Monday Musings: Short and Sweet
I love a good farmers market. The fruits and veggies are fabulous, and the atmosphere feels almost festive. Last week, I focused on the berries and tomatoes, but this week, I added a special hummus, tapenade, and homemade sourdough bread. It’s funny, but I seldom remember to go to the Farmers market in California, so I plan to make a concerted effort when we go back. Do you make a habit of visiting the ones near you?
The weather was warm, and by the time we got back to the car, I was roasting. It’s so beastly hot at home in California that I forget the temperature can really climb here in Vancouver. Many women were wearing shorts, but the ones wearing a lightweight dress or a breezy skirt caught my eye.
My aversion to wearing shorts isn’t something new. I stopped wearing them in my early 30s because they just didn’t feel right anymore. I don’t gravitate to shorts because they feel more sporty than I like to dress. I do wear plenty of sporty clothes and have a casual lifestyle so why have I not embraced shorts more readily? It’s something I mildly wonder about, but I sure won’t lose sleep over.
We all need to wear what feels most authentic. Style is a personal choice, and I encourage you to wear what feels most like you. Is there a major clothing category you don’t wear that other women love?
OUTFIT OF THE WEEK
I would have been much cooler in a short-sleeved chambray shirt and a white cotton skirt instead of jeans.
PICNIC TOTE BAG / FLORAL DROP EARRINGS
I saw several straw totes being carried and wished I’d brought mine from home. My daughter and I also decided to bring a few empty Tupperware containers next time to help the fresh berries arrive home in better shape. I’ve been spotting lots of floral earrings lately, and they intrigue me. I’m not typically drawn to overly feminine styles, but the more often they cross my radar, the more closely I pay attention. Perhaps I will begin incorporating subtle touches of it into my outfits and see how it feels. I don’t want to look sweet, or cute, but a bit of feminine might be fun to try.
Currently Reading
Finally got my hands on Lucy Foley’s latest book, and I’m thoroughly enjoying it! I’ve read most of her books and just wish she could write them faster. Have you read her?
Downsizing?
Many of us are downsizing our wardrobes and our residences. That can leave friends and loved ones struggling to know what to get us as gifts. A reader asked what I suggested, and I thought I would put it out to this community for your great ideas. Since most of us are no longer collecting things, what sort of gifts do you like to recieve?
On another topic, what hiking boots/shoes do you love? Where do you shop for them?
Thanks for reading, and be sure you wear what feels most authentic for your style.
We long stopped buying gifts for birthdays or Xmas for the reasons you outlined, except for milestone birthdays or events. My preference now is to give a gift card so that the recipient can choose what they want or need. I received a “spa” gift card as part of my retirement gift from colleagues and just loved it. I also like book store and liquor store cards so I can buy what I want. I’ve also started sending flower arrangements to mark milestones of friends and relatives. A flower arrangement makes me happy so I like to spread that joy.
I forgot to tell you about my very best hiking boots! Karhu trail shoes. They may not be that attractive but boy do they save my feet. I wear them to walk and also in the snow. They have great traction. Check them out!
Will do!
There’s so much in this post that I relate to. We have many farmers markets in our area but I don’t go very often either. I love when I do go. If nothing else I will buy flowers 🌺 I haven’t worn shorts in years because they are always too big in the legs. I have skinny legs and skirts work better for me. I have read all of Lucy Foley’s books. They are fascinating. I loved your farmer’s market outfit!
I like to receive usable pampering items like lotions, candles, body wash, bath bombs, cute scrubbies, etc. They feel personal and I would use them. I also appreciate things for my yard or porch. Gift cards to support my hobby (sewing) are also appreciated.
I love books and bookstores, especially those bookstores with Starbucks ( ie. Chapters/Indigo here in Canada)and lots of seating. My favourite gift is a Chapters card. Maybe accompanied by a Starbucks card!
Keene Hiking boots. So comfortable, no breaking in period required. Orthotics fit, suits my irritable, wide foot with Smartwool socks. Were recommended to me by another happy customer (she was walking the Camino in Spain and had come into the shop to replace her older pair) and I have appreciated her helpful suggestion ever since.
As for gift suggestions, I have appreciated theatre tickets and a new book the most. The books are appreciated again when I pass them on.
The one fashion item I don’t wear ever and never have is denim. Even back in the day in college I didn’t wear denim. I’ve tried jeans on and they look good and flattering, but I just don’t care for me in them and have never purchased a pair. I like a chambray shirt and will wear a nice soft chambray, but not real denim.
As for gifts……….gift certificates for cleaning services (window washers, rug cleaners, etc) and handyman services (I had to get garage doors repaired and it would have been nice to whip out a card or money earmarked for handy services. Also, it seems that I go out for lunches more with friends and it would be lovely to have some gift cards for restaurants/coffee shops.
Best gift ever…….gift cards for books & movies. Nancy
Good morning!
We live in BC in the Okanagan Valley and yes it is very hot!
We downsized and I gave everything I didn’t want to The Salvation Army. We went from a 5 bedroom home on an acre with a barn to a complex with small town houses! No room. I had saved so much my husband got sick and that was it we had to move! Soooo get rid of your pieces before it is too over whelming! The move almost killed me at 77! We have been here 3 years and I do not miss anything I donated. Love our new home and my hubby is still with us ❤️👍
Enjoy your purging!
I’m glad your husband is doing better. I’ve never missed anything I got rid of either.
