Notes From The Last Weekend Before Daylight Saving Time Begins

/ Ally Bean

This past weekend it was in the 60s F with mild sunshine. That’s unusually warm for this time of year. We had no specific plans, so it was two days of go with the flow, do your own thing.
Here are the highlights of what I did:

• I finished watching The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in Window.  It stars Kristen Bell and is on Netflix.  It’s a parody of books and movies in which the main character witnesses a murder, but can’t prove that the murder took place.

This 8-part miniseries has dark humor with a melodramatic plotline.  I loved it, think Twin Peaks OR more recently Teenage Bounty Hunters.

• I stumbled over the What is your style personality? quiz on a fashion website called 40+STYLE.  According to this website there are 12 style personalities.  Each style is explained in-depth and accompanied with photos + brand recommendations.  My results from the quiz confirmed what I already knew: my primary style is Natural, but I also lean into Minimalism or Classic.

For years I’ve been describing my personal style as tailored suburban casual meaning a relaxed non-trendy look with some texture & mellow colors, structured, simple jewelry, flats shoes–  with no flower-y patterns or twirly skirts.

[Downside of this quiz is that you have to give up your email address to get your results, but after I received mine I unsubscribed from the website.]

• I started reading THE SISTERS: The Saga of the Mitford Family by Mary S. Lovell.  This is the first time in years that I’ve picked up an honest and true biography, instead of reading a memoir.  I’m enjoying the book because it’s well-researched and footnoted.

So far I’m learning that the Mitford sisters were raised and lived in nonconventional ways that make for spectacular stories, as if they planned to be famous from the git-go.

• I’m a fan of Apartment Therapy.  It’s a website about interior design + organization that ostensibly focuses on small spaces.  HOWEVER, as you probably realize, any conversation about interior design preferences can also be a sly insight into who you are.

For instance, an ongoing Apartment Therapy feature involves real life people sending in photos of their amazing home improvement projects.  Apartment Therapy then interviews these people, always including a request that the real life person “describe your home in 5 words or less.” 

So for snorts and giggles I decided to answer that question here.  I’d describe Chez Bean, aka Happy House, as: relaxed traditional, warm vibes, eclectic.  Sound like anyone you know?

Have a happy week, everyone. 
Soon enough we’re going to be marching on, springing forward, trudging into Daylight Saving Time. May saints preserve us.

231 thoughts on “Notes From The Last Weekend Before Daylight Saving Time Begins”

  2. The style site sounds pretty thorough. Right now I’m in full retirement mode aka jeans and a t shirt. But I need to up my game a little, not full work but in between. I think my style would be similar to yours. Think I’ll try it out!

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  4. And you think we don’t do much on the weekends. Love the first photo. So surprising and pleasing that the quizzes profiled you accurately, and di not try to push you into something they wanted to sell (as is often the case, it seems).

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    • Z-D, good point about NOT feeling any pressure to buy something from that website after I took the quiz. Good to make sure who you think you are is truly who you are.

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  5. While I love to do quizzes I tried the style one to no avail – I got as far as the beach question (I haven’t owned a bathing costume since like – never?) none of the choices were even close to what I like (and wear and own). Well, maybe the style icon question – of all of them I’d chose Stevie Nicks. I suppose I could look at Apartment Therapy but – I’ve been doing my own thing and laughing at “trends” my whole life. As my contractor said when I re-did my kitchen and bathrooms “Nobody does that!”

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  6. Well, I found out that more people than just me don’t wear bathing suits. Not that I skinny dip (God forbid!) but I don’t have access to a pool and at this point in my life, ankle deep is good enough at the beach and you don’t need a swimsuit for that!

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    • Kate, I’ve nowhere to swim either so I don’t have a swimsuit. Should we ever go vacation again [and that seems like a pipe dream at this point] I’ll buy one. I won’t like how it looks on me, but thanks to this quiz I’ll know which style to purchase! 😉

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  8. I came out as bohemian, which I think reflects partly what I’m comfortable wearing and partly what I’d like to wear if I could afford it or had the right body for it. But the quiz missed me on so many questions – color you’d think would be easy but none of the options were found in my closet. Oh well, with quizzes you choose the ones that seem the closest. That I prefer comfort over style and I like flowy things is accurate.

    As always, interesting Ms. Bean.

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    • Zazzy, how fun that you are Bohemian. I agree that when taking a quiz like this one you sometimes have to make a choice that isn’t necessarily you, but to not find your color palette is a bit weird. Talking about the quiz, not you. Can’t explain it, but then many things I cannot explain so why not another thing to add to the list? 😏

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  9. I just love how I never know what to expect from your posts. Always something new! I remember reading years ago the idea that the state of your house is a reflection of the state of your soul/mind. At the time, I looked around at my less than spic-and-span home with chagrin. There were skis from our weekend ski trip still leaning against the wall in the front hall, my kids’ school work was all over the family room coffee table, their bedrooms looked as if someone had picked them up and given them a thorough shake. Marie Kondo would not have approved. Then I said to myself, well this is not organized, but it sure is fun! My kids are adults now, so now my home is eclectic, functional, natural, comforting and family-oriented.

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    • Arlene, I never know what to expect from my posts either. I plan to be here weekly, but I write like a pantser.

      There’s something to the idea that how you describe your home is a reflection of who you are at heart. I’ve read the same thing– which I suppose is why Apartment Therapy makes the query part of their interviews.

      I adore your description of your home as it is now. Great that you had the wisdom back then to know that it was okay for it to be fun, great that you know what it is, and who you are, today.

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  10. That Netflix series sounds right up my alley Ally 😀 Thank you for the recommendation, I shall ask Himself to try and acquire it. It’s a genre which has been done to death, so I’m so glad someone is taking the you know what out of it!

