hello 2020



Hello friends.  It's been quite a few weeks with all the major holidays plus my birthday and Larry's.  And when I say quite a few weeks what I really mean they've been gut-wrenching.  I will leave it at that because well, I just have to.

Today I wanna talk about this year and hopefully what you can expect out of me.  I read every single comment on my last post at least twice.  It seems you want what I've always tried to write about here, incorporating beauty and simplicity into our lives.  I also hear you loud and clear about the Everlane posts.  I will try to keep it to one or two posts per month and that is if Everlane continues to partner with me.  It is truly a gift they are providing me and I appreciate it so much because I admire and respect them as a company.  

Speaking of advertisements...no one has noticed that I removed all other ads from my blog.  There is no longer a small ad between each post.  I wondered if anyone would say anything about that but no one has!  Some of my favorite blogs are almost unreadable due to the pop ups and ads within paragraphs of posts.  I will always keep my sidebar of favorites because I get so many emails asking for specifics and that sidebar helps so much with that.  So now you will see a clear warning before you even read the post that it will contain affiliate links. I hope that helps!

So as I continue to recover I will do my best to help us all organize with beauty and simplicity.  Happy New Year to us all...x








51 comments

  1. Love the blouse you are wearing in this photo, so rich looking! More you-tube videos, please.

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  2. Hello, sweet lady! I will admit I was getting a bit worried about you since it had been a while since you last posted! I am so sorry this has again been a very difficult time for you - more milestones that you have to deal with. I remember when I went through a difficult time of grieving years ago, there were times I thought I was doing ok & then, whammo, something would happen to put me ten steps back. Thank goodness, I had wonderful love & support which it seems is there for you too. And, I think you know how much your readers love & care for you!
    I LOVE your photo! It is evocative to me of Old Master paintings of women reclining on a couch in a pensive mood! You look darling!
    I agree with you about finding it hard to read blog posts that are filled with ads. I know the bloggers say it helps keep them afloat, but it is very distracting to read.
    For my part, I consider it a treasure whenever I see a new post from you! I love reading every one. I think you could post about taking out the garbage & you would still make it stylish & enjoyable to read about! (Hope I am giving you a little laugh!) Sending love & hugs, Katie from Huntington Beach :)

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  3. HANG IN THERE! Just the fact that you posted this is progress and validation that you have made it this far. I look forward to your posts. You are not alone. XO

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  4. Happy New Year. Holidays are hard: so many triggers. Brava for getting through it however you did. I'm happy to read about products that work for you. It's your proverbial house: do with it what works for you! I hope 2020 is a gentle and restorative year for you. Xx

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  5. Hi Janet! The holidays are hell for those of us who are grieving one thing or another; there's no shortage of pain in life, but we have to keep on keepin' on. Glad you removed the popup ads, they are so annoying. Everlane is way beyond my means so I just click off when you feature them; no big deal. Happy new year, Janet!

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  6. So glad you are greeting 2020 with your grace, style and smile. Thank you for posting.

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  7. Oo-la-la Janet, you look so beautiful and French to me. I love that photo. I am sending you hugs, I know your heart hurts. Know we care. I love seeing how you can show us pretty things to pair together and not cost a fortune. Blessings, xoxo, Susie

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  8. Hi Janet- your blog is fantastic. If you are looking for new topics I suggest book or poetry thoughts, vintage paintings, hanging art ,styling tips for older women with the Everlane posts,friendship. Wishing you peace in 2020- I am sorry for your loss and heartache.

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  9. Happy New Year, Janet. Love your home and the simplicity it evokes.

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  10. Yours is the ONLY blog I now read for that simple reason...and of course I love your thoughts, feelings interiors and suggestions. Know that we are always looking for you and wish only the best and kindest days ahead in 2020. x

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  11. Dear Janet, You blog what you want to blog, you don't have to cater to us. Having said that, I do appreciate that you want to know what our interests are. But really, I enjoy all your posts and always look forward to them :)

    I'm so sorry you are in such pain. Thank you for helping me get through a rough time in my life too. There is so much compassion on your blog, not only through your thoughts and words but from what I read from the commenters too. This year will be better, we'll get through it together.

    D.

