Monday Musings-It’s a Puzzle

Happy Monday ladies. I hope you had a great weekend. With continuing lockdown in everyone’s future, I want to ask what you’d like to see more of here on AWSL. Are there topics you’d like me to cover? Things you’d like me to shop for and share? I’ll continue to discuss style and talk about fashion… but I wanted to know what else is on your mind.

Here are a few things on my mind this week-

T-Shirt Dresses

We were in the high 90’s all last week and it’s anticipated that we will be in the low 100’s all this week. That feels too hot for most things to me so I have simple t-shirts on the brain. I’ve worn this one from Target more than I ever expected so clearly, T-shirt dressing is an easy way to dress in the heat.

over 50 petite blogger Jennifer Connolly wearign t-shirt dress
T-SHIRT DRESSSANDALS on sale

Unless I’m bending over cleaning something out or gardening threatening the lives of our veggie plants, a cotton dress is an easy peasy way for me to dress. Target is a great source for them in all colors, shapes, and lengths because the quality is great and the price can’t be beat.

Silk Masks collection of silk facemasks

Life looks so very different now. Everywhere I go, I wear a mask. I won’t get political about mask-wearing here and I ask that you please don’t. AWSL is a religion, sex, and political free zone. Some folks on FB don’t get that and turn nasty so I just block them and I will continue to do so. Now that I have that out of the way… I spotted a lady wearing this face shield and loved it. She gave me the info so I opened my phone and ordered it on the spot. It will be comfier for many situations but a mask will still be required.


I take special care of my complexion so I don’t want just any material next to it. I also realize that if I wear a pale mask with no pattern, the bottom of my face will look blank. I think this pandemic will change our world in ways we can’t begin to imagine and masks will be commonplace going forward. It’s probably too much to ask for a mask that will allow the focus to be on my eyes but I continue to look. I just ordered this one, and this one and this one.

The Guest List

the guest list book and cup of tea
THE GUEST LIST

I am thoroughly enjoying this book. Escaping into a great book is often the very best way to fill an afternoon. What are you reading? Please share in the comments.

Puzzles

My daughter picked up this vintage-looking puzzle of the National Parks and we are loving it! Even though it reminds me of all the places I can’t visit this summer. I feel like I’ve really accomplished something when I get a section put together! It’s a stressfree way to spend a few hours each day…I just don’t recommend doing them on a mirrored table:)

puzzle on mirrored coffee table
NATIONAL PARKS PUZZLE

I’m loving this time waster so much I’ll need another one the minute this is finished.

Thanks for reading and remember to share what you’d like to see more of here.

 

 

74 Comments

  1. I would love to hear about your experiences with online color consulting and see the palette(s) selected for you. Were there surprises? As a stylist yourself, how do the recommended colors differ from those you have been choosing already?

  2. I agree with Paula Green’s comments about face shields. They are better protection for the wearer than face masks. Also there are now studies being done about the type of masks (jersey, cloth, 3-layer, etc) and the varying levels of protection (or lack thereof) depending on the material. I bought our face shields from Amazon, but not the ones that you linked to. Mine has an elastic band in back which makes it very comfortable to wear.

    When I do wear a face mask, I tend to make sure to apply eye makeup since that’s the only facial expression visible. But I may skip the liquid foundation etc since it just rubs off on the mask and no one sees your face anyway. On the other hand, when I wear the shield I put on full makeup and am happy to finally be able to wear lipstick again!

    It’s very hot in Florida too. So I tend to wear long shorts or crops with short sleeve slub tees from Chico’s. I do love your T shirt dress but cannot wear anything straight as my lower half would be protruding all over. LOL

    Please continue to keep us updated on fashion. But I would also like to see and read about what women are typically doing during these prolonged stay-at-home periods. For instance, wearing make-up vs no make-up, how dressed up are people really getting just to hang around the house all day with spouse, casual clothes suggestions, personal grooming behaviors, etc.

    Thanks, Jennifer, for all you are doing for us!

    1. You need both. The shield stops the big splatters from going into your eyes but the mask is still a necessity as this virus is airborne and you wonā€™t be protected with just a face shield on.

  3. You hit the nail straight on with this collection. From the Llama shirt to the face shields! This was all VERY RELEVANT to me in my world. As you know, I just retired from teaching and my husband came down with sudden onset Dementia. I have to take him to many medical appointments and once we start going to the VA, I will be wanting face shields for us both to go over the masks.

    I DO have a question that maybe you can answer.

    I have trouble keeping my masks on. They keep popping off my ears. How do I stop this?

    Another request, can you locate someone who makes truly soft socks? I mean soft, almost fluffy puppy dog hair soft? My feet donā€™t like rough socks.

    Thank you!!!!!!ā€™

  4. Paula Green says:

    Hi Jennifer
    I want to share my experience with a face shield. I work with the public but have a medical condition that makes it almost impossible to wear a mask for eight and a half hours a day! I read up on face shield and found many studies that show how they are safer in some respects than a mask.
    A mask only protects others from you, not you from others. A face shield provides more protection because it covers vulnerable areas such as your eyes. The protection is both ways.
    I do wear a mask when I am just out and about running errands, but I do prefer the shield for long periods of time. I also ordered the same one you did because I wear glasses. You can also wear them both if you are in a crowded situation.
    I look forward to hearing what you think when you get your shield.

