Welcome to the third edition of My Favorite Things…and this time anything goes! When I shared my story and some tips for What To Do When It All Falls Apart, I heard from so many of you who just wanted ideas for ways to enrich your everyday life. Nothing fancy…just simple tips and suggestions. Like I’ve said a million times before, I am no expert…but I’d like to share a little bit about how I run my life. I’m including a bit about shopping, meal planning and also a few of my favorite products.
Shopping
I have always had a love/hate relationship with shopping. I do love to shop…I enjoy taking a whole day to escape inside a lovely mall. Doing so, however, sometimes gets me into trouble. I usually arrive home with impulse buys that end up getting returned…and without the things I really needed. I live in a smallish town in Northwest Ohio. Shopping here is very limited and the nearest “nice” mall is about an hour away. Several years ago I started shopping online. My very favorite place to shop for clothes is Talbot’s. There are a few things that make it so easy:
- They coordinate their colors so it’s simple to mix and match.
- They have great sales. I never buy anything full price.
- They have quick shipping. Usually when I place an order it arrives in a few days.
- They have reward points which is like getting free money!
- I don’t have to worry if what I’m buying is age appropriate!
Here are a few of my all-time favorite things from Talbot’s:
Talbot’s has been making these tees for years. I bought my first one back when I was still working at the school…so for a long time! They don’t shrink and they don’t hug your body. They can be dressed up or down and they launder beautifully. I wear Petite tops because I’m very short waisted and the regular tops are usually too long. These shirts come in Petite, Regular and Plus so you should be able to find the perfect fit. (I wear a Petite Large.)
I seriously don’t know what I would do without Talbot’s Bi-Stretch pants. When I was working, I had every color they made. Now I can get away with just black and camel…or grey would be a great choice too. They launder like a dream and don’t shrink. There is a size for everyone for sure. I wear a 12 Regular in the slim leg ankle pant.
Just one more thing. Talbot’s makes a sweater they call The Charming Cardigan. It comes in different colors and a nice selection of patterns. I usually end up with one or two every time they come out with a new collection.
One thing I used to buy at Talbot’s were their cotton tanks. I loved them and I would add a few to my arsenal every year. (I wear a tank every day under my shirt…even in the summer.) Unfortunately, they stopped making them. They didn’t replace them with anything I liked so I went on the hunt for something similar.
I finally found something at J.Jill.
They don’t call it The Perfect Tank for nothing! I have been wearing them for a few months and love them. Again, they don’t shrink and launder nicely. I wear a Petite Large but they come in a ton of different sizes. In regular clothes, I’ve found that J.Jill runs a little larger than Talbot’s. I wear a Petite Medium in tops at J.Jill. I’ve only recently started shopping at J.Jill but I’ve liked everything so far. I got this linen top and it’s very cute.
*Please don’t be put off by the prices at Talbot’s or J.Jill. They have great sales and the bonus points at Talbot’s are an added plus. Both places are affordable with a little smart shopping.
The only other place I shop for clothes is TJMaxx. There is one about five minutes from my house and I hit it up every week or two. Rarely do I walk out with nothing!
Planning and Preparing Meals
I have to admit that planning meals is not on my top ten list of things I love to do. I honestly don’t mind preparing them…but figuring out what to have is getting harder by the day. My husband is a bit particular and doesn’t like a lot of things. (Who doesn’t like asparagus?) Anyway, I have several meals that I use in a rotation that are easy and quick to prepare. I hope you don’t think we’re too boring!
- Rotisserie Chicken & Rice – I buy the chicken at Kroger and this is the rice.
- Baked Spaghetti
- Beef Barley Soup – I actually just made this a few days ago!
- Vegetable Soup – mostly in the fall and winter
- Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken – in spring and summer
- Rosemary Parmesan Chicken – in fall and winter
- Chicken and Noodles
- Grilled Turkey and Provolone Sandwich
I usually only have to cook two or three nights a week so this rotation stretches to about a month. On the weekends we get take-out at least once which I love. (I’ve started putting my husband in charge of this. He decides where to go and also picks it up. That may seem like a small thing but for us it’s a giant leap!)
I try to have dinner with my dad at least twice a week. He is super easy to cook for and will eat almost anything…but he does have a few favorites. Here they are:
He told me not too long ago that my pot roast was his favorite meal and that it tasted just as good as my mom’s. That definitely made me smile.
