Today on weekend meanderings, scheduling annual health screenings, a must-see family and legal drama, new year’s intentions and a fun giveaway. Enter to win!
Happy Saturday, friends!
It’s time for the weekend post with Kim and Elizabeth. Our weekly roundup of inspirations and goings on.
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Our transplanted lemon tree seems to be doing really well. Thank goodness. I picked the last lemons a couple weeks ago and covered the tree to protect it from recent frost.
Last week I shared some of the home maintenance chores I’ve been ticking off my to do list. And this week I’m continuing that theme with personal preventative maintenance … scheduling important health screenings. Don’t roll your eyes, it’s important.
Annual Health Screenings
I know, I know, another scintillating topic. But these are good things to get scheduled … on your calendar and off your to-do list.
- Preventative care screenings like an annual physical (scheduling this has become challenging as primary care doctors flee to concierge practices, but that’s a topic for another day). My annual physical mostly involves a blood pressure check and ordering bloodwork (cholesterol and blood sugar levels).
- And then there’s always-looked-forward-to ob/gyn visit for a Pap smear, breast exam and ordering of annual mammogram. And, my doctor renews my HRT prescription for another year.
- Visiting the dermatologist for a full body skin check is super important. Depending on personal history, this might be done more frequently. I also get benign growths and irritating spots zapped off and review my skincare routine in a futile effort to stay one step ahead of mother nature.
- Eye exam. Embarrassing admission, I haven’t been to the eye doctor in at least 10 years. My vision seems fine – I’ll find out soon enough because I just scheduled an appointment. I use over the counter reading glasses and hope I can continue with that.
- Dental cleanings – I go twice a year (Jim goes three times). At this point in our lives we all know that dental health is essential to our overall health.
And then there are screenings that come with the privilege of age.
- Colonoscopy anyone? I had my first colonoscopy at 54 and I’m on an every-ten-year plan so I’m due in 2026. I can’t wait. Jim’s on a 5-year plan and had the joy of the procedure last year.
- Bone density – I asked for a bone density scan (DXA scan) when I turned 50 because I read that it’s good to get a base line reading at that age. I expected the technician to be oh-my-godding over my exceedingly dense bones. I drink a lot of milk. Turns out my scan resulted in a normal reading. Which is good. But, having expected to be held up as an example of excellent bone health for my age I was a little let down. Still … I drink my cocoa every morning because one must remain vigilant. I suppose it might be time for another scan, and I’ll inquire when I go for my physical.
I’m sure there are others preventative health check that I’m not aware of or haven’t needed – yet. It goes without saying that I’m not a doctor and know nothing about anything, and this is just a summary of what I do.
Speaking of skin checks, last November I went to my dermatologist (Dr. Jerome Potozkin) for an overall skin check and to check out at a couple of concerning spots on my face and arm. Both were biopsied and both are basal cell carcinoma. Bummer. The good news is that basal cell carcinoma is easily treated and not likely to cause bigger issues (left untreated all bets are off, so it needs to be addressed ASAP).
Days 2, 4 & 5
Ten days ago the spot on my face was removed with a MOHS procedure at Dr. Potozkin’s office. Because the location under my eye is tricky, the next day I had plastic surgery (Dr. Jon-Paul Pepper, Stanford Medicine) to close the wound. The spot on my face had been there for some time (years) but I thought it was something else (long story) and didn’t think to have it checked. Dumb. So, when I went in for my MOHS procedure, I braced for a not-great situation and was delighted – and grateful – to have a best-case-scenario outcome.
Day 6 & Yesterday
My stitches were removed a few days ago and the spot on my arm will be excised next week.
This was my second MOHs surgery and third basal cell carcinoma. In the future I’ll be a lot quicker to get myself to Dr. Potokzin when something suspicious pops up. In the meantime, suncreen and sunglasses aren’t allowed so I went looking for my favorite hat. Unbeknownst to me, Jim had disappeared it (it had seen better days) and surprised me with a replacement which arrived in the nick of time.
The truth is (don’t tell Jim) I knew my hat was toast but had searched and searched for a replacement and been overwhelmed by all the choices. These are some of the options I saved.
Have you had a skin check recently?
The Split
The past ten days I’ve had a lot of time on my hands, and finally read Kingmaker: Pamela Harriman’s Astonishing Life of Power, Seduction & Intrigue, and watched a lot of TV. Jim and the dogs were more than happy to join me on the sofa and we watched all three seasons of The Split on Hulu. A British legal and family drama centering around a mother and three sisters, their family law firm and ongoing fall out from the parent’s divorce when the sisters were young. The series stars Nicola Walker, one of my favorite actors who stars in a couple of other favorite shows – Last Tango in Halifax, and Unforgotten. The Split is comprised of three, six-episode seasons (2018 – 2022). But there’s good news, a two-part special – The Split: Barcelona – was recently released in Britain and will be headed our way (hopefully soon). Anyway, we loved this series, didn’t want it to end, and can’t recommend it enough.
