Time to return to the weight loss posting. It hasn’t been easy to lose the extra calories pounds that were added on during Christmas. But—I was not going to deprive myself of the enjoyment of sitting around the table with my family during the holidays. Family. Food. Fun.
I am finding it somewhat difficult to get back into the swing of my weight loss program; I’m at a plateau. It’s fine though because I am watching what I’ve been eating and went back to cutting out sugar and processed foods. It’s the cheese that’s killing me.
Seriously–do I need a pedicure or what? I’m a disgrace to beauty bloggers everywhere!!
Anyway, at 147.8, I’ve hit a plateau. It’ll take me a while to really get back to the weight loss normal—and with less than ten pounds to lose, it will take some time. Those last elusive pounds are tricky. In the meantime, I spent yesterday getting ready for date night!
Truth be told. Bonaparte and I really don’t go out on many date nights. During the week, we are so happy to come home after work that neither of us can be bothered going out. Even for errands. We will wait for the weekend.
And on the weekends, I find it comforting and therapeutic to cook our special meals.
But when we do go out for date night, it’s to a really good restaurant. And last night we dined at our personal favorite—Spring Mill Café.
Obviously I’m no Jacques-Henri Lartigue when it comes to photography. And I snapped this pic BEFORE the wine. It was a blustery mix of snow and rain as we drove into the parking lot at Spring Mill Cafe!
The restaurant is not an elaborate one nor is it extremely spectacular. The food is French style country with a bit of an edge—but not too edgy. The menu isn’t large but the offerings are always excellent.
Menu at the ready…
The cozy table all set in our little alcove and we were ready for a great meal!
We love it because it is “our” place. We can always expect the service to be excellent. Our little alcove to be reserved and the food always consistent.
And after all the running around and cooking and busy-as-a-bee moments of the holidays, we decided to put one of our Christmas gifts, a certificate to Spring Mill Café, to use.
Spring Mill is a BYO and the wine that Bonaparte decided to bring was a Bordeaux he had sitting around for about five years. A Chateau Lanessan 2000. It was GOOOOODDD!!!
We did enjoy our Kir Royals with the Pate Tasting. They know Monsieur Lartigue well at Spring Mill Cafe–I can tell by the large amount of baguette on the plate!
You-know-who had his usual steak. And he RAVED about the perfection of it. He spoke in his sleep of it–and woke up praising the taste!
I went with my wintertime favorite: Deconstructed Cassoulet. I was thrilled to see it on the menu again. I LOVE Cassoulet–and deconstructed is such a different and more refined way to enjoy it. Duck Confit. Sausage in a little puff pastry. Beans. I was in epicure heaven!
Yeah. I know. I said I have given up sugar. I cheated last night with dessert. I had the Mousse au Chocolat..
It did not take me long to polish this little gem of a dessert off..
Ohlalalala! I helped with the Creme Brulee too! Overall, it was a fantastic dinner and fun date night!
I was happy because I was looking a bit neglected and a bit raggy and preparing for date night was a great way to spend a Saturday by doing all things girly!
A bit of makeup left over from the day before. Yes! I’m THAT lazy at times–but I didn’t have to apply any to go to the nail salon. Casually dressed for my nail appointment!
My friend Kim, on the right and her sister! I LOVE going to Oaks Nail Salon on Egypt Road! If you live in the Philly area, you really should stop by here. Kim is the best nail technician ever! She’s going to go back home to Vietnam for a few weeks to visit her father and I can’t wait to see her when she returns!!
Bonaparte was exasperated by the state of my nails. I ripped the gel off and cut my nails down to the nubs because it is impossible to type on this new laptop with longer nails. In a fit of getting used to the keyboard—let’s just say I had a moment, and the nails were cut!
Look how disgusting my nails were after I ripped the gel off and cut them down. The fact that Toppik residue from filling in my bald hair spots are also embedded in my nails makes them look absolutely vulgar! Bonaparte would not take me to dinner unless I had them fixed! AFTER–look and admire Kim’s handy work! She’s an artisan! My hands look pretty again!
Being that my little toes looked awful on the scale, I also decided to have a pedicure and had those lady whiskers waxed away!
Yeah Kim. I don’t blame you for wearing a mask to take care of my stinky feet!
Look at those cute toes! And look at that hair that just fell from my head! Can I ever take a decent photo?
