Hi friends. Whoa – where did July go??? We’re on the steep downward slide of summer and quickly headed to fall. I admit that I’m looking forward to cooler temps, but I just hate to let the summer go.
I’ve been spending short amounts of time outside doing little primpy things – nothing major ’cause it’s too hot! We had the front door and sidelights replaced in July. I adore the new look and the amount of light that it allows into our foyer is wonderful. Now I’m just trying to figure out a paint color.
Here’s our old front door. Not a bad door – it just wasn’t my taste. We had the columns made bigger and got rid of the brackets on each side too, but I didn’t get a picture of those.
Remember me talking about my nemesis, in the form of plaid chairs, in my guest room? Well, I finally found euro shams that I like and put the bedding together. I still have sooo much more to do in this room, but this is a start.
Here’s the photo that I shared a few weeks ago. The plaid fabric is the fabric that is on the chairs.
We made a couple of trips to our condo at the beach in July. I’m hoping to make a trip to New River Pottery the next time we go and that they have put their fall decor out by now. How amazing is this photo, that I snapped on the run, of a rainbow that I captured from our deck?
Now I have a question for you. Do you have any interest in occasional Plus Size Fashion Over 50 posts? Pookie and I are working on getting healthier and are trying very hard to eat a more healthy diet and be more active. Hopefully, that will result in some weight loss for both of us. I’ll be totally transparent and admit that I’m not at all comfortable with my size, but I think that striving to look my best will be a bit of a motivator for me. I’m willing to bet that there are many of you who struggle with the same thing that I do. If I only hear crickets, then I’ll move on. But if there’s any interest, I hope that sharing some of my struggles would be an encouragement for us all. What say you?
Until next time…
Linda says
You look great and, you are right, most of us struggle with health and weight, especially at a certain age! I have found that my metabolism is in the toilet and I really have to work hard to burn the calories. All at a time when I also seem to have less stamina than I once did! Anything that works for you, let us know. I have had some good luck with a blog called Emilybites.com. Emily has lots of Weight Watcher type recipes she makes in muffin tins which are delicious and help with portion control. If you haven’t seen it, you should check it out! Best of luck.
Suzy says
Hi Linda. I’ve struggled with my weight my whole life and it used to be a breeze for me to lose weight. No so much anymore! Thanks for the tip about Emilybites. I’ll be sure to check it out.
Marisa Franca @ All Our Way says
Hi Suzy! Well, being over *ahem* 6-0 and fairly new to food blogging and really enjoy cooking YES I am interested in losing weight and still look good. Perhaps we should start a gang of us? I should be an expert on losing weight — I must have lost two people in my lifetime just going up and down There was one very cute very slim blogger who lost 30+ pounds and had a workout and diet and all — well if I did that workout I’d kill myself. So I am the heaviest I’ve ever been even just before delivering my wonderful children :-(. I am not one of those who can say — I can eat anything and never gain an ounce (do the have an emoticon that sticks its tongue out?) My birthday is around the first week of September — I swear I’m going to be ten pounds lighter. I think the problem is that I’m at my perfect weight — I’m just not tall enough. 🙂 As a food blogger I have to eat what I make and be genuine and exercise more in order to compensate for the calories. Do you think there is a magic formula out there?? Have a wonderful weekend. Oh! By the way, where is your beach condo? We go to Saint Simons Island several months out of the year.
Suzy says
Hi Marisa. I turned 61 last month – yikes!!! I know EXACTLY what you mean about losing weight and gaining it back. I lost a significant amount of weight about 15 yrs ago, kept it off for 5 years and then gained every.single.pound back. Ugh. I can’t believe that I allowed myself to do that and have spent an enormous amount of time beating myself up over it. But, that is in the past and I’m ready to move on. I’m looking for a good activity to do that I enjoy and will stick with. Oh, how I wish that there was some magic formula or pill! I guess the only way to do it is the good old fashioned way. :/ Our condo is on N. Topsail Beach here in NC. I’ve never been to Saint Simons, but I’ve heard that it’s beautiful. Hope you have a great weekend too!
