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Yesterday I was admiring how pretty my peonies were. I love peonies, they smell heavenly, and they have the most amazing huge blooms. They have to rank close to the top as my favorite flower of all time, but there are a few things that I don’t like about them. Ants! Peonies always have ants all over them. I have heard, but never bothered to check to make sure that it was true, that peonies need ants to bloom. I heard that the ants pick at the flower buds and that they help to get the flower to bloom. Maybe you know the answer, but all that I know is, it is tough to cut a bouquet and bring them in the house without having ants hitching a ride. ?????
The other thing that I don’t like about peonies is the short blooming time. They only bloom for about a week, maybe two weeks if you are fortunate. But, I swear that every year when they are in their full glory, the rains start. It never fails to downpour when the flowers start blooming, and their petals all fall off, or they lay over on the ground. Thankfully, I at least grabbed a photo of them yesterday in full bloom. When I woke up this morning, I heard the rain beating down, and immediately thought about my peonies. Lol! Here are a couple of photos for you to enjoy.
Be sure to tell me what your favorite flower is and why you love it.
How many of you follow me on Instagram? If you do, then you might have seen me wearing this top on Instastories. I went on stories to tell everyone about the giveaway that I am doing on Instagram. Each week I’ll be giving away a new item, and this week the item is Lilly Pulitzer sunglasses. To enter to win the sunglasses, you need to follow me on Instagram (HERE) and like all of my daily photos for the week, and also leave a comment each day. That is it, and then I’ll announce a winner each Monday. Next week I’ll be giving away the Zanzibar hoop earrings that I wore (HERE), so make sure that you are following me on Instagram.
Wait, I have on the Zanzibar hoop earrings right now. Lol! I thought that I had on a pair of Kendra Scott earrings until I looked closer. Haha! These are a great size to get you noticed, but they aren’t huge. They also have a small amount of crystals on them that give off sparkles so that people will look at your face. HERE is the link to the earrings. The Reid necklace is my newest piece of jewelry. I love the longer style of the necklace and the large ivory mother of pearl pendant. Also, I just saw that it is on sale 20% off, so now is a great time to indulge in some retail therapy. HERE is the link to the necklace. And, my last jewelry addition is my Fallyn cuff bracelet. I wear this bracelet ALL THE TIME, and it is also on sale!!! HERE is the link to that too.
I bet that most of you have already guessed that my top is from Lilly Pulitzer. The gorgeous color and print are a dead giveaway that it is a Lilly item. The Nevie off the shoulder top is so pretty that I fell in love with it the moment that I saw it. But, the real seller for me was that it has straps on the inside of the top that hold the sleeves in place. When you raise your arms, the off the shoulder look stays in place!!! I will admit that this is on the top end of what I will spend for a top, but I know that I’ll be able to wear this for years and it makes me feel pretty. I am wearing a medium in the top, and it fits me great. The top comes in one more color, so be sure to check them both out. HERE is the link to the Nevie top.
I originally ordered this top to wear with shorts, but since the weather isn’t cooperating, I decided that I would wear the top with my new white straight crop jeans. These are from Ann Taylor factory, and this was the first time that I had ordered from the store. I will say that the shipping has been slow. I ordered about six items, and this is the only thing that I’ve gotten yet. My mother mentioned that Old Navy was also slow shipping, so consider that if you have someplace that you need to wear it to. I ordered my regular size 10, and the jeans fit me great. They are nice, and the pockets don’t show through, which is the first thing that I check when it comes to white pants. Also, these are super cheap, but they are also limited on sizes. HERE is the link to these jeans, and I’ll try to link to a couple of others just in case your size is sold out.
Did you notice my new doormat??? I ordered this a couple of weeks ago, and it finally came yesterday. I am thrilled with how nice it looks, but it is so thick that I have stubbed my toe several times, taking photos. Lol! It will take me a while to get used to how thick the mat is. The store is having a 20% off sitewide sale, so if you would like something to spruce up your outdoor space, this would be the time to buy. HERE is the link to the mat, and I bought the 48″ version.
