The Holidays are Over Now What?
Whew! Everyone has returned home and things are somewhat back to normal. We had a wonderful holiday season beginning with my 70th birthday celebration, our wine group, and Christmas with the family. My heart is full as well as my body! Today I am joining my pals Mary Ann and Annie for our Sunday Faves. Let’s chat about The Holidays are Over now What?
I had hoped to share snaps from my 70th but I haven’t had time to go through them all. Coming soon I promise!
The Holidays are Over Now What?
OUTFIT OF THE WEEK
Unless we are lucky enough to be heading off on a tropical vacation, January often means eating healthy, excercising more, and planning for the new year. Athleta is having their biggest sale of the year so it is a great time to order new walking/workout wear. Mine always looks a little ragged this time of year. How about yours? FYI do not wait if there is something you like…many items are already sold out.
SHOP THE POST
If you need warmer layers for walking/running I like this reasonable wool base layer tee from Amazon. I also bought Steve this one for Xmas. Size up if you want a looser fit. I sprung for a new pair of New Balance Fresh Foam here. My long time favorites (super reasonable) seem to wear out in the toe practically immediately, so I am giving these a shot. If you are in need of a great lightweight jacket, Colin and Lauren got me this Vuori jacket (unfortunately not on sale) for Christmas, and I love it.
LAUREN’S OCTOPUS CEVICHE
We had an amazing Christmas dinner prepared by our kids. Darius and Jenna fixed prime rib with a delicious salad and a delicious potato gratin.
Lauren brought this appetizer for Christmas dinner and I have been eating the leftovers yum! I love ceviche of any kind but this octopus ceviche from platings and pairings is fabulous. Lauren says if you are using fresh octopus (which they purchased at Costco) that this cooking method from Serious Eats is the best she has found (in order to keep the octopus tender).
CARLA ASTON DESIGN TRENDS POST
I have known and respected Carla for years. If you don’t follow her and love design you should. Her post on 2025 Design Trends is always on point. I will have mine up in the next couple weeks.
This is Carla’s charming fireplace area. You can follow Carla on Instagram here.
ANY PLANS TO SPRUCE UP YOUR ABODE?
I have a few things on my list for the coming year. First and foremost is ditching the white carpet in the bedrooms. We aren’t carpet people, so I plan to replace the white carpet with seagrass. We had seagrass at our lake home and loved it. Seagrass is nearly indestructible (although Scouty might want to munch on it). We will probably wait until late summer/fall for this project. We have a few small updates but other than that not much. How about you?
MORE EXERCISE
I have really let things slack this last year because I have been working so hard. I no longer have unrealistic expectations but I can’t take my good health for granted. I need to walk more, do some weight lifting and I would like to enroll in a good pilates class. I am thinking North County Pilates. I have heard good things. Locals please weigh in!!
END OF YEAR SALES
Banana Republic-this is a good one up to 60% off if you are a cardmemember
COS-UP TO 50% OFF
I don’t buy a lot because I am gifted so much, but COS hit the mark with me this year. Love the quality, simplicity, and practicality of their offerings.
EVERLANE-SALE OF THE YEAR UP TO 70% OFF
Ditto with Everlane. In general everything is practical, simple and of good quality. This liner jacket is a favorite of yours from one of my outfits of the week. I am thinking of ordering one for myself.
I have worked with Mersea for a few years. I love the company, their products, and working with them. Many of my favorites are now on sale here. Their lightweight cashmere sweater is my absolute go to for a cashmere tee. Nearly everything I have featured on the blog and I is now on sale.
I ordered this sweatshirt., this sweatshirt, these leggings, and these leggings, and whoops this sweatshirt
https://cindyhattersleydesign.com/a-virginia-cottage-decked-out-for-christmas-and-more/Thank you for reading The Holidays are Over Now What? Have a wonderful Sunday! If you missed last Sunday’s favorites, you can find them here. Now let’s pop over and visit Annie and Mary Ann for their Sunday faves.
