Monday Musings on Decor and Dresses
I’m finally feeling a little less scary-looking from my photodynamic therapy and thrilled that I can head out into the world again. The healing has actually been a lot easier than I thought it would be (but still not a cakewalk). I’m attributing that to all of the treatments I’ve done in the past (and there have been many) to heal my many years of sun exposure and damage to my skin. I always thought I was being careful to protect myself from the sun, but this process has inspired me to double up on my protection.
The weather was glorious over the weekend, so we decided to hit the summer farmers market. I wore the largest hat I own and this mineral sunscreen that I picked up when I had my treatment earlier in the week. It was warm enough to break out my new J.Jill linen shirt and I really enjoyed it worn with a matching tank and fray hem crops.
I bought the crops in regular vs petite because I wanted them ankle length and bought the linen shirt in petite because they length is a better proportion for me. The sleeves are a smidge short, but since I always fold up my cuffs anyway…it doesn’t really matter. I love the column of color in light open air, sky blue, which looks breezy and perfect for this weather.
We picked up a bounty of fresh focaccia, freshly made pasta, organic berries, carrots, kale, onions, and tomatoes… just in time for a Sunday family dinner. One vegetable that jumped out at me (although I’m really not too sure what to do with it) is sunchokes. I vaguely remember making sunchoke soup many years ago, but it’s too warm for that now, so I would love your ideas! I also saw some gorgeous Lions’ Mane mushrooms at one stand, but again, I don’t know what to make with them, so I’ll be looking for some ideas.
My daughter and I spent quite a bit of time shopping for her new home, which is always a blast. Her new place is quite a bit larger than her old one, so it’s fun to plan. My husband and I don’t need any furniture for our apartment, but we do need a few accessories to add personality…so I’ve been on the hunt for me as we shop for her 😉. We’ve been doing some second-hand furniture store crawls along with the odd antique store here and there.
I found an adorable little black and white picture frame which has made me rethink all of my apartment decor decisions so far. I’m not telling my husband that because then he’d be convinced I’d lost my mind. It has inspired me to do a picture wall, so the hunt is now on for unusual frames. I think I’ll fill them with a mix of family photos and pictures from our travels. I’m also on the lookout for some new accent pillows for our living room. I bought a few at Pottery Barn last year, but they quickly lost their shape and look tacky now.
Now that the weather is warm, I’m ready to live in linens and cotton and will be leaning into easy dresses. Their one-and-done quality makes them so easy for casual days.
It is time to kick my feet up after a weekend of walking, working, and spending time with family. I hope you enjoyed yours as well.
And please send me those sunchoke recipes!
Thanks for reading, and have a great Monday.
Thank you for this luxe for less post. I enjoy these very much, however on this post I’m not able to find any way to connect to the items shown.
They are all in the widget below the image, Mary
Jennifer you are a lovely woman and I’m glad you didn’t let that sad woman’s comment bother you. I’m 80 years old and am fortunate to still be here. I love your blog. Like you I always wear my hat when outside walking the dog. My moisturizer has sunscreen in it which helps if I forget sunscreen. I couldn’t find a way on the blog today to look up the cloths only the one Quince bag. I guess the wrinkled dress on the right is the lux. The one on the left is either a linen blend or pressed and I do think it is prettier. Both bags are nice but as I said, I can’t find a way to look them up.
Jennifer, you are beautiful both inside and outside. I feel very sorry for someone who would make such a negative comment about you. That person is not comfortable with themselves. We need to celebrate each other and what we offer. That invisible factor is prevalent and putting down our peers only exasperates it. For the frames, I have collected many over the years and it adds such a personal and warm touch to the home. I often pick unique ones on clearance at the Home Goods suite of stores. Sadly, when I sell my house they must come down for the prospective buyers.
But you get to take those frames with you to display in your new home! I agree, she must struggle with looking old. It says more a lot about her.
I have one wall in the den that is dedicated to family photos. It started with the original glass frames that were on relatives from long ago. I then went to thrift stores to find more unique frames. They don’t match but blend together because they are unique.
I love unique. That sounds great
Hi Jennifer, another great post. You know it’s perfect that your blog name starts with “A” so it’s at the top of my favorites!
