The definition of insanity .....

Most of you have probably heard or read the famous statement made by Albert Einstein - The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.


I love that statement. I have seen it mentioned in many business items over the years as well as items that discuss or encourage making changes in our lives. But I have to say, this statement has really struck me lately in regards to so many women when it comes to their hair stylist and/or their haircuts/hair fashion.


I love change and have really gotten into trusting my new friend and hair stylist to do new things with my hair. It makes me feel better and I think look more updated. So many women comment on how they like my hair and how they wish they could find something new and better. I always recommend my hair Stylist, but more often than not, the comment I get back is, "oh, I have been going to the same hair stylist for the past 10, 20 or plus years!" And duh, why do you think you are still getting the same thing? (And to the defense of many hair stylists out there, many customers will not let them do anything new or different).


Women are so often afraid to change, to do something different. What is the worse that can happen? You let it grow out? My husband always says the difference between a good haircut and a bad haircut is six weeks! In other words, it won't last forever, in about six weeks try something else, refine it, get it right!!! There are so many baby boomer women out there who are aging themselves by their haircut, they are stuck in the 70's or 80's and refuse to change.

I am not saying mine is the best. I am sure I can improve, but some changes are nice. And you know, the more I think about and look at Albert Einsteins famous picture, it just may be that he was thinking of finding a new hair stylist!

How not to act OLD - lesson two.

Well, the article I read recently said nothing about dress. But something I think that is important in the lessons on not looking or acting old is how you dress. In fact, one way to instantly look old is wear outdated, baggy clothing. Comfort does not mean you have to look frumpy and old. Since the article I recently read on how not to act old did not address this pet peeve of mine, I am providing this lesson on one of my rules on how not to act/look OLD.


I guess one of the reasons this is on my mind is something that happened recently. I attended a seminar last weekend and one of the women doing the presentations had on one of those shift dresses nuns and teachers wore in the 60's and 70's. All I could think is, are there places that still sell those horrible items or is she one who never gives anything up?


Being comfortable does not mean you have to look horrible AND old. Or old fashioned and outdated in both your look and your outlook on life. I have an endless amount of fashionable clothes AND they are all comfortable. I don't wear the clothes that are uncomfortable. There are two categories of clothing - there is that which we wear at home that is comfortable and that which we wear out that is comfortable. AND, as far as I am concerned, never the two shall meet.


So, lesson two, my lesson for you, is to don't wear outdated clothing, and that which makes you appear dumpy and unshapely. Just because you have gained some weight, or some of the aging process is presenting some health issues, does not mean you have to look like you don't feel well, an possibly older than you actually are. In fact, get a hair cut, put on some makeup, a smile on your face and something decent looking and see how it changes your day. Being positive about your looks can change your day, the way others treat you and how you feel about yourself.


I have a friend I met through some of my networks, and she has recently launched a great new website. Easy Style is dedicated to helping women wear clothes that compliment their body, http://www.shopeasystyle.com/. Check it out, it may be the answer you are looking for to help you NOT act or look old. They also have a facebook page, click on the logo to the right to connect to the facebook page.


There are numerous sites, shows etc that help you dress for style and your shape. Many department stores have very talented salespeople who can give great advice, etc.


So, how not to Act OLD? Dress stylish and not in clothes so comfortable people will wonder how recently you got out of the hospital. Wearing clothing that is frumpy, dumpy and unattractive can make you appear much older than you actually are. Positive attitude towards all aspects of your life can be life changing. Best of luck.

Thank you to our Veterans!


As many know I have worked for the federal government for over 30 years. And one aspect of my long career I am very proud of is for two different periods I had the privilege to work at a local VA Medical Center and ensure our veterans were given good health care.

Walking through those halls everyday gave me many opportunities to see just a few of the men and women who gave so much to ensure I have freedom. Many gave their health, their limbs, their mental health just to name a few items to ensure this country stays the land of the free. These men and women give so much and do not get enough gratitude. So many go unnoticed.

Today is Veterans Day. Many will be off today and will probably sleep in late, go shopping or catch up on some errands. Many will go about their day just like every other day and never even think of our veterans. My prayer is that many today will pause and say a prayer for all our veterans and our active duty military. They need our prayers every day.

I am very blessed to have many veterans in my family. My husband is a veteran and very proud of his service to this country. My father and father-in-law are both veterans. But they never draw attention to that or require an thanks. They just did what they thought was right for our country - that is what describes so many veterans of this country.