Lynda Brandly says
Hey Suzy – I love your blog and your home and have really enjoyed meeting all the ladies of “Blogland” in the last couple of years. I am nearing 60 and have had trouble staying slim the last several years. What has really helped me is juicing. I throw fruits and vegetables into our juicer and drink the juice. I have done a week long “fast” doing this or just substituted meals. The wonderful nutrition boost really helps me not to get hungry and I’ve read that many veggies and fruits really help in weight loss. Lemons and celery are two good ones. Also a tsp of Apple Cider Vinegar every day helps your weight and blood pressure. For me it’s not about being skinny but being healthy and comfortable with the way I look and feel. You are beautiful and I hope this helps you “get comfortable.”
love and blessings~
Lynda @ Gates of Crystal
Suzy says
Hi Lynda. I didn’t know that tip about the apple cider vinegar. Do you mix it with something or add it to your juice? I really like the idea of juicing, or even fruit and veggie smoothies. Maybe the bulk of a smoothie would keep me full longer than just juice??? I’ll definitely look into that!
Lynda Brandly says
Hey Suzy – I just add a teaspoon or two of Apple Cider Vinegar to a glass of water once or twice a day. It has wonderful health benefits and you’ll feel the difference! It tastes very strong so I wouldn’t want to ruin your juice with it. And I would try the juice without the smoothie calories. I think you’d be surprised how full and satisfied you feel. It works for me! 🙂
Donnamae says
Yes to the fashion blogs! I think we all need to stick together in this aging thing, and support one another…and I for one could use some help. Love the new front doors…anxious to see what color you decide on…I need a new color myself! 😉
Suzy says
Hi Donnamae. Your name reminds me of my cousin, Donna Sue. 🙂 I’m glad you’re interested in seeing some fashion! Now that i’m retired, it seems that I just want to slob around all of the time. But I think that kind of attitude is one of the things that has allowed me to put off getting serious about getting healthy. Glad you like the door. I think that I’ve made a decision on the door color and hope that it get’s painted next week!
June says
Another yes to the fashion concept. Will be reaching 65 this year, and have lost almost 100 pounds in the last several years. Haven’t shopped much, as I’d like to lose another 50 or so. So everything is too big and frumpy. Would love some direction!
Suzy says
Hi June. Congratulations on your weight loss! That’s a great accomplishment and takes so much determination. I bet you feel like a new person!
Amy says
Closing in on fifty and not working right now so I also gained weight and stopped ‘dressing’ …My husband and I lost both our moms and his grandmother over the last three years and the roller coaster of care taking, grieving and estate settling had knocked me down…time to get moving and over myself! Bring on diet, exercise, fashion, style etc, I need it!
Suzy says
My heart goes out to you, Amy. I well understand that roller coaster that you’ve been on Amy. My husband and I lost both of our parents plus his brother in the last 4 1/2 years. I hope I can be an encouragement to you.
Susan Berry says
yes I’m interested int fashon idea!
Suzy says
Hi Susan. I’m so glad that you’re interested! I’m surprised (in a good way) that so many people have shown an interest.
Phyllis says
Yes, I am interested in plus size fashion. It doesn’t matter your age, just being heavier makes it so hard to look fashionable!
Suzy says
Boy, you hit the nail on the head, Phyllis! I think that clothing manufacturers are finally waking up to the fact that plus size ladies want to be treated like everyone else and we don’t want to wear a tent! Thank you for letting me know that you’re interested.
Debra@CommonGround says
Hi Suzy, I was in the middle of a lengthy comment when my battery went out on my laptop. I’ll just say Yay!! and Amen to all you’ve said. I’m 62 and with having to take tons of medications I swing back and forth regularly on weight. Love your pic, you look great!! So count me in with the rest. I’d love to see more of this topic!!
Barbara Ann says
Yes. In a few weeks I’ll be in my last year of being 50. For the last 3 year’s I have been struggling with diabetes. But hard as I try I can’t get my numbers right. And what irked me the most is that 3 year’s ago I was in better shape and walking 3-4 miles a day! Mostly I forget to eat. But I’m trying everyday. So my weight is hard to keep steady
So please talk to us girls who are working daily with weight but still want to look great. Because feeling good about yourself is half the battle!
