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.
Greetings! I agree the gift of time is simply the best! After all, it’s something only you can give. Sometimes we ask for lists of needs /wants, and these are always helpful, especially from the younger generations. We’ve often bought towels for gifts, and these have been appreciated. In the past, we’ve made a donation to a charity, local SPCA, Guide Dog Training, and hospice.
What to give, seems to be a dilemma with many folk all over the world. I live “down-under.”
Jennifer, I always enjoy your musings! Like you, I don’t feel comfortable in shorts, and much prefer wearing a skirt or a dress.
Cheers,
Margaret
Have a great week, Margaret
I’m a fan lightweight Merrill hiking shoes although I have heavier boots but am finding them too heavy to walk in these days. I always buy them a half size bigger than normal to allow for swelling if walking very far plus it allows for two pairs of socks – one thin merino or silk pair and a thicker pair of wool ones on top.
We also have more than enough stuff so our family gift us experiences such as theatre tickets, vouchers for restaurants, food hampers. My husband’s favourite gift was a track day at the local race track where he got to chug around the track on his motorbike!
Our three children and seven grandchildren live overseas so the best treat is time with them.
Go to REI for hiking boots. I have a pair of KEEN ankle high hiking boots that have worked for me on many hikes including ones at Glacier National Park, Mt. St. Helen, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons National park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park and quite a few State Parks. They need replacing, and I will start by trying on other hiking boots by the same brand. Ditto to other readers that at our ages/stages, no need for more things. The gift of time with loved ones, gift cards for books, or self care items are the best and most appreciated.
Hi there
I wear Oboz hiking boots they are made in Montana. I live in Alberta.
I have both high top and low top hikers. It’s best to try several brands to see which brand fits your feet. I know I can’t wear other brands that my friends can wear. The good thing is if you find a comfortable pair they should last you for years.
A few years ago my husband told our daughters (both in their 30s) that he no longer needed things for gifts. What he really craved was experiences with them! They have really taken this to heart. For his last birthday one daughter took him to a pie-making workshop at a local cooking shop. They went away with two pies and a ton of fun memories. The other daughter is taking him to an ABBA cover band show on a rooftop garden. (ABBA is one of his faves.) So when someone asks what you’d like for a gift, just tell them, “an experience with you”. They will feel flattered you want to spend time with them … and you will come away with something much better than another trinket.
Experiences are everything!
I really like services like mani pedi, hair cut or color. Gift certificates to restaurants, car washes, Sephora. It’s endless.
The category of clothing I avoid is skirts. Especially like the white one pictured. I don’t even like it on the model. I feel fat in them. I guess I prefer slim fitting/tailored clothing. Maybe I haven’t found the right fit/cut yet.
Thanks Lily
Jennifer, like you I haven’t worn shorts in public for years. I don’t find them to be comfortable and I feel self-conscious wearing them. I think I absorbed some old-fashioned ideas from my mother about them not being appropriate for women over 30.
As far as gifts, prosecco and Belgian chocolate for me!
Consumable gifts for the win!
Regardless that farming districts are all but a stones-throw from where I live, it has been years since I’ve been to one as favourite was also a flea market that has closed and the other is in our city core (where parking now is very expensive). As for the others, most do not open until the 2nd weekend in August. Re wearing shorts; haven’t for years namely because ‘I run cold’ most of the time. Also like yourself in clothing I don’t mind a nod to feminity and for sure one thing that I have always avoided, is real pointed-toe footwear that since you asked brings me to the subject of Columbia being a brand of hiking boot (or shoe) that offers numerous styles which many Sport Stores carry. Last but not least; haven’t down sized yet however as do not travel like we use to, do appreciate a gift of an overnight stay at a Bed & Breakfast, Inn or similar preferably in a small/rural town just for a change in dining, scenery and a little shopping of course. Now as to the book; I actually plan to start reading it as well but did not choose it as my son who has a similar taste in reading do exhange our books and it was his choice. -Brenda-
P.S: I just finished reading The Intruders (by Louise Jensen) best described IMO as ‘suspensful with a twist’.
The Intruders sounds great! Thanks Brenda
Hi Jennifer, it sounds as though you are really enjoying Vancouver! I also prefer skirts over shorts. I find them more comfortable in general.
I like Amazon gift certificates that I can use for Kindle books, restaurant gift cards, and flowers as gifts. Also, creative food baskets encourage me to try new things, especially if they include ingredients and a recipe.