My husband has a friend who calls him every Veterans Day and says thank you for serving in our military. Apparently he makes it a point to call anyone he personally knows who is a veteran and thanks them for their service. Isn't that awesome? If my husband is not home, he leaves a very nice message of thanks. That little gesture really means a lot to my husband.

As we move through this day to honor our country's veterans, let us all also remember their families in our prayers. The families of veterans make many untold sacrifices so they can serve our country.

Happy Veterans Day, thank you for all you have given this country.

How NOT to look or act OLD! Lesson one!

Wow did an article of a similar name catch my attention recently. And what was surprising, it discussed things I had not thought of. But it did give me some things to ponder (as I age, gracefully).

The first lesson, or point made in the article was, ditch the watches! Boy, that was a blow, just like I like shoes, I also like watches. To me they are just an accessory, or jewelry item. But, to the young, that is old. In fact, my husband, who doesn't even try and seem hip, does not wear a watch. That really burns me to think, he is hip! The magazine item pointed out, that young people do not wear watches, they use their cell phones to tell time. And, that is just what my husband says he does.

BUT! I have a few problems with this. Don't get me wrong. I want to be hip and not appear old, or old fashioned. But I see some flaws in this reasoning.

First of all, what about all those gorgeous watches in the stores!!! Ohhhh, so many, and all so cute. So what, if the face may be too small or ornate that you cannot really glance down and tell the time. Especially if you don't have on those bifocals. But, like I said, they are an accessory, an item to balance out the outfit and the two wrists. If I ditch the watches, I will have to start doubling up on bracelets for my outfits etc. Ahhh, the issues we deal with. And, who is going to tell all the stores. I don't know if you have noticed, but walk in any store, Macy's, Steinmart, etc, and they have tons of watches. Hmmmm, see a bargain opportunity here.

Second, I have a problem with the younger generation, as well as the older like my husband, constantly having their nose in their phone, or to their ear, whatever! It seems they rely on their cell phones for far too much. You can casually glance at your watch to see what time it is and many times go un-noticed. But how can you pull out your phone, check the time and go un-noticed? I say not many. There are times when you are talking with someone, etc, and you need to check the time but you do not want to offend them or stop the flow of the conversation. Flipping out your phone and checking the time during a conversation, to me, says you are not that interested.

Third, the article went on to say you must flip your phone open with one hand, and check the time without your bifocals. O.k., this could help with hand exercise for stiff joints, but bringing out the bifocals may just bring more attention to yourself and your age then a watch may.

Oh, well, I am going to continue to wear my pretty watches. But I have to admit, many times as I put one on I have thought of this article. And I do use my cell phone for my alarm clock when traveling and have used it to verify the time. So in this category I will judge myself hip or not acting totally old! This is one I am going to do a check-in with my daughters and her friends the next time they are around.

Signing off, my computer clock is reminding me I need to get to a meeting!

If you don't get all your reading done this summer ...

I don't know why, but I seem to collect books to read during the summer. I do this for two reasons, 1) because I tend to take more vacations during the summer and 2) I have more down time during this time of year because we spend a great deal of time on our boat. But it seems many of the books I do collect don't get read during the summer.

But, that is perfectly o.k. I think it is great to have a few books in reserve, in the event I have some unexpected down time or just wish to stop and relax. I just finished a book our book club selected to read. Vigil, by Cecilia Samartin, (Atria Books) about Ana & her life long quest to find her true purpose. The patience and persistence demonstrated by this quiet and pious woman was admirable and showed a different sort of strength that modern-day women don't often see or think about. I have to say she did give our group something to talk about. All of us being such strong willed and independent women had to considered the other side or approach to consider when faced with events in life. Our conversations about this main character actually served as a spring board for our discussion of various women we knew and how they handled very challenging life events in their lives.

At times throughout the book I have to admit I did not care for Ana and her choices. She seemed to be at times to have too much patience. But reading about someone who made choices different than what I probably would have, created more interest for me and gave me a different perspective to consider.

The method by which the author presents the story is very engaging and keeps you coming back for more. This is a book I read quickly. Not because I was in a hurry, but because the story interested me and I wanted more.

I recommend this book to others. Add it to your list of vacation books, or one to read by the fire this winter. Our book club gave it a 3 bifocals rating! Enjoy.

Wish I had thought of that!

There are so many things I purchase or see and say "wish I had thought of that!" Some women have taken ideas to either make life easier or provide a much needed service, and in turn made a significant amount of income from their venture. Do you ever have an idea, to find later someone actually put it into play? That happens to me quite often.

