Beautifully50

My Blogcation

2010-03-04T09:06:00.003-06:00

(Photo credit: addictedtowow.blogspot.com)

Welcome back! I've been on a week long (seems like forever) "blogcation" (I'm sure I haven't coined the term), but hope to be back in full-on blog mode soon. If any of you read my post "Dancing with the Stars - Part 1", you'll know that my "debut" was this past Saturday evening...yes, I danced with a professional dancer in front of a 500 plus standing room only crowd. Ok, I was on stage for a total of 4 minutes, but that 4 minutes consumed days of my life.

I'm off to a fun girls' weekend in my favorite city, New York, with two BFF's. I'll be checking out the latest Spring fashion, some fabulous NY restaurants, and...drumroll...a hot, trendy nightclub...or two. Nightclubs? It's been a long, long time. I'll be back with a full report on how I handled the night club scene (cougar? no way.), and "Dancing with the Stars - Part 2".

Hope everyone is having an outstanding week! Please stop by next week!

"How old are you?"

2010-02-25T19:14:00.002-06:00

I never thought I would ever grow to hate a simple question, but I do. It's not that I'm not proud of how I look, how I feel, or what I've accomplished, it's just that I'd rather keep people guessing. Some people, of course, are very respectful and would never ask a lady this question - kudos to you! On the other hand, there are others that somehow think it's their right to know..even if they've just met you. Am I making too much of this? Probably.

There's one time when I like this question. When a stranger or acquaintance says, "So, how old are you, 40?" I proudly boast my age. This, however, is happening on fewer and fewer occasions. So, what's a girl (oh, that's right, middle ager) to do when this inquiry is made?

Here are a few of my responses:

1) 38 (we all want to be 10 years younger, no?)
2) Old enough.
3) Why?
4) I don't want to talk about it..
5) "cringe"...48.
6) How old are you?
7) Mid-life crisis age.
8) One hundred and twenty.
9) Older than you think (hopefully)
10) I'm old.

I love Erma Bombeck's quote:

As a graduate of the Zsa Zsa Gabor
School of Creative Mathematics,
I honestly do not know how old I am.

Didn't this work for Zsa Zsa? I don't think anyone knows her real age. My goal in 2010, as I'm trying to embrace the coming of the big 5-0, is to say "48" (yes, my real age) with confidence. What's your answer to this "age-old" question?

iHad to Share

2010-02-23T10:04:00.000-06:00

I just had to share this new iPhone case maker with you! I happened to notice a friend's case the other day, and it was unlike any I had ever seen. We've all seen the rubber peace signs, Paul Franks', colored plastic, even shiny gold iPhone cases...all very cool as well, but this one we create ourselves. Yes, a one-of-a-kind iPhone case. The process is fun, inexpensive and gets your creative juices flowing. (Am I the last to know about this?)

The site is called imakemycase.case-mate and in addition to the DIY cases, it has a wide selection of other cool ready-made phone cases as well.

As I said, the process is simple. The site has 10 different world-class artists (with samples of their work) for you to choose from, and each artist has several different backgrounds (from your basic white to psychedelic prints), dozens of different graphics (flowers, diamonds and serpents to name a few) and a few tools (want a kaleidoscope of your art? no problem). Then it's all "drag and drop". The art is applied with a special process that embeds the ink directly into the case, ensuring it won't scratch or abrade with our daily addictive use. Cases are made with Lexon, an extremely strong plastic that is more durable and lighter than the other plastic cases on the market. Since 'imakemycase' is one-of-a-kind, they strived to use the best quality products in their design.

So what's this got to do with becoming "Beautifully50?" Don't we all want to celebrate our individuality? We are past the "take what they give you" stage of our lives, right? And, this is a great way to show our creativity and passion for art. All of this for a mere $39.99. Oh, yes, at our age, we love a good bargain too.

My friends will tell you that I love art, but I'm certainly no artist. Here are some designs I made in 10 minutes or less (all of them, not just one of them!):

Loads of Diamonds

Spring has Sprung

Grayphic Circles

My Valentine's Mess

Scroll it!

Pyschedelic 60's

The ten minutes I spent creating these was lots of fun. I cant' wait to go back on and create another. Although, I'm kind of liking "My Valentine's Mess". What do you think?

Good Day Sunshine

2010-02-22T16:53:00.002-06:00

Remember how happy this Beatles song made us feel? Well, that's how I'm feeling right now as I've been given "The Sunshine" award by one of my favorite blog sites, La Dolfina. If you appreciate the beauty in every day life, aspire to have beautiful surroundings in your home and beyond, this is a site you definitely want to follow! Terri has impeccable taste and an eye for the exquisite, you won't be disappointed.

It's an honor to be listed in the same breathe as the twelve other blogs Terri has bestowed her Sunshine award upon. So now it's my turn to share the twelve blogs that provide my daily dose of sunshine! Here's to the following wonderful reads...follow them for your recommended daily dose!

The Sunshine Award

click here

Middle Ageless

Of a Certain Age

A femme d'un Certain Age

My Favorite Things

And, of course, I need to include my own Super Sunshine award to Terri at La Dolfina, and to my one of my very best friends, Kellie at CashonandCompany! Thanks Kell, for pushing me to start a blog!♥

Dancing with the Stars, Part 1

2010-02-22T06:00:00.002-06:00

What I'm about to write about is still somewhat surreal to me, however, it's about to get real, and in only 6 days! Last fall I was asked by the chairperson of my son's school auction to consider being one of the "stars" in our "Dancing with the Stars" themed evening. My son attends an all-boys school and the "auction" is our major fundraiser of the year, sometimes bringing in upwards of $500,000! Each year the chairperson determines the theme and attempts to increase funds raised over previous years' events. You get the drift....

So, when asked, I actually jumped at the opportunity. Always a "Dancing with the Stars" fan, the thought of getting professional lessons (they comped eight 45-minute lessons), dancing with a pro, wearing a cute outfit and helping to raise money for my son's school was so appealing. I have zero dance background, other than shaking it with the girls on a girls' night out. Oh, that's right, I took ballet when I was three, and during my recital, dressed as a lion, I urinated all over myself and the stage...(let's pray that doesn't happen this time!).

I've always thought that stepping out of your comfort zone was important in life. I love trying new hobbies, some I stick with (yoga), and some I'm glad I did, but will never do again (half-marathon), and some are on the back-burner for now (needlepointing). Dancing was something I always thought I could learn fairly easily, but boy I was wrong. Eight 45-minute lessons equates to eight runs down a ski-slope and then performing in the Olympics. Seriously! So, I've handed lots of cash over to the Arthur Murray Dance Studio in hopes of honing my cha-cha skills. In six days, the 500 person, standing room only crowd will see the results of my efforts.

The "show" segment of the evening will run just as a "Dancing with the Stars" competition. There are eight "school" dancers (faculty, staff, 2 parents) and eight "pros". Each amateur will take the stage with their pro for a long one and a half minute routine and then the voting begins. We have three judges that will comment on our performances, and the entire audience votes with some type of electronic gadget. A big, mirrored disco ball trophy goes to the winner, but believe me, that's not my focus. Cha-cha'ing for 90 seconds without falling is my goal.

School Auction Logo

provided by "A Different Perspective" graphic design

Throughout this journey, I've realized that I'm much too hard on myself, I'm too serious, and I need to focus on the real fun dancing has brought to my life. My hopes are that I can carry these feelings over into other aspects of my being...it will be difficult, but I know I just need to lighten up! Look for "Dancing with the Stars, Part 2" sometime next week...and I'll let you know if I got my cha-cha on or not.

Power of the Sweet Potato (or 'The Supreme Yam')

2010-02-21T06:00:00.000-06:00

Sweet potatoes...not just for the holidays anymore. Seriously, we all need a reminder on the power of this colorful potato! One of Dr. Mao's must-eat foods, the sweet potato, and cousin yam, both provide more beta-carotene and vitamin C than carrots, more protein than wheat and rice, and more fiber than oat bran and as much potassium as a banana! A single skin-on sweet potato only contains 120 calories, and has over 1000 mcg of vitamin A (more than our daily requirement), plus good amounts of B6 and folate. Most importantly, both are a rich source of DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), the mother lode of all hormones.

DHEA is what we call a "precursor hormone", one that remains latent in the body until it converts to a hormone that our body needs. It can become estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone, all so essential for our body's anti-aging defenses to work. DHEA doesn't stop there, it is a potent immunity booster, helps to control auto-immune disorders, and has been shown to possess significant anticancer properties. As the most abundant steroid in our body, DHEA also helps ward off arteriosclerosis, lowers blood pressure, reduces inflammation to the brain, prevents fat accumulation, and improves heart function. Need I say more??

My favorite way to eat sweet potatoes is simple...puncture a few times with a fork, bake in a hot (400˚ oven) until you see caramelized potato seeping out of your fork holes, slice open, add a little butter and S&P to taste. Depending on my mood, I might add cinnamon and brown sugar (sweet mood) or chili powder (hot mood). Both are delicious! Sweet potato fries are another quick favorite - I simply slice into strips, add a little olive oil and salt, and bake until done. Of course, make sure to keep the yummy skin on, lots of potent vitamins are in the skin!

When buying sweet potatoes (actually slightly healthier and definitely tastier than cousin yam), avoid ones with blemishes, cracks, soft spots and cuts. Store, uncovered, in a cool, dark spot (always hard for me to find!).

Sweet Potato Fries with rosemary

Add chili powder, paprika, thyme or cinnamon!

So, I'm thinking one a day will keep aging away!

Swim Spanx, Really?

2010-02-20T12:31:00.002-06:00

Wow. We all remember the "Miracle Suit"...needless to say, I've never tried one on (they always seemed very outdated in their styling, although I loved the concept of a swimsuit taking off the terrible 10), but I may actually take a dive into these new suits from Spanx. Yes, Spanx! The company we all wish was created decades ago, but fortunately we all know and love now for their slimming shapers and body wear. And, if you've never purchased a Spanx product, either count your blessings for your perfect body, or head to the nearest big box retailer and load up!

Currently I'm at that stage in my life when I'm mourning the loss of ever hoping to wear a bikini again...even in my own backyard. And really, my body is not that bad...some cellulite here and there, a little back fat and a less than perky derriere. My tummy is actually flat, but it's covered with lines (are these stomach wrinkles?), and I have a decent bust area. I just feel over-exposed in a two-piece since my almost 49-year-old skin is just not as pretty anymore. Worrying about excess skin (ok, fat), is something I just don't care to do anymore....so one-piece, you are my new bff.

So, when I ran across the Spanx suits on Neiman's website, I was immediately intrigued. New this year, they are meant to provide the same slimming effects as the Spanx bodywear, by including a lightweight inner body shaper that will flatten tummies, smooth backs and slim love handles, all designed with beautiful Italian jersey (my mantra...everything Italian is good). Gotta love that! Here's a sampling of the new line, with fun, sexy, flirty styles! And, I'm headed to Neiman Marcus this afternoon (time to pay that bill..I think I'll die with a NM balance), so I'll try a Spanx suit and report back.

All items available at Spanx.com or NeimanMarcus.com.

Spanx Deep-V

Other colors available

Spanx Flamingo

My favorite, love the color and ruching

Spanx Color Block

Must see the zoom on fabric at spanx.com, very pretty!

Spanx Triangle Top

Other colors available

Spanx Ruffle top

Other colors available

Spanx Swim Dress

Cuter on than you think!

Spanx Tankini

Several tankini styles available

Spanx Bikini

Cute, for someone!

Not sure where or how the body shaping plays a part!

Spanx Bubble Skirt Cover-up

I like this in black...need to see it on.

So, are these cute? Or wishful thinking on my part? I'm definitely going to try on...I think they are perfect for trips to a lake, water park or vacationing with other families (isn't that the worst..your friend's husband checking you out in a bathing suit?!).

Comments, please!

Modern Times

2010-02-19T06:00:00.002-06:00

The Paradox of Our Age

by The Dalai Lama

We have bigger houses but smaller families;
More conveniences, but less time;
We have more degrees, but less sense;
More knowledge, but less judgment;
More experts, but more problems;
More medicines, but less healthiness;
We've been all the way to the moon and back,
but have trouble crossing the street to meet the new neighbor.
We build more computers to hold more information to
produce more copies than ever but have less communication.
We have become long on quantity,
but short on quality.
These are times of fast foods but slow digestion;
Tall man but short character;
Steep profits but shallow relationships.
It's a time when there is much in the window,
but nothing in the room.

Décolleté Decay

2010-02-18T06:00:00.001-06:00

I admit it, in my thirties, and even early forties, I seldom paid attention to what was happening below my chin...after all, your face is what counts, right? Well, now as I am approaching my quarter century mark, I realize that my décolleté desperately deserves attention! Décolleté, such a pretty word, from the french meaning "wearing a low-neck dress" or "having a low-cut neckline". It now also translates to the skin of the upper area of our bodies, including neck, chest, cleavage and shoulder areas.

We've all seen women with perfectly smooth (botox?), even (chemical peel?), tight (face-lift?) skin, and then noticed their saggy, wrinkled, hyper-pigmented chest areas. I don't get this! Pay that much money for a flawless complexion and then let your décolleté decay?! Ladies - our complexions must match our décolleté's or we are wasting our time, money and energy on all of our facial beautifiers! If your face reads 40-year-old, don't have your decollete read 50-year-old.

