Monday Miscellany: On The Road And At Home

outerwear options for winter travel

Many thanks to all of you who shared ideas and suggestions on last week’s post about travel wardrobe planning for a December trip to Paris. I’ve decided to nix the knee boots idea, and will probably pack a second pair of weatherproof ankle boots, TBD. I’ve received and tried on the Uniqlo puffer coat, and while it’s nice and light, it’s a bit long in the waist and the non-detachable hood was a sticking point for me. I’d want either no hood or one I can remove. So back it goes. I’ve ordered a few more outerwear options to try, including this packable puffer coat with Primaloft and down, and the “Girl on the Go” insulated trench, recommended by several of you in comments. Both are offered in Petite sizes (yay!), and the trench is offered in Tall and Plus as well. I’ll report back on both of these as well as anything else I try that has good travel potential.

EMME Petite travel toiletries bag

Speaking of travel gear, I had a chance to try out the EMME Petite bag (gifted) on last week’s road trip with my sister. This size is perfect for short trips, and could also work as a toiletries bag for the gym, or to organize and store makeup. If you still haven’t tried the EMME bag, or are looking for gift ideas, the EMME Combo set (both regular and petite size bags) is offered at a special value price. And don’t forget to use code UNEFEMME at checkout for 20% off!

cabin style, knotty pine and plaid

If you’re considering a visit to the June Lake area, I’d definitely recommend the Double Eagle Resort & Spa. We stayed in one of the two bedroom cabins, which was simply but well-appointed, and very comfortable. The grounds are beautiful and have great views in every direction. We loved the knotty pine!

Jeune homme continues to do well in his new home. He’s been participating in weekly bowling as part of the Special Olympics program, which he really seems to enjoy. He spent this last weekend with us, and we’ve noticed over the last few months he’s become mellower and more cooperative. He both settles into his routines here, and is fine with going back to his “new house” on Sunday afternoons. We continue to be amazed and grateful for this residential program.

I’ve begun looking for a good beginning yoga class nearby. I figure I’ll start with yoga to help with mobility and flexibility, then perhaps add something else for aerobic conditioning, Zumba maybe. (A very fit 75-year-old I know swears by Zumba.) I’m not a gym rat, and am mostly looking for some routines I can incorporate at home. I’ve also been trying to remind myself to pay attention to my posture and not hunch over.

Hope your week is off to a good start! Do you have a fitness routine? Do you prefer to take classes or work out at home?

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49 Comments

  1. As you know, I’ve got a pretty decent fitness routine in place, but it’s been disrupted by our move, and it will take some experimenting to find a yoga studio that suits. Meanwhile, here in Bordeaux, it’s one of our commitments/challenges to get ourselves to at least one class and see how far our language gets us in stretching our bodies into poses we hope to recognise. Turns out there’s a studio not five minutes’ walk away. We walked to it yesterday, but it didn’t seem to be open. We’re going to try to “push past the shy” this week — we’ll see. . . So glad to hear how your young fellow is adjusting. So good for everyone.

  2. I am 53 and I work out everyday at home. I follow a U tube channel I love…you should check it out, her name is Jessica smith. They are so much fun, I never miss a day. She has flexibility , cardio, & strength workouts. Strength training is just as important as cardio or flexibility, we lose muscle mass as we age and more muscle helps to increase your metabolism.

    I can’t wait to hear what you think of that trench coat. I am a petite and have a difficult time finding coats I like with arms short enough.

  3. I really like coats with standup collars, and they work well with short hairstyles like yours. Sometimes the collar even contains a rolled-up hood, which is the best of all worlds.
    I’ve always done some kind of workout, even though I am terrible at sports. I even taught aerobics in the ’80s. I did a gym class but after 7-8 years it got boring–never changed. I also did yoga for many years but dropped it after my fabulous instructor moved away. Now I’m in my third year of Pilates, which is fantastic for posture. My back problems are gone. I also try to run every day (not far, not fast; I do intervals of walk/jog/sprint).
    Best wishes to you and Jeune Homme.

