Weekend Reading 1.13.24
It’s been quite the week, and I am more than ready for some downtime. Annual medical tests and a new doctor have me recalibrating lots of things in my diet. The fridge and pantry are both getting a cleanout, and I’m having to say goodbye to some favorite foods.
Have any of you heard of the DASH diet? It stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. It’s a way of eating, not meant for weight loss, but I understand people who follow it tend to lose weight, so I’ll be OK with that.
As it happens, I’ve got a very special trip planned with one of my favorite gal pals next week, and it couldn’t come at a better time. We’re embarking on a wellness journey to recalibrate, recharge, and renew at a gorgeous spa that features a cadre of workshops and activities. It’s way past time for me to prioritize my health and get a better handle on stress management. I’ve made some other steps in that vein this year, which I’ll share more about later.
FASHION ON MY RADAR THIS WEEK
- A reader recommended I try her favorite bra, so I ordered it, and I love it! This Red Hot Bralette by Spanx is incredibly comfortable and looks totally smooth under my tops. You won’t be surprised to hear I got the nude because all my lingerie is nude.
- This cable knit coatagin was a bestseller last week.
- This hobo bag was also a popular item this week.
- J. JILL has 30% off their denim and jackets. This water-repellant belted trench is more classic than I’m used to seeing at J. Jill. It looks like a closet must-have for spring. I’m a huge fan of these straight-leg jeans.
- TALBOTS take 30% off your highest-priced item, including this new quilted lady jacket in soft indigo. I love the look of these new jeans trousers. The Red Door Sale is still going strong. Bright colors are trending for spring, and this sweater has lots of fun options. The cable pattern on this cardigan is just so pretty.
MORE NEW ARRIVALS FROM TALBOTS
- J. CREW up to 40% off 100’s of women’s styles.
- LOFT has 40% off full-priced styles and an extra 60% off sale. This sweater jacket looks fun for spring at a great price. This striped shirt is in one of my favorite blues.
MORE NEW ARRIVALS FROM LOFT
LOOK + LOVE + READ
WHAT YOU MAY HAVE MISSED
Thanks for reading, and be sure to do something nice for yourself this weekend.
I love your blog, but I have not been receiving your emails for the last week. I even tried to add back as a new subscriber – still not working.
It turns out to be a compliance issue for Gmail which I am still working on for you.
Jennifer I love your blog! My husband had a heart transplant back in 2015 and the Cardiologist team at Stanford recommended the DASH diet, yes it works. Since then a couple years ago I came across the Mediterranean Diet by Elena Paravantes, she is a registered dietitian nutritionist and creator of Olive Tomato olivetomato.com I would encourage you to check out her book and website. Glad you and so many on here are taking care of themselves!
Joanne
Thank you for the resource! I will check it out!
Your 12 essentials post was great, but I want to thank you for introducing me to the Warners comfort bra – it is by far the best one for me and it is a steal!
Awesome! I’m so glad you love it too
The spa time sounds lovely! Like Debbie, I am no longer receiving your emails. Could you please add me back?
Thanks a million!
I added you back. So sorry for this problem.
Yes, this diet works. I have been on similar diet before my gallbladder was recently removed, and now after. For years I have been trying to loose those stubborn 10 lbs. I always thought it was all about the carbs, but low fat has been it for me , and eat less food. I go small portions, eat small meals, more fresh fruits and veggies, fish, chicken, turkey, whole grain, no white flour foods, and limit. We eat at home more, and this has really helped so much. I was eating out way too much. I also walk or do treadmill 30min., 4 to 5 times a week.
Glad you are focusing on your health.
I think eatting out will be a big issue because they add so much salt in restaurants. It will take some getting used to because I do love salty things.
The DASH diet was a handout we gave to every patient with hypertension. Similar to a Mediterranean diet. I try to follow it even though I do not have hypertension due to the overall health benefits. That being said, an occasional sweet treat is part of living life to the fullest. Will never give up chocolate!
Chocolate is pretty special. Luckily I love the very dark 80-90% which is low in sugar.
Hi Jennifer – love your blog and I look forward to it! But I have not received the email since Tuesday. Last time this happened with another email list it was their email service that was the problem. Just wanted to let you know in case someone else is having this issue. If not it means something on my end. I have you listed as a VIP in my system! Thanks, Debbi
It is my email provider so I have added you back and crossed my fingers it works now
Jennifer, would you share the name of the retreat you are attending? My girlfriend and I were just talking about doing this exact same thing!
I am going to a Marival. I’ll share more soon.
I just ordered the Spanx bra. Can’t wait to try it on.
It really great! Let me know how you like it
You are so honest about what so many of us are also experiencing, Jennifer. After having a heart attack at age 62, I try really hard to prioritize my health. You will learn to love the DASH diet. There are so many resources online with free recipes and support systems. Utilize them and report back to us about what you learn and about your spa vacation!
I am finding lots of things online. I hope I learn to love it because it seems such a healthy way to eat.
Thank you for the reminder about the DASH diet. This was the way I used to eat prior to Covid lockdowns and then cancer. The last few years I have not been eating as healthy as I used to and it’s time to get back on track.
Your wellness spa trip sounds fabulous. Enjoy!
Thanks Yvonne. I’m really looking forward to it.
I’m with Jamie, it’s so easy to put everything else first and not our wellbeing and health. Congratulations and thank you for sharing. I need to get myself in the same place.
Glad you are focusing on health. I had not heard of the DASH diet. I looked it up and was happy to see that its very close to the way we eat. As a former WW leader I have kept to the habits I adopted when I lost weight I gained after quitting smoking back in the 80s. I will second your vote on the J Jill straight leg jeans. Last year I decided to try the style and tried on the offering at 4 stores that cater to the over 50 crowd. The J Jill pair won by a mile and they are now my favorite jeans. Also will recommend the Talbots cable coatigan. Grab it while its on sale.
WW is fabulous. Sensible is just plain smart all around.
I read your blog every day, Jennifer, but rarely post. I’m glad you’re beginning to prioritize your health! From the outside, it seems like you’re always on the go. Slowing down a bit and focusing on your health can only be a good thing! The spa trip you have coming up with your friend sounds amazing! Enjoy every minute!
Thank you so much Jamie. I do have a hard time slowing down and I’m burning myself out.