Monday Musings on Decor and Dresses
I’m finally feeling a little less scary-looking from my photodynamic therapy and thrilled that I can head out into the world again. The healing has actually been a lot easier than I thought it would be (but still not a cakewalk). I’m attributing that to all of the treatments I’ve done in the past (and there have been many) to heal my many years of sun exposure and damage to my skin. I always thought I was being careful to protect myself from the sun, but this process has inspired me to double up on my protection.
The weather was glorious over the weekend, so we decided to hit the summer farmers market. I wore the largest hat I own and this mineral sunscreen that I picked up when I had my treatment earlier in the week. It was warm enough to break out my new J.Jill linen shirt and I really enjoyed it worn with a matching tank and fray hem crops.
I bought the crops in regular vs petite because I wanted them ankle length and bought the linen shirt in petite because they length is a better proportion for me. The sleeves are a smidge short, but since I always fold up my cuffs anyway…it doesn’t really matter. I love the column of color in light open air, sky blue, which looks breezy and perfect for this weather.
We picked up a bounty of fresh focaccia, freshly made pasta, organic berries, carrots, kale, onions, and tomatoes… just in time for a Sunday family dinner. One vegetable that jumped out at me (although I’m really not too sure what to do with it) is sunchokes. I vaguely remember making sunchoke soup many years ago, but it’s too warm for that now, so I would love your ideas! I also saw some gorgeous Lions’ Mane mushrooms at one stand, but again, I don’t know what to make with them, so I’ll be looking for some ideas.
My daughter and I spent quite a bit of time shopping for her new home, which is always a blast. Her new place is quite a bit larger than her old one, so it’s fun to plan. My husband and I don’t need any furniture for our apartment, but we do need a few accessories to add personality…so I’ve been on the hunt for me as we shop for her 😉. We’ve been doing some second-hand furniture store crawls along with the odd antique store here and there.
I found an adorable little black and white picture frame which has made me rethink all of my apartment decor decisions so far. I’m not telling my husband that because then he’d be convinced I’d lost my mind. It has inspired me to do a picture wall, so the hunt is now on for unusual frames. I think I’ll fill them with a mix of family photos and pictures from our travels. I’m also on the lookout for some new accent pillows for our living room. I bought a few at Pottery Barn last year, but they quickly lost their shape and look tacky now.
Now that the weather is warm, I’m ready to live in linens and cotton and will be leaning into easy dresses. Their one-and-done quality makes them so easy for casual days.
It is time to kick my feet up after a weekend of walking, working, and spending time with family. I hope you enjoyed yours as well.
And please send me those sunchoke recipes!
Thanks for reading, and have a great Monday.
I have a photo hall where I display photo collage frames of our more major trips (Machu Picchu, China, Scotland, a Family solar viewing trip, etc). I used matching wood Malden frames I got on Amazon. They display 7 pictures taken either 3 horizontal and 4 vertical or the reverse. I walk past them daily and love the memories. A little tricky finding 7 perfect photos in the right orientations but it’s fun to have this reminder.
Such great memories!
Great hat! I have earned every one of my 75 years and am proud to still be here. Yes, my fair Irish skin has had many abuses and treatments, and I’m very comfortable in my skin. Me soon-to-be 72 year old sister is telling anyone who asks her age that she is 80! They tell her how great she looks….and she says that’s her answer going forward🤣🤩🤣
LOL, I love that!!
I ABSOLUTELY love that, too!!!
Marshall’s, TJ Max, and Home Goods are reasonably priced for frames, pillows, and decor in general. Even furniture! The Lux for Less article is helpful and appreciated.
I found my little stripped one at Home Sense which is the Canadian version of Home Goods. Such great finds there.
I love your splurge/save posts. The Bottega bag was the give away for me. I have to say I really like the look of the Loft dress and it’s on sale! I love our Farmer’s Market too. Always love the fresh produce.
Hi Jennifer, I’m fairly new to your blog. That comment about someone saying you’re old. Does not set well with me. That is horribly rude. With every year, every wrinkle & gray hair we should be thankful to God, he has blessed us with a new day to enjoy‼️. I’m glad you didn’t let that bother you.
You’re a beautiful lady. I enjoy everything u post. Take care & have a blessed day. A big hug from Ana in Sugarland, Tx. 🙋🏻♀️🙋🏻♀️❤️❤️
Welcome Ana! I’m so glad you’ve joined us. I agree, we are blessed.
As for your photo wall, I did similar many years ago when we bought our house. I bought a variety of frames, different sizes, but all gold wood frames. Found I could get a selection at places like Marshalls. The gold wood was unifying and versatile because I could change the wall color and the gold would transition well. Same could be said for silver if you prefer those cool tones.
What a great idea! I was going to mix the frames but I prefer your idea.
Yes, I had a local interior designer help me with a gallery wall of family photos (about a dozen) on our stairs to second floor. I did black frames for all on an ivory wall and I love it!
It sounds gorgeous!!
