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My Side of 50

  • Podcast
    • Podcast

      Episode 6 | The Midlife Pivot with…

      October 25, 2021

      Podcast

      Episode 5 | Weathering Life’s Storms with…

      October 17, 2021

      Podcast

      Episode 4 | Building a Good Relationship…

      October 11, 2021

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      October 4, 2021

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      Episode 2 | Stepping Into Purpose After…

      September 27, 2021

  • Blog
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      Coastal Styles for Every Age

      May 25, 2022

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      Memorial Day Looks for Every Occasion

      May 20, 2022

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      Floral Summer Tops for Women Over 50

      May 19, 2022

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      How To Restore Damaged Nails After Gel,…

      October 8, 2018

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      10 Absolute Best Gifts for New Homeowners

      November 6, 2017

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Coastal Styles for Every Age

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I will make a commission at no extra cost to you.

There’s this new trend going around called “Coastal Grandmother”.  It’s a hashtag on Instagram and even a category on the Chico’s website.

Even though I am a grandmother of 4 and know many grandmother’s who dress is a way that is current, stylish and cute, any  fashion trend with the word grandmother in it conjures up images of snap up floral robes and stockings rolled down to the knees.

Maybe it’s just me….

 

Coastal Styles for Every Age

I prefer Coastal Styles for Every Age. Since have lived near the Texas Gulf Coast my whole life, I know a little about coastal attire.

It’s clothes that keep you cool in hot weather.

That are light and breezy and don’t fit too tight.

Clothes that just barely skim your skin that may be a little tender after a day in the sun.

Colors and designs that evoke the coast and the ocean.

This Coastal Style includes the Pima Fossil Finds Elbow Tee (on sale)  and the So Slimming Eyelet Hem Girlfriend Crops.

The sleeves on the tee come down to the elbow for ladies who like a little more upper arm coverage.

The eyelet hem detail on these crops is so unique. I so many compliments on these pants and they go with everything.

I’m wearing a Size 2 in the top and 2.5 in the crops and they are true to size. The crops have some stretch.

The hoop earrings I am wearing are sold out, but these shell shaped summer white seed bead clip-ons are a great option.

 

The Zip-Italy Espadrille Platform Sandal in stone is so cute.

The platform gives you a  little height while still offering the stability you need. It’s like wearing a flat sandal that is a little elevated.

There are a few wide and extra-wide sizes left in this color. I wear 8WW.

Topping off the outfit is this Straw Crossbody from Target.  So CUTE!!!!

Similar Coastal Style Options

Beaded T-Strap Sandals

Tommy Hilfiger Cuffed Shorts in White  (on sale |  Size  up)

Hyacinth Tote Bag

Disc Pendant Necklace

Aria Espadrille Wedge Sandal

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You may  also like:

Memorial Day Looks for Every Occasion

 

 

Floral Summer Tops for Women over  50

Coastal Styles for Every Age was last modified: May 25th, 2022 by Cathy Lawdanski
May 25, 2022 2 comments
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Blog

Memorial Day Looks for Every Occasion

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I will make a small commission at no extra cost you.

 

What are your plans for Memorial Day? Backyard barbecue? Time by the water? Travel? I’ve been out of town the last two weekends, so we’ll have a pretty low-key time at home to rest and catch up.

Whatever you have planned, here are some great looks for you. Pick up a couple. One for Memorial Day and save one for the 4th of July!

Memorial Day Maxi

I haven’t worn a maxi since the 70’s,  so this was stepping out of my comfort zone a bit, but I LOVED wearing this!!!

It is so comfy – it’s like wearing a big nightie! I could lounge in this all day!

We had a debate in the family about whether to wear it tied up or not. How would you wear it?

This picture shows the pockets. I’m wearing and XL.

 

The platform sandals are surprisingly comfortable for an inexpensive pair of shoes. My usual size is 8WW. These are 8 1/2 M and fit great.

Maxi | Maxi Plus Size | Stud Strap Flatform Sandals

 

Star Tank and Jeans

You can’t go wrong with this cute tank and a pair jeans. I dressed it up a little with a pearl necklace. For cool nights you could add a denim jacket or cardigan.

