Monday Musings-It’s a Puzzle
Happy Monday ladies. I hope you had a great weekend. With continuing lockdown in everyone’s future, I want to ask what you’d like to see more of here on AWSL. Are there topics you’d like me to cover? Things you’d like me to shop for and share? I’ll continue to discuss style and talk about fashion… but I wanted to know what else is on your mind.
Here are a few things on my mind this week-
T-Shirt Dresses
We were in the high 90’s all last week and it’s anticipated that we will be in the low 100’s all this week. That feels too hot for most things to me so I have simple t-shirts on the brain. I’ve worn this one from Target more than I ever expected so clearly, T-shirt dressing is an easy way to dress in the heat.
Unless I’m bending over cleaning something out or gardening threatening the lives of our veggie plants, a cotton dress is an easy peasy way for me to dress. Target is a great source for them in all colors, shapes, and lengths because the quality is great and the price can’t be beat.
Silk Masks 
Life looks so very different now. Everywhere I go, I wear a mask. I won’t get political about mask-wearing here and I ask that you please don’t. AWSL is a religion, sex, and political free zone. Some folks on FB don’t get that and turn nasty so I just block them and I will continue to do so. Now that I have that out of the way… I spotted a lady wearing this face shield and loved it. She gave me the info so I opened my phone and ordered it on the spot. It will be comfier for many situations but a mask will still be required.
I take special care of my complexion so I don’t want just any material next to it. I also realize that if I wear a pale mask with no pattern, the bottom of my face will look blank. I think this pandemic will change our world in ways we can’t begin to imagine and masks will be commonplace going forward. It’s probably too much to ask for a mask that will allow the focus to be on my eyes but I continue to look. I just ordered this one, and this one and this one.
The Guest List
I am thoroughly enjoying this book. Escaping into a great book is often the very best way to fill an afternoon. What are you reading? Please share in the comments.
Puzzles
My daughter picked up this vintage-looking puzzle of the National Parks and we are loving it! Even though it reminds me of all the places I can’t visit this summer. I feel like I’ve really accomplished something when I get a section put together! It’s a stressfree way to spend a few hours each day…I just don’t recommend doing them on a mirrored table:)
I’m loving this time waster so much I’ll need another one the minute this is finished.
Thanks for reading and remember to share what you’d like to see more of here.
I am making masks that go with most of my clothing – it’s me, got to have one to go with every outfit and can be cleaned – I’ve even got a blingey rhinestone one. I think it’s just a matter of getting used to wearing them.
One thing I use to de-fogg my glasses – clean them with shaving cream – leaves a little film on them that prevents the fogg. There’s lots of other things, but shaving cream seems to work for me and I wanna stay away from some of those unpronouncible ingredients.
Got to check out that book – I’ve been reading like a fiend during the SAH – got more time now.
Thanks for all the sweet tips today – may be I have to get one more mask…
Great post. I appreciate your links on the masks, would love to hear your reviews after wearing!
I enjoy your post regarding clean make up ,sunscreen. I seems we need to be aware of all the chemicals and additives in make up. Fast fashion, would be another interesting topic, how can we make better decisions with our fashion dollars. Books you are reading, and when you share your health issues, it is helpful to know we all have issues, and how to carry on. All the “perfect blogs, and Instagram posts” tend to gloss over real life . Blogs/instagram feeds depicting real life are infinitely more interesting to me.
Thank you for being real and inspiring!
Great ideas. Thanks for being here Elizabeth.
Jennifer, , I follow several sites on fashion and lifestyle and I like yours most by far, due to your down to earth, courteous, and friendly, warm approach.
I also find responders here interesting and often helpful. This site is very frequently my “ social circle” as I am mostly confined at home due to health issues other than Covid . It’s always a pleasure to “visit “ here.
I must admit that, when I am able to be out, I really hate wearing a mask. I don’t care how fashionable it is or how necessary. I just hate feeling my breathing stifled and wearing something I so adamantly dislike.