    I tried that style personality quiz. I don’t think the questions really fitted me for a whole heap of reasons, but it was amusing to be told my style icon is Jennifer Aniston (just sooooo wrong!)

    I’m a fan of Apartment Therapy too, and I like the five word round-up too. I think my home style would be warm, comfortable, cluttered, book-laden.

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    • Deb, this parody is delightful for the reason you mention. I understand that parody isn’t everyone’s cuppa but if you like that kind of dry humor, this will make you smile.

      I cannot explain why your suggested style doesn’t fit you. I also know that you’ll triumph over this online quiz misguided description of you. I only link to them, I don’t write them.

      I like your five word description of your home. It sounds delightful. I love the AT query so thanks for joining in here.

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      • Ally, I know I should preen – I mean, Jennifer Aniston, who wouldn’t? But the very idea just makes me hoot! 😀 I don’t blame you for the quiz, it’s the closest I’ll ever get to a style icon, so it’s all good.

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        • I do like Jennifer’s style so not a bad thing for you, even if it’s the wrong thing for you. I’ve been known to say that Ina Garten is my style icon. She is, but people just look at me like I’m nuts. So now I say Katie Holmes and people are much more accepting.

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  11. I have no style. I just put on the same thing (clean version) of what I wore the day before based on the season. There are days that I really miss wearing scrubs. It was so easy. I have so many TV shows on my list. There will be plenty of time to watch them as summer now means staying home. I do like DST. Washington voted to keep it year round. We’re still waiting for Congress to approve a final okay.

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    • Deb, I’m sure you have a style. Perhaps it is just that you’ve not found a name for it yet. I wear the same style all the time, but I have over the years learned how to refer to it with a few descriptive words. These words keep me from wasting money on clothes I’ll never wear.

      I have nothing against DST. I just want one time all year round. If it is DST that’s cool by me. I don’t like changing clocks and how I feel after we do. JUST PICK ONE TIME AND STAY WITH IT! 🤨

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  12. I dread daylight saving time, knowing I will feel out of kilter for at least a week, maybe more. Legislators submitting bills to nix the change come to no avail it seems.

    Zen-Den is cool to play along with you. Thanks for the movie suggestions. I’m always on the lookout for something enchanting on Netflix. Have a swell week, Ally! :=D

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    • Marian, I’m the same way as you. Every spring when the clocks change I start dragging, right when I want to be active and joyful– but NO. A minor irritation, but an irritation nonetheless.

      I’m not sure if you’ll find The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window enchanting, but it drew me in and made me laugh. I like Kristen Bell and I like a good parody, so there you go.

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  13. Well, you KNOW I immediately clicked on that style quiz, and found out that I am a “minimal.” Who knew? Reading the description, it’s right on. Thanks for the fun little link.

    Ugh, time change is my least favourite thing. Marching forward indeed!

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    • Nicole, I can see how you are a minimalist. I lean into that style too. It’s fun to have a way to describe how you dress that guides you toward making better style choices, spending money on the right clothes.

      I’m not keen on DSL, not because I hate it per se, but because of the havoc it creates with my sleeping and eating. Not looking forward to the time change.

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  14. Sounds like an interesting weekend, Ally. The saints have preserved those of us in Arizona because our state doesn’t change time. Right now we’re the same as Mountain Time but next week we’ll be Pacific time. 🙂 This year it’s going to work in our favor as we’re going to California for a very quick break, leaving in Mountain Time (and thus an hour earlier than our destination, always a good gain) and coming back when time has changed everywhere else, leaving home the same time as California and not losing an hour, a very good thing!! But I have to mentally recalibrate the time zones for all our family and friends so that I don’t call or text them too early/late. 🙂

    A friend and client of my personal training business (and an artist) once described our style as “eclectic.” She said normally didn’t like that but she really like our house and its mix of styles.

    Happy Tuesday!

    janet

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    • Janet, you sound like you’ve got time working in your favor. Good travel planning. I know what you mean about mentally calibrating what time it is elsewhere. We live close enough to the next time zone over that when making personal or business plans, you have to doublecheck that everyone is using the same time. It’s goofy.

      Yay to you and your eclectic style. I know that some people have told me that they could never live happily with a mix of decorating styles, but I tie ours together with color and scale so I/we feel it works together harmoniously. I’m sure yours does too.

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  15. We also watched and enjoyed The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window. Now we are watching High Seas – a very melodramatic Spanish soap opera-ish series. It took a bit to get over the lips to being in sync with the words due to the English being dubbed over. Against all probability for us, we are enjoying it, too. I dread the time change again, but I am working on being grateful for every little thing these days.

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  17. Hate Daylight Saving Time. Already dreading it. Loathsome practice. Getting up at 4 AM is unnatural (although when I was an insomniac teen, going to bed before midnight felt unnatural).

    My style would be Covered in Animal Hair.

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    • AutumnAshbough, I’m happy the way the time is now, but by next Tuesday right now won’t be right now– and I’ll be confused by it all. Plus when am I supposed to be hungry once the time changes? This throws me off every time.

      I didn’t see Covered in Animal Hair among the 12 style choices. Perhaps I wasn’t reading them closely enough– or you are your own icon!

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  18. Daylight saving again? So soon? What a dumb thing to keep doing with all these new energy efficient lights we have available. I’d rather not have the jump forward or backward and pick one to use all year long. I think the hour ahead is closer to our natural circadian rhythm, saw a YouTube on it somewhere 😆

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    • Andrew, I’m with you. Just pick one time and stick with it all year long. I have no particular love or hate for either time, but until TPTB get it together I’ll be springing and falling twice a year– and grumbling about it.