My husband and I don’t entertain much anymore. I make a fuss when the kids are home but other than that, it’s usually just the two of us. I used to love to entertain, but it got to the point where it seemed like work and wasn’t any fun at all. When the fun stopped, I stopped too!
A Few Favorites
Here are a few things I’ve purchased lately that have been winners!
I recently got a new set of cutting boards that I love. They actually seem to make my knives sharper if that’s possible, and are so easy to cut on. Plus they go right in the dishwasher.
I got a new pair of walking shoes and I think they are amazing. They are slip-ons and very light weight. I actually saw them at TJ Maxx but they didn’t have my size. I came home, checked Amazon and there they were. I’d love to have a black pair too at some point!
SKECHERS Gratis Slip On Sneakers
I just got this ice cube tray with a cover to freeze some herbs. Believe it or not I didn’t own even one single ice cube tray. I will be sharing how I did it soon on my eBay blog and will make sure and let you know. If you’ve never done it you won’t believe how easy it is!
Well, that’s a wrap. Don’t forget about The OSP Market…it’s a shopping page you can find right HERE where I feature items that I have purchased, use and love. There’s kitchen stuff, decor, books, movies and lots more.
If you missed the first two editions here they are:
My Favorite Things Issue 1
My Favorite Things Issue 2 | Kitchen Tools
See you soon!
Thanks for sharing these tips, Ann. Your posts feel like a quick visit with a friend! When my mom died, I started making her pot roast for my dad. It was such a simple thing, but now that my dad is gone too, it’s a happy memory of our last few years together.
Sorry about the duplication!
Cute! I love how practical and candid you are It is getting too difficult for me to cook every night. Could you please explain how you can only cook a few times a week. I know that sounds a little silly but I really don’t understand.
Hi Charley!
It’s not silly at all. My husband has a meeting every Wednesday night so that’s when I usually go to my dad’s. Sometimes I cook for him and sometimes we take out. My husband is also gone almost every Thurs. night to his skeet club. That really leaves only Monday, Tuesday and Friday if you don’t count the weekends. Sometimes I can get out of cooking on Friday night and sometimes I can’t. :) Hope this helps…Ann
Cute! I like how practical and candid you are. I would like to make dinner less often because it is getting to be too much for me to do every night. Please help me by explaining how you only cook a few times a week.
Ann, I dearly love your blog; and post today just really was wonderful. I even love your taste in clothes, and wear things very similar to what you show.
I lost my job yesterday, and it’s really an OK thing. But I’m going to go back and read about things falling apart. My prayer is that my husband’s job is safe and that we will be able to live on one income.
Keep up the good work. Each post is a treasure.
Thank you Ann – I also like a wardrobe of separates that work together….and good insight into pricing vs value when it comes to Talbot and J-Jill. I like them both, but the pricing just makes me hesitant! And, I am glad to know I am not the only one who cooks a couple of dinners per week; DH, bless his hear, will and does eat leftovers.
Talbots has really good sales and i like theme and J Jill is a wonderful place also. I buy dresses from jj because they are so soft and comfy, i wear them to church. I have my family together for Thanksgiving and Christmas time and that is truly enough.
Thank you so much for favorite things. Seems as if our minds run the same. I.e. Like to cook but don’t know what and husband eats only to live. Chooses are not good at this time of life! Your lists help immensely .
Bless you, Ann!! I am unable to get out and shop any longer – all of the items mentioned, I need. Love your simple meal plans.
Thanks Friend!
Hi Ann,
Love everything you post and can’t wait for the next installment.
Thank you,
Mary Lou
Hi Ann,
Thank you for your post. I thoroughly enjoy reading it and seeing what you are doing and buying. I recently retired and feel like you are truly an old friend.
