Self-care, Second Homes and Stylish Outfits
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about balance, and the delicate dance between caring for ourselves, finding joy in our surroundings, and feeling good in what we wear. Today I thought we’d chat about three things that have been top of mind: self-care (something we all tend to push aside), the charm of second homes and the inspiration they bring, and of course, a few stylish outfit ideas to keep our spirits up. Let’s dive in to self-care, second homes, and stylish outfits.
North Carolina Second Home
I’ll admit I get a little obsessed with mountain homes this time of year. This Highlands beauty (featured in Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles, designed by the dream team of architect Stan Dixon and designer Betty Burgess, and photographed by Rustic White, is a masterclass in light, texture, and timeless style.
Get the Highlands Look
Self-care for Caregivers
I have both a family member and a close friend who are caring for partners living with Alzheimer’s. Too often, caregivers put their own well-being on the back burner while tending to others. If you or someone you love is in that role, Good Housekeeping has a quick and practical article, 50 Best Self-Care Ideas for Mental and Physical Wellbeing, that offers helpful reminders to carve out time for yourself.
Outfits of the Week
I like to have a little fun by pairing my outfit of the week with the home I’m featuring. I like to imagine myself wandering through its surroundings and dreaming up what I’d wear if I lived there. I think this outfit would be perfect for a day of poking around the Highlands countryside.
Many of you have been complaining of all the brown this season. This jacket from Tuckernuck has all the fall feels without being too drab. I paired it with faux suede pants that I own, a chambray shirt, a fun scarf also from Tuckernuck, a great leather bag, and mules.
This outfit has nothing to do with the rest of the post, but when Jenna spotted this jacket, I couldn’t resist building a look around it. Sometimes you just have to go with the flow!
Jenna spotted this jacket in Macy’s and loved it. It would certainly dress up a pair of jeans, and vintage indigo mules.
18 Healthy 500 Calorie Dinners you can Make in 20 Minutes
All of these Eating Well’s 500 Calorie Dinners you can make in 20 minutes sound yummy to me!
Summer Fun
I hope you are enjoying your weekend. We are spending ours with Summer and family. Whatever you are doing I hope you are able to give yourself permission to slow down, soak up beauty where you find it, and enjoy the little things,whether that’s a quiet moment of self-care, dreaming about a second home, or slipping into an outfit that makes you feel confident and chic. Life is too short not to savor those small joys isn’t it?
If you would like to catch up with our other Sunday favorites you can do so here.
Now let’s pop over and visit the world travelers Annie and Mary Ann!
Cindy love this home and both outfits.
SO many women caring for others . WE also need to see that caretakers ( women mostly) get social security for the home care this nation takes for granted. We are doing the work and with no retirement a regular job would give. This is only in our nation. This is valuable work that is not compensated.
Love seeing Summer always. Enjoy! xo
Good morning Cindy,
First caregivers, my sister is the caregiver for her husband who is 62 with Alzheimers. It is hard to watch them navigate this new “normal.” My sister is involved in many caregiver groups and they are a life saver.
A mountain home! Yes! That is what you need, in NC! This is a beautiful state and there are so many fabulous places to have a 2nd home.
Love these outfits!
Have a wonderful week Cindy!
Terrific post, Cindy.
Caregiving first up. We’ve all had to do it at some time – whether its aged parents or a family member with something as bad as cancer or as small as the flu. Thank you for bringing it to people’s attention.
Then the second home – goodness! It makes our little shack/cottage seem frightfully humble and ordinary by comparison. And I can’t envisage our generations of Jack Russell terriers keeping that furniture clean!
Then the beautiful Macy’s blazer. I’d wear it in a moment. Very much my colour palette. As we move into the warmer weather here, the floral would sit well.
Lovely pic of Scout with your ganddaughter. He’s such a handsome lab…
Hi Prue
Always love hearing from you!! We can dream can’t we? We actually have neutral fabric on our furniture but it is all performance fabric. Since Scout is white neutral works for us. He doesn’t get on the indoor furniture, but his hair certainly sticks to it!
What a precious photo of Scout and Summer!
Thank you Lindsey
My heart goes out to care givers. A tough, tough job. Scout looks like he has found his best friend! They are both adorable.
Okay, I’ve been an Interior Designer for over 30 years. Retired now. The bedroom in The Highlands is gorgeous but that Great Room with what appears to be white sofas, white ottomans, and white floor covering! It looks beautiful in photographs, but someone has to live there, and what a missed opportunity for a little color reflecting the beautiful outside. Just my two cents. Great post!
Hi Becky
I would have brought more of the outside in as well in the textiles!!
I have a dear friend who is a caregiver and she is exhausted. I tried to access the article you shared but couldn’t open it. Thanks.
Hi Linda
The link didn’t work here you go https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/wellness/g25643343/self-care-ideas/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=mgu_ga_ghk_md_dsa_prog_org_us_g25643343&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=15775377039&gbraid=0AAAAADA2MEoghAdmDZuzerwq4L7bMkYdD&gclid=Cj0KCQjwxL7GBhDXARIsAGOcmIMSgPJW8UpQKrrtjeVCJ7E6ZQxl5tF6YETLtxpLw1cT4skXXdOqzBIaAoo-EALw_wcB
Gorgeous looks thank you Cindy and what better than Scout and Summer time!!! Have a wonderful weekend!
Hi Francesca
Thank you so much we are having fun!!
Oh Summer and Scout…the cutest couple!!! Love that house and the color on the bedroom wall.
Hi Mary Ann
I love that bedroom too!
They are!!
Cindy! The Highlands home is breathtaking. I adore those shaded pendants over the dual kitchen islands. Your outfit of the week is exactly what’s needed for the chic NC mountain retreat. And that jacket. Chef’s kiss. Hope you’re enjoying this late summer weekend with Summer and fam. xo
Hi Juliet
We just got back from the Lafayette Art & Wine festival…I thought maybe I would run into you!
Hi Juliet
Aren’t those pendants great? Maybe we need a girls trip to NC!!
I had a wonderful experience with an Alzheimer caregiver support group. It was such a relief to talk to all sorts of people who were in similar situations. I was lucky that there was a group right in my community, but there are other options too.
https://www.alz.org/help-support/community/support-groups
Hi Lisa
Thank you so much!
The blue and white jacket from Macy’s is fabulous!
Hi Vickie
I think that jacket is wonderful too, and I am not normally drawn go blue.
Cindy, you are so right about caregivers, especially those caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s. It’s a terrible disease for everyone.
On a lighter note, I always imagine you wearing your outfit of the week in the home of the week. I may have even mentioned that.
And I love that jacket and those vintage mules for your second look!
xo
Annie
Hi Annie
Thank you so much!