I’m wearing XL in the tank. This comes in sizes up to 5XL in lots of different prints.

Star Tank | Jeans (similar)  

Sandals

Nautical Wreath

Shorts, Tank & Kimono

This is my first kimono. Can you believe it? I just never thought I was a “kimono girl”. Don’t you wonder where we get these ideas about ourselves?

I’ve paired it with a navy tank and white shorts. The tank is XL, but it is a little big, so I’d get a L next time. Kimono is L. Shorts run a little small so I sized up to an 18.

Here it is from the back so that you can see the length.

Kimonos are the perfect completer piece for the summer because  they are light & flowy. If you like to  cover your arms, they do the trick without making you hot.

Kimono | Kimono Plus  Size | Tank | Tank Plus Size | Stud Strap Flatform Sandals

Shorts

Tank, Crops and Denim Jacket

This outfit was so fun to put together!

It started with a tie-dye tank (Large) and white eyelet hemmed cropped pants (Size 2.5 Chicos). I like those pants so much, but wasn’t going keep them because I have 3 pair of white jeans already. But they go with everything I own – what’s a girl to do with a hem that cute?

I topped it denim  jacket (Large). If you look at my Instagram feed, you will know that I need another denim jacket like I need a hole in the head…but look at that ruffle detail!!! So feminine and modern!

And then those red wedges (8 1/2  W). I never buy shoes like that but they make this outfit!

Here’s the tank without the jacket.

Here’s what it looks like from the back.

Tank | Plus Size Tank | Crops | Jacket |  Wedges

Shorts & a Tee

Since we’ll be staying home this weekend, this  is  exactly what I’ll be wearing.

A graphic tee (XL), denim shorts (Chico’s 2.5 –  size up. I needed a 3), white kicks

Tee | Shorts | Kicks

So what’s your style?

Are you inspired to try something you don’t usually wear?

Let me  know in the comments.

And I’d be so  grateful if you would pin the post. I am eager to spread the word that women of every age, shape and size can dress in a way that makes them feel beautiful and confident.

 

Memorial Day Looks for Every Occasion was last modified: May 21st, 2022 by Cathy Lawdanski
May 20, 2022 2 comments
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Blog

Floral Summer Tops for Women Over 50

This post contains affiliate links. I may be compensated for clicks  or purchases  made  through these links at no extra cost to you.  

Florals are EVERYWHERE for Spring/Summer 2022.

Traditional florals. Modern Florals. Big Florals. Small Florals. Whatever floral suits you, you’ll be able to find a piece that you love.

Floral top styled with white eyelet crops.

 

 

This super-soft  V-neck  Floral Tank from Amazon can be styled in so many ways. It comes in several patterns and sizes small – 3X. I am wearing and XL.

I styled it with  these super cute Brigitte So Slimming Eyelet Hemmed Crops from Chico’s. Size 2.5.

This top is blousy and would look great with a front-tuck. Since I carry most of my weight in the tummy-area, front-tucks are not the most-flattering on me. So I just tucked the tail in my pocket, giving the look a little shape.

LifeStride Tango 2 Espadrille Wedge Sandal – Taupe

I usually wear an 8WW, but this is an 8 1/2 W and fits great.

Comes in 6 colors.

Styled here with the So Slimming Brigitte 10″ Slim Shorts in Calypso Coral – Size 2.5

These shorts are pull on and so-comfy. 5 colors.

 

 

Baretraps Flossey in Soft Gold – 8W.

 

 

So Slimming Girlfriend 7″ Slim Leg Shorts – My usual 2.5 size was a little snug in the waist on these. I suggest sizing up.

 

Beaded T-Strap Sandals

So which is your favorite look? Crops? Bermuda Shorts or the Denim Shorts.

Will you please pin this post to help me grow my following?

Floral V-Neck tank styled with crops, Bermuda shorts and denim shorts.

