a taxi driver. But here, hacks are inexpensive solutions, with the alternative usage of common items.  Here are a few of our favorites, ones that make full-time living, extended trips, or even short stays in an RV easier and more organized.

Here are some of my favorite low-cost rv hacks… with links to more information in BLUE

1) MOISTURE CONTROL

Condensation is an ongoing problem. It doesn’t matter how big your rig is… when there are temperature fluctuations, you will have condensation in your rig. And, if left unchecked, it can lead to extensive mold… and the problems that bring. There are several ways to deal with condensation. Of course, keeping the windows open will help, but most times, you need a little more.

The first line of defense in order of economy are small desiccant packages — like the ones that come with items that are shipped to you. These are the little white packets that say “DO NOT EAT”. Start saving them. I seal them up in a small salsa jar, until ready to use. Tuck them inside drawers and cupboards. You can also order them HERE .. in a slightly larger size — and they are well worth it. I leave them in my car, too, if it is being stored or a while. THIS ONE runs about $10 for thirty food-safe packets.

low cost rv hacks

For larger RVS, more people, humidity, or more moisture-prone areas — you can use the larger packets:  SEE MORE HERE. 

But the best bet if you are full time is to invest in an electric de-humidifier. I run mine ALL the time, and have never had a mold problem. At under $70, it has been a great low-cost investment. I can’t tell you how many people I have met who thought they had it all under control until they lifted the bed or the sofa seat. Cheap insurance, and better for your health.

low-cost rv hacks

(That’s the Dude in the back…)

OH… and it is quiet too. I never hear it. Green light changes to orange when the tank needs to be emptied — about once a week. And s fingernail brush works great to keep the dust out of the intake/output grates.

2)  STORAGE

These are the best storage solution around, and one of my favorite low cost rv hacks.. I think college kids use them for moving. Made of recyclable material, I got four for under $28. Super lightweight, and they fold flat, with a zipper that goes across the top and down the side. 25 gal.capacity holds a LOT. What do I use them for? Extra blankets, out of season clothes, towels, shoes and boots, laundry, beach stuff, and my yarn — all fit into these great blue sacks. They are a perfect way to contain clutter and an excellent low-cost rv hack.

low-cost rv hacks

3) CLUTTER TIES

 

My personal favorite little do-dads. These come in a few different sizes. The ones shown are the 3″. Under $4 for 4. I use them to tie up all the cords for my chargers, printer, computer, etc. I have even used them to tie up my hair.

 
low-cost rv hacks

They also come in a MEDIUM SIZE – which are great for Extention cords, dog leashes, storing awning lights, amp cords and fishing rods, and a LARGE SIZE, which works well for hoses and …other large things.

I personally go for the ASSORTMENT — a size for everything.

4) CUT OUT SINGLE USE PLASTIC & PAPER

Want to save ton of space in the kitchen? Cut out single-use plastics and paper products. Not to mention, better for the environment. Fold flat, and super light weight.

I love mine. easy to use, easy to clean. Microwave and dishwasher safe. Leakproof. Best of all — I don’t have a drawer full of boxes of ziplock baggies. MORE INFO– CLICK HERE!

MORE along those lines: REUSEABLE BEESWAX FOODWRAP. My mom was the mom that wrapped our sandwiches in wax paper, neatly folding it like a little present. Problem was, you could never rewrap it. These are the modern version and they hold firmly. I use them for just about everything exept meat. Clean, easy to use, and they don’t take up much space and are lightweight. Definitely a great low cost RV hack.

As far as saving space in the kitchen, nothing has freed up more room than getting rid of paper towels and paper napkins. I get the set of 12 napkins, 100% cotton — because some will always be in the laundry basket! And there is something nice about a meal with cloth napkins. These are my Favorites:

And I have switched to a REUSEABLE UNPAPER TOWEL:

Reusable Unpaper Towels, Natural Loofah Sponges Pack 11, Highly Absorbent, Bamboo Paper Towel Washable Paperless Recycled Organic Cotton Napkins Bathroom Roll Cleaning Cloths Eco Friendly Zero Waste

Full-timers in the RV world (like me) are always on the lookout for low cost “hacks” to improve their homes. Hack is such a funny word. In previous generations, it meant to chop up… or a taxi driver. But here, hacks are inexpensive solutions, with the alternative usage of common items.  Here are a few of our favorites, ones that make full-time living, extended trips, or even short stays in an RV easier and more organized.

