As an American, I was very aware of the drink Black & Tan, despite my not being a beer drinker…

However, when I looked it up online I happened upon this lovely article..

Don’t Order a Black/Tan in an Irish Pub

A funny Tale and a Good Warning for Americans…

My photographer thought a serious face would be more like a “real model” ,so we gave it a shot…

I don’t like my cheek bones not being shown in their best light, after all they are a favorite feature…

I

I keep going over what I would pack for Ireland and am really all over the place… 

I’ve never gone on a two week trip before… 

In fact my week-long trips have always been to beach resorts where layering was not needed and clothing changes of two or three a day are common…

It may sound silly but I think I am going to plan what to take based on what shoes I narrow it down to… I have 5 months to figure it all out, but am really hoping to plan successfully..

I ordered these fabulous packing aids last night… You can see this video for why I wanted them.

I know so many people brag about fitting two weeks into a carry-on… My husband and I have no illusions that we will do so, but it would be nice to do two carry-0ns and only one checked bag between us…

I went with orange blush and lips today, so that prompted my purse choice…

I really do like the added drama my hats add to outfits  for a day of Mom on the Go walking activities…

I love that I live so close to grocery store, bank, drug store, dollar store, and even home improvement store…

There is so many benefits to walking , one of which is a mood booster for a Monday that began with not enough sleep. 

I defintely think these Floral Keds  may be traveling with me to Ireland…

I also bought these Pumas today, for another option of comfortable, stylish walking shoes.

I now know better than to order a Black and Tan at an Irish Pub, but am still considering this outfit for my trip..

Dear Readers, I hope you enjoyed the tale I linked at the beginning of my post today. I really am going to be on a high thinking about this trip and planninng what to pack… If any of you have any advice for Ireland in October, please honor me with a comment!   

Gratitude

I am grateful for the fun of reading the tale and another experience of a woman on YouLOOKFab forum who is currently in Ireland..

I am grateful that my oldest came by today and made me laugh with his story of breaking the coffe carafe, cutting his lip while shaving, having a picture fall from the wall all within a short time of waking up… He tells it with such flare and very much like Seinfeld!  A true initian to living on your own and recognizing the need of bandaids and a broom. 

I am grateful that my reluctant homeschooler finally did his work for test prep today…He was stalling!

I am grateful that my son, who had insomnia last night spent the time cleaning the kitchen and surprised me this morning… (my oldest who moved out was the only one who ever felt so inclined as to surprise me with cleaning) 

I am grateful for a fun early evening activity , with my soon to be high school gradaute ,  to Walmart where we picked up a few plastic bins for packing and moving him into his dorm as well as a stick vac, clothing steamer, and hamper and  a few other small items… We had fun and I know these moments are going to be fewer and far between…