Take a look at some other floral stylings with my friends a the Ageless Style Link-up

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Floral Summer Tops for Women Over 50 was last modified: May 19th, 2022 by Cathy Lawdanski
May 19, 2022 21 comments
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How To Restore Damaged Nails After Gel, Acrylic or Powder Manicures | Picture of one hand 8 weeks after gel manicure removed
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How To Restore Damaged Nails After Gel, Acrylic or Powder Manicures

 

Perfectly manicured nails. Who doesn’t love the look of the perfect length, shape and color you can get by going to the nail salon every two weeks and “getting your nails done”  with acrylics, a gel or powders? But what happens when you try to go back to your natural nails? All of these methods damage your nails in some way, leaving them dry, brittle, thin and splitting. That’s why so many women go back to the artificial nails. It seems like if you don’t, you’ll never have “nice” nails again.  But there is hope and I have found a way. Here’s how to restore damaged nails after gel, acrylic or powder manicures.

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. If you make a purchase through one of my links, I will make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Why I Wanted to Restore My Nails After Gel Manicures

I love the perfectly shaped nails that didn’t chip, cuticles with no hangnails and long lasting color that I got from my artificial nails. Over the last 15 years, I’ve tried them all – acrylics, gel and powder.



At first, getting my nails done every two weeks was a luxury.  When I started these regular appointments in my 40’s, I had just been promoted to a management position at the nonprofit where I was working. I was making a little money. My boss got her nails done. After years as a stay at home mom with no extra money in the budget for such a luxury, I was ready to treat myself. And for a while, it was great. Until it wasn’t.

At some point, I got tired of sitting in the manicurist’s chair for an hour every two weeks. And I had other things I wanted to spend my money on. So I decided to go back to my natural nails. Except they weren’t the nails that I used to have. They were thin, dry, splitting and brittle. And after a few weeks of looking like that, I just couldn’t stand it anymore, so headed back to the salon to get the artificial ones again. I continued this cycle for 15 years.

A few months ago, I decided once again to try and go “natural”, but before doing so, I asked ladies in my Facebook group who had done this HOW they achieved healthy natural nails again. They encouraged me that it could be done. I also did some research online and came up with this plan that restored my nails to their strong and healthy original state in 8 weeks.

What I Did to Restore My Nails After Gel Manicures

I had the gels removed at the salon, had my nails trimmed short and got a regular manicure.  Here’s how my nails looked on that day.  You can see they are thin, ridged and uneven.

How To Restore Damaged Nails After Gel, Acrylic or Powder Manicures | Picture of two hands on white pillow after powder manicure removed

 

My restore my nails regimen started with applying one coat of nail strengthener daily. I did this for seven days. On the seventh day I removed the nail strengthener and started again.

After the nail strengthener dried, I applied cuticle oil  to my nails and skin around them twice a day. I followed this with a heavy moisturizing hand and nail cream. Why use both an oil and a cream? The oil absorbs into the nail bed better and the cream creates a barrier so that the moisture doesn’t escape.

I left my cuticles alone. I didn’t trim or pick at them because the cuticles are there to protect the new nail growth that is occurring underneath.

If I needed to file my nails for any reason I used a glass nail file. Why? Because a glass nail file smooths and seals the freshly filed edges, reduces the nails susceptibility to splits and breakages.  It does this by sealing the keratin layers at the edge of the nail together, preventing peeling and chipping. A glass nail file is inexpensive and the best investment you can make in restoring your fragile nails.

Other reasons to invest in a glass nail file?

  • They do not dull over time.
  • They are more efficient than emery boards of steel nail files because they file and smooth the nails in one quick motion.
  • They can be washed in hot, soapy water and even sterilized making them more hygenic.
  • Glass nail files will not wear down, corrode or rot.

I went for a manicure every 3 weeks. At that time, I did allow my manicurist to trim my cuticles, but only then. I also had her apply nail strengthen rather than traditional nail polish.

I took a Biotin supplement every day.

Here is how my nails looked at my first manicure, four weeks after removing my gels. Still weak, but looking better.

How To Restore Damaged Nails After Gel, Acrylic or Powder Manicures | Picture of one hand after first manicure three weeks after gel nails removed

I followed my regimen RELIGIOULSY and after 8 weeks, here is what my nails look like.

How To Restore Damaged Nails After Gel, Acrylic or Powder Manicures | Picture of one hand 8 weeks after gel manicure removed

 

I am so pleased with the results! I’m sure I’ll be sporting my natural nails from now on! Yes, you CAN have healthy, natural nails after gel, acrylic or powder manicures!