Thanks for the book recommendation. I’m always looking for a good read.
I now prefer getting food gifts . There’s a market place nearby & I love their nuts, different cheeses, sauces and sweets.
They always display great gift ideas. It’s funny how our tastes change as we get older!
I love Merrell hikers! I’m looking forward to your hiking apparel finds!!
We give gift cards to events, restaurants, stores (Home Depot, etc.), nurseries, coffee shops…or consumables like lotions, breads, soaps, or homemade treats. You are right, at our ages, we do not need THINGS, but we do need to know we are thought of and cared for. All the best!
My love language is “gifts”. I like to give consumables, regional
Food gifts (like Cherry Republic or American Spoon Foods on northern Michigan), newly discovered favorite things (ONDO no-show socks), memberships (to gardens , museums, art institutes), baking supplies (like good quality vanilla), spice blends (I love Penzey’s chili 9000 and 3000), gift certificates to local specialty shops, Audible book credits and gift certificates to my favorite plant nursery (especially in the spring).
Great ideas
Slowly I have been swearing off shorts in public. My legs have been showing their age LOL. But I look around at others and anything goes really. I used to like wearing skirts and dresses but now they make me look older. I look like my grandma in her old dresses. I am 5 3″ and chunky so maybe that’s the problem.
Gifts since I retired and downsized: Mani/Pedi, food places, Restuarant’s, amazon gift card or similar place if you know where they shop, same with hair places for both men and women. Men like to have a nice cut and shave too sometimes. I say amazon or bookstore if they read and there are audio books, I can’t believe how many retired, or vacation people are catching up on their reading or listening to books! Also, a card for auto gas, we have a place near that sells gas, food, car wash etc., great gift! I also use them for holiday gifts for the trash man, etc. I don’t use Visa type cards any longer. I received one myself and realized what a hassle they can be. My grandchildren are their teens…what does everything else do for them? Normally one gift to open and cash or gift card to a place they like. I know many people who take their grandkids to movies, water parks, and buy tickets for plays and concerts. What do you do? I need ideas!
Mine is not a teen yet, so that will be a challenge. Any ideas, ladies?
I have 4 grandkids; 2 12 year old girls and 2 boys, 9 and 13. I take them shopping to pick out what they want. I am so over trying to think of what to buy them but the thing they appreciate most are clothes and shoes (usually ones mom & dad won’t buy). The boys are into trendy sneakers with matching hats (who knew?) and the girls love shopping since mom orders most of their outfits online. We enjoy lunch and a day shopping, just like I used to do with my grandmother. I also started the girls on a silver charm bracelet that I plan on adding to every birthday.
Hi Karen
I do give gift cards or money – the teens have cars so need money for gas, small repairs ( new windshield wipers etc) and at Christmas one package to open.
I have younger grands too so I still have fun buying for them- fun books, toys etc.
Fantastic ideas! thank you!
I recently downsized from 32 years in a lovely home to a fabulous condo. I gave away lots of china & crystal. The next generation does not want it. They don’t want your Christmas cookie platters either!
Please don’t give me holiday decorations of any theme – they will be headed to Goodwill.
I welcome gift cards and food or wine gifts.
My kids don’t want most of our stuff at all!
I live in a very casual rural area in PA and do wear bermuda-length shorts. (At 5′ 2″ tall, though, I’m pondering whether my shorts would be more in proportion if they were just a bit shorter.) I have a couple skorts that I enjoy wearing as well. However, I just can’t make myself wear sleeveless tops or linen clothing. I also don’t feel comfortable in anything too “girly.” I’ve told myself, however, that I have enough basic navy and black tops and need to look for things with some special detailing or more color. Knowing myself as I do, that will probably mean more stripes! haha
Stripes for me too 🙂
My favorite gift ideas – time/phone calls with my grandchildren, a lunch alone with my daughter/son, multi-generation trip/weekend home or away, weekly/monthly phone calls/visits. As we get older the only thing we are short on and need more of is time with family.
I agree!
Hiking shoes: check REI. They are great about helping you find a good pair of hiking shoes/boots. Make sure you try them with the socks you intend to wear. I have loved my Vasque hiking boots with wool blend socks. They are my most comfortable shoes ever.
Thanks!
Our immediate family (hubby, me, two sons with one wife & one girlfriend) decided last year that we buy what we need/want throughout the year, so Christmas gets tricky knowing what to give each other. So we decided up do the “white envelope” gift exchange this year, & instead of physical gifts, we are going to donate to a cause we feel the recipient would like, write down where we donated the money, & place that slip of paper in a white envelope for each of us to open the envelopes at Christmas. This is not our unique idea – Google “white envelope” to read the story I found on it. We are excited to incorporate this into our holiday this year!
The “white envelope” sounds like a marvelous tradition. Thank you for pointing it out Shirley.
I don’t wear shorts either but my reason is unattractive legs. I’d like to get into wearing dresses more. When I see ladies on Homeworthy open their doors in these pretty feminine dresses or on blogs showing their homes or gardens, I want to do the same. Funnily enough, when I leave the house I change. I’m working on getting comfortable in them.
Love Lucy Foley books. I haven’t read her latest. Let us know if it’s as good a read.
I like to receive flowers, a plant or a nice bottle of wine, maybe a pretty scarf or a pottery dish I can use for serving. I downsized upon retirement and I’ve been minimizing my belongings recently. I just don’t want extraneous stuff.
I’m enjoying this one a lot