Monday Musings- Packing Again and Masking Up
Happy Monday, ladies, I hope you had a great weekend! BTW…I sewed the bunny ears on so fiercely that I had to cut the entire top off the hat and rip it back several inches to get them off. Luckily, I have another skein. If you have no idea what I’m talking about, you might want to sign up for my emails to get my Sunday newsletter.
Packing again
I can’t believe we’re leaving for Portugal in less than two weeks. Eek! I feel like I just unpacked from Canada, and the ironing isn’t finished. We bought this trip at a Lung Cancer Charity Gala last November, and it just seems to have snuck up on me. We’ll have a condo in Portimão and are going a few days early to visit São Miguel Island and Lisbon. Have you been? I think the major tourist season is over, so it should be quiet and restful.
COVID seems to be on the uptick these days, and several friends have gotten it, so it feels smart to go back to being extra careful again. I hardly ever see people wearing masks these days, but it’s not a bad idea. I never had so much as a sniffle the entire time we were all wearing masks. Did you? I still have a good supply of these N95 masks, which don’t seem as ugly as some other masks. The neutral color is easy on the eyes, and I never feel claustrophobic in them.
Carryon
We plan to go carryon only as usual so I upgraded my handheld to this medium-sized Everywhere bag. I sure hope they arrive in time because my old one has gotten pretty ragged-looking. I love bags that slip over the handle of my suitcase, and square ones seem to hold much more than other shapes.
Quiet Luxury Splurge or Save
Quiet luxury has taken the fashion world by storm. Just kidding…it’s simply a new term used to describe fashion that focuses on understated elegance, high-quality materials, and impeccable craftsmanship rather than flashy logos or overt branding. It’s characterized by simplicity, timelessness, and a subtle sense of sophistication. It’s also available at all price points, so let’s play splurge or save.
Quiet luxury is characterized by clean lines, simple shapes, and a focus on timeless, versatile pieces that can be worn for many seasons. It’s often in neutral colors which stand the test of time. If I look in my wardrobe, many things qualify as quiet luxury.
This outfit starts with a lady-like structured blazer, a simple white tee, some beige pants, a camel/brown loafer, and bag, and is finished with textural gold earrings and a bracelet.
The splurge outfit comes in around $1,738 and the save outfit runs $448. What do you think? Is the more affordable outfit obvious? What tipped you off? Which do you prefer?
Walking in another woman’s shoes
A reader complained when I mentioned my weight gain last week. Another reader thanked me for being transparent. I didn’t take either comment to heart because until you walk in another woman’s shoes, you don’t really know her story. So I’ll take this opportunity to tell you mine.
In 2015, I fell and cracked my femur in two places and tore my hip labrum. What the doctors failed to mention at the time was that my labrum was very thin and wearing out. I endured months of excruciating pain but avoided a hip replacement because the doctors hoped (and they were right) that I could heal without one and get back to life as I liked to live it.
I’ve been walking, working with a physical trainer, and doing yoga at home. A few months ago, I began having weird hip pain, so went to a fantastic physical therapist. He fixed my IT band pain and the stiffness in my back, but my hip remained “weird.” It suddenly dawned on me that the pain was in a deep spot in my joint, reminiscent of when my labrum was torn.
I was finally able to see my doctor last week. She’s sending me for some additional tests but believes that my labrum has just worn out. I asked what could be done for that, and she said nothing but a hip replacement. She noted my weight gain since I’d seen her last and suggested that losing those extra 8 pounds might help alleviate some of the pain until we see what’s going on.
So, while I dislike how tight my clothes are, I’m frantically trying to shed those extra pounds (which have also caused my blood pressure to tick up a notch) in the hopes of alleviating some of the pain.
It reminds me that every woman I meet has a story to tell, and I should not judge her on my standards. That woman whose hair is dirty could be caring for a spouse with dementia and have zero time for herself. Or she could be dealing with a terminal disease that doesn’t show on the outside.
We need to support others without knowing their whole story, which is not easy but a worthy goal.
Thanks for reading, and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident.
Jennifer, Your wonderful post today contained the message about judging people that I needed to hear. The additional comments from so many of your community helped me “get it” loud and clear. It only takes a few moments to stop, put yourself in someone else’s shoes, and realize that there may be reasons we can’t imagine, that influence others’ attitudes and behaviors. I’m resolving to practice kindness and refrain from judging. Also, thank you for sharing your medical issues, reminding us that everyone has them and we’re not alone in dealing with life’s challenges.
I had trouble telling which outfit was which; they’re both gorgeous!
Thanks for your post today..Take good care of yourself and enjoy your trip. I really enjoy the spurge save part of your posts.
