Weekend Reading: 04.19.25
Happy Saturday! We’re expecting a warm, sunny weekend, and I’m so ready for it. It’s been a crazy week for me, with my husband’s phone breaking, some health surprises, and way too little downtime. I feel the need for a vacation, but not a physical one, just a mental one. My friend Carol says she’s learned not to stress about things she can’t control, and it’s something I need to work on. I am a teeny, tiny control freak, and my perfectionist tendencies often add to the stress level. My AAA personality has me running in high gear too often and it’s not doing my health any favors. I have some plans to take a mental vacation, and would love to hear how you do it. Any and all suggestions welcome.
Here’s what I wore when I took my husband to the doctor and then to the Apple store last week. (They wouldn’t fix his phone on my say so). It turned out his phone was dead on arrival.
Crossed My Radar:
- I have my eye on this gorgeous bag. It comes in several colors, but the Ivory is so pretty, and the price is great!
- I agree with these 7 things people over 50 should do everyday.
- I’m all of a sudden wanting pink in my wardrobe. The butter yellow was a fail, so I’m looking for pink. This lilac linen shirt isn’t pink, but wow, it’s so pretty.
- I was ridiculously excited to spot a beautiful Bobcat wandering in our backyard. It was probably hunting the cute bunny that’s been around too…I hope the bunny is quick.
Sales of note:
JENNI KANE still has their spring sale on with 20% off many great pieces.
BODEN: Take 10% off new arrivals with code V9AQ.
FREDA SALVADOR has 20% off my favorite woven flats in several colors.
CHICO’S: 50% off when you spend $200+.
J.CREW: 40% off site-wide during the Spring Sale.
J.JILL: Credit card holders take 20% off with code JJCO425.
NORDSTROM: New spring markdowns up to 50% off, plus get a $25 promotional gift card when you purchase a $150 gift card.
TALBOTS: 40% plus an extra 15% off markdowns, and 30% off dresses, skirts, shoes & accessories.
In case you missed it:
Have a fabulous weekend and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident.
I had a boss who would say “how important will this be in 1 yr, 5 yrs” regarding stressful things. I have used this strategy and sometimes it helps. Hopefully things are getting better each day! I love stripes so I love your outfit!
LOL, I can relate to those labeled with RBF. In my case, it is more like RSF (resting scowl face). I can’t maintain a “Mona Lisa smile” during my waking hours but 98% of thtime I’m smiling on the inside.
LOL
Hi Jennifer,
A few ideas for a mental vacation: a good yoga class, a walk with a friend, your favorite cup of tea while watching a “chick flick” or reading a really good book. And, fresh flowers for your home.
Hope this helps and all is well in your world.
Susan W.
Thanks Susan
Mental vacations for me are planning my next trip, a soak in the hot tub, making packing lists for different trips, planning things I want to cook or new restaurants I want to try.
Happy de-stressing!
Jennifer, I do the same stresses. I also try to let go! So very hard for me.
I will we watching the replies you receive on how others handle stresses.
I also feel like the wide leg pants make me look heaver. How do I change that? Thanks.
Either skip them or try drapier fabics that flow. Your top needs to fit closer to the body when wearing a wider pant
Aide to mental wellness: Tai Chi….balance too
I tried it once and need to try it again
After retiring 2 years ago, I started a morning ritual of using 2 apps to start my day. The first is 5 Minute Gratitude. Reviewing what brings me joy at the start of the day carries into the morning. Next is my Calm App. There is a morning reflection and a short movement I complete. Then a cup of coffee as I watch the birds at the feeder outside my window. All of this takes less than 30 minutes. But it is my 30 minutes. Give it a try!
I have that app which I use for white noise when I sleep. I’ll try the reflection, thanks
I look forward to reading your blog almost daily and enjoy the fun and useful tips and fashion highlights. Thank your for introducing the scent brand Lake & Skye. I sent for samples and discovered a couple of wonderful scents I can wear….there is something different about how they are formulated that makes them easy to wear and less obtrusive. As far as your mental vacation….I have several suggestions. They are…..doing some easy yoga poses (there are many free YouTube videos available) meditation, even just ten minutes at a time; listen to a guided meditation or relaxation session using an app installed on your phone such as Calm; military breathing technique. I’d say, deep breathing is the easiest and quickest way to achieve calm and you can do it anywhere. Best of luck! It is hard to find the time to do these when we need them the most but self-care is important as we age!