  4. Yes to yoga! I tried a new studio just last night. Bliss! My suggestion-read the class descriptions carefully if you are new to it, or if it has been awhile. Most studios have several beginner classes, and you can also find out if the class is heated or not (I prefer non-heated). Good luck!

  5. I have been attending Tai Chi Classes for the past year. It has many health benefits. This gentle form of exercise can help maintain strength, flexibily, and balance. Tai chi is often described as “meditation in motion,” and I find it is a great stress reliever.

  6. Good for you! So happy to hear all is well- as to the exercise routine…..After years of buying equipment and joining clubs, I finally, at 63- settled on what works for moi. I start out walking- 2 to 5 miles 6 days a week. Time?? Yes, I make time. I hired a private yoga coach (college kid) to help me at home. Love it.
    Then as I walk I talk to myself, listen to books, I totally love it. Rain? Then I get on a water rower (Frank in House of cards) I am not a good rower but it helps with building strength. I also have a horsefarm, so I ride. But “Buddie” is the one working there…………Cheers to you!

  7. Pure Barre classes are fantastic, they are a nationwide franchise. The routine is part ballet, does great things for my legs, and lots of moves to build strength in upper body. There is alot of stretching also after you work each part of your body. Started a little over a year ago and I like it alot.

  8. What a great looking cabin! I have been way too lax with my exercise and need to get on the ball. I have a hard time dragging myself out to do it. I’m delighted to hear your son is doing so well! That is good news.

  9. Hi Susan,

    I do yoga every morning daily at home. I literally roll out of bed throw on my house PJs go to the toilet and push the start button on my tablet.
    It takes 25 minutes, it begins with 5 minutes conscious relaxation, stretches that specifically are for waking the body up and 3 minutes meditation. I have been really doing this steady for over 2 months now. I am not nearly as tired during the day, my body feels better and mentally, well that is the best part of all. I am way more focused, I can deal with negative people much better. (I don’t take it so personally and I so don’t suck any of that negative feelings to myself) Does it sound new age? I don’t care, it has been a miracle for me. I am overall a much happier person, I don’t argue as much with the hubby, things just sort of roll right off me, things that could ruin my day or even days don’t bother me anymore.

    Rodney Yee a.m. yoga, this guy is, well he is rock star instructor is all I can say. I am never relaxed at all, well I wasn’t, I could never sit still before. My head was zooming in circles all day with thoughts.

    I do this at home so I have no noises or people to disturb me getting into the “zone.” He does the stretches on a beach in Hawaii, his voice is so calm, quiet and soothing and soft like hardly hear it bells and chanting in the background.

    This and a pescatarian diet is what has improved my life. I do this always before getting ready for work and it makes my work day go much better.

    1. Another vote for Rodney Yee’s am yoga. My iTunes program says I’ve done it over 700 times so far. It really starts the day out right.

  10. I adore yoga, and am trying barre (it hurts but is wonderful!). Another suggestion on a packable coat. Lands End has a beautiful packable puffer. Although the Eddie Bauer does looks interesting. Let us know!!

  11. I down loaded the pacer app although the health app is built in your iPhone – I find it easier to use- -!: committ to 10000 steps a day- it makes me conscious of movement. I work over fourty hours a week so some is on the job and some is a walk every day too…I also do core power yoga not having the discipline to work out at home although I do have a bunch of apps that I tend to use in hotel rooms. At cpy the first week is free and they have a deal if over 55.. classes are always about finding the right teacher but they make it easy. Just go and try some things!

  12. I discovered mat Pilates a couple of years ago and am now totally dedicated to this program that promotes core strength. I have lots of osteoarthritis and after every class I feel so much better with joints better lubricated and balance restored. I take three classes a week and there are lots of videos one can use to practice at home. I do practice yoga but more for centering than exercise. I hugely recommend giving Pilates a try!! Finding the right Pilates teacher and class is a must — my small classes include mostly women of a certain age (I am 68) which I find is more sustainable for me than practicing in a larger class with much younger students.

  13. The best part of your report was about Jeune Homme. I have a young friend with special needs, who also loves to bowl. Wishing perfect games for both!

