Monday Musings- Packing Again and Masking Up
Happy Monday, ladies, I hope you had a great weekend! BTW…I sewed the bunny ears on so fiercely that I had to cut the entire top off the hat and rip it back several inches to get them off. Luckily, I have another skein. If you have no idea what I’m talking about, you might want to sign up for my emails to get my Sunday newsletter.
Packing again
I can’t believe we’re leaving for Portugal in less than two weeks. Eek! I feel like I just unpacked from Canada, and the ironing isn’t finished. We bought this trip at a Lung Cancer Charity Gala last November, and it just seems to have snuck up on me. We’ll have a condo in Portimão and are going a few days early to visit São Miguel Island and Lisbon. Have you been? I think the major tourist season is over, so it should be quiet and restful.
COVID seems to be on the uptick these days, and several friends have gotten it, so it feels smart to go back to being extra careful again. I hardly ever see people wearing masks these days, but it’s not a bad idea. I never had so much as a sniffle the entire time we were all wearing masks. Did you? I still have a good supply of these N95 masks, which don’t seem as ugly as some other masks. The neutral color is easy on the eyes, and I never feel claustrophobic in them.
Carryon
We plan to go carryon only as usual so I upgraded my handheld to this medium-sized Everywhere bag. I sure hope they arrive in time because my old one has gotten pretty ragged-looking. I love bags that slip over the handle of my suitcase, and square ones seem to hold much more than other shapes.
Quiet Luxury Splurge or Save
Quiet luxury has taken the fashion world by storm. Just kidding…it’s simply a new term used to describe fashion that focuses on understated elegance, high-quality materials, and impeccable craftsmanship rather than flashy logos or overt branding. It’s characterized by simplicity, timelessness, and a subtle sense of sophistication. It’s also available at all price points, so let’s play splurge or save.
Quiet luxury is characterized by clean lines, simple shapes, and a focus on timeless, versatile pieces that can be worn for many seasons. It’s often in neutral colors which stand the test of time. If I look in my wardrobe, many things qualify as quiet luxury.
This outfit starts with a lady-like structured blazer, a simple white tee, some beige pants, a camel/brown loafer, and bag, and is finished with textural gold earrings and a bracelet.
The splurge outfit comes in around $1,738 and the save outfit runs $448. What do you think? Is the more affordable outfit obvious? What tipped you off? Which do you prefer?
Walking in another woman’s shoes
A reader complained when I mentioned my weight gain last week. Another reader thanked me for being transparent. I didn’t take either comment to heart because until you walk in another woman’s shoes, you don’t really know her story. So I’ll take this opportunity to tell you mine.
In 2015, I fell and cracked my femur in two places and tore my hip labrum. What the doctors failed to mention at the time was that my labrum was very thin and wearing out. I endured months of excruciating pain but avoided a hip replacement because the doctors hoped (and they were right) that I could heal without one and get back to life as I liked to live it.
I’ve been walking, working with a physical trainer, and doing yoga at home. A few months ago, I began having weird hip pain, so went to a fantastic physical therapist. He fixed my IT band pain and the stiffness in my back, but my hip remained “weird.” It suddenly dawned on me that the pain was in a deep spot in my joint, reminiscent of when my labrum was torn.
I was finally able to see my doctor last week. She’s sending me for some additional tests but believes that my labrum has just worn out. I asked what could be done for that, and she said nothing but a hip replacement. She noted my weight gain since I’d seen her last and suggested that losing those extra 8 pounds might help alleviate some of the pain until we see what’s going on.
So, while I dislike how tight my clothes are, I’m frantically trying to shed those extra pounds (which have also caused my blood pressure to tick up a notch) in the hopes of alleviating some of the pain.
It reminds me that every woman I meet has a story to tell, and I should not judge her on my standards. That woman whose hair is dirty could be caring for a spouse with dementia and have zero time for herself. Or she could be dealing with a terminal disease that doesn’t show on the outside.
We need to support others without knowing their whole story, which is not easy but a worthy goal.
Thanks for reading, and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident.
