My Grandmother Ruby Called it "Reducing"

Everyone is familiar with this first picture of a big burger and french fries. It's considered a "meal" by most restaurants, fast food and regular ones. Women may have been able to completely metabolize a calorie, fat and salt laden meal like this when we were younger but that's not the case after a women is over 50. After menopause our metabolism slows down and we can easily store more fat than ever before in our lives. Some of us have health issues too that are aggravated by excess sodium and fats in our foods. Below is an alternative. You can still eat a burger but leave off the bun. Few of us need those extra calories that qualify as a starch and it's a bad choice if you are sensitive to gluten. If you've become lactose intolerant as you have aged leave off the cheese. Choose a side dish of a green vegetable that's full of good vitamins and fiber. Avocados contain fat but it's a "good" fat. Switch from heavy salad dressings to something that has "Vinaigrette" in the name.  Balsamic, Raspberry and Champagne are three of my favorites and order it on the side so you control how much you use. Tell the wait person not to bring any bread to the table at all. Did you know that if the bread basket even touches the table the wait staff has to throw it away?  Alcoholic drinks can really pack on weight through their high calorie content with zero nutritional value. Those drinks can add a lot to the bill too so maybe save that for special occasions. My weakness is dessert but I seldom order it because eating sweets late in the day causes indigestion. I also know I won't be active enough in the evening to burn off all those calories. Again sweets like alcohol are empty calories. I love genuine butter but without bread on the table I only have a baked potato or sweet potato to put it on. Potatoes are real food, not processed with a long shelf life. Order your butter on the side and tell the wait person to leave off the cinnamon sugar that so often is served on a baked sweet potato. If you want something fizzy to drink but want to avoid sugary sodas or ones with artificial sweeteners order a glass of club soda with a wedge of lime. It's zero calories and is very refreshing! If you MUST have a glass of wine with dinner try a wine spritzer. It is half club soda so you are cutting the calories in half. This works well with white or pink wines that are served chilled.

If you want to "reduce" then start making a few changes. I often order a "To Go Box" right after I get my meal. Portions are so huge now that not even a field hand could burn off all those calories! By dividing your portions into your To Go Box you not only cut your portions and calories in half but you have a good meal for lunch or dinner the next day. That also saves you money! You may not see a change in your weight or size for a while but as you adapt to new eating and drinking habits you will see the difference. If you are able to get a little exercise you will notice the changes sooner. I'm very aware of how bad joints can be too painful for walking or working out. That's why it's important to change your diet first. If you lose weight it may help lessen the pain in your hips, knees and ankles.
Pamela Owen
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Travel Wardrobe Advice for Women Over 50

This is advice from a woman who has traveled almost weekly for 40+ years:
"I only wear black and white while traveling.  Black and white jeans, black slacks and black, white, navy tees.  A cute sweater jacket (black and white stripe), scarves, and comfortable shoes.  Black & white gingham rain/trench coat." C.K.G.

When I fly I only wear black. It doesn't show dirt or spills. I always pack several colorful scarves for a punch of color. I also wear black, leather clogs and black socks. I will never wear flip flops or any shoe without socks. There are too many foot diseases that you can pick up from other barefoot travelers going through Security like Plantar warts that are caused by a virus that never goes away. I like for my jackets to have plenty of pockets. If they button even better to keep my things secure. I carry a handbag with handles long enough to slip over the telescoping handle of my small, rolling carry on bag. I check my suitcase to ease my physical burden boarding and departing the airplane. It's difficult for me to lift heavy bags over my head to place in the overhead compartments. I can't depend on someone helping me do that so I check it.

10 Tips for Attending the Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby

1. Wear comfortable shoes.

2. Take bandaids, ibuprofen, etc.

3. Take a clear poncho because umbrellas are not allowed inside Churchill Downs.

4. Carry a lightweight tote bag and paper towels to wrap Mint Julip and Lilly glasses to take home.

5. Pack snack mix in clear baggies. Food lines can be long and you need to keep food in your stomach if you are drinking alcohol.

6. Cell phone service is scattered, make sure your family knows this.

7. Carry some loose change to tip the bathroom attendants. Most have mints and other handy things.

8. In case of a chill, stick a scarf in your bag.

(Or tie it to the handle of your handbag to look chic! Pam)

9. Place your Derby bet way before post time. Men are notorious for the last minute bet. There may be lots of shoving and stepping on toes.

10. Sing "My Old Kentucky Home" loud and proud! 

Should you have the winning ticket and want to wait to avoid lines you have weeks to go back and collect.

Advice courtesy of M. G. Gurley

 

 

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The Old Forester Mint Julep Recipe

 

2 cups sugar

2 cups water

Sprigs of fresh mint

Crushed ice

Old Forester Straight Bourbon Whisky

Silver Julep Cups
 

Make a simple syrup by boiling sugar and water together for five minutes. Cool and place in a covered container with six or eight sprigs of fresh mint, then refrigerate overnight. Make one julep at a time by filling a julep cup with crushed ice, adding one tablespoon mint syrup and two ounces of Old Forester Kentucky Whisky. Stir rapidly with a spoon to frost the outside of the cup. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.