Jennifer, all I know about hip replacements is from an older neighbour, who is a fit late 70’s. Wilf was up and about within a week👍. So here’s hoping your experience is somewhat the same. He walks past our house very briskly every morning.
I experienced a frustrating 6-8 lbs increase in my later 60’s … definitely due to stress , but exercise & good diet didn’t do anything much. I have sore joint issues , so movement was important. It was a struggle .
Once I took up Pilates, and two years into it by this spring, it started coming off 🙂, but that could also be due to same stress… who knows! All I know is that I am what I was at 61… and I’m 73 now.
It is not coming back on! I didn’t like how clothes fit, but no one judged me, as far as I was aware. Just looked “ boobalicious” then ! Something not desired!
About your luggage chaos. Years ago, we drove off west from Calgary, and I only realized one bag was missing 15 minutes on. Returning home, there it was sitting on the front porch… not seen as he faced away when locking up! Crisis averted.
Have a wonderful trip to Portugal 🇵🇹 I so enjoyed Lisbon and Porto last year.
On the porch! That’s funny. Thanks Cath!
Some of the women have mentioned how they admire how you “keep it real.” I, too, appreciate those discussions. I do like positivity, but sometimes positivity doesn’t help me move forward. I have been dealing with hip/back pain this summer. PT has not helped. Because of today’s discussion I have made an appointment with my primary care doctor. Some imaging may be in order. Thank you, Jennifer. Thank you, ladies.
Amazing!! I’m so glad you called and booked and appointment. I love my readers.
Love this post. You are so right. You never know what another person is going through. Kindness first. I was in Portugal when I was 16, but that was a VERY long time ago. My niece went this summer and loved it. I’m sure you will too!
So sorry to hear about your hip. I had knee surgery 6 months ago. I think I waited a year too long. It was an involved surgery due to the damage and recovery is still ongoing. My advice to you is, if you need it, the sooner you have it done, the better off you will be. Best of luck!
I will not wait of they tell me I need it. I don’t want to mess up my knees too.
I love the “no judgment” aspect of your blog today. We definitely don’t know what others are going through! Also, my favorite is the economical choice. Thank you.
I love the budget outfit better too!
I had robotic knee replacement surgery last August and highly recommend the robotic surgery. I had full range of motion at 2 1/2 weeks and a rather quick recovery. Recommended my doctor and robotic surgery for a friend who needed a replacement hip. He was up and went shopping the day after his replacement. Something to check into for sure.
Wow! That’s amazing!!
I agree with you Ann. My robotic knee is great! I am going to do the other knee this fall.
Jennifer, i hope you enjoy beautiful Portugal, despite your hip. We are the same height and I know how a even an extra 5lbs shows, I’m still working on losing the same 10lbs , year after year. Thank you for being so honest and sharing your life, always inspiring a fun to read..Both splurge and save outfits are gorgeous…I’d be happy to have either in my wardrobe…..
I’m really like the save one best 🤗
I was in Portugal a few months ago and I had a wonderful time – I’m sure you will too!
I appreciate you sharing information with us about your health related challenges – we do all have our own story and – as other readers have commented – there is enough criticism toward aging, appearance, etc., in society! I appreciate that you “keep it real” and have created this “positive space” online.
I hear you! Hip injuries are the worst. Pain can limit activity, which can lead to weight gain. Further, steroids might be required in addition to physio. We know how that goes. Sometimes you can’t just walk pain off. Sometimes the only solution is the inevitable: surgery. Good luck with that, if you need to get on the waiting list where I live. Also, some people do actually have endocrine issues on top of everything else.
Sometimes, people are dealing with all that while caregiving for two ageing parents and raising children. This is real life.
So when you see an exhausted person who isn’t looking their best, or a yard that could use a little TLC, or snow that needs shovelling, don’t make assumptions. Kindness, tolerance and a helping hand go a long way.
Great point. Assumptions are so easy to make and we all do it. It’s just human nature.
This is a good reminder to us all, thanks Jennifer. I hope you’re able to resolve your pain without surgery. I too have been struggling with hip pain and creeping weight gain, and it’s very frustrating.
Both outfits today are lovely!
Your trip sounds great! Hope you’ll share your packing list when the time comes.
I don’t know what I’ll pack!
Thank you for sharing, we all carry our own”box of rocks”, our quiet stories that make us.
I had hip pain for a few years, was diagnosed with bursitis, and prescribed PT. When that didn’t alleviate the pain, I had an MRI. Oops- it was an ovarian tumor. My hip pain saved my life. Our bodies have a way of yelling at us to look further.
I have added about 10 lbs after that, and then after losing my son-it stayed on. That brought my active life to a screeching halt. But I am inching my way out. I went on a Mexico vacation and actually lost 5 lbs due to activity and rather lackluster all inclusive food. All a silver lining!