Hello Jennifer–I was fooled by the splurge outfit!! I liked most of the less expensive selection. Both are well done. I have been teased for years as I wore a lot of neutrals. Still like them! I appreciate you sharing your health challenges and weight variances. I have knee and lower back issues, and this affects how much I tolerate exercise too. I appreciate that you share what you do to address your health concerns, it encourages me to ask for more treatment options. My work with a skillful physcial therapist has really helped. Also, you look great no matter what you weigh. I wish I felt that way about myself when I put on weight–my own worst critic here. I like that you demonstrate how to make the best of how you look no matter what is going on. Good luck with your wellness journey!
It’s hard to be kind to ourselves, but we must! I can be my own worst critic too but it serves no purpose and only hurts me.
Three months post hip replacement op and yes, I too fall into the category of ‘why didn’t I do this before?’ In the meantime do your daily stretches, try a low inflammatory diet and remember Tylenol Arthritis is a good friend. Also, book an aisle seat and walk as much as you need to on the flight.
Most importantly, be kind to yourself and enjoy your trip! 🩷
Thank you so much Shana
Wish you a wonderful trip to Portugal with great food and relaxation.
Don,t worry about gaining weight, we are all a risk for that.
I loved what you said about judging. So easy to fall into the trap of uncaring about what someone could be facing.
My Dad waited to have a hip replacement which caused him much pain. He finally had the surgery and said “why did I not do this sooner”. His surgery went fine and he walked so well after it. Great outcome. 😘
Thank you Lin!
We loved Lisbon and would love to see more of Portugal. I hope your hip won’t cause you too much pain when you’re travelling.
I’m bringing lots of Tylenol, just in case
You might want to try Salon Pas as a help with your pain. It is a solution of lidocaine applied to your skin at the source of pain. No prescription needed. It has really helped me.
Sadly, it does not take away my weight gain, too.
You’re funny. If only a patch could.
The masks Are Not N95. I phoned the company and double checked. Please read the description before purchasing a mask if you are in need of N95 type masks.
No the beige are not, but they do have others in different colors that are. I have the navy N95
Wishing you a pain free trip to Portugal. Look forward to hearing about the fashion trends there!
Thank you
I hope you can get your hip pain resolved before your trip. I went to Portugal last summer, prior to a hip replacement. I did my best to keep up, but down days were sure appreciated. And the flight was torturous . My new hip is amazing.
Enjoy your adventure. And thanks for reminding all of us – everyone has a story. It’s not our job to judge.
Interestingly, I am dreading the flight the most because sitting for long periods of time is very painful. Thanks for sharing your story.
A wonderful post- thank you, Jennifer. Several good messages and reminders; I can relate to the weight issues as I too am up about 10+ pounds after a very challenging 10 months.
As for Portugal- it’s wonderful but can be hilly so pack your pain reliever given your hip pain.But oh, the crafts! I’m a sucker for ceramics and linens and Portugal is a treasure trove of both. Save room in your suitcase.
I’m glad you reminded me to leave them in my bag. I’m a big sucker for linens too!
Thank you for this posting. It’s so tempting to judge.
It’s good to remember that everyone is fighting a hard battle, and just be kind.
So many people are going to Portugal these days! Please share your time there so we can travel along with you.
I will certainly share! I take my readers with me wherever I go 🙂
I had hip replacement surgery 8 years ago and it was such a relief to be able to feel well again. Hip surgery down time is relative easy compared to other replacements. I was on a walker for 1 week and I did physical therapy for several months and the pain was minimal.
Enjoy Portugal. I think you will miss crowds but I understand there are many Americans living there!
Thank you for sharing your story. I’m getting excited to go. I guess all the Americans got the tourist memo!
Thank you for sharing your story. I’m sorry for what you have gone through, and what you might be facing. But your willingness to be honest and “real” helps me to know that I can trust your reviews of the things you post about and recommend. I love your thoughts on kindness, and non-judging of others because we don’t know their story. I have an inexpensive little black t-shirt that has kindness written in script along the v-neck, and I get comments on that every time I wear it! That shows we are all searching for, and need kindness. Have a wonderful trip!
I would love to have a tee shirt with that!! Thanks for being here Deby.
Hi Jennifer,
I highly recommend hip surgery. I was in so much pain with my old hip l was thinking we were going to have to sell the house as l could not get up the many stairs without searing pain. The operation went really well and l was standing with my new hip on the first night. Now l am moving and doing yoga and hiking just like before. Such a gift to walk without pain.
Thanks for sharing and your encouragement, Francesca.
