As a life-long resident of the South, I can appreciate everything you said about the humidity and the racism/bigotry. I can, actually, identify with so much of this video. Thank you!
Thanks for the reminder to pull out The Body Keeps the Score. I need to dig into that. ❤ When it comes to jet lag and kiddos- I find it helpful to take our summer trip to Europe right before school starts. Harness that reverse-jet lag for good. My kids are begging to go to bed at 7pm and I’m like, “Great! School starts tomorrow!” 😂 No fighting to go from summer schedules to back-to-school bedtimes.
I just put "The Artist's Way" on hold at my library - Thank you for inspiring me! Also, re: jet lag - my all-time favorite travel quote/advice comes from Rick Steves who says "Jet lag hates fresh air." Absolutely true!
Jen, your comments about your progressive stance on important issues makes me so happy. 🌈❤️ Thank you! I'm so glad your Hashimoto's is bothering you less. I'm lucky to have hypothyroidism without the Hashimoto's, but it's taken a toll on my hair, which you don't seem to deal with. Oh, and thank you so much for introducing me to Adam Hatton and his channel. I've been watching all his videos and enjoying seeing lovely Disney content.
Fun video…and yes, humidity and racism could definitely be a book idea. I’m troubled by the resurgence of intolerance and narrow minded thought that seems to be growing in the South.
This and its troubling but I will continue to speak out and believe that their are more good people than not in the south (we just need them all to vote)
Hi Jen, as a retired person of 67, I think retirement has lots of aspects that you may have overlooked. I have lots of structure to my week and each day has its own structure. I regularly go to exercise classes and of course coffee afterwards! I mind 4 of my 5 grandchildren on regular days. I volunteer and I have a paid job that is usually 5 hours a week. There is still time to catch up with friends and be creative. I think you should rethink what retirement might be.
I was born and raised in the South (South Carolina). Left at age 22 for New Jersey for career reasons. I’ve lived here now for close to 40 years. Retirement is on the horizon and my boyfriend and I can’t wait to return to the south. We’re looking in the Greenville/Spartanburg SC area.
Jen, you are my kindred spirit! You speak my language! I could seriously watch you for hours! I also love being a artist. I use my art skills being a professional hairdresser for 30 years and not a day goes by that I don’t love my job of doing so! I use my artistic abilities in so many other ways.. especially decorating and party planning. I welcome this gift and also enjoy it. You are a true talent! Much love!
Jen you are always so inspiring. I was nodding my head in agreement when you said you don’t feel like yourself without that creative outlet. Thank you for all you do. 😊
I am a Cancer and Sonia my daughter. Another reason I love your channel! My daughter and I just got the Costco wine advent calendar. I am on the hunt for a cheese one and for my grand dog I will get the Trader Joe’s dog advent calendar. Diesel has too many toys, but he enjoys the treats in the TJ’s one.
@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge yeah here in Tallahassee, I am 45min away, so I literally have to come straight home if it’s the usual hot/humid weather, which is the same as yours.
So much in here! Loved it all. This is still work. It’s just like a having writing prompt. Sometimes that takes you to great places. Between you and DCL I dipped my toes (face?) in Elemis and I ordered the advent calendar. I’m so excited for it! Figuring out the timing to make it work with Chanukah. Oh and my simple joy looks a lot like yours! Nothing like sitting on my couch with a fuzzy blanket and reading a magazine and then a book on Shabbat afternoon! I crave it all week.
Thank you so much Jen for speaking up and out for your beliefs and what is right. Picked up the book you recommended for my wife and I to both read. Based on what you said I think it can be helpful. Thank you
Jen, love your videos. I wanted to comment on your thyroid and the symptoms you experience. For years I believed many of my physical problems were because I was hypothyroid, but now I see some weren’t. I urge you to have your vitamin D level checked. I am NOT telling you to take vitamin D, but rather see if your level is low and then take D if you are low. The difference in my muscles drastically when I am low and when I am above 40. It doesn’t get better just taking D, I need to be taking enough to get my level up. Below normal I get muscle cramps, very inflexible, but feel like I need to stretch a lot, hard to stay long in one position, shaky after using my muscles for a prolonged time (zumba, gardening, whichever muscles I’m using) and when I have that after effect I also hours later feel anxiety at a physical level. You maybe don’t have all the same symptoms, but I still advise the next time you have blood work, check your D and go from there. If it is low, addressing it might help in ways you didn’t expect, that is what happened to me. My endocrinologist actually was the one who tested me and I did not believe it would help my aches and pains and anxiety, and was shocked that it does. I didn’t even believe it when it was first helping, but I won’t write that full story. She said she sees this over and over again. Women protect their skin from the sun more than men, and our physical health is dismissed more readily as hormones and aging. I hope it might help you or maybe someone on this thread. ❤
Hi Jen, you should check out rental homes on Amelia Island. A short drive from ATL and SUPER dog friendly. Great food scene. The hardest part will be getting all of your kids schedules to sync up 😂 I love to go in the winter to center myself and clear my mind.
