Facebook Posts for Late June

I LOVE "Chanel Translucent 1" pressed powder. I use pressed powder in the compact instead of loose powder. Loose powder can be too drying and look chalky. I also use "Chanel Le Crayon Levres" lip pencil in "Nude" because it is a shade or... two darker than my natural lip color. I not only line my lips but fill in my entire lip area so when it wears off I don't have a hard line around my lips. I "set" it by dusting my lips with the powder. I use "Chanel Rouge Coco Hydrating Lip Colour" in whatever shade suits the time of day or season. These three items cost $108.00 without tax so they are an investment. I spent my younger years buying drug store brand make up and skin care but when I was in my 50's I decided that it was time to use better quality products on my skin. Chanel products last 18 months and because they contain a lot of pigment and high quality ingredients they stay on longer so you don't have to keep reapplying. I use other brands of lip products but nothing seems to last as long as my Chanel.

I use these products every day because they work so well. "Aveda Stress Fix" lotion and "Aveda Foot Relief" cream from "Joseph's Salon and Spa." "Joico Body Luxe Volumizing Elixir" for fine hair and "CHI Pliable Polish" from "Hair Trevilian." I put a pea size amount in the palm of my hand and rub my hands together to warm it up. Then I run my hands through my hair before I use hair spray to give my hair a more modern look.

Jeans with more than 1-2% Spandex will fit when you first put them on but will stretch out as you wear them. You may have to keep pulling them up every time you bend over or sit down. "Not Your Daughter's Jeans" have a lot of spandex in them and sometimes polyester and cotton. I have to keep pulling them up unless I wear a belt to keep them in place. My most comfortable jeans are 99% cotton an...d 1% spandex. They stretch just enough and hold their shape throughout the day. I seldom have to pull them up each time I bend over or sit down. Check the "Content" label in jeans before you buy them. If they have more than 2% spandex try on a size smaller than you usually wear. As they stretch out they will fit better instead of looking baggy a few hours later. If you like "old fashioned" blue jeans look for 100% cotton.

I attended a luncheon today for an organization that cares for troubled youth. I was surprised to see one of their board members in a short tan skort and sleeveless, low cut, floral top. When she introduced herself I was shocked. She sat there talking about her family's long history with the organization all the while pulling her top up by the shoulders. I could see her very bare legs under th...e table. I was distracted from what she was saying because she was kicking her foot and I thought her casual, slip on shoe would fall off. She was too old to be dressed like a teenager. She looked like she had left her drink on her patio to come to the luncheon. I don't think she represents this organization very well. Remember: "First impressions are lasting impressions."

June Facebook Posts

I was browsing through the June issue of the "Wall Street Journal Magazine" today. Their fashion spread on pages 66-73 is called "Shapeshifters" and everything is "oversized" with flat, athletic shoes. I saw a similar spread in "Vogue" last year. Perhaps this is the only way to make plus size clothing fashionable in magazines that routinely use super thin models. I think it looks ridiculous. Why not hire plus size models who would make the clothing look more appealing and becoming? The caption reads "It's no longer about tight, tighter and tightest. The new proportions are a breath of fresh air." Do women really want to wear clothing that looks like it's 5 sizes to big?

A vent is a slit in the bottom rear (the "tail") of a jacket. A kick pleat is found at the back of a skirt or dress. Both of these items of clothing need to be checked for threads that keep the slit/pleat closed while being shipped to the store. Manufacturers no longer use contrasting thread to sew slits and pleats together so they are not easy to see and snip. Before you leave the house take a... pair of scissors and make sure those threads are cut and pulled out. Also, pockets might be sewn closed so carefully cut them open so you can use them. I use small, rounded, manicure or nose scissors to cut open pockets and pleats so I don't cut the frabric by mistake. Be kind and tell people when their vents are still sewn shut. They will thank you for it.
Mothers who talk down about their bodies, weight and appearance are teaching their daughters, granddaughters and other young girls to feel the same way about their bodies. It can cause them to focus too heavily on their outward appearance and less on developing good character and self-confidence. Eating disorders may be the result. Binging, purging, starving and laxative abuse are all very common in young women trying to have a "magazine" body. The images on Pinterest promote this too. Young girls don't know how "photoshopped" those pictures are. As adults we should keep our negative feelings about our bodies to ourselves.

