Wednesday Wonder: Closet Notes from the Bay

 

Hello dear Friends!

I know in my prior post I talked about another blogging friend talking about her desire to know where some of us gals find clothes we like at this season of life.

I thought I would share some of my favorites and I hope you will share with me some of yours too! I think as we age we don't worry about trends the way we might have when we were younger. But I don't think it means that we still don't love clothing...I just think we know ourselves better now. I think now I look for things that flatter, but are comfortable. Also quality dependable clothing that will last. But I think the top thing I look for is that it feels like ME. :) 

When Matt and I are out shopping... or I am with a gf or my Mom - I find it interesting that sometimes if I find something and hold it up they will say, 'oh that looks like you' So I must have found my style in this season. I think I'm drawn to color more than I was when I was young. Yet, I still love blacks and earth tones too. I like clothing that helps my short stature. I have shrunk to about 5'2" now. So I often shop where I can find petites. I also don't have much torso either and I'm busty. 🙈 So for things like pajama sets - I may need a smaller size for my bottoms but need bigger for the tops. So that's often my challenge. 

Some of my favorite places to go shopping are Maurices and JCPenney (my Mom loves JCPenney so we go there often and I have luck there because they have petites). I have found some jeans and things at American Eagle and Madewell as well. Online I love Coldwater Creek for nicer pieces. They are pricier but made well and last forever! So many of my dresses and skirts are from there. I also sometimes have luck on Amazon (not as consistent) And I shop used items through Thred Up - as I've shared about that company before. Sometimes I have luck through some catalogs I still get - like Chadwicks and LLBean. And I have recently enjoyed some of Pioneer Woman's clothing I have mostly found on QVC.

Oh, and I often have luck finding athletic wear at Dicks or Kohls (for working out, pickleball, golf etc).  

I pulled a few things from my closet and took a few photos with some of the outfits I've worn more recently to share with you:

I thought I'd share these 2 together because of the jeans - I found them at Coldwater Creek. I love that site/catalog for their dressier things I often wear for church and hospice work. But they have cute casual things too and almost everything is in petite as well. The top I'm wearing in the top photo was from Chadwicks. I think the coat was from Maurices years ago. And the t-shirt in the bottom pic is from Maurices. They have so many fun t-shirts. And the handbag is Vera Bradley (one of my faves) - the accessories help make the outfit too sometimes, right? 😉

 I also love yoga pants and leggings and I have the best luck finding those at Maurices, Chadwicks, JCPenney, and Coldwater Creek. And I love having a cute phone case for the seasons. And as you know I enjoy playing with nail polish colors too. Lol Again, all about the accessories! 

Pioneer Woman recently came out with a new line for Fall and it was on QVC and I got this cute Autumn jacket (love the stitching detail and that she always has floral things), and this pretty sweater that is so soft! 

This sweater was from PW's line a few years ago and I matched it with a cute orange vest I found at Coldwater Creek.

This dress is from Coldwater Creek (love the Fall leaves) and the blouse is from Coldwater creek but I found it on Thred Up for 1/4 of the cost! 

These are pretty soft short sleeve sweaters (good for layering when it's not too cold yet). I pair them with a favorite brown skirt or my tan cargo pants, or black dress pants.

This pretty 🍁 sweater I got at Maurices a few years ago and I don't remember where the vest is from? But where I live in the northwoods vests are kind of a staple. There are so many times when it's chilly but we don't need the big parka yet. Lol So layering with a vest and good mittens or gloves is just right. 

I have a favorite jean jacket I often wear over everything - but I love other cute little jackets - like this lovely corduroy one. I love the big buttons too. I love to wear a skirt or dress but then add a more casual coat to make it a little less "serious" of an outfit. Add some tall boots and it's a perfect Fall outfit in my opinion! The dress is from Coldwater Creek (as usual 😂) 

I don't think we age out of enjoying clothes - we just get better at knowing what we like. 💗

I'd love to know what are some of your favorites and where you have the most luck?? 