We also watched the five-episode series, Lockerbie: A Search for Truth, starring Colin Firth which is intense and fascinating. The horrific 1988 bombing of Pan Am flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland had faded from my memory and the series brought it all back. It’s the story of Dr. Jim Swire, father of one of the planes passengers, relentless search for the truth of what happened. It takes a lot of twists and turns sending us to Google time and again to learn more. CNN has a four-part documentary coming out – Lockerbie: Bombing of Pan Am 103 – on February 16 further examining the mysterious circumstances around this tragic event.
Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream
In my never ending quest to find a nighttime facial moisturizer that I like (not too heavy, no off-putting fragrance, clean, cruelty free), I’ve taken the drastic step of ordering the very pricey Augustine’s Bader The Rich Cream.
Many influencers, celebrities, and magazines swear by this product and I see it mentioned everywhere from social media, blogs, and newsletters to magazine articles. Suddenly it dawned on me that this may be the result of a savvy (and effective) brand marketing strategy.
Anyhoo, what finally pushed me to press purchase? I don’t know. I’m running low on current product, and I can’t seem to outrun the algorithm pushing toward it toward me. That and I found out it’s available in four sizes, so I order a the smallest size (.05 fl.oz.) which at $98 seems more palatable. The largest size, 3.38 fl.oz., is $550. Ouch.
Based on recommended usage of two pumps, twice a day I did some calculations. The brand site says that the largest size will last 12 weeks. Ok … I would only use it once a day, in the evening. During the day I use Neutrogena’s oil free moisturizer with SPF at the can’t-beat-it-price of around $16-18 for 3.3 fl.oz. Wow, that really puts things in perspective. Anyway, if I used The Rich Cream once a day for 24 weeks that works out to about $3.27 per use. Less than a Starbuck’s cocoa, but I gave up my Starbuck’s habit years ago and make my cocoa at home. Is this considered girl math?
I ordered the smallest size and will give it a try and report back. This is more of an investigative experiment. There is about zero chance I’d spend that much on a moisturizing cream long term … unless it works some kind of miracle. We’ll see.
The Year of Less
New Year’s resolutions may have fallen out of fashion, at least with those of us who’ve been around the block a time or two. Enough times to know that good intentions and declarations to the contrary, 2025 is likely to be New Year/Old Me. That said, a new year feels like a fresh start and setting an intention(s) or choosing a word or phrase to inspire our mindset – hopes, dreams and goals – is worthwhile.
My word for the year is less. How’s that for inspirational?
These are some of the things there will be less of in 2025 …
- Less stuff
- Less consumption
- Less commitment (saying no is hard, I’m getting better)
- Less rush
- Less should
- Less social media (being online in general)
- Less drama
- Less worry
- Less guilt
- Less regret
- Less sadness
- Less judgement
What’s the point of all this less? To make room for more, of course. More freedom, more living, more peace, more generosity, more contentment. The space to experience and be more. And that brings me to favorite author Shira Gill who’s books have been instrumental in my path towards embracing less.
LifeStyled Giveaway
Shira Gill’s latest book, LifeStyled: your Guide to a More Organized & Intential Life, arrived in my mailbox over the holidays and its so good I read through it in a day or so. Shira is a home organizational expert, and life coach, and author one of my all time favorite books, Minimalista. I’m not a minimalist by any means although over the past decade i’ve embraced owning less – a lot less – stuff.
Her first book Minimalista focuses on getting our home spaces decluttered and organized, LifeStyled focuses on streamlining our daily lives. With emphasis on adjusting the volume (this is such a great metaphor), creating systems and implementing habits.
With my decision to make 2025 a year of less, the book’s timing couldn’t be more serendipitous. One of my goals is to start batching – or stacking – appointments, errands and household chores on specific days, preferably mornings, at the beginning of the week. To make batch scheduling easier, I opted for a soft sided, journal style planner this year. It fits in my bag so I can take it with me and schedule next appointments (salon, doctors, whatever) and avoid my usual schedule, then get home, look at my calendar and realize I need to reschedule. Irritating for all cocnerned. And yes I use a paper calendar and no I won’t be switching to electronic (I’ve tried and it doesn’t work for me).
With that preamble out of the way, what better way to kick off 2025 than with a giveaway!
I loved LifeStyled so much – and I think you will too – so I bought two more copies for a New Year’s giveaway. To enter the drawing, subscribe (or be an existing subscriber) to the blog – sign up here – and leave a comment below sharing something you’d like to streamline this year … or something you’ve already streamlined and the rest of us need to know about. Enter before midnight on Thursday, January 24th. On Friday I’ll put all the entries into my new hat and ask Jim to draw two names. The winners will be announce in next Saturday’s post. Good luck!
LifeStyled | Straw Hat | The Rich Cream | Planner
Current Favorites ~
And that’s what I have for you this week. Let’s see what’s inspiring Kim and Elizabeth.