So what can we do? It's easy. Basically, we need to treat our skin below our chin with the same care as the skin above our chin. Cleanse your chest area with a good cleanser, follow up with a moisturizer and slather on the sunscreen. Gently exfoliate twice a week, and use a hydrating mask on a weekly basis. At nighttime, when your body and skin are rejuvenating, apply a cream that focuses on your chest area's particular problem. My chest has a sunspot for every day I've baked in the sun, from my teens to thirties, so I utilize a hydroquinone (bleaching) cream as well as Olay's Definity Night Cream. I don't have a lot of wrinkles (yet), but I know the care I'm giving this area now, will help ward off the deep lines for a bit. There are dozens of excellent throat/décolleté creams on the market, but I find that facial moisturizers combat the same issues, with a lower price tag than the targeted "throat" cream.

Deep set wrinkles in the décolleté area are mostly caused by sleeping on one's side, the weight of the breast actually compresses the skin together, leaving the lines behind. Be sure to exercise the chest (just like any other part of your body, a toned chest looks better than a unfit one), try to sleep on your back, and moisturize, moisturize, moisturize.

Also, whenever you are treating yourself to a facial, ask your aesthetician to use the same techniques in your chest area as she does for your complexion. However, be careful with chemical peels in this area due to the thinness of the skin. Be sure to have an extremely knowledgeable aesthetician, or even better, a dermatologist, decide if a chemical peel might benefit your décolleté.

When wearing a low-cut garment, I always apply a light mineral based powder to even up my skin tone, and highlight my shoulder bones (every ladies best asset!).

So, bring on the low (ok, lower) cut dresses and let's show off our pretty décolleté's!

Just say "NO"!

2010-02-17T06:00:00.001-06:00

Really, I wish it was that easy (it sure is for my 8-year-old)! It should be..I mean, I'm a confident, strong, outgoing middle-aged woman who knows what makes me happy, right? Then why is it so hard for me to decline the endless requests for volunteer help at my son's school? Does it fill a need to please? To control something? Quite honestly, I'm not so sure, and please tell me I'm not alone in this quandary.

I do know that being overcommitted overwhelms me. Dr. Mao wants us to realize that there is lots of power in the word "no" and that we just have to relearn how to use it, just like we were two-years-old again. "When we are able to acknowledge our limitations and our need for peace by saying no to additional burdens, we reclaim control of our lives and reduce stress (Secrets of Longevity)." And, when we reduce stress on ourselves, we are happier...and I bet everyone around us is happier too.

So, now I'm done with all of the baskets for our upcoming auction..oh, wait, I need to "show and tell" them at the cafeteria all next week. Ok, when that's done..oh wait, I'm a dancer in our "Dancing with the Stars" themed auction party. Then it's chairing "Blue and Gold" field days in May...and then...something I swore I'd never do.. chairing Fun Day next October - our huge two-school carnival. I promise, after that, I'm saying NO! Someone, please, hold me to it!

Just a small sampling of baskets that have taken over

my house for the past two weeks!

Can you say Quinoa?

2010-02-16T16:51:00.002-06:00

Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah!) is one of my new food obsessions, and I find the history behind this edible seed so interesting. Quinoa has been an important food source for the past 6,000 years in the Andes region of South America and the ancient Incas viewed the crop as sacred. In fact, the Inca emperor would sow the first crop of the season with his "golden implements." However, during the European conquest of South America, the Spanish suppressed production of Quinoa since it was only a "food for the Indians". The conquistadors actually halted production for a time, and the Incas were forced to grow corn to survive.

Quinoa plant, quinoa in flower stage, harvested quinoa.

(photo credit: Wikipedia)

In modern times, quinoa has seen an increase in production, due to its' immense nutritional content. Quinoa is 12-18% protein and, unlike most grains, provides a balanced set of essential amino acids, making it an excellent food source. It's also a good source of fiber, magnesium, phosphorous and iron. Ask any vegetarian you know, and I'm sure they'll know the many benefits of this tiny seed.

To me, quinoa has a mild nutty flavor that you can enhance by lightly toasting the seeds prior to cooking. Use quinoa just like rice, couscous or any other grain, in soups, as a side dish, and even as a breakfast cereal.

Here is a recipe that I've enjoyed time and time again...very quick and easy to prepare. Most store packaged quinoa has been pre-rinsed (otherwise it can have a soapy-like, bitter tasting residue), but I always soak mine in water for at least 10 minutes and then rinse well.

Quinoa and Black Beans (Recipe courtesy of allrecipes.com)

Ingredients

1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
3/4 cup uncooked quinoa
1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
salt and pepper to taste
1 cup frozen corn kernels
2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Directions

Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the onion and garlic, and saute until lightly browned.
Mix quinoa into the saucepan and cover with vegetable broth. Season with cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes,
Stir frozen corn into the saucepan, and continue to simmer about 5 minutes until heated through. Mix in the black beans and cilantro.

I've added other vegetables (tomatoes, zucchini, mushrooms) and sometimes put a little cheese on top. This is delicious as a side dish or a meal in itself.

For breakfast, quinoa is traditionally served with apples and honey, and I've enjoyed it with chopped pecans and craisins as well.

So, looking for a protein rich grain source? Try Quinoa...and now you know how to pronounce it!

Let the Music Play

2010-02-15T06:00:00.005-06:00

I'm betting that if you are reading this, you own an iPod or MP3 player. If not, add one to your next birthday wish list. It's wonderful, the amount of music available and inexpensive for the masses to enjoy these days, everything from pop to jazz to opera and classical.

Dr. Mao's research shows a large number of centenarians enjoying the sounds of music, but not the fast, "I Gotta Feeling" Black Eyed Pea's stimulating music, but the slow, soothing music of the world's classics. Think "Peter and the Wolf" or "Claire de Lune" or any of the great masters - Beethoven, Bach, Mozart et al.

Music has been a traditional part of healing ceremonies and rituals across the world with a rich history of therapeutic use. Calming, classical music not only enhances cognitive functions such as memory, concentration and reasoning skills, but it also boosts the immune system, lowers blood pressure, relaxes muscle tension, regulates stress hormones, elevates mood and increases endurance (Secrets of Longevity). WOW. And, guess who's among the longest living of all professionals? You got it, the classical musician, especially the orchestra conductor. Even plants, serenaded with soothing classical music, lived longer on average than plants exposed to harsh, jarring music.

Now, I'm not giving up my favorite Black Eyed Peas, Phoenix, U2, Justin Timberlake (yes, I'm 48 and love him!) or any of the other thousand songs on my iPod, but I will be adding more classical to my music library. Also, I'm hoping that New Age, Opera and soft jazz have the same benefits as classical, as I've already downloaded many a CD in these genres. So, if you're like me and seeking longevity, tune in to music on the softer side of that iPod song list.

My current go-to tunes for relaxation:

Enigma's Love, Sensuality, Devotion Greatest Hits

Available here at Amazon.com

Diana Krall Quiet Nights

Available here at Amazon.com

Luciano Pavarotti Nessun dorma

Available here at Amazon.com

Jem - Finally Woken

Available here at Amazon.com

Love to know your favorites too....now, it's time to relax...

IWANNA

2010-02-14T06:00:00.002-06:00

"IWANNA"...That's the nickname my husband has given me for the past..hmm...10 years! I wanna go on a trip, I wanna remodel the kitchen, I wanna get a new car, I wanna, I wanna, I wanna!! I guess he might have something here, but as I age, I do think my "I wanna's" have waned. Middle-age is a time when you realize that material things do not buy happiness (oh sure, they can help) and your happiness has to come from within.

So, on this Valentine's Day, here is my list of "Iwanna's":

1. To cuddle in bed with my husband and son with no schedule for the day.

2. Egg white-spinach omelette with toast and coffee...in bed (made by someone other than me!).

3. See the joy on my son's face when he opens his latest editions of his favorite new book series..."The Warriors"...and of course, his big chocolate heart.

4. Hope my hubby likes his two new shirts...bought with my uber cool girlfriend in hopes that my mid-life (but older than me by one week, one day, and one year!) husband garners some coolness of his own. ..or is it just really too late for that?

5. Exchange "Happy Valentine's" messages with my good friends and family.

6. A peaceful, happy Valentine's Sunday doing everything my little boy wants to do...my how Valentine's has changed..for the better!

7. To remember that looking in the mirror and loving myself first matters most...it opens the heart to the desire to love others and to be loved.

8. To tell myself that looks may wane, but my wisdom, confidence, self-reliance, and character are based on the past 48 years and I wouldn't give them up for anything.

9. To continue to pray for the people of Haiti and others in the world less fortunate than myself, and to strive to teach the important lesson of philanthropy and thinking globally to my son.

10. Ok..let's face it...I hope I get my caftan (previous post) and my favorite Godiva dark chocolate!

It's going to be a great day! Happy Valentine's Day all!

You know you are almost 50 when...

2010-02-12T06:00:00.000-06:00

...you want a caftan for Valentine's Day! I now understand Mrs. Roper, of our favorite 70's show, "Three's Company". She wanted to look and feel glamourous even though she rarely left her apartment. Of course, I'm out and about all day long, but come 6:00 PM-ish and I know I've put the keys up for the night, I want comfort. In my 30's and early 40's that usually translated to Juicy Sweats...we all have them, in lots of colors, and in terry and velour. Seriously, I'm juiced out.

There's something exotic to me about a caftan, I conjure up images of Morocco and Capri. I envision Jackie O walking the White House in a beautiful silk one. In the 60's, my pretty mom wore caftans around the house all the time. Comfortable, flattering (extra weight....where?), feminine, and visitor appropriate. Also, for me, I think a caftan is a better alternative to a robe. No worries that something could be showing when the neighbor or my 8-year-old's friends stop by...my silk robes never seem to stay put!

So K & C...here's the spring floral caftan I want for Valentine's Day..and no "Mrs. Roper" jokes.

Natori Silk Kaftan

Available here at Neiman Marcus

By the way, caftan or kaftan is a Turkish word, and a 'c' or 'k' is correct!

My Big Girl Book Club

2010-02-08T18:41:00.066-06:00

It's cold and rainy a blizzard in Dallas, a perfect night to cuddle up with a page-turner. You know, those books you absolutely can't put down...I've been known to even read at stop lights, much to the chagrin of fellow drivers, I'm sure. So, like many of you, I'm in a book club..the invitation from a friend came a few months ago, and I'm so glad I accepted. Sure, I've been in others, but I call this my "big girl" book club. Why? Past book clubs I've enjoyed were the old 80:20 rule..80% gossip, drinks and more gossip, and 20% (if that) on the book. This one follows the 80:20 rule, but the conversation truly is 80% book.

My "club" is made up of an eclectic group of women - I'm one of two New Yorkers, one gal from Mississippi, one from East Texas, three Indian women, one Polish, one Korean girl, and a mid-westerner (Nebraska!). A great mix that makes for some intense conversations. Our club is in it's infancy stage ( 3 months), but I look forward to the coming reads and discussions.

Our past three months reads:

You'd have to be living in a cave not to have heard of this best-seller. Historical fiction based on the lives of black maids and the "country club" set of white women they work for, based in the 1960's just as the Civil Rights revolution is about to begin. Beautifully50 Rating: 5 out of 5 stars.

A new look at child development that every parent should read. Each chapter was it's own "aha" moment...I particularly liked the chapters on the detriments of over-praising, new research on sleep deprivation, race relations and lying. Beautifully50 Rating: 4 stars out of 5

At first, I was reluctant to open this one up... "a series of short stories based in Pakistan" (as described to me by a friend), however, I loved this book! The eight stories are linked with some of the same characters, and explore the lives of wealthy Pakistani landowners and the common men and women that serve them. The feudal system is still at work in Pakistan and other parts of the world. Beautifully50 Rating: 5 stars out of 5.

Of course I don't need Dr. Mao to tell me that a healthy, challenged mind is imperative to our quest for longevity. Next time a book club invitation comes your way, my suggestion is to accept. Of course, the gift of reading is phenomenal, but the discussion the books can spur may pleasantly surprise you! Our next read:

Care to read along??

Lip it

2010-02-07T12:56:00.001-06:00

Earlier this week, I made the mistake of deciding to purchase a girlfriend some Chanel make-up for her birthday. I'm sure she'll love her gift, but I ended up spending far more than I should of ...on me! Usually, on any shopping expedition, I steer clear of cosmetics - mainly as a time saver (too many artists that know me), but also because I'm a sure-thing. A new mascara? Sure...A new concealer? Yes, I'll try it...I can be such a junkie, so it's better for me not to go to the source.

But, alas, I found myself talking with one of the Dior artists that used to work with me - a beautiful, classy women named Mona. Mona built her business on honesty, so her word is golden with me. I asked her to show me one product that I would love, and she pulled out the Dior Lip Maximizer.

Available here at Sephora

I LOVE IT!! For once, a gloss that gives the perfect shine, not too sticky, not too shiny, is long-lasting and gives a small plumping effect (although that's not my motivation). You can use alone or on top of your favorite go-to lip shade. At $29.50, it's certainly not cheap, but it's also a lip conditioner to use as treatment at night. So, two great uses in one. I've only had it for a few days, but I know I'll be repurchasing it again and again. Oh, another plus, it's got a yummy vanilla mint taste too!

A spoonful of sugar

2010-02-06T06:00:00.003-06:00

Today I was at lunch with a very healthy, vegetarian friend of mine. Taking my own advice (well, and that of Dr. Mao's) I ordered hot, green tea and then I grabbed a Splenda packet to sweeten up my cup. Sitting across from her, I saw the irony in what I was doing - trying to live (and blog about) a healthier and longer life, taking my daily supplements, drinking 3 cups of green tea daily, and here I was, not thinking twice about filling up my healthy drink with an artificial sweetener!