I did pick the Splurge side first based on the handbag and then realized that pic of the model looked familiar from the Frank and Eileen site. Too funny! Yes I did window shop but really gasp at some of the prices. I’m tipping toes back into linen- slowly.
And thank you for sharing your skin care journey. I’m another skin cancer victim thanks to those tanning days. Sigh. Grateful to have more knowledge now and better products to protect that very important organ, our skin.
Here’s to all of us feeling beautiful and looking “real” no matter what age, and being healthy!!
Yes, we are all beautiful!
Hi Jennifer,
So good to hear you are “out of the woods” and “on the mend” ! Love love your look in the farmers markets and that hat is incredible l just don’t think l can justify the price but maybe she will have a sale. I go to Etsy for pillows and decor.
Happy homemaking!
I will keep an eye out for a sale. Her hats are amazing, but I know they’re expensive
I’m sorry that woman’s comment was NOT necessary and it was rude. I hope she took it down. Just remember Karma baby!!!! Everyone ages but we can all embrace the moment. The alternative is worse.
You’re a wonder person!
I agree that Karma is always watching and she can be nasty 🙂
I also wonder why someone would say you look “old”? First off, no matter what your age, you look stunning! Second, it’s better to be “old” than dead, right? Savor each day, enjoy the wisdom that comes with experience, be thankful to be able to get up and move, make the best of what you have and be happy to be alive! 3 time cancer survivor here, not much patience with people who complain about another birthday, or politics, or some small problem they may have. Just be thankful every day for all you have!
I agree and love your attitude Kathy!
Absolutely! What kind of grumpy nasty person whould say that?
You look adorable!!!! Kudos to you for being such an open and sharing person!!!
Hi Jennifer. The Ecco sandals you’re wearing, can you share which colorway, please? Thanks very much.
I’m wearing the gray rose metallic colorway. They seem to go with everything
Thank you.
Hi Karen,
I also own these ECCO sandals in the gray rose metallic. They are so comfortable and very versatile. Highly recommend.
Pam
As for looking “old.” May I share a portion of a homily I heard recently (paraphrasing): If you get to the end of your life without some scars, you haven’t had a life. I would add laugh/smile lines and all those other wrinkles we get by “having a life.”
Yes! I love that.
I did pick the Splurge outfit based on the hardware on the purse and the shoes. I also thought the dress had more detail and was a little more modern looking. That dress is beautiful. As for sunchokes, just sliced them, tossed with olive oil, sea salt, thyme, garlic, and roast until caramelized and soft. I really enjoyed the article today and love the new ideas for your apartment.
Details do make a big difference. Amazing! Thanks. I’ll try that tonight.
We just got a Homesense store here in Central Florida about 7 miles from my home . It is a fabulous store, definitely a cut above Home Goods, which we also have here. Beautiful home decor, hundreds of frames, and gorgeous furniture. Good luck with your frame findings!! Have a great week!!
Ha! I assumed they were the same store Dianne. Thanks for letting me know. They are fun to peruse for treasures. Have a great week.
Lovely Good Morning, Jennifer! You may be “old”, but I’m older. 86 of them, and too many wrinkles, but I’m happy, healthy and soaking up new adventures every day! Thank you for your incredibly insightful notes. I’ve upped my game and have compliments for my efforts. Enjoy every moment. We are loved.
Bravo Diane! Here’s to new adventures
Dear Jennifer,
Wow! So sorry about that comment from one of your subscribers. I love your posts and honesty. I’ve purchasesd several of the beauty and skincare items you recommend because you look so GOOD! Thank you for sharing your potodynamic treatment journey. So helpful to those of us who have experienced skin cancers and the treatments. I’ve had three MOHS surgeries and I’m hoping to avoid any additional surgeries. Knowing all the options really helps.
Ask your doctor is they think you could benefit from it and it they don’t offer it, look for a doctor who does. It’s very helpful and so prefferable to cutting and sewing.
Sometimes I look at the wrinkles on my face and think they are beautiful and full of character and texture. However, I do not love the wrinkles on my upper arms! We love our farmers markets here and are blessed to have them. Love your outfit and also that you get to shop with your daughter. I use Lionmane to make veggie burgers and I toast the sunchokes. They also make a great purée.