Jennifer, Your wonderful post today contained the message about judging people that I needed to hear. The additional comments from so many of your community helped me “get it” loud and clear. It only takes a few moments to stop, put yourself in someone else’s shoes, and realize that there may be reasons we can’t imagine, that influence others’ attitudes and behaviors. I’m resolving to practice kindness and refrain from judging. Also, thank you for sharing your medical issues, reminding us that everyone has them and we’re not alone in dealing with life’s challenges.
I had trouble telling which outfit was which; they’re both gorgeous!
Thanks for your post today..Take good care of yourself and enjoy your trip. I really enjoy the spurge save part of your posts.
Jennifer, all I know about hip replacements is from an older neighbour, who is a fit late 70’s. Wilf was up and about within a week👍. So here’s hoping your experience is somewhat the same. He walks past our house very briskly every morning.
I experienced a frustrating 6-8 lbs increase in my later 60’s … definitely due to stress , but exercise & good diet didn’t do anything much. I have sore joint issues , so movement was important. It was a struggle .
Once I took up Pilates, and two years into it by this spring, it started coming off 🙂, but that could also be due to same stress… who knows! All I know is that I am what I was at 61… and I’m 73 now.
It is not coming back on! I didn’t like how clothes fit, but no one judged me, as far as I was aware. Just looked “ boobalicious” then ! Something not desired!
About your luggage chaos. Years ago, we drove off west from Calgary, and I only realized one bag was missing 15 minutes on. Returning home, there it was sitting on the front porch… not seen as he faced away when locking up! Crisis averted.
Have a wonderful trip to Portugal 🇵🇹 I so enjoyed Lisbon and Porto last year.
On the porch! That’s funny. Thanks Cath!
Some of the women have mentioned how they admire how you “keep it real.” I, too, appreciate those discussions. I do like positivity, but sometimes positivity doesn’t help me move forward. I have been dealing with hip/back pain this summer. PT has not helped. Because of today’s discussion I have made an appointment with my primary care doctor. Some imaging may be in order. Thank you, Jennifer. Thank you, ladies.
Amazing!! I’m so glad you called and booked and appointment. I love my readers.
Love this post. You are so right. You never know what another person is going through. Kindness first. I was in Portugal when I was 16, but that was a VERY long time ago. My niece went this summer and loved it. I’m sure you will too!
So sorry to hear about your hip. I had knee surgery 6 months ago. I think I waited a year too long. It was an involved surgery due to the damage and recovery is still ongoing. My advice to you is, if you need it, the sooner you have it done, the better off you will be. Best of luck!
I will not wait of they tell me I need it. I don’t want to mess up my knees too.
I love the “no judgment” aspect of your blog today. We definitely don’t know what others are going through! Also, my favorite is the economical choice. Thank you.
I love the budget outfit better too!
I had robotic knee replacement surgery last August and highly recommend the robotic surgery. I had full range of motion at 2 1/2 weeks and a rather quick recovery. Recommended my doctor and robotic surgery for a friend who needed a replacement hip. He was up and went shopping the day after his replacement. Something to check into for sure.
Wow! That’s amazing!!
I agree with you Ann. My robotic knee is great! I am going to do the other knee this fall.
Jennifer, i hope you enjoy beautiful Portugal, despite your hip. We are the same height and I know how a even an extra 5lbs shows, I’m still working on losing the same 10lbs , year after year. Thank you for being so honest and sharing your life, always inspiring a fun to read..Both splurge and save outfits are gorgeous…I’d be happy to have either in my wardrobe…..
I’m really like the save one best 🤗
I was in Portugal a few months ago and I had a wonderful time – I’m sure you will too!
I appreciate you sharing information with us about your health related challenges – we do all have our own story and – as other readers have commented – there is enough criticism toward aging, appearance, etc., in society! I appreciate that you “keep it real” and have created this “positive space” online.
I hear you! Hip injuries are the worst. Pain can limit activity, which can lead to weight gain. Further, steroids might be required in addition to physio. We know how that goes. Sometimes you can’t just walk pain off. Sometimes the only solution is the inevitable: surgery. Good luck with that, if you need to get on the waiting list where I live. Also, some people do actually have endocrine issues on top of everything else.
Sometimes, people are dealing with all that while caregiving for two ageing parents and raising children. This is real life.