Oh my gosh—so many things! I feel like I need a “new beginning” in my house and fresh eyes to organize my life. I desperately need this book!
Just loved this post!
Morning,
Love reading your blog and have gotten some great books and products. Thanks!
Want to share a product I just recently found – I have used Augustine Bader and La Mer
Biggest surprise – I was introduced to Ursa Major recovery cream – amazing! You may like it.
Also, skin care by Guerlain. More pricey but fantastic. I was afraid due to rosacea. I never had a reaction and skin looked so good.
I am finishing the Bader cream but will change to Ursa Major.
All the best!
Something I want less of this year is perfectionism. I’ve been reading the wonderful Myquillin Smith’s decorating books and I appreciate her views on loving the life (and home) you have and connecting with others through our imperfections. She has a podcast called House Rules on Spotify too. Also, want to wish you a fast and complete recovery from your Moh’s surgery! Thanks for being brave enough to share your experience.
A great inspirational post!
I need to streamline cleaning routines and errands. Thank you for the chance to win a book!
I love reading your blog each week and look forward to it so much.
I like the idea of “less”. That might just be my word for 2025 also! I started about 18 months ago with my closet and still working on it. I’d love to win one of the books. So kind of you to give away.
I would like to streamline closet space and clothing to avoid the need for seasonal overhaul of my closet.
Pick me! Pick me! I’m married to a hoarder (not really, he’s more of a paper magnet) and it sure is hard to get him engaged in sorting and purging. If this book has tips about how to get your housemate on board, it’d be SO worth it.
Happy New Year! I’ll enjoy following your journey in 2025.
Nothing has ever lit a match under me to do a major clear out like selling my dad’s home (work site #1) and emptying a room and closet in my 3 bedroom home (work site #2) to move him and his remaining stuff in with me. We are still in the thick of it and it is overwhelming. You are smart to get a jump on your home before your anticipated move. Any design plans to share yet? Looking forward to future reveals.
Love your posts! Glad your MOHS went well and thank you for reminding us to get our annual check ups. I am a thriftier and find way too many treasures so this year I vow to be more selective and only buy what I really need and not go to the thrift stores as often! I have donated a lot and plan to go through even more closets , totes etc to declutter! My problem is they say only keep something if it brings you joy, too many things bring me joy!! But I’ll keep working towards less is more!!!
Bravo for your word of the year! The list of “less” you provided is inspiring. I, too, love Shira Gill. Her book “Minimalista” is one I re-read to provide the inspiration when I hit a slump.
Your pragmatism is appreciated.
I can’t wait to check out The Split! Thanks for recommending. I had Mohs surgery during the height of Covid and got Covid 2 days after the procedure. Like you, I had a spot for years. I just went to derm about getting it removed because I was tired of the look. Stupid on my part. I learned a lot. I do need to go for a full body scan. My regret I that I wish I had gone to a plastic surgeon for the stitch up. My friend who used the same doc sang praises and said I wouldn’t need a plastic surgeon. In hindsight, everyone’s surgery location is different. I need to schedule this recheck. I need to ask my internist about a bone density scan. Happy New Year!
Hi Juliet, thank you for the great giveaway opportunity! I look forward to learning about your experience with the Augustine Bader cream. I, also, like your idea of a year of less. I am really focusing on less spending and less stuff to make room for more joy.
I’m working on my closet this week! Next is the pantry. Wish I could get my husband to start in his office!
Try Extreme Cream, (Innbeauty) it’s so hydrating and so inexpensive compared to Augustinus Bader.
Wonderful column today! Lots of food for thought. I’m in the process of streamlining my garage. Stuff piled up over the years and never touched…wish me luck.
I love your word for this year! “Less” and your examples are inspiring.
My hack for embracing this lifestyle is to watch an episode or two of “Hoarders” on Netflix. If you don’t immediately jump up and start streamlining your house, I am not sure anything can change you!:)
One of my 2025 goals is to streamline my books. I have so many and they are starting to take over every room in my house! I have two recommendations for night cream. I have been using Sunday Riley for about a year now and love all their products. I use the ICE moisture at night. I also use Cera Ve Skin Renewing Night Cream and love it. I alternate between the two. Happy 2025!
Love the idea of less! My closet is definitely where I need to start. I always enjoy your posts and will try The Split.
Juliet,
Lovely post. I dread that full body scan every year, but I do it! Being fair skinned it is so important. Good job scheduling the plastic surgeon to follow up your MOHs- very smart.
I love Nicola Walker and watch everything she does. The Split was so very good.
I am a big Jan Marini fan for face cream. And I also follow Dr.Idris on Insta. Some of her products have magically appeared at my home as well. I like the Major Fade very much.
The word less is just what I need this year. I really don’t need anything, yet I can’t seem to resist buying new things! Maybe this book is what I need!
Thanks for your always great posts.
Hi, Juliet –
Great post! So many good things here today. I was drawn to that lovely blue tea cup right off the bat!