Do you just slice and grill or mix with other ingredients? I agree about the upper arms!
Derek Sarno I believe is the first person to develop how to use lion mane mushrooms as plant based alternatives to steak and other meat dishes and he should get credit. Here is a link to a video: https://wickedkitchen.com/lions-mane-mushroom-recipe-steaks/
I use them whole smashed but have seen recipes for chopping them up into patties with other ingredients.
Derek is on YouTube now. He developed the recipes for Whole Foods when it began. Interesting chef!
Thank you sooo much! I’ll be ready for next weekend
Your sky blue outfit looks perfect for summer! Regarding sunchokes, aka Jerusalem artichokes, they can be very simply roasted w/ s&p, olive oil and a splash of rice wine vinegar. Please know that they got the nickname “fartichokes” for a reason. If you are prone to bloating or gaseous tummy, go easy. Not good for a low foodmap diet. But they are pretty tasty!
Lol, thanks for the heads up Nancy. I’ll serve them sparingly to someone in this household 🤣
I have to admit I have never even heard of sunchokes. I can almost always tell the splurge by the handbags. I love framing pictures and art. Something I’ve been doing for years. I guess because I have 7 grandkids! 😊
I have a photo hall where I display photo collage frames of our more major trips (Machu Picchu, China, Scotland, a Family solar viewing trip, etc). I used matching wood Malden frames I got on Amazon. They display 7 pictures taken either 3 horizontal and 4 vertical or the reverse. I walk past them daily and love the memories. A little tricky finding 7 perfect photos in the right orientations but it’s fun to have this reminder.
Such great memories!
Great hat! I have earned every one of my 75 years and am proud to still be here. Yes, my fair Irish skin has had many abuses and treatments, and I’m very comfortable in my skin. Me soon-to-be 72 year old sister is telling anyone who asks her age that she is 80! They tell her how great she looks….and she says that’s her answer going forward🤣🤩🤣
LOL, I love that!!
I ABSOLUTELY love that, too!!!
Marshall’s, TJ Max, and Home Goods are reasonably priced for frames, pillows, and decor in general. Even furniture! The Lux for Less article is helpful and appreciated.
I found my little stripped one at Home Sense which is the Canadian version of Home Goods. Such great finds there.
I love your splurge/save posts. The Bottega bag was the give away for me. I have to say I really like the look of the Loft dress and it’s on sale! I love our Farmer’s Market too. Always love the fresh produce.
Hi Jennifer, I’m fairly new to your blog. That comment about someone saying you’re old. Does not set well with me. That is horribly rude. With every year, every wrinkle & gray hair we should be thankful to God, he has blessed us with a new day to enjoy‼️. I’m glad you didn’t let that bother you.
You’re a beautiful lady. I enjoy everything u post. Take care & have a blessed day. A big hug from Ana in Sugarland, Tx. 🙋🏻♀️🙋🏻♀️❤️❤️
Welcome Ana! I’m so glad you’ve joined us. I agree, we are blessed.
As for your photo wall, I did similar many years ago when we bought our house. I bought a variety of frames, different sizes, but all gold wood frames. Found I could get a selection at places like Marshalls. The gold wood was unifying and versatile because I could change the wall color and the gold would transition well. Same could be said for silver if you prefer those cool tones.
What a great idea! I was going to mix the frames but I prefer your idea.
Yes, I had a local interior designer help me with a gallery wall of family photos (about a dozen) on our stairs to second floor. I did black frames for all on an ivory wall and I love it!
It sounds gorgeous!!
What a horrid thing to say. I’m 74. So yes old but happy. I congratulate you and thank you for sharing your skin journey. It’s helpful.
I love the bucket bag. So summer!
I always think you look amazing!
Enjoy your week.
Happy Monday Brenda!
I did guess the splurge correctly. But the image of the dress surprised me. The wrinkles at the elbow show how quickly this dress would wrinkle if you sat down. The two hems at the front do not hang correctly from the knees on down. Either they are not sewn well or just need a good press. You would not be able to tell which until you got it home or saw it in the store. Enough to steer me away.
Oh gosh…our images online are often scrutinized and I think it’s a shame that people expect us to look young when we are women of a certain age.
