51 In Fashion/ Personal

Celebrating the 5-0 Birthday!

 

Happy Monday friends!

That’s it. I am now half a century old and I am ok with that. I think as long as I keep moving forward, what’s the problem?

I thought since I am now 50, I would write 50 things about myself you may not know. Or… 50 things about turning 50 that isn’t so bad..   I’m kidding, kidding.

There are so many quotes about the downside of aging, others a bit more inspiring. I am of the mindset, that turning 50 doesn’t really bother me. I am not thinking “50 is the new 40” either. I am just thinking,  I am happy that I am in better health than I was 10 years ago. The thing about blogging, and being surrounded by amazing, supportive women at midlife, is that the attitude wears off on you! I belong to the Fierce 50 group on Facebook, and women are there to support, challenge and empower other women. I think that is great.

It would only be natural for me to take a look in the mirror and notice some of the changes between 40 and 50. A few more lines near the eyes. Less volume in my face. Things like that. I am not looking to change much, just continue to be the best version of me I can be. I think the satisfaction of getting older, lies in the comfort and confidence I feel in myself. I am not saying everything is peaches and cream, but I think attitude has a lot to do with how one feels about aging.

I know I am grateful that my health has improved over 10 years and will continue to practice wellness and healthy living. Menopause or Peri ( dont know which at this point) has been tough with side effects and has certainly affected my emotions. I am seeing what I can do about that.

 So, today, I wanted to celebrate my 50th with you all. My birthday is actually July 8th, so close enough! Gibson’s Bday is July 7th.. I think that is why he is my kindred doggy spirit! We ( my hubby and I, not Gibson and me) ! went out to a beautiful dinner, at a place.called The Fig Tree, in Charlotte.  Part of my qualifications for a special evening out at a restaurant, is they have to have seafood, and should have an extensive wine list. I don’t eat red meat, and primarily love chicken and fish. Wine- I have learned about many wines and love to try a wide variety of reds. When we sat down, they gave us a wine “book” more or less with over 1,000 wines ranging from Spanish Reds, French Rhones, Italian Reds, various selections of whites as well as so many other varietals Hubby and I shared a bottle of a Spanish Granache, as Spanish wines are some of my favorites!
       The meal did not dissapoint! First we had this amazing foccacia bread with garlic butter. Then, a spinach salad with warm bacon dressing and quail egg. Where we usually order different dishes, we both decided on the Sea Bass entree. SO melt in your mouth good!Sauteed  Sea Bass over bacon, lobster and red bliss potato cake, with asparagus and Lobster Beurre Blanc.  We finished dinner off with some espresso and also a bday dessert- peach bread pudding.
A Bit about The Fig Tree Restaurant-
On their website_
” located in Charlotte’s Elizabeth neighborhood inside the 1913 Craftsman-style bungalow known as the Lucas House. The historic landmark was named after its original owners, John Paul and Alice Craft Lucas. The restaurant is named after the four Brown Turkey fig trees located on the grounds.”

“The comfortable yet elegant setting of the house creates a unique dining experience. Boasting five stunning dining rooms, expansive seating on the veranda and patio, as well as multiple grand fireplaces and a full service bar, everything about the aesthetics of the restaurant — from the original woodwork to the blooming fig trees will delight. The Fig Tree Restaurant is a trifecta of decadent meals, perfectly paired wines, and exceptional service.

My hubby making me feel special!
Great meal!
 When we went out to eat Saturday, I wore a dressier embroidered  floral dress to the restaurant and you will see my birthday dress in tomorrow’s post.
If you want to read Gibby’s and My  Bday post from last year, CLICK HERE. 

Thursday Fashion Files hosted by Carrie of Curly Crafty Mom

Thursday Moda hosted by Ada of Elegance and Mommyhood

Brilliant Blog Posts hosted by Vicki at Honest Mum

A Labour of Fashion hosted by Linda of A Labour of Life

Chic and Stylish Link Up by Mummabstylish

High Latitude Style Top of the World

If you celebrated a milestone birthday how did you celebrate it? How do you feel about turning 50? 60?
Id love to hear your comments. Let me know  in the comment section below.
Thank you!
Have a great day!
Jess xo
JOIN ME TOMORROW FOR TURNING HEADS TUESDAY- A LINKUP PARTY FOR FASHION, LIFESTYLE AND BEAUTY BLOGGERS. THINK OF IT AS DIGITAL FASHION MAGAZINES, AND STOP BY TO READ!

