day 1



Hydrangeas picked this morning from the garden
I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and didn't overdo it last night.  I unfortunately behaved myself.  If you are interested, this is what I wore...









Today means a fresh start, possibilities, change, challenges, energy, excitement...I love it all.  It seems like every new year I start out with a bang and some things I hope to accomplish stick and others fizzle, but even knowing that things may fizzle, I still love the freshness of it all and love a good list of resolutions.  If only a couple of things stick this year that'll be great.

1.

Eliminating sugar from my diet.  I actually started this 2 weeks before Christmas on a whim and I can't believe the difference in the way I feel.  Larry actually thinks I didn't catch the flu but rather that was my body's reaction to sugar withdrawal.  I guess we'll never know but the big difference is that when eating sugar throughout the day I'd feel my energy start lagging and it felt like the only thing that would jump start me would be food.  It was a kinda up and down feeling all day. That dragging feeling is gone and I feel even all day. The hunger pangs between meals are gone,  and tto top it off, so far, I'm not missing it at all.  My dessert at night has been a big juicy orange, which taste like candy.  Even at our fancy dinner last night I wasn't interested in the dessert.  So I guess the lesson is that if you eat sugar you will crave it and if you don't you won't.  Who knew?  So this week I'm doing a thorough pantry purge of lurking hidden sugars.


2.

Taming my wardrobe.  It's gotten a little out of hand these last few weeks.  That happens when every major holiday, your birthday and wedding anniversary are within weeks of each other.  The rest of the year it's like the Siberian desert around here, but right now it's overflowing.  I love pretty much everything in my closet.  I have been slowly creating what I call My Forever Wardrobe.  It's filled with what I think are classic pieces that work for me.  In fact when I'm thinking of adding to it the first thing I do is ask myself if I'd wear it when I'm 70.  If not then it doesn't make the cut.  Is this weird?  So my resolution is to maybe weed out a little but overall be content with what I've got.

The rest of my resolutions are to complain less, stop interrupting and to accept things just as they are.

What do you have up your sleeve?


106 comments

  1. Happy Happy New Year my dear friend! I'm so glad to hear that your holidays were good and did I ever get to tell you....I adore your gift to your grand-daughter. I hope it's one of those that she remembers all her life.

    My boxes of clothes arrived at the new house and I'm so disappointed that I brought stuff that I never wore and never will. I'm paring everything down this year...clothes, décor, gadgets etc. Even though we bought a much larger house, I don't feel one need to fill it with anything.

    Everything in my life is going to be pared way back...everything but love and kindness. I really want to be more selfless.

    I wish you so much goodness this year Janet. xo

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    1. thanks sarah. my ability to comment on my own blog has been hampered by blogger. seems fixed now! love and kindness...just what we all need. x

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  2. Happy New Year, Janet! I saw that photo on your instagram and thought you looked absolutely elegant! My daughter is studying to be a Naturopathic Physician in Arizona, and she has taught us all about the negatives of sugar. Good for you!

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    1. thank you lisa. bravo for your daughter, that's awesome!

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  3. No resolutions around here - just a real enjoyment of that top on you!

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  4. I hear ya! On every level! I want to be just like you when I grow up! I do think I'm a little older than you but on your same page! I also want to be more ladylike but I'm already catching myself swearing! I wish you much happiness and great good health in 2015!

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    1. thanks janie. oh more ladylike! that's an awesome goal b/c it encompasses so much goodness!

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  5. I love your NYE look, especially your hair! The forever wardrobe is an interesting concept and I'll look forward to reading more about that. You love fine clothing and actually wear it--so don't pare down too much! It's so funny to me that you quit sugar two weeks before Christmas! But I'll bet you feel like you got a real head start on your favorite time of year.
    I've mentioned my umbrella res of doing things I hate. This includes but is not limited to: forgiveness (grudge holder), working out (apparently polishing silver and kneading bread dough just isn't enough), and maybe dating. This is a little more abstract, but I'm also going to assess which luxuries I truly love and which I just love the idea and status of. If that makes any sense?
    Love this day 1 post. You inspire without ever being preachy.

