It’s HOT! So, I want to show you my plan for feeling chic in a heatwave. I thought I knew what I was in for… having lived through Florida summers in the past. But perhaps it’s a bit like the amnesia you get after childbirth.
There are other favorite things, too, like the beautiful wedding we went to last weekend (and the shoes that allowed me to dance throughout the reception), an embarrassingly easy dessert and more. Annie and Cindy are sharing their finds too!
1. A Lovely Traditional Wedding In Madison, NJ
Last weekend, Howard and I flew to New Jersey to go to my cousin, Patricia’s daughter’s wedding. It was a moving and uplifting experience. Weeks before, the priest had the engaged couple write in their own words why they wanted to marry the other. They hadn’t seen or heard what each had written.
So, it was new to all of us when the priest read aloud the sentiments about why each wanted to make this commitment. The congregation was touched. I’m getting a lump in my throat thinking about it.
It gives you optimism about the future.
Everyone looked gorgeous. And isn’t Patricia in the rose dress is stunning? We grew up together in San Bernardino, California. Since I am a couple years older, I got to boss her around…and boy did we laugh a lot as kids. Still do! My father and her father were close brothers.
Patricia and her husband, Jim danced a lot at our daughter’s Los Angeles wedding party. I don’t need much encouragement to dance at a party either. Just the right shoes…
2. Put On Your Dancing Shoes
I wore high heels to the church ceremony and quickly knew that they were not going to work if I wanted to really “cut a rug” at the reception.
These lower heeled nude sandals by Vince from Nordstrom Rack were perfect.
They go with everything.
And I did do a lot of dancing!
3. How To Look Chic In A Heatwave
Have you ever bought anything from Tuckernut? I like the quality and have the dress below in this pattern. It’s cute how the top two buttons that are exposed are covered in fabric. I ordered an Xsmall (they come in XXS to XXXL).
“Choose from over 200 brands of clothing for ladies, gentlemen, plus home decor and find dozens of hand- picked styles.”
In this climate during the Summer, I see a lot of pony tails in my future. I bought the ties…to have plenty in stock. I’m on the look out for statement earrings like these that still cover the earlobe hole (mine is stretched from heavy earrings in the ’80s) and are lightweight.
4. Faux Plants On Sale At Target
I don’t see the sale online but in the store, they were having a 40% off sale! The ficus trees don’t look real enough to tempt me but the snake plants do!
If I buy a couple of snake plants, I would put some moss at the base to make them seem even more real.
5. Simple Oatmeal and Salted Caramel Ice Cream Sandwiches
This simple/decadent/healthy (eye roll) summer dessert takes seconds to make with freshly baked small oatmeal cookies from the bakery (these are delish from Publix) and a scoop of premium ice cream like vanilla with salted caramel and toffee chips. Portion control if you eat just one.
You make them ahead, wrap and freeze until ready to serve.
If you are new here, each Sunday I share my top five favorite things along with my friends, Cindy and Annie. It’s like our weekly “catch-up” phone call. If you would like to receive this series every week, please sign up HERE.
Let’s see what Annie and Cindy’s Five Faves are this week:
Cindy Hattersley Design
Most Lovely Things
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Mary Ann,
If it makes you feel better, it’s hot and humid here in SoCal as well. I guess Mother Nature wants to adhere to the season change from spring to summer. I love the blue and white dress by Tukernuck, and the sandals. I hope it cools for you and me. 🙂
Karen B.
Mary Ann have you received the striped dress yet and if so, where does the length hit you? It doesn’t state any length on the website. It looks short but maybe it would be knees length on a shorter person, looks comfy,
Rose, the XS hits just to the top of my knees and I am 5′ 1″
Starry eyed over your cousin’s daughters wedding. Absolutely stunning … the beautiful bride, and groom … and Patricia’s entire look. Gorgeous. Love your shoes for dancing … they look incredibly comfortable and will go with everything. I may get them for my nieces wedding in August. No more blisters for me. I don’t envy you the summer, Southern heat … but you’ll look cool as a cucumber in this pretty outfit. I just ordered in the dress. I hope it’s not too short on me. My legs … oof. But, fingers crossed plus a little tan and I should be good to go! xo
I think if you get the Small in the dress it will be longer, Juliet.
