Monday Musings: Shaking Things Up
Happy Monday, ladies. Today I’m sharing what’s new in the zoo and what we did last week. The weather was pretty dismal in Vancouver, so we hopped a seaplane to Vancouver Island, where it was warmer and sunnier. I can’t imagine where my brain was when I neglected to pack a rain jacket and umbrella for this trip, but it sure wasn’t in a logical space. I’ve been using my two Eric Javits sun hats to keep the rain off my head and borrowing my husband’s jackets.
Seaplane
There are several companies that fly these routes, and this time we chose Seair. It’s a quick 15-minute flight to Nanaimo, and the views are amazing. I shared a reel of my trip here.
This hat is labeled straw, but it’s actually made of a 95% polypropylene, 5% polyester blend that takes a real beating. I’ve owned, manhandled, and crushed this hat into tiny bags for many years, and it always pops back into shape! It got soaked in the rain before boarding this flight, yet sprang back with a few tugs on the brim.
Shaking Machines
Have you heard of vibrating platform machines for fitness? My sister-in-law showed me hers, which I couldn’t resist trying out. It feels weird!
I heard it helps with circulation and fluid retention, so I did a deep dive to see more about them. The Mayo Clinic reports that whole-body vibration may reduce back pain, improve strength and balance in older adults and reduce bone loss. There’s not a lot of research on the benefits of these machines, but they seem to be popular. Have you tried one?
New Suitcase
My husband and I both upgraded to this Away Bigger Carry-On Flex for our upcoming trip to Portugal this fall. It’s just a tiny bit bigger than my Mono’s bag but the flex option means I can expand it a few inches which makes a huge difference in the amount of stuff I can cram into it. Did you ever notice that dirty clothes seem to take up more space in a suitcase than clean clothes?
We spent some time at my favorite beach on the island, just soaking in the fresh air and gorgeous scenery. Here’s a small video I made of that visit-
This hat is made from the same polypropylene/polyester as my other Eric Javits hats and feels just as indestructible. I crammed this one into my suitcase for the trip over and it arrived looking like new!
As expected, I left my suction cup mirror stuck to the window of the hotel we were staying in, so I will need to reorder it. Thank goodness they’re not expensive because I leave them all over the world. I’m going to order a slightly stronger magnification this time.
I’ve started getting emails about the Nsale already, have you? I’m at the ambassador level, so I can’t shop until July 12th. What day will you be shopping it?
Have a great week, and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident.
I love the idea of the seaplane trip, but how did you get from there to Rathtrevor Beach? Did you rent a car? Taxi?
We easily walk on the Coho ferry from Port Angeles to Victoria and would love options for exploring more of the island without having to take a car.
We did rent a car on the other side.
I bought a vibration platform 2 years ago! I love It!
Vancouver is on my bucket list! Looks like you’re having a great time!
Good to know. Thanks Kim.
Your little trip to the island made me think……we love to go over for a visit to our dear friends in Nanoose.
It’s been too long, also we have never taken the little nplane over!
Love the suction makeup mirror! What a great idea!
I would love to have the cashmere sweater for my upcoming Alaska cruise!
Think your look is just lovely 😊
Thank you Dianne. We’re hoping to take that cruise one of these days.
This is a different subject but did you ever notice
that men’s Rogaine says not for use by women?
I use the women’s Rogaine 5% foam and was looking to
use the dropper that the men’s has.
Is it safe for women?
It is totally safe for women and less expensive. I hate that the brand over charges women.
Maybe talk to a lawyer about that. The company should be brought to task. We, women, get ripped off all of the time on products and services.
When I can, I purchase vests and jackets for men. In particular, I like that the vests and jackets completely cover my backside, which translates to keeping me warmer. As you mentioned, the roominess is another big plus. There’s a place for tighter-fitting women’s outerwear, but usually just the ski slopes.
Hi Jennifer, your trip looks fantastic. I’ve had a 10X , 9” round, magnifying suction cup mirror for many years. It goes everywhere with me and it’s a fairly large one. Bed bath and beyond was the only place they used to have this size but now they are going out of business, but I always kept a spare, just in case. It’s a must for me. I e found many of them aren’t great quality and have some distortion. This one doesn’t.
I’d love a bigger one for at home. The lighting is just so perfect at a window 🙂
Your posts bring back wonderful memories of visiting Salt Spring Island last year and taking a sea plane to Vancouver (and a ferry from Vancouver to SSI). Gorgeous beautiful part of our planet!
I would love to buy a Quince Cashmere sweater but am intimidated by not being able to wash it in the machine-cashmere seems high maintenance-what do you do? Also thanks for all your wonderful posts. Look forward to them everyday.
I have washed my cashmere in the machine in gentle and layer flat to dry. Hand washing is best though.
thanks that is so encouraging and do-able!
Hi Jennifer, your posts are the best. I live right here in Craig Bay beside Rathtrevor Beach and I was delighted to hear you are in my neighbourhood. Enjoy your time in paradise and I look forward to reading your blogs. You are super!
Thanks so much Linda. Maybe we can meet for coffee when I’m back over your neck of the woods next month. Craig Bay is so lovely.
I totally agree about dirty clothes taking up more space! I’ve taken to packing a large compression packing bag that I just fill with dirty clothes then press all the air out. Everything arrives home incredibly wrinkled but that’s fine!
Smart idea!