I know that I just got finished celebrating my birthday, but it is time for me to start celebrating again! My Rodanniversary is the 23rd, and I am celebrating FOUR years with Rodan + Fields. You know that when I celebrate – YOU get the rewards. SO, I am going to have a Facebook event that I created, and you can join the event by clicking HERE and request to be added. I won’t be posting anything until the 23rd, but I wanted to give everyone a chance to get into the group before I started posting. Once you are in the group, tell me something about yourself. Where you live or what you do, work, retired, etc. Sharing would be nice also, so be sure to invite all of your friends to this group!
Speaking of sharing…
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I want to thank all of you who are sharing my posts on Facebook and Instagram!!! That has really made a huge difference in the traffic coming to my blog. ALSO, all of you who are pinning my photos on Pinterest, my traffic has doubled! Please, keep up the great work, everyone!!! ?
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I want to know how you pronounce peonies. I am from Missouri, but my father was from Tazewell county in Virginia. I have heard it pronounced “pe-oh-nees”, pee-ah-nees and finally “pie-nees. How do you pronounce it your part of the world?
I just had to tell you that great minds think alike! I ordered a monogram doormat from Frontgate last week and it just arrived today! It is my second one from them. The one I bought from them about 5 years ago is losing some of the black paint so our “F” it’s almost not visible anymore. But I feel like we got a lot of use out of it and that it was time for a refresh. I had to laugh at what you said about tripping over the thing. My husband and I had tripped so many times over that mat that I almost returned it. But we slowly got used to it and now we don’t have any issues. It’s just when guests they almost fall into our arms as they’re coming in the house! LOL!!
Lol!!! That makes me feel better. They are very thick, and they should last quite a long time! I am thinking about taking advantage of the sale and ordering one the large one for my atrium doors.
Tania, I’m glad this outfit makes you feel pretty, because it makes you look beautiful! There is something about peonies, they are such a feminine and beautiful flower. Love how this top brightens them up and modernizes them! Fantastic! I’m not usually one for off the shoulder, but I may have to rethink that now.
I love gardenias because they are so beautiful and smell heavenly. .however..they start turning yellow really fast and then brown if you don’t constantly pick the old ones off. Just too much trouble so I replaced my bush with pots I can change. I love this blouse and it does make you look pretty. It’s time for pretty colors and pink, Aqua, yellow, citrus colors just cheer me up.
Good morning. I am a straight body type I am having major issues trying to find jeans that fit and look nice. I have cankles and everything is tight in the calves. Ugh trying the white jeans you featured here.
Have a blessed day
Cindy
Ps will you be changing the nane on your blog to 60 is not old? ?
Cindy, I have large calves also. When I sit down, the jeans rise up, then I have a hard time getting them back down. Lol! I was just talking to Joe about this very thing this morning.
Obnoxiously, I want to know about your HAIR! How does it look so good still?? Is your stylist/colorist coming to you? (Masks on of course.) I’m suffering…
Haha! I was so lucky that I had my hair done a day or 2 before the shops had to close down. We decided to change my hair so that my gray, which is mostly on the sides, wouldn’t show as much. Then, I have been incorporating a purple shampoo every so often to try and brighten up my blond hair and keep it blended in with my gray. We also shortened my hair so that it could grow and still not be an issue. I do have an appt to go to my hairdresser on the 4th, and that will be great!!!
That top is GORGEOUS and looks fabulous on you! I disagree with the “certain age” comment. If you can rock it and feel comfy and confident – do it! I saw your link to the nipple covers. I am also large chested. Do these provide support as well?
I love that top and the colors are gorgeous!! Also love the doormat. My favorite flowers are African Violets, however they are so hard to grow/maintain and I do not have a good enough green thumb for them. Have a great day!!!
Gayle, you are right about African Violets. They are temperamental. My best suggestion for them is to water them from the bottom. Set them in your sink with a couple of inches of water and let them soak it up.
I am also a lover of peonies, but like you mentioned, they just don’t last long enough. I’ve never heard that about the ants and would be curious to know if it is true…I still don’t like them, even if they are helpful. Hydrangeas would be the next on my list of flowers. If I want something to cheer me up and want to treat myself to fresh cut flowers, I pick me up a bouquet of daisies. Daisies are such “happy” flowers and they never fail to lift my spirits. Love your outfit…definitely feminine and very pretty.
