Today I am joining Mary Ann and Annie for our Sunday favorites. Raise your hand if you have tomatoes and corn from your garden. I have a great recipe for you. Let’s chat about A Beautiful Midwestern Garden you will Envy and more.
MY COUSIN’S BEAUTIFUL GARDEN
While in Indiana visiting my sweet cousin graciously invited all of us to her charming lake home for brunch. She has an incredible garden and it’s always fun to see what she has added from year to year.
This year Janet focused on her shade garden. Isn’t it fun?
A few years ago she added the she shed in the background.
POINTY TOES AND MARY JANES OH NO
I have been seeing a plethora of pointed toe shoes and Mary Janes for Fall. What do you think of that trend? For those of us with foot issues, pointed toe shoes can be a nightmare. I am not sure what I think of Mary Janes (again). This may be another trend that is hard for those of us “of a certain age” to embrace. I would love to hear what you think.
HEDY LAMAR
Our book club selection this month was The Only Woman in the Room (the Hedy Lamar Story). I knew nothing of Hedy Lamar’s story. I had no idea she was a gifted scientist, or how she got to Hollywood. I think you might enjoy it.. Bombshell, The Hedy Lamar Story on Netflix is also a good accompaniment to the book. I found both fascinating.
SANDRA SALLIN’S NEW MAKEUP VIDEO
Whenever Sandra does a video that she thinks you readers might like, she sends me the link. She calls it her Summer Makeup Tuneup. As always it is full of fun.
OUTFIT OF THE WEEK
This is a tough time of year for fashion. It will soon be cooling off in many parts of the country so purchasing summer clothes (unless they are on sale) seems pointless. I was looking for some lightweight season spanning sweaters when I spotted this sweater on the J Jill website. I love their boyfriend jeans (I have two pairs) and the poplin shirt is on sale at J Crew. I paired them with the Vivaia (post coming soon) shoes that so many of you have talked about, a recycled polyester crossbody from Ganni and a sweet gold necklace.
CHARRED CORN SALAD WITH BASIL AND TOMATOES
I have several corn salads on repeat at our home but this charred corn salad with basil and tomatoes is one of my favorites.
That’s it from my desk this week. You got six for the price of five. I will be back on Tuesday when Jennifer and I are featuring our favorite white shirts. I always love a great white shirt. Let’s pop over and visit Annie and Mary Ann to see what caught their eye this week.
MOST LOVELY THINGS
CLASSIC CASUAL HOME
NO to POINTY SHOES FOR US OVER 60!I donot think its a good idea for THE FOOT!
YOUR COUSINS GARDEN IS CHARMING!ESPECIALLY THE SHADE AREA!LOVE THOSE HEADS!
Hi Eliz
I think the reason I have a bunion is from squeezing my fat feet into pointy toed shoes back in the day…love the way they look…not the way they feel…
I love seeing gardens in other places. Your sister’s shade garden and her she-shed is lovely. I’m vacationing on Bainbridge Island, WA and the surrounding areas are filled with green and beautiful flowers.
Have a great week
Karen B.
Hi Karen
Bain ridge Zisland is so beautiful!! The garden is that of my cousin. My sister passed a few years ago
Cindy, your cousins garden is so charming. So full of color and interest. And that shed … adorable. Your corn salad looks amazing. Corn is my very favorite veggie and my family teases me that I add it to everything. I do. There’s something about corn on the grill that takes it to another level … it will be on the menu this week! xo
Hi Juliet
I agree about corn on the grill so true!!
Love Vivaia shoes. There’s a fabulous box toe style but with tonal lines along the edge that create the image of a narrow foot. They’re washable, they’re environmentally sound and their sizing is spot on! They fit round my sore feet with kindness and their colour range is spectacular.
I wish they did a lighter weight white lace up sneaker – perhaps in the future.
I do wear a pointy toe very occasionally. Evening wear especially when I want to find just a touch of Italian or French elegance. I have two black satin pairs and a navy satin pair. Both have lowish heels and I can walk easily in them despite a condition called ‘equinus’.
As to Mary Janes – ye gods, never! I’m 72 not 7 and reserve the right to be elegant.
Your cousin’s garden is lovely – an oasis in a hot year that here in Australia we are yet to experience.
Not a corn person but appreciate I’m a rare beast as most seem to like it.
As always, Cindy – great post. Thank you.
Hi Prue
They are sending me a few pairs that I have chosen, so I will let you know. Many readers have sung their praises. I do wear pointed toe mules because I can comfortably. Mary Janes I am sure look great on many, but I look terrible in ruffles and I am pretty sure Mary Janes might be the same, but who knows? Never say never!!
I have a few pair of the Vivaia pointy-toes (including the leopard/cat pair, gorgeous!) and I have a bunion on one foot and they are sooo comfortable, no pain at all! They are flat and stretchy so that helps.
I love the little shed in your cousins garden. It looks like a little shop!
Pointy toe shoes…no thank you! When you have large feet, they make your feet look even longer….why, would anyone want to wear pointy toe shoes??