July 9, 2018 By
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About

Hello, My name is Jess and I am a 50 yr old fashion blogger who believes that fashion is all about expression and having fun. I have a Connective Tissue disease - Ehlers-Danlos and I want to tell you that it does not define me! I'm also here to tell you Fashion at 50 doesn't mean frumpy! I love color, mixing textures, wearing skirts and dresses ( mostly) and strive for a feminine look. I love Old Hollywood Hair. I live in NC with my husband and my other two loves: Gibson and Truffles, my two shih tzu fur babies.

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51 Comments

  • Reply
    Claire Justine
    July 15, 2018 at 5:40 pm

    Looks like you had a great birthday Jess, sorry it is late, happy belated Birthday! Thank you for sharing at Creative Mondays, you will be one of my featured blogs tomorrow 🙂

  • Reply
    Carrie
    July 15, 2018 at 1:30 pm

    Happy Birthday, Jess! Welcome to the 50’s!

  • Reply
    HelloIm50ish
    July 12, 2018 at 3:16 pm

    Jess,

    I just saw this post but I know I’ve already wished you a happy birthday!
    The food looked delicious at the Fig Tree. I bet the peach bread pudding was delicious!
    I enjoy restaurants and vacations instead of gifts.
    I celebrate my birthdays with trips alone with my husband. We celebrated my milestone 60th (2016) on Cumberland Island and Sea Island.
    We also take a trip every year on our anniversary.

    Hugs,
    Robin

    • Reply
      Jess Jannenga
      July 13, 2018 at 10:10 am

      Thank you Robin, I really appreciate all of the Birthday wishes, you made my day! I also enjoy the same, going to eat, traveling are memories that stay with me. i can certainly buy clothes anytime.. i prefer to travel as well. I will have to look up these places you mentioned, Cumberland Island and Sea Island. Are they near Atlanta? xx

  • Reply
    Elle
    July 11, 2018 at 3:11 pm

    Happy birthday to you and Gibson! I am sure this will be your best decade ever. You are aging beautifully and it’s wonderful to have so many good experiences to fall back on. Self-confidence certainly increases with age and so does wisdom. You look very beautiful and I’m so glad you enjoyed this wonderful restaurant.
    ❤️❤️❤️
    Elle
    https://theellediaries.com/

    • Reply
      Jess Jannenga
      July 12, 2018 at 12:49 pm

      Thank you Elle! and Gibby thanks you! Thank you for all of the sweet comments, it was a wonderful night and such a good restaurant! xx

  • Reply
    thestylesplash
    July 10, 2018 at 5:53 pm

    Happy 50th birthday! That peach bread pudding looks delicious!

    Emma xxx
    http://www.style-splash.com

    • Reply
      Jess Jannenga
      July 11, 2018 at 10:55 am

      Thank you Emma, and yes! it was… don’t forget about the bourbon sauce! xx

  • Reply
    Madam too Much
    July 10, 2018 at 2:41 pm

    Happy Birthday and Enjoy everyday like it is a celebration. You look Fantastic in this dress too. . .
    http://www.madamtoomuch.com

    • Reply
      Jess Jannenga
      July 10, 2018 at 5:52 pm

      Thank you so much. so true, I am grateful for each day! xx

  • Reply
    eyeloveknots
    July 10, 2018 at 11:13 am

    What an evening! The peach bread pudding looks amazing! Perfect for you two to share, and enjoy, without having to worry about the practically full cake sitting in the fridge, hehe. Wishing you a wonderful year!