So when you see an exhausted person who isn’t looking their best, or a yard that could use a little TLC, or snow that needs shovelling, don’t make assumptions. Kindness, tolerance and a helping hand go a long way.
Great point. Assumptions are so easy to make and we all do it. It’s just human nature.
This is a good reminder to us all, thanks Jennifer. I hope you’re able to resolve your pain without surgery. I too have been struggling with hip pain and creeping weight gain, and it’s very frustrating.
Both outfits today are lovely!
Your trip sounds great! Hope you’ll share your packing list when the time comes.
I don’t know what I’ll pack!
Thank you for sharing, we all carry our own”box of rocks”, our quiet stories that make us.
I had hip pain for a few years, was diagnosed with bursitis, and prescribed PT. When that didn’t alleviate the pain, I had an MRI. Oops- it was an ovarian tumor. My hip pain saved my life. Our bodies have a way of yelling at us to look further.
I have added about 10 lbs after that, and then after losing my son-it stayed on. That brought my active life to a screeching halt. But I am inching my way out. I went on a Mexico vacation and actually lost 5 lbs due to activity and rather lackluster all inclusive food. All a silver lining!
I really enjoy your blog and so appreciate the positivity of the women who comment. What a great tribe! Thanks again-and carry on-you look great.
Thank you so much for sharing your story! I’m terribly sorry to hear about your son. Sending hugs your way. I’m so glad your part of this community with us.
I, too, am so sorry about your son. I must comment on your comment about the “lackluster all inclusive food.” That was definitely a laugh out loud moment for me!! Thanks for sharing your story 🙂
I have had two hip replacements … best thing I ever did! The procedure is so refined that you go home the same day and begin your recovery. The key is to find and orthopedic group that uses a team approach … pre-op preparation, surgery, home care, OT and PT as needed and good follow up. Makes all the difference in your overall experience. (BTW, I’m a RN of many years). I’ve also been to Portugal and loved it … beautiful, safe and quite reasonable especially for Europe. Enjoy!
Thanks for sharing Katie!
I want to thank you for two reasons today. I appreciate the link to the disposable N95 masks. I still have some that I got free from the government, but the ones you showed look more comfortable. I, like most Americans, have gotten out of the mask wearing habit. However, Covid seems to be on the rise where I live. I work from home and don’t go out much, so I am not terribly worried about getting exposed. There are some situations where I still want to wear a mask. Going to a movie theatre to see Oppenheimer where I would be sitting close to a stranger for 3 hours is a time I would want the protection.
I also want to thank you for reminding us to try not to judge others. I am the same height as you and have experienced almost the same weight gain in around the same time frame. I am between 143 and 144 most days. The weight gain is a result of some intense family stress that has been ongoing for 4 years. It has been bolstered by hip tendinitis that I’ve had for a year that has torpedoed my walking routine. I am moving even less because of exhaustion from what I suspect is a mild case of long Covid. (I caught Covid during the Omicron surge during Christmas 2021. I went to my in-laws’ Christmas Eve gathering that was 100% vaccinated. Someone had an asymptomatic case and shared with at least 10 family members.) The last 5 pounds came on suddenly between November and January. I don’t think it was holiday related. I’ve never gained weight during holidays before. Those 5 pounds did pile on right after my tendinitis developed. I am sure that everyone I know has noticed my weight gain. What no acquaintance knows is why I have fluffed up. I have talked to my GP and my gynecologist about it, but they don’t have any helpful suggestions.
I appreciate your openness and your reminder to try not to judge. (I honestly can’t see where you are hiding the extra weight! I’m a little jealous.) I really hope that you soon get a resolution for your hip problem. I do know two acquaintances who had hip replacement surgery. Both had very quick recoveries and both said they wished they had had the procedure sooner. I will be thinking about you in the coming weeks and months. I hope you feel better soon!
Thanks for sharing Kathy. They seem to no longer make the beige mask in N95 so I’m glad I have some left but they do make other colors in N95.
Hang in there, Jennifer! Wishing you peace!
I have visited Portugal and very much enjoyed it. Lisbon is amazing.
Hope your hip pain gets better. Everything – just going for a walk – is harder when you hurt.
And you are so right, we never know what the other person is dealing with and a little kindness on our part costs nothing.