Do you have your natural nails or do you “get them done”?  Have you ever gone natural after having artificial nails? Let me know in the comments!

 

How To Restore Damaged Nails After Gel, Acrylic or Powder Manicures | Picture of one hand 8 weeks after gel manicure removed

How To Restore Damaged Nails After Gel, Acrylic or Powder Manicures was last modified: September 7th, 2021 by Cathy Lawdanski
October 8, 2018 49 comments
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Christmas Gifts for New Homeowners | Picture of Christmas Cookies
Blog

10 Absolute Best Gifts for New Homeowners

Updated November 15, 2021

Remember when you bought your first home? You scraped up the money for the downpayment. Figured out how much you could swing on the monthly payment. Moved in and thought – you did it! You are homeowners! Only to realize that when you OWN a home, there are a lot of things that you  need to maintain it. So with the help of my daughter and son-in-law, who recently bought their first home, I put together this list of the 10 Absolute Best Gifts for New Homeowners.

This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. If you purchase a product through my link, I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you.  I so appreciate every click-through and purchase! Every little bit helps to keep My Side of 50 up and running!

New Homeowners Need Stuff for the Yard

I remember moving into our first home. A brand-new ranch style home on a cul-de-sac sitting on a huge pie shaped lot. The only thing was, the builder only put grass in the front yard. That first Spring, we laid 9 pallets of sod in that huge backyard and spent the summer watering it and taking care of it so it would grow.

For most new homeowners, one of the first purchases they make are things to take care of their yard.

 

Water Hose

 

 

 

A Garden Hose Reel Cart

 

Shovel

Garden Tools



Get these Gifts for New Homeowners | Home Maintenance Supplies

When you own your own home, there is no calling the management company or landlord anytime something breaks. And unless you have an unlimited supply of funds, most homeowners will learn to do a least a few of the simple repairs themselves. That requires tools, which can get quite pricey!

Basic Homeowners Tool Kit


Plunger


Step Ladder




Other Gifts New Homeowners Will Appreciate

Garbage Can

 

Fire Extinguisher

Guest Towels

What would you put on the list of gifts for new homeowners? Let me know in the comments below!

Like this post? Pin it!

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Gifts for the Beer Lover

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10 Absolute Best Gifts for New Homeowners was last modified: November 15th, 2021 by Cathy Lawdanski
November 6, 2017 9 comments
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10 Tips For "Sharing" Your Adult Children On The Holidays by Guest Blogger Joan Stamen, the author behind Gramcrackercrumbs.com
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10 Tips To Ease The Stress Of “Sharing” Your Adult Children On Holidays

Here we are at the end of October with Thanksgiving just 4 weeks away! No doubt, if you are a midlife woman and have and have adult children, the conversations of who will be where and at what time have begun. If your kids are married or have significant others, you will likely be in the position to have to consider their “in-laws” plans when you make your schedule. And in the case of blended families, we have a whole slew of parents, grandparents, and steps.  Why can’t everybody just go home to their family of origin and meet up after the holidays?



Today, Joan Stommen, the mom and grandma behind the blog, GramcrackerCrumbs offers her perspective based on 20 years experience with all of this holiday “sharing”. Joan has 2 kids and 5 grandchildren who call her, what else?  Gramcraker!

 

Adult Children and The Holidays – 10 Tips to Ease the Stress of Sharing

Many of you have probably started shopping for gifts, made travel reservations or are busy unpacking decorations for the coming winter holidays. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Hannukah will soon be here. Have you thought about the actual day of celebration? If your adult children are married or living with significant others; whether you have grandchildren near or far….there are bound to be some question marks about where, when and with whom. After years of familiar routine, change rears its head when our kids grow up. For the past twenty years, my holidays were unpredictable and seemingly different every year. As needs arose and life interfered, I found some solutions that worked for us. Hopefully, you’ll find some soothing memory making ideas here.

