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| Tom’s hair had grown unruly since his last haircut in Savusavu, Fiji in early November, almost five months ago. |
After uploading yesterday’s post we headed to the Centre City Mall in downtown New Plymouth for clothes shopping for me and a haircut for Tom.
The thought of shopping while Tom waited outside the stores I perused was a little concerning when I knew I’d want to hurry (by my own design, not his) with him waiting on a bench outside.
I’d suggested he drop me off at the mall, picking me back up a few hours later. Since he needed a haircut and the “Just Cuts Salon” was located in the mall it made sense for us to do both on this same occasion.
Often, when we rent cars for two or three months at a time, we avoid adding me as a driver when there are additional fees. I don’t do so well driving on the opposite side of the road, as is the case in some countries. As a result, I can’t shop without Tom with me during these periods. As much as he doesn’t care to shop, he doesn’t complain or seem to mind waiting for me.
When we arrived hair salon at 11:30 am, he was told to return at noon for his haircut. Several other customers were ahead of him. He waited on chairs outside the shop while I quickly darted from store to store searching for a few shops that appealed to my taste and needs.
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| The stylist was concerned about cutting his hair the correct length at the Just Cuts salon in the mall. |
I wanted to purchase wrinkle free shirts/tops for the upcoming cruises over the next 15 months. Deciding against any dressy items for cruise formal nights for practicality reasons, buying wash and wear items such as dressy tee shirts and button shirts was all I wanted to purchase.
At first, I panicked when all the shops were offering warm winter inventory including sweaters, jackets and layered clothing. Hoping for a touch of color in my otherwise drab wardrobe, my hopes were dashed as I went from rack to rack only finding navy blue, varying shades of grey, black and brown.
Rather than bring sweaters and cover-ups for the cool air conditioned evenings aboard ship I decided on all long sleeved items with sleeves that could be rolled or pushed up.
A while ago I found this J. Crew website with instructions for the easiest way to roll shirts which can be implemented for men’s or women’s long sleeve buttoned shirts. This way, I could toss my stretched out cover-ups I’ve been wearing for warmth at night in the air conditioned spaces.
Always considering the weight of items in our luggage, this is a good remedy to reduce the number of items in my singular clothing suitcase subsequently having an effect on the total weight.
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| It all seemed to be going well with little coaching from me on how to cut the sides and back. |
Joining Tom when it was time for his haircut, I showed the stylist a photo of him with his hair at his preferred length. (As it turned out she was from Texas, USA with a cute southern US and Kiwi accent after living here 18 years). I decided to hang around to ensure the sides and back were trimmed properly finding it wise to do so.
Tom had brought along a NZ $5 coupon to use but when it was time to pay (oddly they didn’t accept credit cards) he didn’t need to use the coupon when she discounted the price to NZ $18, US $12, a certainly reasonable price.
He was happy with the cut, commenting to the stylist how all his life he didn’t need me to accompany him on haircut appointments. I explained that I didn’t have to look at him 24/7 at that time either. We all giggled.
By the time his haircut was done at 12:30 I’d yet to purchase the first item on my list. However, while he waited on the chairs reading a book on his phone, I’d perused a few stores with items that may work for me. All I’d have to do was try on a few items to ensure a proper fit.
In an one hour period, I purchased three button up long sleeve shirts, five dressy tee shirts, six pairs of earrings and eight pairs of cotton panties, all in three separate stores. An hour later, we were leaving the mall with my bags in tow. I was content with my haul.
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| We were both happy with the finished product. |
Once back home as I busily removed the tags I folded the items neatly for packing in the next few weeks. After totaling all the receipts, I was surprised I’d only spent a total of NZ $242, US $163 for the entire haul, all of which appeared to be good quality.
With a recent purchase of a pair of somewhat pricey black pants, I was set with clothing until we’ll arrive in the US in summer of 2017. I teased Tom as I totaled the receipts as to how odd it was that for under NZ $446, US $300 (including the black pants) I’d purchased all the clothes I’d need for a year or more here in New Zealand.
He laughed, saying, “That’s $300 more than I spend in a year.” Pausing while making eye contact with me, “Just kidding, Sweetie!”
Yea, well. He has no interest in clothing (although he does need a few items) and has decided to wait to make any purchases until we arrive in the US.
On the way home, we made a few detours for photos happy to be out on a sunny day, a rarity most recently. It was a good day. We’re anticipating today should be equally good.
We hope you have a good day as well.
Photo from one year ago today, March 29, 2015:
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| This spot at Hanalei Beach in Kauai looks out to a sleeping dragon shaped mountain that inspired Peter, Paul and Mary to interpret the song written by a friend, “Puff the Magic Dragon, lived by the sea and frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Hanalei.” There’s considerable speculation that the words to the song were mainly centered around smoking marijuana which grew prolifically in Hanalei. Here’s a video that further explains the shape of the dragon. For more details on this year-ago post, please click here. |