I did an unplanned pirouette when the cap of my high heel went missing. It’s been 3 weeks today since my surgery. They gifted me with 3 titanium pins and a “happy birthday” cry pillow in the hospital— yes, it was also my birthday and we had to cancel our trip to France and Spain last week, too. We have been taking international trips since the vaccines enabled us to travel. I recommend taking Bentadine or Nozine (22-23 USD on Amazon) nasal spray that kills 99% of all viruses within a 12 hour period. Although we mask when required, the nasal spray is the best insurance if you use it 2 x a day. We have done 4 trips to Europe and one to Asia since 2020 and luckily have never had COVID. Safe travels!
Ouch! I’m so sorry Connie. I’ll order those today, they sound genious. Why have I never heard of them? Happy Birthday!
Thank you we all need to be reminded , kindness first. I wish you luck on your weight loss journey as I am a little stuck on mine. I do love the quiet luxury look and find classic shapes and colors work best and last the longest.
I love the quiet luxury look too.
Society is critical enough for women, especially as we age. Women should support women and avoid criticism. As you say, we all have our own story and let’s avoid criticizing others. I had enough criticism from my mother, and I still judge myself, negatively.
You inspire us all to look our best. Thank you.
I’m a very hard critic of myself too!! It’s a habit I’m always trying to break.
I suffered many years with hip pain and finally had to undergo hip replacement surgery and it was the best thing I could have ever done. Don’t suffer pain and physical limitations if you don’t have to.
Thanks Vicki. If it comes to surgery, I’m so encouraged to hear of success stories like your.
Thank you for sharing Walking In Another Woman’s Shoes – so true, and a good reminder to us daily! Have a great time in Portugal.
Thank you for sharing, Jennifer, and God Bless.
I am here to say your determination will get you through, I’ve been there and am sporting a new hip since 2020…all is well and daily exercise is now my friend. God bless you and hang in there!😇
Sandra
Thank you Sandra.
Jennifer, that’s precisely why I love your blog! It’s not just about clothes and beauty. It helps to hear from “real” down to earth bloggers. I fell and shattered my femur 1 1/2 years ago and was housebound (after having a rod put in hip to knee) and after fully recovering I just broke a foot. The first fall was a freak accident in my kitchen, the last was tripping while taking a walk. I’m sorry for your issues of course but you keep it real. Have a great trip!!
Oh Carol! I’m so sorry. I hope your foot heals quickly. That’s rough. It’s just amazing what doctors can do now.
Thanks Jennifer, hope you’re pain free in the near future! Safe travels!
I suffered with hip and knee pain for years, but mostly knee pain. 4 years ago I finally went and had them both checked out and found out my hip was totally worn out and that was also causing my knee pain. I now have joined the legions of people who say they wish they had their joint replaced sooner rather than suffering so long. Now if I could only get relief for my mid back pain…..
My left knee is acting up all of a sudden too. I never connected the two. Sheesh! I hope it’s not related.
Very thoughtful post! I’m afraid that compassion for others seems to be waning. My husband was once accosted for wearing a mask, which he does to protect my health, which is nobody else’s business. BTW, I like the look of the mask you showed. It’s not N95, though, as far as I can tell. Maybe an acceptable mask for now, with only a small uptick in cases?
Oh darn, you’re right. They stopped making my beige ones in N95 so I’m glad I have some left.
I don’t think the price difference was obvious except for the shoes. Both outfits are really great. Thanks for sharing your story about the weight gain and the message it contained. I think it’s something we need to remind ourselves about on a regular basis. I know I’m guilty of being judgmental more often than I would like to be.
I know I am too so I needed this reminder as well!
Love your heartfelt post regarding our individual concerns/difficulties. I was a caregiver for my late husband for many years. I gained an enormous amount of weight, put my appearance on the back burner and just bought clothing in first the large size and then the extra large size. After his passing, I lost my appetite and began to drop pounds. Unfortunate that weight loss, though looking good on the outside didn’t address the loss of muscle mass. So now I’m trying to regain my muscle mass and let me tell you, that is not as easy as the printed information claims.
But you are absolutely right, we tend to judge other people on our own experiences, which in a word can be very insulting to anyone. So now, I try very hard not to judge and simply direct my attention to myself and feeling and doing those things that feel good to me and help me be a better person for myself and those around me.
Thank you for sharing your story, Rhoda and reminding us how important muscle mass is, not just how we look.