I have a little note on my desk reminding me to book a dermatologist appointment. It’s been there for several days (or more?), so thanks for the extra push to get that done! Your procedure looks quite uncomfortable. Yikes! Hope you’re healing well.
Love your goal of less (or fewer – I’m a stickler for when to use which). Minimalista was very helpful to me. One thing that struck me was the wisdom of having all of one thing in one place. Husband recently bought new bulbs for the pendant lights, only to find later that we already had spares. Why do we have lightbulbs in both the pantry and the downstairs laundry room? It makes sense to consolidate. And we obviously have too much stuff if we don’t even know what we have! I’m still working on that one.
I’ll watch anything with Nicola Walker. Excited to hear there’s more coming.
Thank you for offering a giveaway. Such fun! Have a great week —
I love the idea of “less” and heard something on a podcast that resonated with me. Along with “less” include “more” to balance your intentions. For me, I want to spend less time on social media and more time reading. Less time working late and more time with my husband and dog……you get the idea! I’m making a list to tape to my closet wall to remind me of all the things I want less/more of. Last year I streamlined my closet and finally have it organized in a manner that makes it really easy for me to get dressed and not be an outfit repeater. Thank you for sharing your experience with your procedure. It’s so important for us all to get to the doctor when we see something unusual on our skin. That was a reminder to me to schedule an appointment with my dermatologist. I would love to win the book!
I am streamlining all paper. I have just completed Simplify course, only 5 days of video (14-15min) & one action each day. It has totally set me free from overwhelm.
Thank you for always having great info- I can always count on you for clothes, books & movies!!
Paula! You’re a winner of the LifeStyled giveaway … congrats! Look for my email … can’t wait to get the book in your hands. xo
Great post! I am also working on streamlining and now might take the word “less” as well (thanks:)! Appointments and errands are batched together which has already given me more availability for spontaneous walks and no rush dinners. A wonderful, older/wiser friend of mine says that she tries to have a “ministry of availability for her family, friends and neighbors”. Love this sentiment as well. Have a wonderful week!
I think I’ll be referring to this post, and your last one for weeks! What a positive and empowering plan to start the new year.
My husband has eagle eyes, so has never needed prescription glasses. He has a very wide face, and had a hard time finding readers that fit him. We went into Warby Parker with his insurance info and found out that he could choose a frame, and have a reader prescription (we asked the doc for one) custom made for him. The cost out of pocket was $25!
We’ve gone in for him about 5 years in a row. He has great reading glasses now, and stashes pairs at home, in his truck, and at work.
Just one more thing – I would urge everyone to visit the eye doctor, especially as we get older. My husband has type 2 diabetes. They can tell how well he’s managing his disease by monitoring his eye health.
I’ve been told, since I was 60, that I’m beginning to get cataracts. They develop slowly, but I like having that baseline.
You are inspiring wanting less – that’s what I want too. I still have too many clothes and kitchen items. When my husband retired he brought boxes of everything home from his office. I can’t touch that but I can work on mine. Thank you for the inspiration!
Love Dr. Bader products! I discovered the products with the first hype – 4 or 5 years ago – and have just added products as they are developed. The lip balm is divine but pricey. Lots of compliments about my skin but so glad that you are sounding the warning bell to others about being vigilant with their health.
I am so happy I found your posts and have looked forward to them every week! We are going to try your recommendation for “The Split.” We are in need of a new series for Winter – hurry up Spring! I am also interested in trying this author’s books – could certainly use some inspiration. Hoping a speedy recovery from your procedure – skin is our largest organ to take care of!! Cheers to a great 2025!
Thanks for reminding us all to schedule our doctor appointment now. My husband just had a Mohs procedure and it was more than we thought. Glad you are recovering well. I like your thoughts on less opening up room for more! We can get ourselves into boredom by never changing. And I would love a little guidance on streamlining my house so fingers crossed that I win the book giveaway!
I always look forward to your weekly posts, both for content and your wonderful way with words. Always so entertaining!
On my Must Do List is streamlining my closet. Downsizing and a move from the Midwest to a warm weather climate means a major closet clean out is necessary. Groan!
Hi Juliet,
It’s so good you are looking after yourself. It feels so good to get all your self care medical check up things crossed off your list. I hope you are healing well, it’s s big deal what you went through. Did you ice your eye area with a bag of peas to help with the bruising? Sending good vibes to you.
I like “less” as your word. We don’t need more stuff.
Hi Juliet, I’m enjoying your blog with a nice little scab on my nose from seeing my dermatologist 10 days ago. I go twice a year and schedule the next appointment before I leave so as not to put it off. I don’t look forward to it but am always glad to have done it! I sure could use the book about organization, it all seems so daunting to start and I know I would be so happy with the results. I don’t often comment but I look forward to your posts and instagram also.
Your list of things to focus on in 2025 sounds like something I need to do…i too use a paper daytimer and it helps me stay organized. This year I bought pretty floral covered book as it stays on my kitchen counter open to the current week.
That cream does sound nice…hope you post an update when you have used it for a bit.