Barbara Ann
etsy.com / shop / barbaraannscreations
Karen says
YES! YES! YES! Both plus size fashing and eating more healthy. Every time we get on the bandwagon… oh, look… there’s BBQ ribs!! LOL. We’re trying… again, but in the mean time, dressing as nice as possible for the size I am is the name of the game. All help is welcomed!!
Michelle Scott says
Hi Suzy and others…
I think I know f something that I have found helped tremendously. Part of why we gain and cannot lose weight is because we continue to crave nutrients that we just don’t get from the foods we eat. Even the so-called “healthy” food such as fruits and vegetables we get at the grocery store can be harvested so far in advance of them getting to market that they are really barely more than filler. Once my body started getting the nutrients that it was constantly craving, weight started coming off seamlessly. I hopped on the scale noticing that my clothiers were fitting more loose and found I had lost 18lbs! I had had hip replacement surgery at the end of April – so knew my weight the day before that surgery 12 weeks before. That is just the tip of the iceberg of the health benefits that are proven through solid clinical research. I was going to actually contact you, Suzy about possibly advertising or setting up a link on your site when I saw this discussion.
TexBama Gal says
Hi Suzy! I wonder how many thousands of women, probably “our” age that struggle with weight gain! It seems that our metabolism just stops around our fifties!!! I’m 65 and have pulled off a few pounds by low-carbing. However, I’m ALWAYS open to try something new and healthy! Still searching for a miracle to help maintain my weight. Love your design style, both in your home and beach condo! Am always thrilled when I see a new post. You have wonderful taste and are beautiful inside and out!!!
Becky says
Yes to the fashion concept! I am 61 and am in the same boat
Deborah says
I need over 50 (really over 60) plus size and petite! A trifecta there;-)
Wanda says
Love your blog. I have had a problem with my weight all of my life. I would love for you to post any tips on weight loss and fashion tips. That would be wonderful!! ?
Joanne says
I lost 65 pounds a year ago and not by following any fad diet. They work temporarily but the problem is that you can’t live the rest of your life that way. You stop following that regime and the weight starts coming back and back….. What I did was a life style change. I lost the weight desired, plus 5 more and have kept it off for a year through Christmas and vacations.
Find an exercise that you like and do it every day. Exercise in the pool is easy on the joints and enjoyable as a group activity. Find a walking buddy and hit the trails where you’ll be challenged.
Cut back on everything white – potatoes, rice, bread, bagels, buns, etc. I have two eggs every morning for breakfast. Cut out sugar! Sweets are full of calories and they spike your appetite. I haven’t had an ice cream through two summers and I’m ok with that. I do eat frozen yougurt with berries on top,but only as a treat. Have a salad with every dinner. There are so many new ones out there. If I get hungry befor dinner I have a handful of almonds. If I’m hungry before bed I have a yougurt cup. It’s small but it satisfies. Cut out the alcohol until you lose the weight, then only have a drink on special occasions or out for dinner with friends. I do have tortillas because I like fajitas. The trick,
I believe, is to find a ” diet” that you can live with forever. This is mine and I’m happy with it. I look better in my clothes, have more stamina and my feet don’t hurt anymore.
Beverly says
Three things:
1. Front door looking awesome.
2. I like your ideas for lifestyle posts.
3. And, I think you look beautiful.
beth treaster says
Well, I’m a few years older than most of you, and the weight problem only gets worse, believe me! I am bigger than I’ve ever been and it doesn’t come off easily. My upper arms are my biggest problem…none of the blouses I like have big enough sleeves. I really love fashion, and would love to see some ideas for us “plus girls”…though I’m hardly a girl. By the way, I enjoy your decorating.
Mary says
Wow, I would love to share this journey with you. We need more blogs that truly give us ideas and advice with out selling us something. I will be watching your blog more closely now. Thanks much.
Mary says
I’m not sure I commented in the correct place. YES, I would love to follow an honest blog about improving myself that isn’t trying to sell me something. Go for it and I will be following your blog more closely to root both of us on!