Happy Friday, ladies! And (gulp) it’s the last Friday in August, which means we have marched through the first eight months of 2023 in record time. Okay, time is measured in the same amount of time day after day, but here we are looking at September, and it seems as if it was just May… We can all agree that fall has the best fashion choices, so on one hand, I’m thrilled to move into the next season, but I’m always sad to bid adieu to summer. Today, we are Winding Down Summer with a Refreshing Cucumber Salad.
Remember, SaaCA will be closed from Sunday, August 27th - Saturday, September 2nd. It’s time to recharge our batteries, regroup, and celebrate a few birthdays in my family, including mine. Can you believe I turn 65 on August 26th?! It’s a milestone, to be sure, but I truly believe aging is a privilege, and I feel blessed to celebrate another turn around the sun. My 60s have truly been a growing decade as I’ve learned to lose a spouse, work through grief, and now embrace all that being single has to offer. I’m so very thankful for good health, a wonderful family that lives near me, and, of course, this a-ma-zing job that offers me the opportunity to extend my friends and family internationally! Thank you all so much for being here! Can’t wait to see what the other half of this decade has in store for me!
But since it’s Friday, we know that my faithful companion Oscar will be by my side. He will celebrate his 9th birthday next month! We’re both aging with grace, strength, and beauty together. Kelly is here whipping up a delicious cucumber salad that’s perfect for those hot summer days still in store for us. And we have an Aperol Sour on deck that’s delicious!
Today's outfits are casual and easy
The outfits are shoppable via a text widgets
We are making a refreshing cucumber salad and Aperol cocktail
I’m staying cool in a pink and white button-up from J.Crew and casual white denim shorts. Gotta soak up the last days of summer with a cool and comfy outfit.
Beth’s Outfit: Striped Shirt | White Denim Shorts | Similar Sandals
Kelly’s Outfit: Gamine Shirt in Cotton Poplin | Ivy Pants | Teagan Slide in Straw
Beth’s Outfit: Striped Shirt | White Denim Shorts | Similar Sandals
Kelly’s Outfit: Gamine Shirt in Cotton Poplin | Ivy Pants | Teagan Slide in Straw
These Ivy Pants from J.McLaughlin have been on repeat all summer long. They are so comfortable and easy for summer. The blue gingham is sold out but there are still quite a few colors and patterns to choose from.
Beth’s Outfit: Striped Shirt | White Denim Shorts | Similar Sandals
Kelly’s Outfit: Gamine Shirt in Cotton Poplin | Ivy Pants | Teagan Slide in Straw
We are big fans of Aperol and this Aperol Sour is a great way to enjoy this bittersweet aperitivo.
Makes 2 Cocktails
4 oz. Aperol
2 oz. Gin
2 oz. Lemon Juice
2 oz. Simple Syrup
1 Egg White
4 dashes Orange Bitters
Add Aperol, Gin, lemon juice, simple syrup and egg white to a cocktail shaker. Shake without ice for about 30 seconds to froth the egg white.
Then add ice and shake again until very cold. Strain into a coupe glass.
Cucumber is so refreshing in summer and this is a great way to enjoy it! A simple salad with Mediterranean flavors and pecans, this cucumber salad is easy and makes a great side for any main dish.
6-8 Persian Cucumbers
2 Avocados, diced
1/4 cup Chopped Italian Parsley
1/4 cup Chopped Dill
1/2 cup Toasted Walnuts, roughly chopped
1/4-1/3 cup Feta Cheese, crumbled
Zest and Juice of 1 Lemon, plus more lemon juice to taste
1 tbsp. Sumac
1-2 tsp. Minced Fresh (or dried) Oregano
1-2 pinches of Kosher Salt
Olive Oil
Chop the cucumbers into 3-4 chunks. Place the cut cucumbers in a large zipper-lock bag. Smash the cucumbers with a rolling pin until they are more roughly chopped and craggy.
Transfer the cucumbers to a large salad bowl. Add the diced avocado, parsley, dill, and walnuts.
Toss to combine, then add the feta cheese crumbles, toss again.
Then add the lemon juice and zest, sumac, oregano, and kosher salt.
Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat.
Taste and add more lemon juice as desired.
Happy Friday, gang! Kelly, Oscar and I wish you a lovely weekend. Cheers!
Beth’s Outfit: Striped Shirt | White Denim Shorts | Similar Sandals
Kelly’s Outfit: Gamine Shirt in Cotton Poplin | Ivy Pants | Teagan Slide in Straw
Beth’s Outfit: Striped Shirt | White Denim Shorts | Similar Sandals
Kelly’s Outfit: Gamine Shirt in Cotton Poplin | Ivy Pants | Teagan Slide in Straw
Yesterday, I shared fall outfit inspiration from Banana Republic Factory. Click the title or image below to read the article.
Happy birthday, Beth! Enjoy your vacation. I turned 65 this year, and yes, aging is a privilege. Thanks for being a positive role model.
Thank you! And thanks for being here!
Happy birthday! Funny, your profile at the end of the blog still lists your age as 63!
We’ve had a tech glitch that prevents us from updating our profiles. But I’m looking at a new blog redesign so that is on the list to be fixed.
Happy Birthday Beth! You add a tremendous value to the community whether in the USA or other countries. We love to hear from you and see how amazing life can be. Keep up the great work and always good to see Kelly’s recipes. Of course, Oscar is the star of the show, or maybe the cocktail you fix on fridays. Always a great blog.
Thank you,
Nicole and my cava-poo Skyler Hope!
Happy Birthday and enjoy your vacation!
Happy birthday, incredible lady!
More recipes to try … and you look summer-perfecto in your pinks. HELLO and a pat to OSCAR!
I hope you have a wonderful birthday. Love all the outfits today and who doesn’t love to see Oscar.
Happy Birthday Beth! Have a nice vacation and will miss you. I am a little surprised in this heat you wear so many pants. It has been in the high 80’s and 90’s here in Minnesota and I live in dresses and shorts. You have nice legs and I say go girl! As my legs are still nice and in the heat I don’t mind having them bare even at my age. I say go for comfort.
A big ole Happy Birthday, Beth! So enjoy your blog. I turned 80 this year and definitely believe age is a privilege! Love you style and the many price range’s available……and not to forget Fridays with Oscar my fave;)
From one Virgo to another. Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday, Beth! You look great today in your cute outfit. Hope you have a wonderful celebration with your family and have a restful vacation ❤️
Happy Birthday, Beth! 🎉 Enjoy your time off next week! Well deserved!
Your post is great for the last hurrahs of my favorite season! Nice and summery still! Hate to see this season go every year!
Have a Happy Birthday Beth, and a wonderful vacation!
To me, 65 is young! Keep enjoying life and being the positive spirit that you are!
Wishing you the happiest of birthdays and a great big thank you for Style at a Certain Age. It is wonderful to have this in my life and all the positive vibes that come with it!
Enjoy your birthday weekend and the week off!
Mary, Nova Scotia, Canada
I hope you have a great birthday! Enjoy your time with your family.
Happy Birthday, Beth, and many happy returns of the day!!
Hi Beth
Happy Birthday! You are definitely aging with style, strength and grace! You look great! I am 65, too, and still feel young. Talbots originally brought me to Style at a Certain Age years ago. I love the classics with an edge. I so look forward to your daily posts and outfits. Keeps me current! Thank you! Don’t ever stop!
Joanie from Iowa