The Weekly Journal: Chicken Salad, Kimono Comfort, Winners (me and a reader!)

Soft Surroundings Kimono on Over 50 Feeling 40

This is my weekly journal entry for the time of stay home, stay in, stay safe.  Truly a unique time which I think, even almost two months later, we are still trying to figure out how to navigate in this new world we live in.  Of course, I miss the activity and some of the people in my work life, but the one really struggling is Mr.B.  He would be so sad if his company decided they were to keep working at home.  Many companies have discovered that the work-at-home situation is actually profitable and beneficial, and they may continue it with a segment of their workforce.   I hope my husband can return to his friends and co-workers soon…he needs that interaction.  Now me?  I love working from home! 

Speaking of family!  I want to say a very special HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my youngest son today.  He is my May Day baby…so handsome and smart.  I am very proud of him and wish we were having a big birthday celebration today.  I hope he has a special one.  He doesn’t like birthdays and I say he is too young to feel that way!!! I love a reason to celebrate. 

KIMONO COMFORT GOES ON

Work from home Soft Surroundings style on over 50 feeling 40

This was my favorite work from home outfit this week…yes, another kimono style look.  Some of you may remember this shorter kimono from Soft Surroundings I wore last year.  The Eileen Fisher long silk tank underneath it makes the kimono look longer than it actually is.  Super comfy! It is warming up more and more in South Texas, so this shorter sleeve worked great on the day I wore it.  Did you see the Good Morning America reporter who got caught in a segment without pants on??  I may be more comfortable for work now, but at least I am wearing pants…leggings to be exact.

I do this for me more than for a Zoom meeting.  It helps my state-of-mind so much when I look in the mirror at this over sweats and a sloppy tee.  I remember those days in my forties just prior to my big wake up at age 50 when I looking sloppy all of the time.  It definitely wore at my mindset.  The reinvention I went through at age 50 breathed new life and joy into me.  I won’t go back there. 

JJill on Over 50 Feeling 40

There are lots of great tunic and legging looks on the market now.  I took a screen shot of these ladies from JJill.   Sometimes I include these screen shots just to give you some inspiration for styling your own items.

 

CHUNKY CHICKEN SALAD

Chunky Chicken Salad Recipe on over 50 Feeling 40

My favorite mid-day meal this week was a chunky chicken salad that I mix together….very tasty and filling. Our local grocer (HEB) takes their roasted chickens, pull off the meat, and put it in deli containers.  They have white only options and that is what I usually go with.  These are perfect for so many different types of meals.

Chunky Chicken Salad Recipe

Note: If you don’t want this chunky, then stir it all together and process either in a food processor or blender.  Occasionally, we like the chunky version and that is what I made on this day.  

3 pounds of shredded chicken white meat

1/2 cup of chopped onion

1/2 cup of chopped celery

1 1/2 chopped apples (I like red)

1/2 cup of chopped roasted walnuts ( roast them at 425 degrees for about 6-7 minutes)

1/4 teaspoon of Lo Salt or any salt…my husband often puts extra salt and pepper on his portion

1/4 teaspoon curry powder

1/8 teaspoon of the McCormick mix (cinnamon, nutmeg, and chia seed)

Dash of ground mustard

1 teaspoon of Mrs. Dash Garlic and Herb Seasoning

You decide how much Olive Oil Mayo you would like.  For this much ingredients, I put at least a 1/2 cup….but when you are not looking, I might put a little more in there.  

Stir it all together until seasonings are mixed in well! You will get 2-3 lunches out of this.  I like it with the Vans Gluten Free Fire Roasted Veggie Crackers (Amazing! Love these crackers) It also makes a great chicken salad sandwich.  Some of these products are in the slideshow below>

AND THE WINNER IS!!

Congratulations to Kerri Norrod on winning the beautiful hair clip from Lilla Rose.  Remember to check them out here when you are in need of lovely hair accessories for everyday or a special occasion. 

I’M A WINNER TOO!!

One of the best blogs on over 50 feeling 40

This was such a nice surprise that I just happened to find accidentally!  I was looking around at other blogs for women over 50 and happened upon this post from an online magazine, It’s Rosy, from February of this year.  I was included as one of the Best Blogs for Women Over 50.

Here is what they said about me: “Here’s a blog full of sensible but stylish fashion, lifestyle, beauty, and health advice. Pamela Lutrell is like many of us: She put everyone and everything ahead of herself for years.

She came to her senses at 50 years old and realized she needed to make drastic changes. Her blog is about this journey, and how to walk your own path toward a better life.

Reinventing yourself is a challenge. It’s nice to have women who have gone before us hold out a hand and guide us. Think of her as a sister who does just that.”

I know I am late to find this article, but it was such a blessing to see it and, since I never has a sister, I am honored to be thought of as one!  Thank you to the magazine and, of course, to those who read and make it possible for me to be here!