Thank you so much!
The single best thing I’ve done for my mental health is to stop watching or reading the news. My husband still watches or reads the news and his anxiety is off the charts. I’ve also stopped all social media except for Facebook and YouTube, but even with those I only go to my groups or subscriptions, not just a generic feed. My mantra is “If it’s something out of my control (like the weather or politics), I don’t worry about it.”
I stopped watching the news many, many years ago on the advice of Dr Andrew Weil. Best thing I ever did for my mental health.
Hope you get your downtime! I bought the book you are reading. I liked her first book too. Love your outfit. Happy Easter 🐰
The new one has grabbed me from the second chapter
I do all the things people of the Blue Zone do to live a long life, except I probably drink too much wine. 😉
When out doing mundane things like picking up groceries I try to remember to put a slight smile on my face. I find you look less old when doing so and certainly more approachable. A friend in my book club mentioned she had resting bitch face and hadn’t realized it until she caught a glimpse in a passing window. Yikes!
I hope you get some mental rest this Easter weekend. I find escaping into a good book with a nice cup of tea helps me. A afternoon short nap can reset your energy levels.
Have a wonderful Easter all!
My mental health day involves no tv, no news, no phone scrolling and no political talk. I read, take a walk, and quilt. I find it necessary to do this every couple of weeks! You’ll be surprised that you didn’t miss a thing!
Phone scrolling is my worst habit. I need to drop it
Look getting your emails! So full of good information and recommendations. Always look forward to them. Thanks for all you do!
Ah, the mental vacation. First, I politely cancel any events or social engagements that are not absolutely essential. Then go to my office/studio and start a new drawing (colored pencil art) even if it’s only a little greeting card. Creating something always lifts my spirits. Alternate? Cook something that makes the house smell great.
Great idea!
Another fun activity I have started doing with friends is drying flowers for greeting cards or other art. Now we are sharing blooms from our spring gardens. It has also added a new focus to our walks in the woods and nature trails where we live.
I’m loving the JCrew sale items. JCrew is reasonably priced so those of us on a fixed income can splurge. Thank you!
I loved this post! Full of great tips for living a healthy life. I just returned from a river cruise through Netherlands and Belgium, just the thing to blow out the cobwebs in my mind. You seem to really relax on your Mexico trips….maybe it’s time? Take care and Happy Easter!
We couldn’t go this year because of my husbands hip and I’m really missing seeing my brother. A lot!!
My husband dropped his phone in the sink while shaving 2 weeks ago and it died immediately. He still hasn’t replaced it. In the meantime we’ve had two 12 year old granddaughters visiting, an old dog that needs to be put down and extreme wind here in the desert. At my age (73) I think I know how to handle stress mentally but my body can’t seem to get on board. Happy Easter!
I’m so sorry about your dog! Hang in there.
When I need a mental break I immerse myself in a good novel. It allows an escape from reality for hours.
When I need a mental vacation I take a meditative walk. I focus on my footsteps, the sound of the wind in the trees, birds etc. I recite a positive affirmation over and over, “What if it all works out?” I have a stressful job involving testifying so I often envision myself in a bubble with harsh comments bouncing off me. I wish you well
I love the visual of the comments bouncing off. Thank you!
I look forward to all your articles in my mailbox. I too am a tiny control freak. I need a mental vacation every single day. Since the pandemic, I started to take up coloring. When ordering from Amazong crayons for my daughter, I came across these adult coloring books. Love them. I have at least 6. I ordered some really nice crayons and off I go. Leave it on my desk, and when I want a mental break, I color. Every day for 1/2 hr. Does wonders. You should see the beautiful work I have done since pandemic. I really enjoy my adult color by number book. No thinking. I like that. Good luck with your husband and happy coloring to all.