Monday Musings- Propping Up The Economy
Happy Monday ladies. We resumed our Sunday drives last weekend and headed back to one of our favorite little towns, Nevada City.
The small businesses all appear pretty hard hit so we did what we could to prop up its economy :). My husband bought some fabulous hats at the local hat shop. We bought truffles and cappuccino at the chocolate shop, then more chocolate from another specialty chocolate shop.
It’s a charming little town with lots of historic buildings but some are in need of a bit of sprucing up.
White jeans and a long duster were my OOTD with my Allbirds. I’ve had this buffalo plaid duster for years and always wore it open over a tank and pants. Sunday, I just buttoned closed below my waist and called it done. I combined a simple, old-fashioned strand of pearls with a chain and pendant of the same length for my own version of layering.
ALLBIRDS
I’ve been wearing and loving my new Allbirds Tree Runners but am finding my feet get fatigued if I walk too long in them. Could they be too flexible for my feet? I know some of you swear by these so what are your thoughts?
PEARLS
I’ve always been a bit of a crow about shiny things but in the last few years, I’ve been more attracted to things with gentle luster, brushed finishes, and things with energy. I collect stones and crystals that have healing properties but I only choose ones that I find pretty.
The little crystal shop in Nevada City is a tiny place with a pebble floor, filled with dishes of crystals so I popped in for a look. I found no new treasures this visit because I have pearls on my brain. They’ve been on my radar a lot this fall. Real and faux, I’m an equal opportunity pearl lover. Their soft luster is so easy to toss on with everything. Do I feel a bit more dressed up wearing pearls? Yup, and that suits me just fine. Sneakers and pearls work anytime:)
BROOCHES
Do you love them? I used a very inexpensive pin that I’ve had for many years to add zing to a neutral outfit last week. That inspired me to start getting out more of my brooches and pinning them on a small pillow. Why have I never thought of displaying them like that before? I don’t have a large collection, but it’s sure fun to have them out of the jewelry box so I can see them.
I went down the rabbit hole of Google looking for unique pins and found some wonderful ones.
NEUTRAL OUTFIT
I know many of you are not on Instagram, so I thought I would share this outfit with you. Yes, velcro rollers again and I will be making a video to show you exactly how I use them.
WEARING – SWEATER BLAZER – CREAM TURTLENECK – BARELY BOOTCUT JEANS – LEOPARD BELT – BOOTIES – similar EARRINGS HERE AND HERE – PEARL PIN old, similar HERE, AND HERE.
Arthritis
The arthritis in my thumb is acting up all of a sudden so I’ve gone back to wearing the little brace my Orthopedic surgeon recommended. It simply limits the range of motion which in theory gives the joint time to rest so it stops hurting. I’ve never taken Glucosamine or Chondroitin and wondered if any of you have experience with it or suggestions. It seems that my many years of obsessive knitting, continue to haunt me with hand issues…but my husband has some wonderful sweaters and it was so enjoyable:)
Thanks for reading and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.
Yes I use a supplement by “Webber Naturals” with both Glucosamine and Chondroitin in the capsules….I get mine from Costco or my local natural foods store….there are many other brands.
I have old injuries and was VERY active when I was younger so I now need all the help I can get. I do find it helps but must be taken daily.
If you want pearls at a cheap price you might consider one of the Asian web-based sellers. My sister got started with one of these when she wanted pearls for all the bridesmaids for her daughter’s wedding. Yes they are good quality but there is one caveat and that is that it can take months for your purchase to arrive by snail mail. You can find many Vendors on eBay that ship pearls from overseas.
Thank you, Lauren! We are at Costco weekly so I’ll have my husband pick some up.
Your posts are always interesting, full of information, and make me look at my clothing in a new light. I hope you find the right combination to give you relief from the arthritis it seems that various things work for people. I have found that pretty eliminating sugar has helped me substantially. I follow a Keto diet and also limit my caffeine to one cup a day. Your idea of pinning broaches and pins to a pillow so they are visible is one I plan to incorporate. Out of sight jewelry just doesn’t get worn as often and like clothing I get in the habit of picking the same thing over and over.
Orthopedist suggested New Balance shoes but ONLY the ones in the 900 line…. He said they are specifically for problem feet…my husband cannot wear anything else!!