  1. Remind yourself that it comes under the heading of letting go.

We send them off to college, help with wedding preparations and applaud their home and job choices. Welcoming another family member is how the empty nest begins to fill again. Our son was the first to marry and we loved the bonus of another daughter; but they married and settled in Michigan; several states away from us in Georgia. I think there was only time for a sigh of relief before it hit me…things would be different now.

 

  1. Respect that the newlyweds may want to host a big holiday themselves.

They married in late September and had an autumn honeymoon. The next thing we knew, they wanted to host Thanksgiving. My husband and daughter and I drove north, caught up in the excitement of the newlyweds hosting their first holiday. Having Thanksgiving dinner prepared by someone else and spending time with the other parents was a treat. But being invited back for Christmas was much harder. I didn’t like it and may have whined to my son, “please come to us, we always cut down a tree, decorate it, go to Christmas Eve Mass, get up at the crack of dawn tooogetherrrrr.” Her parents were not able to go, so my son’s pleading that their first Christmas was a really big deal touched my heart. Imagine my delight discovering he followed our same traditions; leaving milk and cookies for Santa, opening a gift on Christmas Eve, making us wait in the hallway Christmas morning until he turned on the lights and exclaimed, “SANTA WAS HERE!”



  1. When it’s your turn to host a family gathering, invite the son or daughter-in-law’s parents.

After our daughter married and bought a home nearby, my husband and I mostly hosted holiday dinners. Our son-in-law’s parents lived out of state, so when they were in town, we included them as well. I never realized in those early years that the other parents would soon become lifelong friends.

 

  1. Accept when you’re invited to their homes. Plans and places can change, but you’ll all be together and the kids will be all right. 

Sharing a Thanksgiving with my daughter-in-law’s blended family; another with my son-in-law’s extended family….so many that a big hall was rented….were two of the best times we ever had. Your children will beam as they watch the connection of their families grow. Thirteen years ago on a lovely, snowy evening, the young couple invited their moms out for drinks after a potluck Thanksgiving dinner. As the four of us relaxed, his mom and I blurted out at the same time, “when are we getting a grandchild?” We’d held our tongues for three years so we felt entitled. I loved us being on the same page; this favorite friend I now call my “grandmother-in-law.”

  1. Discuss your preferences as soon as possible before the holiday.

Whether it’s religious purposes, enough space to hold everyone, who really wants to cook, travel or medical considerations; early planning will make it easier for everyone. Letters and conversations throughout the year will make the ’planners’ more comfortable in expressing their wishes. Getting to know the other family members not only makes holiday preparations easier but builds a camaraderie that can only strengthen your kids’ bond in all aspects of marriage.

  1. If you find you’ll be on your own some Thanksgiving, Christmas or other event…take off!

Don’t stay home and fume or fret; take a road trip, make reservations for holiday dinner at a nice restaurant, head to the Bahamas. There will be years when all your kids go to their in-laws or have plans with pals. My husband and I traveled to San Antonio, Texas one Christmas Day, ate dinner at a Howard Johnson and toured the Alamo. The rest of the week we took day trips and enjoyed the Riverwalk events at night. It tickled us knowing we could have a blast and never missed Christmas with the kids at all!



  1. When the grandkids finally come along!

Always respect the new mother’s wishes first….especially the first year. Use common sense and again, discuss it well ahead of time. My son and daughter-in-law moved south to be near us when their first daughter was born. I felt great peace and contentment to do the holidays “my way” again; envisioning my daughter and the new little family all under our roof. But the new mom wanted Thanksgiving; hosting us and her parents from out of town. We hadn’t seen them since the wedding four years earlier and we had lots to catch up on about this new baby girl. Since we got to see our first grandchild frequently, we didn’t mind her other grandparents taking over the feeding, holding and rocking for a few days.

  1. Stagger the holidays by years if all parties are acceptable.

As time goes by, let your kids decide what works for them. They not only have in-laws to celebrate with but will want to host themselves some years. Some families only want Thanksgiving or Easter; others like to switch off. Open communication and flexibility is the key. Believe me….the day will come when going to Grandma and Grandpa’s house becomes the best for everyone!

