5 Things I’m Loving This Week

1. Le Jardin

Honeybee on lavender blossom. Details at une femme d'un certain age.
Honeybee on lavender stalk.

The lavender we planted last fall has taken over most of the front yard, and is SO happy. I just love sitting out here and watching the bees go to town.

2. Eye Opener

Trish McEvoy Instant Solutions Triangle of Light Eye Mask. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

Yesterday morning my dog needed to go outside at 4am. Afterward I was unable to go back to sleep, so decided to just get up. I don’t mind; I enjoy having a few quiet hours to myself. But the lack of sleep left me with dark circles and puffiness under my eyes. I remembered I still had some Triangle of Light Eye Masks in my stash, and applied them. I used to use them pretty regularly, and had forgotten how good they are. They feel so soothing, and really reduce the dark circles and puffiness. I always travel with a few of these, and keep in my toiletries kit.

I also include the Instant Eye Lift in my travel cosmetics. It helps me look as if I’ve had a full night’s sleep, even when I’m jet-lagged.

3. A Bright Pedicure

Chanel Le Vernis Longwear polish in "Gitane." Details at une femme d'un certain age.

Every now and then, I take a polish break on my toes for a few weeks to let the nails rest and breathe, and prevent staining. But I’m scheduled for a pre-travel mani-pedi this morning, and I already know what color is going on my paws: Chanel “Gitane.” This is a bright, slightly orange-y red and always makes me happy. This is one of the “non-toxic” polishes that tenoverten offers in their salons. (My hands though, stay au naturel; between packing and traveling, I’d just muck up any polish.)

4. Packing Cubes & Envelopes

Eagle Creek packing envelope in blue. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

Last night I packed* le Monsieur’s clothing and accessories for our trip. I use packing cubes for his knits and smaller items, and packing envelopes for his shirts and any pants that need to stay pressed. These envelopes really keep his shirts from wrinkling, even when they’ve been in the luggage for days. The cubes and envelopes also help us to stay organized, and make re-packing a breeze. We usually only stay a few days at each destination, so it really helps!

*He hates to pack and it stresses him out, so I’ve found it’s much more expedient if I do it. In return, he researches hotels and restaurants on our trips and makes all the reservations. It’s a division of labor that seems to work well for us.

Check back tomorrow to see what I’ve chosen for my own travel wardrobe.

5. Golden Kiss Melons

These are in season now. They look like a larger version of the Tuscan melon, with the same green stripes. (I forgot to take a photo before I cut up the last one.) They’re firm, sweet and really flavorful! We’ve been through three of them in the last week. 😋

What’s your favorite fruit in season now?

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14 Comments

  1. Our lavender is just starting to pop out. Already it smells wonderful. The bees love it. I just planted a bee garden with some other kinds of plants–variety is important so they get food throughout the season.
    Like you, I take a break on polish on my toes, usually all winter. But I like bright red in the summer. Like cherries, which are in full season right now. So many varieties! They all taste different.

  2. Oh the bees….I could sit and watch them for hours! I feel like I could use those eye masks today. I didn’t sleep well at all which is just typical as I plan to shoot 3 posts today grrr…

  3. I am a HUGE fan of the gel dip mani. For someone with thin, easily split nails this has been a miracle. My nails are longer, stronger, and the mani lasts until it’s taken off! Two weeks out and no chips! Even helping my daughter move!

  4. Peaches are my weakness during summer! We bought a bagful at the Farmer’s Market Saturday, and we’ve been enjoying their sweet, juicy goodness ever since!

  5. My favorite fruit of the moment is the amazing berries I am getting up in Oregon at the farmers market twice a week, as I visit my daughter. So many kinds: three colors/varieties of raspberries; blackberries; and tayberries. Soon I’ll be picking blueberries here. Yum!

  6. I’m curious to know if you fold or roll your knits before putting them in packing cubes. On a trip a couple of years ago, I folded my hubby’s polo shirts and rolled my knit tops. I used packing cubes for both. My tops were terribly wrinkled and his were only wrinkled at the folds. I hear such strong recommendations for rolling so perhaps I’m doing it wrong.

    1. I think with the cubes you can go either way. I roll my husband’s tees but usually fold mine. I usually have just one cube for all of my tops, so folding works better.

  7. Lavender that I’ve planted has always struggled so I’m happy to read about your success. I’m away from home visiting Melbourne this week and I could really use those eye masks The polish colour looks fabulous and your packing advice is appreciated as always – I’ve used packing cubes for some time after you recommended them and they really help to make me feel more organised and on top of things while travelling. No more rummaging around looking for stuff reduces travel stress too. Must look into those envelopes for trousers and shirts.

  8. Oh we could have a lavender competition. I also love watching the bees, birds and butterflies buzzing around. I watch them while eating breakfast. You’re right about those Golden Kiss melons from Gelsons. Love them!!! Can’t wait to see your travel wardrobe. I too love those packing cubes. Makes traveling so much easier. You’re my go to for all things travel! Funny I just switched my toe polish from Wintery wine to bright orangey red. Great minds!

  9. I have been pondering what to do about darker than I remember underage circles of late. Your post inspired me to try the two Trish McEvoy products. I hope they do the trick for me, too!

  10. Still haven’t had my first pedi of the season and thinking about possible colours. The last few summers, I’ve found my nails needed a break and this year I’m thinking they’ll be healthier with a later start. We’ll see. . .
    I love the idea of a yard full of lavender — fragrance, colour, movement, and the delightful sound of bees! What more could you want?!