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    1. yes, it makes perfect sense to me. i think we should really all determine just what we want to live with and what we don't and then move in that direction! i'm with you!

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    2. yes, and i think you should start dating again. and please blog about those dates. x

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  6. Ha, I'm usually not a sugar eater, except for a digestive with my tea after dinner. But clearly as soon as you stopped, I started. Yep, about 2 weeks before Christmas I dug in.

    And like everything in my life, the more I do the more I want.

    So back to one digestive and a handful of clementines.

    Happy 2015, let 's rock this one.

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    1. yes let's rock this one. sugar as a digestive does sound quite ladylike.

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  7. I love your outfit, and the hydrangeas too.

    I cut out most sugar and all dairy from my diet a couple of months ago. The most eye-opening aspect of it for me was getting through the holiday festivities without eating sweets. It wasn't hard to avoid the sweets once I had the cravings under control (which happened very quickly). But the most striking thing was realizing just how many times I had to say "no, thanks" to people offering me cookies, cakes, candy, etc. It happened dozens of times, sometimes several times a day. And to think that year ago I wouldn't have been saying "no." Yikes.

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    1. i agree! it actually got awkward a few times. a friend was actually offended.

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  8. I quit sugar and dairy in October but fell off the wagon during Christmas. I can't believe the difference in the inflammation and how my joints feel. I'm back on track and already feel better after only a few days.
    We really are what we eat!

    You look beautiful!

    Happy New Year and thanks for your wonderful blog!

    Betty

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    1. thanks betty. yes, i guess it's the inflammation that is the issue. we all need to bring that inflammation down b/c according to melinda's doctors that is what sets us up for disease. x

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  9. I love your resolution about complaining less. I'm definitely going to add that one to my list.

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  10. Happy New Year Janet. Your hair looks lovely! I'm looking forward to reading you blog in 2015, it's fair to say you're my favourite :)

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  11. That top is a showstopper. On Instagram I thought it was a dress, but as a top...oh, the possibilities!!! I love it! If it ever makes it to your purge pile you need to give me a heads up. ;)
    Happy New Year Janet!

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  12. JANET!!!!

    Quitting sugar is very big in Australia. Everyone's doing it. Presumably you are allowed to eat fruit which is full of it? Or will you be all Dr Atkins ("I don't know where fruit got such a great wrap?") and give that up. What about alcohol? Tell me everything.

    I really luff your hair and that nice top. So chic.

    I am unprepared to create a forever wardrobe but you know you have my 100% support.

    Meanwhile I am at the beach with the WORST internet connection ever. Seriously, Larry would be so cross! It's worse than the hotel room in London in mid 2013. Know you will understand my pain!

    Luff you x

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    1. I'm with FF, how is it delineated? Do you cut down on added sugars or abstain from
      fruit and veggies like carrots etc? Ths always confuses me.

      Love your hair up!!

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    2. k and tabs, i'm supporting melinda on all her dietary changes. so if her doctors say to cut something out i'm cutting it out too. that way we can work on recipes together and it's easier to do something if you have a partner. so of course she's been vegan these last 3 years and doing well but when her numbers went up a few months ago they cut sugar out b/c of its inflammatory properties. so certain sugars are allowed. natural ones occurring in fruits and vegetables and brown rice syrup and coconut sugar (both in v small amounts) are allowed. it's mostly the processed stuff that is forbidden. it's working b/c her numbers are low again. her food is her daily medicine!

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    3. oh and no on the alcohol. i don't miss it all all either.

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    4. Melinda is truly blessed to have a friend like you. I am also trying to cut down on sugar and trying to eat more veggies. But, I just love sweetened coffee and tea. Another thing I am being very watchful over is added MSG in foods - like bouillon cubes. Guess - moderation is the key in anything. I have been in menopause for one year this week and I have noticed a lot of changes in my body and skin since then. But some good things too: I am not as moody and I sleep better and longer at night.

      Like someone else said - you do look like Audrey Hepburn.

