🔷 A 50 foot dog leash
We have a fenced in yard, but our backyard also has a lot of landscaping beds and other places Charlie can get into mischief. He is also definitely still working on recall (i.e. coming to us when called) and currently has very selective hearing. 😆
Letting him off leash to run and play in the yard seemed great at first, but it could be challenging to always get him to come to us. I’ve read to always avoid chasing your dog at all costs, lest they think it’s a game. If god forbid they ever get loose, you don’t want them thinking they should run from people.
So, I bought this leash on Amazon:
It’s 50 feet and perfect. He gets that “off leash feel” (and I often just let it drag on the ground so he is truly free), but I can grab it at any time if he gets into something he shouldn’t. I always supervise to make sure he doesn’t get caught on anything.
🔷 A plastic outdoor box for dog stuff
I also picked up a plastic shoebox + cover to sit on our patio. When I’m outside with Charlie, I often would think, Oh shoot, I forgot to bring a toy out. Or I wanted a rag to clean off wet paws. And I needed a place to store the new 50 ft leash.
I finally picked up a little box AND I bought a couple of specific “outdoor only” toys. A very simple (probably obvious) thing, but it is making my life much easier!
🔷 A cheap full length mirror
We have a mirror in our master bedroom, but it’s part of the dresser and not full length. We also have a full length mirror in the hallway right outside my bedroom, but it’s not IN my bedroom.
When everyone is home, I get annoyed with having to go in the hallway to use a full length mirror (like if I am trying to get ready to go somewhere and I want to try on a couple different outfits).
Maybe sounds dumb, but I want a little privacy??! If I choose a really silly looking outfit, let me try it on ALONE before I model it for my whole family. 😂
We really don’t have a good spot for a permanent full length mirror in our room. So, what to do.
I ended up picking up a light, cheap-o mirror at Target for $7 the other day. I just store it leaning against the wall behind our bedroom door. When I want to use it (which is not daily), I can just prop it up, use it, and then put it away. PERFECT!
🔷 Great dress pants
Ivan bought me these navy blue Alfani dress pants last spring on a whim from Macy’s.
I LOVE THEM.
I usually waver between size 4 and 6 in pants, so I went with a 6 on these to get a more straight look vs the super skinny fit on the model, and they are just perfect.
They’re a pull on style and soooooo comfy and flattering! Wore them to my annual work performance review today and felt great.
They are currently on Black Friday sale for $25!! I just ordered the plain black and the plaid pair too because they are so good, I want them in multiple colors.
*At almost 5’9″, the Regular size was even long enough for me, too! Score. They do come in Short, Regular and Long, though!
Okay, crap, I’m over my 500 words, but you know what- I don’t have time to edit this. So, forgive me today. 😉
Daily Gratitude:
I am grateful for a super excellent annual review today!! So happy with the feedback I got. 🙂
word count= 654 😬
GRATEFUL KAE 
love the dress pant!!! you look great on it.
LikeLike
Thanks!
LikeLike
Love the pants. They look amazing on you. It’s it incredible how a few small purchases can really make a big difference (the lease, the mirror). I LOVE those moments of “this is making life better!” after I get something new – and often it’s little/inexpensive things.
LikeLike
I thought of you this week when I bought these things!! Haha! I was like, Elisabeth would be proud! I know you are big on just finding ways to make something easier vs continuing to live with repeat mild annoyances. 🙂
LikeLike
Oh, i always like reading about things like this- you could have gone on for another 500! Those pants do sound (and look) amazing and THAT PRICE. I have a hard time finding pants that fit me well, but I’m going to look at these. I like your mirror hack- brilliant. We also don’t have a full-length mirror in our bedroom and I might do exactly what you did.
LikeLike
I know, I love when other people do posts like these, so I had to partake! haha! Go for the Target mirror! Seriously, can’t beat $7!!!
LikeLike
Yes! A long lead is perfect for a puppy learning recall. You can do lots of loose leash walking and recall training with it!
LikeLike
I think I have that $7 mirror in my room! One side effect of moving in to an “all boy” house with my husband and stepsons is that there were no full length mirrors when I moved in.
LikeLike
Haha- makes sense!! We did actually install one when we moved in, but like I said, it’s in the hallway. It’s a good spot for a quick check before heading out, but I really wanted one IN MY ROOM. Where I can close and lock the door, if so desired. haha!
LikeLike
Those pants look really good.
And what a steal this mirror is.
LikeLike
I love those pants!!
LikeLike
Oh, I love these pants. Thanks for the recommendation (and the tip that they’re on sale – I’ll have to take a look :)).
LikeLike
This is a good reminder to buy these pants. I love skinny pants as you know. And $25 is amazing. I am so impressed that Ivan bought them for you. Phil would never buy clothes for me!! Nor would I buy clothes for him! Nice work Ivan!
LikeLike
love it
[Result-start]
Great blog post! I really enjoyed reading about your experience with the 50-foot dog leash. It seems like a perfect solution for keeping your dog safe while still allowing him to have some freedom. My question is, have you noticed any improvements in your dog’s recall since using the leash? [Result-end]
Anne
https://bestdogsstuff.com/
LikeLike
I love these pants and you look great on them. You and I have similar body types so I decided to take the plunge and just ordered two of them! Thanks for the inspiration–I definitely had been in the market for new work pants but hadn’t pulled the trigger.
LikeLike