Sunday mornings at home

Sunday mornings at home

Welcome, everyone, to Sunday mornings at home!

This series of posts began recently as I reflect on the week behind, and perhaps, ahead.

Sunday mornings at home is a time when I re-fuel…ponder…and prepare for what lie before me.

As many of you know, last week was spent in the hospital…so this Sunday morning…I am just happy to be at home.

Even though…construction continues and chaos surrounds me….

SUNDAY MORNINGS AT HOME – TIME TO PONDER

Sunday mornings at home

Our weather began to turn last week, so now the mornings are a perfect time to sit outside to ponder and plan.

Sunday mornings at home is when I like quiet…just listening to nature…and breathing fresh air.

It is empowering.  Do you take time each week to just sit for awhile?  Make sure you give yourself permission to do this.

It really is part of our overall health and wellness plan.  

After such a nasty virus, I feel like I need a complete cleansing inside and outside….and October is the perfect time to do this.

By the way, it looks like my granddaughter’s birthday party (I wrote about it here) was where the virus hailed.  

Several guests, young and old, all became sick at the same time on Monday.  The older the guest…the harder it hit! And it was an outdoor party!

SUNDAY MORNINGS AT HOME – RECIPES FOR ENERGY

Sunday mornings at home

I am well aware on this Sunday morning at home that I desperately need ENERGY!

I am ready to get back at life, but still very, very weak.  

So, I am concentrating on healthy eating, supplements and looking to foods which promote energy…like peanut butter.

I am a huge peanut butter fan.

I haven’t made them yet, but I wanted to share with you the 4-ingredient Peanut Butter Energy Balls recipe….I am making these as soon as I can get some oats.

SUNDAY MORNINGS AT HOME: BE KIND TO YOURSELF

Sunday mornings at home

When you look in the mirror, do you smile or begin to take stock of all you see “wrong?”

After an illness, and a stressful month, it was easy for me last week to begin to go down the “you are a mess” road.

Then I listened to another woman tell me everything she sees in the mirror that is wrong and how she hates who she is.

That broke my heart and snapped me out of my own funk.

We are all unique, beautiful creations of God.  He does not make mistakes.  In order to be kind to others, we must accept and be kind to ourselves first.

Make a choice right now to be kind to yourself this week and immediately stop when you look in the mirror and start listing what is wrong.

Life really is too short and precious to waste it putting yourself down….I am choosing not to!

SUNDAY MORNINGS AT HOME: WE COUNT!

Sunday mornings at home

On my mind often lately and especially for Sunday mornings at home, is the women’s fashion retail world.

It seems that all brands have gone full-on targeting the younger customer…I get it, they spend, they shop, they like to look stylish and trendy.

The models are mostly younger now…and many times clothing targeted to us is, well, aging.

But, I implore brands not to count the over 50, 60, 70 woman out!

We spend, we shop, and we also like to look our best.  We are diverse…many shapes, colors, styles, and lifestyles.

WE COUNT! So, don’t count us out….unless you want to walk away from income potential.

Off my soapbox now! 

There are some sales going on for fall fashion today.  Since today is the last day, you may want to check out: 

Talbots Fall Customer Appreciate Event 

Friends & Family 20% off savings at Kohl’s

Macy’s VIP Sale 30% off

As energy returns, I hope to be out and about more.  Thank you to everyone for sweet notes of support last week. I never expected for the week to go that way!

I doubt those in the path of the storm didn’t expect the week to be like that either.  I am praying for them.

HOW YOU CAN HELP The Red Cross will be side-by-side helping people for weeks and months to come. To help people affected by Hurricane Ian, visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text the word IAN to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Your gift is a commitment to helping people in need, and every single donation matters. Financial donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from this disaster.

Any thoughts on Sunday Mornings at Home…please share anything that comes to mind….and I truly hope to see you tomorrow.

KEEP SMILING!!