No Mary Jane’s, yes. They may seem a little young, I agree, however, I love them! I only wear flats, so when a trend is new, I’m all for it!
Hi Annie
Good point about the flat trend. I only wear flats as well. The beauty of our age is we are no longer slaves to fashion. If it works for us great, if not forget it!!
Good evening Cindy,
I love your cousins garden! It’s beautiful! I miss grass, here in the land of the pines we have yards filled with pine straw and lots of pine trees.
I like pointy toe shoes although I don’t wear them often. I agree with one of the other comments, I am a person that wears what I like. I don’t follow the trends I just wear what I like. I feel too old to worry about what others think.
Love this outfit and the corn salad.
Hi Eliz
I like pointy toe mules…they are the only “point toe shoes” that I can wear. Again the beauty of our age…we wear what we feel comfortable in..
I loved Janet’s charming garden AND has a she shed! Thanks for sharing. I like Mary Jane shoes, but not with platforms (I’d probably kill myself trying to walk) and a hard no to pointy shoes. I think they can be stunning on someone else but not practical any more. I learned a bit about Hedy Lamar when we visited Palm Desert a couple years ago. We did a self-guided home tour of celebrities in Palm Springs (a rainy day in the desert activity) and we researched her. We found her story fascinating as well. Thanks for the book recommendation. Always enjoy Sandra’s videos, I couldn’t link to the recipe either. Looks delish! Great outfit too!
Hedy Lamar’s story is fascinating. I fixed the link so sorry!!
Your posts are always on point, Cindy! But no to pointy toes on my big feet. No to most Mary Janes also because they just skew too twee on my tall frame, though after having watched Katie Couric’s Paris video, I may change my mind. She is wearing tres chic two-tone Mary Janes with her midi skirt (and she is dancing and singing on the street–so cute). Watch it! https://katiecouric.com/entertainment/katie-couric-paris-trip/
Hi Paula
Thanks for the link to Katie’s video…love her.
I just ordered those black flats with the cats. So fun and whimsical. I have a pair of Vivaia Chelsea boots and love them. Thanks for the shopping tips
Hi Nanci
I am glad you like the shoes and happy to hear about the boots!
Yes to pointy shoes and boots (there are all kinds of points) and no to mary Janes. A huge no to shoes with animal faces, prints, themes, etc. as in Vivaia shoes. Screams old lady!
Hi Lindsay
Ha ha!! I love the look of pointy toes, just cannot wear them unless they are mules.
With you on those pointy toes, Lindsay! So elegant.
I love the look! I just can’t wear them unless they are slides.
I think I am with the majority – no to pointed toes (I wear a size 9, so they make my feet look like boats). One of your posts should include all of the silly things that “fashion” tells us we should be wearing. Mary Jane’s would be one of the things on my list!
A word on Vivaia shoes – I have bought a few pairs, they are not ALL comfortable and since they are mail only, they will exchange for another size, but if you feel that you need to return them, the return fee is $15+ for a small lightweight box, so buyer beware!
Thanks for the tip on the shoes Carole!
Hi Cindy,
No thank you for pointy toes or Mary Janes. Just the thought of them says discomfort and pain.
Janet’s shade garden is full of personality, fun and clever. Creativity must run in the family.
Great looking shed too. Her entire property is charming. It’s nice to see a garden that is green. thriving, and alive.
We have had once again a brutal intense summer of blistering heat that will not lead up. We have lost some heat plants, hoping some will return to life once the heat dissipates.
Hi Katherine
So far it has not been as hot as last summer but we have had some cookers!
Hello
I think your fashion posts are my favorite and always enjoy reviewing what you wear and your recommendations. You have such great style. Would you mind confirming if the boyfriend jeans you love from JJill are the new relaxed boyfriend jean or the slimmer version. Your cousins garden is gorgeous as is her she shed!
Thank you
Dianne
Hi Dianne
Thank you so much. I believe the boyfriend jeans are the same as mine. I confirmed the measurements.
No to the Mary janes unless you are under 5 years old. I am not a fan of the exaggerated pointy toed shoes not to mention I would be tripping over all that extra shoe sticking out in front of me. This former Midwest girl loved your cousins garden. I used to have large perennial,beds,when we lived there. I wish I had some of that black dirt down here in the hard Georgia clay.
Hi Pam
I wish we had that fertile soil as well!!
First of all, thank you for featuring my YouTube video on Summer Makeup Tune up. Hope your readers find it helpful and enjoyable. I think I’m the only one who adores Mary Janes at 82. I love the youthful look. I guess I need it. I too adored Lessons in Chemistry. I did know about Hedy Lamar.
Your cousins garden is perfect. It’s so friendly and approachable not to fancy and studied and designed.
Always love your blog.
Hi Sandra
You know I am a big fan! Janet’s garden is fabulous! I am in awe each time I visit.
A big no to pointy toe shoes and think Mary Janes look kind of silky on older women. However if they are comfortable for you I’d say fine. .
Could you say what size you need in the J.Jill sweater? I’ve been looking at that all the time?
Hi Carol
We all certainly love or hate pointy toed shoes! I wear an XS in the J Jill Sweater.