Please enter me in the book draw!
Keep those bone density tests as a priority…I have been diagnosed with osteoporosis and am on twice yearly injections. (I am older…70 in a few weeks)
Leslie
Hostess of the Humble Bungalow
I love reading your blog! Thank you for sharing all the things!
Love your blog! Always full of great information. Out of your less list I am tackling less consumption, mainly in the retail dept and Less guilt. Happy New Year!
I am streamlining my closet. This includes shoes too. I find buying fewer quality pieces last longer and I feel great wearing them too.
You have inspired me to go thru and simplify things…starting with closets.
Hi Juliet,
Best wishes for a speedy MOHS recovery, and thank you for sharing your journey. I’ve lost count of how many MOHS my husband has had; he’s a surfer.
My streamlining tip: I keep a paper calendar also (a large one). I heard someone say she kept her bulky calendars year-to-year as a record of her life. Way too much to store and keep!
So I devised a system whereby at the end of every month I jot notes at the very top of the calendar in the white space, such as “Had Dennis and Jennifer over for dinner” or “Mike’s MOHS surgery” or trip to______January
14-22nd” and the month is covered.
At the end of the year I cut off the tops of those calendar pages, staple them together, and the month is printed right there.
Voila! A record of the year on twelve small strips of paper and that’s all I keep.
Thank you so much for your blog, I look forward to it!
Great idea, Cyndi!
Hi Juliet,
Although I am up on all of my medical to-do’s (and had my dreaded 2nd colonoscopy in 2024, learning that I now will be on a 5 year schedule (polyp found/removed: dammit), I really appreciate your review of annual healthcare and talking about your skin cancer surgery, simply and thoroughly.
Even though I have some great girlfriends, these matters aren’t necessarily something one chats about in a catch-up call, unless you are very purposeful about it, so for me, it is great to have you discuss it here.
I am glad that your MOHS and delicate after care have gone well. My dad had many facial excisions through the early 90’s (CA tennis for 30+ years before sunscreen) and it really took a toll on his good looks.
I love your NY’s resolution of LESS — I definitely want to shop LESS, realizing how many of my purchases aren’t things I love, after all. More living, more peace and contentment, more exercise: THAT is what I really need and want: now — to the doing!
On a skin care note: I know you have said that you can’t tolerate any retinoids, but have you tried the weak encapsulated forms that have come out in the last 5 years? For example:
https://www.cerave.com/skincare/facial-serums/skin-renewing-retinol-serum
This excellent YT plastic surgeon, Dr. Amir Karam (who has his own skin care line) recommends that women who feel they can’t tolerate retinol switch to a very low % product and use it daily, and that will do more for your skin longterm than any other product.
I had no trouble with CeraVe’s product and liked it very much, then tried a stronger online prescription of Retin-A and could never adjust to it, so I have stepped back to OTC retinols again.
I just want to encourage women to try these encapsulated light formulations (can google for others), as I have read over and over that they will do more for one’s skin texture long-term than any other single skincare product.
I forgot to say that your HRT STRONGLY improves your bone density. I had medical menopause at 50 (endometrial cancer) and was told to avoid estrogen permanently. Fast forward 10 years, and I finally read the book, Estrogen Matters (Bluming and Tavris), a very well-researched and groundbreaking work initially published in 2018 that has been slowly gaining attention worldwide. My bone density was low excellent until 58, then despite doing a lot of strength-training, it dropped precipitously in two more tests over 4 years: no estrogen in my bod anymore! I became aware of new studies that have shown very low dose HRT can improve bone density, so after recommended vascular tests, I went on very low dose HRT in hopes of maintaining current bone density or improving my osteopenia. The biggest relief is I have regained some of my get-up-and-go, improved my mood greatly, and I have vastly fewer hot flashes.
Sorry for the personal nature of these comments, but I hope other women might benefit.
Joan, thank you for sharing! That is the great thing about Weekend Meanderings, like minded women getting together to share all sorts of tips! I am off to get some Cerave!
Elizabeth: I really hope it works well for you.
I’m streamlining my bad habits… Fewer moments of indecision, more go for it… Less sloth, more get moving… Minimal harsh self-judgement, maximum encouragement… just to name a few!
Love your perspective and am following your lead on better self-care as I just scheduled my annual wellness visit – Happy New Year!
Great giveaway! I’ve continued to downsize since my husband died 5 years ago. This year I hope to simplify my household so that I can travel more.
I have been streamlining for the last 9 months and even though it feels wonderful, there is still so much to do! A lifetime of collecting things! Christmas decorations are down to one closet. If I want something new, something has to go. I had a closet organizer installed for my clothes and when I filled it back up, it only had clothes I actually wear and love. Everything is off the floor and I donated all the clothes I was no longer going to wear! These are just two examples but the biggest of my projects to streamline my belongings.