Now, the sales out there are crazy as retailers hope to make sales for Mother’s Day! So, enjoy the slideshow and please remember if you do any online shopping at these retailers it helps me to pay my way on the blog!  How was your week…anything fun to share?

Remember, in our social distancing world, your smile is the way you send hugs! 

KEEP SMILING and hugging!

 

By Pamela Lutrell

38 Comments

  1. Social interaction is especially important as we age, and it will be much less than ideal as more companies go to the “work from home” option. Another problem with the “stay at home” orders…but not going there today. Happy Birthday to your son!! I hope he has a wonderful day! That J Jill embroidered shirt….I noticed that immediately in a recent email! It’s a beauty! It’s on my list because you can never have too many white shirts! I like your kimono outfit, and putting the longer tank under it definitely makes it look longer – that’s a good idea! You have quite a collection of kimonos. I’m looking forward to the weather warming up here eventually so I can start wearing mine. Spring is especially slow in arriving this year, it’s been tough to deal with.

  2. My May Day baby is 32 today!
    I’m going to thaw some chicken and make chicken salad today.
    Thanks for always having great ideas

  3. Hi Pam, congratulations on making the best blog list. I absolutely agree that you are like a big sister guiding us. That’s one of the reasons I read your blog every day.

  4. Congratulations on making the “Best Blog” list! It’s true…..you are a warm and guiding force for women “of a certain age” who have decided it’s time to put in some “Me Time” after (gladly) putting others 1st for years! Your blogs are varied, warm and insightful….it’s so obvious that you have been there/done that and want to share your journey to help others! Hugs and smiles coming to you from Georgia! 🙂

  5. Miss Pamela, you should be included in a list of over fifty bloggers because you are fabulous! I always get a spark of inspiration from reading your posts. Happy Birthday to your handsome son! Hopefully your husband will be able to return to his physical office space. I think my son-in-law is of the same mind. He likes to be around people.

  6. I want to add my congratulations too. Also I have to tell you that you remind me of my sister. I look forward to your blog every day.
    Happy b’day to your son!

  7. I use store rotisserie chicken for my chicken salad too. After reading the ingredients on Costco prepared chicken salad I noticed they use plain yogurt instead of mayonnaise. This is my recipe:
    Cubed chicken
    Plain Greek yogurt to moisten
    Sweet relish
    Add whatever you prefer.
    I add chopped apples or sliced grapes, craisins, chopped walnuts
    Raisins , celery

  8. Great post! I loved your”no need for sweatpants and a sloppy tee” comment. I actually don’t own a pair of sweatpants, even for working out. There are so many options for comfort today that are not sloppy. Even tees can be elevated if they are of nice quality, and a bit fitted. I would highly recommend the indigo pants from JJill. With a top over them to cover the elastic waist, they look quite a bit like jeans but feel like your jammies. Today I have them on with an Authentic Tee from Talbots (these are made from that thick, substantial fabric like tees used to be). I put an accenting clip in my hair by my ear. That took all of 2 seconds! If character is what you do when no one is watching, isn’t self respect the same?

  9. Pam, Congratulations on making the best blogs over 50 list! You are a favorite and I look forward to your blog everyday even if I don’t always have time to comment. You are an inspiration! You look fantastic! The weather is warming up into the 70’s and low 80’s here in Colorado, and my husband and I just returned from our daily walk. I had a picnic in the park the other day with 7 of my closest girl pals. We brought chairs, lunches, and our masks and got caught up (six feet apart of course!) it was great seeing everyone with longer, grayer hairstyles and fun masks! The girls decided to do this every couple weeks. Keep up your positive attitude!

  10. Congratulations on making the best blog list. You are very deserving of this honor, I love reading your blog and enjoy your advice that you give.

  11. Congratulations on making the best blog list. It is well deserved. I look forward to reading it everyday. What a handsome son! I have three and can’t wait until we can all be together again.
    On another note you look particularly pretty today especially your hair. I can’t wait to wear spring clothes. I’m still wearing fleece and wool socks.

  12. Congrats on the article, Pam! Nice to have someone telling readers what we already know! Your blog is informative, inspirational and now comforting. Others would so benefit from reading it! It’s my favorite way to start the day with my coffee.
    Love the chicken salad and will give it a try. I just can’t wait for warmer weather so I can start wearing my lighter, brighter clothes. This week we’ve had the dreariest weather. The sun is supposed to shine this weekend. Fingers crossed!
    Have a Happy May Day!

  13. Pam, congratulations on your blog award! I also noticed how wonderful you look in the photo wearing the kimono. Then I realized your bangs are wispier and not as heavy! Did you cut your bangs? My hairstyle is very similar to yours. I desperately need a cut and color. I get these midnight urges to get the scissors out and start cutting away!