It's well-known that some artificial sweeteners can pose a danger to one's health. Saccharin is carcinogenic as its' been shown to produce bladder cancer in rats. I know the jury is still out on the others, but common sense leads me to believe that artificial anything won't make it to any top 100 list of healthy foods.

I admit it, I began using "Sweet -n- Low" years ago as a calorie saver, and instantly became addicted to the sweetness. Splenda arrived with its' claim to be only one molecule away from the real stuff...well, at least that's what a Splenda executive told my husband on an airplane one day, and I quickly switched from the pink and have been a fan of the yellow for years now.

So sitting across from my size 0, 40-ish-year-old girlfriend, I put the yellow back and went for the sugar. Seriously, do I honestly believe that the extra 16 calories (per teaspoon) that real sugar provides is going to sabotage my weight goals? I eat an extra 16 calories every time I take a crumb of chips off my son's lunch plate. In fact, there are no studies to indicate that artificial sweeteners make any difference at all in weight-loss goals (Secrets of Longevity, by Dr. Maoshing Ni). We do know that cancer cells can feed on excess sugar in our bodies, but fortunately I've never been a sugar junkie...and I bet an occasional teaspoon in my tea isn't nearly as harmful as the artificial stuff.

At this point in my life, I believe natural is better, and moderation is key (actually I've always adhered to that one). There are some alternatives out there for those of you not wanting any sugar in your diets, but still needing that sweetness. Stevia, an extract from a tropical plant, is a great zero calorie, zero carb, 100% natural alternative to sugar. In fact, overseas, Stevia accounts for up to 40% of the sweetener market. Diet Coke in Japan is made with Stevia vs. NutraSweet or Splenda. I've used Stevia, and it sits on my pantry shelf, but I'm still getting used to the taste. Also, Agave Nectar, made from the juice of the succulent agave plant (the same plant that gives us tequila), is a great alternative to sugar and honey. I often use this in my tea at home, as well as on waffles and pancakes, and as a sweet addition to a fruit smoothie. Add some to plain yogurt with walnuts and cranberries and you have a delicious morning treat. I love the taste of this sweet nectar and my son loves it even more than honey!

So no more artificial sweeteners for me...sugar (on occasion), Stevia and Agave Nectar are all I need.
PS - Stevia and Agave Nectar may also be substituted in your recipes for baking, and there are many sites available on-line for conversion assistance.

Stevia Plant and powder

Purchase the highest quality Stevia you can

to avoid any bitter aftertaste.

Agave Nectar

Available now at most grocers and health food stores.

Use as substitute for maple syrup and honey.

Get the skinny!

2010-02-05T06:00:00.001-06:00

Happy Fashion Friday! If you've been reading my blog you know that I love fashion and worked in the beauty/fashion biz for too many years to remember! I have lots of friends that call weekly for fashion advice and several that I take shopping on a regular basis. I love helping my friends, it's amazing how much easier it is to shop for someone else. Like everything, it's all about the money. I can persuade a friend to spend the big bucks on a handbag, even though I might have a hard time doing so myself. I love the thrill of finding something that is just perfect for them - their shape, lifestyle and budget.

Every once in a while I find something that I LOVE so much that I have to share the passion with all my friends...however, I can't take credit for this find, that goes to my good friend, Nancy Klompus of Buy Request, her own wardrobe consulting business. If you are in the Dallas area, check out her website, she has amazing taste and helps tweak your style, your closet and your shopping habits.

One day Nancy sent an email (as she often does) out to her friends and clients letting us know about a new jean in town. The James Jean Twiggy. Twiggy? For me, no way. I emailed back immediately, "Are you sure I can even wear these?" "Absolutely!" Nancy replied. You see, Nancy and I are the same age, so I trust her judgement completely when it comes to age- appropriateness.

So I called my favorite sales associate at one of my go-to boutiques in town and sure enough, the Twiggy had arrived. I got to the store as quickly as my schedule permitted, and couldn't wait to try on the jeans. I envied my younger friends in their leggings, boots and cute tops. I envied my 40-plus-year-old friends with shapes perfected by hours in the gym, wearing the latest skinny jeans. I, for one, don't believe that a 48-year-old should be wearing leggings. I've been there, done that, for a decade in the 80's, when I did have the perfect leggings body, but I do still love the look.

The Twiggy is the answer. Denim "legging" perfection. A stretchy, skinny jean that lifts your bottom and magically slims your legs. I'm not sure how, but I don't care. Comfy and wearable, they almost feel like you have on your favorite pair of sweats. I wear them to the grocery store with Uggs and a sweater, and then on a moms' night out with a sexy, (albeit) longer top. The Twiggy should look good on any figure, as long as you keep your top longer. Also, for us 40-plus-women, buy your Twiggy in either black or blue denim. For women with a slimmer silhouette, the gray is nice as well. I haven't tried the white, I may do so for summer, but my gut instinct is "no."

So get your skinny on with the James Jean Twiggy. I did send the link to several of my friends, and all have been thrilled with their new go-to's! The Twiggy fits true to size, so if ordering on-line, simply order your typical jean measurement. Ok, gotta go...and get my Twiggy's on for the day.

Halle Berry in Twiggy

Marcia Cross loves the Twiggy.

Charlize Theron in black cat and denim.

OH - and the best part? The Twiggy is under $120... a budget blessing

when it comes to jeans these days.

Laugh your way to Longevity

2010-02-04T06:00:00.001-06:00

Too funny...

My nine-year-old daughter walked in while I was getting ready for work. "What are you doing?" she asked. "Putting on my wrinkle cream, " I answered. "Oh, " she said, walking away.
"I thought they were natural. " (Deb Fillman, Reader's Digest)

My friend is a Botox junkie - she can't stop getting the injections. But surprisingly, when I reminded her to get her flu shot, she shuddered. "I hate needles."
I had a solution: "Just pretend it will make your arm look younger." (Linda Lange, Reader's Digest)

One of my favorite Dr. Mao's tip is to embrace the gift of laughter. There is no doubt that joyful people live longer, healthier lives. The late Norman Cousins pioneered "laugh therapy" and discovered that laughter and joy boosted immune functions, particularly the production of the natural killer cells that defend the body against infections and cancer. A good belly laugh can also increase endorphin release in the brain.
So make laughter a big part of your day. Read the comics, watch that favorite show, or call that friend that is sure to make you laugh so hard that you cry...you'll be laughing all the way to the longevity bank!

Heard any good jokes lately?

The "Second Spring"

2010-02-03T11:21:00.003-06:00

Chinese culture reveres elders. So much so, that "menopause is actually called the 'second spring,' because the end of a woman's childbearing years gives rise to a new phase of life empowered by her accumulated wisdom," says Dr. Maoshing Ni. Now, I do believe I'm in the midst of major peri-menopause. My night sweats leave me soaked and frozen...too cold and tired to get up and change, but miserable for the rest of my beauty sleep (ha). I haven't had a full-on hot flash during the day, and only occasionally do I have an irregular cycle. Also, I promise you, this blog will never become a outlet for my menopausal woes. It's just another part of life that we need to adjust to and everyone needs to do what works for them to make things as least painful as possible.

So, for now at least, I want to do things the natural way, without any synthetic or bio-identical hormone therapy. I'm fortunate to have a few friends in the ob/gyn biz and they both say it's the way to go if you can tolerate the typical symptoms resulting from our lower estrogen production - these include the aforementioned hot flashes, insomnia, headaches, mood swings, dryness, diminished skin elasticity, memory loss...and did I mention mood swings?

Fortunately, there are many foods that are hight in phytoestrogens, the plant estrogens that are a weaker form of the body's hormone. Highest in this category include apples, brown rice, cabbage, carrots, beans, beets, citrus, cornmeal, oatmeal, potatoes, radish, fennel and soy. Soybean, as well as most other beans, are rich in genistein, which, like estrogen, protects against bone loss and other aging issues. So, let's wait on the hormones while we can, and eat our way through menopause.

Here's a delicious, easy dish that should help with those mood swings..oh wait, I said I only had night sweats...well, just in case.

Chili Chicken over Rice - Recipe from my sister, Sue
I've been making for years now, and the family gives it two-thumbs up.

2 TBS Olive Oil (I cut this down my using organic spray olive oil)
3 Medium carrots, Chopped (I throw in the food processor)
4 Chicken Breasts, cut into thin strips
1 TBS Chili Powder...or more to taste (In Texas, we like it hot, so I put double)
1 Can Black Beans, drained and rinsed
1 Can Diced Tomatoes (again, organic, no added salt)
1/4 cup water

Brown Rice (as side)

Heat oil, cook carrots till tender. Stir in chicken and chili powder, cook until chicken browns. Stir in beans, tomatoes, 1/4 cup water and cook until chicken is thoroughly cooked. Serve over brown rice.

ENJOY!!
PS - Seriously, I was going to make this for dinner last night and instead we had Subway! It's been a crazy week. As soon as I make the dish, I'll post a pic!

That Lancome Look

2010-02-02T06:00:00.000-06:00

I just read that Julia Roberts is the new face of Lancome, a company I worked with for a decade of my employed life. To me, Lancome epitomizes French beaute': luxurious, opulent, and exquisite. My first introduction to Lancome was in high school (circa 1979), lining my eyes with the deepest black eye kohl pencil, and tipping my lashes with the mascara du jour (my middle-aged memory escapes me). I've been using Definicils Lengthening Mascara since it's debut...cheating every so often with the newest addition to the mascara market, but always returning to my beloved. It defines and lengthens without a single clump. Perfection.

I really do love Julia Roberts. Who couldn't? A sweet, vivacious, beautiful award winning actress, with a hot husband (ok, warm) and a lovely family. Her movies span from one of my all time favorites, "Mystic Pizza" to "Pretty Woman" to "Erin Brokovich" to "Duplicity" and so many more in between. I'm looking forward to the new "Eat, Pray, Love" coming out this year...even though I haven't made it past Chapter 1 in the book. Why? Because we can count on Julia. She'll give her all to the role and capture our senses. But, as the face of Lancome? The jury is still out for me.

You see, when I started with Lancome, Isabella Rossellini was the face of Lancome. Daughter of Swedish actress, Ingrid Bergman, and Italian director, Roberto Rossellini, destined for fame on her birth day. To me, her mother, Ingrid Bergman epitomizes classic beauty, with her flawless skin, perfect features, and enchanting smile.

Ingrid Bergman

Isabella Rosellini

Isabella was raised in Italy and Paris, and moved to NYC at the age of 19 to go to college. She worked as a translator, circus ringmaster!, and sometimes hit the stage at Roberto Benigni's (Life is Beautiful) Italian comedy show. She married director Martin Scorsese in 1979 (he certainly got lucky) and decided to stay in NYC. Their marriage only lasted until 1982 (shocker), but during this time Isabella dug her perfectly coiffed toes into modeling. Her face graced the covers of all the "it" magazines and in 1982 she signed her contract to become the face of Lancome.

A coup! Lancome just landed one of the most beautiful, European models of all time - a perfect fit for this French firm expanding in the good ole' US of A. OK, so she's not french, but definitely has that European 'je ne sais quoi'. Parlez vous francais? Oui! Oui! Yes, she's fluent, and to me, that counts for something. Isabella remained with Lancome until 1996, she was 44 and graced the ads for fourteen record-breaking years.

After Isabella, Lancome had a "face" for its' different product segments. Juliette Binoche, Kate Winslet, Ines Sastre, and even Clive Owen had their own campaigns. Color stories, new product launches and other ads used beautiful models, but not a "name". So, now they have a "name". Julia Roberts will be the face of Lancome across product lines. I don't think she's ever lived in France or Europe, I don't think she speaks Francais, and I don't think she has that same "je ne sais quoi"as Isabella. I love Lancome, so I hope I'm wrong. I do love the fact that she is 42, but begs the question, "Is Lancome now a line for only the more mature?" Have the MAC's , Smashboxes, and Shu Uemera taken over while Lancome simply maintains it's market? Julia, I hope we can count on you now, as we do in all of your movie roles. Afterall, what would I do without my Definicils??

Isabella

Lancome ad

Isabella Rosselini

Lancome Ad

Isabella Tresor Launch Ad

My favorite.

Isabella Rossellini

Dolce & Gabanna Ad

I love this!

Isabella and lover, Director David Lynch

Isabella at 52.

Still beautiful and natural.

Your thoughts on Julia??

Salt and Pepper? No, thank you!

2010-02-01T06:00:00.004-06:00

Did you know that by the age 50, 50% of women will be 50% gray? Unfortunately, I fall into this category. I remember my first gray hair, around the age of 37...staring, incredulous for minutes in the mirror. This couldn't be happening to me, I mean my dad had some gray (64-years-old at the time) and my mom, well, her frosted hair was like military camouflage, so I never knew for sure. I plucked that first hair, and then pretended it never existed. Then slowly, but surely, over the next several years, the grays became too much to pluck. See, I have very dark hair, so any white break-through is like white paint on a black canvas...looks modern and contemporary in art, but not on a head of hair..not mine anyway.