Next step was a relaxing bath upon arriving home. Bonaparte took Chippy with him to run errands and I had the house to myself. I exfoliated and then put a light coating of fake tan on my legs.
The snow started falling. Being on the safe side of “milkbreadeggs”, we had the milk and eggs. I baked some bread!
I normally use my Pullman pan for baking loaves of Brioche. This time I made white sandwich bread…
Out of the oven and warm–it turned out great! I’ll be baking more for next weekend. We’ll toast slices for foie gras!
While the bread was baking, I decided to relax with a cuppa tea and my new favorite TV Show. “The Mick” starring the great Kaitlin Olson of “It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia”
You KNOW how much I love “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” and THIS show, The Mick, is just as funny–if not more! This IS the ultimate girl show. Ultimate!!!!
At this point it was time to get ready.
I turned my unmade wrinkly face into a more human appearance. I didn’t want an overdone look.
I know. You are thinking it is nearly impossible to get this face to look like….
And since my hair needed a bit of help I placed a Tony of Beverly topper over my bio hair for a fuller look.
…THIS! Marc Jacobs Foundation, Maybelline contour stick, Naked Smokey Eyes palette, NARS Multiple in Riviera, e.l.f. eyeliner crayon used as brow color, NYC Color liquid Eyeliner, Maybelline Lash Sensational mascara–which I picked up for two bucks and will go back to buy more, Chapstick and iT’s Lip Vitality. Whew! That’s a lot to look natural!
I went “high-low” with the attire. I know, I know, I know!! Many of my circle of friends here aren’t crazy about the ripped jeans look. But I love the way it looks with some high-end finishes. When I go out to eat, I want to be comfortable. Hence the jeans!
I give up on the pics. My phone takes lousy pics in evening lighting. I need a digital camera! Anyway, I wore my favorite AG jeans that were on sale at Nordstrom Rack. Pewter heels. J. Crew FACTORY version of the Tippi sweater which does not shrink when washed and my J. Crew Lady Jacket. Lots of fake pearls completed the look!
And YES. OLD PEOPLE GO OUT ON DATE NIGHT! I could sense the tone of “eww” and “ugh” when Oona called and I told her B. and I were having “date night”. Sorry, twenty-somethings. Sixty and Seventy somethings are allowed to enjoy date night too! Let’s not get all ageist on our social lives!
And so, we left Chippy to his own devices, of which he most likely spent the entire evening trying to figure out how to get the bread off the counter, and headed to Spring Mill Café! And that was my Saturday!
Today the sun is shining and later this afternoon I’ll be running an errand. My new project is re-stuffing the cushions on that “bane-of-existence” overpriced Ethan Allen sofa. What a headache!
Getting back into the weight loss grove—here’s some of the outfits I wore this week!
From the quality of the photo, it is hard to see that the pants are Black Watch plaid. These pants have not fit me properly in over two years. They were tight and uncomfortable. Now they are loose and I love them so much more!
A better view of the pants. I thought I purchased these from J. Crew–but I didn’t. They are from Loft!
My “Poinsettia” skirt. THIS is from J. Crew. I ordered it maybe three years ago and could not even get it zippered up last year. I was so disappointed!
These days I can zipper it up and the waist is a bit large!
Office attire with my “Nun” boots! I love these boots because they remind me of the shoes the nuns who taught me wore. I know–I’m weird.
A little bling to brighten up an all-black outfit never hurt anyone!
And finally, my new Stewart Plaid Lady Jacket from J. Crew. My bargain of the year-even though we are only a bit over two weeks in!!
That’s it for today! I realize I need to save up for a new camera–or a new phone! And I continue to curse this new laptop because one false move on the keyboard and the cursor is all over the place. Making me a real-life “curser”!! Have a great day and for those with the three-day weekend (not I), enjoy your Monday off!!
And mentioning food, here’s a song that I’m constantly revisiting. I love this song so much. French Canadian singer Lisa Leblanc’s “Kraft Dinner” I need to see her in concert!! Canada! I love all her imports!
You never cease to amaze me! I don’t know how you accomplish so much in a day – and every day! Your mani/pedi looks gorgeous, as does your natural look with your makeup. And I love the distressed jeans on you; not everyone can carry them off, but your total look is so put together that they look good on you; youthful yet not age-inappropriate. Kudos!