      Sincerely,
      Debra from SENC

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    5. i'm the lucky one to have melinda as a friend. :)
      menopause is something isn't it? i too am less moody altho larry would prob argue that!

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    6. Yes it is! But truthfully, you look better now than you did when you were younger.

      Thank you for introducing Ellie. I went to Ellie’s blog when you first posted it and honestly, I could not hold back the tears. She is amazing. Her blog is so beautiful and I am truly sorry that she has to suffer like she does. Unless you own an oil company or are an heiress, out of pocket healthcare costs (the amount you owe after they have over charged your insurance or medicare) can wipe out any bank account, any retirement account and take your home and property that has been in your family for generations(at least ask you for it). The healthcare system here doesn’t give a damn if you have a place to lay your head at night or if you have enough money for groceries (saw this when my FIL was dying). Thank you Tricky N(God rest your soul) and our US Government for turning our Healthcare System into a for profit business. I don’t know exactly how France’s healthcare system is, but if it is anything like ours – she needs the help. I do know that pharmaceutical drugs have skyrocketed – I saw it on the news yesterday. I am not rich but I am a big fan of Ralph Lauren too. I am happy for her that she got to go to his restaurant and Chanel’s apartment. I would love to go there too. She is in my prayers.

      Sin-
      Debra from SENC

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  13. Love the photo of the hydrangeas. You look fabulous! Happy New Year!!

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  14. Omg you are stunning! Supermodel/palm beach socialite only with more taste. I have recently turned 60 and I am not handling it well, it is the first time in my life I am feeling my mortality. I love your statement about your forever wardrobe , that is something I will try myself. My other resolution is to value every minute and focus on the positive little things in life. janey

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    1. thanks you janey. you are too kind. the photos were taken with larry's phone which is stuck on b&w for some reason. i think that feature helped a lot! lol i love your resolutions! x

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  15. Happy New Year Janet! Love the way you looked in that top...so very Audrey Hepburn. :)
    Accepting things as they are...oh, that's the hard one! Giving up sugar is nothing compared to that. Let's wish each other luck as we both try to accomplish that. xo

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    1. thanks dianne. and isn't that the truth! i wish you well too!

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  16. Wow, you look so pretty. I don't think I've ever seen you put together a bad outfit. I have to say, when going back thru the recipe archive as I'd told you, you looked good a few years ago but now you are aging in reverse. I think the longer hair flatters you, up or down. You were wise to go gray; it's softer. You're thinner, too. Ugh, sugar; so addictive. Sometimes a plain half of a banana, frozen, mimics ice cream for me. Same with frozen, unadorned blueberries. I tried frozen grapes; blah. It's still all sugar, but...

    Your resolutions are commendable. I, too, need to stop complaining. My husband is saying I'm complaining a lot, so I need to deal with some frustrations, for sure. I obsess about my health and my husband sat me down yesterday, looking at me with such an earnest face and said, "LIVE your life." Live it, don't worry it. I also need to be less judgmental, I do know that. And I have to continue to work harder to edit myself on a lot of things...yeah, I know, I know, starting with the length of reader comments on blogs. Some of us flawed humans are prone to excess. Moderation...the middle path...has to be the better way.

    Janet, chilly last night here! Only a couple of fireworks at midnight. I think wimpy-with-weather SoCal-ers decided to stay in and be warm at the fireplace. We got to 29 degrees; froze the birdbath. I imagine you're even colder. Lovely to see hydrangeas still looking winter-pale wonderful.

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    1. thank you dear vicki. you are right that fruit is still sugar but it's loaded with tons of other good nutrients and micro nutrients so they are so good for us.

      M and i were just talking yesterday about owning who we were for this coming year. everyone else does, why not us?
      it's been super cold here and isn't it great!

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    2. Owning who we were. Owning who we are. Embracing that; accepting, learning and moving on. Sometimes I'm not smart enough to think of things in that way. Or maybe I'm smart enough but it's just too cloudy. I can do a good job of beating myself up. Owning who we are. i have to let that settle in. It's very powerful. Thanks. I learn so much on this blog; you and it and the readers seem to be consistently evolving...nothing stale, pushing forward. It's so...healthy.