Honestly, I don't understand the women that decide to go "au natural" in their forties or fifties. I can't think of anything that will age you more, not wrinkles, nor sun damage, nor extra weight, not even knitted Christmas sweaters. All you need to do is find yourself a fabulous colorist and your gray can be as good as gone. For those on a budget? Clairol and L'oreal make great at -home color kits. I'm in the middle...fortunately I can afford a professional color every 5 weeks, but nowadays my gray is so prevalent, I need a touch up at the mid-way point. Clairol's Nice and Easy Root Touch-up is my little lifesaver. In 10 - 15 minutes I can cover the roots in my part, at my temples and even brighten up my overall hair color.

So, camouflage that gray, somethings are never meant to be natural forever. Now, maybe I'll consider a little showing through when I hit 70, but then again, maybe not.

My little lifesaver

photo credit: Clairol

Yoga Prose

2010-01-31T06:00:00.003-06:00

It was hard today. I really, really wanted to snuggle up in bed all day with this Chicago-like Dallas weather. Ok, maybe not Chicago, but NYC for sure. It's cold, rainy and cold. We don't like this in our neck of the woods. But Suze's voice (Suze Curtis, my yoga mentor, friend and therapist) grew louder in my head, "just come in and lay down your mat...that's more than half the battle." I needed to hear her today, I needed yoga today. For me yoga is much more than exercise, although its' done wonders for my body. Oh- it's SO far from perfect, but I can only imagine what it would look like at 48 if I hadn't practiced for the last 5 years.

Yoga is my stress relief. It's the only exercise (and I've done them all) where you completely lose all mind-chatter. The poses (asanas) require so much strength and concentration that you truly cannot think about your to-do list, or your relationship, or your finances or anything other than making it through the pose. Sure, those looming thoughts sneak in every now and then, but then Suze commands "headstands" and they vanish.

Suze, and the other fabulous instructors at my studio, are my free therapists. Throughout the class they articulate a positive reminder of what life is all about. Loving yourself, accepting others, learning to be comfortable in uncomfortable situations and standing up for what you believe, are just a smattering of topics. Even the ceilings at Suze's provide inspiration. She often says "there are no accidents in life", so where you choose to put your mat down means something. I used to be a front-row girl, but this week, I've moved to the back for a reason I'll tell you about in another post. My ceiling tile said "I am happy". My usual ceiling tile reads "be child-like" - and I've got that one down for sure. But happiness, I'm not so sure.

Generally, I am happy. But as most people, I have issues and problems that weigh on my mind. Decisions to make that can take me in one direction or another. Concerns about my son, my parents, my sister and my friends. I have moments when I don't feel happy. I'm not working now (retired since I became pregnant), and would love to have a job that I loved. I have relationship issues that make me sad.
I envy the people that can say they are truly happy day after day.

Therapist Suze came to the rescue. Her final words of the day, that I found most profound, were "Are you pursuing happiness or creating it?" We're all in pursuit of happiness...but it's not something you simply reach out and catch. We have to take responsibility for creating our own happiness. Thank you Suze, I will.

Note: If you are in the Dallas area, check out www.dynamicpoweryoga.com for information on this life-changing yoga studio. Your first class is free...just come in and put down your mat.

Stop! And buy the flowers.

2010-01-30T06:00:00.002-06:00

I've always loved flowers, and love giving and receiving them as gifts. I rarely, however, purchased flowers for my own enjoyment at home. Why not? I guess I was an arrange-aphobic...if I couldn't do it perfectly, I didn't want to try at all. Until I met my dear friend, Kellie (please check out her beautiful blog at www.cashonandcompany.blogspot.com, you won't be disappointed). Kellie always has flowers at home, usually in every room, even if it's a simple rose bud in a short, silver vase. Her home is absolutely stunning without flowers, but the beauty is even more breathtaking when filled with her own arrangements. She fills her vases with confidence and ease, and often uses the most unlikely of containers to hold her lovely designs.

"I can do this!" enters my mind each time I walk into her orchid-filled foyer! So, one day a few years ago, I decided to try, and guess what? It's not as hard as it looks! Don't get me wrong, I don't have a big budget, and I certainly don't try anything that will make it to the pages of Martha Stewart Living. I keep it simple and inexpensive...but just the few flowers that I do purchase make my senses happy . My favorite go-to's are orchids, potted azaleas, roses, hydrangeas and tulips. I love brights and will usually pick out the fuschia or yellow blooms, with an occasional white or blue in the mix.

When arranging, I love finding different looks on floral websites. I just ran across this site the other day - www.l'olivier.com. A big-time florist in NYC with great arrangements that I know all of us can replicate at home (see below). The best thing about home arrangements - the price. Roses at the local grocery store are only $9.99 per dozen, tulips may run a little higher, and hydrangeas $3-$4 per flower. I only buy orchids when they are truly beautiful and on sale. Again, at the local grocer I'm only paying between $20 -$25 for a potted, 2 stemmed, beautiful orchid (down the street at the local florist, this could run you $60). You can often find even better prices at Sam's Warehouse, Costco or Lowes.

So, why are flowers important? Research indicates that colorful flowers can have a powerful influence over moods. Flower bouquets can conjure up love, uplift a patient's mood and even help combat stress. Dr. Mao is a big believer in using beautiful flowers as stress -busters... thereby leading to a longer, happier life. A study had people performing a 5-minute typing assignment next to either a green foliage-only plant or a beautiful bouquet. Sure enough, the participants next to the peonies were more relaxed and therefore performed more accurately on their typing assignment. Wanting to improve your mood and relax? Surround yourself with nature's lovelies!

Miniature azaleas - they can brighten any spot.

To ensure longevity, take out of container to water. Soak and let drain prior to returning to pot.

Bunches of Parrot Tulips in small container.

Just cut on an angle, add water and enjoy!

Parrot Tulips and Roses, a perfect match.

Photo credit www.l'olivier.com

Two Bunches of Tulips

This will be my next arrangement.

Use a tulip leaf to tie.

Photo Credit: www.l'olivier.com

My go-to look. Roses wrapped in banana leafs.

Photo credit: www.l'olivier.com

So pretty and unique looking. I'll try this one too.

Roses wrapped with philodendron leaves.

Photo credit - www.l'olivier.com

Blue-tipped Hydrangeas

ANYONE can do this!

I would wrap a banana leaf on inside of glass.

Adding lemons or limes would be an easy, fun addition too.

Sunflowers for summertime.

Another easy bright solution!

A sure mood pick-me-up!

So, next time you are at your local grocer, indulge in flowers for yourself! Just have fun with the arranging...don't think Martha Stewart, think 'for my own pleasure'.

You and your mood are worth it, and Dr. Mao would be proud.

DKNY

2010-01-29T06:00:00.000-06:00

Donna Karan has always been near and dear to my heart. I remember hearing about her as the Anne Klein head designer in the late 70's (after Anne Klein's death) and Anne Klein was my first "designer" purchase. That alone shows my age. It was a red, wool blend blazer with black and silver buttons. I loved that jacket and everyone knew it - I wore it constantly. I honestly just let go of it several years ago when forced to by my personal shopper (I used her a couple of seasons and she was worth every penny...more to follow in another post). The red blazer didn't make the archive, tailor, or consignment pile. Nope, straight to Goodwill.

Donna (I know we would be friends) left Anne Klein in 1985 after she married the love of her life, Stephan Weiss. Stephan was an artist, but joined Donna in sharing the responsibilities of the company. Donna's focus has always been real women. Do you remember her claim to fame? The bodysuit! Giving a smoother silhouette to a real women's body, just snap and go. Also, her essentials line - the 7 pieces that every working women needed to mix and match and create several oufits. DKNY was born in the late 80's and this bridge line for real women rocketed her to designer stardom.

I read somewhere that Donna actually has to try on every design in her line, if it doesn't look good on her, it doesn't make it to production. I love that she's not designing with the 18-year-old body in mind, but for real women, with curves, flaws and all. Her Spring 2010 RTW Collection is beautiful and wearable. Simple, clean, feminine lines that accentuate the positive. Soft blush, grays, blues and a pop of red ruled the runway.

Sometimes we just need to appreciate the beauty in fashion. Here are my favorites from her new collection. I can see any fit and fashionable 40-50-year-old looking fantastic in every one of these...Do you have a favorite?

Two feminine, beautiful Spring dresses.

So chic and age appropriate.

My personal favorite.

Love the color & cut, it's sexy, but classy.

High power lunch anyone?

This fabric is amazing.

Now this is a pop of color, and when

I wish I was tall, thin and toned enough to wear it.

Happy Fashion Friday!

Apple Juice, Honey and Salmon, oh my!

2010-01-28T06:00:00.002-06:00

Yum! As we know, our recommended serving of fatty fish is twice weekly (at least). I'm lucky because I love all fish, but my family is pickier. My son loves fish sticks, swordfish, and salmon, and in that order, so I'm constantly scrambling for new fish entrees that he actually might take more than a bite or two.

I have to share this recipe that I just tried last night...it was easy, delicious and a crowd pleaser (ok, so I have a small crowd, but the two of them are definitely hard to please). Again, it was from one of my favorite sites, www.elise.com...I've never been disappointed with any dish a la Elise. I always read the comments section and inevitably they are profuse with adulations for her recipes. This "Glazed Salmon" recipe was no different. I've got it bookmarked already and will be serving it again and again. Enjoy, and know you're reaping the benefits of salmon's Omega 3's!

Glazed Salmon

1/2 cup apple juice (I use Organic)

1 1/4 TBS Honey (Again, I use organic, next time I'll try Agave Nectar)
4 skinless wild salmon fillets (approx. 6 oz. each)
1 tsp olive oil
Salt & Pepper to taste
Lemon - cut in half

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Place salmon in baking dish.

2. In a saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the cider and honey to a boil, allowing the mixture to bubble steadily until decreased by 1/2 volume.

3. Pour cider mixture over salmon and let sit for 10 minutes.

4. Heat olive oil in large, oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle salmon with salt & pepper to taste. Place fish in skillet, brush with leftover glaze and cook for 2 minutes or until the glaze begins to carmelize.

5. Turn salmon, brush with glaze, squeeze and add lemons (cut side down) and cook for 2 more minutes.

6. Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 6-8 minutes or until salmon easily flakes with a tip of a knife.

Just a reminder, be careful when pulling the hot skillet from oven, the handle will be hot!

Serve with sauteed spinach or a spinach salad and you have a quick, delicious, company worthy meal! If desired, add quinoa or whole wheat rolls for your grains.

Did I say embrace?

2010-01-27T06:00:00.004-06:00

Ha! I just had a good laugh at myself. I remember beginning this blog and being proud that I was finally going to embrace my coming age - after all, what was my alternative? For the past several years, I shied away from the age question, always making some type of joke to get around it. One day I proclaimed, "I'm 38!", that was my new age..and I was sticking to it. I even begged my 8 year-old to stop announcing my real age at every stop. Seriously, he did. To the Nordie's lady he would proudly announce "my mom is 48!" To the dry cleaner guy, "Guess how old my mom is? " I finally had to bribe him with some horrible sweet stuff to stop spreading my secret. It didn't last long.

One thing I think the entire world has in common - we always "think" we look younger than we are. I just had my refrigerator repair man ask me to guess his age (I hate that question!) and that NO ONE ever gets his number correct within 10 years. Now, I'm usually pretty good at this, so I guessed 5 years younger than I actually believed, to make him feel good. " 60?" Wow, he was not happy with that..see he is 55 and thought I would guess 45. Oops...I sure didn't make his day. But that's the point, we all want to be perceived as younger than we are...and my hunch is that only a very lucky few do.

So, at my dance studio the other day (yes, I've started ballroom dancing, having the best time!), some friends and I were commenting on the ages of our instructors. My young, cute, hips-don't-lie, instructor is all of 24! I could easily be his mom, and I'm fairly certain he has no idea that I'm exactly his years times two. Or does he? Yes, I'm just like the rest of the world and think I look younger than I am, but to a 24 year old, I'm sure I look all of 48 and then some. You know what? He'll never really know...I swore my dance friends to secrecy. And, didn't I begin this blog to embrace the coming of the big 5-0? Hmm, yes...but apparently not to young, cute, hips-don't-lie dance instructors.

Hey, even Barbie turned 50 last year...

Let the tears begin!

2010-01-26T06:00:00.001-06:00

When's the last time you had a good cry? For me it's been a while - see, with an 8 year-old, I really try to hold it in, even when I feel as though the flood waters are about to burst. Actually though, research has shown that having a good cry every now and then is a good thing. Tears appear to reduce tension, remove toxins, and increase the body's ability to heal itself. After an outburst of tears the body is flooded with oxygen, which triggers the release of feel-good hormones in the brain. So, don't hold it in..I'm thinking it might even be beneficial for my 8 year-old to see my tears..after all, grown men should cry.

Need some help? Here's my personal list of weepy movies (in no particular order)...a sure cry every time, especially for this highly emotional, sensitive, Cancer woman!

Beaches ~ A must for anyone with a forever friend.

Braveheart ~ Mel Gibson at his best!

Gone with the Wind ~ My all-time favorite...

Love Story ~ My first romance movie ever.

Brian's Song ~ Friendship breaks the color barrier.

Ghost ~ Makes you think about losing someone you love.

I am Sam ~ Story of a mentally challenged dad; Sean Penn perfection.

The Notebook ~ I cried reading the book and sobbed at the movie.

Terms of Endearment ~ Classic mother/daughter tale.

You'll get mad, laugh and cry at the same time.

Schindler's List ~ Spielberg's epic drama about WWII Holocaust victims

Life is Beautiful ~ Roberto Benigni directs and acts. A Jewish/Italian

father and his family during their concentration camp internment.

