Dear Readers
Welcome to my weekly Living Well This Week letter where I share not only what I’ve been up to, but also ideas and information I’ve discovered during the week to help us all Live Well and Enjoy Life.
I’m enjoying writing my Living Well This Week letters to you and revisiting what I’ve done since my last letter.
Living Well This Week – July 17
Out and About
Two highlights this week – catching up with a friend, enjoying High Tea and going to see Tina The Musical.
Do you have a friend who you don’t see in person often, but when you do it seems only like yesterday?
The highlight of the week was catching up with my dear friend, Debbie Harris from Deb’s World. Deb and I have know each other for quite some time, after meeting through our blogs. She is very special to me and each time she visits Brisbane, we try to catch up and spend time together. This time, we enjoyed a delicious High Tea at French and More Cafe. The food was delicious and we chatted easily for over 2 hours on a range of topics and could have easily chatted for another few hours. I’m looking forward to the next time and wished we lived closer.
Tina the Musical
Sunday evening Mike and I went to see Tina the Musical based on the life of Tina Turner. My friend had seen it in Sydney last year and raved about it. It was absolutely fantastic. ‘Tina’ was spot on and had all of Tina Turner’s moves, her voice and her mannerisms. We felt elated when we left and it was a wonderful experience being in a Concert Hall with everyone up on their feet dancing, singing, applauding – I didn’t want it to end. Watch the video and it will lift your mood for sure! If you have the opportunity to see this show grab it with both hands. I’d love to go again!
The Women Living Well After 50 Podcast has a new home
I’ve been mulling over whether to keep doing the Podcast. I love it but like all things there comes a time when it can feel like a responsibility rather than enjoyment. With my current host, the free version only holds recordings for a short time. I currently pay a monthly fee but everything adds up and because I don’t make any money from my blog or podcast I need to question if the monthly fee is worth it.
Enter Substack – some of my blogging friends including Denyse Whelan and Jennifer Jones (The Retirement Phase) transferred their websites over to this platform some time ago. It is free and when I looked into it, they have a podcast section which is also free and the content remains yours without time restrictions.
I’ve transferred my podcast over to Substack for the time being so it has a new home. You can still find it on your usual podcast apps such as Apple and Spotify but you can also subscribe to the podcast or have a direct link here. At this stage I will only post my weekly Living Well Letter to Substack and continue my current website. Pop over and take a look.
https://substack.com/@womenlivingwellafter50
Health and Wellbeing
- I continue my visits to the physio on Mondays as part of a four week program with pleasing results, taking sessions in the Strong Healthy Women Virtual studio as well as joining in with the ladies for a three Strength sessions myself. As well as my weekly Saturday long run with my friend.
- I enjoyed another session of Yogalates in the Park and my body, mind and spirit feel so good when we finish.
- This week I tried an Online Step Class which was challenging but fun. I purchased a Stepper from K-Mart and did two back-to-back step classes from the Get Healthy U TV platform. You really need to have good core strength to stay balanced on the step and ensure your foot is completely on the step for stability. When they started doing turns I was a little lost but it is just a matter of letting your feet do the moving and keeping your brain focused. The next day my calves let me know I’d done a workout. It was a great cardio session too.
- Week 2 down and into Week 3 of our Daily Exercise Challenge. I’m loving how everyone is posting what they have done, inspiring and motivating the other members. Here is the link to the FB Group and I’d love you to join us. We can motivate and support each other to stay active and fit over 50. WLWA50 – DAILY EXERCISE CHALLENGE | Facebook.
Fashion
It was time for another Style Imitating Art Fashion Challenge and this time the painting was ‘Going to Market’ by Constant Troyan. For my third attempt at the SIA challenge, I really had to think about. Nothing from my wardrobe immediately sprang to mind so I spent a few days mulling over how I would approach the challenge. I had decided on a black and white outfit and would try to recreate the moodiness of the painting with some photo editing.
Don’t you love it when you find an item of clothing you had forgotten about? Searching my wardrobe, I discovered this jacket which I haven’t worn very often but was perfect from a tonal point of view to capture this challenge. You can see from the close up it matches the colours in the painting perfectly.
Pop over and see what I wore and if I nailed the challenge in your opinion? SIA Fashion Challenge – Going to Market – Constant Troyan – Women Living Well After 50
A Question for You – Do you have an ‘SKI’ Mindset?