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  19. Ugh. DST time in November screwed with my sleep for MONTHS (and weirdly enough, my kids sleep + random people I barely know; something crazy seemed to happen this year). I really hate DST and really do wish we could do away with it completely. This Friday marks the start of “spring” break for my kids, so I’m glad the time change falls at the start of their vaca so we can all adjust.
    My hubby and I recently finished watching Inventing Anna on Netflix. I wanted to like it and feel like it *could* have been good. It was WAY to long (the first episodes were a lot better than the final episodes, in my opinion), there was a lot of subpar acting, and the last few episodes were just FULL of swearing. I can appreciate a good expletive where needed (though, as a Christian, I really mind when people use the Lord’s name)…but this was just so over the top it felt ridiculous. But it has been a HUGE hit. The story was gripping enough I stuck it out, but I feel like it could have been SO much better. Also watched King Richard (about Serena + Venus Williams); I expected to love it, but felt a bit conflicted about their father’s tactics. But well acted!

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    • Elizabeth, DST always messes with my head. I am tired for a few weeks after it starts. I don’t care which time we use, just stick to one please. Don’t make change clocks and drag through my days. Is that asking too much?

      I’ve seen that Inventing Anna is available on Netflix. I’m glad you mentioned it here. I get tired of swearing for no reason and stories that drag out too long. I’ll probably avoid it. As for King Richard, I may watch it. I know going in that I’m going to question how the father behaved, but I’d like to see it. Or at least I think I would.

      [I don’t know why your comments are going to moderation. Sorry about that. Sometimes WP does that seemingly at random.]

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  21. I have not been sleeping great the last week plus. So, I now dread this weekend. Losing an hour sounds nightmarish for me at the moment. Hopefully I can get some decent sleep under my belt before then.

    I have not yet done the quiz – busy with two babies in my care today and three toddlers. I have two wardrobe modes: babysitting clothing that can be easily cleaned, prefer pockets for Kleenex. Then I have the leave-the-house and might get to see peers mode. That way of dressing is skinny jeans and sweaters or leggings and tunics. I steer clear from fads. I could not bring myself to buy one of those cold shoulder shirts from a few years ago. I assume I would be minimal or classic. Oh, I also don’t accessorize. No time for that.

    Ready to welcome spring over here in the windy city.

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    • Ernie, I’m sorry you’ve not been sleeping well. That’s my big beef with DST. Suddenly I feel sleep-deprived and hungry at the wrong time of day. How do you handle it with toddlers?

      I can understand why you have two wardrobes. You’d have to. I’m not into trends either and prefer to dress like you describe your style– although with a few accessories. I never bought one of those cold shoulder shirts either. I thought I might be the only one. I figured that somehow they were popular because many Boomer/Gen X women were going into menopause at the same time. Good for hot flashes I suppose. 😁

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  22. Well, that style quiz was a lot of fun! I got Natural which came as no surprise to me.
    We started watching the Kristen Bell show, but only got through the first episode before being distracted by something else. I’m absolutely going to revisit it.
    I’m really looking forward to Daylight Savings Time this weekend. It gives me hope. 🙂

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    • Yay, we’re Natural twins. I knew there was something I liked about you, Kari!

      I realize that the KB show isn’t for everyone but I did enjoy it. If nothing else the houses/sets are beautiful. I don’t like changing time, but not because I have any strong opinion for or against DST. I just want one time all year round, don’t matter to me which one.

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  23. We’re always looking for new shows to watch on Netflix. Thank you for these ideas.
    I tend not to take online quizzes. I always feel like the internet already knows way too much about me. I will say this: I live in jeans and pretty shirts. My SIL bought me some beautiful flowery print shirts for my birthday last year, and I’ve been pretty much living in them.
    I’m not a fan of daylight savings time. It’s an interesting trick we play with time, but I don’t understand why. We already have lots of sunlight happening. I think of Monday when people will be commuting in the morning darkness.

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    • Robin, if you like parody you may like The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window. It has lots of subtle subtext to it.

      I know not everyone is comfortable with online quizzes. I’m a sucker for them, which may or may not be a good thing. If nothing else with this one I was able to confirm to myself that I know who I am.

      As for DST you’re right that the Monday morning after it is miserable. I agree it’s a trick we play with time, but the reason for doing so seems pointless to me. Just another way to mess with our minds. 😒

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  24. I got Natural as well, but it doesn’t quite fit me, truly. I lean toward boho casual, loving my flowy shirts and lots of prints grounded by black and denim. Being dark-haired and olive-skinned, I don’t wear earth tones.

    THANK YOU FOR NOT ADDING THE S TO DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME. It’s one of my pet peeves.

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    • nance, a few other commenters felt that their results weren’t an accurate reflection of who they are. Sorry about that. I like the idea of Boho casual. I’m sure you’re permitted to wear whatever you want despite what the quiz tells you.

      I used to think it was Daylight Savings Time, but somewhere along the way I found out differently. I admit the error of my previous ways…

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  25. Ah, I’ve taken that quiz before and i always come out Classic which is me but, my family says I’m preppy because there are always scarves and blazers in my style purchases and ensembles.

    We’ve already adjusted a few of our indoor lights to come on later and on our walk yesterday He-Man was mentioning having to do it again soon after changing the clocks and he didn’t seem too happy about it. I pointed out that the next change to our lights should be the last one as we settle into DST. I kinda wish we didn’t change the clock at all.

    How are the renovations, and deck coming along? Did I miss that post?

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    • Deborah, I think that Classic and Preppy are close, in the same way that Natural and Minimal are close. Of course if you like wearing whatever it is that you’re wearing, then it’s all good.

      I never changed the clock in my car last fall so I’m good to go on that front. You’ve reminded me that I need to remember to reset the lights inside the house so that Monday morning I am ready.

      Thanks for asking about the renovations. Nothing to report on those fronts. We wait for the cabinets before we can look at tile and such. Haven’t found anyone to rebuild our deck so while it is safe when standing on it, you can’t rely on the stairs. It’s a mess.