Grab the kleenex box, pop some corn and let the tears begin!

I'm always up for a tear jerker, what are your favorites??

Face Time

2010-01-25T06:00:00.001-06:00

Last time I treated myself to a facial (actually, I think I received a gift certificate), I recall filling out the "new client" form..Check the box(es) below if you are concerned about any of the following:

Fine lines and wrinkles - check.

Sun and age spots - check.
Loss of elasticity - check.
Uneven skin tone - check.
Dryness - check.
Oilyness- check.
Texture issues - check.
Skin brightness - check.

I actually checked EVERY box...and then my 22 year-old aesthetician started examining my skin under her powerful microscope. "Aren't you concerned about blackheads?" Seriously, that was the first thing she said to me! Of course I responded, "Well, yes, but that wasn't on your list"!

Honestly, I do have all of the issues listed above, years of tanning, both indoor and out, have definitely caused the majority of my skin problems. We all remember the drill - baby oil mixed with iodine and album covers covered with tin foil. Seriously - what were we thinking?! Now, I did win a few tanning contests, but that's no claim to fame now. Fortunately I got smart, and I've been using sunscreen for the last 8 or so years.

So, since I have almost every issue in the facial world, I'm going to share my current favorite products. I say current, because I'm a product hopper. Switching my regimen yearly seems to work best for my skin. Again, I firmly believe that all skin is different and you need to find what works for you, this is simply what works for me!

My daily regimen from morning to night:

Morning - Cleanse with Olay Definity Illuminating Cream Cleanser. The Definity line addresses discoloration and pigmentation issues. Now, I don't think that cleansers can have a huge impact on skin, but I love the feel of this and it certainly does the job. Moisturize with Olay Definity Correcting Protection Lotion with an SPF 15. It's an anti-aging moisturizer, works great as a make-up base and I really feel like it gives a luminous look to the skin. My foundation is an SPF 20 (Lancome Renergie Lift) which is good enough for the winter months. In the summer, I add Neutrogena Ultra-sheer dry touch SPF 55- it's lightweight and non-irritating at a great price, plus an Allure Best Product 2009. My favorite eye cream ever is HYLEXIN by Bremenn Research Labs. HYLEXIN is formulated to help reduce the appearance of serious dark circles, and as I get older, mine are definitely worsening. I've always had dark circles and being in the beauty biz for 10+ years, I've tried everything out there to combat this issue. HYLEXIN really works, keeping my dark shadows at bay.

Olay Definity Line

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer SPF 55

HYLEXIN

Evening - No, it's not the same as the morning regimen. Nighttime equates with renewal, your body needs sleep to repair and rejuvenate. In other words, the biggest bang for the buck occurs while you are sleeping, so be sure to have an active nighttime skin regimen. Most importantly, no matter how tired you are, be sure to take the time to take off that make-up and slather on the good stuff. An old cosmetic wive's tale is that for every night you sleep in your make-up, you age seven days. I don't need to age even one more day.

My nighttime regimen is a little off the beaten path. Years ago, I discovered, through a friend who had to-die- for skin, a little line called Gerri Weise. Products are sold at dermatologists and plastic surgeons and on-line at http://www.gerriweise.com/. I fell in love with the Orange Papaya Cleansing Gel and the Maximum Care Buffing Creme. Combine the two to deep clean and gently exfoliate without stripping natural oils. Start out every other day for the first few weeks and then move to daily. After this, I use a 20% glycolic lotion, and highly recommend that everyone over 40 makes a visit to their derm for this type of product. It aids in collagen production to increase firmness and fullness, keeps pores clean, helps skin tone by aiding in exfoliation of old, dark pigment, increases skin texture by removing rough, dead cells, and is a powerful anti-oxidant. I believe that my 20% glycolic lotion has changed my skin more than any other product I've used...

Gerry Weise Orange Papaya Cleansing Gel

Gerry Weise maximum care buffing creme

After the glycolic lotion, I use a skin lightening cream from Neocutis called "Blanche" (also an Allure Best Product 2009). This is a Rx only cream with Hydroquinone USP, 4% as it's main ingredient. Since I do have a lot of sun spots and uneven skin tone, this helps to keep any further damage at bay, while helping to lighten my "freckles". So now comes the La Roche-Posay SUBSTIANE that I've already raved about in a previous post. A replenishing lotion for mature skin that helps to tighen, tone and firm. HYLEXIN for eyes at bedtime again, with Lancome's Absolue Eye Premium Bx on top. Yes, they usually say less is more, but I believe more is more when it comes to eye cream!

Wait! I'm not done yet! Each week, I give myself my own mini-facial. First, I cleanse my skin , then I take a very warm, moist washcloth and keep it on my face for 5 - 15 minutes, depending on how much time I have. The warmth and moisture helps to loosen any dead skin and/or clogged pores. Since I have combination skin, I use Lancome's Hydra-Intense Masque on my cheeks and forehead, and Lancome's Pure Empreint Masque on my nose and chin. Leave them on for 10 minutes, and I feel like I've just left the Ritz Spa. Ok, I'm lying. Nothing compares to the Ritz Spa. But my cheeks and forehead feel ultra-moisturized, and my nose and chin feel clean and tight. Follow your nighttime routine and you are good to go....hopefully to the Ritz Spa. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh........

Hey Neighbor!

2010-01-24T06:00:00.002-06:00

Do you know yours? I have to say, I've been living in the same neighborhood for almost 10 years now, and I only know a handful of neighbors..and none of them on a social level. Sure, every once in a while we have neighborhood kids' events, but our busy lives and not too close homes make it difficult to even catch a glimpse of someone next-door. Fortunately, we have an elderly couple to our left with whom we share neighborly-like chores, like picking up each other's papers when traveling, and it feels great to help them.

Luck. I think that's what it comes down to...you move into your new home and luck defines your neighbors. My good friend built a house right behind one of her family's best friends. Another friend moved onto a street with 21 same-age boys on one block. I'm happy for them, but long for that type of 'hood.

One of Dr. Mao's tips is to be a good neighbor. Spiritual literature throughout history has promoted one constant theme: love your neighbor and treat others as you wish to be treated. Neighbors can play an important role in times of need. I have friends whose neighbors become like an extended family, sharing meals, fun, child rearing and more. Dr. Mao's research indicates the community that neighbors can create help avert loneliness and isolation, and promote a longer happier life.

So, I'm going to make more of an effort to get to know my neighbors. Do you have great neighbors? I bet you do..I know they do! Coffee, anyone?

The Sapphires of our Food Chain

2010-01-23T10:55:00.002-06:00

Sapphires...the most precious and desireable of all blue gems. Sought after for their color, hardness, durability and luster. I just want one...hmm...maybe for my 50th?! So, while waiting, I'll just keep on eating my blueberries...the sapphires of our food chain. Sought after for their anti-oxidant properties (highest of all berries) and neuroprotective properties than can delay the onset of aging and age related memory loss by sheilding brain cells from damage by chemicals, plaque or trauma, says Dr. Maoshing Ni in Secrets of Longevity.

Wild blueberries always make the list of the top 10 foods, usually landing in first or second place...and Cornell University found wild blueberries topped the list for anti-oxidant activity in ALL foods.Why wild? They contain a much higher level of anti-oxidants than the cultivated variety, not to mention that they also taste sweeter and hold up better if you cook them. Another plus for wild blueberries - at only 80 calories per cup you can snack on them all day long! Aim for a cup a day to receive the benefits..

Notice I keep saying WILD ...the best place to find wild blueberries, especially in the winter since these gems are not in season, is in the frozen food section. Just thaw and eat or cook with like fresh blueberries. Most grocers carry them when in season...you can tell wild blueberries by their size, they are much smaller than the cultivated ones.

My favorite new way to serve blueberries to my family is wild blueberry sauce - super easy and delicious! Serve over whole-wheat waffles, pancakes or toast for a satisfying and healthy breakfast. My 8 year old can't get enough of it!

Wild Blueberry Sauce

2 cups frozen wild blueberries, thawed
1/4 cup sugar (I have substitued splenda and it works great)
1 TBS fresh lemon juice
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp almond extract (optional)

Combine the blueberries, sugar and lemon juice in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook until berries pop (few minutes). Stir in cinnamon (a little almond extract tastes great too). Spoon blueberry sauce over your favorite whole wheat breakfast item! (And, for a special dessert, this is terrific over ice cream as well!)

Enjoy your wild blueberries - as valuable as sapphires!

Calypso, Take me Away!

2010-01-22T06:00:00.004-06:00

From now on, my Fridays' are dedicated to fashion! I love fashion and hope that I never get to the point when I don't care what I look like...actually, I know I'll never get there, I'd have to be strapped in a bed with a 'no visitors allowed' sign! Some people seem to relish in the fact that they wear sweats every day and live in Target t-shirts..don't get me wrong, that's how you'll see me on many a day, but it doesn't make me happy. I'm happier and feel better when I feel cute and put together..and I'm thinking most of us do. So why is it so difficult to figure out what to wear? It certainly wasn't this hard in our 20's and 30's, but our bodies have changed and the term "age appropriate" really means something now.

In my 40's, I've found myself steering away from the big box stores and getting to know all of the smaller boutiques in town. Less selection is more for me as I age. I know my shape, style, likes, and dislikes. My nevers - halters, mini-skirts, short shorts, and embellisment of most sorts. I get to know the salespersons well, and love getting the occasional phone call that my "perfect" top has arrived...as if it was ordered especially for me.

One of my favorite go-to boutiques is Calypso St.-Barth at http://www.calypso-celle.com/, an eclectic boutique selling everything you need from head to toe (think: casual & weekend wear) and exquisite home accessories as well. Calypso is only in 7 states (lucky for me, Texas is one of them), 2 doors in Paris, and locations in St. Thomas and St. Barths...not bad company! It's also (for me) best for a spring/summer wardrobe, although some of their winter sweaters are yummy. Their sizes run true to size..for any on-line shoppers.

Here's my crave list for Spring 2010:

Nuella Dress

Love it belted like this, with flats

Layer a cardi if you don't like your arms

Perfect daytime spring look

Layered Neck Tee

Everyday Wear

Other shades available

Alexa Tunic

Great with white jeans or denim

Doubles as a bathing suit cover-up

Other shades available, but I love this blue

Feminine Ruffle Shirt

Casual or Work

A wardrobe staple!

Sailor Shirt

Weekend wear..nautical is a big trend for Spring 2010

Wear it with denim, white or khaki

Sheer Striped Scarf with distressed tassel trims

The perfect pick-me-up

I love the grey/chocolate brown version too...

Immediate hipness & age appropriate

Yali Striped Sweater

Great on everyone!

Two shades available

Darshini Sweater

Featherweight, Boyfriend Cardi

100% Italian Cashmere

Basic Lace Layering Tank

Many colors available

I own these - perfection (buy one size up)

Gange Sandal

Orange acts like a neutral in spring/summer

Wear with everything!

Lizard embossed bracelet

Trendy yet age appropriate

Blair Throw

Basket woven blanket

Perfect over a couch arm or bed

Laura Kindle Designs for Calypso

Oval Platter

In Sand dollar motif too

Beautiful summertime party platter

So this is my CRAVE list...I'll be really lucky if I end up with a few, and I'll be looking for knock-offs of the rest! Happy Shopping! Oh - and don't let the young looking supermodels deter you...not every piece in Calypso is for us, but these selections will work like a dream.

High Maintenance Hair

2010-01-21T06:00:00.003-06:00

Did you know that your hair's look and feel is an indication of your overall health? Our Omega-3's: fatty fish, flax seed and walnuts are the best nutrients we can ingest for our hair's well-being. With that said, let's talk about why, as we age, we really need to be high maintenance with our hair.

First, we need to make sure we are using the best shampoo our money can buy. Be sure to avoid any shampoo or conditioner with alcohol in the ingredient list, all it will do is dry out our hair, and "more mature" hair craves moisture. My favorite combination is Kerastase Resistance Bain Volumactive Volumising Shampoo and Conditioner. It's for "fine and vulnerable" hair. I love that it is extremely moisturizing and volumizing at the same time. Please, no flat hair ladies, it makes are faces seem drawn out and thinner, two looks we want to avoid. Pantene also makes a great volumizing shampoo and conditioner as well, and I often go back and forth between the two brands. It's also important to use an intensive conditioner weekly, and for this, Kerastase is my go-to.

To cut or not to cut? That is the question! My opinion is that women in their mid-40's and 50's look best with mid-length hair, not too short (butchy) and not too long (teenager-y). If you do have one of these extremes, just make sure you have some layers around your face, they'll give movment and let light shine through. A shoulder-length, layered look adds fullness, can highlight cheekbones, and looks good on almost everyone. Bangs are also a great option to hide lines and add youthfulness - sideswept and textured bangs look best, a heavy bang is usually not the best option.

Halle Berry

Perfect bangs & Layers

Sharon Stone

Perfectly Short

Holly Hunter

Do I even need to say?

(Too Teenager!)