I stopped wearing shorts with the demise of hot pants. Yes, dating myself. I think the next iteration was Daisy Dukes, but I passed on that trend. For cooling wear, a nice loose dress is the answer.
I tend to agree
I love Lucy Foley, I do have to order the newest..thanks for the reminder…Gifts at my age are tricky, my fashion style is nothing like my friends, so they thoughtfully give me a Nordstrom gift card, always appreciated is a card for Home Goods. My dearest friend, for my upcoming birthday gave me a gift card for wine tasting & hotels. Priority Wine Pass.Good for one year, and it features Napa, Sonoma, & Monterey wineries among the many areas in California they also have a wonderful conceirge service, Can’t wait to try it..not sure if it’s only California focused.I was also thinking, for gifts, there are some wonderful diffusers out there I just got a PURA, think I’ll gift her for her Oct birthday…..I was never comfortable in shorts, horrible legs..though I do wear them around the house….great blog, and I also forget my local farmers market…..need that on my to do list…have a great week!!
Happy Monday, Nancy
I had to laugh about husbands not wanting to part with stuff when their wives are trying to downsize. My late husband would get so anxious when I cleaned out the garage. After it was all done, he was happy with the results and never missed a thing. I don’t need more stuff. I give special theme-related soap in gift baskets, like a day at the spa or a soak for tired feet. Gift baskets with snacks, crackers, cheese, and wine were nice to receive. A bouquet just sent for no reason is a pleasant surprise to let them know you are a thing of them. I think sending a card or letter is so nice to receive.
I love getting snail mail of any kind!
Going to our local farmers market when we’re home is a weekly tradition. We’re lucky to have an excellent one and I go straight to the booths I patronize! Great idea btw about being plastic containers for berries. We do bring both a rolling trolley & my French market basket lugged back from Aix-en-Provence but a square tray of berries still poses a challenge. I’m sad when the market closes in late September.
As for shorts: a hard no! Veins & cellulite do not a pretty picture make. I stick to loose linen pants & white ankle jeans, with the occasional dress (love Garnet Hill sleeveless linen shirt dresses & have them in about five colors).
Agree with everyone else that consumable gifts & experiences are best; no scented anything please unless you know my preferences! I’m very picky and only my best friend gets it right when gifting me things.
Thanks, Jennifer, for your reliably fun and candid posts and great suggestions.
Happy Monday, Elizabeth
We have downsized a couple of times. Then end up having to buy something we gave away. Currently we live in a one floor condo that doesn’t have a lot of storage space. We recently sold our business and I am still trying to find places for all the stuff from there. It is like trying to put 25 gallons of water in a five gallon bucket.
I prefer gift cards but one of my daughters always likes to give me something and most of the time it is something I really need. Like a special ice pack for my shoulder when I fell and had a massive tear in my rotator cuff. I need surgery but am putting it off.
I have always loved dresses but am having trouble finding something that looks good on my body now. Love reading your blog.
I’m not a fan of shorts either at this point in my life except for the beach. Just not my style. Love the chambray shirt and white skirt- so summery! For gifts, memberships to museums and other cultural places would be great and don’t forget about bookshop.org for gifts certificates to support companies that truly value books. And you can’t go wrong with chocolate!
I agree about chocolate:)
If anyone is downsizing I’m looking for International Royal Danish silverware! :-D. And blue and white tablecloths… Hahaha. The gift thing is a puzzle! I am working to avoid giving my mom and also my FIL any “things” but spices are good. My husband thinks gift cards are a cop-out, so I’m always trying to figure out gifts that are consumable or otherwise useful.
Sorrel hiking boots are awesome. They have served me well over the past two years through Israel, Norway and most recently South Africa! I tried to buy them through Orvis but they couldn’t get my size. Ended up ordering through Amazon (I think). Good for my wide feet and orthotics fit well.
Just returned from an amazing whale watching tour – a gift to us from our son and daughter-in-law. Who knew such an experience could open new eyes in a 76-year old. We’re never too old for new experiences.
How fun!
My LL Bean hiking boots/shoes are over 7 years old and I still love them. For me the most important feature was support for my high arches and lug soles which are recommended by all the national parks to wear when hiking. I downsized 6 years ago but as a cook and book lover I appreciate books, fun dish towels and artisan olive oils, jams and baked goods. When I lived in NY I never wore shorts. I moved to the SoCal desert and now practically live in them!