Oooh, I love hydrangeas also. Someone bought me a small one from a grocery store. I planted it outside and it is now huge and so pretty when it blooms.
Peonies exude a sap that attracts the ants. They don’t help open the flower. They should be picked in the marshmallow stage for longest vase life and the ants can be rinsed off before bringing them in. Love the top and your shoulders look great.
LOVE LOVE LOVE this top! And earrings and total look! This just brightens you up and me seeing it!
Thank YOU!
ps I am of an age it wouldn’t look the best on me but still love it!
Peonies are my favorite flower, you can put out a shorter tomato cage when they start coming up and they will fair better in the rain. You look beautiful in the lovely colors of this top!
Lilly Pulitzer gets me ever time. I think it’s the colors but I love everything. This top is beautiful. My favorite flower is the tulip. I think it’s because they are so simple but come in so many different colors.
Tania, you look beautiful in this top! The bright colors are so cheerful, I’m sure it puts you in a good mood just wearing it! I was wondering if you are still doing intermittent fasting. I’ve been doing it for a year, and absolutely love it.
I have been waiting to eat until the afternoon, but I’ve not been doing good at stopping eating at 7:00. I think that it is because the sun is still shining outside and I feel like it is early. I need to get it back under control.
I’m new to your website, and if I can make a comment…I think you look wonderful doing IF, and I see a noticeable change from older posts. Your face is thinner and your eyes are brighter and more “open” if that makes sense. I belong to Gin Stephens DDD Facebook page, and these types of changes happen all the time! I wait until the early afternoon as well, but I know I eat too much in my window at times. These are very stressful times, and I’m trying to be forgiving and patient with myself. Anyway, I adore your blog, love your style, and really appreciate your ability to make low cost clothing look like a million!! Now, off to buy that KS Fallyn cuff using your link!
I started with Gin’s Delay, Don’t Deny in January, and I did great until this COVID started messing with my mind. It is like I need to eat feel-good crap, and I can’t seem to get it back under control. You will love that Fallyn bracelet, especially since it is on sale!
Daffodils and peonies are my favorites. I have read that soaking the blossoms before bringing them in should get rid of the ants. I will try that this year.
I absolutely love this outfit! I can understand why you would feel pretty!
I totally disagree with the other comment about a “certain age” I feel that it is very appropriate!
But, I have a major question…I know/think that you have a bra on so can you please tell me what one and is is comfortable? I have been having a hard time in the last few years trying different strapless bra’s that I don’t have to keep pulling and tugging up.
So any input would be great.
Thanks for sharing!
You look amazing!
Paula, I hate strapless bras also. I pull and tug, and I am always afraid that they are slipping down. Or, they are so tight that they are cutting into my skin. I use Hollywood Fashion Tape Silicon covers. I am big chested, so these work great for me. I’ve tried other brands, but these don’t show anything. You can wear them with anything and feel confident that nipples aren’t showing. https://rstyle.me/+v3iS7cNIhYr5JpsGC67yYA
Pretty! I love sunflowers and lavender, partly because of their color but also because they remind me of growing up in France. And I love the scent of lavender. http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
You do look nice in that top, the colors are lovely, but… I think after a “certain age” off the shoulder is really not appropriate to wear. Maybe perhaps for formal wear but that’s it
Erin, fashion is what “you” want to wear. It represents “you” and your style. So, there is no “certain age” but instead, how you want to present yourself. I love the off-the-shoulder look, and if I will wear a tank top or tops that have the thin straps, why not off the shoulder?
I want to know how you pronounce peonies. I am from Missouri, but my father was from Tazewell county in Virginia. I have heard it pronounced “pe-oh-nees”, pee-ah-nees and finally “pie-nees. How do you pronounce it your part of the world?
? you are so right. There are several ways to say the name. I use the first version.
I think you always take it up a notch (glow) when you wear spring colors. If you have beautiful shoulders, show ’em off! Very cute outfit on you.