I hope you found these little low-cost rv hacks to be useful, inexpensive solutions, that make your RV lifestyle more organized– and more FUN!

And if you are looking  for the ultimate road trip — click HERE!

 

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RECENT POSTS:

day 5: belted

day 5: belted

Day 5, and I was a bit worried about wearing it belted. I just didn't want to look like a gray potato sack trussed up in the middle. I think sometimes we get caught up with notions like this because of something we heard as a child or young person.  Such as  don't...

read more
day 4: color me pink

day 4: color me pink

Day 4 and color me pink.    I love the color pink... and have for quite a while.  It just makes me feel happy, and I have it all over my world: pink hats, pink sheets, pink clothes, pink glasses, pink leashes and tote bags.  Pink fountain pens and pink sandals.   So...

read more
day 3: dress and dogs

day 3: dress and dogs

Day 3 for the dress and dogs.  yes... I have two of them.  At first I was concerned that i would be covered with dog hair... I ordered the steel gray #Rowena.  But I must say that it hasn't been a problem.  Woolamina is the name I chose for my dress Woolamina Merino,...

read more
day 2: rhythm and the rain

day 2: rhythm and the rain

Day 2 for the dress. What's my rhythm?  Decide in the morning what to wear or lay things out the night before?? Loaf in jammies until it's time to get down to business .. then DRESS up? Lot's to think on. Being in the Pacific Northwest, we never know what the weather...

read more
day one – the dress arrives

day one – the dress arrives

The dress arrived!! Yahoo... and just in the nick of time!  I am so excited to get started with this challenge!!For those of you who haven't heard...I have been invited to do a 100-Day Challenge, put on by Wool&  -- and I am starting on 1/20/21.  i hope... Today's...

read more
SHOES – IN FOR THE RUNNING

SHOES – IN FOR THE RUNNING

LET'S TALK SHOES. IT'S A FEW DAYS AND COUNTING DOWN TO #TRACYWEARSWOOL  100 DAY DRESS CHALLENGE.  AND I AM ANXIOUSLY (STILL) WAITING ON THE MAIL... YIKES, CUTTING IT CLOSE.For those of you who haven't heard...I have been invited to do a 100-Day Challenge, put on by...

read more
I LOVE a good road trip!

I LOVE a good road trip!

Road Trip!! They are the best way to see the world. Whether it is loading the car up with a picnic hamper and a blanket, for a quick up the road to enjoy a sunny day, or a well planned, multi-stop adventure, they all make my heart skip a beat or two. As it is, you can see a lot of the country from a car, van or truck.

I have traveled a few miles, however still have some tread on my tires. Therefore, I am always looking for good trip ideas. And of course, I have an enormous fondness for the National Parks. Thank you President Roosevelt!

As it is, I didn’t make up this trip… or the map below. It was designed by an engineer, and has been featured on several websites. However, I thought it was a fantastic idea worthy of sharing!

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is wordswag_1582225690409_200224102443-1.jpg

Enjoy the Best Trip EVER! The optimal road trip to the U.S. National Parks

BY Randal Olson

In total, this road trip spans 14,498 miles (23,333 km) of road and will take roughly 2 months if you’re traveling at a breakneck pace. I’ve designed this road trip to form a circle around the U.S., so you can hop on at any point and proceed whatever direction you like. Just make sure to follow the agenda from that point on if you want to follow the optimal route!…..

R, Olson

Because … Life is too short not to. So….Where Should I go Next??