I quit wearing shorts in public a few years ago; they just don’t rock my boat any more thanks to varicose veins, big scars from some gnarly bicycle accidents and saggy knee skin. Besides, loose flowy skirts and dresses are SO MUCH cooler/breezier in the summer! I will wear shorts at the gym, but everyone at my gym is focused on their own business and I don’t feel self conscious there.
As for hiking boots, I prefer KEEN, because they have a wide/tall toe-box which is kind to the foot and can accommodate the thick socks I prefer to wear. I usually buy mine at REI.
Finally – gifts. I appreciate experiences, like event and exhibit tickets, or pure consumables, like food! Excellent olive oil, marvelous wines and decadent chocolate top the list.
Thanks Angela! I love specialty olive oils.
How I love today’s blog! Yes to the farmers market—I buy almost all my produce from local farms when the markets are open here in Virginia. I love shorts, but they have to be long enough. I like a 10-inch length which puts them barely above my knee. I don’t like wearing skirts at all, I feel galumphy in them—just clumsy and awkward for some reason. I also strongly dislike ankle pants. Most of my height is in my legs and pants are usually too short on me. I got teased a lot about too short pants when I was young, which no doubt led to my aversion. For the trails, I like Altra’s Lone Peak—wide toe box and grippy soles. I also wear them in icey weather when walking my little dog in the winter. Like you, I love Lucy Foley. I love mysteries of all kinds—current fave is Liz Moore’s The God of the Woods. For gifts, I love to give and receive consumables—fruit, chocolate, flavored vinegars (California Balsamic is my favorite brand.) So much fun responding to today’s blog—thanks, Jennifer!
Haooy Monday Terry
Light hikers are great for day walking over rougher terrain. You don’t need “real” hiking boots unless you are carrying a hefty pack. For gifts, Al the suggestions above are good but I’d add accessories. Jewelry scarves hats etc. easy to use and store . More is better
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
We give Amazon gift cards as gifts. Then the person can buy whatever they want or need! a few close friends always buy books! I think gift cards for restaurants are always nice! For a small thank you gift to the lady who fed my cat when we were on vacation, I gave a flowering plant!
Our daughter has given us restaurant gift cards for several years. Great gifts!
I am downsizing too. Slowly since my husband is not on the plan, LOL! For gifts, we have had agreements with family in recent years that we don’t need a gift for birthdays. Getting together is fun and that is all we need. We give each person one stocking stuffer and one gift at Christmas and we give our sons and daughter in law each a check.
If my children and husband really want to buy me a gift they know a gift certificate for a bookstore, or a box of chocolates from my favorite shop, is always a treat. My Mom who is 93 finds it convenient to send me an Amazon gift card online. And I love that, to use for my Kindle.
Yesterday we had dinner with a friend who recently retired and she says she finds she needs so little these days. Doesn’t need to buy many clothes, eats lightly, doesn’t drive as much as she had to for work. She is finding it liberating.
My husband is not on the plan either and it makes me crazy!
Instead of gifts, I want experiences. I ask my sons’ to take me out to dinner, a movie, a show, etc. I don’t need things.
I love to give gift certificates – especially to local book stores, restaurants, and boutique shops. No more “stuff” for me either. 3 grandgirls in their early 20s are helping me tho – love taking my “overstock” casseroles, glassware and especially recipes.🤠💖
I like receiving candles & usually gift them or a special body butter or cream. Hand cream for purse is also nice.
Me too
Good morning! I related to today’s post, and it got me thinking. I still wear shorts, but it only been at home this summer. I’ve been wondering why, because that’s not how I dressed in past summers. I realize now that they just don’t feel right. I’ve also been wondering about all my many possessions! I’m still working, so I buy clothes. Thanks for the great outfit ideas! But, silly ent, I’ve realized I have a too large collection of water bottles. What happens to all these water bottles when I no longer use or want them.
Well, that’s a lot of deep thinking for a Monday morning!
And…. thanks for the book suggestions. I read a lot and read quickly. I’m always on the hunt for a good book. And to all your followers, read Jennifer’s brother’s books. He’s a terrific writer and his books are really good!
You’re sweet, thanks Nancy. I love his books too.
great clothes as always. oh my gosh! i love that purse! i must have missed it in another post.
I found it at a little shop in Helsinki.
Jennifer, I always go to my local farmers’ market! In fact, it is the highlight of my week during the growing season. I so look forward to buying most of my fresh produce there plus extra things like bread and flowers. As for gifts, I am with you. No more stuff! I am going to suggest that my children and grandchildren give me either homemade gifts (my granddaughters are clever & creative) or gift cards to my favorite stores and restaurants.