What's this in my hand? A clump of hair, that's what! Has this happened to you yet? Every once in a while, I get a case of the clumps. Wads of hair come out as I comb my hair after washing, and I'm sure it's hormone related (isn't everything?). Another wonderful aspect of aging...thinning hair. Those layers will definitely help, as will adding some dimension with highlights or lowlights. I also use a thickening spray by Bumble& Bumble that definitely seems to make my hair feel thicker. It's estimated that up to 30 million women experience hereditary hair loss, losing up to 150 hairs per day, that won't grow back. The only FDA-approved topical solution for hair re-growth is Rogaine. A women's version is on the market now and it can be purchased over-the-counter. Fortunately, I don't think I'm to the point where I need to try Rogaine, but if I am, I won't hesitate. The reviews for Rogaine are mostly positive - has anyone tried it? Liked it? I'd love to know!

So let's talk about hair jewelry...actually, there's not much to talk about..just please don't invest..much. Cutesy plastic colored hairbands, girly barettes, banana clips (yes, on occasion, I do see these), scrunchies (who invented them anyway?) - none of these are acceptable on a more mature women's head. No exceptions! We need to be thinking - stylish, sexy and chic. I do like skinny head bands and silk scarf bands, especially in the summer, and only if you can really pull it off (if it looks weird, it looks weird) and designer pony tail holders (think Louis Vuitton). But that's it. Period. End of discussion.

And, speaking of pony tails - they are a great option for longer hair. The tail will pull skin upwards, make it appear more taut and smooth and is always a classic, elegant, youthful look. Use a covered elastic and wrap a strip of your own hair around it...no accessories neccessary!

Lucy Lui

Perfect 'do

Nicole Kidman

Always Taut

Michelle Pfieffer

Loose, layered, lovely

Raquel Welch

Age 69

Still keeping it modern!

I dont' know who she is, I'm quite sure she is

not remotely close to 40, but I love this look for a mid-40's or 50's 'do.

NOW, GRAYING HAIR, THATS FOR ANOTHER POST!

The Big Brush Off

2010-01-20T06:00:00.004-06:00

Another Dr. Mao tip and something that I would never have guessed is a popular practice among the world's centenarians - body brushing. Using a dry brush with natural (avoid synthetic) bristles to sweep the surface of the entire body. It makes good sense though, as the skin is the largest and most important eliminative organ in the body and is responsible for 25% of the bodies detoxification on a daily basis. The skin receives 1/3rd of all blood circulated in the body and eliminates over 1 lb. of waste acid each day in the average person, mostly via the sweat glands. Seems incredulous, doesn't it? The skin is also last to receive nutrients, but the first to show imbalance or deficiency in nutrients. So, if someone tells you that your skin looks good, you are doing something very right!

The Russians, Turks and Scandanavians have been performing body brushing for centuries (hmmm...that could be why my Swedish friend has ZERO cellulite on her body...). It's very popular in most European spas and many cancer treatment centers throughout the world, as it's a detox program for the skin and other organs. The list of benefits reads like a miracle cure. Decreases cellulite, cleans lymphatic system, removes dead skin layers, strengthens immune system, tightens, tones, stimulates hormone and oil producing glands, increases circulation, increases nervous system function and aids in digestion! Check, check, check - I need everyone one of these!

So, how to brush? Invest in a soft, natural fiber brush with a long handle to reach the hard to get places. Brush before your daily shower (the water will wash away the impurities) from bottom of feet to legs, hands, arms, abdomen, shoulders, back and neck. Take long upward (towards the heart) strokes and form a counter-clockwise motion on the stomach. Breasts get a light sweep and the neck gets a downward motion. Rinse with cold water for the last minute of your shower to further stimulate your circulation system. And lastly, massage your, now softer, skin with lotion and you are good to go.

Of course, I've heard this before, but never knew the full benefits - I assumed my bath puff in the shower was doing the same job. I've been faithfully brushing for over a week and I have to admit, it feels great and my skin feels baby soft...still waiting for my cellulite to disappear, but isn't soft, dimpled skin better than dry, scaly, dimpled skin? I think so!

The Perfect Body Brush

Available here at Ulta

Isn't your only body worth the extra 5 minutes per day?

Give, Pray, Give.

2010-01-19T07:00:00.002-06:00

I know all of you have been praying and thinking about the devastation in Haiti. Actually, I had such a busy week last week that I only caught a glimpse of the reporting. Today I had the opportunity to watch and learn even more about this island and it's people. We already know that Haiti is one of the most impoverished countries in the world today. Prior to the earthquake, only 46% of the population had drinkable water. One-half of this countries population is under 18 years of age, and since younger people are much more susceptible to diarrheal diseases and other infections, there is an URGENT need to provide safe water and sanitation after a disaster like this. A main priority for all the aid agencies has been providing Family Water Kits(a $.10 packet that takes a gallon or more of unsanitized, undrinkable water and takes all of the impurities out in a 30 minute time frame). A small donation of even $10.00 aids in securing water kits for 100 families.

I read this blog from Tamar Hahn, a UNICEF volunteer and it brought me to tears. (Click here to view From UNICEF's Tamar Hahn in Haiti) My family will do our part in helping out, and I'll recall a lesson from Mother Theresa, "It's not really giving until it hurts", an important tenet that I want my 8 year-old to learn and live by.

This country needs us. These children need us. Let's give, pray, and give together. The emptiness in the childrens' faces below tells the story of this historical devastation.

I'm choosing to donate through the U.S. Unicef Haiti Emergency Fund, as 100% of all donations will go to the Haitian people in the form of food, water, supplies, and more. To donate $10, simply text to #20222 and write UNICEF. It's that easy. Not a texter? Just call 1-800-4UNICEF or 1-800-HELPNOW, or donate on-line at http://www.unicefusa.org/. It's not too late.

I want MORE!!!!

2010-01-18T07:42:00.003-06:00

More, the magazine for women ages 40 and up. Let's see, I've been 40 for 8.5 years now, and I've never purchased a single copy. And it's not like I don't love my magazines! Give me Elle, Bazaar, Vanity Fair, House Beautiful, Us, People, Allure, Foreign Policy (ok, one of my bff's got me a subscription and I have read a few articles), Women's Health, even Real Simple and I'm happy.

So why haven't I purchased More? Denial. Yes, I didn't want to admit - to me and to possibly the sales girl - that I was over 40! I feel 30, some people say I could pass for someone in my 30's (ok, even if it's 39, I'll take it!), so this magazine couldn't be for me!

Well, as the topper to this blog indicates, I've decided to embrace my age instead of running from it, so last time I was in my favorite book store, I, gulp, purchased my first More and I haven't put it down since!

There is so much valuable information for ladies in our age group that don't make it to the pages of my favorite rags. We all know that we are going through lots of changes in our bodies, in our minds, and More addresses these. From this issue alone, I'm going to eat more popcorn (ranked second in snack category for high levels of anti-oxidants), toss out my BenGay (ice treatment is more effective for sore muscles), start growing basil (the scent alone is a great de-stressor), attempt to sleep only on my back (derms can tell which side a patient sleeps on by the greater number of wrinkles on that side of face), and pace backwards (helps you think faster)!

And, I love the last page of this magazine as it's dedicated to Sophia Loren, one of the most glamorous, timeless, beautiful actresses in the world, who, with Racquel Welch, invented the term "sex appeal". She's lived her life to the fullest and at 75, she's appearing with Daniel Day-Lewis in the outstanding musical film Nine - a must see for anyone that loves music, dancing, all things Italian, and a provacative story line (I've seen it once and want to see it again!) I also love that at 71, she posed for the racy Pirelli limited-edition calendar and looked amazing! By the way, she still eats spaghetti every day. Not a bad role model for us 40-plus women, and I hope I'm even half as elegant as she is by the time I reach 75...and I will get there!

So, next time you walk by a magazine counter, pick up More, you'll be pleasantly surprised. To my 40-plus friends, don't be surprised if a More subscription is your next birthday gift!

Exquisite... in her late 30's.

Pirelli Calendar, 2007, she's 71!

Nine Launch Party

Glamorous as ever at 75

Not just for mama's anymore!

2010-01-17T09:35:00.000-06:00

If you're a mom, or have friends that are moms' you probably recall how important the supplement folic acid was before and during pregnancy. It helps prevent a host of serious birth defects which can occur early in pregnancy. I remember taking it ten years ago, but haven't thought about it much since I had my healthy baby boy. Well, guess what? Dr. Mao recommends a daily dose of 800 micrograms(mcg) per day for people 50 and older. I'm sure that starting at 48.5 will only be beneficial, right?

The New York Times ( http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/03/opinion/03kristof.html) has deemed folate as the world's healthiest food based on the profound impact it can have on forming embryos. It makes sense that if folate has this much power that it's benefits would also transend to adults. Scientists know that older people tend to be deficient in folate, which enables vitamins B6 and B12 to aid in hormone secretion, synthesize DNA, and manufacture the protective coating around the nerves. These three tasks are thought to be the major elements in our bodies' defenses against fatal age-related disorders such as Parkinson's or Alzheimer's. So, increase your folate and we can lower our odds of contracting one of these conditions.

The good news is that folate is found in numerous foods, including spinach, kale, brussel sprouts, asparagus, black beans and brocolli, but it is destroyed by heat, so these vegetables have to be eaten raw. You can also obtain your RDA for folate by eating a morning breakfast cereal (most fortified with 25-100% of your RDA @ 400 mcg, not the 800 mcg needed for over 50). Cereals with the highest levels of folic acid include Whole Grain Total, Cap'n'Crunch Peanut Butter, Cinnamon Life, Frosted Wheaties, Special K, and Raisin Bran.

The good news for any non-cereal eater (like me!) is that this is one case where the natural form of folic acid is not as easily absorbed by the body as the syntheic form. So, simply head to your closest Vitamin store and stock up for good health! I'm headed there now!

I'm thinking PINK!

2010-01-15T21:31:00.002-06:00

Not the Pepto-Bismol, bubble-gum, pastel or neon variety, but the perfect soft, pretty, feminine, blush shade of pink. It's my new color of the moment and I can't get enough of it! A reminder - as we age, we need to wear less black and focus on softer palettes that will reflect light off our skin, therefore increasing our natural luminosity! The good news is that neutral color palettes, including my perfect blush pink, are a significant fashion trend for Spring 2010.

Now, depending on your age, some pastels can really wash out a mature skin, as skin loses pigment as time flies by. Make sure you have someone you trust tell you if a color is good on you or not...and it's usually not the sales girl! Fashion in our 40's should be more sophiticated, focused on simple silouettes...nothing to frilly, girly or matchy-matchy. But, still pay attention to trends (not all, but most), they'll keep us looking more youthful! (Yes, archive your small gold chain and invest in a statement necklace or loads of metal!)

Here are some of my favorite blush looks of the moment~

J. Crew Crinkled Silk Shell

J. Crew Forever Cardigan

J. Crew Subcotton Silk Streamers Henley

Pamella Roland Spring 2010 RTW

Sonia Rykiel, Spring 2010 Blugirl, Spring 2010

Just Cavalli Stretch Satin Corset Dress

Bergdorf Goodman

Badgley Mischka Spring 2010

Christian Loubitan Lolo

Neiman Marcus

Christian Loubitan Hidden Platform

Neiman Marcus

Basic Knit Scarf

Forever 21

Tort Aviator, Forver 21

Foley & Corinna City Tote

www.cusp.com

Gustto Small Rena Bag

www.gustto.com

Marc Jacobs Python Print Satchel

Bergdorf Goodman

Rose Dome Ring

Banana Republic

Think Pink! Think Spring! Think Beautiful!

Hair Today, Gone Today

2010-01-15T09:22:00.003-06:00

Ok, I'm going to get personal. I was in beautiful, sunny California visiting one of my bff's and we were excited about going out one evening. Manhattan Beach, here we come! Of course, we were trying to look our best, without looking like we were trying too hard (that's a talent!). She's a big exec in the cosmetics industry and has EVERY tool, cream, color and contraption that you would need to work almost any body part. So, as we were primping in her bathroom, I noticed her major make-up mirror. See, I've only used a wall mirror, and an occasional look in a small magnifying mirror when I pluck my eyebrows.

UGH! I couldn't believe what I was seeing! I had a new growth of hair all over my upper cheekbones and forehead...something that I couldn't really see in my regular wall mirror! We had a great belly laugh as my friend started calling me "Wolfman Cindy". I was not laughing on the inside. I have an older, beautiful friend (63 yrs. old) that gets her face waxed, and I mean her entire face, every few weeks. I never understood that until this day in CA. I've never been very hairy - no arm hair, no thigh hair, but that's not helping me now.

So, my first tip is to invest in a good make-up mirror - the kind that nice hotels always have available. Look for one with a clear, distortion free magnification (5X is standard, but you can even go higher if needed), and one that has a light setting for daylight, office and evening. Make sure you get one that is hands' free and has an adjustable mirror (standing) or arm (wall mounted). We all know our eyes are not as good as they used to be, so this purchase alone can make a signifcant difference in your make-up application.

My second tip is about the hair. What to do!? For that evening out in Manhattan Beach, I ended up plucking a lot of it (yes, I know that nobody but me would even notice it), but I felt better with it off my face. It's really not that much, but enough to give me a slightly darker cast on my skin in those areas. I've always had a little mustache hair, and I've always been a bleacher vs. a waxer. Waxing for most is great, but usually left me with little bumps and redness, not to mention the cost and time. I've used Jolen bleach cream for years...follow the directions and in 10 minutes my 'stache was gone. Hmmm..would this work on my face? Well, it works great! Any time I notice (in my new mirror) the dreaded darkness, I whip out my bleach cream and it's taken care of immediately. I truly notice a difference in my skin...brighter and lighter!