    Alexandra
    EyeLoveKnots.com

    • Reply
      Jess Jannenga
      July 11, 2018 at 10:57 am

      Hi Alexandra, thank you we had a great time, and yes! I do prefer a dessert like this over cake 🙂 xx

  • Reply
    passion fruit, paws and peonies
    July 10, 2018 at 10:02 am

    Happy Birthday lovely Jess! I was hoping you’d share your celebrations with us. Lovely to meet your hubby! Cheers to the best decade yet! xx Maria

    • Reply
      Jess Jannenga
      July 10, 2018 at 10:10 am

      Thank you Maria! It was such a lovely evening, and the food so rich and decadant! Everything was melt in your mouth good and the vino-delicioous! thank you, my hubby is always behind the camera! xx

  • Reply
    My Favorite New Linen Floral Dress- and Birthdays! - Elegantly Dressed and Stylish -Fashion Over 50
    July 10, 2018 at 1:01 am

    […] here in Charlotte. I wrote more about my birthday and turning 50 on yesterday’s blog post- Celebrating the Big 5-0! So stop by and have a read on how we celebrated and how I feel about turning 50. It was a wonderful […]

  • Reply
    susanc0047
    July 10, 2018 at 12:17 am

    Happy Birthday!! MY fifty were the best!!

  • Reply
    Anna
    July 10, 2018 at 12:03 am

    Happy birthday Jess and many more

    • Reply
      Jess Jannenga
      July 10, 2018 at 9:23 am

      Hi Anna! Thanks so much. It was a wonderful evening and Birthday. 🙂 xx

  • Reply
    pamelagreer
    July 9, 2018 at 7:33 pm

    Happy Birthday!!

  • Reply
    Amy Johnson
    July 9, 2018 at 4:48 pm

    Happy Birthday!

  • Reply
    henatayeb
    July 9, 2018 at 2:30 pm

    Happy Birthday.. you look beautiful.
    My husband and I also celebrate our birthdays side by side.. 🙂

    http://www.henatayeb.blogspot.com

  • Reply
    Andrea Nine
    July 9, 2018 at 1:30 pm

    Happy Birthday you incredible gorgeous babe! You are a delight with a heart that shines. Adore you, I have a feeling this next decade is going to be the best yet! Cheers and Hugs!

    • Reply
      Jess Jannenga
      July 10, 2018 at 9:27 am

      aw, thank you so much sweet friend! i think it is all about making the most of life! Hugs to you too! xx

  • Reply
    Laura || Walking in Memphis in High Heels
    July 9, 2018 at 1:00 pm

    Happiest of Birthdays Jess!!!! You look gorgeous and that dessert looks delicious!

    • Reply
      Jess Jannenga
      July 10, 2018 at 9:28 am

      Thank you so much for the Birthday wishes Laura! Oh yes, it was a peach bread pudding with bourbon sauce. xx

  • Reply
    Rebecca
    July 9, 2018 at 12:50 pm

    Happy Birthday to such an elegant and lovely woman. It looks like a perfect celebration for this momentous birthday!

    • Reply
      Jess Jannenga
      July 10, 2018 at 9:33 am

      Thank you Rebecca! Hope things are going well with you and that the summer heat isn’t too much! It has cooled down here. On this evening, it was the perfect night to sit out on the patio at the restaurant. I appreciate the birthday wishes! xx

  • Reply
    Colleen
    July 9, 2018 at 12:44 pm

    Looks like a lovely way to celebrate 50! Congrats!

  • Reply
    sandypatti
    July 9, 2018 at 12:39 pm

    How sweet that you and Gibson share a birthday! (My kitty Stinky has the same birthday as my husband). You look lovely and so happy, and I can testify: your 50’s can be the best decade of your life. Happy birthday, xox

    Patti
    http://notdeadyetstyle.com

    • Reply
      Jess Jannenga
      July 10, 2018 at 9:30 am

      Thanks so much Patti! Ah, so cute about your kitty too! i appreciate the encouragement and bday wishes! xx

  • Reply
    Ronnie
    July 9, 2018 at 11:45 am

    Happy birthday to both you and Gibby! I hope 50 is an amazing year for you! Turning 50 felt almost liberating for me! I feel better, more alive, more myself, more confident – more all-things good at 50 than at any other point in my life. I would never want to go back. I pray 50 and beyond finds all those things and more for you! You look amazing, as always! I’m glad your hubby spoiled you! That’s what birthdays are for!