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  17. Janet,

    Again, just love this post "will I wear it when I am 70". I wish I were a better writer to express what the freshness and authenticity of your postings mean to me.

    Thanks.

    Ann

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    1. thank you ann. you are so kind. i'm working on that forever wardrobe piece. x

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  18. Happy New Year, dear Janet! You looked absolutely beautiful on New Year's Eve, love the up-do!
    Giving up sugar seems very trendy at the moment. I've never been much of a sweet tooth. I never eat puddings and chocolate doesn't interest me in the least. I'd go mad without cola to go in my rim, though. xxx

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    1. Ha! that should have read cola to go in my rum! xxx

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    2. haha.

      i'm loving that up-do too. i need to do a post on that. x

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  19. You look FABULOUS! Simple, classic and elegant. You have inspired me to take better care of myself and to simplify my life. Thank you. Happy New Year Janet.

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  20. And that top - I LOVE it!

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  21. You look so very beautiful as ALWAYS. Love the idea you have with your wardrobe and I think that is something I will attempt. Following your blog I've purged my closet already a few times and it has been a wonderful thing. Now when I am am shopping I take the time to ask myself "Will I want to wear this next year?, Do I really love this item?"....and it has been the best thing I've ever done for myself. I've also purged our home and donated most things. I have realized now how much I do love my home and the items that I've kept are those that are special and mean so much to see them each day.

    I had to give up sugar along with dairy, caffeine, meat and processed foods for my health. I have many issues but the worst being fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. I refuse to take the meds the doctors want to throw at me so I went on a search for natural healing for my body. Sugar - which along with dairy and red meat - induces inflammation and pain in our bodies. I have made a complete turnaround since giving up the sugar and dairy. I can now exercise and do my yoga each day. The fatigue has lessened as well. It was a major life change and I wouldn't go back to my horrid habits for anything in this world.

    Wishing you a fabulous 2015 filled with all you could ever imagine and dream.

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    1. i will share this with melinda. that's exactly what we were saying the other day. the mindset is that all that sugar is so wonderful and rich and life without it would be horrible but it's the exact opposite! everything fresh and in its natural state is so delicious and decadent almost. it's like my taste buds have been awakened!

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  22. Your NYE outfit is fabulous....I love how you have stayed your hair!
    Wishing you joy and happiness in 2015.

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  23. I don't know why you'd want to change things up Janet as you look fab in the NYE outfit....very glam updo btw which I don't recall seeing you in before.

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    1. maybe not change too much...tweak is prob the better word. :)

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  24. Happy New Years Janet! You do look very elegant in that outfit! I have also decided to cut out processed sugars, as they make me tired. The two resolutions that stay on my list each year are exersize and lose weight. I'm not getting any younger. I do like your resolutions. ;-)

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    1. thanks cherre. those are good ones. cutting sugar is bound to help with both of them!

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  25. You look gorgeous! You always offer wisdom and gracious changes to your readers! And truth be told -- my closet needs a major clear-out; clean-out and re-do! As for the sugar -- well -- that's a hard change for me -- my sweet tooth is truly legendary! But -- I will start with small changes and see how things progress from there .... would you consider doing a few postings on your grocery shopping .... always very inspirational!

    cheers! Jan at Rosemary Cottage

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    1. I cleaned out my closets this past fall and it was remarkably easy when the question I asked myself was: "do I want to try this on right now and take a photo of myself in it?" Haha I had like three trunkloads to Goodwill and I've never had so much free closet space :)

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    2. Haha! That question is so good! I can just picture someone sitting in their closet with a grimace on their face thinking about themselves in a hideous piece of clothing, forever immortalized on the internet!
      I'm going to start using that question- thank you!

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    3. jan we need to come over and help you clean out your closet!

      SA - the question i always ask is whether or not i'd want an ex boyfriend to see me in it. if not then it's out!