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  26. I hate that DST comes in the same week as my birthday. I mean, I hate the loss of an hour and on top of gaining a year, that’s too much! I don’t know that I have a style, I just like my clothes to be comfortable. Since I am at home in my pajamas most days, I’d call it relaxed – LOL.

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    • Janet, well that’s a bummer about DST and your birthday around the same time. I wouldn’t like that either. I like relaxed clothes, too– yet somehow this quiz neglected to include Relaxed as one of the style personalities. Go figure. 🙄

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  28. Sounds like we have similar styles: house and clothes, though my clothes style could also be described as: basically the same thing she wore yesterday. 😉 I hadn’t heard of the Mitford sisters, so I followed your link. Interesting! Also, I was wondering when you were going to post again. I actually noticed the lack of an AB post recently!

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    • Betsy, oh most days I wear the same thing. I get that. I like throwing on something that works even if it’s similar to what I wore the day before– and not fussing over what to wear.

      Majoring in English Lit I know of the Mitford sisters but not much about them. A few wrote books, but I’ve not read any of them. I’ve had it in the back of my mind to learn more about them, so I’ll start with a biography– and see where that takes me.

      Thanks for keeping track of me. Someone should.

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  29. I have not yet watched the Kristen Bell show, but it’s on my list!

    Now off to find out what my style personality is… (Is Multiple Categories of Leggings a style personality?)

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  32. I liked the words you chose for your house style. I would have to clean our house first before I could try to sum it up. Right now it has an Ash Wednesday theme: dust to dust and ashes.

    I laughed at your bow to the upcoming rite of Spring. Again with seasonal words, I’d say Lord have mercy!

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  33. Natural here too, that was fun! I love watching KB and Dax videos – like when he got her a sloth and when they went to Africa, look them up on youtube if you haven’t seen them yet. Or not, I’m not the boss of you 🙂

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    • Colleen, welcome to the Natural style personality club. There are a few of us here. Don’t know what that says about my gentle readers, but I like it.

      I’ll look for the KB and Dax videos. Thanks. They sound fun. Feel free to boss me into having a good time, btw.

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  37. I got Minimalist, but if I’m being honest, I had trouble choosing answers because I hated all the purses, shoes, and coats shown. And wouldn’t the type of party be the deciding factor on clothing? Lol, maybe that says Picky about me. I can take 20 items into a dressing room and come out with nothing I like.

    But I definitely am a Minimalist when it comes to home decor. I can’t stand clutter and walls full of crap.

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    • Bijoux, other commenters have mentioned how they didn’t like the choices on the quiz. I can see how that could trip you up. I must be picky, too, because I can do the same thing as you when trying on clothes. I only like what I like and have regretted the times I convinced myself to buy something that I thought *might* work. It didn’t and I felt foolish wearing it.

      Interesting how your fashion personality is your home decor personality. I like having some negative space in our home, so while some clutter or artwork is good– not everywhere.

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  38. I fly out of NY the day that we spring forward–not what I would have chosen. I would still like to end these ridiculous one hour time changes. Ugh. I read some of those books, so I bet I would enjoy the series. I am beyond natural and into grungy these days. I was natural before the pandemic hit but am now too lazy to put in any substantial work on my appearance. 🙂

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    • Margaret, I’d guess the one hour time difference will make flying even more *interesting* than it currently is. Good luck with that. I agree about ditching these one hour changes, they’re disruptive.

      I didn’t see a Grungy style, but I could have missed it. OR you could be exaggerating about your efforts– or lack of efforts I guess. I’m sure you look fine.

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  39. We are alike in our tastes; I also got Natural and I think I liked the Woman/Window/Etc. parody primarily because it starred Kristen Bell. (Is her style natural? I really liked the clothes her character wore.) If I had to describe my house’s style, I guess it would be Warm, Eclectic, Comfortable Minimalistish. (Only 4 words because of minimalist tendencies.) I first discovered Apartment Therapy in the late 2000s, and I loved it. A whole site with people’s houses and what they do with them? Yes! It was a novelty back then in pre-Pinterest and Instagram days. We go to estate sales just so we can look at the houses. Went to a wild one this weekend: A whole room with custom shelves on every wall filled with empty beer cans. Like a frat guy who never grew up. I’m with you on the time change issue, too. Just stick to one, please.

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    • Rita, now that you mention it I’d say that KB’s character had a Natural clothing style personality. I liked both her character’s clothes and house. Your description of your home is perfectly minimal. Well done. I like the words you used to answer the query.

      I don’t know when I found Apartment Therapy. I just know that the basic premise rang true with me. Always interesting to see how other people make a space a home.

      A whole room with custom shelves displaying empty beer cans is… unique! My aunt and uncle had a small bedroom with custom shelving, but it was to hold their book collection thereby creating a charming small library. I was like a moth to a flame about going in there.

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  40. I thought The woman across the street from the girl in the window was BANANAS. I mean, the kid was the murderer the whole time? And the ex-husband took his daughter to work when he works with serial killers? I was: W H A T AM I WATCHING?
    My mind is blown that you saw it differently. I mean, I get that it was a parody, but still, I wasn’t a fan.

    I’m also Natural when it comes to my style.

    Just when I got used to this time thing they hit me with a change. 😳

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    • Suz, oh it was nuts. I get that it’s not going to appeal to everyone. The way in which it poked fun at the genre made me laugh. I loved how the child’s tombstone had a different inscription each time Anna visited it. As the story went along and it got more ridiculous, I kept watching to see how far it’d go. I didn’t expect the ending, but it made sense.

      You’re another Natural. Welcome. Someday all of us will need to get together and share notes. I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how many readers dress this way.

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  42. I haven’t looked at Apartment Therapy but may need to do so. Are you on Houzz? Somewhere on that website is a section where people will post their decorating dilemma (usually with pictures) and OMG! Some of the response are so helpful and insightful and some are….well, mean (of course, because that’s how the internet rolls these days).

