I just love it when Nordstrom plans an event.

Today was the Fall Beauty Trend Event. I was at Nordstrom at the Garden State Plaza by 8:00 AM. The event is by invitation and takes place prior to the store opening.

First there were quick takes from 16 vendors telling us about what is trending on their lines and of course inviting us to each counter after the presentation to sample their products or have a mini make-over, or a mini facial, and get your hair waved and curled by Dyson or Dry Bar. Each product line had gifts-with-purchase and I have to tell you it was great stuff. There was also a discount for purchases made today on at least some of the lines (the line I was making a purchase from gave a 15% discount! What a bonus that was!). You never get a discount on these national brands plus I got a make-up bag filled with good size samples.

Fragrance was also part of the event, and I got several samples of fragrance to try. I do love fragrance so it’s always fun to be able to try something new.

As always Nordstrom showed great appreciation of their customers by providing a delicious boxed continental breakfast and coffee and mimosas as well as a pink nylon bag for you to carry your purchases and inside there were more samples for you to try. Several gifts were given out by randomly selecting guests’ names. One of the prizes was a Dyson supersonic hair dryer that retails for more than $400. That sure made someone happy!

Can you see why I refer to Nordstrom as the Mothership? There is always a reason to return.

Here is a quick check list on how to adjust for the change in seasons.

FALL: LAYER UP

HOLIDAY: DRESS IT UP

WINTER: BUNDLE UP

SPRING: COLOR IT UP

SUMMER: TAKE IT OFF

Now that you know that bit of news, be on the lookout for my Fall 2022 Fashion update!!

Keep smiling! It’s almost time for a pumpkin latte (maybe this year I will try one).

With the way I feel about traveling this had to happen eventually. I took my first “real” vacation without Tom. Until now I had taken two trips to visit my buddies in Virginia and Florida, but this was the first “real” trip. One of my best friends was celebrating a decade changing birthday and the rest of our quad decided to join a mini cruise in the Bahamas that my friend’s family planned for her. It was a surprise that we would be joining her. She really was shocked to see her three friends (plus one husband) at the bar before dinner.

Her surprise and her reaction of pure joy made it worthwhile. As much as I wanted to be in a celebrating mood it was very hard for me. Cruising was a favorite for Tom and me. It has been a difficult time for me. The grieving comes in waves and at times it is overwhelming. I feel like I fell back even further in the process because I had some major health issues to deal with this year. This added to my feeling the loss of my husband. And I learned that when there is no choice, the strength does come from somewhere. I am very fortunate to have a network of loving and supportive family and friends. That is behind me now, but I continue to grieve. I am happy for anyone who cannot understand this because that means they have not experienced it. This can only be understood by those who have gone through it or are going through it. I know that people say you have to get over it, but you don’t get “over” it. You have to get through it. What I do have to get “over” is feeling like I have any control over it. I have to make adjustments to having a life that is not what I thought it would be. I have to look at what is in front of me and embrace it for what it is. I can actually hear Tom saying that to me.

I know there are days when it required a lot of patience from my friends to just bear with my lack of enthusiasm. Of course, it didn’t help that every day was a bad hair day with all of the heat and off-the- chart humidity!

All in all, it was a good voyage and a necessary passage for me to go through. The days at sea provided me with some wonderful clouds, sunsets and a lighthouse to photograph. And of course, the friendship which cannot be put into words. There was even a heart formation in the clouds on a day when I needed a message from Tom. I am hoping that traveling becomes easier as I get out and about. Maybe this transition would be easier if only Tom hadn’t been the BEST traveling companion, or for that matter, the BEST everything. Just have to get my mojo back.

Here are some of my photos of clouds and sunsets and the trip.

I gave this makeup bag to my three friends on the trip.