  5. I enjoy your blog. I would like to see more of things to do at home such as casual clothing, self-care, beauty, planning tuture rv trips, simple exercise, etc.

  6. Louise Penny is a favorite author as is Kent Kreiger or CJ Box.
    Stay well.

  7. I read The Guest List a month ago it’s terrific. I love puzzles. It’s so hot here I’m in shorts and tanks at home but I love a tee dress.

  8. Sue Daugherty says:

    I read the The Guest List earlier a few weeks ago. It’s terrific! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

  9. beth byrd says:

    Just purchased a t-shirt dress from QVC and I absolutely love it. It is a bit longer than most and has pockets. I feel very comfortable wearing it to the office as well.

    I love puzzles, but alas my kitty likes the pieces so I will have to wait until he is a bit older and can behave!!

  10. Linda McCormick says:

    What do you all do about chafing of the inner thighs when you wear dresses in hot weather? This is a big problem for me so I tend to stay away from dresses. Suggestions?

    1. Amazon and others sell slip shorts. You can also spray aerosol antiperspirant on your inner thighs.

    2. I found a brand of long cotton panties in Germany made by Sloggi. My friend had recommended bike shorts but I found them too bulky. I did a search in the US for “cotton long panty” and I found a few but they weren’t very good (too small, too hot, shrank). I didn’t know about “slip shorts” but those sound good. If you know anyone who can send you Sloggis from Germany or the UK, get them!! You might be able to find them on a US site. They cost about $20 each in Europe and they last forever. I’ve worn mine for years. I wear an extra large – I am a size size 12-14. They didn’t shrink.

  11. You look cool, comfy and confident in the T-shirt dress! There are so many face mask options available. If you have the basic sewing skills, you can easily whip out some pretty cute and inexpensive masks. Puzzles and books are always a great option to fill in those afternoon/evening hours. Iā€™d like to add a new favorite of mine, Paint by Number. There are so many super fun kits available today.
    Maybe I canā€™t change the situation we find ourselves in today but Iā€™m trying to start each day with positive thoughts.
    Have a great week everyone!

  12. Iā€™m tall so many of the t shirt dresses are way too short for me. Would love to know if anyone has found a reasonably priced one with a hemline closer to the knee. I did find a floor length Amazon Essentials floor length black and white French Stripe one for $26. It washes and wears perfectly and the fabric is soft and stretchy. I enjoy your posts that go beyond fashion to include personal growth, feathering your nest, finding fun in life at home, a bit of the outdoors and gardening. I know thatā€™s a lot but I did enjoy todayā€™s post which is diverse and goes beyond fashion.

  13. I have been wearing dresses more often, Texas heat and humidity, ugh!
    Have you read Elizabeth Bergs Arthur Truluv? Such a sweet story. I like positive stories.
    More sharing of good books would be lovely. We rarely watch TV, although we like a series
    Called Goliath on Prime.
    We love puzzles! I think we have completed 10 since this all started.

    1. Linda Henderson says:

      I really like Elizabeth Berg novel, Arthur Truluv included. I have not read her new one, The Confession Club, but I plan to. I listened to her speak at the Tucson Book Festival in 2019. She was so good.

      1. Yes, I saw Elizabeth Berg speak at the Tucson Book Festival, too. A nice lady who had an extra ticket asked me if I wanted to take it, and I was THRILLED! Berg is a a wonderful author!

  14. Phyllis Polster says:

    I have always loved t-shirt dresses! My signature. I wear them so much Iā€™m taking a break. However, I miss the look. I will probably add a new one. I love awls. I need your help! Everything touches me. Continue!!!!!!!I find you upbeat. Your choices hit a bullā€™s eye with my budget! You lead me to a confidence Iā€™ve never feltšŸ„°

  15. Linda Simpson says:

    It is so humid and hot here, so you will find me in shorts and a tank top or a lightweight maxi dress. I have several, and they are definitely cool in this heat. A plus is that I feel dressed-up, even when I’m not going anywhere. I am using my sunscreen, but the only other thing I put on my face is lipstick. I had a bout of poison ivy that got to my left eye, so no mascara for awhile. Besides, it would just melt in this heat! lol Reading and puzzles are my go-to during this time.

  16. I really enjoyed the topics of todayā€™s post. Everything is so timely and relatable. Iā€™m going to look for that book by Lucy Foley. A few years ago I bought a black, short sleeve tshirt dress with a vneck from the Gap and have worn it many times. I also have three swingy tank dresses from Old Navy, and they are the coolest things I can wear when itā€™s 90 or above.

  17. Jennifer, please let us know how you like the masks. I am curious about silk for breathability and how they wash.

    As for ideas, keeping mentally and physically healthy when you have little time to devote to it. I am still working at a pretty stressful job so I have little time and energy to spare and need to make the best use of my time off to rejuvenate and stay well.