Thank you for such an amazing Q & A video. Your insights, honesty & joy for life is truly inspiring. Enjoy the autumn season in your wonderful neck of the woods. ❤️😎🌴
Your videos are always so inspiring! I also have an autoimmune disease, and it's nice to see other people who are dealing with those in a positive way. Also, a fun suggestion for another Advent Calendar: Waterdrop !
Jen, unfortunately the covert and overt racism is not just in the south. I grew up in the Northeast, then as an adult lived in the Mid Atlantic and have lived in the south for about 15 years. I’ve been called the N word in all of those places in addition to dealing with other racist acts… mostly micro aggressions…which are actually harder to cope with than being called the N word. Anyway, keep doing what you’re doing. The world needs more wonderful humans like you! 😊
The micro aggressions are the absolute worst and I can’t imagine what you e been through and it’s just so unacceptable and infuriating. But we will keep fighting the good fight and saying the things and living our best lives! Thank you for the encouragement.
My dream is a seasonal one that doubles as where we live but also is only open a few weekends a year. I may be describing more of a Hallmark movie than an actual business….😂
Yes! The beach house vacation, please!! We’ve got 9 adult kids/spouses, 3 grand babies and two dogs. The personal chef is the cherry on top. We’re also in the mid south so if you locate this fantasy location, please share! 😎😄
Totally get not wanting to move out of the south. Now that we’re in Orlando, we feel exactly the same way. It’s not great, but still better than Kansas…
Jen! Have you ever considered Michigan for a beach getaway? It’s still relatively affordable up here, our waters are crystal clear, and we have more coastline than any state in the lower 48!
We have The Artist's Way. Lois has read it. You should definitely read it. I'm researching Tea Advent calendars, as well. If you find a good one, let me know. I've done Adagio, and while I loved the first year, they are virtually identical every year so I need a new one. I was bored my second year.
We want to move north away from Florida for retirement, but Georgia and South Carolina are too "south" for us. We were looking at North Carolina, but too much racism there, too. Heading further north I guess. I'm tired of the humidity, heat, and close-mindedness.
I identify with you so much, especially the part of needing your alone time with a book and some tea! 🫖 We share a birthday, so I’ve never felt more heard!
As a life-long resident of the South, I can appreciate everything you said about the humidity and the racism/bigotry. I can, actually, identify with so much of this video. Thank you!
Thank YOU for your kind words!
Jen, you’re so inspiring in such a calm, kind, respectful way. Just can’t get over how wonderful you are.
Wow what a kind comment!! Thank you!
What happened to the idea of purchasing a Harrods or Liberty Advent Calendar this year? Your calendars are a favorite part of my holiday viewing!
BUDGET. Seriously, by the time I bought the Elemis one and the Costco wine one there was no more money!
Thanks for the reminder to pull out The Body Keeps the Score. I need to dig into that. ❤
When it comes to jet lag and kiddos- I find it helpful to take our summer trip to Europe right before school starts. Harness that reverse-jet lag for good. My kids are begging to go to bed at 7pm and I’m like, “Great! School starts tomorrow!” 😂 No fighting to go from summer schedules to back-to-school bedtimes.
Brilliant!!🥰😂
I really like the "simple joy" question - it's vastly superior to the "guilty pleasure" question because why would we ever be guilty about pleasure??
Looking forward to your Alaska content! Currently in the thinking stages of an Alaskan cruise.
I just put "The Artist's Way" on hold at my library - Thank you for inspiring me! Also, re: jet lag - my all-time favorite travel quote/advice comes from Rick Steves who says "Jet lag hates fresh air." Absolutely true!
I’d never heard that and I love him! So true!
Jen, your comments about your progressive stance on important issues makes me so happy. 🌈❤️ Thank you!
I'm so glad your Hashimoto's is bothering you less. I'm lucky to have hypothyroidism without the Hashimoto's, but it's taken a toll on my hair, which you don't seem to deal with.