By Pamela Lutrell

I appreciate your support of this blog by shopping with my SHOPPING LINKS, and if you don’t see the retailer you need for anything, just send me an email and I will see if I have a link or if there is a sale you are looking for!

Email is over50feeling40@gmail.com.  

A special thank you to everyone who does this to offer your support of the blog!!

Check out my new video on YOUTUBE and please consider a subscription to my channel….Pamela Lutrell’s Channel.

Sunday mornings at home

39 Comments

  1. So happy to read your Sunday morning post this week. And then, so glad you’re doing better. You should feel a bit stronger each and every day. Yes October is a favorite month- dazzling with colorful Maple Trees turning color- brilliant yellows and oranges/reds. Sometimes on my morning walks a tree will show leaves that have transitioned from yesterdays green to a wonderful warm color! Amazing. Cool nights do that. Enjoy these mornings!

  2. Excellent post. We need to extend some grace to our mature selves. We are not going to look like we did in our 20’s, 40’s, etc. and that is ok. God loves us just the way we are. In regard to retailers targeting younger generations, they should remember many of us no longer are raising children, making house payments, etc. We are established in life and are in good financial shape. They are missing out on a large target audience. Hoping you feel stronger every day. God bless you. BTW, I lived in Arlington, TX for 12 years (many years ago) and San Antonio was my favorite city to visit!

  3. I headed to our upper balcony right now to breathe that fresh morning air. You walks sound amazing…drenched in color!

    Thanks so much Paulette!

  4. San Antonio is a wonderful visit, isn’t it! Thanks for the shout out. I am rather shocked at how quickly retailers have abandoned us in their marketing. However, most of the social media marketing is handled by very young women who do not understand that the blogging world is vast and engaged. Their brands would do well to pay attention to it. Thanks Peggy!

  5. Pam, so glad you are feeling better. Just don’t overdo it this week. (something we all do). Sometimes God is telling us to slow down. We are just starting to see a smidge of color on the trees in Missouri from the angels’ paint brushes. God bless you!

  6. Thanks Marcia…overdoing is something I do very well…I appreciate the warning. And, I love the phrase the angels’ paintbrushes….I will now use it to describe autumn!

  7. Lovely thoughts this morning, and so glad you are recovering. I spent this past week getting ready for an open house party which I hosted yesterday afternoon at my parent’s new home (we moved them out of assisted living into an over-55 community in July). The turn out was fantastic, and the neighbors were so grateful for the invitation. Many mentioned isolation, not knowing their neighbors. Meanwhile, my parents were happily surrounded by new friends and felt so welcomed. As you say, older folks shouldn’t be counted out, and that goes not only for us younger-older ladies, but for those who are edging past eighty and striving for a vibrant road to 100! (One neighbor is 102 and doing great!). So today I am reflecting on the wonderful people we met yesterday, and thinking about hosting a potluck fall dinner in November. I see the logistics and heavy lifting of preparing such a thing may be too much for many of these new friends, but is something I can easily do to bring them together and enjoy one another.

  8. Wonderful comment, Connie! And I love that you are willing to host another event to get these lovely neighbors out and about. We should not be isolated…hiding…feeling invisible..as the song says, “We’ve got a lot of living to do!”

  9. I’m so sorry that you had a nasty virus! I hope you feel better soon but at the same time take it easy and pamper yourself. I had Covid in August, and I’m still getting over some of the side effects. Organic peanut butter and strawberry jelly on Dave’s thin sliced bread has been me go to food.

  10. I just finished a piece of toast with Sprouted Grain Bread and Peach Jam. I am with you, Kathy, with that choice. It seems to be just the right amount and flavor at this moment. I hope you feel stronger very soon.

  11. Peanut butter is indeed an energizing food, and toast soothes the stomach. Gentle soups will keep you hydrated. Even better, as you said, is Mother Nature. We are in northern Michigan on our trip. The colors are just starting (the swamp maples are the most iridescent, flaming red/pink) and the bay is navy blue. Amazing! Last night the northern lights were possible, but we didn’t spot them. Maybe next week in Michigan’s upper Peninsula. I saw them once many years ago, and I would love to see them again. Fingers crossed!