  14. So glad your blog is out there and appreciated. I find it very inspirational. Gets many good ideas from you. I especially find it fun when you slide show something I have either thought I would like to acquire or have already purchased. we have such similar tastes. That is always nice and reaffirming to know. MY husband and i are retired so do not have the opportunity to work from home. But our daughter and her husbband do and are leaning how to do this while home schooling 4 little boys. Not what it was cut out to be- busy, busy ,busy!

  15. Wow, great news that you are getting the recognition you deserve. This is great, but before commenting, I went down the rabbit hole. Checked out the fashion bloggers and other bloggers over 50. This is addicting and added a few to my list to check out. You are in some great company. You have me craving a good chicken salad, so next trip to the grocery store I will pick up more ingredients. Thanks. Also you have a handsome son there, as well as all the family you have shown us. Good luck with the reopening there, we are not near that yet. So much to consider. Have a good day and look forward to tomorrows looks.

  16. Let me know if you decide to make a purchase at JJILL, Karen. I will make sure they are in the slideshow that day you can get to their site through me…every little bit helps to cover the costs of the blog! Thanks! (BTW…we seem to be skipping spring and going straight to summer. Looks like it will be one of those long hot ones here!)

  17. Thank you so much Shirley for being her, for the comment, and for the support. Love Georgia!

  18. It really adds to flavor to use the rotisserie chicken, doesn’t it? Thanks for sharing what you do, Debbie!

  19. Thanks for sharing your look, Linda. Sounds perfect! I just ordered a couple of basic tees with more structure…I need that.

  20. The picnic sounds like so much fun! Thanks for sharing Dawn and for being here. I love that idea.

  21. Congratulations on the recognition! I feel like you could be doing regular features in some of the ladies magazines.
    Funny that chicken salad was your go-to this week, as I enjoyed several meals from mine this week also. I cheat and start with a medium container of chicken salad from the grocery deli. Then I add celery, green onions, grapes, pecans, a couple teaspoons of orange marmalade and season with salt, pepper, onion powder and whatever fresh herbs I have (this week it was cilantro). It makes good sandwiches, a snack on crackers, or, my favorite, the center of a big lunch salad.
    Happy Birthday to your son, and Happy Birthday Memories to you, his mama. 😊

  22. Congratulations Kerri! So excited you were the giveaway winner…enjoy that beautiful hair clip. And thanks for the kind words.

  23. Thank you Pamela on all of this. My hair is “doctored” up considerably…can’t wait to go back to the salon.

  24. Thanks so much Linda! Having coffee with you every morning is an honor!

  25. My bangs are longer, Virginia, so I have to wisp them to the side. I promised my stylist no home cutting or color…it’s getting harder to live up to my promise. Who knows maybe this will result in a new hairstyle! Thanks you for the kind words and for being here.

  26. My daughter and her husband are doing the same thing, but I love the projects she has come up with for her three boys. Thank you for the kind words and for being here, Susan.

  27. Thanks Diane. So glad to have you here and yes, there are many talented over 50 bloggers. I am in a good group of inspirational ladies.

  28. Happy Birthday to your handsome May Day “baby”! And thank you for another wonderful blog post!
    I just love your hair today. I too noticed a lighter bang? Are they blonder? Or did you thin them out? Either way…you’re beautiful and a motivator–an inspiring woman. Thank you.

  29. Congratulations on making the best over 50 blog list! Very deserving accolade as you strive to give us a variety of post topics weekly. Your work did not go unnoticed. Happy May Day bday to your son. My firstborn was an April Fool’s baby!

  30. Our May Day baby is our oldest grandson… 12 years old today! My how those years have flown by!

    Spring has finally arrived here in Canada and I’m busy today making my seasonal wardrobe switch; putting my winter clothes into storage and bringing out warm weather wear. Some of your latest posts inspired me to bring out a silky kimono/cardigan that I haven’t worn for the past couple of years and put it back into rotation. As always, thank you for being an inspiration!

  31. OH my, Connie! The orange marmalade sounds so good. I will have to try that. Thanks for the kind words. I would love to write for women’s magazines! Wish they would call! Happy Weekend!

  32. Just a month ago for that birthday. I think we will all have many family celebrations once this passes by! Thanks Terry!

  33. You hit on something oh, so true. When we dress “sloppy” our psyches perceive it as an “unloving” act, IMVHO. We have devalued ourselves to our selves.

    Took a “dark night of the soul” to truly show me this. Now I’m “dressing up” every day. Not quite to “putting on my face”… yet.

    Ever notice you stand taller, step livelier & sit easier? I’ve erased 10-yrs from my looks *wink*.

    p.s. Waving Hi! from SWLA. Kimonos & silky toppers rule!

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