Now, where did I put that ......

Ever find yourself putting the milk in the pantry and the chips in the refrigerator? I catch myself about to do that once in a while, and then I know - NO, I don't have onset Alzheimer's - I have too much on my plate. Isn't it crazy how you put things away and think, I am putting this here so I can find it later when I need it. Yet when you need it you can't find it!! My life story.

I have to confess, I have a tendency to put things away, in drawers etc, because I absolutely hate piles of items on the table, counters etc. But that practice backfires on me because oftentimes, when I need something I have a difficult time finding it!!! But, I am getting better, organizing more with folders, files, now have a nice large office for everything etc.

But I have to laugh, my husband said something the other day, and I thought, and that's a problem? Last year he was looking for his watch and could not find it. He travels a great deal and told me when he could not find it, he must have left it at a hotel. Because every once in a while he likes to wear a watch or needs it when doing presentations, he went out and purchased another watch. Well the other day he was going through a drawer and found the watch he thought he had lost.

Yikes, guess who got the blame for that? He brought this to my attention and said "and now I have two watches" because you are always putting things away like this. In fact, he brings this up every once in a while when he sees those two watches. "Now I have two watches ....." and I just listen from afar and think, ha, you have ONLY two watches, that is sad. Thanks to me you have two! I love watches and have several, to me they are like another piece of jewelry etc., I have several.

I have a great tendency to just let things roll over me. Many people would get defensive in a situation like this, argue etc. But no, I have to see the funny side of this. Poor thing, he only has two watches. Hmmmm, perhaps I should put them away and he will need to purchase another one. However, I don't think it will work this time. Lately, every time he can't find something, he asks if I have been putting things away again, like his watch! Oh brother, if it weren't for me, he wouldn't have the fashion options he has now!

I think I'll go straighten up the house, he needs some new bluejeans!

How NOT to look Old, Lesson Three ...

As I savored those last few days of the holidays (like eating the last of the dips, cheese balls and other fattening items without guilt) I contemplated my New Year's plan for me, etc. I was thinking of all the things I should be putting on my "to do" list and of course thought of items I may write about on this blog.

I am continuously thinking about that article I mentioned I read about How NOT to look old and starting thinking of some of my rules or thoughts. The article focused on the young generation today and what they do, and how what we do seems "OLD" fashioned etc. But you know, I think one great way NOT to appear old is to be healthy. Those I know who look better than their age, look great etc, are typically very healthy. They eat right, exercise and take good care of them self. The return benefit is you don't look old, but great. Just look at some of the people who have succeeded in the Biggest Loser. They look so great as they take on a healthy lifestyle, lose weight etc.

So, my resolution as I start of new year, is to live healthy. In turn, I plan to look better too. I just purchased a Wii, and boy is that a work out. I am so competitive, just one more time! on that thing and before I know it I have been working out with my Wii and it is two hours later! I love it.

You know, being healthy can also save you money. Save you money on doctor bills, drugs etc. Taking pills for your ailments is not healthy, living a lifestyle that will eliminate them is.

So, let's outlive those smart ass young people walking around with their electronics, I say we spend their inheritance and enjoy life!!!! (My husband doesn't like that attitude, he likes the healthy one, but not the spending one!) Have fun, live life to its fullest! Be healthy this new year. Happy and Powerful 2010 to everyone!

Are You Kidding Me! Leggings over 40 - do's and don'ts???

I guess some things will never surprise me. Or is it that there are these fashion people out there that think they can sell anything to the stupid public. I was just going through one of my favorite magazines and online emails, MORE magazine and they had a piece on a page titled “Leggings after 40 – do’s and don’t’s. You have got to be kidding me. I cannot name one woman I know over 40 who would look good in leggings and pull it off. For one thing she would look like some old woman trying to look like her teenage daughter. There are some fashion items that should be left for the young, (and pencil thin) and never attempt to bring it across the generation lines.

I think a better title for the article would be - Leggings after 40 - DON'T!

As a woman over 40 I want to look stylish and chic. But one thing I never want to look is stupid and foolish. I cannot think of any form or combination that I could wear leggings and it would look appropriate. And to top it off, the pics of the women they had in the piece were all skinny as tooth pics and I cannot believe they were over 40.

There are just some things that when they died, the blue prints should have been burned. Not stored for historical purposes but burned. As far as I am concerned that is what they should have done with leggings.

And while I am on my soap box – one fashion crime I just loathed years is those over weight women who continued to wear leggings/stretch pants etc. (and no long top to cover their butt). They are so offensive and now here the fashion world is bringing them back in vogue. Great, I guess now we will see this around another 10-20 years on those who should not be wearing!!!

If you have not figured it out yet, this is one of my pet peeves. As you know I am all for looking your best, etc. But, I am very intolerant of those who go out looking worse than I do when I clean my house.

Sorry for the protest blog today, I just could not resist when I saw this article, someone had to take a stand against this!!!!! What will be next? Bring legwarmers back in vogue!

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!