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  12. Thanks so much for your transparency. I appreciate it as a reader and as a fellow blogger. I admire you for staying true to yourself while also looking for ways to earn income from the blog. Also, THANK YOU for being thoughtful about the ads. I hear you on those blogs that are almost unreadable.

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  13. I too love the blouse you are wearing. May I ask where it is from?
    You look fabulous.

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    1. I think I just bought that same blouse from H and M!

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  14. Welcome back. You look terrific as always, but that doesn't always reflect what's going on inside. I'm sorry for your grief. My kids' dad died in 1992 (how can that be??!), and I remember how raw that pain was. It gets better but gosh is it hard.

    I look forward to everything you post. I hope you're still making some money from advertising.

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  15. Janet,
    I agree with one of your readers (above), blog about what you want. Your fans adore your musings and I for one appreciate your site for not having to struggle with bouncing lines due to too many ads.
    I confess, your home is a favorite so anytime you feel like sharing your interiors and garden, I'll appreciate but any word from you is welcome.
    I understand and sympathize with your loss and will be happy to hear from you when you are up to it.
    xo,
    Karen

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  16. Grief is such hard work. I wish you peace for the new year.
    You look lovely and your wall art is beautiful. You have the best taste!

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  17. Gosh you look stunning! You never fail to inspire. May peace envelope your heart in the coming year.

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  18. Janet,
    Was a little worried when you didn't post for awhile, but understand how holidays and birthdays can be hard. I get the holiday blues ever since my Mom passed away in 2013, especially at Christmas and when I see all the Mother's Day cards and related gifts, wishes, etc. I can be perfectly fine one minute and have tears streaming down my face the next.
    I enjoy your many posts, even the Everlane ones; even though I may not be shopping, it gives me ideas for how to style what I already have in my own wardrobe; and if I do need something, it helps to know of a source for higher quality clothes made in an ethical way.
    Gardening, vegan recipes, decor makeovers you've done for friends, estate sale finds, home decor, simplifying... love it all. And thank you for removing the ads in between posts, so civilized!

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  19. I just love that settee
    Janey

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  20. Such a beautiful and elegant photo of you, J! I didn't comment on your last post, because I, too, miss the old posts, but I realize the old days are no more for you. So, how can your posts be the same? How thoughtful of you to ask what us, selfish readers, need from you. One reader summed it up perfectly saying that every post from you is like opening a gift. Take good care of your mental and physical health and we will look forward to reading anything your heart wants to say. xo

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  21. Thanks so much for sharing this, Janet. My heart jumped when I saw you'd posted and I had to force myself to go get my coffee and sit down like a chic person to read. HA! I know your grief is raw and sometimes occupies your whole heart and mind . The only words I have are that I hope you will lean on the many people who adore you for hugs, wise words and acts of kindness. You have many loving friends here and I am one of your crowd of witnesses. I don't know if it's any comfort to say that you look spectacular, that the energy you radiate is palpable and that I agree that you could write about how you take our the garbage and I'd be happy to read. I read this elsewhere yesterday - "No matter what chaos and difficulty the world throws at you, remember: there are still fresh cups of coffee and good books and funny friends and tiny moments of nerdy joy to celebrate." (Nanea Hoffman) I wish you all of those today. xo karen

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  22. Good morning and Happy New Year! Although I guess I haven't ever commented, I SO APPRECIATE that there are no pop-up ads on your blog. It's something that I really like about it and think it goes along well with your ideas about simplicity since most ads are trying to get us all to have more stuff! I'm actually contemplating unsubscribing to those others I currently read that have so many pop-ups. I get the reasoning for the blogger, but for this reader, I find them so distracting and for the most part, I'm not interested anyway. I hope today is a wonderful day for you!

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  23. I hope for you a new year filled with healing, acceptance and joy. I cannot imagine how hard your loss and adjustment has been for you and your life.
    On a much lighter note....do you still shop at the 99cent store? I used to marvel at the receipts you posted and the savvy way you shopped. Would be helpful to those of us trying to recover from the holiday spending. I do not have one of those stores locally but can look for similar bargains. Best to you always.

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  24. Many many people said they are just fine with your Everlanr posts!