Thanks Kay!! I try to fit everything in–LOL!! I’m so glad you like the jeans. I love ’em. And those AG jeans are too pricey at the regular Nordstrom but at the Rack, the price goes wayyyyyyyyy down!! Thanks! XOXOXOXO!!!
I was reading the post and I just couldn’t decide which outfit I loved the most so I decided that I love them all! I love the red skirt and the nun boots and the trousers that were too small before the weight loss. You have a grear style! 😎 I also love the Maybelline Lash Sensational mascara and I would totally repurchase if I wasn’t curious to try new different mascaras. And, hey, 60-something, not all 20-somethings are going “ewww” for date nights 😉😂 I go more “awww” 😊😄 Btw, have you tried the new elf hydrating bubble mask already? That made into my December favourites post and soon will have it’s own personal post. I think I’m going to write soon a review about it 😊 Great post! 💕
Thanks Adryana!!! That is why I never get rid of clothing! I pack everything away for another day or time!! That mascara–I can’t figure out why it was on clearance because it is GREAT!!! Hey. I couldn’t get my hands on the elf hydrating mask. It was sold out at my local Target. I’ll try again!! Looking to your post about it!!! XOXOXOXO!!
Great style!*** (damn autocorrect lol)
Don’t get me started on auto correct! It’s awful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So good to know you had a great date, Catherine, and I love the “diary” of your preparation for it!
Loved all those outfits!
Hi Judy!! Thanks! Dinner tonight will be Kale salad!! And the rest of the week! I have to admit. Yesterday was just the perfect day to give back to myself after the holidays!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Always happy when your latest blog hits my inbox and love reading what you have been up to. Just wondering whether you are using the touchpad or a mouse on your new laptop. If you have a mouse, then you can turn off the touchpad and maybe avoid the cursing when your cursor jumps around because you’ve touched the pad by mistake while typing. On my laptop it is the F9 key but yours may be elsewhere.
Hi Jilly! Oh..THANK YOU!! I do have a mouse and I did hit the F9 key. I’m thinking it may have worked because I’m typing a bit easier in this comment. I love you! Thanks again! I never even knew that you could turn off the touchpad!! XOXOXOXO!!!
You’re very welcome. Happy Sunday evening from a wet Hampshire in England! x
Hey Catherine!
As always, I am enjoying your posts! I’m especially heartened by your weight loss journey–I’m starting mine and trying the WW again because I know when I stick to it I can do well, even overcoming the plateaus. (Is there one WW strategy/food/treat that you have found successful that you could pass along?) But your dinner on date night was fun to read about and I agree that we all need to cheer ourselves with an outing now and then, and time spent with delicious food and wine and wonderful company are never to be regretted.
Love all the looks of the week –but what I really am curious about are the fake pearls–I have a long fake pearl necklace that I wear often, but I love the shorter look of yours. Are there two or three different strands??
I know you will know the answer to this question: I was just thinking of J Crew–didn’t they come out with a Christmas catalogue in which Lauren Hutton was a model for the “family oriented” theme of the pics? Or was that Land’s End? Can’t remember, but I thought she (and she was about sixty-something then or close to it, I thought) looked supah! I think I ordered a sweater and a blazer based on that catalogue…
Have a great week!
Hi Nancy. The only strategy I can pass on is to track what you eat–and I need to get back to that. Tracking is the best strategy–and lots of water!!
Those pearls are two strands. One, the “freshwater” faux pearls I believe I got at either J. Crew factory a long time ago or Forever 21. The larger pearls were from J. Crew factory–and I love them!! Oh…Lauren Hutton should be modeling in EVERY magazine!! She’s 70!!! or even older and she is a shining example of the older woman!!!
Enjoy your week!! XOXOXOXO!!!
You reminded me how much I used to love fishnet stockings, in my quest to rediscover my beauty I am going to add this detail to my list! I have a topic request, not sure if you’ve ever blogged on the subject of bra fittings? I’d love to hear your suggestions and recommendations. Thank you for such entertaining and lovely writing💞
Holy Titties Karen! I didn’t write about a bra fitting (which I think I will be writing about soon..) but I DID manage to write about buying a bra in Paris: https://atypical60.com/2016/12/05/paris-in-three-days-day-three-a-first-for-me-and-a-memorable-last-meal/?iframe=true&theme_preview=true
I’m now a huge Princesse tam-tam fan!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!!
Catherine, you should look into microwaving your eyebrows. Less fuss, natural looking and one less step in the make-up game.