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  26. I love your outfit and your hair! Now that my annual egg nog fest (Christmas) is over, I'm right there with you about sugar. I can't stop cold turkey, though. Last night, instead of eating the chocolate kisses I found, I instead ate a couple of squares of 70% dark chocolate. Just as satisfying but lower in sugar.

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    1. well according to the anon dietician the dark chocolate is good for us! so far i haven't added any back in but who knows a few months away. maybe the dark chocolate?

      thanks also for the compliments. x

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  27. First year I made no resolutions. This year, for me, it's about living in the moment, right now. So instead of stressing out through the holidays to get to an end point, I just enjoyed myself and decluttered here and there, did a bit of clothing reassessment and have been trying to do better in the old health department.

    For clothing, I have a small list of about 10 items I need to find in order to fill in the gaps in my wardrobe. I seriously cut my clothes down by half this past 2 months and it's been fun.

    My projects right are now are getting the interior of the house painted. I don't have a timeline but I do want to have the kitchen, small bathroom/laundry room done by February for guests coming. This has resulted in having to take what I had down off the walls and out of corners and the great purge continues. I have a small list of items needed for the house- 8 sets of curtains, 2 curtain rods, 1 chandelier and 2 ceiling hugger lights, 2 side tables. We have finally settled into our house after 3 years and I now know what I want. Most of these items are being gifted for Mother's Day and our Anniversary and I don't mind one bit.

    I am also purging Christmas items and have a goal of getting everything into 2 large bins. This is my task for next week, when hubby is home and can help take down the lights.

    My saying is be healthy, be happy and be loved.

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    1. it's great that after cleaning out your closet you actually can see what you need right? love your saying. x

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  28. Janet, you look so pretty...love your top and your 'do'. I think I should give up sugar too but reckon I would deffo get withdrawal symptoms. Don't think I could give up booze for all time tho.

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  29. The New Year has that effect on me too - It's like wiping the slate clean and starting fresh. I don't have your willpower though as I doubt I could ever remove sugar from my diet. I do have my eye on thinning out my wardrobe and clearing out some extraneous items in my house that are weighing me down.

    I enjoy reading your blog and I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a very Happy New Year. I would also like to wish the same to all who post here. HAPPY NEW YEAR and all the best in 2015!

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    1. thank you so much! maybe my upcoming post will help with your wardrobe clearout. maybe? it's not written yet so who knows . lol

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    2. Janet, don't forget to repeat the part about asking yourself if you'd want your ex-boyfriend to see you in it. That was classic and I exclaimed out loud because that's a tip I really need. I avoid him like the plague; we're in the same small town. Maybe instead I need to wear what I look best in...first, for myself, of course...and just plaster him to the wall with the 'wow' factor. These little tricks are amazingly helpful. I've made great progress but the closet is I think ongoing. And, yes, I come back and read new comments; wtf is so wrong with that? It's a good continuing dialog and I don't want to miss a thing. I loved that exchange with SA. He should definitely start dating; he's a catch.

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  30. Hi Janet!

    bravo for quitting sugar! I was not aware it has similar effects like red meat and dairy products. Well, I just finished a large bowl of Apple Crumble, sweetened. The more I ate from it, the less I enjoyed the sweet taste.

    I love old clothes, too!
    For Christmas Eve I was wearing a dress I bought 20 years ago.Everyone thought it was new, because I had not worn it for 10 years or even longer.

    I wish I will be able to keep my shape during/past menopause. My mother had to buy a new wardrobe and every ohter year she changed the wardrobe because she needed larger clothes. size. Now, in her 70's and has reached "her" weight.
    You can imagine, she spend a lot of money on clothes ...

    Is it the same in the US as in Europe: new clothes seem cheaper than ever. I touch the fabric and just can't bear spending 100$ or more for obviously cheap stuff.
    I guess I am a wardrobe nerd. ;-)

    kind regards,
    Paula

    PS: resolution? Yes! Give more - gifts. Whenever I meet a friend, I want to bring a small present along.

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    1. yes fabrics are getting cheaper and cheaper here. i really do prefer vintage!