That said, I have been thinking about your weekly reminder to always wear what makes us happy and confident, (masks do neither for me ) and I wanted to bring up the issue of receiving gifts of clothing from friends or family. In particular, clothing that you truly dislike and are uncomfortable in , but feel obligated to wear. I know how I handle the situation, but am curious as to how you and your other readers feel about this.
Glad you featured puzzles. They are excellent for brain and complex problem solving stimulation. And I love the quiet time, when all I hear is deep concentration .. then the fun shout, “Ha! I found one!” It’s like a treasure hunt.
Hope your hand is healing well.
I’d like to see more ideas on how to dress when your tummy is bigger. I have an apple shape. I’m also busty. I buy tunics to wear, but I’m not sure of how to add a third layer. Any help would be greatly appreciated. 🙂
I used to feel obligated to wear gifts of clothing. No more. I simply donate it. I’ve actually never been asked why they have not seen me wearing it, but if I was, I would say that “it was a very sweet gift, but I have very persnickety taste and fit issues so need and prefer to choose my own clothes.”
I read Gothic romance and Agatha Christie growing up but during this lockdown, I stick to cozy mysteries. Some even have recipes. LOL I just want something light. I’ll improve ne mind later.
Tee shirt, sweatshirt and denim! What would we do without them. I would like to see what items you would pack if you had to pack in a hurry for a week. What’s your essentials?
I think the tee shirt dress is cute. I like it in orange, but at my local target is out of stock. sniff
Hi, Jennifer. Love the idea of tee shirt dresses, and I will have to look for some to order. Just wish there were more styles with a V neck.
One topic I am interested in is fast fashion. I love to buy clothes and am distressed to learn that most clothing brands are made overseas in sweatshops where women and children are treated horribly. I would love to know which brands regulate their factories so my purchases are not contributing to a worldwide problem.
Best wishes!
Bea
I sure wish there were more v-necks too!! I am always on the hunt and will share when I find them.
I am so looking forward to that book it’s on my Libby list. My daughter recommended the Libby app which is a free app where you can download digital books through your library and it is amazing as many best sellers are readily available, so during these crazy times you can read for free! Highly recommend. Also looking forward to Polly Samson A Theatre for Dreamers. And anything by Emma Straub. Thank you for your post Jennifer, I always look forward to reading them.
Lately I have been watching David Suchet in Poirot all twelve seasons!! And The Heart Guy and Delicious series with a glass of wine.
Clothes wise I am curious about Jackets for Fall. I am 5’2 and 56…when are you too old for a Moto leather jacket? What investment pieces are worth it long term? And how do you choose a jacket that will be timeless?
Francesca, thank you for the reminder about Libby! Just put The Guest List on hold. Seems like they are getting more new releases whereas our library is backlogged and not getting them very quickly. Happy reading!
I always enjoy your blog. Today’s variety of topics did not disappoint.
Thank you for keeping a kind, entertaining and relevant space in these strange times. I am increasingly interested in the hidden costs of fast fashion, costs per wear, etc. as a way to be more sustainable in my clothing choices. Any thoughts on that?
I too am finding puzzles a real comfort and entertainment. I especially enjoy round ones. I think it is not only meditative but a way to make sense and have a sense of mastery and control in times which feel anything but.
I bought a large cork bulletin board to put our puzzle on….you can then slide it under a bed when your not working on it! I don’t comment often but read your blog whenever it pops into my in-box! Love your make-up and skin care tips!
I am also an avid reader! You should try Louise Penny’s books set in Quebec…murder mystery’s. The first is called Still Life, at least that’s the title here in Canada! American publishers sometimes change the name!
I would love to hear about your experiences with online color consulting and see the palette(s) selected for you. Were there surprises? As a stylist yourself, how do the recommended colors differ from those you have been choosing already?