Good to know! Thank you
Hi Jennifer,
I was finally diagnosed with RA back in 2013, in 2012 I had it, was difficult for my Internist at the time
to figure out what was wrong with me. As it turns out my RA is progressive, under the care of a wonderful
Rheumatologist since January of 2013. I had carpal tunnel surgery in both hands back in 2012. The arthritis is very bad
now in my thumbs. I use Voltaren mainly for my foot pain, also for your hands, thumbs. Costco was bringing Volaren in
not sure if they still carry it, if not Fry’s pharmacy stocks it in Arizona.
Your feet are everything, I have RA and osteoporosis in both. Your shoes are critical. My podiatrist is outstanding. Dr. Cathleen
suggested New Balance, Brooks, and Asics brands. The THICK souls are important in your sneakers, a “rocker sole” is important.
With my New Balance I take out the in souls and add in Pressure Relief Insoles. Also if you have pressure in the toe box it’s important
to go with a wide width. I am sure your podiatrist will guide you to what is best for your feet. Flip flops are a big NO NO. I wear them in
the shower because I have lost my padding in the ball of my feet. Finding a mature person who understands your issues with your feet
is so important. I have found that is really critical.
Also SAS is a shoe store that specializes in mature feet, lots of widths and selections. For me my podiatrist suggested the
SAS “Relax Sandal”, they come in lots of colors, remind me of a Birkenstock look.
I also soak my feet in hot water using Ultra Epsom Magnesium Sulfate USP Lavender All Natural. I purchase this through Amazon.
Please keep me posted. When your feet hurt, you hurt all over, and that can make you a crab muffin.
My thoughts are with you.
My sweet little mother had a saying …she would say MY FEET HURT SO BAD THEYRE MAKING MY FACE UGLY!
Thank you so much, Katherine. I purchased more Voltaren again today to give it another try. Thanks so much for your shoe suggestions. The padding on the bottom of my feet is almost gone as well. I do love my New Balance so I guess I need to wear them for longer outings instead of my Allbirds.
I live the way you combined tour purls with the other necklace. I would love to wear my pearls more. I have cultured and fresh water pearls and like them both But I have not worn them with a casual outfit but will try it soon. Thanks for the inspiration.
Also, I love the brooch idea. I have many brooches and pins in my collection and it is getting bigger every year. I inherited many of them and have many of my own. I love wearing them often. Pinning them to a pillow is a fantastic idea for storage and display. That is much better than rooting through boxes in my jewelry chest.
Nevada City looks like a charming little town. I would have spent hours in that crystal shop. I have several pieces of jewelry created with different stones and get so many compliments on them. I too was told by a podiatrist to never wear shoes that you can bend in half. I swear by Vionics, have many pairs in different styles from them and have never been disappointed. They provide wonderful support and you pretty much can walk around all day with them. Love the brooches on the pillow. So pretty! I found a way to display all of my pierced earrings, wire ones….. I purchased a wire vegetable holder three tiers, bronze color and now I have all my beautiful earrings on display and find I am wearing so many that I had forgot about. Lovely addition to my dresser. Have a wonderful week Jennifer.
That’s a great idea for earrings!! If I don’t see my things, I forget to wear them too. Happy Monday
Different strokes for different folks is the way we put it. I’m 79 and I’ve learned that shoes I swear by like Keds for comfort don’t work for everyone. You just keep trying and when you find the right shoe you’ll know. I have a little gold mouse with eyeglasses that move up and down by Avon I’ve had for years. Love the way you displayed yours.
I take 500mg of curcumin with black pepper twice a day. It helps the arthritis in my hands and feet, though it doesn’t do much of anything for my knee. Good luck!
I never got that much relief from G/C….I also have arthritis in my little finger and thumb. I upped my turmeric to 2/day and it has helped so much. It reduces the inflammation…good for the whole body. I actually forgot about my arthritis until yesterday when my husband mentioned his finger was bothering him. Dawned on me…haven’t had an ache since I upped to 2 a day…that’s 1000mg.
My grandmother died more than 30 years ago but I still remember her talking about an arthritis remedy she used — maybe she created it herself or it was a remedy her parents used on the farm, but anyway … she rubbed liquid vitamin E into her knarled joints every day. It really did work! (Pregant women use this to get rid of stretch marks.) My husband uses a CBD ointment on his feet (after basketball), and it seems to do the trick for him. Pearls and chains: love it!
Hi Jennifer,
I enjoy reading your blog everyday, but this is my first time adding my thoughts. I enjoy hosting tea parties and luncheons, and I often decorate the center of my tables with my brooches, strands of pearls, and earrings that I inherited from my mom. I have several earrings that lost their mates that I continue to enjoy this way. I weave them around candles and flowers and sometimes display them on mirrors so that the light makes them sparkle. Thanks for always getting my day off to a great start!