Now, I have dark hair and again, the hair on my face is very short, I may have to resort to waxing if it gets any longer. If you have short, little,blonde hairs, this probably isn't an issue for you..yet. Waxing is for another post...

So, buy that mirror and really check your face! You may be surprised what you find - I was!

Wolfman Cindy

Two popular creme bleaching products

Jolen Creme Bleach

Sally Hansen Creme Hair Bleach

Available Nationwide

Massage Must!

2010-01-14T09:50:00.002-06:00

I'm loving Dr. Mao's tip for the day! Massage: Not a Luxury Item! So, no more feeling guilty about spending time or money on this treat. The health benefits of massage are worth every penny spent! Massage can boost your immune system, increase relaxation response (I know we all need this), improve circulation of blood and lymph, relieve muscle pain and spasm, and more. Dr. Mao considers it essential for good health and fitness.

I've had a difficult week. One of my best friends has been in and out of ICU for the last week. Here's the short list - emergency C-section, staph infection, e-coli infection, right lung collapsed, pneumonia - all of this and a 3-year old and a brand new baby at home! I went to visit her in the hospital and one of the greatest gifts I could give her was a neck, shoulder and back massage. I could feel the stress in her body as I started and I could also feel her relaxing in my hands. A very small gesture that made such a big impact. It was a gift to myself too..the power of making someone feel better is a wonderful thing.

So give this gift to yourself - your body needs it! I often treat myself to a manicure (remember, no artificial nails?! Regular manicures help keep my nails strong.), and during my manicure I'll ask for a chair massage at the same time. Just ask - most salons or nail shops can accommodate this request. It's usually only $1/minute, and even 10 minutes can do the trick. Remember, you need this for your health! Also, many health food stores offer this service at $1 per minute as well. If you google "chair massage" for your area, you'll probably find a host of locations. In fact, I really enjoy a chair massage more than a full body; the focus is on my problem areas and for some reason, the chair posture allows them to really target all areas with equal amounts of pressure and strength. Another great alternative if budget is an issue, and let's face it, budget is always an issue, is massage therapy or cosmetic schools. They offer lower prices to allow students to practice, and a student, new to a task, always wants to do a great job!

There are many types of massage: Swedish, acupressure, shiatsu, Thai, hot stone, aromatherapy, deep tissue, sports, reflexology (foot massage) and many more. When you get your full body massage, experiment with the different types, depending on what's going on with your body. For me, I love deep tissue and hot stone (incorporating hot stones as massage tools).

So, make an appointment today, you'll get an immediate sense of well-being. Enjoy!

Hot Stone Therapy

Peaceful and Relazing

Babies and children need massage too!

Mature Skin? Really?

2010-01-13T09:58:00.003-06:00

We all love giving, getting and opening gifts, right? I know I do, and it really is the thought that counts. My little boy bought me a bag of Godiva Dark Chocolate for Christmas and my first thought was "ugh, try to act excited" and although I was able to put a big smile across my face, it wouldn't have been my choice. See, I've never been a chocolate or sweets person (bring on the chips, please!), but of course, I ended up enjoying every last morsel in that bag. Now, I want a piece (or two) of dark chocolate every day...a 1/4 oz. is recommended daily (Health Magazine, Feb 2010) as dark chocolate helps reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease and aids in building healthy bones. Bravo Connor for that awesome gift!

I received another gift from a dear friend and initially had to feign excitement. La Roche-Posay SUBSTIANE Replenishing Care for Mature Skin. My beautiful, young (36 yr. old) friend just gave me lotion for mature skin, really?? Ok, it did help matters that her husband works in the dermatology industry and knows about the best skincare available, but still, it stung a little. I'm not even mature, let alone my skin! It took me a few days, but I finally tried my new skin lotion. It's been a couple of weeks now, and I LOVE it! My skin feels softer, smoother, hydrated and tighter. In the past three days I've received numerous compliments about my skin! So, could the mature skin lotion possibly be making my skin look less mature? I think so!

La Roche-Posay products are formulated with the La Roche-Posay thermal spring water base which is rich in selenium, a powerful anti-oxidant. SUBSTIANE's key ingredient (Pro-xylane 5%) helps to restore inner thinning and loss of facial definition (my problem area). Consumers show a 29% increase in skin fullness over a three month period in clinical studies. Substiane is to be used morning and night and provides 24-hour intense moisturization. And, at only $49.00, it's a steal! La Roche-Posay products are available on-line at http://www.laroche-posay.us/ and through many dermatology offices (check your area for availability), and in major metropolitan areas at your local CVS!

Now, please remember know that I am not a representative of ANY product that I blog about and that recommendations are based on my personal use and results. But, after spending 15 years in the cosmetics and beauty industry, I do feel like I can weed out the bad and pick the good. My mantra has always been "use what works for you". This one is working for me now, so I wanted to share. I'm about to order the eye cream (only $39 for .5 oz!), so I'll give my reviews on that soon. Happy shopping!

And..to my dear friend...thanks for the FABULOUS gift!

Mmm, mmm, Garlic!

2010-01-09T19:00:00.033-06:00

I think many of us have a love/hate relationship with garlic. So good in so many things, particularly delicious in Italian and Asian foods, both of which I happen to love. There's never been a good marinara or stir-fry made without this wonderful ingredient. The "hate" part comes from the smell - your breath, your hands (if you are the cook), and your pores the next day. But, we all need to find the love, because it is truly is one of nature's best remedies.

Dr. Mao recommends a clove a day. Allicin is the active ingredient in garlic, and studies have shown it helps to prevent atherosclerosis and coronary blockage, lowers cholesterol, reduce blood clot formation, stimulates the pituitary, regulates blood sugar, and helps to prevent cancer. WOW! And it doesn't end here..garlic is often used as an anti-bacterial to treat minor infections. Definitely a wonder bulb (garlic is a member of the lily family and closely related to onions and leeks), we all need to add more garlic to our daily diets. Also amazing to me is the actual nutritional content of garlic. This small bulb contains manganese, Vitamins B1, B6 and C, protein, phosphorous, selenium, calcium, potassium, iron and copper! So let you love of garlic begin!

Raw, fresh garlic is by far the best way to reap the benefits of this superior herb, and always make sure you store your garlic in a cool, dark place away from heat and light. This prevents sprouting and maximizes taste and freshness. Here are some terrific ways you can add garlic to your daily food intake:

* Raw cloves to salads, marinades and dressings
* To eggs after cooking
* To sour cream for potato topping
* Add to warm butter for bread topping
* To cooked meats for extra flavor
* To all steamed or sauteed vegetables - I particulariy LOVE sauteed spinach with garlic!
* Pureed garlic added to dips/hummus/guacamole

What do you like to put garlic in? I'd love to know!

A couple of my favorite garlic recipes! From Elise, of course! (see blog list)

http://elise.com/recipes/archives/004320spinach.php

Sauteed Spinach with Garlic

http://elise.com/recipes/archives/001712roasted_garlic.php

Roasted Garlic

Delicious on bread, in sour cream, mixed in pastas

So, even if you don't believe that garlic with keep away all the vampires and demons out there, add a clove to your daily diet. I, for one, am hoping that it doesn't keep them away...Go Team Edward!

Please don't pass the bubbly!

2010-01-09T09:23:00.002-06:00

Ok, I admit it, I grew up on TAB. Remember the pink can? Full of saccharin and who knows what else?! Of course, only later did we learn how detrimental saccharin can be for our health. Lately when I crave some bubbles, I've been loving Coke Zero; I really think it tastes like the real deal, but with zero calories, zero sodium and zero sugar. If it's zero everything, what's it really made of? Here's a partial list - carbonated water, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, caffeine, phosphoric acid, sucralose, potassium citrate, sodium benzoate, and a host of other "ates". I think my pool is cleaned with the same ingredients.

Dr. Mao's book has finally given me the answer I always wanted as to why we shouldn't drink carbonated drinks. It's the phosphoric acid, the fifth ingredient listed on my Coke Zero can. Phosphoric acid is harmful to calcium metabolism and diminishes bone mass, therefore increasing the risk of osteoporosis. Even natural carbonation in spring water contains high levels of phosphoric acid. Healthy bones are a key to a long, healthy life, so it's best to stay away from the bubbles and choose teas, pure juices and flat spring water to quench our thirst!

Coke Bubbles

I'm fortunate to have a very pro-active physician who ordered a bone density scan for me last year. Since I'm in a high risk category for osteoporosis (half-Asian, half-Caucasion and small boned), she decided to perform the test early. Sure enough, bone loss is happening. I now take a calcium horse pill daily, and a prescription strength Vitamin D capsule (10,000 units) weekly. The bone scan was the eye opener I needed to start caring for my bones - eating healthy and working out was not enough.

So, no more bubbles for me. And here's the hard part....I'm a champagne girl. My go-to beverage for girls' night out, holidays, celebrations, and ok, yes, occasionally just hanging out at home. Champagne or sparkling wine is the second fermentation of wine to induce carbonation. So, I'm going to revise the first sentence of this paragraph. So, no more bubbles for me, except for the occasional glass of champagne. A girl's got to celebrate, right?

As I was researching champagne, I came across these vintage posters, mostly from France, of course! The glamour, beauty and fun that champagne can illicit jumps off the page...how can I completely give that up?!

Dream Cream

2010-01-07T18:22:00.002-06:00

One of my best friends is Executive Director for MAC Cosmetics in L.A. She called me today and told me I must get to a store and purchase two of MAC's newly launched cream blushers. A brighter pink and a brighter peach for me, although there are other shades as well. I couldn't get to a mall today, but I will make time tomorrow for sure. I love cream blush. I've been using it for well over two years now, and I strongly suggest anyone nearing the big 5-0 start using it as well.

As we age, our complexions fade, becoming paler and lifeless. Some people try to fight this with fake tans and lots of bronzer, but at this juncture it's time to embrace some paleness and add brightness to your skin with blush. Cream blush is easy to apply (I recommend a foundation brush - looks similar to a painter's brush and most all cosmetic lines have one), delivers hydration so that color doesn't settle into dry patches and wrinkles, and gives a dewy, more luminous look. You should always apply a thin veil of foundation (not powder) to you skin where you need it most, (nose, cheeks, forehead and chin are most women's trouble spots) to even out skin tone,prior to adding your blusher. Cream blush will smoothly glide over cream/liquid foundation...just remember cream to cream and powder to powder when applying product.

Smile! A must-do prior to adding your blusher. Apply to the apple of your cheeks and sweep upwards to your temple. A foundation brush will help to ensure that you do not apply too much. For a night out, I'll add some powder over my cream for even more staying power and a tiny bit of shimmer to the center of my cheek.

So, have your cream and wear it too!

Allure magazine has named Lancome's Color Design Blush as the best cream blush of the year. Here it is shown in Petticoat Pink.....I'm always of the opinion that you have to find what works for your skin -everyone's different and just because it's Allure's Best does not mean it's best on your skin (although I have a feeling that this one is pretty good).

Here are some favorite celebs with their cheeks on!

Cate Blanchette

Cindy Crawford

Vanessa Williams

Christy Brinkley

Kristen Davis

Coffee, Tea or Me?

2010-01-06T21:52:00.003-06:00

Thank you, I'll take the tea please! One of the things I like about Dr. Mao's "Secrets of Longevity" is that he studied centenarians around the world for over twenty years before compiling all of his research on the science of longevity. Of course, diet and nutrition were a major component of his findings. Everything we all know is in his book - drink lots of water, eat a rainbow of colors, limit fat, limit alcohol, love blueberries, and so on and so forth! I won't be boring you with all the obvious facts (but a gentle reminder here or there may be needed - for both of us!).

I always knew that tea was good for you, but I've never been a tea-aholic. Boy, is that going to change! Dr. Mao has found that the number one beverage most commonly enjoyed by centenarians around the globe is tea. "The free radical-inhibiting property of tea is more potent than that of vitamin E, and tea is a proven preventative and treatment for atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). The polyphenols in tea are powerful antioxidents that help ward off diabetes and cancer." (Excerpt from "Secrets of Longevity")

So, I did my own investigating and anything and everything I read about tea was encouraging. Aging, allergies, arthritis, bone strength, cancer, cholesterol, heart disease and weight loss, drink 3-4 cups of tea a day or more, and all of these categories are affected in a positive way. Prevention Magazine states that 1 cup of tea has more anti-oxident power than a serving of brocolli, carrots or spinach! Black, oolong, and green tea all come from the same tea plant, the camellia sinensis, and most current research concludes that all three types of tea are equally beneficial to your health.

Also, one thing that I had never come across in any prior readings, you MUST brew your tea for at least 3 -5 minutes in order to bring out the beneficial polyphenols..I'm an instant gratification girl and doubt that I've ever let my tea brew that long. I'll also be purchasing organically grown tea (I just watched the movie "Food, Inc." - I'd consider myself 25% organic in the past, oh, wait this is for another post!)

With this said, I'll start drinking tea - every day and all day. No more decaf coffee after lunch or dinner it's tea all the way. By the way, tea has one-half the caffeine as coffee and findings have shown that taking the caffeine out of tea doesn't diminish the benefits in any way. Cheerio!

Camellia Sinenis

Beautiful, this has GOT to be healthy!

Elinluv.blogspot.com

Terrific Recipe for Green Tea Ice Cream

Closet Cooking Blog

Green Tea Cake

Taste of Home.com

Green Tea Chicken Teriyaki

Mighty Leaf Tea

I've had this and it's delicious!

Tea leaves are less processed than tea bags.

No excuses...tea lattes, now at Starbucks!