 

How Teen Girls Dress

I've been in a discussion on a group Facebook page about the way teenage girls are dressing.  Apparently there was a church picnic last night and everyone was horrified by the way the girls were dressed.  There have been more than 100 comments and "Likes."  I shared my "Respect Yourself" Teen Girls Pinterest board with the group and some are Following me now.  I suggested to this group that when you are shopping and you see inappropriate clothing being marketed to young girls they should complain to the manager.  With pornography being the #1 addiction in America we don't need to fuel that fire by allowing young girls to walk around "half naked," as some of the folks called it last night.  Young girls don't have the street smarts to fend off unwanted advances from older men and boys.  One parent posted that they taught their sons not to get involved with girls who dress so trashy.  Now their sons tell girls that are dressed that way that they should cover up more so people won't think bad about them.  Everytime I bring up this subject I get the same response.  NO ONE likes for young girls to dress like strippers and street walkers. 

The Battle of the Bulge

I had a long conversation with a young woman in her 40's today about her weight.  As with so many women, young and old, weight and it's control dominates her life.  I've been around long enough to see the results of nearly every weight loss plan that has ever been created.  Some seem to work right away while others take time.  More often than not the person regains the weight plus some.  It's as if the body is saying "Take THAT you fool!  Who do you think you are trying to manipulate me into a size and shape of your own choosing?" 

Over the years I've looked into many different spiritual pathways.  I see similarities in all of them.  Many appear to control the believer while others don't have enough guidelines so there's nothing to follow.  While on my spiritual journey I realized some truths about our bodies and how they appear to be controllable with food and exercise.  Do those two things really make a difference in the size and shape of our bodies or is it the mind....set on a course with strict guidelines, that actually does the work?  Is it the time we carve out of our day to devote to our self-care that makes the biggest difference or is it a pill or potion meant to stop our brains from registering hunger and cravings?  Do we become "true believers" when we pick up a new book with a new plan and a new way of preparing the same foods we know we're supposed to eat but find unpalatable?  What IS the truth about our body shapes and sizes?  DNA is most likely the determining factor in what our bodies look like from decade to decade.  Look at family members and you can see common features and how the fat is stored on their frames.

Getting back to the spiritual side of things, I've read many times that our bodies should be considered "Temples."  They are gifts from our Creator.  Since the Creator cannot do physical work on the Earth he/she has created physical bodies for souls so we can live in this world and do his/her work.  Have you ever known someone who spends a lot of time doing volunteer work?  Does that person struggle with their weight?  Do you think that time spent in service to others would be so emotionally satisfying and gratifying that food would be reduced to something to keep you alive? 

Being "food focused" is just another word for food addiction.  Some people get excited when they prepare food that others enjoy.  Some people believe they are Gourmets and know all about blending flavors of food to create delicious meals.  I live near a culinary school and I see the students crossing the street from the school to the bakery for classes every day.  Some appear to grow larger week after week. 

If your belief system included treating your body like a temple and a gift from your Creator, would that change the way you perceive food?  Would you sit down to a meal, say a prayer of gratitude over the food and then use utensils to eat it slowly?  Would you appreciate each bite knowing that it came from your Creator to sustain the body the Creator gave you?  Would you pass by the packages of dead, processed foods in the grocery and head straight for the fresh produce, meats, fowl and fish?  Would you pass by the baked goods and ice cream and pick up some fresh fruit instead?  These foods are all made of just one ingredient.  They are perfect because they are fresh from their source.  I haven't eaten animals in 20 years but I do enjoy fresh fish (not fried), eggs, chicken and turkey.  I don't tolerate grains that contain Gluten nor do I tolerate dairy products unless they are lactose free. 