  14. Gyrotonics in my, and my chiropractor’s, opinion is the best thing for scoliosis. It has truly turned my life around. My neck and shoulder issues had gotten to the point where I could no longer swim or do yoga. After less than a year, my posture is excellent, my neck looks longer, and I receive lots of compliments on how well I’m looking.

    Like you, I’m on the lookout for a coat to wear in N. Europe in late November, early December. I went to REI last night and found an excellent selection of lightweight parkas and jackets. I also have a number of options on the way to me, including the Uniqlo puffer and the Eddie Bauer trench. I like to compare the items all at once rather than search sequentially. I did size up on a couple of orders because I’d like to wear a blazer underneath (this is a work trip).

  15. So glad that your son is doing so well. I swim laps, hike, walk and do Pilates twice a week. I do have a treadmill at home, and would like to start using that more to push myself a bit more on cardio. Yoga is great, but I find it very time consuming if you go to a studio – 90 min class, driving there, parking, etc. But I’ve been missing it so may give it a go again.

  16. While I love the look of that packable puffer coat…have you considered the zipper? That is the only closure and I find a full length zipper to be impossible! If you’re in a hurry, or crowded place, trying to find the beginnings of that zipper can be a mess. I’ve been considering the Uniqlo coat, but yes, not sure about an attached hood that doesn’t even roll up.
    As to gym routines. Well, I’ve been a “gym rat” for a good fifteen years! I would beware of yoga if you have any issues with shoulders or elbows: I can’t do most of the yoga poses due to problems and ongoing physical therapy. Pilates is my favorite. But, in any case, find a personal trainer who can work with you and your needs (and any limitations.)

  17. So good to hear that your son is doing well. Thanks to your blog and commenters, I ordered the Girl on the Go coat last week. It came, and I love it. I especially like that, for the reasonable price point, the fabric does not have that (cheap) slick feel (I ordered the grey heather, which has a faint herringbone weave). I think the photo above is slightly misleading as the waist is gently shaped rather than noticeably nipped in, a fact that I prefer as more wearable and less likely to look dated. It will be perfect for where I live as our winter weather typically includes wet snow–I no longer have an excuse to avoid daily walks during winter!

  18. Try NIA for aerobics. It is much more forgiving for us older women and lots of fun besides. It’s low impact dance as opposed to Zumba. I also do yoga and have been practicing for years, but why not try a few different things and see what works for you.

    1. NIA is a fun class but if you find a Zumba for 55+ I think you will enjoy that as much, if not more. Brisk walking is the best exercise if you’re not a gym person. Also, an aerobic pool class is a good way to exercise without stress on your joints. I try a little of everything as I get bored with a routine. ” To enjoy life, you must touch on much lightly.”

  19. I have found that foundation makeup transfers onto stand collars. Even if I wear a scarf and it slips. Annoying.

  20. So glad your son is so happy.

    And I love yoga, as you know, key is to find a studio that you like and is convenient, if you want classes. If you will really do it at home (I can’t, I find) then the options are myriad!

  21. I am a very fit 75, and I do yoga twice a week (one very easy class, one challenging). It took a couple of years before it was anything but physical exercise, but now it is an essential part of my life. I walk (fast) 6 km outside 3-4 times a week. Also an integral part of my life. A note on the Emme petite kit – I LOVE it, thanks. It will be fine for me for all my trips, long and short – most of my trips are long, but I am a light traveler, preferring to buy products wherever I find myself. (Korres face cream, made in Greece of pure ingredients, is my European fave; it is sold at most airport duty-frees and at pharmacies in some countries). Love your column, incidentally – I live in Vancouver, BC, so some of the mail-order is difficult and prices are higher for me. However, having said that, I get some excellent ideas from you!

  22. Attending classes can be fun and helpful, but I also enjoy the convenience of exercising at home. Truth – I’d almost prefer a sharp poke in the eye rather than have to exercise at a gym or fitness place anymore. Instead, I’d rather dance (was not a dancer in my youth).

    My personal favs for home or class are tap dance and Egyptian belly dance. Last year I “built” a cushioned portable tap floor for inside practice and love it. I don’t know if you and your husband enjoy dancing, but my husband and I took mostly private ballroom (and bar room!) dance instruction a few times per week for a while. I found it to be great exercise and thrilling/fun. Put it to good use since we went out and danced to live music nearly every weekend.