Enjoy your blog immensely! My goal for 2025 is to streamline my landscaping. I love and have a cottage garden but maintaining it is becoming difficult due to aging and health issues. Instead, I would like less maintenance and to replace the roses, hydrangeas, etc., with drought tolerant water-wise plants for their ability to thrive in our hot dry Nothern California summers.
Some of my goals for the year — to buy fewer but better clothes, giveaway more, buy secondhand when possible.
I think many of us are joining this club! Simplify, de-clutter, have less and keep the momentum going with all. For me, I intend to de-clutter a huge storage locker that we have used for over 20 yrs to stockpile things for past, current and future renovation projects here in New Orleans. Everything from old doors and architectural details to furniture and accessories. It’s madness. All has been used for projects, but will we ever, ever use again? No. We have pulled the plug on anymore trash to treasure renovations. The “inventory” needs to go.
Always appreciate your blog! I am working on streamlining my home and new purchases for the home. As I look around my 90 year old mothers home and cringe at what I will be going through one day I have decided that I don’t need anything! Easier said than done sometimes…
Also, the Split is so good. I watched it twice in a row and still didn’t want it to end.
The Split is superb! Very popular here in the UK.
I’m not sure I can watch the programmes on Lockerbie as I knew one of the Air Stewardess who was killed that day, I still weep when I think of the loss to her friends and family, she was an utterly lovely and kind woman.
I think your word of the year is perfect, May I borrow it? I’ve already committed to buying no more than 5 items of clothing this year, and will definitely investigate the book you suggest.
Happy New Year.
I am working on less but better clothing..shoes and purses as well. Love your posts and good luck to me
I’m working on downsizing my socks collection. Between workout socks, cozy lounge socks and everyday socks, they’ve overtaken their assigned spot. Did a first sort, but still too many.
Congrats! You’re a winner … look for my email! xo
After seven years of “making do” with our builder grade primary closet we finally pulled the trigger and are in the midst of having a beautiful custom closet installed. This makes me so happy and is kicking off the new year in a much more organized fashion.
I love the idea of streamlining! I am trying to streamline my fashion choices this year: better quality, fewer pieces. Weaning myself off of Amazon. Crossing fingers, but look to this blog as a support! Thank you.
After reading a bit of this post, I searched your site, found your cocoa, ran to Wegmans to get it, came home and enjoyed it immensely. have never done anything quite like that. I have completed my clothing closet reset and will work on the pantry and guest room/storage closets in the next few weeks. Love the cocoa, thank you!
Hello, first off I love your style, your authenticity, and your ideas! You are funny and interesting!
What I have made a commitment to is
1 HEALTH. assuring my exercises times are put on the calendar
2 following a healthier plan for meals and omit MOST of the “junk food, sugar , sweets, less coffee and no alcohol, much less canned goods, packaged foods , processed foods, and lean more for whole, natural foods.
3 getting ready for the day early 8am,
Exercise apparel ,hair, minimal makeup ,
After exercise, wear a dress or nice outfit, because everyday is special!!
Those are 3! Best to all in 2025!!
Juliet,
First, I am happy to hear that you are feeling better! Basal cell is nothing to mess around with. We have been having full mole mapping for over 20 years and every time I go to the doctor I have a list of spots, often times the ugly ones and they are the ones that are fine. The inconspicuous spots, like the little one between your toe is a bad one. All of that is to say THANK GOD you are ok, you look fabulous! And thankfully you have had Jim, the pups and Abby to keep you company.
As for other health screenings, I concur! I have all of my screenings and appointments scheduled for the year and on the calendar. They are all so important.
I don’t use any moisturizing cream, I don’t like it at all. I probably should but I can’t find one that does not irritate my face and my eyes. As I have aged my eyes are so sensitive to anything on my face and they are read and painful for at least a week after.
Looking forward to hearing about your new cream.
I gave up Starbucks when the price of a tall chocolate was more than a gallon of milk and that was about 12 years ago. Not to mention that I think my hot chocolate tastes better.
LESS LESS LESS is a great word. I am in the same mindset this year, especially as there are piles of stuff all over the house and in the garage. Once the renovations are finished the house is getting a purge. That said, I will not be giving up books, that I will never have less of. But drama, worry(that is hard, I am naturally anxious), and definitely social media. I love blogging and reading blogs and watching Youtube but Instagram is not my thing any more.
I am looking for more in my life! More adventures, more fun, more times and energy expended with the people I enjoy and things I like to do.
Have a wonderful weekend Juliet and thank you for sharing!
xox
Hi Juliet,
Love The Split and Nicola Walker is one of my favorite actresses, she is brilliant in Last Tango in Halifax on Netflix with a stellar cast alongside her. I am totally with you on purchasing less and being aware of how l spend my time and energy this year. Thank you for a great read and for your wonderful blog l so look forward to Saturdays! Happy week 🙂
A really interesting post today! My word for the year is “lighten” so similar to you. I really want to get rid of all the extra stuff; I ask myself “would I pay to move it?” I want to streamline my running errands process so it doesn’t seem like I am doing them every day.
Love all your “less” plans. So glad your surgery went well.