Good morning, Jennifer!
Thank you for being so upfront about your daily stresses both here on the blog and in your Sunday emails. I think of this as a community, because of your openness and the way commenters are willing to share their experiences. Whether it is skin care, book titles or yes, worries about weight, I am the richer for the exchange.
Please please continue to detail your packing process for your upcoming trip to Portugal! I spent this past weekend wringing my hands about the best shoes for 2 weeks in France, mostly because I fear I don’t have the right pair of sneakers. I am letting the perfect be the enemy of the good here and not getting on with things. Like you, I want to pack “carry-on”–if I can copy a list, so much the better.
Ladies have been telling me here how hilly Portugal is so I’ll be packing sneakers too!
Several comments – the link to the mask does not go to an N95 mask. Please find a comfortable certified N95; they do a better job of protecting yourself and others. And yes, that khaki color is nice! I agree with you that it is wise to start masking again (sigh); we too have friends with recent covid.
Thank you for the reminder to withhold judgment and practice compassion with each other. Some of our stories are doozies but not obvious. Re: hip — I had a torn labrum a few years ago. It was very painful, really reduced my mobility, and it took more than a year to heal. Several good manual physical therapists got me through it! I am impressed by your activity level! Also, husband has had a hip replacement (as well as two knees and two shoulders)…these joint replacements are doable. Staying on top of pain meds and then the rehab are both important and mobility is now so much better and pain free. So, onward! Hope you have a wonderful trip.
Wow, your husband is amazing!!
Wishing you all the best on your travels Jennifer.
Thank you for your sincerity and transparency.
Love your blog and this topic is one of my favorites..save or splurge!
Thank you for being transparent. I’m caring for my husband on hospice while having a knee replacement a few months ago. It’s not easy and you don’t have time for yourself but with God’s help I manage each day.
I’m so sorry, Beverly. I’m sending you hugs and prayers!! Hang in there. xo
We were in Portugal in June. The food is really good and the local wines are delicious. We hired a tuk tuk for a private tour day tour- I highly recommend that. As well as a food tour…we had fabulous foods that I probably wouldn’t have ordered at places that we might have missed otherwise. I usually use Viator to book.
Thanks for the recommnedation. I’ll check it out.
Best of Luck with the hip! I have had three hip surgeries, as one of my replacements wore out and I had a revision surgery four years ago! The surgery does make a difference, but a warning that the physical therapy after the surgery seems more painful than pre-surgery! (Ha – really, it’s all worth it!)
Just got back from a trip to Alaska – I had taken the masks that you suggest and wore them a lot, but still came back with “covid.” (Just because I was wearing the masks didn’t mean that the people around me were! Germs are everywhere!)
Great point! Most poeple on our cruise weren’t wearing masks either but ALL of the staff were.
Oh Jennifer- you’re a better woman than I am! Packing, unpacking, packing, flying, planning for weather changes-eeeek!
The bonus is traveling to Portugal! So many people I know have visited and loved it ( not much said about Lisbon itself though) but Algarve? And one other popular area. I’m sure you will love it too.
I don’t know why anyone would take issue with you saying you gained a few pounds. Most of us have some weight fluctuations. And, sharing part of your real life with us is a big part of your blog. It makes you seem like a friend, not a stranger with a magical life as most influencers appear.
I’m sorry your hip is giving you pain. I know the feeling as I wait for my surgical date. I have lost weight and continue to walk every morning and do the physical therapy exercises given to me by the occupational therapist. Both of those will help me keep my mobility and flexibility, therefore recovering quicker from my surgery.
Another grand baby to love on. How wonderful! You must be excited.
It’s so hard to have to wait for a surgery date. I hope it comes sooner than later Joanna! I am sooo excited for a little one to snuggle.
This time I really liked the splurge outfit. Love the Nordstrom jacket. Both outfits are really my style. I like simplicity. I’ve been having hip issues but nothing compared to what you’ve been going through. I just had some inflammation I suspect from golf. Keep us posted and thanks for sharing.
I know you love your golf, Rosemary!! Hope your hip calms down.
Your comment to support each other resonates with me. Thank you for the reminder. Let’s realize that people are doing the best they can and give them a mulligan. Good luck with your weight loss.