I love getting B Witched Company 100 Roses Goat Milk Lotion. It’s such a pleasant fragrance! It lasts about 4 months for me. Or their rose candle and a good book to read is so appreciated!! These are good gifts and always the right size!!
My friends and family decided a few years ago to stop exchanging gifts at holidays, birthdays and anniversaries because, as you say, we have everything we need. So we all exchange events! Going out to eat dates, movie, theater, trips, hikes, spa days, etc. Basically, making memories of time,spent together.
Great idea
: gifts for downsizing friends: I like to receive useful gifts like nice hand lotion , cute cocktail napkins or food – mixed nuts or chocolates that I can put out for guests. Some people like scented candles, but they’re not for me.
I also have an embroidery machine so I enjoy embroidering dish towels or a set of dinner napkins to take to our hosts when we’re houseguests.
Embroidered dish towels are a lovely idea!
Hi, Jennifer. I also don’t wear shorts. I think the last time I did I was in my 20s. I’m just not comfortable in them and now with the varicose veins appearing on my legs I’m even more loathe to wear them. This weekend I went to a Small Farm Festival and Market at Carriage Hill Farm, a living history site at one of Dayton’s parks. I too regretted wearing jeans because of the heat and saw some of the other ladies (and their daughters and granddaughters) were wearing light skirts and dresses. I also forgot my sun hat. But I had a light blue umbrella in the car and used it as a sunshade. I also was able to pick up my cardigan that I ordered from Nordstrom Rack yesterday. The antique honey color is gorgeous. I also picked up a pretty pair of rayon drawstring trousers by Max Studios London and a top by Tahari while I was in the store. I’m probably going to wear them on my next visit to the farmers market, especially if the weather continues hot and muggy as it has been. I’m glad you had a nice time with your daughter and love the pic of you at the market holding the flowers. As for gift suggestions, I opt to give experiences instead of things. They don’t have to be big things like concert tickets but taking the recipient to a place, restaurant or event they’ve mentioned (my one nephew loves trains and taking photos and he loved the voucher I gave him for a ride to and from a town that runs a steam train excursion and has a small railroad museum, the train tickets for us both and lunch at the museum went over really well). Both of us had a great time.
I’m so glad the cardigsan worked out for you!!
Hiking shoes/boots Merrell is the brand I go for. My feet are finicky now but they like the support. I recently added a pair of Ecco trail sandals, nicely padded and good support. I enjoy them for easy trail walks, I live in Manitoba so flat hikes are common, the trans Canada Trail runs by our cottage and is exceptionally well maintained. I would not wear them on the rougher hikes where there are lots of hills, larger rocks and roots. That and colder temps will have me in the Merrells.
Gifts are always a challenge. My kids aim for the gift of time. I love going to something with them. My friends and I have agreed to stop hostess gifts instead we share the menu and either bring part or bring a wine – several of us did a wine pairing course so we have fun seeing how we did!
The gift of time is the best we can have.
Good morning Jennifer. So many timely questions. I’m turning 70 tomorrow and don’t want or need any more stuff. What I want is experiences – play a round of golf with me or plan a day trip for wine tasting in Niagara.
As for skirts, for some reason they seem too dressy for my casual lifestyle, which is crazy. I did buy a white denim midi skirt this summer and have only worn it twice. I’ll plan to wear it this week.
I just finished The Midnight Feast. Next on my list is The Bullet That Missed by Richard Osman.
Enjoy the long weekend!
Happy Birthday Yvonne!!
I like the Hoka hiking boots. They are so comfortable. I don’t need new ones often but when I do, I will go to Zappos or the Hoka site directly.
BTW – great idea to bring containers to the farmers market for the berries. I will try that.
I prefer gifts of experiences rather than things. A gift card to a good restaurant, a gift card to my favorite spa, tickets to my community theater, car wash coupons, etc. Also, you can’t go wrong with food. Send someone whatever food item your region is noted for.
Thank you for your book suggestions…an added bonus!
I like to receive gift vouchers for my favourite book shop and for Mecca (an Aussie version of Sephora). We have several farmer type markets where I live, but tend to avoid them because I end buying a slew of foods, such as dips and never end up eating them. Have you thought of taking a little shopping trolley (not like the ones in the supermarket) with you to the market? Saves lugging things and getting a sore arm or neck.
I have thought of that and think having one is a great idea! I’ll check Amazon
Folks who come for dinner usually bring a bottle of wine or
some cocktail napkins so a small plant. All of which I love.