Hi Cindy! Thanks so much for sharing my post. Love your outfit picks. You’re always just my style!
Hi Carla
Of course ! Your posts are always so inspiring!
Happy new year Cindy! Sign up for pilates, you won’t regret it! I’ve done it for nearly 25 years nwo and it makes such a difference in your muscles and their connections.
Hi Nancy
I love pilates so far…how many times a week do you do it?
Cindy, great post and I have some questions/comments. Pilates-I have faithfully taken 2 classes a week for the last 18 +years. What I love about it is so different from any other workout. It also builds core strength which is so important for posture and balance as we age. Coupled with 3 days a week of weight training, I feel fabulous at nearly 70. Not working out makes me crabby and stiff, so I must do something every day to keep my body and mind feeling great. Rugs-I have two large (9’x12′) sisal rugs from Ballard Design in our family room (not inexpensive). Both rugs, right after the warranty expires, have had the rubber backing deteriorate into a dusty, gross mess. They have replaced one rug (at 50% off) and it’s doing it too. Do you have a good manufacturer of a natural fiber rug? Glad you had a happy holiday with family. That’s what it’s all about! Happy New Year
Happy New Year, Cindy,
I’m always excited to meet a new year with my “list” of things I’d like to accomplish. I have a few home projects and some better organization projects in a few of the closets to keep me busy. Downsizing has been a good thing for me, but some areas are more successfully situated than others.
Onward and upward! 😊💙🤍💙
Karen B.
Happy New Year Cindy! I snagged that Athleta Bag the price was lowered again today. Unfortunately a lot of Athleta stuff is sold out unless one is XXS. I’ve been looking for a slightly larger cross body that sits on the chest not the hip. This one is perfect.
If you are looking for really nice fleece lined leggings I ordered two pairs from Lands End in November they are fantastic. It’s cold here in Ottawa, ON and these leggings are perfect and ( bonus) very cozy and not see through. They wash well too and come in petites. I have an older pair that have never pilled between the legs so high hopes for these.
We are grooming our home for sale so it needs a new fireplace insert/ full paint job/new front door. We will do this in the spring.planning to sell first and rent while looking for a condo so not rushing and probably have another Christmas in the ‘big house’
Again Happy New Year!
Hi Allison
I have had that bag for a couple of years now. I love it. It sits flat, holds a water bottle, wallet, glasses keys…whatever you need. I wondered about the lands end leggings. I can never tell from their website. Thanks for sharing. That is why I love this community!!
Love Lands End Serious Sweats! Great fleece lined leggings now on sale (not black though). They wash well hung up to dry and no pilling.
My holiday is not over. In fact, our family will gather here tomorrow to celebrate. Happy new year to you.
Hi Debra
Yeah!! I always tell my family we can adjust. We will celebrate when we all are together, no matter the day!!
Cindy, I think you’d really enjoy Pilates, and I looked into the place you are considering. I have been doing semi private sessions for a few years, and coming on 75, twice a week for me is really important. I have a few weird things with my body, but my extremely professional instructor knows how to correct my placement ,if required, before a movement. You would definitely need a couple of privates to feel confident about what Pilates can do, and I encourage you to keep away from classes with several people .You cannot get the one on one help from your instructor , and women like me can become injured easily . Even though, since the move and divorce , money is an issue, Pilates will always find room in my budget. Enjoy!
P.S. Athleta has been a brand I trust and buy online …although more outerwear than workout wear. I find VUORI locally. .
Cath
Thank you so much for chiming in. I totally trust your opinion. What you have said is what I have surmised from my own investigation. I know that particular studio insists on private lessons until one is ready for group lessons. At my age, my health is paramount. I am willing to pay for private. We aren’t traveling currently (due to the pup). It is a “luxury” I can afford currently. Thanks so much for weighing in!!