How fun! I bet that looks gorgeous, what a great idea.
Sneakers and pearls — sweet serendipity!! For travel I have found a soft linen-look duster is multi-purpose: robe, swim cover, shopping, alfresco lunch. Your buffalo check with hat looks effortless and fun.
I’ve tried glucosamine and found no relief. My orthopedic doctor upped my alieve to twice a day and it really helps. Do you, anyone, sleep in the hand brace(s)? Makes all the difference for me!
Also , love sketchers for running around but for walking I need more support. As I’ve suggested before, Hotters Shoes are amazing.
I swear by my New Balance walking shoes. I always wear them when I know I’m going to be walking for a long time. I had a pediatrist tell me a long time ago that I needed to start buying better shoes for myself with good arch support. He said that my bad shoes were causing my knee and foot pain. Started buying NB and never looked back. You looked terrific on your road trip and I love your brooches. I have two or 3.
I sleep in a hand brace for my carpel tunnel…oh joy:)
I have arthritis on my hands and doctor put me on gluten free diet, along withe the tumeric with ginger, hyaluronic acid, and glucosamine chondroitin with MSM. Made a huge difference. When gets bad I use the arthritis gloves for 30 minutes works like a charm. A friend who has trouble with arthritis, trigger fingers wears them all night. Hope it gets better. Thank you for your great blog am really enjoying it.
I do eat gluten-free but I need more help. What is MSM?
Hi Jennifer, for unique brooches (and jewellry in general) take a look at the Buckingham Palace Gift Shop – yes, it’s the official gift shop. They sell some replicas, but also many original works.
Wowza, this shop has some amazing pieces. Thank, Sue
Have you tried an anti inflammatory diet for your arthritis? I had terrible foot pain, caused by plantar fasciitis, last year and was having some joint pain in my fingers. I was at a loss, not knowing what to do. I finally tried an anti inflammatory diet and some foot stretches that I found on YouTube. Within a couple of weeks the pain was all but gone.
Cindy, can you share a little more about your anti-inflammatory diet? I’ve just been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and am feeling a bit overwhelmed.
Hi Valorie, I too have just been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and cannot take any meds with blood thinners in them so I would love to hear what Cindy shares with you. I hope you do well with getting your RA under control.
All the best
Jayne
I am so sorry to hear about your RA diagnosis. I’m wanting to learn more about that diet too. Best of luck!xx
Lots of information about it on the internet with many recipes. But, basically it’s no sugar, milk and milk products, wheat and alcohol. The arthritis association has lots of information too. I really believe it has helped me.
Thank you! I need to cut the dairy totally out.
I’m so sorry to hear that. I am anxious to learn more about it too.
I do try, but admit I am not as careful with it as I could be. Thanks for reminding me to be more diligent about it.
I absolutely adore pearls! I have a strand that my husband gave me one Valentines and big grey Pearl studs for my birthday. I recently purchased a huge fireball Pearl necklace from Hong Kong and they are a statement piece for sure!
Hope that your thumb feels better…I had hot wax treatments for my hand and they help. I think you can buy wax and use a small crock pot to treat your hand at home.
Your necklace is simply amazing, Leslie. I think you’re who reignited this passion for pearls in me:) I hope you’re well. XX
My guess is some of your rhinestones broaches are either Weiss or his competitor, both German costume designers in early 1900s. Very lovely, very collectible, very dear. I love mine and wear the often. Affordable ‘Rhinegold’ if you will. On a more prosaic topic, flexible sneakers are nice but are not good for long hauls. An insole might be the ticket.
Thanks, Leslie. I picked up a few at an antique shop, so I will have to check the back for markings.
I’m on my second foot surgery to correct a couple of major issues with bone, bone spurs and Achilles’ tendon. My doctor said never to wear a shoe you can easily bend in half. Try New Balance for distance walking (not the ones you get from discount or factory stores, get fitted at a running shop). My husband, whose rheumatoid arthritis is worse in his feet, also swears by them. I follow a you tuber in Great Britain who is very hip and has finally found the pair of NB that is all the rage there. Who knew we might be ahead of the curve? 😀
Where did you get them? What do they look like?
I think we are making the curve:) Thanks Linda
My podiatrist also recommends shoes with more support for walking. I have arthritis in my feet, and any of the flexible shoes are for around the house only for me.