    Gentle yoga also improves the way I feel. “Sixty and Me” blog provides access to an excellent yoga program offered by a teacher in Bali that’s good for beginners as well as others wanting a healthy and non-competitive experience. As with most things now, you access it whenever it suits you. Various sessions focus on individual areas of the body, good explanations and demonstrations. Accessible online for viewing on TV or other devices. Finally, I practice Tai Chi at home for my physical stability. It took private instruction for a while for me to “get” it, but there are incredibly good instructional DVDs and Youtube for learning Tai Chi. Given where you live, there are likely huge number of opportunities for great classes. (Envious here…)

  23. I would pick the Girl on the Go trench as it’s warm and water resistant. I live in a wet environment (Vancouver Island) and an Eddie Bauer down coat is not the best coat. I have one that rarely leaves my closet in winter. I also think the trench can look dressier than the puffer type for evenings out.

    I’m so happy to hear that your son is doing well. It seems that he is calmer and happier in the home and you can now concentrate more on yourself.

  24. So glad to hear your son is doing well! It sounds like his new home is working for him. Hurray! I am raising a son who is now 17 and is a little lost about his future and I worry every day about him.

    I teach yoga to folks in middle age and I think yoga and walking/hiking are a perfect compliment. Walking is the most natural of human movements and it is something that we all want to continue to do until we die as no one wants the loss of independence that comes with immobility. I tell my students to vary not only the speed but the terrain (walk on uneven surfaces sometimes) , the length of time, the distance and the grade (not just walking on flat surfaces but up hills and down hills). I walk about 5 miles each day and I try to make it challenging for myself!
    I also wrote a blog post about what to look for in a yoga class in middle age. http://www.praptiyoga.com/what-should-a-mid-life-yoga-practice-look-like/

    Have a wonderful trip in December!

  25. Yoga studio app for yoga, walking and aqua fitness classes are my current regime. As for ultra light down coats I was surprised to see there wasn’t the same choice on the US uniqlo site as there is on the Uk one. Lands End also have a good selection of coats, but as someone else mentioned earlier they all seem to have a zipper only, which can be awkward at times.

  26. Another Pilates fan here. I go to a trainer twice a week…the studio is run by people who are all certified and experienced Pilates trainers. I have a bad neck & so wanted to make sure I wouldn’t get hurt; that’s why I wouldn’t go to a Lifetime Fitness type Pilates class (for example). After 3 years, my neck rarely bothers me, my core strength is significantly improved, and so is my flexibility. I like that it’s low impact and can be done with or without equipment. In fact, I broke my wrist recently, and am still going to my Pilates; we just adapted the exercises so I don’t put any weight on my wrists.

  27. Eddie Bauer online is one of my favorite sources for all sorts of casual, at-home wear. I have found their clothes to be flattering and well-made. As for yoga, you might look for a therapeutic yoga class to begin. I’m 71 and try to attend regularly. I realized it’s not as easy as it may seem at first when the next day or two my muscles were hurting. One of the best parts – after I’d been going for a couple of months, I looked in the mirror one day and discovered my butt was no longer flat and saggy! Yoga helps hold your body parts in place, too – if I skip too many classes, my back begins to hurt and tries to “go out.” Our natural, habitual postures take over if we don’t keep those muscles strong.

  28. Back to the coat discussion: I just got back from a week in France with just a small carryon. I had a black raincoat and a packable down jacket. I wore each alone, and sometimes layered the two together. Because I was a bit sensitive about the look of my raincoat’s attached hood, I was on the watch for them — and I saw them everywhere! And everyone has puffy jackets as well — some hooded, some not. A raincoat over a down jacket should keep you warm, especially with a scarf. (I have never seen such large scarfs — some looked like stadium blankets.)
    My most uncomfortable day was the one I spent in Paris — I wore a black wool turtleneck in an effort to look chic. The day was warmer than I expected and I boiled! The turtleneck gave me no way to regulate my temperature the way a sweater and scarf would have. Layers, layers, layers!
    Oh, and if you have black jeans, sub them in for the blue jeans. Pants, jeans, leggings — they are all black.