I really enjoy your blog and so appreciate the positivity of the women who comment. What a great tribe! Thanks again-and carry on-you look great.
Thank you so much for sharing your story! I’m terribly sorry to hear about your son. Sending hugs your way. I’m so glad your part of this community with us.
I, too, am so sorry about your son. I must comment on your comment about the “lackluster all inclusive food.” That was definitely a laugh out loud moment for me!! Thanks for sharing your story 🙂
I have had two hip replacements … best thing I ever did! The procedure is so refined that you go home the same day and begin your recovery. The key is to find and orthopedic group that uses a team approach … pre-op preparation, surgery, home care, OT and PT as needed and good follow up. Makes all the difference in your overall experience. (BTW, I’m a RN of many years). I’ve also been to Portugal and loved it … beautiful, safe and quite reasonable especially for Europe. Enjoy!
Thanks for sharing Katie!
I want to thank you for two reasons today. I appreciate the link to the disposable N95 masks. I still have some that I got free from the government, but the ones you showed look more comfortable. I, like most Americans, have gotten out of the mask wearing habit. However, Covid seems to be on the rise where I live. I work from home and don’t go out much, so I am not terribly worried about getting exposed. There are some situations where I still want to wear a mask. Going to a movie theatre to see Oppenheimer where I would be sitting close to a stranger for 3 hours is a time I would want the protection.
I also want to thank you for reminding us to try not to judge others. I am the same height as you and have experienced almost the same weight gain in around the same time frame. I am between 143 and 144 most days. The weight gain is a result of some intense family stress that has been ongoing for 4 years. It has been bolstered by hip tendinitis that I’ve had for a year that has torpedoed my walking routine. I am moving even less because of exhaustion from what I suspect is a mild case of long Covid. (I caught Covid during the Omicron surge during Christmas 2021. I went to my in-laws’ Christmas Eve gathering that was 100% vaccinated. Someone had an asymptomatic case and shared with at least 10 family members.) The last 5 pounds came on suddenly between November and January. I don’t think it was holiday related. I’ve never gained weight during holidays before. Those 5 pounds did pile on right after my tendinitis developed. I am sure that everyone I know has noticed my weight gain. What no acquaintance knows is why I have fluffed up. I have talked to my GP and my gynecologist about it, but they don’t have any helpful suggestions.
I appreciate your openness and your reminder to try not to judge. (I honestly can’t see where you are hiding the extra weight! I’m a little jealous.) I really hope that you soon get a resolution for your hip problem. I do know two acquaintances who had hip replacement surgery. Both had very quick recoveries and both said they wished they had had the procedure sooner. I will be thinking about you in the coming weeks and months. I hope you feel better soon!
Thanks for sharing Kathy. They seem to no longer make the beige mask in N95 so I’m glad I have some left but they do make other colors in N95.
Hang in there, Jennifer! Wishing you peace!
I have visited Portugal and very much enjoyed it. Lisbon is amazing.
Hope your hip pain gets better. Everything – just going for a walk – is harder when you hurt.
And you are so right, we never know what the other person is dealing with and a little kindness on our part costs nothing.
I did an unplanned pirouette when the cap of my high heel went missing. It’s been 3 weeks today since my surgery. They gifted me with 3 titanium pins and a “happy birthday” cry pillow in the hospital— yes, it was also my birthday and we had to cancel our trip to France and Spain last week, too. We have been taking international trips since the vaccines enabled us to travel. I recommend taking Bentadine or Nozine (22-23 USD on Amazon) nasal spray that kills 99% of all viruses within a 12 hour period. Although we mask when required, the nasal spray is the best insurance if you use it 2 x a day. We have done 4 trips to Europe and one to Asia since 2020 and luckily have never had COVID. Safe travels!
Ouch! I’m so sorry Connie. I’ll order those today, they sound genious. Why have I never heard of them? Happy Birthday!
Thank you we all need to be reminded , kindness first. I wish you luck on your weight loss journey as I am a little stuck on mine. I do love the quiet luxury look and find classic shapes and colors work best and last the longest.
I love the quiet luxury look too.
Society is critical enough for women, especially as we age. Women should support women and avoid criticism. As you say, we all have our own story and let’s avoid criticizing others. I had enough criticism from my mother, and I still judge myself, negatively.
You inspire us all to look our best. Thank you.
I’m a very hard critic of myself too!! It’s a habit I’m always trying to break.
I suffered many years with hip pain and finally had to undergo hip replacement surgery and it was the best thing I could have ever done. Don’t suffer pain and physical limitations if you don’t have to.
Thanks Vicki. If it comes to surgery, I’m so encouraged to hear of success stories like your.
Thank you for sharing Walking In Another Woman’s Shoes – so true, and a good reminder to us daily! Have a great time in Portugal.