    I personally would be happy to read an Everlane post daily if it also includes other stuff, because like another commenter said, I'd find reading about how you take out the garbage interesting. I'm quite sure you do it with extra style, and if not at least extra patience

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  25. I love your fashion posts!
    Truth be told I just love your blog and seeing you reclining on the settee with that gallery of pictures and that great vintage straw bag this morning was like a breath of fresh air! I was a wee bit concerned that you hadn’t posted in a while but as you say it’s a busy time of year! Sending you belated birthday wishes and hope you are easing gently into the New Year.

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  26. I love your blog. I enjoy your Everlane posts - I enjoy all of your posts. You had mentioned some time ago that you might post about your living expenses and the way you spend your money. I thought that was brave and I very much look forward to those posts! I hope they are still in your plans!

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  27. I will read you no matter what you post! If you want to share more about your pain, coping, or old memories of Larry (when you are ready), I will read and also heal along with you. I have experienced a lot of grief in the recent past and now getting ready to find out what my breast lump is. We all suffer, and I think sharing helps. You look beautiful as usual in this post. Love that sofa and I have some landscape paintings much like yours!

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  28. Like many others have commented, I feel like it's a gift when I see a post from you. I'm so sorry for this painful journey you're on. We all know it takes time, but knowing that doesn't always help to ease the pain. Janet, I hope you don't do anything to jeopardize your relationship with Everlane. In reading the comments I felt they were overwhelmingly in favor of you continuing to do whatever you feel comfortable with. I love that you can generate income from this blog. As far as the pop-up ads and not commenting...I didn't even notice them before, so didn't notice they were gone. Ha! Maybe I've become used to seeing them on some of the blogs I read. If I love the blog enough, I just ignore them. To me your blog is perfect, and I'm just grateful that you continue. I know it's work to come up with a topic, think about what to write, take the photos, and arrange it all! Your blog is like having a magazine at my fingertips whenever I want to flip through it. So, thank you, thank you! Take care, dear Janet. Hoping for calmer, more peace-filled days in 2020.

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  29. Hi Janet! Happy New Year! I would really love a post (posts) on your beauty and skincare routine. You did one awhile back but several of those items are sadly no longer available. Cheers! Angela

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  30. Hi Janet, happy to see a post from you...love the photo of you on that settee. I'm sorry that you have been going through a difficult time. I'm sure the holidays must have been brutal. I meant to send you a card but know that you were in my thoughts. (I sent zero cards out this year)
    I don't remember the pop up ads so much on your blog as others, have never found yours to be annoying but thanks for doing that!
    I will read anything you want to blog about. :o)

    Linda
    xoxo

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  31. I always love your posts and your sense of style!
    As a side note, I have looked through posts trying to identify the fabric pattern on the pillows in the picture above (which I've noticed before on your white sofa)-can you tell me the designer or name of this fabric? Thanks so much. May the new year bring healing and joy and love to you, Miss Janet.

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    1. hello mrs. white. the fabric is from pottery barn drapes i purchased years ago called Nob Hill. i purchased one extra drapery panel just to make a few pillows out of. you can always search ebay for the pattern and you may find it. x

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  32. It's great to see a post! I purchase 3 pairs of Everlane pants/jeans because of your posts, I love them! Often I see things online and wonder if they will look like "old lady clothes" seeing how you style things gives me courage to bite the bullet!

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  33. Wishing the holidays hadn't been tough on you
    I often have wondered if the journey from heart-wrenching loss to light is much like a metamorphosis - each phase must be accomplished in order to reach the next and despite love of friends and family still the pain is stubbornly inevitable
    May the new year stand before you offering safe places, less dread, more confidence with each step. Happiness to you in all of it's forms . . . Linda

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  34. Sorry to hear the holidays have been so tough for you, but I guess you were expecting it. The first year is always the worst.

    On a brighter note, you look lovely, and your settee under the picture collage is perfect.

    Regarding Everlane, I would really like you to have a post about them every week instead of every month. Do it on the same day each week and those who don't like it will know not to read it that day. It's so generous of them to give you clothing to review, and so many of us enjoy the clothing and the posts so it's a win-win-win (for you, for Everlane, and for your readers who enjoy it), so please reconsider. Remind the paltry few naysayers that you have deleted those unpleasant pop-ups (HOORAY!), so they've gotten something too. Looking forward to your next post.