I am looking forward to planning a National Parks trip of my own.  And… I found this handy ADVENTURE GUIDE that can help me document my trip. It’s a small travel-size book made for people who like adventures and who want to plan trips, and record their amazing visits to each of the 62 National Parks. There is space for taking notes and trip-planning, plus 62 full-color stickers to commemorate visits to each Park. Pretty Cool…. Check it out   HERE — along with a few other useful road trip items!

Check out my  LINK for cool Road Trip MUST HAVES!

Have you ever wondered about the freedom of the RV LIFESTYLE?? Click HERE for more.

Social Media Image Sizes Made Easy

Social Media Image Sizes Made Easy

Social Media Image Sizes

What are the new requirements for social media image sizes? If you are like most people, trying to remember this information is tough enough across all the platforms. But to make matters worse, they keep changing. And they are different for all the major platforms: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter Pinterest, Linkedin, and YouTube. No wonder it is hard to keep straight!

On some platforms, your profile photo might partially eclipse your cover photo — blocking part of it. On others you might find yourself with different size options for different user devices.

Just like Shoes…ONE Size does NOT fit all…

To make sure all your photos and graphics were prepared with all the appropriate social media image sizes for all the different sections.. is a nightmare, to say the least. First, you have to look at where the image will be placed — post, profile, header, story, — and that is just the beginning. You also have to look at what the intended viewers will use– laptop, pc, mobile, etc. All of these are important factors in determining the correct size for your image.

To help sort this all out… you need a road map. However, help has arrived in the form of this handy dandy infographic, designed by Ever Increasing Circles. It lays out all the social media image sizes you need for the major social platforms— and all updated for 2020. (Bookmark this site, so you will know where to find it!)

Why do we care about using the correct sizes when posting to social media? Does it make a difference? The answer is YES… and for a number of reasons. For one thing, using the correct size maximizes visibility. However, images that are too big can slow down the time it takes to load…. and no one likes waiting. In addition, the best image sizes are different for Facebook, Instagram, Twitter Pinterest, Linkedin, and YouTube. No wonder it is hard to keep straight!

social media image sizes

 

day 5: belted

day 5: belted

Day 5, and I was a bit worried about wearing it belted. I just didn't want to look like a gray potato sack trussed up in the middle. I think sometimes we get caught up with notions like this because of something we heard as a child or young person.  Such as  don't...

read more
day 4: color me pink

day 4: color me pink

Day 4 and color me pink.    I love the color pink... and have for quite a while.  It just makes me feel happy, and I have it all over my world: pink hats, pink sheets, pink clothes, pink glasses, pink leashes and tote bags.  Pink fountain pens and pink sandals.   So...

read more
day 3: dress and dogs

day 3: dress and dogs

Day 3 for the dress and dogs.  yes... I have two of them.  At first I was concerned that i would be covered with dog hair... I ordered the steel gray #Rowena.  But I must say that it hasn't been a problem.  Woolamina is the name I chose for my dress Woolamina Merino,...

read more
day 2: rhythm and the rain

day 2: rhythm and the rain

Day 2 for the dress. What's my rhythm?  Decide in the morning what to wear or lay things out the night before?? Loaf in jammies until it's time to get down to business .. then DRESS up? Lot's to think on. Being in the Pacific Northwest, we never know what the weather...

read more
day one – the dress arrives

day one – the dress arrives

The dress arrived!! Yahoo... and just in the nick of time!  I am so excited to get started with this challenge!!For those of you who haven't heard...I have been invited to do a 100-Day Challenge, put on by Wool&  -- and I am starting on 1/20/21.  i hope... Today's...

read more
SHOES – IN FOR THE RUNNING

SHOES – IN FOR THE RUNNING

LET'S TALK SHOES. IT'S A FEW DAYS AND COUNTING DOWN TO #TRACYWEARSWOOL  100 DAY DRESS CHALLENGE.  AND I AM ANXIOUSLY (STILL) WAITING ON THE MAIL... YIKES, CUTTING IT CLOSE.For those of you who haven't heard...I have been invited to do a 100-Day Challenge, put on by...

read more

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