This year I’m streamlining our house. We have one son out of college and one who will graduate on 2026. This is the year we plan to move and downsize and that means getting rid of anything we don’t want/need in a smaller home. Thank you for the show recommendation and please report back on the AB cream! I’ve scoped that out at Nordstrom but just couldn’t stomach the price. But if it is truly amazing I bet I could rationalize the purchase
My word this year is simplfy….in every area of my life
For the second year I’m choosing one thing I’m grateful for each week and putting in a jar. I read all of 2024 on NYE. It was wonderful to be reminded of all of the wonderful things from the year. I highly recommend
Enjoyed your List of Less for 2025. For me, definitely more deliberate fashion purchases -after curating what I already have.
I really liked your post today, Juliet. So open and inspiring. I totally agree with your ‘less’ and ‘more’ lists. I love the idea and intend to work on it too. Thank you!
I always look forward to your posts and have watched many shows that you and Jim have recommended. We will have to watch The Split. Nicola Walker is a favorite actress of mine too. Hope your healing goes smoothly. I’d love to win a book.
I loved this post, especially your “less” list. I am adopting it for myself this year. I need that book! I am working on streamlining all of the paperwork that comes into the house at the moment.
Less is my intention too! Less worrying about everything, truly. Also appreciate the nudge to schedule a skin check. You’re so honest to post your post-surgery photos. I would be too vain, unfortunately. So delighted your blog is back after the holidays!
“Less” is a great word to focus on for the new year! Except when “more” is used with chocolate, coffee, compassion and completing the tasks that make you more able to enjoy the “less” in your life. Happy New Year to you!
I need to completely reorganize my fabric stash. I would hope this book could give the big push I need to destash.
“Less” is a great word for me for 2025. 2 years ago I began decluttering the home we’ve lived in for almost 40 years; it began as a temporary place when we had young children and loved the area, house and neighborhood so much were still here. Have done many updates and renovations and made it truly our own. After each major holiday I only keep the decorations I truly love and donate the rest. I find I prefer the simpler look, and do not need or want some of the many items I collected over the years. I also have given our children many of the items they grew up with for their homes so they can enjoy them (only the ones they want LOL). I also set a schedule and each week this time of year I go thru closets and cabinets in each room of our house decluttering. I love opening a closet or cabinet after the work is done and admiring my work and the cleaner space.
I loved that you brought up dermatologist and colonoscopy’s – both so important. I went to my Derm for my annual check last summer and she found a spot I had not noticed – turned out to be a melanoma! Had Mohs surgery and not only did they remove all the tissue around the spot but it turned out to be Stage 0. If she hadn’t found it who knows what stage it could have gotten to, and how serious it could have become.As to colonoscopy’s please, please, please get them. My father-in-law and my brother-n-law both died from colon cancer, and as we found with my brother-in-law it is being diagnosed on younger people now. There is no pain in a colonoscopy, just a day of prep and drinking clear liquids, broth and eating jello,to clear out your insides, and a quick procedure that you don’t even feel. I’ll take that over surgery and a colonoscopy bag any day!
On a lighter note, I enjoy reading your post and always find something useful, interesting, or fun in them. Happy New Year!
Thanks for all your helpful suggestions for the coming year…..I am having my first dermatologist appointment ever this week? a review of suspicious spots on my face and body.
Thank you so much for your inspirational posts! I have been trying to do with less stuff as well but find it difficult to do so since I have a special needs teenage son. He requires a lot of patience and attention, so I am trying to find a balance between his needs and my own self-care. One of the ways to my own self-care is to have a relaxing clutter-free home. Therefore, this book will help me a lot.
Thank you again!
I so need to get act together!! The book sounds inspiring. …….if only.
Thank you
Juliet, I am so sorry I am so late to this. Love these ideas and the reminder to get my checks done. I really appreciate you sharing all about your journey with the dermo. It’s a lot and you are brave and making us all feel like we need to get to it and take care of these essentials. It’s about time for my next dermo check too. I have had a lot scraped off and I know more is coming- the result of a lifetime growing up in California. :/
I can’t wait to watch this new Nicola show. I had no idea about it! It will be my next one and the Colin Firth one too. All new to me. I have the Pamela book on my Kindle. Have to start.
PLease report back about the Bader lotion. I like the girl math and if it makes a difference, I might try. I got a sample, and like it.. I tried to make it last as long as I could!!
Yay for all the things you have said here. 2025 is going to be a year of less drama more mama. My new year resolution is stop worrying about SHOULDS. I love this. Looks like a fantastic book!
Have a relaxing weekend. xoxo
Hi Juliet
Thank you for sharing and reminding us all to step it up a notch when it comes to our health. I have not found a derm down here yet. I need to get an appointment with my old one! I had a basal cell on the inside of my wrist of all things a few years back. I know after all of my years in the sun there will be more to come.
Hi Juliet! I had Mohs surgery above my eyebrow about 15 years ago. My eyebrows haven’t been level since. I have convinced myself it’s charming, lol.