Sorry about your hip problem, so frustrating. I also am starting to get some pain in hip. I notice when I wear certain shoes there is pain. Maybe a change in shoes will help. A lot of friends have had knee, hip, and shoulder surgeries. I think getting older is a real challenge. Thank goodness we live in a time that we can get the medical help to repair our joints.
I hope you can get some much needed rest . Enjoy your trip, and be safe.
Blessings
I have been opting for sneakers most days just to get some extra cushioning. It’s changing my style quite a bit, but you gota do what you gota do:)
I hope you love Portugal. Try to get to Sintra, about 15 miles outside Lisbon. Quaint city with an amazing and eclectic Royal castle. Unfortunately, Portuguese food is wonderful, especially the cream cakes. Nit do good for your diet! Good luck with all you are doing for your health. Oh yeah, I liked the saver outfit best. Such a great jacket.
Sintra sounds magical. I hope we can.
Thank you for the reminder regarding not judging. As you said so well, we often don’t know the true story of what they are walking through. To show love and honor can mean so much to someone struggling. I appreciate you. ❤️
I appreciate you too, thanks Jacquelyn
Thank you Jennifer for your comments about not judging because we never know the whole story. Even if we do know the story, who are we to judge? I’ve never stopped masking (immunocompromised from chemo for an incurable condition) and I can’t tell you how often people give me the side eye. I look fine-I am vain enough to do my hair and makeup and still buy nice things once in a while. People greet me by telling me how fantastic I look. It’s all so hollow.
You almost had me fooled with the spend or splurge, but finally the jacket gave it away for me. I do love those quiet neutral colors. And I love that mask, I may need some of those. I have white and basic black, but they’re too big…suffocating.
Thank you for your story, and I hope that hip replacement isn’t your future. But even if it is, you’ve got this. And you will be better than new!
You’re so sweet, Susan, thanks for sharing your story.
On Sao Miguel island now. Absolutely stunning! The sights and beaches are awesome. Weather is perfect and the nights can be slightly cool where a light cover up works well, especially walking back after a late dinner.
Enjoy your trip!
Yay…I’m getting so excited. Have fun!
You are so right, Jennifer!!!! What business do we have judging anyone? That’s God’s job, not ours! Praying for pain management and healing.
You covered a multitude of topics this morning. This “ quiet luxury “ trend is not new to me. I don’t put a dollar sign on it either. For me, it begins with clean, modern personal maintenance that will support the more budget friendly styles.
When I see the word “quiet”, it also implies that the need to pile on accessories is just not necessary but may be more distracting.
I have had both hips replaced and kick myself for waiting too long to have the first one done. We are so fortunate to be living in a time when they have perfected these replacement surgeries. It’s critical to be mentally prepared and willing to follow all the rehab exercises recommended. And yes, a few extra pounds can make a huge difference too!
If it comes to surgery, I’m just going to go for it. You ladies have all been so encouraging!! The older I get the less I want to pile it all on. I’d rather have one standout and it ususaly needs to have meaning for me.
Thank you for your honesty with your viewers. You help me so much as I have a chronic disease but I still want to be stylish even though I’m not young anymore and those young people think we are not worth anything anymore. Respect and love is the answer.
Susi in Georgia
We are all worth it!! I’m glad you’re here with us Susi xo
Another great post and thanks for the reminder on masking up. Could you tell us where you purchased these neutral colored mask? We’re experiencing a spike in my part of the country as well and I found mask to be quite effective.
Ther’e a link under the image to them here. The company does make colored ones that are N95 as well.
I couldn’t tell which outfit was the splurge but it turns out I liked the more affordable outfit and disliked the pants, shoes and bag of the splurge. Good thing since my budget doesn’t allow for the splurge! I agree about never knowing what someone else is going through. My mom had a severe case of MS (she died at 38) and many people attributed her unsteadiness to alcohol (she never drank) and would make unkind comments which really hurt. Hope you have a lovely trip.
I’m so sorry about your mom! People can be so cruel. I preferred the save oputfit too.
While I seem to instinctively gravitate to more expensive choices I really like the pieces in the “Save” selection more than the “Splurge” group – with the exception of the earrings which are not that much of a splurge. I would probably wear earrings I own and are kind of my signature pair anyway – same with bracelet. So cute!
I prefer it this week too!