I have 2 Mersea sweaters that I will pass on to you if you want them. I bought them at your suggestion but cannot figure out how to wear them without them overwhelming me. They have stayed folded in my closet and I got them out again recently to see if I could figure out how to style them but I need help or I need to pass them on. Too bad since I like the fabrics and colors.
I’m with you about getting back to better eating after my family has been here this week. It was my DIL’s bday and I got a cake that was just too tempting!
Happy New Year Pal!
Hi Wren
You are such a teeny little thing (unlike your pal) Let’s have a fashion show…I think you could make them work!! I am really ready to get back to our healthy eating but we still have leftovers!!
Thank you for all your content! I am a new subscriber who has just turned 82 but is mistaken for late 60s. I do miss Pilates and yoga which I did for years but had to stop after knee injuries caused by running in the military caught up with me. I think walking is good and one can do light exercised during the course of a day. Remember Radu and Cindy Crawford’s exercise tape? How did I ever manage that but it was inspiring..also there was some other punishing tapes by Gilad! I did after a work day. I do love your clothing suggestions and also my daughter is becoming interested, too., so we are sharing our thoughts after reading your content. Donnie
Hi Donnie
First of all you rock!!! I am so proud of this community! I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoy hearing from all of you!
I’ve heard so many ladies say that they are focusing on self-care this year. I had already decided to do this. I lost my wonderful husband of 50+ years unexpectedly this spring. Like most women we devoted our lives to our family, putting ourselves second. I’ve decided to put myself first now. I have refreshed my wardrobe in the fall with three new coats, 5 pairs of different jeans, 2 pairs of shoes, 2 pair of sneakers, and a pair of new boots. I’ve lost about 6 pounds since my husband’s passing, now wearing a 4P. We ate a healthy diet, and I have continued with that. I’ve always taken good care of my skin, and I will continue with that. I wear my hair in a shorter cropped bob, and I love it. I’ve refreshed our home with some new lighting and area rug. I took a solo driving trip this fall that we had already planned, and I am going to Paris in June with my daughter and granddaughters for a girls’ trip. I keep trying to put one foot in front of the other. My husband was the love of my life, and I know he would be proud of me. Ladies, don’t forget to put yourselves first!
Lyn
How you have dealt with this loss is inspiring. It would be so easy to crawl in a hole and be sad at our age. You have chosen to make the best of your loss, and yes your husband would be proud of you. I hope those that have experienced a similar loss are reading. We aren’t old. You are proof that we have so much more to offer and explore…
found the link to the ceviche!
Yeah!!
HI Cindy: great blog.
-any link to the radish salad???
-suggestion: if your athletic shoes are getting holes in the toes: a local seamstress might be able to embroider a heart (or other) over the area. I am going to do this to my ASUS sneakers this week.
(see also https://www.materfamiliaswrites.com/2024/12/gifts-of-the-season.html
Frances does this for her various “holes in the clothes” etc.
Mary
Mary thank you for linking to your blog. I am enjoying it!
Cindy- I think a “so called trends” post could be fun…may ruffle a few feathers, but no harm!
xx
I think maybe you are right…
I love to add an antique piece in a room. I find it adds interest and can be a conversation piece. But, then I also have interesting pieces from our travel that just seem to fit in. I’m quite discerning about what I buy and I need to love it. I don’t necessarily follow trends but it’s interesting to know what’s in, what’s out.
It might be an unpopular statement but I find the small, slender brass candlesticks look odd with the oversized black vessels on the mantel. 🤔
I’m recovering from a hip replacement and look forward to getting my runners on and getting back to walking every morning. It’s good for my mind and body. I’ve been thinking of taking up Pilates again. The last time I went to Pilates classes I was about twenty years younger. Time to up my fitness as like you I’ve entered my 70s and want to keep my mobility as I age. Got to keep up with those young ones!