  1. If everyone lives close enough, stagger the times for opening holiday presents. 

The whole magical scene will still be there later that afternoon, the next morning or even the next week. Eighteen years ago when our first grandchild came along, I insisted Santa would come down our chimney too…and fill stockings for everyone! Needless to say, he came down every year after and I had four more stockings embroidered with each grandchild’s name. I don’t recommend this; not only can it be costly, but potentially awkward too. It was a bit sticky for my daughter initially. She and her husband wanted their own Christmas morning ritual with their children and liked having Christmas Dinner at the other grandparents’ house. We agreed to wait until the following morning to open the gifts around our tree. Seeing the delight on little faces as they ran in the door made it all worthwhile. One year we spent Christmas morning with our California family; flew home that evening and had Christmas again the next morning with our Georgia family. (You know Santa, the Easter Bunny, and Leprechauns come even if you’re not home, right?)

  1. If you’re a long distant grandparent unable to join the celebration, you can still be present.

Just make sure you follow the parent’s suggestions first, then your grandchild’s request and lastly your own surprises. If you’ll miss a Thanksgiving or Easter Dinner, send things that can be included such as a candle or special prayer, inexpensive decorations, stickers or a new shirt or dress for the occasion. When I lived on the other side of the country from my older grandkids; I’d wrap and send gifts to go under their tree; then after Christmas, I’d send anything Santa had left under mine, including the filled stockings! Needless to say, we spoiled the kids and kept UPS and FedEx in business.

Now that I’m a widow and the grandkids are getting older, it amuses me that my son and daughter now want to ‘share’ mom! The first Christmas on my own, I went to my son’s, the next year to my daughter’s. Now he’s moved nearby and would like me to join in their holiday festivities. But I don’t see my daughter’s family as often, so it’d be worth a plane ticket to their house or….I may decide to spend my holidays doing something completely different. After years of appreciating their parents’ flexibility, I’m confident they’ll both be fine with whatever I decide.

What are your tips for peacefully “sharing” your kids and grandkids during the holidays?

Did you find this post helpful? Share it on Facebook or Pinterest!

You might also like:

Building A Good Relationship With Your Adult Children

Adult Children and the Holidays – New Perspectives On Sharing

Action Plan to Beat Holiday Stress

Top 10 Ways to Have a Great Relationship With Your Adult Children

Christmas Gifts for the Beer Lover

New Mommy Care Kit | 25 Essential Items

10 Tips To Ease The Stress Of "Sharing" Your Adult Children On Holidays | Picture of Adult Daughter hugging her mother

10 Tips To Ease The Stress Of “Sharing” Your Adult Children On Holidays was last modified: November 15th, 2021 by Joan Stommen
October 26, 2016 45 comments
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Author Doreen Mcgettigan shares how her holiday plans and perspective have grown and changed since her adult children began to get married and have children
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Adult Children And The Holidays – New Perspectives on Sharing, Part 1

 

Adult Children And the Holidays

The holidays are approaching and those of us who fall into the “midlife women” category likely have adult children who are married or have significant others. Some of us even have grandchildren. All that means is there are now other families within our sphere with whom we have to share our kids and grandkids!

I don’t know about you, but the first year I was faced with this, it was tough. And it had nothing to do with the in-laws or the actual logistics where my kids were on a given holiday. I think it was just one of those “letting go of” moments that I wasn’t emotionally prepared for.

Today’s post is from author and blogger Doreen Mcgettigan. Doreen and her husband have 5 grown children and 13 grandchildren. Here is how their holidays and Doreen’s perspective have grown and changed since those first holidays after her daughters married.


Stress-Free Holidays – Sharing Your Adult Children

I admit to being 100% selfish when it came to the holidays after my daughters got married. Of course, they would be home for each and every holiday with me and their siblings. We lived close by and saw each other nearly every day, but the holidays were different. The attendance of my adult children was a must.

We decided Christmas Eve would be spent at our house and Christmas Day they were free to visit with the in-laws. For Thanksgiving, they would have dinner with us and dessert with the in-laws.

Once my two oldest daughters had babies things started to change. My oldest daughter decided she wanted to have the holidays at her house so she could invite us and her in-laws. She’s the great compromiser. The other daughter’s in-laws were invited too.

