Middle-Aged Women: Guide to The Pursuit of Happiness

My Husband Had a Stroke: Now What?

2014-03-31T15:33:00.002-07:00

Three weeks ago, my husband had a stroke. At age 52, my husband had a stroke on a late morning weekday when he was getting ready to go to work. I noticed him standing in the bedroom by the dresser drawer where his socks are kept. He was oddly still. I approached him and saw that the right side of his face was twisted into an exaggerated droop, his right lips pulled downward. He opened his mouth to speak and nothing came out.

Thanks to reading health-related articles in magazines and newspapers, plus a television newscast or two, I was pretty certain that he had experienced a stroke. I knew that he had to get to the hospital immediately. I told him, "We're going to the hospital," and he walked to his closet. I slid my feet into a pair of shoes and found him in the closet, croaking something about needing a shirt to wear. I grabbed a shirt for him and we hurried to the car. The fact that he did not object to going to the hospital shows that he too knew this was a serious issue.

Thankfully, we live within 5 miles of the nearest hospital. I pulled up to the emergency room bay and dropped him off where he exited the vehicle and went inside. Looking back, that was kind of ill-conceived on my part, but that's what being in a hurry can do to you. In less than 30-seconds, I was by his side. I discovered him standing next to a small desk where an admissions nurse stood. She looked at me and said, "Can I help you?" It turns out that since my husband couldn't speak, she assumed he was waiting for me.  "I believe my husband's had a stroke," I told her. I couldn't believe how stoic-like the nurse was as she turned toward an office door to our left and asked a man to "Take a look."  Why weren't they rushing us into the emergency area where my husband would be immediately surrounded by caring health-care workers who would administer to him with great haste?  Looking back, I'm glad I was calm and didn't make a scene that would have done us no good. The hospital staff did the right thing by projecting cool heads regarding our situation.

The gentleman's name tag stated that he was an R.N.  He asked me some questions about how long ago "it" happened and I told him about 20 minutes total.  My husband and I were led to a nearby examination room where I felt relieved that some sort of treatment was going to begin.  My husband's blood pressure top number (systolic) was approaching 200. His oxygen level was good at 98%.   Blood was drawn and medications were dispensed.  An emergency room physician visited us within 10 minutes. For some lucky reason, we were the only visitors to the E. R. in our town of 85,000 at the moment.

My husband's facial droop was much improved. The orderly, a male nurse, and a female doctor in her late 30's frequently asked my husband to "smile" so that they could check the droop on the right side of his face. I am estimating that the droop was almost-gone in 25 minutes and most certainly gone or undetectable within 40 minutes.

The doctor came and went, ordered an EKG, and then came in to have "the talk" with us. "Sir," she said, "Are you aware that you are diabetic?" Incredulously, he shook his head in the negative. And, she continued, "Your glucose is 300. Ideally, it should be less than 100." We gasped. "And your cholesterol, the LDL, is 120. That's not terrible, but it's not great either. And, lastly, your blood pressure if of great concern. Sir, when is the last time you visited the doctor?" That's when the guilt hit me. I had been bugging my spouse about getting an annual checkup for a few years.  I started bothering him about it every few months after he turned 50 -- but, he did not want to go.  I know, deep down inside, that if I had insisted he go to the doctor, and in fact, MADE the appointment for him, we may not have been in the situation we were in now.

The doctor told us that my spouse had experienced a severe "cluster" stroke. The cause of the stroke is not entirely known, but it could have been caused by a small particle of cholesterol that breaks off in the ceratoid artery (neck area) and travels to the brain. There are other possible causes or contributing factors but one of them most certainly is diabetes.

I could have lost my husband forever on the day that my husband had a stroke. I think I knew then, there in the emergency room, listening to the doctor talk about his stroke, that our lives were changed forever. And, I was correct. The last three weeks have taken the two of us to doctor's visits that include a neurologist, cardiologist, speech therapist, and endocrinologist.  Those visits could have been avoided if we had just made that ONE visit to the family doctor to check on our health.