If there is a pattern of food abuse in your family it would be a good idea to examine those foods and see what they are.  Foods that comforted you as a child are always delicious but may not be good for you as you age.  Women who carry extra weight before the age of 35 often have bad knees in their later years.  I believe that food addiction is very high on the list of addictions suffered by most Americans.  We are bombarded by food commercials on TV and brightly colored packaging in the stores.  It's funny how removing food from it's original packaging and placing it plastic containers changes our desire for it.  Marketing companies work very hard to come up with boxes and bags that catch our attention in the store and make us desire the food within.

If your self-worth, self-esteem and self-confidence are tied directly to your appearance you only have one choice.  You will have to stop eating the foods that you know will make you fat and change to natural, health giving foods.  Every time you make an excuse or find a way to justify eating foods that make you fat you are only hurting yourself.  Every bite for the rest of your life will be determined by you and only you unless you are disabled and fed by others.  It is up to you to put less food on your plate and push the plate away before taking seconds.  If you don't work as a field hand you cannot eat like a field hand.  Pretend you are buying food for your favorite, slim celebrity or someone you admire.  Would you put cheap, fattening foods on the table of your favorite movie star?  I doubt it!!

Creating Tasteful Outfits

In the book, "That Extra Half Inch" by Victoria Beckham, she discusses how outfits can look too "contrived." This means "Obviously planned or calculated; not spontaneous or natural; labored:" In dressing it means that you have put together an outfit where everything matches exactly, looks more like a costume than an outfit or looks like you put too many hours into coordinating the pieces. I oft...en see this with country/western outfits, especially at concerts. I also see it with Vintage fashions where everything is vintage with no modern pieces included. I've also seen formal outfits with matching "bling" from shoes, to dress to handbag and beyond. Coordinating an outfit is very much like decorating a room. You want to mix your pieces in a way that allows them to "relate" but not match. For instance, I have a silver spiral design necklace. I also have a similar design in earrings, ring and a bracelet. I would not wear all of them at once. I would probably only wear two and not next to each other. I certainly would not wear a spiral print garment or have a spiral design on my shoes. You don't want to appear to be wearing a costume which is easy to do with western wear. Unless you work with horses or you are in the music industry you might want to just wear denim with the boots and hat. Adding big silver jewelry or a large buckle belt might be too much. Most of all look like yourself when you dress. Show how unique and tasteful you are.

 

My "Kentucky Derby" Posts from Facebook

Churchill Downs spokesman John Asher wrote in an email. “We are always in close contact at this time of year with the dozens of federal, state and local law enforcement and public safety partners who work with us every year on safety and security concerns for our major events, we will be in close and frequent contact with them and rely heavily on their expertise, as we always do, in the hours and ...days to come.” Also, Churchill Downs will not allow tents in the In-field this year due to the dangers of a storm coming up like last year. The support poles pose a danger to people and horses in high winds. If you plan to attend the races this year wear comfortable, durable shoes. There are many different types of pavement throughout the Downs, some uneven and grass in the In-field. Security will be tighter this year so don't take anything that might look suspicious. Don't forget your sunscreen and drink a glass of water in-between alcoholic drinks so you won't get dehydrated.

If you have a pair of sling back shoes, you can dress them up for Derby events very easily. I saw a pair black and white polka dot, sling back heels at Von Maur last week in the display case. They had a beautiful red satin bow tied to the back of the strap. You can match your shoes to your Derby hat by using ribbon that closely matches your hat. This is also a beautiful addition to shoes worn for weddings and other special events. Good quality satin ribbon from a fabric shop is the most beautiful and is easier to tie. Make sure you double tie the bow so it will not come undone as you walk. Use very sharp scissors to cut the ribbon so the edges won't look frayed.

Another way to customize your look for Derby events is to use ribbon on your handbag that matches your hat or fascinator. If it has a chain strap (good idea due to pick pockets slashing purse straps) thread ribbon in and out of the links of the chain. If it is a thin chain you can braid three colors of skinny ribbon around it and tie into bows where it's connected to the handbag. The ribbon wil...l also make a chain strap more comfortable on your arm or shoulder. Wristlet style purses are great for Churchill Downs and Keeneland. They keep your purse near you and keep your hands free. Crossbody bags are nice but the strap going across the front of your outfit might not look very attractive. If you carry a clutch style bag make sure it has a little chain or strap inside. Keeping it in your hand or under your arm all day will wear you out. It's also too easy to lay it down and forget about it. Don't take anything to the track that you would hate to lose. No heirloom broaches that could fall off or fine jewelry that is so loose fitting it will come off when you wash your hands.