  29. I do not like going to the gym. Gyms smell like a combination of sweat and dirty feet. I do not like yoga classes simply because while at a yoga class a man with absolutely disgusting feet was in front of me. And when the class is crowded there is no room for comfort. When I lived in NYC, I was in the best shape of my life because I walked everywhere. Walking is the only form of exercise that I like–it isn’t even exercise as far as I’m concerned. Living in the burbs, I don’t like walking–its boring–how many trees can I look at? For fitness, I run up and down our three flights of stairs at least twice a day and I park my car very far from the building that I work in so I get a bit of walking to and from the office.

  30. I think you’ll love yoga! I certainly do — have been going regularly only the last four months, and the classes have really changed my body and how I carry it. I’ve found in our little town an amazing teacher who has taught for 35 years and a class of women 55 years plus. It’s a miracle of a gift to have access to this resource. The benefits have come to me so gradually that they’ve seemed miraculous. Very best to you on this path.

  31. P.S. I’m almost 71 years old. And I walk 3 miles on the non-yoga class days. Could not do any of this 2-3 years ago. For some of us growing older means growing fitter. What a great time of life!

  32. What great news about jeunne homme! Regarding fitness, I walk 30-45 minutes 6 days a week–outdoors; clears my head and I get great ideas while walking.

    I also do yoga at a nearby studio. I tried a couple different studios – one was too hippy dippy for me, then I found one that has a variety of teachers ranging from hippies to former dancers and physical therapists. I love the variety of classes. One side benefit of yoga is it has reduced my craving for sweets–apparently this is common.

    I would also recommend at least trying Pilates. It’s great for our age group as it takes any injuries into account and also helps you maintain good posture which can be hard growing older. I have never done a Pilates Reformer class but friends who have have seen amazing results. You can also take a Pilates mat class or just try out one of Mari Winsor’s videos on YouTube (her 20 Minute Workout will really make a diffference if you do it every other day).

    Good luck finding a fitness routine you like!

    1. Whaaaaaaaat????????????? Reduces cravings for sweets… Hmmmm, now that I didn’t know. Since hit perimenopause I have craved way less sweets, but anything with melted cheese on it I can not resist…
      Although now that I think about it, I really don’t crave sweets at all, when I do, it is literally like one bite and I have enough.
      I have noticed my appetite is finally gone down. Like after about a month straight of doing yoga, I am not having afternoon and mid morning hunger, well actually I used to want to eat constantly. It could be the meditation I am also doing, not specifically for hunger cravings it just sort of stemmed from the yoga, I do it for a bit longer than on the DVD.
      Love it!

      I feel way better, but the belly that hasn’t gone down, actually over the past 6 months it is getting a bit bigger, but last Friday I had testing at the hospital and found out why, but at least now I know it wasn’t in my head and no matter how much workout or healthy eating I did, it wouldn’t have stopped the bloating. I am just glad to know, cause I was getting sick of working so hard on my health and still seeing a belly, it was making me ready to give up.
      Now just got to go this week and see how I will be going forward with treatments.

  33. Hi Susan, it’s a shame you were put off by the Uniqlo puffa’s hood. I have it and actually like that feature as it makes a very cosy collar and negates the need for a scarf. Each to his own, eh?
    I was wondering how your JH was doing so was pleased to read all is going well. Thanks for the update.
    Apropos exercise, not a lot really. I play golf but not with concrete regularity (because of holidays, grandchildren etc) and take short half hour-ish walks so that they don’t intrude too much in my day. In mid-winter when I now stop playing golf as it is not pleasant (rain, mud, wind and freezing -what’s there to like?!), I bite the bullet and hit the gym for 45 min aerobic exercise twice weekly but that is so tedious. I do stretching, exercise as prescribed for sciatica (affecting back, buttock and toes) by my osteopath, on a needs basis through the year. Those things seem to hold me together!