Oh, and thank you so much for introducing me to Adam Hatton and his channel. I've been watching all his videos and enjoying seeing lovely Disney content.
He’s the best!
I appreciate your candor and humor.
Thank you, Kathy!
Fun video…and yes, humidity and racism could definitely be a book idea. I’m troubled by the resurgence of intolerance and narrow minded thought that seems to be growing in the South.
This and its troubling but I will continue to speak out and believe that their are more good people than not in the south (we just need them all to vote)
Hi Jen, as a retired person of 67, I think retirement has lots of aspects that you may have overlooked. I have lots of structure to my week and each day has its own structure. I regularly go to exercise classes and of course coffee afterwards! I mind 4 of my 5 grandchildren on regular days. I volunteer and I have a paid job that is usually 5 hours a week. There is still time to catch up with friends and be creative. I think you should rethink what retirement might be.
I was born and raised in the South (South Carolina). Left at age 22 for New Jersey for career reasons. I’ve lived here now for close to 40 years. Retirement is on the horizon and my boyfriend and I can’t wait to return to the south. We’re looking in the Greenville/Spartanburg SC area.
Jen, you are my kindred spirit! You speak my language! I could seriously watch you for hours! I also love being a artist. I use my art skills being a professional hairdresser for 30 years and not a day goes by that I don’t love my job of doing so! I use my artistic abilities in so many other ways.. especially decorating and party planning. I welcome this gift and also enjoy it. You are a true talent! Much love!
I love to hear that! Thank you!
I love the idea of the chef being thrown into the dream vacation.
I mean it just has to happen, right?
Jen you are always so inspiring. I was nodding my head in agreement when you said you don’t feel like yourself without that creative outlet. Thank you for all you do. 😊
Thank YOU for your kind words!
I am a Cancer and Sonia my daughter. Another reason I love your channel! My daughter and I just got the Costco wine advent calendar. I am on the hunt for a cheese one and for my grand dog I will get the Trader Joe’s dog advent calendar. Diesel has too many toys, but he enjoys the treats in the TJ’s one.
I wish we had a TJ’s closer to us! There’s one in Roswell but it’s like a half hour and that’s tough for groceries.
@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge yeah here in Tallahassee, I am 45min away, so I literally have to come straight home if it’s the usual hot/humid weather, which is the same as yours.
Should say so is my daughter, not Sonia!
So much in here! Loved it all. This is still work. It’s just like a having writing prompt. Sometimes that takes you to great places. Between you and DCL I dipped my toes (face?) in Elemis and I ordered the advent calendar. I’m so excited for it! Figuring out the timing to make it work with Chanukah. Oh and my simple joy looks a lot like yours! Nothing like sitting on my couch with a fuzzy blanket and reading a magazine and then a book on Shabbat afternoon! I crave it all week.
I love this so much!
Yeah. I just purchased the Elemis advent calendar as a gift to myself!! =) cannot wait!
Orlando is also a bastion, and why we haven't left the cesspool that is Florida.
I get this so much!!
Thank you so much Jen for speaking up and out for your beliefs and what is right. Picked up the book you recommended for my wife and I to both read. Based on what you said I think it can be helpful. Thank you
I hope it is!!
Jen, love your videos. I wanted to comment on your thyroid and the symptoms you experience.
For years I believed many of my physical problems were because I was hypothyroid, but now I see some weren’t. I urge you to have your vitamin D level checked. I am NOT telling you to take vitamin D, but rather see if your level is low and then take D if you are low. The difference in my muscles drastically when I am low and when I am above 40. It doesn’t get better just taking D, I need to be taking enough to get my level up. Below normal I get muscle cramps, very inflexible, but feel like I need to stretch a lot, hard to stay long in one position, shaky after using my muscles for a prolonged time (zumba, gardening, whichever muscles I’m using) and when I have that after effect I also hours later feel anxiety at a physical level. You maybe don’t have all the same symptoms, but I still advise the next time you have blood work, check your D and go from there. If it is low, addressing it might help in ways you didn’t expect, that is what happened to me.
My endocrinologist actually was the one who tested me and I did not believe it would help my aches and pains and anxiety, and was shocked that it does. I didn’t even believe it when it was first helping, but I won’t write that full story. She said she sees this over and over again. Women protect their skin from the sun more than men, and our physical health is dismissed more readily as hormones and aging. I hope it might help you or maybe someone on this thread. ❤
Hi Jen, you should check out rental homes on Amelia Island. A short drive from ATL and SUPER dog friendly. Great food scene. The hardest part will be getting all of your kids schedules to sync up 😂 I love to go in the winter to center myself and clear my mind.