    I struggle with lack of sleep so that is a never ending area of focus for me too.

    I always find something helpful in every post you share and much appreciate it!

    1. Enjoyed this post with several topics! You look cool in your T-shirt dress. I wear them in this Texas heat. Anything to feel a bit cooler. I ordered that shield, so thanks for that!šŸ‘. So many cute masks, although I rarely leave the house these days. I appreciate all the research and work you put into these posts Jennifer!

  18. Cynthia Brown says:

    Iā€™m glad you keep to the lovely high road here. So much slogging on the low road elsewhere. Love the book suggestions….maybe some questions surrounding the current t book would be fun? Also, since we are still at home a lot, beautiful past times and ways to make the cozy spaces lovely are always nice. Thanks for doing you….

  19. Joyce Reardon says:

    Iā€™ve sort of been collecting masks too! I usually wear shorts and a shirt. Muggy here. Iā€™m in the coast. Going to hazy, hit and humid this week. Going to target today, Iā€™ll check here out!

  20. Yes, the shorter and lighter my hair is, the stronger my eyemakup needs to be so I dont’ fade away.

  21. The face shield looks like it would be great for airline travel. Let us know what you think of it!
    Been looking for tee shirt dresses. I have a couple I wear around the house, but would love a some to wear outside in this heat.
    I think masks are going to become a necessary accessory for a long time. Always on the lookout for the perfect one – that lets you breath, looks pretty, and doesn’t fog your glasses. Strange new world we live in!

    1. Susan Gowan says:

      You read my mind about masks. I was just saying to a friend that masks will likely be a fashion statement. Just ordered 5 on Old Navy site. Two for hubby and three for me. Two in gingham. As far as reading goes I have been enjoying Peter Robinson’s mysteries in Yorkshire, England. Currently reading an Armand Gamache mystery, Bury the Dead?by Louise Penney. BTW, I love you are not political. A breath of fresh air.

    2. Theyā€™re constantly fogging my glasses too. Iā€™ll let you know about the shield.

  22. It is so refreshing to be able to count on you for no politics on your posts! Plenty of places for that elsewhere for those who are so inclined. Love your t-dress! I currently have none of those but I do have a variety of other dresses good for hot weather. Thatā€™s what Iā€™ve been wearing every day. I find dresses cooler than shorts or capris. And itā€™s one & done! I have been wearing a mask when I go out but had no idea that there were such luxurious ones available! I currently have three masks – none very stylish. Time to upgrade!

  23. Thank you for sharing the different face masks. I plan to wear one as long as it takes. It has become a new fashion accessory. The upside is I only wear eye makeup now. Still sunscreen and magic lotions on my face however. I have noticed my complexion is improving! Take care, prayers lifted for you and your husbandšŸ˜·šŸ˜·

  24. sheryl beil says:

    Thank you for being here, with light and optimism…Its hot here in South Florida also, of course, but its not even the worst of it yet…that comes later this month and August when you open your front door and its like checking on baking cookies in the oven, you get the blast of heat right in the face.
    now, usually thats when we hibernate, i go from air conditioned house to air conditioned car to air conditioned other place…but weve been in hibernation for what seems like forever already, with no end in sight…so whats on my mind, is just keeping my mind busy, all that anger out there combined with confusion over who is truthtelling and who has other agendas is like an attack on the mental health. my focus is holding on to hope, nurturing that. and keeping my little space clean, and our physical selves healthy. hope this didnt deviate to much from subject but that whats on my mind.

  25. It’s very hot & humid in South Florida these days, I do wear a lot of light weight dresses my go to is definitely Old Navy, the have sleeveless and with sleeves. They Wash & wear like a dream…

  26. That is a great look on you Jennifer.
    It’s a really hot and humid and July here also, and I’m wearing linen almost exclusively now. Thanks for the book suggestion – I love a good, light read in the summer. I’ve re-discovered Kate Morton and am re-reading The Lake House and purchased The House at Riverton and The Distant Hours.
    As for masks, everyone wears them here and is mandatory for most places. I’m still using the disposable ones, but am looking into ordering the fabric masks. I can see myself going overboard with that though and having one for each outfit and colour LOL.
    I finally got my hair cut Saturday – shorter, above chin length and a more layered, perfect for summer. I always feel that I need stronger eye make-up with my hair shorter – does anyone else do that or is it just me?

  27. Susan Kelley says:

    THanks for the book, puzzle and mask ideas. Great ideas for gifts,etc. I usually start xmas shopping in the summer. So these will help. Never imagined that a mask would be a good gift idea. But hey,go figure! Times, they are a changing! Best wishes for cooler weather and stay safe!

  28. Always hot here in Florida! I stick to teeshirts and shorts! I do like the tshirt dress but they are out of stock in my size! boohoo

  29. Paulette Levy says:

    Oh the heat is here too….and humidity! Must find these cute tee dresses.

  30. Paulette levy says:

    Must get myself a tee dress it two! My upper arms will just have to behave! Lol.
    Hope they still have them available. Humidity here…..80-90. Ugh.

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