  12. I so hope you get to see them, Linda! Feel free to share any fall foliage pictures…would love to see!

  13. Pamela, your Sunday Mornings at Home are so encouraging and uplifting. With wonderful, simple ways to take care of ourselves, so appreciated. I too recently got extremely sick, passed out and was taken via ambulance to St. Vincent’s ER. I don’t remember one minute of the ambulance ride, but remained in the hospital due to a severe virus. It takes time for our bodies to recover. I pray you will see a change each and every day. God bless you.

  14. Wow, Joanne, minus the ambulance, I experienced the same thing! I am so glad you are better and I can tell this is going to take awhile to get my mojo back. Take of yourself and God Bless You.

  15. Pam,glad you are feeling better! I had that nasty stomach virus back in April of this past year,but I didn’t have to be hospitalized like you did. Hopefully you will have a better week. The trees,here in Illinois are just starting to turn beautiful colors! Thanks for all you do. I really enjoy your column.

  16. I had Covid back in July and it seems since then the excessive heat we have here in the SoCal desert hits me hard. Last week I experienced an episode of heat exhaustion with all the usual symptoms, excessive sweating, vomiting, diarrhea etc. I admit I was out playing golf and it came on like a brick wall. At 71 and in relatively good shape, I push myself to keep going but, like you, I felt my body was trying to tell me to slow down, be kind and give it some tenderness. I’ve been adding Liquid IV to my big Yeti & paying attention to how much water I actually consume. PB on an apple and celery sticks are my go to snack. Feel better!

  17. Love and look forward to your posts .also recovering from surgery and healing … I also find Maria shrivers Sunday paper full of hugely inspiring articles ( non political ) and you will as well (subscribe for free) this one article about being a friend was lovely 😍.https://www.mariashriversundaypaper.com/the-power-of-one-person/
    Lifting ourselves up and our friends Matters !
    Thanks for your weekly cheer . And the no bake recipe too !

  18. Oh, you are so right about a sudden shift to targeting the younger consumer. This fall I noticed it in inseam lengths for pants. Since when am I, at 5’7.25″ tall, a petite? Since now, that’s when! The 30″ regular inseam is no more in the brands I shop. I am not petite. What will the true petites do now? Cutting several inches off of pants can ruin the silhouette. Is this to make us all have to pay extra to hem every pair of pants we buy? I will buy fewer items, knowing that there is an additional cost for not being able to wear them off the rack.

    What next? Will they stop making shoes under size nine? I wish they’d stop letting algorithms control clothing manufacturing. Hmm, maybe the algorithms will figure out that since we’re all tall as of September, our heads now require hats in more than one-size-fits-none. I could get onboard with that.

  19. Days of renewal are certainly necessary in our busy lives, but especially if we have been sick. Like so many others, I am glad that you are feeling so much better. And like you, I do love my peanut butter!! I’d rather have a peanut butter and jelly or jam sandwich with a glass of milk than anything else. I had peanut butter on raisin bread this morning for breakfast…some protein with my carbs! Enjoy your restful Sunday.

  20. I was so worried that my stomach illness would change my love of peanut butter…nope, I still love it! I have never tried it on raisin bread…sounds like something I will like!

  21. Pamela, I love these Sunday Mornings at Home posts. I am so glad you are feeling better and just wanted to let you know that, although I don’t often comment, I read and enjoy all of your posts.

  22. I have recently started reading your blog and have really been enjoying it. Your posts are uplifting, relaxed and relatable. In today’s post, I appreciate your words of wisdom regarding how we see ourselves. It’s so true for me and a good reminder to be kind to myself. Your weekly news posts are always a delightful read. Your hard work doesn’t go unnoticed.

