Monday Musings: On Relevancy and Honesty
I have a lot to percolate about my trip to Miraval in Austin and will share an update as soon as things have gelled. I did want to express my surprise to hear from readers who felt offended that I would be interested in and attend sessions on everything from yoga to Lunar phases, to meditation, Reiki, and learning about crystal energy, etc. I don’t see them as in conflict with my spirituality, but some people do.
I choose to explore the world and be open to new experiences. Having an open mind and curiosity about life helps keep us relevant. I’ll continue to share my discoveries and thoughts with you here because, although not an open book, I am willing to expose parts of myself to my audience. Many bloggers expose tiny snippets of their lives, and some share it all. Some also show a whitewashed, “perfect” version of their lives, which makes me feel lacking, so I won’t do that. I believe we grow and form healthy bonds by sharing our truths. I don’t expect to be everyone’s cup of tea, and if I’m not yours, I get it.
I began my blog in 2012 as a lifestyle blog. It morphed into sharing a lot of fashion as more women expressed interest. What we wear is a powerful tool that helps us express our individuality, strength, and can build our confidence. I will continue to focus on fashion, because frankly, I love it and know the potential it holds to improve our lives! FYI, I did put thought into my outfits for this trip, and didn’t capture one photo of them so that tells you where my attention was focused. I’ll recreate them at home and share soon.
I didn’t take a poll, but I think I’m the oldest woman in our group of 10 who attended this Miraval retreat which has also felt interesting.
Save or Splurge Puffer Vest Outfit
Here’s another save or splurge outfit for inspiration this week. For many of us, who don’t live in frigid climates, it’s puffer vest season so I thought this would be fun.
Some classic straight leg jeans, tan booties and bag with a winter white vest and a bright pop of pink to lift your spirits.
The logos are a giveaway here, but without them, could you tell the save vs the splurge outfit?
Thanks for reading and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident.
Hi Jennifer, I think it is great that you are exploring and learning new things and having new experiences. We live in such a fascinating world, and I think that the more we learn, the more it makes our lives all the richer.
I agree!
It seems to me that only those insecure about their own beliefs feel the need to demand that others make the same choices. A friend put it this way: “universe big, me small.” Kudos to you for continuing to seek out new experiences.
I just found you and am so happy about it! Your post today is exactly why too – I was looking for inspiration on how I want to shape this next phase of my life and your thoughts on growth, being open to new ideas and adventures, totally resonates with me. Thank you for sharing your outlook and for your honesty! It’s truly refreshing.
Welcome Sandra!
I appreciate all you have to share. It is also a place where negativity has no place. How refreshing! Keep doing you.
I’m no fashion expert but I did guess correctly what the pricey one is. Details, I think. I like these posts!
Hi Jennifer,
I thoroughly enjoy your fashion blog and look forward to your emails. I am 68 years old and in a Christian deliverance ministry where we occasionally pray for people who have opened themselves to the “unholy” spirits through new age spirituality.
I wish you much success and look forward to your next email!
Amy
Hi Amy,
I’m puzzled by your comment.
I am so happy to be back on your mailing list….I, like others with a gmail address, was left off for a week or so. I love your blog and appreciate different points of view on subjects. Thank you for all the effort you put into the blog.
Whew!! I hope everyone with gmail got back on the list. It’s been a hair-raising process.
Hi Jennifer,
It’s wonderful to hear that you treated yourself to mind, body and a soul experience. We only grow if we keep an open mind to new experiences and to new adventures. Life is about the experience.
I liked the sign “unplug : be present,” it really makes you stop dead in your tracks to stop connecting to your phones.
I embrace, “judging people takes away time from loving them.”
You “go girl.” I’m so looking forward to hearing about your retreat.
Wonderful comment! I hope we can all judge less. It’s not easy but a worthy goal.
I happen to not agree with all the classes you attended, but why would I not want you to attend if you so choose? We don’t have to agree with everything. I’m glad if you enjoyed it and got something out of it.
Thank you Linda.
Jennifer, you do you— without apologies or explanations required. I’m always amazed by people urging others to carbon copy their lives and views. That’s very judgmental on their part. So, enjoy your time learning something new and enjoying the experience. Each of us is a unique individual, forging our own paths.
Kudos to you Jennifer for having an open mind wanting to learn. Thank You for sharing! I am anxiously waiting for more details of your weekend.
So glad you enjoyed your trip. I would love to hear more about it. I think you are right about the outfits. I don’t think I would be able to tell which was the splurge without the logos. Cute outfits.
Cannot wait to read about your Miraval experience! I love delving into the woo woo, it opens me up to different ways to enjoy the world around me.
I loved your post, as always, but was intrigued by your visit to Austin. I was raised there and have seen it change and grow over the years. I enjoy retreats where I am not only able to, but encouraged to explore more areas of my faith. I don’t see the separation, but maybe that is because I take my faith with me no matter where I am.
Really laughed at the comparison in price! The cost of that YSL bag gave me belly laughs because the Am on bag was just as much, if not more attractive, because I shy away from obvious logos.
Funny what they charge for a logo 🤣
I too am shocked that any of your readers would question your exploration of healing methods, crystals, etc. Miraval is a wonderful place and I hope it gave you a reset and energy boost. I look forward to hearing more about your experience. I have been there and to other spas. I particularly like Ranch La Puerta in Tecate, Mexico. I always come home in better mental, physical and spiritual shape and hope you did too.
Thank you for that referral!! This has whetted my appetite to explore more. My health really needs it.
In addition to all the lovely comments about your retreat, I just wanted to add that your hair looks great in that first photo!
Thank you!! I’m getting lots of new grow all of a sudden which acts as layers to lift it. Fingers crossed it continues.
I, too, like to approach life with curiosity and an open mind, including listening to and respecting others’ faith. But when people become judgmental and holier-than-thou my heart and mind drift away.
I’m always glad to read about new ideas and can’t understand why anyone would challenge your choices. Perhaps the Miraval resort is more expensive than readers could afford and that was partly the reason for the comments. For me, it’s interesting to hear of these options for wellness and well-being.
It is more expensive than some retreats but there are many specials to lower the cost.
Dear Jennifer, you are graced with an open mind and generous heart. You never stop learning and trying new things—you inspire me. Thanks for being you!
Thank you so much!!♥️
Love your curiosity!
I hope you never stop looking to recharge, connect and learn. When we stop…our lives have stopped.
Best,
Karen (another work in progress)
I agree, Karen and I will always be a work in progress!
I’m really surprised that anyone would take issue with you going on this retreat, doing different things, and getting in touch with your mind and body. I look forward to hearing your take on it.
The purse was an immediate giveaway. I do like the pop of bright pink with the downplayed outfit.
I love that pop of pink too! I may need to think about adding one to my neutral wardrobe 💕 It’s happy looking.