Also, please pray for me - the bathroom renovation is completely underway!! It's been going well so far (thank goodness) and they may even finish in a week and 1/2 or so! Yay!! I will keep you posted. 

under our tile was old pink tile (the original part of the house was built in 1939)

I always love and treasure your time here Friends. 

Blessings always. 

xoxo

Wednesday Wonder: Hospice Moments

 

Hi there Friends 💗

I hope this week has been wonderful to you so far. :) 

Today I thought I would share some thoughts related to the hospice work that I do. 

I think it's a gentle kind of work that doesn't get talked about much. At least not in everyday conversation. Sometimes I think it's difficult for folks to think about. The fact that there is a cycle to our lives and it ends in the same place for us all. 

I have been doing hospice work for almost 9 years now...and I think it has gently changed me through the years. 

It has taught me that the smallest things - a familiar song, a favorite blanket, a warm hand, and even a whispered prayer...can become the most meaningful gifts we give one another. 

I'm not sharing this to make your hearts heavy, but to remind all of us that even in life's final chapters there is still so much love to be held. 🙏🏻🌸

I thought I would share a few photos I took when I was up at the hospice house the other day. There is a commercial kitchen behind closed doors. But there is also a community kitchen for families to use. It has all the amenities most folks would need right down to slow cookers. 

Sometimes when folks pass away... their family gives the facility flowers they received so there is often pretty fresh flowers displayed around. 

One of the roles I have helped take on over the years is scrapbooking obituaries of patients that passed that had stayed at the hospice house. You can see some of the albums on the shelf in the background in this photo below. When I make a scrapbooked page of an obit I like to pray over that person and their family that is left behind. When I work on these albums I often think of it as a gift I like to give them...that their story mattered and I'm helping to keep it safe. 

In the community kitchen and dining area there is always a coffee pot  on...or the items to make a fresh pot of coffee as needed. And there is also hot water for tea or cocoa. As well as cookies - that are also baked by volunteers (another role I have helped with at times). I have also held and lotioned hands, said prayers with family (or on my own) over patients, and mainly just been an ear when a patient or family just needs to vent or wants to share. 

Some volunteers also give of their time by playing music for the facility. I love this corner in a living room at the house - with the beautiful piano, pretty old clock and light streaming in the windows. 

The nurses that work at the hospice house are absolute Angels in my book. They do amazing and loving work to help ease a patient's pain, concerns, and to help with comfort while they stay there. As well as their  family's comfort as well. It is an honor to be a part of this environment and I feel that the hospice house is like sacred ground. It is something I have felt called to do, and next to being a Mom - I think it's some of the most important work I do in this world. 

Thank you for letting me take a moment to share my passion and to say this: if you have ever thought about giving of your time in any special volunteer capacity - DO IT! You will never regret it and the ways your life will be blessed is too rich to put into words. 

I have a busy few days ahead so if I don't pop in again this week - have a wonderful weekend and I'll catch you next week. 

xoxo

Wednesday Wonder: Fairy Pots

Hello beautiful Friends!

Sorry I missed the start of this week. I've been a busy bee but I still wanted to pop in for a quick hello. 

And to continue my Spring dreaming. My phone sent me a little album of some of my former fairy pots. It's something I always look forward to doing in the Spring. Digging in the dirt. Picking out flowers, herbs, and filler to pour into pots and place them all around our house. As well as to plant some veggies in my little raised garden. 💚🌱

So I thought I would share a bit of the fairy magic with you today as well. I believe, do you? :) 

 

xoxo

Wednesday Wonder: Spring This or That

 

Hi there dear Friends!

Welcome to Wednesday Wonder - This or That edition. :) 

As I look out at a gray day that's, once again, chilly. And there are some brown grassy patches - but still lots of snowy patches. I choose to think Spring thoughts! ☀️🌸 I know it will come eventually. 

 I actually saw a robin a moment ago and I feel so badly for it - as I'm sure it's wondering where Spring is too. 

So I thought I would share this fun little chart I found on pinterest.