    Cheers

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  35. So happy to see this new post Janet, I worry when you have gone quiet for a while. At the same time I realize that this holiday season mush have been very difficult for you. I always look forward to your posts, whatever the topic.
    Darby

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  36. Happy new decade. Sending you a big British hug. Holidays and anniversaries are very hard when you are grieving I know. But eventually you do come out on the otherside. It never goes away but the gaps inbetween get longer.

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  37. I'm so happy to see your post- I knew the holidays would be tough and have had you in my thoughts.

    Once a month might be cutting Everlane back too much- most of us are perfectly happy with your posts the way they were. Helps with styling. Yay for styling ideas!

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  38. I totally agree that Everlane posts could be weekly. Thank you for continuing your blog- I look forward to your posts.

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  39. I do! I do!! (See raising hand up re question about taking away annoying ads.). I noticed and thank you. Wishing you peace, all good things and wonderful blogging stories in 2020.

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  40. Is that a new sofa?

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  41. Thank you for discussing pop ups. I did not fully realize how much control the blogger has on where and how they appear. There are indeed a few blogs I follow where the pop ups are so intrusive I often do not finish reading the post. Sidebars are fine and actually helpful. I like seeing what Everlane has to offer and how the fit is; we have similar builds. Perhaps having an "Everlane" day as per one suggestion would work; readers want variety AND consistency, so finding balance is the challenge. Here is to 2020!

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  42. For your readers who have difficulty posting sometimes, I found that I cannot post on Safari but when I go to Firefox, I can.

    My heart is breaking for you and because I can't even begin to imagine what you're going through, I agree with your faithful followers and want you to post WHATEVER you feel like WHENEVER you feel like it! We all love anything you comment on because we all admire you immensely. Your whole "story" continues to emphasize to me in every way what is important in life and the love you shared with your Larry says it all. I have read all your loving comments about Larry on your blog through the years....the times he took the kids camping to give a hard worked mom of little boys a restful break, the weekend trips when he was your handsome guide, the camping together in a little tent at Joshua Tree, the walks, the renovating, the love......it goes on and on. And, it worked both ways.....the time you spent in Utah, the care you provided when he so desperately needed it, the beautiful healthy meals you created, every simple moment enjoying each other with fun and laughter. I only wish you the best, Janet, during this sad time in your life and thank you for showing us how to love unconditionally....thinking of you, as always, Janie

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  43. Happy New Year. Keep looking for your new normal. ....it's out there it may just take some time to find it. sending positive thoughts your way.

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  44. Love your Everlane posts...and you got me shopping there! Why not have a few ads. I never found them annoying and you deserve to make a little $ from them. Crazy that anyone would begrudge you that. Good luck in this new year...wishing you peace even though I can't imagine the pain.

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  45. I thank you for eliminating the pop up ads in the middle of the posting. I too have experienced a formerly favorite interior design blogger who has ruined the reading experience by her never-ending ads. The side bar ads are great - info is there if we want it!
    Thank you for sharing your insights on life...wishing you happiness as you travel this journey.

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  46. Thank you for cleaning up the adds. This is the first time I've checked in for months, to your blog or nearly any blog because navigating adds became frustrating. I appreciate the simple blog look to go with your message of simplicity.

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  47. My dearest Janet, could I say I love you! I know that must be weird coming from a stranger. I always have conversations with you. I have loved and read every single post you have ever written. Some of them many times. It tears my heart for you having to go through such times. But please know there are many you have touched. Wish we could give you what you have given, which is a piece of your heart and that is why you are so precious and I love you! I almost wrote when you were thinking of quitting.
    I am sure I am not the only one who loves you. I will continue praying that your heart heals. It would be so selfish of me to expect you to continue giving. I will take whatever you give. I love your perspective and wisdom. You are
    like a favorite Aunt, that you get to sit down with and have a cup of tea and talk about life. I and we, have been blessed by you sharing your life. Thank you!
    Many regards and hugs
    Danielle

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kindness is never out of style.

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