I am one of those women who loves all the cute summer dresses and tops, but hate being in those freezing cold restaurants, shops or meeting rooms in the summer where it feels like it is 2 below 0. Wearing a heavy sweater or jacket just does nothing for my cute outfit! Plus it is so inconvenient to carry around a sweater in the summertime just in case you end up someplace that is freezing. I have so often thought why can't there be something to keep us warm, other than hot flashes, while wearing these cute sleeveless tops and dresses?

I recently came across just the product that helps in this situation. The item I found is called "Chilly Jilly". It was invented by a woman who was looking for a solution to the problem I have described. She not only developed something to use when the temperature is too cool for our summer outfits, but she also came up with something that fits in your purse. The woman is a genius. The Chilly Jilly is a shawl that is lightweight, crease-free and does the job of keeping the chill out.

I purchased a couple for my girlfriend as a gift. She said they are great because they fit in your purse and easy to take on travel. I purchased two for myself, one black and one white.
This item has really taken off. Jill Boehler, Designer and Founder of Chilly Jilly, was recently featured in More Magazine and on The Today Show. Good for you Jill! It is so great to see a woman take an idea and turn it into a money making venture.
You can purchase these wonderful little wraps on line, ChillyJilly.com, or at local boutiques. I purchased mine online and received them in just a couple days. Since my first purchase, Jill has expanded her line of items she now offers. Looks like this great idea has led to more!


Picture above shows the Chilly Jilly in its small carry bag!

If all the creams and lotions really worked . . .


Now I am not talking about anything in the sex department - that is another blog. But what I am thinking about today are all those creams and lotions that the ads say will take away the wrinkles, the under eye bags, the cellulite, the saggy butt, etc, etc.

If all those creams and lotions worked, I would not have to work out at the gym, walk several miles a day and eat oatmeal to just stay at my current size. All those creams and lotions would make me look 30, fit in a size 6 (or if I'm a real good girl a 4) and not have a wrinkle or bag one!

But, are there any that really work? I do like some beauty products just because they seem to help keep my skin healthy. But I guess if I stayed with one product long enough I would see if it really worked. My attention span is short when it comes to this type thing, I want instant improvement! I love Obagi products, on the expensive side but oh so worth it. I also like several items from the home sales beauty line of Beauty Control. Some of their products work so well and very affordable. But, what about those body conture creams? Not sure if I can use enough of that stuff to see if it works, but oh how great if it did.

I am trying out a new product, the Galvanic Spa? Ever heard of it? I think it is working, or am I trying to convince myself. People do say I look younger than I am. Could all these products be helping?

I heard a speaker say once that women purchase so many items and even though they have a money back guarantee, that 98% of the time they never take the items back that don't work. Well, not this girl. I was in the cosmetic department in Bloomingdale's and I asked one of the very young and very pretty sales girl if they had anything that reduced under eyes bags. She of course said "yes, we do." After she showed me the product I asked if they had a money back policy. She hesitated and then said, yes, but no one has ever brought this back. Well, I purchased the product. But, guess what? It made no impact on my eyes. The next month when I was near this store, I took the product back. It cost over $50 - not the kind of change I just throw away. The sales girl was rather surprised I was bringing it back and asked, well have you tried ...... NO thanks.

I remember several years ago when I was purchasing all my makeup products from a well known line at a major department store when the sales girl suggested some additional products and one was a cream that reduced cellulite! I thought, does this girl think I am an idiot? How can some cream reduce something so easily when it took a lot to get it there in the first place. But back then these type products were all new to me. She went on to say she could not keep the product in stock that her customers loved the stuff. Well, I thought, I don' need that, let them drink the koolaid, how silly.

But you know, now that I am 50'ish and noticing the lines and have to work even harder to stay my current size etc, those lotions and creams can be very inviting. Just if, if only they worked, wouldn't it be great. Use the "body contouring" creams and have a butt that looks like a 20 something year old. Oh how I would smear that stuff on if it worked! And purchase - what's this nonsense about a 3 or 5 ounce tube, give it to me in the gallon size if it works!

I now understand why they say we baby boomers are a powerful buying market. I guess so, we are looking for that item that is a fountain of youth. Now that I am 54 and working to look my best for my age, I see how we are a strong buying power. We now have money to spend on ourselves - but I want something that works. I have tried so many things. Hey I have even tried the Preparation H for my under eye bags, they say the beauty queens use it! (And for the record, it did not work)

What have you found that works?