This recent SBS Insight program certainly stirred up the viewers who took to social media with plenty of negative comments against the couple and ‘boomers’ in general. Are these comments justified do you think? Read the story and let me know your thoughts. For me, I don’t consider myself having an SKI mindset but I do want to make the most of life and what it has to offer.
Watching and Reading
What have you been watching lately? We watched the psychological thriller, ‘Insomnia’ starring Vicky McLure from ‘In the Line of Duty’ and ‘Triggerpoint’ fame. Adapted from Sarah Pinborough’s 2022 novel, the synopsis is A mother approaching her 40th birthday must investigate her past as she develops insomnia.
Vicky McLure plays Emma, married with two children and a successful legal career on the eve of her 40th birthday. As usual, McLure plays a very intense role and it certainly was gripping, especially the last episode when most of your questions are answered – but are they? I really enjoyed it even on the edge of my seat!
Reading
I love British crime series and cozy crime series so I was delighted to find yet another detective series – Detectives King and Lane series by Victoria Jenkins. Looking back through my Goodreads I have read another of her books – The Argument. ‘The Girls in the Water’ is Book 1 in this series where we are introduced to Detective Alex King and Dectective Chole Lane.
A young woman is found dead in the river and then when another girl is found dead in the water, it is a race against time for the two detectives. However, Detective Chloe Lane also has other things on her mind which affects her performance in the case.
A mystery, crime genre I rated this book 4-stars. It will certainly keep your guessing.
This week on the Women Living Well After 50 Podcast my guest was Helen Baker, Financial Advisor and Author of On Your Own Two Feet . We discussed Finding Financial Freedom and Independence in Retirement.
So that was my week, over to you, what have you been up to this week? I’d love to hear from you…..
Have a lovely week!
23 Comments
Snap Sue! We both posted about our catch up – was it really a week ago today that we met up? I really enjoyed our catch up and wish we lived closer. You’re a lovely friend and a great supporter.
Well done on moving your podcasts over to Substack, that’s a real win for you and you always have so much to offer your readers. Your style imitating art posts are so fun and creative, you wear clothes very well!
That article about having a SKI mindset was interesting and obviously upset a few people although many people I know share similar thoughts but maybe not so pushy or out there with it.
I’m so glad you enjoyed watching Tina, I’ve heard great things about it. It’s always fun to ctahc up with your weekly updates. #TeamWwwhimsy
Hi Deb, of course our catch up would have been the highlight of both our weeks. I’m still not sure about Substack but I’ve made the move so I will see how it progresses. Tina was fantastic x
I honestly had no idea you and Debbie lived so far away from each other! But, what fun to meet over high tea! I haven’t seen Tina…it was just here…and, now I’m sorry I missed it. I read the article about SKI. First, I didn’t know that was a thing! Second, I see nothing wrong with opting to do that if it’s what you want to do. My son’s FIL has said they intend to spend every penny they have because they put their kids through college and so they’re done. I’m hoping we have something left, but if we don’t, all of our kids are financially set anyway. One of the things the woman said really struck me…if they didn’t do it while they were able, then they never would. Those words are so true as I’m finding out. Of course, we lost those years to Covid when we would have been traveling. Then, Mike broke an ankle, developed a chronic gut problem, and now is in need of both hips being replaced. So, I think we’ve lost that magical window of traveling the world. He doesn’t feel the need nor does he feel he’s up to it. I don’t feel that way at all. There are still so many places to go and things to do. I think I may learn how to travel by myself because I’m not spending the next several years staying home and getting old.
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
Hi Marsha, yes we don’t live close by so that is why it is always so special catching up. I’ve also been fortunate to meet Donna from Retirement Reflections when our cruise ship docked at Vancouver Island, several years ago. I understand where Mike is coming from and really, most men seem to be like that. My Mike is still keen to travel but isn’t as mobile as he once was. We went on a river cruise last year and met a gorgeous couple from Texas. On Day 2 he got sick and she spent the whole 7 days trying to get medication etc. It was so sad that she missed out on the day tours. Life is short though so you go and enjoy your time in England and Scotland. x
Hi, Sue – I absolutely LOVE your opening photos. Two of my favourite people in one place! And the High Tea was simply icing on the cake! 😀
TIna the Musical also sounds absolutely fabulous.