We all chipped in by providing side dishes and drinks. I was upset at first but quickly realized how stress-free it was to get dressed, go to her house, enjoy the meal, the babies and then go home to my nice clean kitchen.

It worked out so well that she became the hostess for every single holiday for years.

Then my son got married and it all changed. My daughter-in-law wanted to be with her mother and her siblings for every holiday. Her family had their big celebration on Christmas Eve too. I was in trouble. Not only were holidays different, it was different with their babies too. My daughters called me several times a day while they were expecting. My daughter-in-law called her mother. I was so hurt at first but realized it’s different with daughters. I had to accept her closeness with her mother and realized how my daughter’s mothers-in-laws must have felt over the years. I felt so guilty. I conceded that we would take turns and simply make sure no one in our family was alone for any holiday.



Just to complicate our family more, I remarried and became step-mother to a young man. He often wanted to spend holidays with his mother and his step-sister. I told my husband we would just have him over as often as he could visit and it didn’t make any difference if it was a holiday or not.

What I won’t give up is the one- week family beach vacation we take every year. All the kids, their spouses and the grandchildren are invited. I encourage them all to at least come for a few days if they can’t spend the entire week. The cousins love the opportunity to play together all week. I live for and plan that week all year.

My stepson is still single. I’m sure he will eventually marry and have children and that will be another learning experience for me. We will be sharing him with his mother and his in-laws. I am so grateful his mother and I get along. That makes a big difference. I am again resigned to be happy with whatever time we do spend together and consciously choose to make that time as comfortable as possible so they want to spend time with us.

For me, it’s become all about the memories. With 13 grandchildren it is so important to make the time during the year to make each one of them feel special like they are our favorite. We enjoy coming up with just the right activity for each child. There are opportunities to create those beautiful memories anytime. We simply have to want to and then we must do the work needed to make it possible. We also have to make the time.



This year I want to work on spending more one on one time with my grown children. It’s been all about the grandchildren for so long now, I’m missing the closeness with my kids.

I am not willing to cause strife over attendance at a holiday meal. I am more interested in being part of a family that can get together anytime and make it a memorable holiday.

How do you work out the “sharing” of your kids and grandkids over the holidays? Share in the comments below.

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Adult Children And The Holidays – New Perspectives on Sharing, Part 1 was last modified: November 15th, 2021 by Doreen Mcgettigan
October 19, 2016 51 comments
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Alaskan Cruise Packing List based on what I took and what I actually wore | #cruise #alaskancruise #alaskancruisepackinglist | What to Pack for an Alaskan Cruise
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Packing For An Alaskan Cruise

Mid-summer is the high season for Alaskan cruises. I just returned from the Celebrity Solstice 7-day Tracy Arm Fjord Cruise and must say, it was the trip of a lifetime. I highly recommend it. But trying to PACK for it was a bear! Here’s what I learned about packing for an Alaskan Cruise.

Packing For An Alaskan Cruise

Updated November 1, 2021

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“Dress in Layers” They Said

When I asked people who had been what to take, everyone said “dress in layers”. What did that mean? Did it mean long underwear, ski pants, heavy sweater, thermal socks, fur lined boots, parka, hat, gloves and a scarf? Those are the layers I dressed in on a trip to Germany in December.

Or did it mean, capris, t-shirt and a vest?

Not knowing, I packed EVERYTHING and ended up paying a $100 heavy bag charge. And I only ended up wearing about 1/3 of what I took.



Here’s what you should know about what to wear on Alaskan Cruises:

  • When you are inside on the ship, you can dress like you do at home because you are in a climate-controlled environment.
  • When you are outside on the ship, it will be colder. It’s windy and you will be sailing past glaciers. To just take a walk outside, jeans, sweater and a jacket (I had a leather jacket) will be fine. If you are spending a lot of time outside, bundle up a little more. Maybe a hat, gloves and a scarf.
  • Evenings.  If you are eating in the dining room with the scheduled seating, there is a suggested dress code each night. My regular evening wear consisted of black pants and a nice top – much like I would wear at home to eat out at a nice restaurant. My husband wore slacks and a button down.
  • Most cruises have done away with the “formal night”. Celebrity designates two nights as “evening chic” where a cocktail dress or dressy pants and fancy top are acceptable. I wore nice black pants and a lace top. My husband wore slacks, a button down and sport coat.
  • Shore excursions. On all our shore excursions, the temperatures were mild, ranging from about 55 – 70 degrees. It was windy, so it did feel a little cooler at times. I was fine in jeans and a long sleeved tee with my windbreaker. The windbreaker added a little extra warmth, shielded me against the wind, could have served as raingear if needed and was easily folded up and put in my purse when I took it off. This is my favorite windbreaker because it folds up into its own little pocket. So easy to carry in your bag until you need it without a lot of bulk.