    Thanks for the reminder about Springing Forward. Does that mean we get more light or less? I can never remember. All I know is one of the changes (and, get this, I never remember which one) is harder for me than the other. Dear God, can’t we just pick one time and stick to it already?!

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    • Gigi, I think I might have an account on Houzzz. Years ago I used it for inspiration when we had our kitchen remodeled. AT is a more pleasant and vibrant website than Houzzz.

      Springing forward means it’ll be darker in the morning when you get up and lighter longer into the night. I dislike how tiring any time change is, but DST seems more brutal to me than the change in the fall. I’m already snarling about it.

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  43. I LOVE the apartment therapy stuff. I follow them on Facebook, my little house is only 782 sq feet. It’s full of warmth and charm that I’ve painstakingly poured into it, and it’s nowhere near finished yet. Farm stuff always come first. 🥴❤️ I’m sharing some images of my little house this Friday. Hopefully you have time to check it out!

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  44. “describe your home in 5 words or less.” …. Well Ally, other people have said to me “Spic & Span”, “Good Bones”, “Affluent”, “Cozy”, “Wow”. I never know how to respond to anyone. As I don’t see what others see. Baffles me sometimes.

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  45. ‘Relaxed traditional, warm vibes, eclectic’ sounds like a perfect place to live. Our home woud best be described “These people once lived in Asia and also inherited tons of their grandparents’ stuff’. Okay, so it’s more than 5 words but it is an honest description. 😀

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    • Donna, thank you. While I like your description of your home and am sure it is perfectly true, you’ve exceeded your word limit. We have lots of inherited stuff, too. That’s where the word *eclectic* comes into play. 😉

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  46. Sixty degrees. That sounds great!

    My style changes a lot depending on time and place. In Manila, I wore cool cotton dresses and sandals. In Vanuatu, I wore shorts and T-shirts. Before COVID, I wore jeans and a nice shirt and sweater. The past couple of years, I’ve been wearing sweatpants and hoodies. The older I get, the more I lean toward comfortable. I love beautiful clothes, though, beautiful colors, bright or pastel, print, plain, or plaid.

    I’m really not looking forward to the time change, especially since we’ll lose an hour of sleep.

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    • Nicki, I understand why you’ve morphed into the clothes style you have. I know I’m wearing more casual clothes now courtesy of a pandemic lifestyle. I like knowing that you favor beautiful colors, that seems in keeping with your cheerful personality.

      As for the time change, I don’t like losing sleep either. I feel it’s unfair to do that as Spring begins in earnest. But whatever…

      Liked by 1 person

  47. I have a less frantic day today so can do what needs to be done. I’m nips about checking out the quizzes (in case I get distracted) but IF I had to answer any questions re style of home I’d say order lies in among the chaos, and it’s a delight to me to sort the chaos. A lot still to be done, stuff to be got rid of to make for more space which is what I like. Manyana …

    Liked by 1 person

  48. This show is next on our “Show List” to watch – especially after having watched the movie with Amy Adams.
    Daylight Savings Time. I actually know fans of this nonsense (somehow they don’t sing the same tune when it comes to an end, though).
    Here in Montreal, we have not been gifted with warmer-than-usual temps. Guess we didn’t get the notice. Highest we’ve had so far didn’t even reach 50. Sigh. Today’s “high” is a whopping 36…
    My style is no style, really. Or rather, avoid all trends, if possible. It’s the classic-never-goes-out-of-style style, mixed in with comfy but not sloppy casual 😉

    Liked by 1 person

    • Dale, I hope you enjoy The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window. It’s kind of wacko but that’s what parody is all about. I have no idea why any of us are still stuck with DST but every spring it’s the same sad thing, imho.

      Last weekend was literally a breath of fresh air. However there’s snow predicted for this weekend, so the last one was just a tease. Your style sounds much like mine. I like simple and structured cloths, never sloppy but definitely comfortable.

      Liked by 1 person

      • I don’t doubt I will. I enjoy an occasional wacko 😉 I loathe it – DST, that is.

        Breath of fresh air is lovely. I’m going to go out and get me some right now.
        Yes, I am a very keep-it-simple kinda gal.

        Liked by 1 person

  49. I absolutely loved The Woman Across the Street…. . It was campy and funny and I hated to see it end although I didn’t see the kid being the killer, we should have. Loved it when the wife asked about the guy who’d been hired to fix the mail box five years ago and he says, “He’s not finished yet?”

    Liked by 1 person

    • Jean, I burst out laughing at that situation/line, too. It was quiet perfection. I also loved that Anna considered one bottle of wine to be a serving– and had a glass that held a whole bottle of wine. Delightfully absurd.

      Like

    • Ann, it’s one of those shows that is somewhat controversial in that people like it because it’s a parody– or don’t like it because it’s a parody. Obviously I’m part of the first group!

      Liked by 1 person

  51. Wow, what a lot of comments, Ally. People were all over the map about your post. I saw the series. I have to agree with one of your readers about the dad. Who does that? And the crimes… I enjoyed watching it, but it was pretty crazy. Lots of people interested in the quiz. I don’t need a quiz to know I’m eclectic and natural. Anyway, great post, fun to read and to read the interactions, too. Thanks again for stopping by.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Marsha, thanks for stopping by to comment. My gentle readers aka commenters are always a varied bunch and that makes for the fun around here. I liked the show because it was off-the-wall and kept me guessing/wondering about what the heck was going to happen next.

      My results from the quiz confirmed who I thought I was which made me feel good about myself. To thine own self be true, and all that. Plus I’m a sucker for quizzes.

      Liked by 1 person

  52. I didn’t know that Woman Across the street etc. was a mini-series – I thought it was a movie? Um…..not sure I could commit to 8 hours though. Daylight Savings time already – how can that be? My style is classic but comfy.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Joni, the show was like watching a TV series with each episode anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes long. I didn’t binge watch it because I never do that. But over the course of a week, I enjoyed it. I feel the same way about DST. It’s here too soon. My style is similar to yours, especially the comfy part.