I think I clicked almost every link on your luxe for less post!!! I like these items…
No idea about recipes for sun chokes? I learned how to cook garlic scapes because of a farmers market stand :-))
Enjoy your week.
Leslie Lord
You do know how hard social media can be
Jennifer,
You look great! Just an FYI if you are near a Habitat for Humanity Restore you may want to check it out. They have some fantastic finds from furniture to accessories. The plus is it’s all for a good cause.
I’ll check to see if there’s one near us. Great reminder
I’ve shopped at our local Habitat for Humanity store and have found two beautiful brass wall hurricane lamps to flank my traditional fireplace mantle ($29 each), a tall brass hurricane lamp for the hearth ($15), and a Stiffle brass lamp ($15) with shade in perfect shape. It took 3 trips, but my 7-year-old grandson loves to go there for books, and I’m the one who scored treasures! My daughter bought a Henredon cherry console for $375 in perfect shape that was $2500 to $3500 online!
Those are amazing finds!!
Jennifer, before I even read your blog today I have to comment on what a subscriber said & thank you for standing up for yourself & for us too! I enjoy your blog immensely but am not reading it to “look young”. I read it for your wonderful helpful hints on fashion, makeup & health in order to feel good about myself as I age. It’s great to read your advice on how we can feel good & look good as we age. I’m proud of my age (will be 71 next month) & have the scars from my surgeries to prove my age. Having another major surgery next month, a brain tumor, but I’ve purchased some wide headbands & bucket hats so that when I go out in public I don’t scare anyone – not to look younger! I’m happy to be alive & treasure each day & thank you for helping me to feel that way!
Sending prayers your way Lisa! You have the best attitude. Looking younger has never been a goal for me either.
As a breast cancer survivor, I agree that getting older is a privilege. How sad for the women who made that comment. She must not be a very happy person. And good for you for not being offended!!
And can you tell me what a sunchock is. I have never heard of them.
Its also called a Jerusalem Aritchoke
I love what you said in the email on the blog today. So timely for me. Two weeks ago my husband took a close up (I was sitting right next to him) of me from the side. I was appalled that there were so many wrinkles. I thought – I look so old (I am 71), and I don’t think I look like that when I look in the mirror. Your email made me think – if I don’t feel I look old, that I am happy. I shouldn’t care what others think. I am taking better care of my self in retirement (more time for daily exercise and more time to read blogger posts and try some beauty products.) I may not have taken good care of my skin in my younger years, but I am now.
Thank you!
Bravo Arna!
Love the earrings! And the cost is great!
Good morning, I adore the outfit you wore to the farmers market, a relaxed and comfortable look. Have a great week
Love your blog and the comparison of outfits. I completely blew it on this one – I picked the lower priced as the expensive one on each item.
Lol that’s perfect!! Great style is available at all price points.
Love the monochromatic “matching” outfit. I’m feeling those this season. What a comfy way to have of the moment style!
I have followed you for years and love how you take care of yourself and others. I am 82 years old but still care about fashion and makeup. Unfortunately, I am the generation of sunbathing with baby oil and iodine growing up in New Mexico. We did not understand or know about sun damage. I have just had my second facial MOHS surgery for skin cancer. It has been very traumatic so keep reminding people of sunscreen and hats.
I’m a baby oil and iodine veteran too. I’m sorry to hear about your Mohs. My husband has had 3 facial Mohs and he’s going to try the photodynamic therapy in the fall.
Thank you so much for the instagram on photo dynamic therapy. Our dermatologist had suggested my husband do what she called chemo in a can on his own and I’m so thankful we saw this first. We will look for a different dermatologist who does the treatment you showed us. Thanks so much!
You always look soooo pretty!
Melinda
Good Luck!! It’s been a great procedure for my precancers
Your IG commenter has made me ponder my thoughts on what I consider old. I don’t think its about wrinkles and gray hair, but the overall vibe of giving up: baggy tshirts, untidy hair and brows, and the passive allowance of being ignored because one is not a cool age. Old doesn’t equate to irrelevant, but society and culture certainly tends to define us that way. I’m 62 and don’t consider myself old-but do consider being old a privilege! Life , and aging well is a gift!!! Thank you for representing us so well.
Thanks a perfect way to describe it Linda. Thank you for sharing your observation