Big YES to Amelia Island! We have stayed there numerous times! Jen, I think you would love it!
Glad you’re back. ❤️😘
Thanks Major!!
The first 15 seconds….just gold! 😂
😂thank you!!
So glad to hear about your health update! And ooh to the Alsaka Cruise! Can't wait to see it!
Tea Forté advent. I got sugarfina last year. Looking forward to vlogmas
Thank you for such an amazing Q & A video. Your insights, honesty & joy for life is truly inspiring. Enjoy the autumn season in your wonderful neck of the woods. ❤️😎🌴
Thank you so much!!
My favorite Jen Lefforge moment (and there are many good ones) is still probably the time you accidentally drew Grace Jones. 🤣
I'm just saying, if you're ever in need of someone who can draw Grace Jones by accident, I am available cheap.
I made sure when I retired to keep busy with volunteering for things I still love… not the part of the day to day working that stole my joy!
Such a good plan!!
Your videos are always so inspiring! I also have an autoimmune disease, and it's nice to see other people who are dealing with those in a positive way.
Also, a fun suggestion for another Advent Calendar: Waterdrop !
It's funny I wanted to move south because very hot humid weather actually makes my joints feel amazing.
You, and your channel, make You Tube a pleasure.
What a kind comment, THANK YOU!!
I knew I liked you. The Body Keeps the Score. YES!!
Jen, unfortunately the covert and overt racism is not just in the south. I grew up in the Northeast, then as an adult lived in the Mid Atlantic and have lived in the south for about 15 years. I’ve been called the N word in all of those places in addition to dealing with other racist acts… mostly micro aggressions…which are actually harder to cope with than being called the N word. Anyway, keep doing what you’re doing. The world needs more wonderful humans like you! 😊
The micro aggressions are the absolute worst and I can’t imagine what you e been through and it’s just so unacceptable and infuriating. But we will keep fighting the good fight and saying the things and living our best lives! Thank you for the encouragement.
I have lived in the south my entire life and I completely agree with you. I also want to buy a wedding venue! I think that would be such a fun job.
My dream is a seasonal one that doubles as where we live but also is only open a few weekends a year. I may be describing more of a Hallmark movie than an actual business….😂
Love all of your vlogs - your content makes a difference to so many 🥰🥰🥰xxx
Tea advent calendar I highly recommend the David’s tea 24 days of tea!
I will look that up! Thank you!
Yes! The beach house vacation, please!! We’ve got 9 adult kids/spouses, 3 grand babies and two dogs. The personal chef is the cherry on top. We’re also in the mid south so if you locate this fantasy location, please share! 😎😄
I will be on the lookout!!
Listening to your Dream vacation was fun!
Thank you!
I can’t wait to retire..938 weeks left! 😂😂😂
Hello, I must ask where your sweater is from; it looks fabulous!
It’s from Vineyard Vines 🥰
Totally get not wanting to move out of the south. Now that we’re in Orlando, we feel exactly the same way. It’s not great, but still better than Kansas…
Great video, Jen❤….I agree that you’re skin looks amazing!
Thank you!
Jen! Have you ever considered Michigan for a beach getaway? It’s still relatively affordable up here, our waters are crystal clear, and we have more coastline than any state in the lower 48!
Such a good idea! It's a bit far for us to drive with the dogs but we could do it!
@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge well, you’re cordially invited to Mackinac Island any time ❤️
Loved this!
I heard such great things about that book so I had a purchase it! Now I just need to start 😅
Yes! It’s so good!
Looking forward to vlogmas!!!!
We have The Artist's Way. Lois has read it. You should definitely read it. I'm researching Tea Advent calendars, as well. If you find a good one, let me know. I've done Adagio, and while I loved the first year, they are virtually identical every year so I need a new one. I was bored my second year.
I truly need to order it. I've heard great things about it.
Hi Jen
We want to move north away from Florida for retirement, but Georgia and South Carolina are too "south" for us. We were looking at North Carolina, but too much racism there, too. Heading further north I guess. I'm tired of the humidity, heat, and close-mindedness.
Awesome!
Thanks, Cindy!!!!🥰
I identify with you so much, especially the part of needing your alone time with a book and some tea! 🫖 We share a birthday, so I’ve never felt more heard!
Cancers need our quiet and cozy time!!!!
@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge100%!❤