Formal Wear After 40

If the gown you choose is sleeveless or strapless please consider adding a cute bolero jacket, short cardigan or Pashima wrap to cover the sagging or spotty skin on the shoulders, upper arms and back. In the dressing room have someone take a picture of your back with your arms down by your sides before buying a strapless or spaghetti strap dress. You would be shocked by how much skin can sag around the edges of a dress. In some cases buying the dress in a larger size and having it altered to fit is the answer. Don't look like a stuffed sausage in your formal wear. Spagehtti straps are altered very easily if your "Girls" have begun to sag. Buy a strapless, supportive bra and have the dress straps taken up. There is nothing glamorous about the "Ma Kettle" sillouette. If you're old enough to know who Ma Kettle is, then you need a supportive bra. In the movie "Back on the Farm" (1951) Eliszabeth Parker said to Ma Kettle, "You know Ma, I bet you had an hourglass figure." Ma Kettle: "Yeah, but the sand sure shifted."

 

Cocktail dresses for women over 40 should come to the knee or cover the knee.  As we age our knees become less attractive.  Covering them can give us a much nicer, smoother look.  If your shoes are fabulous then don't detract from them by showing less than beautiful knees.  I also prefer hose over bare legs.  Women over 40 have more varicose and spider veins.  They also may have age spots, moles and freckles.  Nude or "body match" hose are best unless you are wearing black or navy.  Light, sheer black and navy hose will give you an "unbroken line" from hem to shoe.  I prefer "sheer to the waist" pantyhose because I've never found control top pantyhose that fit me perfectly.  I usually wear a "Skimp Skamp" foundation panty with the sheer to the waist.  It gives me a feeling of support without being too tight.    

Facebook Posts Apri 1 & 2

The April issue of "Allure" magazine has an "Anti-aging Special" in it. You will find information about products recommended by the country's top dermatologists, an article called "Facing 50" that features over 50 celebrities and an article about cosmetic procedures. There is also an article called "Through the Ages" that is a timeline of beauty treatments dating back to the 1600's. I haven't ha...d any cosmetic procedures and have never visited a cosmetic surgeon for a consultation. What I worry about is nerve damage from the procedures. I've seen several women who have nerve damage so it makes me relunctant to consider it. I was told recently that Botox stretches the skin when used over and over making it sag more than if left alone. It's up to the individual and I don't judge those who choose to go under the knife to feel better about their appearance. As my Grandmother Ruby used to say "Each to his own said the old lady as she kissed her cow."

Being a size 0 isn't all it's cracked up to be. Women who try to maintain that size are probably doing internal damage to their bodies. Eating disorders are very dangerous and sometimes fatal. There are worse things in life than weighing... more than you think you should. Join Weight Watchers to find out how much you should weigh for your age then stick with it. Yo Yo dieting is not healthy and may ruin your metabolism later in life. Food is fuel not fun so eat like an adult and not a child. If the man in your life pokes fun at your body or makes remarks about every bite you put in your mouth then he's not supporting you emotionally. Have a talk with him and tell him how much his comments hurt you.

Happy Easter

Facebook Posts March 23-26

The April issue of "Allure" magazine has an "Anti-aging Special" on pages 146 to 154. Some of the products are available in drug and discount stores and are inexpensive. I like the advice for keeping your neck and chest area beautiful. So often we forget to apply the same products to this area that we use on our faces. It's very important to apply sunscreen to your neck and chest because this area will often show wrinkles and age spots faster than our faces.