I actually like the less expensive outfit the best – the pants are what were the deciding factor for me. Words of encouragement: I had a hip replacement two years ago a result of a femur break two years prior (hospitalized during Covid – had to wait four days there before other high priority emergency surgeries were needed – kinda like a bedfast vaca). Anyway the hip surgery was miraculous, done robotically, recovery not hard and hip functions great. Pilates moves are limited but that is it. I had my knee replaced 8 weeks ago (same leg) and it is a much harder recovery but my hip is doing all the hard knee pt with no problem. You will happy to be rid of the hip pain! Prayers for easy peasy surgery, recovery and a great trip to Portugal!
I prefer it too. Wow, I will ask about robotic, it seems to be the wave of the future. Good luck with your kee recovery.
I LOVE that you are reminding us that everyone has a story…. Sometimes a smile for a person that is in her “struggling” portion of the story can mean a lot to them. We all need to remember that everyone has a story. Thank You for this!
“You never know what someone else is going through” is something that I always remember in my job, teaching. A student who is turning in late assignments or not showing up to class may have issues at home, or health issues that they don’t want to use as an excuse (but should). I love how you extend this to the comments that are made on your posts and it’s a good reminder to me to give others a little bit of grace whenever possible.
By the way, my husband caught COVID at the end of June when we were in Vancouver, BC, and I know you were there for some time, so at least you dodged that bullet! But still smart to take precautions, I think.
Happy travels! I’m in Paris now and it is indeed less crowded than it is in the summer – I hope you find the same in Portugal.
Have fun in Paris!! How marvelous!
Great Splurge or Save! I was fooled. The save look did it! Nice comparisons. I like the look of quiet luxury. Sorry about your hip pain. You never know someone else’s story and this is a good reminder.
Good morning Jennifer,
Thank you for your message this morning. Made me feel grateful 💕
Have a beautiful day!
This is a beautiful post. So true, never judge someone else as we do not know their story or is any of our business! As for your blood pressure, mine always spikes when I have pain . I have developed an issue with Gout since Covid. I never know when it will act up. If you have luck loosing weight please share. I struggle with this on a daily basis.
Gout is no fun, I’m so sorry to hear that. I’ll keep you posted on what works, but basically I’m cutting out all snacks and eating more protein and veggies.
Have a wonderful time in Portugal, but at the moment, there doesn’t appear to be an ‘off’ season for tourists in Europe. Never saw anyone (except myself) wear a mask in France, UK, or Italy earlier this year. Managed to catch covid on flight home, after throwing caution to the wind and didn’t wear one. Good luck with your hip and hope it doesn’t play up in Portugal
Oh no, I’m sorry you got covid! At least you were home when you got it and not in a hotel.
Thank you for sharing, mine started lasted spring with IT band diagnosis and then hip and PT for months, then shot in hip joint that did not work until they found it was low back degeneration and the injections finally worked. The only thing I could do was water exercises that works great. My weight also went up and down like my pain.
Water exercise was recomended to me too. I’m glad the injections finally worked for you.
As I said before you don’t look like you’ve gained weight, and I think most women can relate to ups and downs in weight! Being a blogger takes having grit. I don’t think I could put myself out there the way you do. Enjoy your trip.
Thanks for the mask recommendation. We came back from our alaska trip a month ago with COVID. Fortunately we have had 6 vax and our symptoms were so mild we didn’t suspect COVID, until we got home and learned we had been exposed. Ps – I too am having a hip problem. Mine seems to be piraformes (sp.) and some arthritis. I discovered Tylenol arthritis (8hour) and I take one most days. Doesn’t solve the root problem but may help in the meantime.
I just got some Tylenol Arthitis today. I hope it helps because I do know I have arthitis too.
Seven weeks ago, I had my second knee replacement. I was driving in 3 days; I am continuing PT by choice. Both of them have been very highly successful; I put off the first one for 10 years doing PT and steroid injections. I am so glad to have new knees; my sisterly advice is to know you will be miserable for a couple of weeks but so much better for years to come.
Thanks for that advice, Nyla. I always wanted to have a sister 🙂
Wow, Jennifer, so much going on in your life. I did read your newsletter yesterday, and am delighted to know that some of it is good. Congratulations!
As for everything else, my goal is to do the best I can everyday for me and others. If I succeed more days than I fail, my life and those of other I encounter, are better for it.