Thank you for your leadership on the Daily Exercise Challenge. It makes a very positive difference. Exercising alone is good for us, but exercising with friends (as this group provides) is even better!
Yes it was wonderful catching up with Deb, and she was saying she may try to get to see you next year – how wonderful! I still remember our time together with great fondness and hopefully one day we can meet again. x
Hi Sue. I started Substack as an experiment and.was surprised at how much it suits me. I read those SKI comments and saw it on insight. I’m not really militant about it but do tend to agree. I will be spending whatever it takes to have the life I want. I love the photos of you and Deb.
Hi Jen, I still don’t fully understand Substack but having free hosting for the podcast is a bonus so I will give it a try. Enjoy your holiday up north. x
Hi Sue and wow – what a week! You sure do pack a lot in. Firstly love the photos of you and Deb at your catchup. So glad you caught up and the high tea would have been an enjoyable way to do it. Great idea to more your Podcast to SubStack if it’s free there. I didn’t know that – not that I have a podcast anyway. I would LOVE to go to Tina the Musical. Not sure if there’s any more tickets available or who would go with me or if I’d find the time but I know I’d love it. I wish I could fit in as much exercise as you do. Mine has suffered badly this week – with being away and then having my Aunt here. I’ll try and do better next week. Thanks again for helping me out again this week. Mum isn’t doing well so things are all up in the air for me right now so I think #TeamWWWhimsy is very timely. Take care and thanks for your kindness Sue and support of #WWWhimsy. xo
Hi Min, yes I was surprised to find that Substack host for free so I’m giving that a try. If it doesn’t work well I can always go back to Buzzsprout. It was so lovely catching up with Debbie for a delicious High Tea and I look forward to booking something in with you when life is a little easier for you. I’m sorry your Mum isn’t doing well but do what you have to do and Deb and I have your back. x
How lovely to meet up with Debbie and catch up! The high tea looks lovely too. I used to love step classes but they seem to have passed out of favour. I am no good at doing things like that on my own – I need a class – otherwise would definitely look for a step for home.
Hi Barbara, as always it is great to see Debbie as we don’t live close by, so it is special when we do see each other. The High Tea was excellent despite being a suburban cafe. As for the step class it was pretty full on and I certainly had to have my brain into gear to keep up with the moves. x
What a lovely week you’ve had! It must have been so fab catching up with Deb IRL and Tina looked fantastic. I haven’t seen it but I do love a good musical so will remember your recommendation 🙂 I didn’t see the article about the SKI mindset but I think if you’ve earned it, you get to choose how you spend/use it! And I used to have a step and loved it. As much as I love a step workout, I’m just not very co-ordinated and can only do the basic moves!
It is always lovely seeing Debbie as she lives so far away from me. Tina was excellent and I would love to go again. I used to dance and I certainly found the step moves needed all my concentration!! Have a great week. x
How fun to have met up with Deb! The musical sounds wonderful.
We meet each time Deb comes to visit her daughter and it is always a lovely catch up. Tina, the Musical was fabulous and I can’t recommend it highly enough. x
Another big and fulfilling week Sue! Love it when blogging friends become IRL friends and can meet up as you and Deb did. And so good to read of your enjoyment of the musical too. You are doing such a good job with your fashion creative flair. Denyse x
Hi Denyse, it is always lovely to see, Deb in person and we could chat for hours. Both Mike and I enjoyed the musical immensely and I would go again if I could. You are doing pretty well in the fashion stakes as well. x
A very fulfilling and interesting week, Sue x
Yes, I surprise myself sometimes with what I’ve done during the week. x
Hello Sue. It sounds like you had a full week. It’s fun to see you and Deb together. I also read her recap of the visit. Your question about spending the children’s inheritance got me to thinking. I don’t believe that I owe my children any inheritance. I’ll be happy if I can leave them something, but I don’t feel I should cut back on my own enjoyment of life in order to pass that savings on. In fact, I’d prefer to spend money doing fun things with my family or treating them to things that they can use now.
Hi Christie, you have the right idea around spending money on and with the family now rather than in the future. I really like that idea. x
How lovely to see that you caught up – and you look fab in red, I have to say! Tina was great fun, I thought. I need to think about the SKI thing. We aren’t doing that but we spend enough!! I don’t know. The world is different to what it was…#WWWHimsy