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.
Jennifer,
I love your blog because you do talk about things other than clothes and beauty. Getting to do an experience like Mirval can feel life changing. A chance to get a new perspective and rethink what we’ve always done. Plus a great opportunity to get realigned in one’s thinking about health, body and spirit. Go you!
It was a very important step for me to help make my health a priority.
Jennifer I have been following you since 2012, I’ve loved every post and have enjoyed seeing you grow.
You are amazing, and authentic don’t let anyone get you down or pass judgement on you!
Thanks so much Elizabeth. That means the world to me.
Sorry, off today’s subject. I wondered how are liking your new humidifier? I’m in the market for one. Is easy to keep clean? Thanks.
It’s very easy. The parts go in the dishwasher and the filter is replaceable. I use it every night
Next time you go to Miraval come to Tucson! Growing and changing with an open mind is what keeps me healthy and happy – thanks for contributing to that!
Keep opening yourself to new experiences and sharing them with us! Also, I honestly like the save outfit more than the splurge this time!
That’s awesome
Just because I don’t do what you do doesn’t mean I don’t like to hear about it. If I had spare time in Austin, I’d probably go to the capitol, see if the Legislature was in session and find a knit store and book store. I also don’t use much stuff on my skin or take supplements. To each his or her own, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t a lot of commonalities.
I was saddened to read several folks have criticized you for going to this retreat. What could possibly be the harm exploring new sides of oneself? I say everyone is entitled to seek joy, comfort, peace and wellbeing in ways of their own choosing. Why would anyone feel threatened by that?
I love your splurge/save outfits today. Thats one thing I love about your blog. It gives me style inspiration. I can pull something very similar out of my closet for tomorrow!
I think todays outfit is fun!
You do you. Anyone who doesn’t like that can just move on to another blogger.
I’m sure they will too 🤣 Thanks Kay
Hi Jennifer
Curiosity and openness are needed more than ever today. What’s on my mind is this: how can I look my best and still be kind to Mother Earth. Consumerism is killing the planet. I’d love to explore this idea with you.
I agree with you. More sustainable brands and buying better but less of it is so important.
How inappropriate for those readers to judge YOUR CHOICES for yourself. Anyone who feels that their spirituality is threatened by exposure to ideas and practices that are different must believe that they’re very weak in their own spiritual development I am truly sorry that happened to you. I would imagine that it’s very disappointing to have some of your audience respond in such a negative way. Just know there are many of us who say, “Bravo!” to your openess to new experiences.
Interestingly, it was a growth experience for me. I sat with the comments for quite awhile and then let them go. I have to learn to let things roll off my back and not stress me out.
Jennifer, the retreat sounds interesting, exploring all our choices for beliefs and practices is what keeps us going, interesting and inquisitive. The worse practice a person can do, is be rigid, no chance to grow as a person…. I do like both outfits. I don’t need a YSL purse, but the Vineyards puffer jacket I would splurge on , enjoy all your trips.
I love that puffer too.
Wow, I’m stunned that anyone would feel compelled to make negative comments about what you choose to experience! I agree with the previous posters about you doing you- and with your wise comments in return. Please know that most of us clearly appreciate your insights into much more than mere fashion (although I love that aspect of your blog too). To thyself be true!
Thanks. I share many opinions but I don’t pretend that they are “truths”. Just my opinions.
I love Miraval! Been there many times. They such great variety of classes to take. I always feel relaxed after Miraval. Not sure if it’s the scenery, the peacefulness of resort, or the classes I take. But Miraval has gone up in price so much that I haven’t been back. I hope you enjoy your stay!
Emily, you are so right! This is ancient wisdom. I did take up yoga later in life and did it until my balance issues stopped me. I love crystals and reiki which healed a severe swollen arm after having IV dye. A spiritual life is all encompassing. Religion is indoctrination of a specific faith. This is just my belief at 79. I’m open to new thought and experiences that expand my spiritual life.
I have a similar outfit, the low cost version in my closet but with light grey Swede booties. The purse gave it away for me. Can’t imagine spending that kind of money for a purse!
Hi Jennifer, I love the fact you are experimenting and trying new things and exploring in regards to health and wellness; kudos to you, and thank you so much for telling your story and sharing with your readers. It is very interesting to me, a 60 year old woman, navigating the next step. I am a huge fan and have subscribed for years. You are the very best! Ignore the fearmongering and the “haters”. Sending love xox
You’re so kind. Thanks for being here and a great part of our community!
What I love about you and what attracted me to your blog is your openness, your willingness to put yourself “out there”. You’re honest and don’t whitewash, as you put it. Love Your sense of humor, too!
(And I do love dressing room diaries! 😁)
I want to read and learn about other experiences, hear other points of view. I can then critique that information and decide what’s right for me. Isn’t that how we learn? Through our critical thinking skills?
Keep doing you, Jennifer!!
Thanks Linda
I really get annoyed when people cannot survive without posting something negative!! What is wrong with opening your mind and heart to new experiences? I believe that expands your spirituality! So please take what they have to say with a very big grain of salt. Like the other ladies have said, it says more about them than it does about you!
Huge fan of yoga, sound bath meditation, etc. I don’t see why anyone should criticize it. I’m guessing they haven’t tried it. 🙂 Can’t wait to hear more about your retreat. It sounds fabulous.
The sound bath was amazing!! I loved it all.
When my daughter was working thru the credentials needed to teach yoga, breath work and Reiki…etc. her children and I would be her class! When she explained Reiki I kept most of my skepticism to myself. But oh my goodness when we were done I was a believer……. For me it worked.
That’s wonderful!!!
You do you! In the end, we are all accountable for ourselves and no one else. Love your blog and outfits!!