 

 

https://www.kentuckyderby.com/history/traditions/mint-julep

Kentucky Beaten Biscuits Recipe for Country Ham

Servings: about 40 1-1/2-inch biscuits

(adapted, slightly, from Charles Patteson’s Kentucky Cooking)

• 2 c. all-purpose flour (preferably a soft wheat type like White Lily or Martha White) 
• 1/4 t. salt
• Pinch of baking soda
• 1/4 t. sugar
• 6 TB cold lard
• 1/4 c. cold whole milk
• 1/4 c. cold water

Preheat oven to 350°.
Place dry ingredients in the bowl of a food processor with metal blade. Pulse a couple of times to blend. Add lard and pulse until mixture is mealy. With machine running, add milk and water. Process for about 2 minutes “until the dough is shiny, elastic and rather sticky, not unlike pulled taffy.”
Place dough on a well-floured surface. Roll out to about 1/2″ thick. Cut out small round biscuits. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet at least 1/2″ apart. Use a fork to prick a row of holes on eat biscuit.
Bake in center of oven for 6-7 minutes at 350°. Increase oven temperature to 400° and bake for 7-8 minutes more, making certain that biscuits do not brown too much on the bottom.
Split the biscuits while still warm.
Fill biscuits with thin slices of country ham and a dab of sauce (2 parts mayonnaise, 1 part Dijon mustard and 1 part mango chutney).

 

https://gourmandistan.com/2014/04/28/bettering-beaten-biscuits-with-lard-and-a-little-derb-kee-sauce/

Kentucky Benedictine Spread Recipe

 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened

1 tablespoon mayonnaise or could use Miracle Whip
1/4 cup sour cream
1/2 cup finely chopped cucumber
1/2 cup chopped green onion
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon dill weed

Pinch cayenne (optional)
1 to 2 drops green food coloring
Peel cucumber and split lengthwise down the middle.  Take a spoon and remove the seeds before chopping. Mix together the cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, salt, pepper, dill weed and cayenne with a mixer.  Fold in the chopped cucumber, green onion and food coloring and mix with a spoon.  Makes about 1 1/2 cups.  Enjoy with your favorite crackers or make into sandwiches as pictured in the photo below. When making sandwiches, once you remove the crust, flatten the bread with a rolling pin before adding the spread.

 

 

https://thesouthernladycooks.com/2018/04/16/kentucky-benedictine-spread/

 

Old Kentucky Bourbon Balls Recipe

Adapted from "The Book of Bourbon", p325

Or order the original Rebecca Ruth Bourbon Balls here: https://rebeccaruth.stores.yahoo.net/100proofbour1.html

1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 lb confectioners' sugar
3 Tablespoons bourbon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup finely ground pecans

Combined softened butter and confectioners' sugar until smooth.

Add the bourbon and vanilla and mix until incorporated.

Add the nuts and mix thoroughly.

Roll the candy into 1-inch balls. Set in refrigerator until firm, then transfer to a Ziploc freezer bag and place in the freezer for a few hours or overnight.


Chocolate Coating(for either center prepared above)

4 to 6 ounces semisweet chocolate
30 -50 whole pecan halves, for garnish

Place a toothpick in each bourbon ball, sticking the toothpick into the center.

Melt chocolate in a small bowl in the microwave or a double boiler. Mix and heat until smooth.

Working quickly, dip the bourbon ball centers into the chocolate one at a time. Tap the toothpick against the side of the bowl to shake off excess chocolate. Set the coated bourbon ball on waxed paper covering a baking sheet or pizza pan. With another toothpick push the bourbon ball gently from the toothpick and cover the spot where it was with a pecan half.

When all bourbon balls have been dipped allow them to rest until set. (To speed the process the pan of bourbon balls can be placed in the refrigerator.) When set, transfer the candies to a holiday tin or other storage container. 
From: http://www.myownsweetthyme.com/2008/12/kentucky-bourbon-balls.html

The Legendary Hot Brown Recipe from the Brown Hotel

INGREDIENTS
Makes Two Hot Browns 

• 2 oz. Whole Butter
• 2 oz. All Purpose Flour
• 8 oz. Heavy Cream
• 8 oz. Whole Milk
• ½ Cup of Pecorino Romano Cheese
  Plus 1 Tablespoon for Garnish
• Pinch of Ground Nutmeg
• Salt and Pepper
• 14 oz. Sliced Roasted Turkey Breast, Slice Thick
• 4 Slices of Texas Toast (Crust Trimmed)
• 4 Slices of Crispy Bacon
• 2 Roma Tomatoes, Sliced in Half
• Paprika
• Parsley