      Liked by 1 person

  53. The majority of comments indicate a dislike of daylight saving time. Curious. We don’t have it here, although we had super succesful DST trials in past years. The state held a public plebiscite which resulted in a No vote for adopting DST again, twice over! Crazy when all the southern states have it. The towns that straddle the border with the southern states have a hard time due to our refusal to adopt DST. Walking down the street means crossing a state line and a time zone. Some shops open some closed!
    When we had the DST trials, I noted people were outdoors exercising or gardening in the evenings instead of sitting indoors watching the telly, because it was lighter and felt safer to go for a walk/be outdoors after dinner. It was a healthier lifestyle!
    But the farmers and country residents vetoed adopting DST permanently during the summer months Oct – Mar. Apparently the cows didn’t like it and it faded the curtains! (This was actual excuses given by some in rural areas!)
    I love it but I am an early bird anyway and the adjustment to one hour less sleep or routine is not a problem for me.
    I try not to do fbook quizzes but the results sound so intriguing. Darn, now I will have to do it!
    I think my style is Coastal Hamptons meets traditional Scandinavian. The quizz may reveal more!

    Like

    • Amanda, you’ve made my day with: “Apparently the cows didn’t like it and it faded the curtains!” If someone doesn’t like something that person can always find a reason to justify that dislike. The poor cows…

      I don’t care if we stay on DST or if we use the other time, my beef [pun intended] is about being forced to change time twice a year. JUST PICK ONE AND STICK WITH IT. I can be happy if I don’t have to change my clocks.

      The quiz about your style is on an interesting website. While I like your description of your style, it’s possible the results from the quiz will be different. Insightful or entertaining, even.

      Like

  54. I took a look around Apartment Therapy yesterday. My home is not so glamorous or highly decorated as the ones that I saw. So I am inclined to think that the comments from people who have been to my home are being generously kind. I purchased the property during the pandemic just over a year ago. I’ve changed quite a bit to the look of it. Some for repair, some for personal taste, but mostly a heavy clean up by me and hiring people to haul away prior owner’s hoarding that they left behind. There’s a man and wife two houses down who own the house they reside and across the street. Both are major hoarding issues going on there. I can only take care of my own property. I didn’t do any remodeling. I wanted to keep the 80+ old house look which has some charming characteristics. I did change out all light fixtures to match as consistency is my preference. There’s a lot of repairs similar to your deck staircase. I’m out of funding so now I will just try to manage with whatever I have now and feel grateful that I saved myself from old lady homelessness.

    Liked by 1 person

    • TD, maybe the people who told you they liked your home were referring to its potential. It sounds like you’re on your way to making the place your home. Perhaps they saw that in you and the house. I like the idea of consistent light fixtures throughout a house, not that we have that– but it’d be nice.

      I’ve known a few hoarders who admitted it. In each case they were women, smart, but overly attached to their stuff to the point where the stuff owned them. Dangerously so in one case [blocked exits]. I like things, but am inclined to want my things to know their place.

      Like

      • That’s a great way to think about home. It’s always a work mode.

        Yes, it’s interesting that hoarders know that they are hoarders. When the man introduced himself and told me that he’s a hoarder and that it’s a disease. Another woman told me that she’s a hoarder and that it is hereditary passed down from her mother. It’s got to be emotionally hard for them.

        I’m organized and highly sensitive to chaos (anxiety).

        Enjoyed reading your comments section. May we both enjoy what little time we have left.

        Liked by 1 person

        • I’m amazed that anyone would introduce themself as a hoarder. That kind of blows my mind. The people I’ve known don’t want other people to know what goes on inside their houses, their minds. I guess they’re ashamed of being a hoarder, but your neighbors aren’t. Fascinating.

          Like

  55. Like every year, I grumble about Daylight Savings Time.
    I haven’t seen that show, but I’ve heard of it. Kristen Bell is usually awesome no matter what she does.
    I live in an apartment so I probably need the website you listed. But I need to take the quiz to see what my style is. 😄
    I love Interior Design Masters on Netflix. There’s something about posh British design shows that feels very relaxing to me.

    Liked by 1 person

    • L. Marie, I refuse to suck it up and not grouse about DST because changing clocks is stupid. I’m stoic about many things, but not this.

      I’ve not seen Interior Design Masters but I bet I’d enjoy it for the reason you mention. I never think of Netflix as a place to watch home improvement shows. Weird, huh?

      Like

  56. Hi Ally, I like your five words a lot – and agree that interior design preferences do speak so much about a person – as do the clothes and I might just need to check out that link for the style insight –
    and your note about no twirly skirts reminded me that I had to walk away from Ann Taylor stuff. I found an outlet for that brand and so snatched up some skirts and shirts in 2015-2016ish – and they mostly worked (and for the nice price I ws grateful to just have a different look) but I despised the shirt with the ruffle. Yuck – never felt right. Got rid of them and never buy that style anymore. However, my sister n law still wears the Ann Taylor ruffled little shirts and on the occasion I see her, and she has one on, I smile because it fits her style so much more than mine. — she wears it well and seems comfortable.
    🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yvette, I love the Apartment Therapy query and decided I needed to do it here. It’s a fun way to see if who you think you are lines up with how you envision the space in which you live. No right or wrong, of course– thus an ezpz bit of self-awareness.

      I’m not much for ruffles either. Once upon a time I shopped at Ann Taylor for tailored clothes and basics. But I haven’t been in one in years [beyond the fact of the pandemic]. The last time I was in one I remember thinking the vibe of the place had changed and it was leaning into trendy. I agree with you that what doesn’t work for one person can work well for another. If you’re comfortable in your clothes it shows.