Sincerely
Bonnie
I live in a very small town, also, two grocery stores, 4 restaurants, and one “variety” store. It’s two hours to any major cities for shopping so we only do it once in awhile if the car is behaving itself! Amazon is my friend right now, and I do a lot of shopping by mail order. Being a larger size than most off the rack styles accomodate for, hubby is too, it’s just easier. Fortunately sewing lets me do a lot, but sometimes you just need something you don’t want to sew! I use a website that has nice clothes and generally good quality, (Woman Within). Their prices aren’t bad and so far I’ve been happy with everything. The hubs is a little tougher to shop for, but i don’t buy things unless they can be returned easily. I’ve bought tons of fabric (fabric.com), some medical supplies for us and the pets, vitamins and supplements (Puritan’s Pride, Vitacost, and Swanson’s are good), and many, many other things, especially books! You can get just about anything from Amazon, even car parts and tires. I don’t have the hassle of parking and the weather, and we won’t talk about what you tend to see at places like Walmart. The only thing I truly miss is a good thrift store. I’ve gotten many deals from those kind of places and we just don’t have one here.
I was just in Talbots today and they have a fantastic sale on all summer clothes. I need a dress for a wedding in a couple weeks and they have a great selection. My favorite thing right now is Philosophy Body Lotion in Pure Grace… Feels so good after being on the beach and smells fresh and clean!
Thanks for another great Favorite Things post!
I love Philosophy too…I haven’t had any for a few years so I just might have to splurge!
I read or reread your favorite things lists and found several things I would like to try.
I also must comment on not doing things you don’t enjoy. My Father always told me “If you aren’t having fun, I withdraw my permission to do it.
Thanks, Ann. You are ways on target with great tips.
Thank you! Always wanting to try new recipes. I have heard several great comments lately about Talbots and now all the more to look them up on Internet. Enjoy your blog. 🤗
Thanks for sharing, will have to pay closer attention to Talbot’s and J.Jill. Looking forward to seeing how you save fresh herbs.
Have a great day.
Loved your meal rotations, and I agree on Talbot’s, waiting on order now, also the Kate Spade surprise sales! Your entire website is wonderful and I stumbled upon it quite by accident, but a lovely surprise!
Thank you Brenda…welcome to On Sutton Place!
I too love shopping at Talbots and JJill! All your recommendations are spot on. I want a covered ice cube tray for herbs! So convenient. I don’t think I’ve seen one like that before and my husband is a kitchen shop fanatic!
Love your My Favorite Things and the OSP Market. On your recommendation, I bought the Nordic Ware bundt pan and I absolutely love it. I’m going to save up for the Clad measuring cups.
Navy blue is my favorite color so I love to see how you use it in your home. We finally painted our front door Sherwin Williams Naval (at your suggestion) and it IS the perfect navy. Waiting for the weather to cool off to paint the shutters naval too.
Love your blog and the down-to-earth tone; it’s like being in a conversation with a good friend. Wish we lived next door to each other; we’d have some fun!
Hi Ann — Very helpful post! I was wondering if the link to the Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken recipe is missing. I can’t seem to find it.
Thanks for all you do!
Amy
Hi Amy! Yes the honey mustard chicken recipes disappeared. I am almost finished putting them back. Check back maybe tomorrow? Thank you for your patience!
Got it – thanks!
Ann, we have so much in common! I have loved Talbots ever since I discovered them in the late 70s! (SHOWING MY AGE NOW!) There was a period there for a few years that I thought Talbots had drifted too far away from their traditional offerings but they’ve come back around. I LOVE these kind of posts from you because I had never seen the ice cube trays with covers! What would I do without you?
Jane you are the absolute best friend ever. Amen.
I have the ice cube tray and use to freeze coffee…no water logged ice coffee. It is great!
I always enjoy your blog posts and have followed with special interest over the past few months. I am on the same path of caring for an elderly widowed parent (my mom is 96, still living on her own!) and share many of the same joys and struggles. I appreciate the honest sharing you’ve done, and thank you for being a voice for those of us “of a certain age”. I enjoy many younger bloggers of course, but many of my issues are unique to my time of life and it is lovely that they are reflected on your blog.
My very best wishes for success as you navigate the changes in your life and on your blog.
Fran
Hi Ann, I love your blogs and can relate so much that you say. …like entertaining, looking after your dad, missing your mom! I love your recipes and have made many without any failures!
Keep up the good work Ann and ” make it a wonderful day”!!!
Cheers,
Laura
I have been semi-absent with my blog reading the last month or so and didn’t realize these situations plaguing the blogging community. I do not monetize so it was an abstract concept. I am retired, financially stable and did not realize the Pinterest connection. I am so sorry this has happened. I am glad you have set a new course and are coming out the other side. One thing for sure, in any job, any profession change is inevitable. If we cannot grow with the changes we lose. I have included links to your blog on my little sewing blog over the years and will continue to do so. Your content is always well presented and timely.