In a two‑quart saucepan, melt butter and slowly whisk in flour until combined and forms a thick paste (roux). Continue to cook roux for two minutes over medium‑low heat, stirring frequently. Whisk heavy cream and whole milk into the roux and cook over medium heat until the cream begins to simmer, about 2‑3 minutes. Remove sauce from heat and slowly whisk in Pecorino Romano cheese until the Mornay sauce is smooth. Add nutmeg, salt and pepper to taste.
For each Hot Brown, place two slices of toast with the crusts cut off in an oven safe dish – one slice is cut in half corner to corner to make two triangles and the other slice is left in a square shape - then cover with 7 ounces of turkey. Take the two halves of Roma tomato and two toast points and set them alongside the base of the turkey and toast. Next, pour one half of the Mornay sauce to completely cover the dish. Sprinkle with additional Pecorino Romano cheese. Place the entire dish under a broiler until cheese begins to brown and bubble. Remove from broiler, cross two pieces of crispy bacon on top, sprinkle with paprika and parsley, and serve immediately.
https://www.brownhotel.com/dining/hot-brown



Vintage Dressmaker Details

I chose these Vintage outfits from Pinterest to show how women's clothing used to be designed. I love the covered buttons and little details that show how much care and creativity went into each design.

 

 

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Fashion Influencers

If you were wondering what has been happening in the fashion industry because you can't find clothing you like anymore this is why:

"An influencer is someone with a large social following who has the power to inspire and, in turn, influence others. This includes style icons, celebrities, athletes and public figures to name a few. Each has the potential to generate brand awareness for most any business they choose. Influencer marketing is the practice of leveraging these individuals to bring in more business and reach more people. This is done by taking advantage of their vast networks of followers, fans, and connections. One endorsement is all any company needs to grow."
By Brandon Meawasige

 

Picture courtesy of  Pinterest

 

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La Beauté: What Do French Women Have That We Don’t?

By Amy Thomas

Every time I go to Paris, I’m inspired anew. I look at the women with their ruby red lips, their studiously disheveled hair, their outfits that—really, aren’t that exceptional and yet still scream “cool” because of the way they hang on their petite frames or just because of the attitude with which they’re worn—and I think: I can do that!

You see, French women make beauty look so easy. They’re not all made up, hair sprayed and complexion painted to perfection. Their nails don’t match their lips. Their shoes don’t match their bags. They’re not highlighted, bronzed, veneered, acrylic tipped, implanted, injected or perfected. And yet they’re beautiful. So what do they have that we don’t (okay, at least I don’t)?

It all starts with attitude.

My friends who date French women assure me the pretty young things are actually racked with insecurities. But you’d never know it looking at them. French women ooze sex appeal. It’s in the way they walk, the way they talk, and the way they hold their wine glasses. They think, “I’m beautiful,” and it radiates outwards, causing others to look at and admire them which, in turn, makes them feel beautiful—a brilliant cycle if there ever was one.

They celebrate their femininity.
You’d never catch a French woman trying to emulate a man the way we do in the States. Here, we’realways putting on tough girl acts. We’re competitive and try to be uber independent. We even wear power suits and poker faces. Showing that we’re equal to men is a great byproduct of the women’s rights movement. But it’s not so sexy. French women embrace what makes them uniquely feminine—softness, caregiving, short skirts—instead of trying to prove they’re just like men.

They’re good with props.

French women are famous devotees of lacy lingerie and potent perfume. But they’ve got other props up their sleeves, too. Things like cigarettes and compacts and lap dogs—accoutrements that draw attention to themselves and invite others to look at them. And when people are looking at them, you better believe they make sure they look good.

They know how to dress.
As Coco Chanel said, “Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman.” Clothing matters just as much as hair and makeup when it comes to beauty, and French women know this—and not just what they wear, but how they wear it. If they wear tight jeans, they offset them with loose, billowy blouses. If they wear short skirts, they won’t also give away a lot of cleavage. It’s all about subtlety; French women know there’s nothing sexier than the power of suggestion.

They like to flirt.

The image of a this adorable French woman winking at my friend in a crowded bar is forever etched in my mind. If I had done it, it would have been so cheesy. I would have looked spastic and desperate. But the way she delivered that wink—with a blush, a smile, a quick look down and then back up… French women can flirt like no one’s business. And that gives a power that makes them irresistible.

They don’t strive for perfection.

Freckles, scars, chipped teeth, wild hair—all the things we American girls try to tame and combat are celebrated by French women. They know how to make a freckle or scar sexy (call attention to it! make it a conversation piece!); they don’t let imperfect teeth stop them from smiling; and messy hair looks sexy when it’s tossed up or adorned with sparkly barrettes. American women try too hard to be perfect instead of just reveling in ourselves, our beauty, and what we have to offer.

 

 

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