The Bangle Brigade

2010-01-06T08:53:00.003-06:00

Everytime I go shopping lately, I find myself asking my shopping gals "Is this too young for me?" Of course, the only answer I'll ever get is "oh no, absolutely not!" But, I know better. There are some trends that a mid-life shopper cannot or should not try to pull off, no matter how great she looks. In my opinion, this includes (but not limited to) super short skirts and dresses, anything to purposely show your undergarments, too-tight anything, leggings without a top that covers your bottom, over-accessorizing, and holey jeans.

However, I do believe that as you age you can still be stylish and trend worthy. One of my favorite trends that started in 2009 and explodes for Spring 2010 is the cuff bracelet. Remember I mentioned "over-accessorizing?" With a beautiful cuff bracelet you can still make a statement without looking like you are trying too hard. You may see younger woman wearing a stack of cuffs that go half-way up their forearms. This is not for us. Limit your cuffs to two, and possibly three if they aren't too wide. Cuffs are great - you never have to worry about fat wrists, right? I don't think there's anyone out there that shouldn't wear cuffs!

Here are some beautiful ones that I'm coveting right now. Yes, some are way out of my price range, but I love the challenge of finding similar styles at a wallet happy price.

Burberry Prorsum

Spring 2010

Alexis Bittar, Spring 2010

Neiman Marcus

Ranjana Khan Assymetrical Crystal Bracelet, Neiman Marcus

Devon Leigh Stone Cuff, Neiman Marcus

Susan Hanover Stone Wired Cuff, Intermix

Silver Ribbon Cuff, Intermix

John Hardy Kali Taman Zen Wide Cuff, Neiman Marcus

Elizabeth & James Twig Cuff, Neiman Marcus

Kenneth Jay Lane Gold Plated Coral Cuff, Net-a-Porter

Marni Lily White Wooded Horn Bracelet, Net-a-Porter

Pearly Flower Bracelet, Forever 21

Crinkle Textured Cuff, Forever 21

Janis by Janis Savitt Multi-Chain Cuff, Neiman Marcus

Go Fish for Health

2010-01-05T08:49:00.003-06:00

So I'm starting easy. In my last post I let you know that I would be following the recommendations in the book "Secrets of Longevity" by Dr. Maoshing Ni. Without even opening the book, I would have guessed there was a section (or page...another thing I love about this book, one tip per page!) on the healthy benefits of Omega-3, the fatty acids found in fish. I love fish and since I've only consumed chicken, fish and dairy for animal protein over the past 28 years (no red meat, no pork), I eat it a lot!

There are so many reasons you must include fish in your diet! For animal products, it's highest in protein and lowest in fat. The American Heart Association recommends eating fish at least twice a week, particularily fatty fish (think tuna, salmon, trout) for the omega-3 fatty acids. Omega -3's help to protect blood vessels from plaque, reduce inflammation, prevent high blood pressure and help maintain good respiratory health. Populations with a diet consisting mainly of fish, fresh fruits, and local vegetables (another post topic), experience virtually no heart disease and have a high percentage of healthy seniors (excerpt from 'Secrets of Longevity').

Other products with Omega-3's include tofu, soy beans, canola, walnut and flax seeds and their oils. Dr. Mao and the AHA both recommend getting your vitamin and minerals from the food you eat, in lieu of dietary supplements, however, there are excellent sources of omega-3 supplements on the market. Look for supplements made from organic, cold-pressed oils.

Panko Crusted Salmon

Photo Credit: http://www.elise.com/

This leads me to last night's dinner, using yet another fantastic recipe from my favorite recipe site http://www.elise.com/. EVERY recipe I've made from this site is a winner. I love that she includes photos for each recipe, and that she has a HUGE following (read: lots of great comments) with readers that are not afraid to give their opinions. Last night I made the 'Panko Crusted Salmon' with a side of peas and carrots. So easy and delicious, I almost want it again tonight! It's baked salmon with a mustard/thyme coating, topped with whole-wheat (my substitute) panko breadcrumbs. I used far less olive oil than the recipe suggested and it was still exquisite. If you've never used panko breadcrumbs, you must give them a try. They really add a crunch that you don't get with the regular variety. I substitute them in almost everything now!

So, that's one fatty fish this week..with 5 days to go. I can do it! Can you??

My own "Julie and Julia"

2010-01-04T18:48:00.001-06:00

If you haven't seen this movie with Meryl Streep, add it to your list. A story of a girl from Texas (I happen to know a friend of hers, and I promise she is just like any one of us!) who decided to make all of Julia Child's recipes in a year's time. Quite a daunting task for even the best of chefs! Julie completed her goal and learned a lot about herself along the way. It started out as a hobby to pass time and turned into her passion/obsession. It motivated me to start cooking, and to create this blog!

A couple of years ago I purchased the book "Secrets of Longevity" by Dr. Maoshing Ni, a 38th-generation doctor of Chinese medicine and an authority in the field of Taoist anti-aging medicine. At 46, I randomly flipped through it, patted myself on the back for the things I clearly had under control, and only half-heartedly read the other items. Now, at 48.5, I'm ready to go back and incorporate all of his recommendations into my daily life. I'd love someone to do this with me - any takers?

This book received terrific reviews and I like the fact that Dr. Mao (as his clients call him) "marries wisdom from the East with the latest scientific advances from the West". I've always had an open mind about Eastern medicine (acupuncture, chinese herbs, yoga, tai chi) so I really like this approach. I'll be sharing my thoughts, likes and dislikes as I become my own guinea pig. Again, any takers??

Black-less

2010-01-03T13:25:00.005-06:00

The color black, or is it? Artists can spend hours on that subject, but all I know is that I LOVE black. In fact, I would say that 50-70% of my wardrobe is black. Black shirts, shoes, pants, dresses, skirts, handbags, workout clothes, lingerie, belts, jewelry..I could have a "black sale" this January. I probably should, for one of my resolutions (ooh, I hate that word) is to wear less black for the rest of my life. My love of black started in 1990 when I started my career in fashion and beauty and realized that all you needed to do to look the part was to wear black. Even today, MAC cosmetics makes everyone from the President of the company to the girl behind the counter wear black every day. And, you have to admit, mostly they look cool.

However, as we age, black is not our friend. We see and hear our friends having their hair highlighted with lighter colors around their faces, well this is no different. The problem with black and our complexions is that black absorbs light. So, there is no light reflection to bounce off our skin to give us that youthful "glow" that we all desire. Now, I'm not giving up all my black (mostly because I can't affort a new wardrobe), but I will wear it differently.

Anything from the waist down stays in the mix. A lot of women our age believe that wearing black from head to toe will make you look skinny. Well the real skinny is that unfortunately, that's not always the case. In fact, looking too skinny can make us look older too, right? It's also hard to match blacks, so unless it's a dress or suit, your body is broken up anyway by the different shades.

Black tops will work if you break up the color with a scarve or statement jewelry. Black tops will work if there is a deep v or scoop neck to show some skin between your shirt and chin. Black tops will work if you have a beautiful colored blazer on top of it, bringing life to your skintone. Black tops will work if you REALLY know how to compensate for the lack of light reflection with make-up, but few of us really do. (Those tips will be in a later post!)

So, for those of you that know me, look for me this year in lots of color. Here are some pics of my favorite "slightly over 50" and "approaching 50" celebs in anything but black.

Sela Ward - 53 yrs.

Michelle Pfeiffer - 51 yrs.

Iman - 52 yrs.

I've had the pleasure to meet her and she is even more beautiful in person.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus - 48 yrs.

Sharon Stone - 51 yrs.

Demi Moore - 46 yrs.

Dead Give-aways

2010-01-02T11:28:00.001-06:00

It's Saturday morning and I'm headed off for a manicure. Yes, I should have had it before that New Year's Eve party, but oh well! I started thinking of some of the things that myself and lots of my friends did in the past that would only scream our ages now. One of them is artificial nails. I had them for 25 years of my life, from the time I was 20 - 45 years old! That sounds unbelieveable to me now. Sure, there were times that I took a break...when my son was born, hmmm, that might be the only break.

I've had my short, natural nails for four years now, and I love them. Sure, they go through times when they look fabulous and times when I try to hide them. It took some time (probably 6 months) to get them strong after I took off my "pink and whites", but I swear by the Nailtiques line. They have a protein strengthener (Formula 2) that is fabulous. It's worth the wait. Now my nails look great (and younger!) in a soft pink shade or even the deepest of plums. I love deep colors in the winter and I've found that if you just put a coat of clear on every other day, your color can last up to 10 days.

Just check out the fashion magazines - you won't find artificial nails on any of the younger models. Same goes for celebs. Or, next time you are in a nail salon check out who is getting the power filing and most likely they are older than you!

MAC Peaceable

I love MAC nail colors, this one was fantastic for the holidays.

Chanel Jade

Ok, a little young, but doesn't this look great with the outfit?

Favorite Shades

Essie Mademoiselle - light pink

Essie Ballet Slippers - light pink

OPI Yes I can can! - perfect plum

MAC Shirelle - perfect Loubitan red

Resolution One: Breakfast is a 2010 must-have!

2010-01-02T10:40:00.001-06:00

Eating breakfast daily should be on everyone's resolutions list..if you have a list. I have a list, but I don't need to put this one on it, since I am religious about eating something every morning before 9:00 AM. I know lots of people that proudly boast "Oh, I'm never hungry in the morning, so I don't eat breakfast", like that's a good thing. Think of the word: break-fast! It's that simple. When you sleep your metabolism goes into hibernation mode, and doesn't "wake up" until your first meal of the day. So, if you want to burn more calories in a day, your biggest mistake is not breaking your fast. Now, I'm not talking about the 500 calorie bran muffin, or 200 calorie sugar-laden donut. Fiber and protein are your friends. This combination will keep you fuller and you'll be able to bypass those office sweets!

I bet my close friends don't even know that I've been having the same items for breakfast for the last 15 years. I'm a creature of breakfast habit and I can eat the same thing for months at a time. When I get bored, I switch to whatever is next on my options list. Currently I'm loving an egg white omelette made with any vegetables I have in the fridge, with a low-carb, whole wheat tortilla. I put hot sauce over the omelette and eat it in the tortilla. Hot, spicy foods are also known to speed up your metabalism and keep you more satiated.

My other options (I'm sure I'll get tired of this soon) are: 2 L'Eggo whole wheat waffles with a small amount of peanut butter, a whole wheat english muffin with melted 2% cheddar cheese, oatmeal with berries or raisins, and two Morningstar Veggie Sausage patties with fruit.. Yes, that's it, five options. My splurge once a month will be a whole wheat bagel with low-fat cream cheese and tomatoes. Breakfast out is always an egg-white omelette with all the trimmings. I've found that keeping it simple with fewer options works best for me. Each of these breakfasts are about 220 calories. Add my mug of coffee and I'm at 250 each morning.

Oatmeal with berries

Now, obviously there are times when you're rushing in the morning and need to stop someplace for a quick cup of java and breakfast. Starbucks and Dunkin' Donuts are my go-to places. At Starbucks you can get a yogurt parfait with fruit or one of their new low-calorie hot breakfast sandwiches. Both are full of fiber and protein. Dunkin' Donuts, really? Yes! They have delicious egg-white flat bread sandwiches that come in under 300 calories and one that has turkey sausage for meat lovers. With the addition of their english muffin and egg white sandwich, Dunkin' Donuts is a great healthy start to the morning. Just don't let that donut smell get to you!

Bon Appetit!

Yogi for life and you can be too!

2010-01-01T19:32:00.001-06:00

Aerobics, step, circuit training, kick boxing, boot camp, speed walking, racquet ball, spinning, jogging, running, and completing a half-marathon. Yes, I've done them all! I was the quintessential gym rat, and if I didn't get my six days a week in, I would beat myself up. All in an attempt to ward off the extra pounds that want to creep on year after year ( I hope my 35 year-old friends believe me when I say it only gets harder). I've never had a weight problem and I never want to have one. My last attempt at really getting in shape was training for a marathon about six years ago. The good news was that I finished the race in decent time, but the bad news was that throughout my training I had every bad body side affect a runner could experience! That was it for me...and then along came yoga!

With some coaxing from a fellow mom at my son's school, I decided to give this non-impact exercise a try. Coming from ancient India, "yoga" means union of the mind, body and and spirit. Yoga is about living a healthy and lively lifestyle and bringing a balanced approach to everyday life. The postures of yoga are only one part of yoga practice. I've now been practicing yoga for almost 5 years and I can honestly say it has changed my life. My body is stronger, leaner and healthier. My mind is more patient, forgiving and less judgemental. My spirit knows the greatest love comes from loving yourself first. As I approach my quarter century mark, I know that yoga will help to get me there more gracefully and lovingly. There is a 68 year-old woman in my class who practices on a daily basis and whose body could compete with any 30 year-old. Now, that won't be me, but I still hope to be practicing at 68 and beyond. I'll include a lot more on yoga in this blog, but for now, on this first day of 2010, I wish for everyone the joy, hope and peace in your life that yoga can bring. Try a class this year, you might be amazed. The photos below made me wistful for yoga. My practice slowed over the Christmas break ,but my goal is to practice on a more regular basis in 2010. As my beautiful instuctor, Suze Curtis says, "All you need to do is come in and put down your mat." I agree.

So peaceful...

Not as hard as it looks!

She's 50!

Christy Turlington for Gap Red

She's not 50, but I love this photo.

She's 83!