I agree with Paula Green’s comments about face shields. They are better protection for the wearer than face masks. Also there are now studies being done about the type of masks (jersey, cloth, 3-layer, etc) and the varying levels of protection (or lack thereof) depending on the material. I bought our face shields from Amazon, but not the ones that you linked to. Mine has an elastic band in back which makes it very comfortable to wear.
When I do wear a face mask, I tend to make sure to apply eye makeup since that’s the only facial expression visible. But I may skip the liquid foundation etc since it just rubs off on the mask and no one sees your face anyway. On the other hand, when I wear the shield I put on full makeup and am happy to finally be able to wear lipstick again!
It’s very hot in Florida too. So I tend to wear long shorts or crops with short sleeve slub tees from Chico’s. I do love your T shirt dress but cannot wear anything straight as my lower half would be protruding all over. LOL
Please continue to keep us updated on fashion. But I would also like to see and read about what women are typically doing during these prolonged stay-at-home periods. For instance, wearing make-up vs no make-up, how dressed up are people really getting just to hang around the house all day with spouse, casual clothes suggestions, personal grooming behaviors, etc.
Thanks, Jennifer, for all you are doing for us!
You need both. The shield stops the big splatters from going into your eyes but the mask is still a necessity as this virus is airborne and you won’t be protected with just a face shield on.
That was my thinking too
You hit the nail straight on with this collection. From the Llama shirt to the face shields! This was all VERY RELEVANT to me in my world. As you know, I just retired from teaching and my husband came down with sudden onset Dementia. I have to take him to many medical appointments and once we start going to the VA, I will be wanting face shields for us both to go over the masks.
I DO have a question that maybe you can answer.
I have trouble keeping my masks on. They keep popping off my ears. How do I stop this?
Another request, can you locate someone who makes truly soft socks? I mean soft, almost fluffy puppy dog hair soft? My feet don’t like rough socks.
Thank you!!!!!!’
Hi Jennifer
I want to share my experience with a face shield. I work with the public but have a medical condition that makes it almost impossible to wear a mask for eight and a half hours a day! I read up on face shield and found many studies that show how they are safer in some respects than a mask.
A mask only protects others from you, not you from others. A face shield provides more protection because it covers vulnerable areas such as your eyes. The protection is both ways.
I do wear a mask when I am just out and about running errands, but I do prefer the shield for long periods of time. I also ordered the same one you did because I wear glasses. You can also wear them both if you are in a crowded situation.
I look forward to hearing what you think when you get your shield.
I enjoy your blog. I would like to see more of things to do at home such as casual clothing, self-care, beauty, planning tuture rv trips, simple exercise, etc.
Louise Penny is a favorite author as is Kent Kreiger or CJ Box.
Stay well.
I read The Guest List a month ago it’s terrific. I love puzzles. It’s so hot here I’m in shorts and tanks at home but I love a tee dress.
I read the The Guest List earlier a few weeks ago. It’s terrific! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Just purchased a t-shirt dress from QVC and I absolutely love it. It is a bit longer than most and has pockets. I feel very comfortable wearing it to the office as well.
I love puzzles, but alas my kitty likes the pieces so I will have to wait until he is a bit older and can behave!!
What do you all do about chafing of the inner thighs when you wear dresses in hot weather? This is a big problem for me so I tend to stay away from dresses. Suggestions?
Amazon and others sell slip shorts. You can also spray aerosol antiperspirant on your inner thighs.
I found a brand of long cotton panties in Germany made by Sloggi. My friend had recommended bike shorts but I found them too bulky. I did a search in the US for “cotton long panty” and I found a few but they weren’t very good (too small, too hot, shrank). I didn’t know about “slip shorts” but those sound good. If you know anyone who can send you Sloggis from Germany or the UK, get them!! You might be able to find them on a US site. They cost about $20 each in Europe and they last forever. I’ve worn mine for years. I wear an extra large – I am a size size 12-14. They didn’t shrink.