    May the Lord strengthen and heal you from every trace of that nasty virus. 🙏🏻

  23. Bless you, Carolynn..,for being here, the encouraging words and much needed prayer. So glad you are here!

  24. One more comment on the fashion industry. The half-tuck may be great for women size six and under, or those who have never had children, or those who want to add curves and do not have a tummy. I am none of the above. The half-tuck emphasizes my curves, which need no help. If a top doesn’t look good without a half-tuck, something is wrong with it, not me.

    Is it too much to ask that online clothing sites shown clothing as it is? Bizarre squats, other odd poses and “styling” items that hide their true appearance leads to more returns. I cannot get into such poses in real life. I just want to see the clothes on a model who represents someone with my body shape/size. Most of all, I want to see the clothes as they are, without color filters and artistic interpretation — catalogue modelling, remember that?

  25. I had no idea you were in the hospital last week. I’m so sorry to hear this news. The virus you caught is this a
    Covid virus? It’s no fun when you feel so weak.
    Sending you well wishes, you are in my thoughts and my prayers.

  26. Hi Katherine…just an ugly old stomach virus that hit me very hard. Had nothing to do with COVID.

  27. I’m so glad you are recovering. It is indeed a process to get our energy back. My small group at church has been reading the “Good & Beautiful” series by James Bryan Smith. The last book, which we are doing now is the “Good & Beautiful You”. It employs some the things you mentioned today. One is taking some time to do nothing; to just sit & breath. This is so hard to do in our society which emphasizes multitasking. I agree that most of the marketing is steered towards the younger generation. That is why the beautiful women with the long white hair in yesterday’s post struck such a cord with me. To answer the question about what petite women do about the long inseams: We have to hem all our pants. It has been that way for some time. I guess the assumption is that everyone wears high heels. NOT!

  28. As a retiree with discretionary money to spend, I have complained about the focus of advertising in not only clothing. I finally realized marketing is not wrong from their prospective. They get more bang for their buck appealing to the Gen Z’s & Gen Exers because they choose to spend on more consumables then we older generations do who have closets filled with clothes, every pot or pan we could ever need etc.
    Not sure how we change it but in a free market economy our worth is diminished. I think it’s the small shop, many of which you have showcased in San Antonio, Pam, that offer more options.
    Really enjoy your Sunday Musings 👍

  29. Glad to hear you are feeling better. We never know when or where we will catch a virus. Thanks for the recipe.

  30. I’m so glad you are recuperating well and slowly regaining your strength.Your energy will return but be kind to your body, as I am sure you will be.
    I can relate to that negative mindset when you are ill and recuperating and seeing only the negative aspects of your appearance. I recently had some surgery and it took a while for my complexion to regain any colour and I looked exhausted. Reality set in and I thought “just be kind to yourself” and I decided to smile when looking into the mirror and then I saw my eyes light up.We are our own worst critics, even when we are feeling unwell and recuperating.
    Keep feeling better and enjoy that peanut butter.Sending another virtual hug from Melbourne,Australia.

  31. Pamela, as so many others have said, I’m so sorry to hear you were ill, but thankful you’re on the road to recovery! Please be gentle with yourself as you continue to heal. Your posts are always such a bright spot in my internet feed, and I especially enjoy your Sunday musings. I retired in June and still haven’t learned how to slow down and be more intentional with my time. I’m three weeks into an eight-week class at church on Contemplative Prayer Practices, and it’s SO HARD for me. I don’t do “quiet” or “still” well, but realize I need to learn to “Be still and know that I am God.”
    I’ve been very frustrated with fashion in general lately; even my go-to store, JJill, seems to be catering to women several decades younger. Fall is my favorite season, all three days of it that we usually get here in Texas-LOL. I love fall clothes best of all, but am shopping mainly on eBay for classic, quality pieces. Today’s retailers don’t seem to realize I will wear my bathrobe in public before I will bare my midriff! Thanks for the positive energy you bring to this virtual world, and prayers for your continued restoration to good health and strength.

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