That said, I am also a Talbot fan. I am starting to sew my own clothing again and frequently emulate the design lines in their basic clothing blocks. Finding the right fabric is the tricky part.
I will be using the ice cube tray/herb saving tips. My herbs are exploding and friends and family are starting to hide when I knock on their door with my multiple bundles.
Thank you for sharing and continuing your work. We are all still out here.
Hi Ann,
I’m so delighted whenever I open my email and find a note from you! It’s like a nice visit w/my sister, who I adore.) Your blog seems to mirror my life and lifestyle so perfectly. Love all the shopping suggestions (am also a big jJill fan, but didn’t realize Talbots was an option for women of a ‘certain age’ and those who aren’t a size 2. Will definitely be checking them out online.
I so appreciate the recipe suggestions, too. It can be such a challenge to cook for two, and not get into a rut of the same six dishes. And your home decorating tips are always so fresh and inspiring,
Thank you for making my world a little easier, brighter and delicious!
Thanks so much for sharing Ann! So much awesome info I’m pinning so I don’t forget!!:) Have a wonderful Sunday!:)
Hello from SW Ohio, Ann!
I have those same Sketchers and love them! Actually, I have multiple pairs of Sketchers in a variety of colors and styles because they are so comfortable. I teach art full time and am on my feet all day ten months out if the year, so good shoes are a must. There are other great brands, but Sketchers has a nice price point and I can usually find what I need at either DSW or Kohls.
I’m going to have to check out some of your recipes. I need quick and easy things that I can cook ahead and freeze since I will be going back to school in two weeks. No more time for leisurely grilling on our deck!
Thanks for so many great ideas for home decorating, cooking, and just managing a home!
Charmaine
Ann,
What PERFECT timing! I’ve been eyeing the bateau tee in my Talbots catalog and the coupon code expires today. Thanks for giving me the prod I needed. With your endorsement, I’ll finally place my order.
Thank you so much for the latest Favorite Things post! I have been looking for a pair of walking shoes and was having no luck at all. Then I read your post and there they were… Just what I was looking for. I have ordered a pair so I
thank you again.
I love everything about this blog.
Some time ago, I wrote about my dilemma of “showing things” inin in memory of my recently departed hubby. I had so much firefighter stuff. I thought I would have to pack it on top of the entertainment center. You advised to keep it simple. So on the center now is the American flag in its case, his photo, his Medal of Honor and his white chief’s hat. I’m going to hang his Chief’s helmet in my sewing room. So — thanks!
You are welcome Pat and I hope all is well. <3
Too much trouble and will change my homepage to get to your grilled chicken, even though I would like to try it!
I sooooooooooooooooooo agree with you on shopping on-line at Talbots and JJill. JJill has a 50% off on all linen at this time.
They have a slim linen crop that I have in 3 colors and have enjoyed all summer. Check them out!
Enjoy all your FAVORITES – any books or movies to add?
What is left on your bucket list for summer 2016?
PS Another showing of your lime light hydrangras?????????????????????????????????????????
I also love Talbots and J. Jill. The clothes are classic and well made. One thing I need to check into is the ice cube tray with a cover. I have some without but I like the idea so when I make my coffee cubes or kale cubs they will stay fresher. Thanks for all of the great suggestions.
Love issue #3, will go back and check #1 and #2. Finally someone who is built like me and I can relate to in size and style. I enjoy your blog so much. I’m born and raised in Ohio, once a Buckeye always a Buckeye. Americanvintagequilts.blogspot and knottedthreadsandyarn.blogspot.
Hi Ann! You are certainly a breath of fresh air in a medium that is saturated with 20-30 somethings! So nice to have your voice present and positive! Thank you.
I loved this issue. All of these things are things I love as well! It’s fun to run in to someone that has the same taste as you do, plus I like that you aren’t all stuffy. I found it fun and validating to read this.
Great list of items. I am going shopping!
Ann, I really enjoy your blogs.It seems we both are in the same point in life. Thank you for making me fell maybe not sooooo.. crazy!
This was SOOOO interesting. Thanks for sharing. I really enjoyed hearing about some of the things in your life.
Best & Bisous,
Michelle from Simply Santa Barbara