Jennifer, we invested in the AWAY luggage couple years ago and love it. I highly recommend. Worth the price. Love reading your blog! Wanda
It’s great! Did you get the handheld weekender too?
I’m so glad you came over to the island. Two different worlds, the mainland and the island. What surprises me is that it has been gloomy and rainy on the mainland, while we are sunny. Do wish we would get some rain though, but not during your stay. 😉
Loved your little video. That tune is going to be dancing in my head all day. Not a bad thing!
Nordstrom is no longer an option for us.
We plan to go back to the island. It’s so special. I’m really missing Nordstrom here too.
Loved all your humor in this post!! Glad you were able to make things work. Packing as I get older seems more erratic and I pride myself on being organized?! go figure ; ) enjoy the week!
Me too! I’m usually super organized when I pack. This has been so eye opening.
Looks like such a fun trip!! I have never seen a suction cup mirror but now I feel like I desperately need one. Your beach was beautiful!
My favorite beach!
The modern vibration machines are not the same as those old ones with belts for weight reduction. The new ones are helpful for the lymphatic system, retaining bone density and more. We have one and I find it is also a mood/ energy booster, but yes, they feel weird at first.
On another subject, you have almost convinced me to invest in an Eric Javits hat. Talk about a workhorse!
That’s what my sister in law loves it for. I’ve had my wide brim one for many many years. It’s so sturdy!
Seems you are having a very nice time in spite of various challenges. Sounds like you need to make yourself a packing checklist — I have done it for myself as well as for my husband. It is easy to print off a new one for each trip and check off each item as it goes in the suitcase/duffel/etc. Many items are needed for every trip (each toiletry is listed separately, including eye drops, face serums, each makeup item, meds, razor, deodorant, shampoo etc etc etc). I always include on the list rain jacket, umbrella, hat, sunglasses, gloves, scarf, packable down jacket, make-up mirror etc and cross off the items not needed for that trip or that season. My makeup bag always contains scissors, tweezers, q-tips, bandaids, safety pins, needle and thread, so things like that are not listed — just the makeup bag. It makes packing so much easier. Other items are listed more generally, such as shorts, pants, t-shirts, blouses, pjs, dressy outfit, but it helps me remember to think about categories that are important for the particular trip and pack appropriate items. The list keeps getting refined by adding items I wish I had packed. If I take it with me, it is also a very good checklist for re-packing in the hotel room before leaving. It saves so much stress when I have trouble focusing in the days before leaving. I also have a separate checklist for leaving the house for extended periods that includes setting up light timers, turning off the water, etc, etc. Your hats are wonderful and your outfits seem just right.
I love packing lists. I was so disorganized this time I’m shocked at myself.
the shaking machines were all the rage in the 50s. they were supposed to help with weight reduction.
I remember those with the belts you put on your thighs etc
Happy Monday morning Jennifer. I love that you are on a vibrating machine, it brings me back to the Elaine Powers exercise studios when we got on the machine with the wide belt that went around our hips & butts. I had a good laugh remembering those days😂😂
Have a great day
Happy Monday Pat!
I learned a new word this week in Vancouver – ‘Junuary’ – which describes what we call ‘June Gloom’ in the Bay Area. Happily the weather is forecast to be fine the rest of the week during our last few days here. Yesterday was spectacular! This is our first time in Vancouver and we’re loving the city.
I really like the hat and the mirror – will investigate. Thank you!
It’s a spectacular city!
Hey there Jennifer, and welcome ‘home’ to Vancouver Island! I see you are staying at The Bayside which has had a major transformation. Our ‘Grandmothers to Grandmothers’ organization hold their Extravanganza there every November for a fundraiser … very well attended… with nearly $22,000 going to Grandmothers in sub Saharan Africa every year.
I’d like to take the seaplane into Vancouver harbour sometime, but since we live a short distance away from Qualicum Beach airport, we take the 1/2 hour flight to Vancouver’s South Terminal airport. You might like to return that way using Iskwew ( iss-kway-yo) Air. Great little restaurant there too…’Final Approach’ …good for plane watching.
We are arriving home after attending a wedding in Edmonton this weekend, so this afternoon flying into Comox, which you know is a beautiful drive up island along the waterside route. So good to visit my husband’s family again.
If you are looking for an opportunities to find a vacation property again on the island, you may have a shock at the prices now. Our home has doubled in value in 7 years! I understand your regret selling your place in Nanoose🙁
Have a lovely stay regardless… Qualicum is a great place to live. Hope you have a chance to visit the village … Impulse Apparel, Covet( Ilsa Jacobsen tulip shoes), and Open Collar Men for your fellow.
How fun Cath!! Yes I know Qualicum very well. You live in a gorgeous spot. One of my brothers lives there. My Dad used to live in Courtenay and I flew out of that Comox airport from Vancouver often. We’ve eaten at the Final Approach many times!
We sure do miss our home there. It’s gone way up in value. Both my nephews line in Edmonton. What a small world!!
I live in Spruce Grove which is 20 minutes from Edmonton. You should come to Edmonton 😊
You look so cute in that jacket! Isn’t it funny how sometimes the unplanned outfits or accessories work out so well?
I love that suction mirror and am ordering one today. Makeup application in hotels in the worst; poor lighting or you can’t get close enough to the mirror. Thank you, Jennifer!
Suction cup mirror where have you been all my life?
Exactly!
Pat, I thought the same thing!