Hi Joanna
I have had both hips replaced and have never looked back. If I need to do it again when I am 80-90 so be it! I honestly don’t have any aches or pains I am sure because I have two “young hips”. You will be soooo glad you had it done! I think the only thing you have to be careful of for awhile is some sort of backward leg move ( ask your doc), it can cause dislocation before all the muscle has “knitted” around the new hip.
Hi Joanna
I can’t imagine a room without an antique. How uninteresting that would be. I had two hip replacements a few years back…you will be climbing mountains in no time ha ha! I have zero aches and pains due to my new hardware!!
Happy New Year Cindy! I enjoy reading your blog. It’s nice to see how another 70 year old lives and dresses. My locale, weather, and job (I am a private music teacher) are very different than yours, but I find you very relatable. I find myself wishing today that there were somewhere where we women over 60 could talk about some of the craziness I see in the fashion world. I opened a post this morning by a 40 something blogger who I subscribed to earlier this year. I will probably drop my subscription because I absolutely cannot see myself wearing anything that she models. The blogger is quite thin (IMHO unattractively so) and puts together (again IMHO) crazy combos. She announced today that she will be writing a column for Vogue in 2025. I am scratching my head. The thing I do not understand is why if one is built like Twiggy in her youth anything one puts on one’s body is considered fashionable! Clashing colors and patterns. I do not mean print mixing, I mean eyesore. Wearing a voluminous skirt with clunky platform loafers to show off one’s stick-like legs. I simply do not get it. I remember seeing V.P. Harris’ step-daughter, Ella Emhoff, at the Democratic convention this summer. I did not know who she is. When I first saw her I thought she was a young adolescent around 14 years old. I remember thinking, “Boy, she needs some advice on how to dress.” Then I found out she is considered a fashion icon! I was dumbfounded. Again, it seems to this 70 year old that if you are relatively young and built like a stick, anything you wear is considered cool. I just don’t get it.
Hi Kathy
I have considered doing a post on “trends” I think are silly (one being those jeans that are popular right now with the huge turned up hems), but I don’t want to offend anyone. I happen to like my jeans with a raw hem and some distressing, and know many hate that. It appeals to my love of anything vintage and loved. I think we all should wear what we feel comfortable wearing. I try to be cognizent of trends without being a slave to trends. Scarves were out for a few years…now they are back. I never quit wearing them because I love them. Maybe a post on “so called trends” is in order. You have me thinking…
The links in the very first section/clothing are all wrong. Several items sound of interest, so hoping those links will be fixed so I can shop 😁
Hi Ann
The widget contains all of the items that are in the graphic. They are in no particular order. The items I mentioned in the text are not in the graphic as they are not from Athleta or Gap and are not on sale. I hope that helps
I changed the order so it wouldn’t be so confusing.
Hey Girl! I have been looking for Athleta fleece lined leggings for awhile – thanks for the info! They are sold out, but at least I know which ones I want!
I am trying to pick back up where I left off from caring for Dad and some health issues this fall. I plan to finally decorate our two guest bedrooms that have never been done. We are also turning an unused screen porch into an office for me.
Don’t take your good health for granted – that’s exactly what I did, and it was a rude awakening when something “blew up in my face” this fall!! I had to put off work plans for another 6 months. I loved Pilates when I did that – I went down a size without losing much weight! That and yoga – so good for you! ❤️
Hi Gray
I ordered a pair of fleece lined leggings from Amazon a couple years ago that were good but of course the ones they have now have bad reviews. I need to get on Pilates! Thank you for the encouragement!
Happy New Year…I’m with you on the exercise…especially weight lifting as my lower back has been hurting from lifting Louisa out of the portable crib!
Hi Cindy, I’m new to your site and I am enjoying it very much. I’m 73, live in the northeast, grandmother to 7 and happily married for 53 years.
Looking forward to the new year!
Happy new year, Cindy!
Most Lovely Things links to Classic Casual Home!
Hi Cara
So sorry I fixed it!!
Thank you Cara for catching that!