And here is how I would answer the this or that chart:

*PICNIC -  (I love a BBQ, but a picnic is so much more romantic)

*SUNSHINE - (I love a rainshower - it soothes me, but I live for the sunny days up here in the northwoods)

*DAFFODILS - (I love them both but I love the bright yellow of a daff and I think it's one of the most cheerful flowers)

*ICED TEA - (I like flavored lemonades but I can't do too much acidity - so I would choose iced tea most of the time)

*GARDENING - (I love to dig in the dirt and plant herbs, veggies and flowers. I can't wait to start this Spring!)

*BOTH LADYBUGS & BUTTERFLIES - (I truly can't choose - love them equally)

*FLORAL - (I wear and choose so many floral print things that anytime Matt sees something floral he says 'that looks like you' Lol)

*CHERRY BLOSSOMS - (they are both beautiful but the color of cherry blossoms takes my breath away)

*SANDALS - (I don't have rain boots and I'm always so excited to wear sandals or go barefoot each summer)

*STRAWBERRIES - (this is a true toss up as I never met a berry I didn't like...and raspberries would beat them both. But 🍓 just a bit more)

*YELLOW - (it just gives me energy and a smile)

*UMBRELLA - (I don't own a rain hat, but I sometimes use the hood of my raincoat too)

Thanks for playing along with me. It's fun to dream on Spring...even though we've got another good month before it really shows up around here. I would LOVE to know your answers to the questions above - no explanations needed if you want to keep it easier. I'm just curious. And I think it's just kind of fun. 

xoxo🌸💚

Wednesday Wonder: Some Easter/Spring Ideas

 

Hello dear Friends 🌸

Do you have your Easter countdown on? Mine is a-ticking away over here. I've been tweaking my menu, and making my grocery and to-do lists and getting all set. 

Even though it's gray out today. And the forecast is calling for potentially 7 or 8 inches of snow by Friday (nope that's not an April fool...but our real forecast). Easter Sunday has a glorious forecast of sun and mid 40's. I will take that all day! ☀️🐰

Since I have Easter on my mind, and I was looking at some of my pinterest boards for inspiration...I thought I would share some of my finds with you too. In case you were wanting some added inspiration for the weekend ahead as well. But first, here's a look at my sleepy babies today. It is kind of a gray and good for a nap kind of day. Can you see  why I like to keep the recliner covered with a blanket? Less fur stuck in there. Lol

However, there's no time to rest. Easter is practically here! :) 

So here are a few fun ideas. If you want more in-depth info like the recipes etc - you can find all of these on my "Spring/Easter" pinterest board, and then click on the links directly. And a few of the salad recipes are under my "salads" board.  You can find my pinterest page if you click here.

First up, how about some fun decorating inspiration:

inexpensive hack to get free paint samples and cut out in egg shape for a cute garland

rustic but cute and inexpensive too 

love the idea of filling an old small trunk or case like this

i love how this wreath is simple, yet stunning

Now that we have things looking pretty, how's about we get it smelling pretty too. Love the idea of a Spring simmer pot. 

Now maybe it's time to create some fun appetizers to share with guests?

how cute are these peep and chick cookie cutters? (you could cut cheese and salami in these shapes too)

and I love the idea of decorating a crudite platter with a chocolate bunny or bunny decoration

Or have a Spring tea party and do the crudite in little teacups

And I think Springtime just sings for light pastas and salads as main dishes, don't you?

a light pasta filled with seasonal veggies and parm - perfect!

or create a seasonal salad or steamed veggies and use this vinaigrette 

maybe elevate a leftover Easter ham sandwich into this?

mmmm - more fun tea party ideas

And of course, we need to end with a sweet treat:

bunny topped pretzels or butterfly topped cupcakes...yes please!

be still my heart - look at these sweet teapot chocolate covered strawberries

or even enjoy Spring flavor sweets with your breakfast coffee

There are so many fun Spring and Easter ideas out there once you start looking. Do you have any favorites??

xoxo