So many things to streamline, but the biggest is getting rid of the “shoulds” and making more time for friends and fun. This really hit home quite recently, as my husband of 40 years had CABG surgery last month. His recovery was not easy, and complications resulted in a 3-day rehospitalization. I was starting to envision a very different future than we had planned together. He’s doing much, much better now. Last year all he wanted to do was go see the Northern lights, but his health prevented that. I think this year is the year!
What an inspiring post, thank you. And a HUGE shout out for stressing how important some exams become as we age. An annual mammogram is a must – I’m saying this as the wife of a Radiologist who specializes in women’s health. Any discomfort is transient and this simple exam could well save your life. This year I decided to streamline my housekeeping goals. I realized that I stress too much about perfection and about being the only one who can make my home pass the clean test. I hired the most amazing cleaner who, along with her team, make my home a joy to come home to after they’ve worked their magic
Contentment and peace of mind is what I strive for everyday and your blog helps inspire me…
We downsized several years ago and I had to get rid of a lot of “stuff”. But over time things start accumulating again so I am ready to purge my closets. Hoping these self help books will help to achieve that goal…
January is such a dreary and cold time of year. It’s hard for me to get motivated but I definitely need to reorganize and simplify my pantry and several closets. Less stuff and less worry would be a great start to 2025!
Good reminders on the health screenings!
Hello. I enjoy your blog very much!
I would LOVE to streamline the amount of paper and “stuff” that I have accumulated in my home office! Way too much!
Hi Juliet, Always enjoy your thoughtful and entertaining posts! Something I’ve been working on is downsizing my things – household, clothing, handbags, jewelry…I guess everything. I’m at that age where I don’t want more material things to clutter my life. I have enough and love what I have. Of course, I occasionally change my mind and add something to my wishlist or just purchase it, but I’m being very selective. My house is comfortable, my life is full and I’m content. I’ve donated an embarrassing amount of items and it makes me happy to know someone will use it. Currently, I’m cleaning out my closet after a big weight loss, and am choosing new clothing carefully, to be more mindful of what pieces I really need. Less is a good and definitely more!
Hi Juliet, Happy New Year!
I’m really glad you addressed your skin concerns, and timely, appropriate treatment ensued.
For so long I’ve felt incredibly overwhelmed. I spin my thoughts well, and realize I’m pretty darn good at overthinking, ha!
I’ve had a little breakthrough lately which has really helped to get the ball rolling, as far as sorting, organizing and minimizing the mental and literal clutter.
My goal is to streamline the timeframe I allow to accomplish tasks, and really use the time in a highly productive manner. No multitasking, or distractions. Just focused work, with a start and end time. And finish what I begin!
I could leave you a page long comment but I won’t, since I’m late to the party.
I will be interested in what you think of the Rich Cream – I tried it and was not impressed at all!
Everyone seems to just love it!
Happy New Year! This year I would like to be more organized with scheduling Dr. appts, work-outs, kids, grandkids, etc. I am also a huge book lover and as soon as I saw the book I knew I had to have it. Fingers crossed xxxx. I’m also old school and love a calendar that I can write everything down on. That being said, the travel calender sounds like something that would work for me! I’m also very interested in the Rich Cream. It is a little on the expensive side but when you mentioned what we spend on a cup of coffee….make sense!
Juliet, such an encouraging blog and good reminders about health matters. So glad to know your surgery went well. I am late to responding, but I’ve enjoyed reading all the comments. One thing I’m streamlining is social media. Another, multiple tv streaming services. Thirdly, cleaning out my email inbox daily! Thanks for the inspiration. Xx
Glad you are on the mend, Juliet! I am scheduled for a skin check, but I couldn’t get an appointment until April. And I made it in September! I will have to check LifeStyled out. And I love the idea of your year of “less”. I am definitely trying to be more intentional about life this year too. Have a lovely week!
Love your blog! I need to streamline my closet and so much more. With a senior in high school I feel the need to get my act togther before big life changes are here.
Wishing you a speedy recovery!
My word for 2025 is patience – for me and people around me! I’d love to find a way to help people have less anxiety and more patience. I just sold my house with all furniture included so setting up a new home from scratch will require less in the mindset :). Thanks for the great inspiration – keep those skin checks up!
To kick start the year, I made a list of each room in my house and specifically listed out everything I wanted to organize in each room (ie: Kitchen: organize/purge drawers, organize/purge cabinets, clean out pantry, etc.) I did this in an effort to make sure I didn’t forget any area of the home but also to give myself actionable items to complete each day. It has been cathartic to say the least.
I was able to donate a lot of great, usable items to a local non-profit thrift store. In the past, I held onto things that were still usable because it felt silly throwing away perfectly good items . Donating them has given me “permission” to let go of good items since they will still get used and has resulted in meaningful decluttering.
I’ve always been an organized person but I was just organizing a lot of stuff. Now I have only the items I actually use and it’s been fantastic.