I agree, Pamela! We do not have to shrink back into the corner.
I just had to tell you that great minds think alike! I ordered a monogram doormat from Frontgate last week and it just arrived today! It is my second one from them. The one I bought from them about 5 years ago is losing some of the black paint so our “F” it’s almost not visible anymore. But I feel like we got a lot of use out of it and that it was time for a refresh. I had to laugh at what you said about tripping over the thing. My husband and I had tripped so many times over that mat that I almost returned it. But we slowly got used to it and now we don’t have any issues. It’s just when guests they almost fall into our arms as they’re coming in the house! LOL!!
Lol!!! That makes me feel better. They are very thick, and they should last quite a long time! I am thinking about taking advantage of the sale and ordering one the large one for my atrium doors.
Thank you for sharing those glorious peonies!
Love this outfit on you. The pants are very flattering.
Thanks!
Tania, I’m glad this outfit makes you feel pretty, because it makes you look beautiful! There is something about peonies, they are such a feminine and beautiful flower. Love how this top brightens them up and modernizes them! Fantastic! I’m not usually one for off the shoulder, but I may have to rethink that now.
It took me a while before I embraced the OTS look, but now I love it.
I love the front door mat! I love that website too! I’ve never seen that company and now I’m addicted! Thanks!
They have some gorgeous stuff!
I love gardenias because they are so beautiful and smell heavenly. .however..they start turning yellow really fast and then brown if you don’t constantly pick the old ones off. Just too much trouble so I replaced my bush with pots I can change. I love this blouse and it does make you look pretty. It’s time for pretty colors and pink, Aqua, yellow, citrus colors just cheer me up.
Yes, these colors brighten my mood immensely!
Good morning. I am a straight body type I am having major issues trying to find jeans that fit and look nice. I have cankles and everything is tight in the calves. Ugh trying the white jeans you featured here.
Have a blessed day
Cindy
Ps will you be changing the nane on your blog to 60 is not old? ?
Cindy
Cindy, I have large calves also. When I sit down, the jeans rise up, then I have a hard time getting them back down. Lol! I was just talking to Joe about this very thing this morning.
Obnoxiously, I want to know about your HAIR! How does it look so good still?? Is your stylist/colorist coming to you? (Masks on of course.) I’m suffering…
Haha! I was so lucky that I had my hair done a day or 2 before the shops had to close down. We decided to change my hair so that my gray, which is mostly on the sides, wouldn’t show as much. Then, I have been incorporating a purple shampoo every so often to try and brighten up my blond hair and keep it blended in with my gray. We also shortened my hair so that it could grow and still not be an issue. I do have an appt to go to my hairdresser on the 4th, and that will be great!!!
That top is GORGEOUS and looks fabulous on you! I disagree with the “certain age” comment. If you can rock it and feel comfy and confident – do it! I saw your link to the nipple covers. I am also large chested. Do these provide support as well?
No support, only coverage. I did see that they have “lift” tape, but I haven’t tried that since I don’t have that much to lift. Lol!
I recently read about someone having peonies all summer long by storing them in the refrigerator!
This explains how to do it…enjoy!
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/storing_peonies_to_bloom_at_a_later_date
What!!! I am off to read this right now.
I love that top and the colors are gorgeous!! Also love the doormat. My favorite flowers are African Violets, however they are so hard to grow/maintain and I do not have a good enough green thumb for them. Have a great day!!!
Gayle, you are right about African Violets. They are temperamental. My best suggestion for them is to water them from the bottom. Set them in your sink with a couple of inches of water and let them soak it up.
That does it! I have to buy a Lilly Pulitzer top! If one of those bright, beautiful tops doesn’t put you in a good mood, nothing will! Love the post!
You are right, Sally! Wearing these tops will lift your spirt!!!
I am also a lover of peonies, but like you mentioned, they just don’t last long enough. I’ve never heard that about the ants and would be curious to know if it is true…I still don’t like them, even if they are helpful. Hydrangeas would be the next on my list of flowers. If I want something to cheer me up and want to treat myself to fresh cut flowers, I pick me up a bouquet of daisies. Daisies are such “happy” flowers and they never fail to lift my spirits. Love your outfit…definitely feminine and very pretty.