      Like

  57. Hi Ally – I enjoyed reading what you’re up to. I’d heard about that new Netflix show about The Woman… from a coworker and that it was very good! I’m not sure what my dressing style is – probably sporty at home and classic librarian at work 😉 As for our house, I don’t think there’s a category for the mish mash of stuff we have – rightly so!

    Hope your week is going well – almost over!

    Liked by 1 person

  59. Ally, I think I would like your apartment. It sounds cozy and warm. I’m a bit eclectic as well, mostly due to having and odd variety of things hanging on the walls, from dad’s decorative painting pieces to bike photos to a football stadium and cat things. It all seems to work, though.

    If you have Amazon Prime, check out The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. It’s hilariously funny, if you’re okay with swearing and sexual content. It’s about a jewish comedienne in the late 1950’s.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Mary, I like the sound of your space. Eclectic is fun and freeing, when done right! Sounds like you’ve nailed it.

      Another friend told me about The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. We recently got Amazon Prime so I’ll check it out. I’m sure I can handle swearing and sexual content, but thanks for the head’s up.

      Like

  60. The older I get, the more I lean toward comfy. I have clothes from many years ago, classic and never go out of style, but I can’t wear those skirts and wouldn’t try to squeeze into them. The narrow flats and high heels either. How I dress in the house leaves a lot to be desired though! I had to have DTE (energy provider) to the house yesterday when I had issues with partial power (loose outside wire). I didn’t really expect to have them knocking at the door and showing me where they fixed a wire … a whole contingent of them with a convoy of four trucks. Lookin’ good Linda with your Mukluks and socks, paired with a sweatsuit and classic pineapple ponytail secured with a scrunchie. I lose a.m. little walking time with this time change – sigh.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Linda, you speak for many when you say you lean toward comfy. I always consider that when I buy clothes. I’ve been giving my old tight clothes to Goodwill figuring that someone might get some use from them.

      I understand about having a repair crew come to the door. I would have assumed the same thing as you about there being no need to look pulled together when someone was working outside the house. I’m sure your pineapple-style ponytail elevated your look to something quite… lovely. 😉

      Liked by 1 person

  61. Yes, Ally I agree that people (new acquaintances) can see the potential as I have made so much progress in short time period.

    I hired new yard people. (2 separate people who do work full time jobs wanting to find a fit to their schedules. Each does their service style differently and offer different schedules. Both work on an as needed basis, by “Text me in the morning on the same day that you want service”. They aren’t a team and don’t know each other.) I’m hiring both of them to work with me on Mother Nature’s schedule.

    One person came on Thursday morning. Raked up 4 bags of oak leaves in front and push mow, brooms out my garage and concrete areas. He said, “I like your property. Simple. Clean. Not one useless item anywhere. Most people here have so much stuff that collects over the years and never moves, un-used stuff everywhere anywhere it lands.”

    I love that I found two individuals! I feel little St. Patty’s Luck!! I noticed your green “May saints preserve us.” I didn’t “get it” at first, but today I do! You must have Irish in you. I did place a green LED light in my front porch light for the holiday week. I don’t have Irish in me, but my Colorado husband was all Irish. 🙂 ☘️

    I would love to read about your remodeling of kitchen and deck adventures.

    Liked by 1 person

    • You’re lucky to have found two people who want to do yard work. I know that over the years we’ve had a variety of people/personalities working on our landscaping. The combination of ideas have helped us create a unique, yet not weird, look to our property.

      WHEN the bathroom remodeling begins I’ll write about it, but no idea when that’ll be. As for the deck, without someone to do the work there’ll be no project. We can’t find a soul [who seems legitimate] to do the work, so we wait.

      Might be a bit early to say this but Happy St. Patrick’s Day! 🍀

      Like

  62. After reading this post the other day I headed over to Apartment Therapy and promptly got sidetracked and spent a good chunk of time over there exploring. I like your “relaxed traditional, warm vibes, eclectic” description of your home. I guess mine might be eclectic, IKEA, heirlooms. Thanks for a new source of inspiration. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    • Barbara, I’m glad you enjoyed Apartment Therapy. I get lost over there, too. So many ideas for the taking. Your description of your home is wonderful. We have those things in this house, too. Whatever works, works!

      Liked by 1 person

  64. The Woman in the House etc etc was so weird! But I loved it. Kristen Bell was hilarious.

    Is there a Tomboy style? Not sure what jeans, nerdy t-shirts and Converse sneakers says about a woman in her mid 50s.
    Casual and classic sound timeless. You have good style.

    We’re on our fall back to standard time in a few weeks (first Sunday in April). Then the east coast will again be in the same time zone. (Queensland thinks DST is dumb and refuses to participate. Summer is hell for those who live on one side of the NSW border and work on the other or vice versa.)

    Liked by 1 person

    • MOSY, I agree about The Woman in the House… I enjoyed it, but it was weird– and funny.

      Your tomboy style sounds great to me. It’s timeless if’n you ask me. I love how so many of us have evolved into who we are, trends be darned.

      I can imagine how tricky it is to live and work close to a different time zone. We’re close enough to the next one over that it occasionally causes us problems, more of a socializing nature than work-related. Changing clocks is a mess, no matter how well-intentioned it is meant to be.

      Liked by 1 person

  65. And daylight savings time is upon us! I’m not sure what might describe our little house in the woods–maybe small, Zen, minimal, cozy, peaceful? I like the description of yours.

    Liked by 1 person

  66. Dislike D.S.T. Prefer to live on Nature’s Time.

    Evereyone says; “They talk about going to one time, and never do anything.” My view… Money is the resaon for just about everything. Not all. But a lot.

    So, our *Esteemed Representatives do not change to a single Time. Hmmmm, could it possibly be, that they are being paid by lobists, to keep the Change? Because in some way, someone is making money, with it?????????