From on Midwestern raised gal to another loved the garden photos! Reminds me of all the years we spent in the Chicago environs. Also love Vivaia shoes and they are so comfortable! I always look forward to your blog, Cindy!
Hi Sharon
Thanks so much!!
What a lovely garden your cousin has created. The Midwest has the best soil – hello beefsteak tomatoes! Love the whimsical bust planters in the shade! Great out of the week. So Fall Forward.
Have a great week Cindy! xx-hb
I love pointy shoes and they can be comfortable. You have to try them on to see. And I love Mary Janes. I don’t believe in set rules for what women should and should not wear. It’s what you are comfortable in. I am much more adventuresome in what I wear now than I was thirty years ago.
I didn’t see you talk about Lessons in Chemistry, but I did it for my book club of 39 years, and it is the best book I have done. And our group picks the best books! We just did Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver, and while it was a difficult book to read, she did a marvelous job and I ended up loving this book. I read The Only Woman in the Room a few years ago, and enjoyed learning more about Hedy LaMarr. I am glad more books are being written about what women are accomplishing, instead of giving credit to men that they sometimes don’t deserve.
I love your sister’s garden. What an oasis she has created. And I love your blog, Cindy Hattersley. Full of great ideas for entertaining, fashion and home decorating.
Hi Cheryl
Great comment on rules. I think everyone our age should be comfortable in their own style and wear what they love. I have not read any Barbara Kingslover in awhile, must revisit. I have heard so many good things about Lessons in Chemistry. I am trying to find more time to read. I really miss it.Thank you for your kind comment as well.
Hi Holly
The midwestern tomatoes and corn are the BEST!!
Great garden that your sister has designed and enjoyed! Just beautiful. The Only Woman in the Room: liked learning about her background yet found the rest of the book very disappointing. The author barely touched on how Hedy Lamarr developed amazing inventions to help with WWII. So wish it had been explored more. In a book club so read many books…check out Lessons in Chemistry and This Tender Land.
So enjoy your blog!!
Hi Janine
The garden is my cousins. My sister passed away a few years back. Thanks for the book tips!!
Janet’s garden is lovely. It looks like an English garden with all the different flowers. She must make such pretty bouquets. Hare shade garden is so whimsical with the succulents in head pots. Puts a smile on one’s face.
As to Mary Jane shoes, a big No for me. They look childish, not chic. IMHO
Pointy toe shoes are no longer my friend, either. I have a pair of booties that I love but only wear if it’s a short outing. My feet demand a little TLC.
I’m not planning on buying anymore summer clothing but am looking for some cotton pullover sweaters to bridge the season.
Have a wonderful Sunday!
Hi Joanna
We are certainly divided on the shoe issue!!
Your cousin’s garden is lovely! The she shed is adorable, and looks like a great place to escape. About the pointy shoes…..not a fan. Way too uncomfortable!
Hi Cindy
Where is the corn salad recipe?
The link goes to a makeup video.
Thanks
Hi Judy
So sorry I have been here enjoying my daughter’s 40th fixed the link!
Hi Judy
So sorry I fixed the link for the salad.
Hi Mary
Love my cous’s garden and I can’t wear most pointy shoes only mules
Hi Mary
I find most pointy toe shoes uncomfortable as well unless they are a mule. I know these do not work for many either.
Wow! Your cousin’s garden is stunningly beautiful. What a paradise. She has a wonderful eye and the green thumbs to match. Love the head pots.
Hi Didi
I think so too!
I really enjoyed The Only Woman in the Room and plan to read other books by Melanie Benjamin.
Hi Carroll
I loved it as well. I knew nothing of her life before reading.
Hi Caroll
I did too. I would like to check out her other books as well.
Hi Cindy,
I was curious about the Vivaia shoes so I googled them. Came across a blog called “Have clothes will travel”. Good info on Vivaia shoes.
Thank’s for your wonderful blog, you’re my favorite!
Hi Candis
I am trying them very soon!!
Hi Candis
I will check it out!!
I say save the Mary Janes for little girls!
Hi Cathy
That is kind of my opinion as well but if you can wear them go for it!!
Such a cute outfit! Thanks for shopping for us!
Hi Mary Ann
So sorry to hear about your wonderful cousin.
Hi! Can you please share recipe? Link goes to youtube video. Thx!
Hi Katie
So sorry …I fixed it!!
Pointy-toed shoes — ugh. I will loudly complain whenever I see them, as they’re only a generation removed from bound feet. Why would anyone do this to their feet? (PS. My sister wears them. Her excuse is, “Your toes don’t actually go into the point.” I call BS on this. To get to a point, the shoe has to curve inward starting at the ball of the foot. Unless, of course, you add on a foot [no pun intended] of extra, empty shoe, which is not what happens!)
Hi Bette!
Couldn’t agree more..I am sure that is why I have a bunion…
Try to Vivaia mary janes — bought the red and went back for the navy. Got tons of compliments and my feet were happy after a full day at school! (teacher!)
Woohoo! Glad to hear that Tracie!