  34. I take a yoga class once a week and Pilates twice a week. Have been doing that for over five years now and truly enjoy it. I recently discovered the Yogastudio app. I use this at home for morning stretches which I try to do every day. Living in Amsterdam, I cycle to work and love walking in my neighborhood.
    Enjoy your week in Paris. I am visiting the city with my daughter in November.

  35. The thing about a fitness routine is that it needs to be varied and flexible. Group exercise gets you out of your solitary rut, walking is good because you can do it anywhere. even if you don’t acquire best buddies in Zumba it brings familiar faces into your sphere if you attend regularly and that creates community.

  36. Attended my first yoga class (a relaxation session) Friday evening and loved it! Turned 60 last week. Hate going to the gym…..I’m thinking yoga could become my thing. Now….if life would just slow down a bit so I can get to the classes. So far, I’ve had other things to attend during the beginning classes. Will attend the Friday relax and unwind session again this week. As a teacher, I’ve been so stressed and keyed up that this is the only thing I’ve found to relax me. Good luck with your yoga classes!

  37. I practiced yoga for 15 years and enjoyed it. When the teacher retired, I decided to try Zumba at the Parkway Senior Center. It is a joy! The women are fit, energetic seniors who really work up a sweat. I love to dance so it is less like work for me and more like entertainment. I also take aerobics twice a week, but love the Zumba so much more. If I could find another yoga class that stresses relaxation, I would try to fit it in. Unfortunately, some yoga classes can be uncomfortable for me with poses I cannot do. It depends on the instructor.

  38. I’ve never been “into” exercise but have been doing Pilates now for several years and it’s just the best.
    Great to hear about Jeune Homme; you must be so relieved to see how well he’s settled in his new home.
    I love the puffa jackets, but can anyone tell me what to do about the down leakage – I have to be so careful what I wear mine with and have to keep a lint roller in the car to clean the seat of feathers.
    SusanD

  39. My best form of exercise is a combo of Pilates reformer and walking my two Big Dogs. I have no fenced yard and every single outing is on a leash. Lots of fresh air and moving around for all of us. As for the sweets craving mentioned above, I am the worst at sweets, i have the sweet tooth of a 6 year old. So the only thing that works for me is cutting them out completely.
    The coats- I love them both and would have a hard time choosing, but for me, the waterproof one wins out for travel. Even though I love the looks of that puffer
    I have a long water proof over coat that is so useful since it’s a little big and can layer over a non waterproof down coat. It’s not warm enough on its own for winter temps but works great as a layer! Best of both worlds.

  40. glad things are going well. That toiletries bag is something that I am currently in the market for. I kill those things. I go through one a year. And as for working out, I work out at home with videos, running, yoga, weights…you name it, I have all the gear. How you approach it depends on you. If you are motivated and will do it, working out at home is great. If you need a “buddy system” and prefer another person there to keep you motivated and showing up for your appointment, sometimes it’s nice to go to a class.

  41. Hi! Your blog is so wonderful! Thank you!
    Your question about fitness routines made me want to reply. I’ve sent you a long email with more detail, but in short, I highly recommend Boot Camp Hub/No Excuses for a sustainable, stick-to-it-able program of overall wellness and health.

  42. Love your blog and follow it daily.

    As for exercise, at 68, I do Pilates Reformer classes 3 times week. Small class of 3 and best of all my daughter ( a Piltes examiner ) teaches . Years ago I had a different teacher and though I thought she was good at the time ( having no experience) the difference a good teacher makes is huge.

    I also go to Zumba Gold twice a week for the aerobics and just for the sheer fun. We all go for coffee after and it is very social.

    A few walks weekly with my husband and I can manage to babysit a 3 year old and a 16 month old two days a week!

  43. Hi Susan,
    A very good exercise program, especially if you are having mobility problems, is Essentrics/Classical Stretch developed by Miranda Esmond -White a former dancer with the National Ballet of Canada. Miranda is une femme d’un certain âge aussi! And she looks fabulous! Her book, Aging Backwards, addresses the issues we face when aging ie strength, balance, flexibility.http://www.essentrics.com/about.html
    In the States I believe her program is on PBS stations but check out YouTube as well. I have found her program invaluable for dealing with a sore hip and posture issues.