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    2. Hi Janet!
      I don't know if you eat smoked tofu - the one that adds a nice flavour to soups etc.
      I am not sure about the flavour and its hazard to our health.
      Do you know if tofu with a smoka flavour is less healthy?
      What is your opinion on smoked tofu?

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    3. sorry paula i really can't answer b/c i don't know much about it. i'll look into it tho. x

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  31. love your New Years look. had a laugh about what clothing you will still want to wear in your 70's. I am in my early 70's and have worn a number of my clothes since my my 50's maybe even earlier. I do regularly go through my closet and purge when things get worn out or are really out of style, or I just don't feel good about wearing them any more. so far no one has called me innapropriate, but who knows what they are really thinking? I have thought about cutting out sugar, though I really am not much on desserts, maybe a bit if it's homemade but mostly it's fruits. however, I drink a few cups of tea and sometimes coffee daily and just cannot get used to the taste without some sweetness. I figure since i got this far why give it up now. also I believe staying active is more important at this point, for me, than anything else. hope you have a wonderful New year with many blessings.
    Darby

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    1. oh that is exciting to hear that you are wearing your clothes from your 50s!!!

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  32. love your blog.....all the way from Ireland .........

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  33. Janet, what color is your top? You look happy and beautiful. Love the simplicity of your resolutions. Mine is to have less fear. Happy New Year! Love, Donna

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    1. hi donna, it's silver. larry bought it for me last birthday. x

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  34. Happy New Year Janet! Well, I woke up New Year's day to the stomach flu...ended up in Urgent Care. Just starting to feel a little better. So much for the flu shot which I heard was not very effective this year.

    You look great in your top, and I love your hair up! So glamorous.

    While I was laid up I just finished the book (from the library) "Lessons from Madame Chic", don't know if you have read it but I think you would love it. She talks about the capsule wardrobe. Buying quality over quantity and not saving certain articles of clothing for "special occasions". I decided awhile ago to start doing this, and I want some classic pieces that will last me a long time. So no, I do not think you are weird at all for thinking ahead!

    I have always had a bit of a sweet tooth but try to watch how much sugar I eat. I don't drink soda, or buy junk. (except protein bars which I know I shouldn't but I always look for the ones with the least amount of sugar) My downfall is dark chocolate, the darker the better! But I only allow myself a couple squares.

    Have a great week!

    Linda
    xo

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    1. oh no linda! that flu was the worst wasn't it? i have heard of the book by jennifer scott. i never did read it tho. i'll check the library. i know i had a protein bar after yoga too. hard to give up those kind bars, so good. x

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    2. Yes it was (and still is) awful! I did a few things around the house yesterday and now I'm paying the price...really weak and achy again. Back in bed today. :(

      Jennifer has another book out now and a blog as well. (Jennifer L. Scott.com) She is so cute!

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  35. Saw your "top" on IG and had to come here to check it out. I, too, thought it was a dress and in BLUSH color and came to see what shoes you wore! LOL Funny, how your brain goes into "know-it-all" mode! Beautiful. Very elegant. And perfect with the hair UP.

    A dozen or so years ago, I quit all sugar, natural and processed, and all white (carbish) foods on Jan 1. After a few days, I never even noticed they were gone. But, after six weeks, around Val Day, I realized I had not changed in weight (wasn't trying) and did not feel any different, so I went ahead and added back in moderation. I like sweets somewhat but not chocolate. Not sure why things affect some people more and others less. I find this very interesting. Great that you are supporting your friend though. One of the things I very much love about you and your blog.