    • Reply
      Jess Jannenga
      July 9, 2018 at 11:49 am

      Thanks so much Ronnie! Thats wonderful to hear that it was a great year and turning point for you. I think the same as far as confidence and happiness in my own skin. It was a great evening, the food/wine/atmosphere and of course, company- amazing! xx

  • Reply
    Jess Jannenga
    July 9, 2018 at 10:44 am

    Thank you Heather. xx I think i understand, I think we all assess our lives at some point, and it can certainly be on the milestone birthdays that we think about these things. Glad to hear that things improved and that is wonderful that you feel heatlhier and stronger in your 60s. Have a great week! xx

  • Reply
    Suzy Turner
    July 9, 2018 at 10:31 am

    HAPPY 50TH BIRTHDAY Jess!!! It sounds like you had the most wonderful evening. And it was lovely to get a glimpse of your lovely hubby too!
    Hugs hugs
    Suzy xxx
    http://www.suzyturner.com

    • Reply
      Jess Jannenga
      July 9, 2018 at 10:35 am

      Thanks so much Suzy! Yes, he is always behind the camera but I had to get a pic that night! It was wonderful! xx

  • Reply
    Tatiana
    July 9, 2018 at 9:22 am

    Happy Birthday Jessica! You look stunning in your 50! Have a wonderful year full of love and happiness!

    Tatiana
    https://myfabforties.blogspot.com

    • Reply
      Jess Jannenga
      July 9, 2018 at 10:36 am

      Thank you Tatiana! I appreciate the birthday wishes 🙂 xx

  • Reply
    Jodie
    July 9, 2018 at 9:07 am

    Happiest of birthdays Jess. It’s nice to hear others embracing the birthdays, because really we do get better. With all the experiences and knowledge we now have….
    You look absolutely lovely, and what a fabulous celebration!!
    XOXO
    Jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

    • Reply
      Jess Jannenga
      July 9, 2018 at 10:34 am

      Thank you Jodie! Yes, i know that the mentality has changed, regarding getting older. There are lots of things you learn along the way! It was a wonderful night! xx

  • Reply
    Northwest Mountain Living & Style
    July 9, 2018 at 8:33 am

    Happy Birthday Jess! You make 50 look amazing! Being 58 now I can only say , keep on keeping on doll! Have fun, take care of you and continue doing what you are doing!
    Cheryl
    http://www.northwestmountainliving.com

    • Reply
      Jess Jannenga
      July 9, 2018 at 10:37 am

      Thank you Cheryl! We have to keep on keepin on, so right! xx

  • Reply
    Tiina L
    July 9, 2018 at 7:20 am

    Hapy birthday, Jessica!

  • Reply
    thisblondesshoppingbag
    July 9, 2018 at 6:44 am

    Happy Birthday beautiful!!! Your dinner sounds amazing! A wine book would totally intimidate me, I love wine but I’ll admit I am not well versed in it. So much you have said resonates with me – I too just want to be the best version of myself and I am grateful to feel this good and keep moving forward at this age. So sweet that you and Gibson have birthdays so close!!!
    xo,
    Kellyann

    • Reply
      Jess Jannenga
      July 9, 2018 at 10:40 am

      Thank you Kellyann! It was such a great dinner, mmm-mmm! I feel like I have learned more about wine over the years, but could learn more about regions. xx

  • Reply
    Heather Lord
    July 9, 2018 at 2:41 am

    Thank you for another lovely post, Jess. That’s such a pretty dress you were wearing, and I loved seeing the birthday boy, too!

    I had the worst time turning 50. I was depressed about it for months beforehand, and it took me about 4 months to come to terms with it. I think part of it was thinking that my next milestone would be 60, and “what have I done with my life?”. At 54, my life took a turn for the better, and leading up to my 60th, I was determined that 60 was going to be a good year, and I was going to celebrate! I’m now 62, and probably fitter and stronger than I was in my 30’s and 40’s!

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