There is an article in the March 21st edition of the "Wall Street Journal" about the fastest most precise make up products that women use. "CoverGirl Clump Crusher Mascara" $6.99, "Clinique Chubby Sticks" for eyes and for lips, $16.00, "Sally Hanson Complete Salon Manicure," $7.99, "Maybelline New York Master Duo Eyeliner" $7.99, "Beauty Blender," $19.95. (It's an egg shaped spongy applicator for blending foundation.) My husband was nice enough to bring the newspaper home so I could share the list with all of you. :-)

The next time you are in a drug or discount store look for "Systane Ultra" lubricant eye drops. My eye doctor suggested it for my dry eyes and it works very well. While you are in the eye care aisle look for contact lens cases. They are perfect for emptying the last bit of lip conditoner or lip gloss out of the tube. I cut the tube in half and use a clean Q-tip to scoop out what's left in the bottom. The contact lens cases are double so you can have your lip treatment on one side and your tinted lip gloss or lip stick on the other side. If you need a lip brush look for one that is retractable or has a top to keep it clean in your make up bag or purse.

March 21-22 Facebook Posts

While shopping in Macy's I noticed that there were no displays of plus size Derby outfits with coordinating hats. I went upstairs and didn't see any in the Plus department either. Before I left the store I stopped at the Ralph Lauren department to tell the nice ladies there about my observation. They said that I was correct and felt that there should be a display of plus size Derby outfits and hats too. I think it's a good idea to make suggestions when you shop when you don't see what you're looking for.

So many women have body image issues. It's impossbile to grow up in our society without being bombarded by images of super beautiful women in the media. So many of those printed images have been photo shopped and are not even close to wha...t the woman really looks like. In reality we must dress the body we have not the one from 20-30 years ago. Don't torture yourself by looking at pictures that make you feel bad about yourself. It doesn't matter what the size tag says on your clothes. Get dressed and get out into the world and give it your best. A happy woman is a beautiful woman because she's smiling most of the time. :-)

 

 1. Energize with new trends. “It’s especially important for women older than 40 to bring the latest styles into their wardrobes,” says Brenda Kinsel, author of “Brenda Kinsel's Fashion Makeover: 30 Days to Diva Style!” (Chronicle Books, 2007). Try out a new clothing trend and incorporate it with other clothes already in your closet.

2. Follow the 50-percent rule. Kinsel also says less is more. “...I tell clients to take a trend and cut it in half. Instead of a tie-dye T-shirt, try a shirt with an element of tie-dye in it,” says Kinsel.

3. Redo your ’do. Today’s short hairstyles flatter the face and take off years. Browse a new style magazine and find a look you’d like to try before you visit your salon. But short hair is not required; more and more boomer women are wearing tousled, mid-length styles as popularized by Katie Couric, or longer, lovely locks like Michelle Pfeiffer.

4. Get fit! Let’s face it: Aging stinks and so does gravity. But there’s no age limit on exercise. A simple walking program, building up to 30 minutes, five days a week, will do wonders for creating a healthy lifestyle and look. Strength training just three times per week can help improve bone density, reduce body fat and improve muscle tone. Try finding a program online or hiring a personal trainer.

5. Lighten up the makeup.Too much makeup can add years. Mature women and women of any age can benefit from this season’s lighter, brighter makeup styles. Many salons include free makeup consultations. You can also try the makeup counter at your favorite department store.

6. Enhance those curves. Current shape-wear tend to display, not disguise, your body’s natural curves. Look for tummy-control and thigh-firming features.


7. Stop hiding behind loose clothing. Baggy clothing may make you appear larger than you actually are. Instead, opt for body skimming (not tight) items that will show off your feminine silhouette.


8. Be bejeweled. The Glam Gals also recommend updating your jewelry wardrobe with a few hot pieces in the latest styles. Trends include: odd and unusual rocks for eye-popping rings, necklaces with only a sprinkling of diamonds and an emphasis on metals, red jewels such as pinkish-red rubellite or soft pink tourmaline.

9. Revitalize your lips. Lips can be one of the first areas to show signs of aging. Be sure to protect them from the sun with sunblock with SPF. Also, reapply color throughout the day to keep your lips moist. Try a nightly anti-aging regimen of Regenerist Anti-Aging Lip Treatment.

10. Exfoliate. Good skin is essential to looking young. Be sure to exfoliate to give your cells a little nudge.

From P&G.com