Mary Ann, Looks like a beautiful wedding. They do restore your hope in future generations and do the soul good right? Love this Tuckernuck dress! I bought this last year in blue and it’s been so nice to have. We have been having cool 70’s all week, but I think this week we are having a heatwave. You may have to get reacclimatized after being in San Francisco for so long! I feel like summer sweaters are our thing lately.
I have the same issue with my ears and my mom would complain about it… Now I get it. Sleeping on your side with your ear bent is another issue that makes mine look badly. I’m with you, I an even afraid to get botox..
I love this dessert and going to do this next time we have people over. Such a great idea for summer! xo
Beautiful wedding photos, you have attended a lot of weddings in the last year or so!
I think a lot of women have issues from wearing those heavy earrings in the 80’s. My daughter tore my earlobe when she was about a year and a half, from yanking on one of my earrings. Eventually a plastic surgeon did a repair but the girl that re pierced it did it too close to the torn area so I ended up with a large hole there anyway and avoided heavy earrings for a long time. 6 months before my daughter’s wedding I had both ears re pierced in a new spot so I could wear some statement earrings!
Those ice cream sandwiches look divine.
Linda
P.S. Enjoyed all your vacation photos!
Ouch, Linda…I got the visual of your earring being pulled by your baby! I guess it’s time to get my ears fixed!
I love your sweet posts about the wedding. The wedding weekend went much too fast. It was so fun having you and Howard here to celebrate with us. I miss you already and I can’t wait to visit you in Atlantic Beach this Fall.
Let’s get it on your calendar, Patricia. And can you tell us where you got your beautiful dress?
I lived in Atlantic Beach for years and the heat was brutal then. It’s been over 100 or hovering around it for days, I am already ready for Fall.
I love the dress from Tuckernuck, they have so many great pieces.
Your dessert looks delicious! I will have to try this!
Have a wonderful week Mary Ann!
Same to you, Elizabeth. I am off to read your Saturday post!
I would love to hear your thoughts on how you chose Atlantic Beach to settle in. We moved to NC four years ago and have been exploring the many beaches in the State, but haven’t been to Atlantic Beach yet. Could you share your thoughts about that area? Thanks for the great tips on summer wear!
We love it here. It’s very low-keyed and friendly. The beach is beautiful and it has a cute little town center with good restaurant and shops…all within biking distance…and we just bought a golf cart!
You aren’t kidding about the heat in Florida! We’re on the Gulf side but it’s been pretty brutal the last two days. I really like your idea of a ponytail and light-weight statement earrings. I felt maybe I’m past ponytails but with the larger earrings I think it would look age appropriate and maybe hide that slightly sagging jawline! Ha! And the Unseen Sunscreen is AMAZING! Even if your skin is on the oily side or you’re in very humid conditions it stays matte. Will be checking those Target snake plants and hope they’re still on sale.
I don’t think you are ever too old for ponytails…especially low ones, Kelly.
I had my ears don’t too. You won’t regret having yours done.
Just curious, what kind of dancing do you do? My Husband and I are taking swing, and shag lessons.
How fun. We do swing…I am not sure what shag is. I’ll look it up.
Ice cream cookie sandwiches? Yes, please! Great idea for the hot Southern California days ahead. Enjoy your day!
Same for Florida!!!
I too had the long hole in my earlobes from the heavy earrings and the phone pressed against the earring at work. I had the holes repaired long ago and I’m so glad I did. It’s simple out patient surgery so you can drive yourself to and from. Get it done ASAP you will be so glad to see your earrings in the right place again! Happy Sunday!
Thanks for the encouragement. I don’t know why I have been chicken to do it!
Patricia’s dress is gorgeous! Do you know where she purchased it and what is the length?
It is floor length. I can ask where she bought it, April.