What a horrid thing to say. I’m 74. So yes old but happy. I congratulate you and thank you for sharing your skin journey. It’s helpful.
I love the bucket bag. So summer!
I always think you look amazing!
Enjoy your week.
Happy Monday Brenda!
I did guess the splurge correctly. But the image of the dress surprised me. The wrinkles at the elbow show how quickly this dress would wrinkle if you sat down. The two hems at the front do not hang correctly from the knees on down. Either they are not sewn well or just need a good press. You would not be able to tell which until you got it home or saw it in the store. Enough to steer me away.
Oh gosh…our images online are often scrutinized and I think it’s a shame that people expect us to look young when we are women of a certain age.
I think I clicked almost every link on your luxe for less post!!! I like these items…
No idea about recipes for sun chokes? I learned how to cook garlic scapes because of a farmers market stand :-))
Enjoy your week.
Leslie Lord
You do know how hard social media can be
Jennifer,
You look great! Just an FYI if you are near a Habitat for Humanity Restore you may want to check it out. They have some fantastic finds from furniture to accessories. The plus is it’s all for a good cause.
I’ll check to see if there’s one near us. Great reminder
I’ve shopped at our local Habitat for Humanity store and have found two beautiful brass wall hurricane lamps to flank my traditional fireplace mantle ($29 each), a tall brass hurricane lamp for the hearth ($15), and a Stiffle brass lamp ($15) with shade in perfect shape. It took 3 trips, but my 7-year-old grandson loves to go there for books, and I’m the one who scored treasures! My daughter bought a Henredon cherry console for $375 in perfect shape that was $2500 to $3500 online!
Those are amazing finds!!
Jennifer, before I even read your blog today I have to comment on what a subscriber said & thank you for standing up for yourself & for us too! I enjoy your blog immensely but am not reading it to “look young”. I read it for your wonderful helpful hints on fashion, makeup & health in order to feel good about myself as I age. It’s great to read your advice on how we can feel good & look good as we age. I’m proud of my age (will be 71 next month) & have the scars from my surgeries to prove my age. Having another major surgery next month, a brain tumor, but I’ve purchased some wide headbands & bucket hats so that when I go out in public I don’t scare anyone – not to look younger! I’m happy to be alive & treasure each day & thank you for helping me to feel that way!
Sending prayers your way Lisa! You have the best attitude. Looking younger has never been a goal for me either.
As a breast cancer survivor, I agree that getting older is a privilege. How sad for the women who made that comment. She must not be a very happy person. And good for you for not being offended!!
And can you tell me what a sunchock is. I have never heard of them.
Its also called a Jerusalem Aritchoke
I love what you said in the email on the blog today. So timely for me. Two weeks ago my husband took a close up (I was sitting right next to him) of me from the side. I was appalled that there were so many wrinkles. I thought – I look so old (I am 71), and I don’t think I look like that when I look in the mirror. Your email made me think – if I don’t feel I look old, that I am happy. I shouldn’t care what others think. I am taking better care of my self in retirement (more time for daily exercise and more time to read blogger posts and try some beauty products.) I may not have taken good care of my skin in my younger years, but I am now.
Thank you!
Bravo Arna!
Love the earrings! And the cost is great!
Good morning, I adore the outfit you wore to the farmers market, a relaxed and comfortable look. Have a great week
Love your blog and the comparison of outfits. I completely blew it on this one – I picked the lower priced as the expensive one on each item.
Lol that’s perfect!! Great style is available at all price points.
Love the monochromatic “matching” outfit. I’m feeling those this season. What a comfy way to have of the moment style!
I have followed you for years and love how you take care of yourself and others. I am 82 years old but still care about fashion and makeup. Unfortunately, I am the generation of sunbathing with baby oil and iodine growing up in New Mexico. We did not understand or know about sun damage. I have just had my second facial MOHS surgery for skin cancer. It has been very traumatic so keep reminding people of sunscreen and hats.
I’m a baby oil and iodine veteran too. I’m sorry to hear about your Mohs. My husband has had 3 facial Mohs and he’s going to try the photodynamic therapy in the fall.
Thank you so much for the instagram on photo dynamic therapy. Our dermatologist had suggested my husband do what she called chemo in a can on his own and I’m so thankful we saw this first. We will look for a different dermatologist who does the treatment you showed us. Thanks so much!
You always look soooo pretty!
Melinda
Good Luck!! It’s been a great procedure for my precancers
Your IG commenter has made me ponder my thoughts on what I consider old. I don’t think its about wrinkles and gray hair, but the overall vibe of giving up: baggy tshirts, untidy hair and brows, and the passive allowance of being ignored because one is not a cool age. Old doesn’t equate to irrelevant, but society and culture certainly tends to define us that way. I’m 62 and don’t consider myself old-but do consider being old a privilege! Life , and aging well is a gift!!! Thank you for representing us so well.
Thanks a perfect way to describe it Linda. Thank you for sharing your observation