Oooh, I love hydrangeas also. Someone bought me a small one from a grocery store. I planted it outside and it is now huge and so pretty when it blooms.
Peonies exude a sap that attracts the ants. They don’t help open the flower. They should be picked in the marshmallow stage for longest vase life and the ants can be rinsed off before bringing them in. Love the top and your shoulders look great.
I still have some in that stage, so I am going to pick me a bundle today! Thanks for the info.
LOVE LOVE LOVE this top! And earrings and total look! This just brightens you up and me seeing it!
Thank YOU!
ps I am of an age it wouldn’t look the best on me but still love it!
I love this look too!
Peonies are my favorite flower, you can put out a shorter tomato cage when they start coming up and they will fair better in the rain. You look beautiful in the lovely colors of this top!
Every year I swear that I am going to put a tomato cage around them, but I always forget. Haha
Lilly Pulitzer gets me ever time. I think it’s the colors but I love everything. This top is beautiful. My favorite flower is the tulip. I think it’s because they are so simple but come in so many different colors.
I have always liked Lilly tops from afar, but I have only recently started buying some tops. I love them!!! Tulips are pretty too.
Tania, you look beautiful in this top! The bright colors are so cheerful, I’m sure it puts you in a good mood just wearing it! I was wondering if you are still doing intermittent fasting. I’ve been doing it for a year, and absolutely love it.
I have been waiting to eat until the afternoon, but I’ve not been doing good at stopping eating at 7:00. I think that it is because the sun is still shining outside and I feel like it is early. I need to get it back under control.
I’m new to your website, and if I can make a comment…I think you look wonderful doing IF, and I see a noticeable change from older posts. Your face is thinner and your eyes are brighter and more “open” if that makes sense. I belong to Gin Stephens DDD Facebook page, and these types of changes happen all the time! I wait until the early afternoon as well, but I know I eat too much in my window at times. These are very stressful times, and I’m trying to be forgiving and patient with myself. Anyway, I adore your blog, love your style, and really appreciate your ability to make low cost clothing look like a million!! Now, off to buy that KS Fallyn cuff using your link!
I started with Gin’s Delay, Don’t Deny in January, and I did great until this COVID started messing with my mind. It is like I need to eat feel-good crap, and I can’t seem to get it back under control. You will love that Fallyn bracelet, especially since it is on sale!
Daffodils and peonies are my favorites. I have read that soaking the blossoms before bringing them in should get rid of the ants. I will try that this year.
Arna, that sounds like a plan. Mine are sure soaked right now, Lol!
I absolutely love this outfit! I can understand why you would feel pretty!
I totally disagree with the other comment about a “certain age” I feel that it is very appropriate!
But, I have a major question…I know/think that you have a bra on so can you please tell me what one and is is comfortable? I have been having a hard time in the last few years trying different strapless bra’s that I don’t have to keep pulling and tugging up.
So any input would be great.
Thanks for sharing!
You look amazing!
Paula, I hate strapless bras also. I pull and tug, and I am always afraid that they are slipping down. Or, they are so tight that they are cutting into my skin. I use Hollywood Fashion Tape Silicon covers. I am big chested, so these work great for me. I’ve tried other brands, but these don’t show anything. You can wear them with anything and feel confident that nipples aren’t showing.
https://rstyle.me/+v3iS7cNIhYr5JpsGC67yYA
Pretty! I love sunflowers and lavender, partly because of their color but also because they remind me of growing up in France. And I love the scent of lavender.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
I love smelling lavender too, but it has to be real lavender from the flower and not from a bottle.
You do look nice in that top, the colors are lovely, but… I think after a “certain age” off the shoulder is really not appropriate to wear. Maybe perhaps for formal wear but that’s it
Erin, fashion is what “you” want to wear. It represents “you” and your style. So, there is no “certain age” but instead, how you want to present yourself. I love the off-the-shoulder look, and if I will wear a tank top or tops that have the thin straps, why not off the shoulder?