    Just found your blog. Glad I did.

    Gentle hugs…..
    P.S. So hope, that putting all my info-below in, once, it will be remembered, next time I want to comment!!!!!!!!!

    Like

    • Miss B.B., you could be onto something about why we continue to have DST. Follow the money, eh? Who knows? All I know is I’m going to be dragging all week.

      I don’t know why WP sometimes accepts a commenter’s information and keeps it– while other times WP makes you fill-in the form every time. Another mystery courtesy of WP gremlins. 🙄

      Like

  68. Well, changed all the clocks, like it makes any difference as we have few schedule/appointments to keep…keeping the days straight would be difficult without garbage pick up…yes, we are that relaxed and live as the sun goes and which windows are sunny tell us the month/season.HAHA
    The quiz sound interesting – how and who decided the “answers” which dictate the categories would be interesting to know…maybe we should do a parody and invent our own quiz?
    Right now I’m trying too finish a massive biog. of Peter the Great and his world at that time….started it last yer after Catherine the Great by the sam author. Normally not a biog. reader, but the author makes it read like a novel, facts are well documented (often primary sources), and I can just skip over the pages and pages about the wars…and Europe seems like they are always at war…with Poland getting swarmed repeatedly by neighbors in search of a battle field. The background info has really added to understanding of current events as well as insight to people in the area’s mental process.
    (Massie is the author.)

    Liked by 1 person

    • Philmouse, I want to live like you do: “we are that relaxed and live as the sun goes.” I like the idea that clocks are of little concern, as long as you know which day it is, you’re doing great. The quiz was fun, if only in that it confirmed what I knew– but I guess I needed some outside source to tell me I was being true to myself.

      A biography of Peter the Great sounds intense, but timely as today’s sad news. I can imagine how it’s giving you some insights into the region. History often offers a few clues about why things happen repeatedly in one region.

      Like

  69. hmmm my house is classic, comfy, quaint, organized and cohesive! 🙂 or at least I like to think so! I am a LOVER of memoirs! Do you have a post somewhere logging all your favourite memoirs you’ve read?

    Liked by 1 person

    • Jen, your home sounds wonderful. I almost used ‘cohesive’ as one of my words because I’m conscientious about the colors we use in every room. I don’t have a list of all the memoirs I’ve read– not here or anywhere. I enjoy them, too. Do you have a list like that?

      Liked by 1 person

      • I liked this comment and meant to go back to it but completely forget! Forgive me! 🙂 Here’s my list (kind of but not really in any particular order)! 🙂
        1. The Glass Castle (J. Walls)
        2. Going There (K. Couric)
        3. The Last Girl (N. Murad)
        4. Wild Game (A. Brodeur)
        5. North of Normal & Nearly Normal (C. Person)
        6. A Stolen Life (J. Dugard)
        7. In Order to Live (Y. Park)
        8. A Piece of Cake (C. Brown)
        9. The Sound of Gravel (R. Wariner)
        10. A Good Wife ( S. Zafar)

        Just to name a fewww! 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  70. Well, that was a busy weekend! Of course, I had to take the style test to see the results. I almost didn’t do it because of the first question about the shoes, I didn’t like any of them…! I ended up persevering and turned up Natural. Then I looked at the styles, and some of the outfits do match up to what I like, and others were not at all what I currently wear. Maybe it’s a hint that I need to weed out the things that don’t fit ‘my style’? I do want to find more natural materials to wear. Maybe you’ve inspired me to do that??? You’re amazing Ally!

    Like

  72. Hey, my style is natural too! Interesting, I was always interested in fashion (I used to subscribe to Vogue back when it was fun to subscribe to Vogue), but I rarely dressed outside the bounds of the natural look. I would love to finish The Woman in the House (etc.). We’ve watched the first 2 or 3 episodes but it kind of freaked out my husband. We did watch the movie The Woman in the Window to get a feel for the parody, but he still skips over it when we settle down for TV time. Oh, well. We did love Bell in The Good Place. As far as “spring forward,” it’s more like lurching forward for me. Even though I’m retirement, I feel just as disoriented from turning my clocks forward as I have all the past years. I just want to fall back and stay there!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Marie, I used to get Vogue, too. I never quite understood the fashion but I liked the writing in the articles about other topics. I watched The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window by myself. I doubt that my husband would have had the patience to watch it. It was kind of freaky. I’ve never seen the movie that it parodies.

      I agree that DST is more like lurching forward than a cheerful springing forward. I find it exhausting. I’m all about the idea of just picking one time and sticking with it. I don’t care if it’s DST or standard time. Just don’t make me change the clocks.

      Liked by 1 person

  73. We watched The Girl across the street….and we were HOOKED. I’m embarrassed to say that I did not quite get that it was a joke…I mean, I knew it was a dark comedy, but I didn’t get the ending, it came out of NOWHERE…once I realized it was a send up of the genre, I revised my opinion. Truly, I have no idea how I didn’t realize that about it.

    Liked by 1 person

    • J, I’d read a review of the show before I watched it so I knew what I was going to see. But if you didn’t realize that it was a parody I can understand how off-the-wall the show would be. I mean, I knew the premise and I still found the ending to be shocking… but obvious in its own way.

      Like

  74. I tried taking the style quiz and gave up when they asked what I’d wear to the party as that was about the 5th time my answer was “none of the above” which was not a choice. That tells me what I already knew. I have 0 style and I don’t go to parties! I don’t know why I tried it. I didn’t know who have the people on the style icon list were. Yoga pants and a sweatshirt never showed up. Neither did gardening pants. Clearly, I need to make my own quiz for the really hip gals.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Annie, I’d love it if you made your own quiz. I have no doubt that your quiz would be based on more common sense choices and we all would relate to the icons you found to represent each style. Thanks for attempting to take the quiz, even if it did disappoint.

      Liked by 1 person

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