Monday Musings on Stress, Self-Care, and Readers Questions
We had a rainy weekend, which suited me just fine. It feels like I’m behind the eight ball on so many projects, but I decided to just let them go. I made a point of going to the gym…twice. I gave myself an at-home facial and made time to read. Did it lower my stress? Not really, because those projects still need to be done, but I’m probably further ahead than if I’d pushed through and worked all weekend. I’m finally learning that stress and self-care need to be best friends in my life because otherwise, my health suffers.
Habits
I’m reading this book on habits, which I started on the flight home from Portugal. I’m really enjoying the book, but I need to make reading more of a habit.🤣 I downloaded this when it first came out, but couldn’t get into it…until now.
Yang Shen
On the self-care wagon…I ran across this author over the weekend and ordered her book. Have you heard of Yang Shen?
Yang Sheng uses simple practices and daily activities to bring our bodies into balance and harmony with nature. The focus is on maintaining balance through an awareness of our connection to nature, to our own bodies, and to the spirit. It is about making a habit of simple techniques like eating mindfully, breathing practices, great sleep, gentle exercise, and Qigong to improve the quality of your self-care.
While I was there, Amazon suggested this Ayurvedic self-care book which I have put on my wish list. I’m already a fan or Ayurvedic principles, but know my reading time is limited so am making myself finish one before ordering another.
Cool Based Fall Separates
It’s finally cool enough to start wearing some layers, which feels so good! Layering is one of my favorite ways to zhuzh up an outfit so I had some fun playing with my new J. Crew long sweater blazer. I’d debated which color made the most sense for me and really wanted the beige. In the end, I decided charcoal made more sense in my fall wardrobe. This long cardigan runs really large so I ordered the XS and it fits perfectly.
I wore it with my Quince cashmere tee which is a perfect weight for this time of year. The lovely surprise was how nicely my Talbots paisley scarf coordinated with them both. Gray, navy, lavender, and burgundy are such a classic combo for women with cool coloring. When I wear those colors, I know I can rely on them to all blend.
Reader Questions:
Q- What socks do you recommend?
I really like these cushioned no-show socks for working out and wearing in my low-profile booties. I bought the white, but they also come in colors and have a compression version which I’m intrigued to try.
Q: What is the latest update on your hair?
Well… the verdict is still not in. Some days, it feels like I lose a clump in my brush, others not so much. I’m still using the 5% Rogaine and plan to continue. The trichologist I visited suggested I use Nizoral shampoo once a week to reduce inflammation in my hair follicles, so I’m doing that.
I am also trying a Capillus laser cap and will let you know how it goes.
Q: Do you have a plan when you start shopping for the season and do you think only in terms of outfits?
I think of the season ahead as soon as things start showing up on websites. I do a lot of looking before I do any personal shopping because I do a lot of scouting for the blog, which gives me a good view of what’s out there.
I go through what I already own to decide if I still enjoy those styles. Then I think about the colors and shapes that will work into what I already own. If I am bored with my style (I have been), I begin to look through my accessories and plan which new ones could spruce up my look.
I do think of outfits but always purchase separately. I never buy matched outfits, but I think you can get a lot of inspiration from the way retailers pair their items.
What self-care practices serve you best when your life feels stressful?
Thanks for reading and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident.
Jennifer your outfit is so pretty on you. Those colors are perfect. I’m feeling the lavender/berry vibe this year. Your hair is so full. It looks great! I come from a family who has a LOT of hair. I am/was so thankful until earlier this year when I saw my shiny scalp. What? How could this be. This one thing that I didn’t have wrong with me. My dermatologist put me on Nutrafol and women’s 5% foam Rogaine which is a bit of a messy process. I just started my 3rd month of Nutrafol and put the Rogaine aside. Can you share what you are using that is like Nutrafol but less expensive because it sure is expensive. I would truly appreciate it. Thank you in advance.
Switch to the men’s 5% Rogaine liquid! The foam is yucky and the liquid is great! They charge less for men’s products too. So unfair!
Yes you are correct and the men’s pkg has 3 cans vs. 2 that the women’s has. Do you have a dupe for Nutrafol? Thank you again❣️
My Trichologist recommnend saw palmetto (320 mg/day), pumpkin seed oil (400 mg/day), and vitamin D (1,000- 2,000 IU daily.. which is similar to the Nutrafol “proprietory blend” She and my derm were not sure that huge amounts of biotin really help that much to help so I stopped using it in large quantities.
Hi, I’m very interested in your comments about duplicating Nutrafol for less. I just started taking it and am unhappy with the cost. The list of ingredients is very long. What is a more inexpensive route?
She recommended saw palmetto (320 mg/day), pumpkin seed oil (400 mg/day), and vitamin D (1,000- 2,000 IU daily.. She and my derm were not sure that huge amount of biotin really does that much to help so I stopped using it.
Hi Jennifer,
In the winter, do you wear knee highs or some type of socks when you wear ankle length pants and flats?
I usually wear cotton ankle socks, but if I’m in a cold climate I will grab my knee highs. CA is just not that chilly.