T. Microwaving? Like in the microwave oven?????????? XOXOXOXO!!!
Hi Catherine…Love when your posts hit my email…fun looks for work…fabulous look for your date. I love that your clothes are loose…good for you. You have inspired me…enough is enough…the extra pounds are coming off. For me it’s too much bread and not enough walking. Keep Inspiring! 🙂
Jeanne. It’s too much bread for me tool I baked a loaf yesterday and ate too much of it this evening. I need to RuN it off!! XOXOXOXO!!!
You look so lovely in all your outfits. I was in your neighborhood last weekend. My MIL was celebrating her 90th BD, so all the family flew in from near and far, my crew coming from LA. My grandchildren were thrilled to have two days of snowfall, and I was thrilled that my puffer coat was plenty warm enough. Loved traipsing through Valley Forge in the snow. Don’t know when I’ll get to wear the puffer again. Thank goodness I was able to buy it at half price.
Hi Christine! Wow! You were in my neck of the woods! What town? Were you traipsing through VF National Park like George’s troops of yesteryear? Thank you, though, I’m glad you like my outfits! I”m veering more and more toward the purchase of a puffer coat for next winter!! Those sales!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
We stayed at a hotel in Radnor, and had events in Ardmore and Haverford. My BIL has office in Wayne, so we visited there also. Yes, we were just like the troops, shivering as we checked out all the stops in VF park. My grandson loved throwing snowballs at everyone.
Got a laugh about the nun boots! Last week a friend posted some pics referencing beehive hairdos and I commented that my grade 2 teacher had had the whole Bardot thing going on ( beehive, cat eye liner, short skirts) and I just thought she was the best! But my Ma did not appreciate such glamour at all! Probably comparing the poor girl to my Gr 1 teacher, a nun who wore the long black habit, full wimple and veil and yes, nun boots ( had special felt soles…the better to sneak up behind students with her ruler in hand..) the felts soles were imagined by her bratty students….
….it’s Lisa LeBlanc ( avec le ‘B’ majuscule) because that New Brunswick girl is Acadienne like Mr. Momcat who is also a LeBlanc ( no relation)
.Acadians are…a different breed of French Canadian from their Quèbecois cousins with a vastly different ( and tragic) history, my friend performed with Lisa at the St Jean celebration in Laval P.Q. two years ago said she was a hoot! Love her song Aujourd’hui, Ma Vie C’Est d’la Marde….
‘We’ll eat Kraft Dinner, that’s all we need.’.
Keep well this week.
Hi Momcat! Oh. I’m a fan of Aujourd’ hui, Ma Vie E’est d’la Marde–is “marde” the same as “merde”? I’m thinking it is!! The Acadians seemed to have been kicked out all over the place-I’m glad many of them settled in Louisiana because that Acadian/Cajun food is mighty fine!
Your friend was so lucky to have performed with Lisa LeBlanc. I’ve seen interviews of her on French TV and she looks like she’s always having a great time. I love that!! XOXOXOXO!!!
HOW ABOUT A FAST for a day or two or just liquid!JUst to get you off the plateau?
Oh Elizabeth. I wish I could survive on a fast for a day or two. I’ll have to wait until Lent. I’m such a phony Catholic at times. Using Lent as a diet device is just getting me one step closer to where the sun don’t shine!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Catherine, you are my inspiration for starting to lose my extra 10 pounds, I love eating and it is really hard, I’m good for a few days and than I end up pigging out, I love my sweet, than I start all over again cutting back. any tips about the pigging out. It’s easy to gain but not to lose.
Hi Julie! Surprisingly, since I cut out a lot of my “sweets”, my taste for sugary items has changed. Oh. I LOVED having dessert but now I just want my savory!! My problem is that I have a man-sized appetite!! With the pigging out–drink a cup of tea. Tea works. It’s filling. I take a bit of milk in mine and tea just hits the spot for me. I drink a lot of chai with no milk or sweetener while I’m at work. It helps. XOXOXOXOXOXOXO!!!
I once had a problem with defunct sofa cushions, so I had a local guy (upholsterer) cut thick foam into the right shape and then stuck that into the covers. It worked perfectly, looked 100% better, and it stood the test of time!
Hi Patty. Thank you! There is an upholsterer up the road from us. I think we will need to take a visit. That sounds like a great idea. I’m so sick of the saggy sofa syndrome!!! XOXOXOXO!!!