Here is what I packed for our cruise, including a pre-cruise overnight stay in Seattle.

What I packed What I wore Notes
4 light sweaters 3
3 heavy sweaters 1
4 long sleeved tees 4
1 heavy hoodie 0
3 pairs cropped pants 2
1 light weight vest 1
4 pairs jeans 4
2 pairs black slacks 1
3 dressy tops for dinner 3
1 flat sandals 1
1 strappy heels 1
1 pair wedges 1
2 pairs tennis shoes 1 I took 2 in case of rain and one pair got wet. I would do this again.
1 pair black flats 1 Really didn’t need – could have worn tennis shoes.
2 sets workout clothes 1 Only worked out once.
1 warm scarf 0
1 warm hat 0
1 set long underwear 0
15 pairs of socks 7 Was afraid of my feet getting wet. 🙂
1 leather jacket 1
1 Windbreaker 1 Used for every shore excursion.



Other Items to take on an Alaskan Cruise

 

  • Laptop – YES.
  • Chargers – phone, Ipad, Fitbit, laptop & camera – YES.
  • Power Strip – YES . There will only be a couple of plugs in your stateroom. My husband had 2 phones in addition to all my electronics. The couple we travelled with both used a C-Pap Machine, so definitely needed a plug on each side of their bed. The Power Strip is a must.
  • Downy Wrinkle Release – Depending on what clothes you take, this may come in handy. We didn’t need it.
  • Garbage Bags – YES. We used for dirty clothes.
  • Evening Purse – YES.  I used mine on “evening chic” night.
  • Backpack – YES. Great for shore excursions when you are carrying a camera, bottled water, snacks and will be bringing back souvenirs. This is a lightweight one with two bottled water holders on the outside. Very convenient, especially if you are hiking or doing other outdoor activities.
  • Insect Repellant – Was recommended, but we didn’t need it.
  • Headphones or earbuds  – Yes. One of the reasons my husband and I have managed to stay married for 33 years is that we have our own TV’s at home. We had to actually SHARE one for 7 days and since there is not one show in the entire universe that we both like, he could watch what he wanted on the room TV and I watched Netflix on my iPAD with the headphones.



Other things to remember:

  • We were blessed to have absolutely perfect weather and no rain. Not having any rain during a cruise to Alaska is unusual. It was recommended that we take two pairs of walking shoes in case it rained and 1 pair got wet.
  • If you are taking shore excursions where you will be riding outside on a boat or hiking on a glacier, you will need to take some very warm clothes.
  • You will not sweat, so unless you spill something on your clothes or just can’t bring yourself to wear an outfit twice, you CAN wear your clothes twice.
  • You are only wearing your evening clothes for a couple of hours every night, so you can wear them again. Believe me – no one will notice.
  • I wore the same “evening chic” outfit both nights.

If you’ve been on an Alaskan cruise, is there anything I missed?

If you’ll be taking an Alaskan cruise, are you wondering about something you are planning to take?

Leave your responses in the comments! I respond to all comments.

You might also like:

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Alaskan Cruise Packing List based on what I took and what I actually wore | #cruise #alaskancruise #alaskancruisepackinglist | What to Pack for an Alaskan Cruise
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Packing For An Alaskan Cruise was last modified: November 1st, 2021 by Cathy Lawdanski
July 12, 2016 127 comments
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About Me

About Me

Cathy Lawdanski

My name is Cathy. I am an over 50 wife, mother and grandmother who is embracing new challenges and adventures that come from being on "this side" of 50. Join me on the journey!

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