    My resolution is to FINISH THINGS. GAH! Might be more of a confession....(As of last night, that wall is painted, the coffee table has its first coat of distressing stain, and the glass tile in the small bath is grouted.) Great start to 2015 (the first 2 days at least). LOL

    Cant wait to read your blog in 2015.....
    fourhens

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    1. oh that top would be lovely in blush. i feel it is somewhat space age from the front but the back bow really makes it. thanks!

      i have cut back sugar in the past but never given it up so this is new and not as hard as i thought it'd be.

      finishing things is so important for peace of mind right? good luck and lets both have a great 2015. x

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  36. Happy New Year Janet! Love the hair up;)

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  37. I'd started going sugarless in summer, but fell off the wagon during the holidays. This is a great way to start the new year, though, so I'll be sugarless again for 2015. Thanks for the nudge 8~). I did want to mention I was going through some of your earlier blogs and read about the reason for your conversion to vegan: Earthlings. I'd cut back drastically on red meat over the years (only ate it 5-6 times a year), but I took the plunge and saw Earthlings...not the trailer but the movie. After wiping away a considerable amount of tears, I get it now- thank you. I too have leather shoes and handbags that I'll continue to keep until they're no longer usable, but won't be buying any in future. As for food-the thought of eating any meat/pork/poultry or fish just brings images from the movie back...I'll pass. Thank you for telling us about Earthlings - I hadn't heard or read of it before, but now will be sure to pass it on. Have a great 2015!

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    1. this comment just makes my year. i love that you watched the whole thing and that it had a profound effect on you. bravo! it's not even an option now is it? so glad you commented. xo

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  38. Since 2014 was a difficult and hectic year for me, I crave quiet and simplicity in 2015. It isn't actually about decluttering, but about deciding what is really important and what can go, both possessions and activities. I thought I had pared down the holidays, but realized, in the midst of all the activity, that I can let go of so much more. I enjoy the Christmas season much more than I did when I was younger, mainly because I have eliminated many things, such as making cookies, that just became a headache.

    Speaking of making cookies, your decision to go sugarless is commendable and something that I am going to try. We have a big wedding this year, the youngest has finally succumbed to the idea of marriage ,and I would like to look and feel my best. So in the quest for better health (and a smaller waistline), I am increasing my exercise and decreasing my treats. Wish me luck (and peace).

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    1. yes, i know your year was difficult. let's hope this new one ahead is good for us all. i wish you happiness and peace! xo

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  39. Beautiful hydrangeas. Love the idea of a Forever Wardrobe. I'm doing a RTW fast this year (refraining from buying any new clothes at all other than hosiery and lingerie). NAP is going to miss a very good customer (!) I'm a twenty-something but your resolutions are almost identical to mine (noticed the post was tagged as 'fashion over 50'! Happy New Year x

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    1. went and checked out that website and i think i'll be joining but will only be able to make a few alterations as i have no sewing skills. hmmmm, but i do have a new daughter in law that can sew anything! lol

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  40. As a dietician, I know that dark chocolate & pure honey have many health benefits. I recommend both in a balanced diet to most of my clients who happen to be my healthiest & happiest patients! I love to eat an orange but I also want a couple squares of dark chocolate, it helps make my world go round! We are all biologically different & we have to find what works for our own body. Glad you are feeling better.

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    1. thanks for your input anon. i agree, we are all so different and we have to find what works for us. thanks for your comment. x

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  41. Sugar. Sigh. It's been the monkey on my back for years. I agree...when I stop eating it, I stop craving it. But then again, like an old boyfriend, it comes back. :) I'm with you on letting it go for 2015. Good luck.

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  42. Happy new year Janet, you look so good! Your outfit is tres chic and I adore your hairdo. Your paragraph on sugar has given me hope.

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  43. Janet,
    Happy New Year to you. As always, I love how simple your resolutions are. You always amaze and inspire me.
    pve

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  44. How are your past resolutions around paying off your mortgage going? Is that still a priority?

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    1. yes rachel that is our biggest priority still. we were derailed last year with 2 huge house repairs (a whole new septic sys had to be put in and we had a big leak in the outdoor plumbing that turned out to be v expensive plus the surprise wedding. we still managed to pay down the mortgage by about 10% so not too bad. hopefully this year will be better. thank you for asking.

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  45. Happy New Year Janet! I am late to the party but I just wanted to say that oh my gosh, you look like a chic Palm Beach hostess from the 60's! The hair, the top (is it vintage?), the cigarette pants, perfection!

    Thank you for being such an inspiration, I always feel so uplifted after visiting your blog!

    /Bea

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kindness is never out of style.

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