I've learned so much about what changes in our lives need to be made now that my husband had a stroke. Sure, things could be better -- but they could also be so much worse.
CHAPTER ONE 3/31/2014

Attack of Potato Chip Woman

2013-09-28T11:49:00.000-07:00

Let's pretend that you are famished and have not eaten in 2 days. You are sitting in an empty room at an equally empty table. A man walks into the room and offers you a bag of cookies or a bag of chips...but there is a caveat; you may choose only one bag. Which would you select? The bag of chips or the cookies? If you say "Neither, I would choose broccoli," then a pox upon you.

Seriously, though, I wish illness upon no one.  In fact, I myself had quite a scare myself. You see, yesterday I had an attack...a potato chip attack; and I am still reeling with remorse. More on that in a minute.

Much like driving a car without GPS, I made a maneuvering error in the grocery store yesterday: I went down the "chip aisle," or as I like to call it, "Pandora's Box." And yes, I bought a bag of potato chips.

We all know that it is okay to indulge in potato chips every now and then, and everything in moderation, blah-blah-blah. However, when it comes to a sinfully crunchy bag of chips, the word "moderation" holds little meaning for me.  Why snack on a single serving of 12 chips (120 calories) when you can snarf down half a bag (calorie total unknown).

You probably think that I am remorseful and full of self-loathing because I ate SO MANY chips yesterday, don't you? Perhaps you believe that I am consumed with guilt for my gluttony.

If so, you are incorrect. The root of my regret lies in...French onion dip.  No potato chip feast is complete without French onion dip.  If you have never been blessed enough to enjoy this evil-good combination of foods, don't start now or you could end up like me, greedily opening a bag of chips on the way home from the grocery store. Darn, it's hard to drive when you're dipping a potato chip into dip.

But, I digress; my self-disgust lies with the fact that I bought "Fat Free" French onion dip. Why in the heck did I destroy my date with snack royalty by purchasing fat free dip? Perhaps I was subconsciously planning to eat the entire bag of chips and was looking for caloric redemption.

Fat free dip, for those who are not condiment-savvy, tastes like Elmer's glue with seasoning; it's not worth buying and certainly not worth wasting a chip-fest on.

So, take it from me, my chip-eating brethren.  Enjoy your fried morsels of potato goodness with full-on, sour-cream based French onion dip. If a love like this is wrong, I don't want to be right.

How to Highlight Your Hair: Easy to Do it Yourself Highlights

2013-08-28T19:16:00.000-07:00

  Gently highlighted hair softens the face

If your hair is a solid block of color (particularly if it's is dyed), regardless of the shade, chances are that your face looks a bit more tired than you would like. Unless you are in your twenties, a solid shade can look quite unnatural, resulting in a heavy look in the cheek area of your face while emphasizing bags under the eyes.

Highlights in the hair help rejuvenate a face, giving it a bit of sparkle and a gleam of youthfulness. In just a few easy steps, we are going to tell you to how highlight your hair with do it yourself highlights. It's easy.

   Red shades of hair look great with highlights

NOTE:

1. If you color your hair, highlight your hair 1-2 days after a fresh application of hair color.
2. Get a fresh haircut before highlighting your hair for best results.

PURCHASE:

1. L'Oreal Multi-Tonal Color System in the Red Box is an excellent color/highlight two in-one boxed set. Follow directions to the letter and you will have natural looking highlights that are awesome.

2. If you do not color your hair or wish to use a different hair coloring system, do so and wait 1-2 days to highlight as specified above under "Note".

3.    We also like highlight results using L'Oreal La Petite Frost for a little bit more "blonde."

4. Clairol HAIRPAINTING
is also a favorite of ours...but we are not fans of "cap" frosting/highlighting methods that use a cap such as Frost & Tip as the cap method is awkward to use.

METHOD:

Wear an old shirt you don't mind getting messed.
Prepare application according to directions.
Wear hair as you normally would.
Stroke highlighting blend as close to the root line as possible on a section of 15-20 strands.
Use a downward stroke from root to end of hair.
Place 4 1-inch spaced strokes of highlighter on left of part and 4 1-inch spaced strokes of highlighter on right of part. Make sure the left and right side DO NOT match where highlighter is applied; it should look varied in placement.
Run 4 strokes of highlighter down back of head from top to bottom of hair.
Apply a few dabs of highlighter to wisps of hair jutting out of haircut along the jaw line.
If any highlighter remains, bend at waist and flip hair forward. Apply a few strokes of highlighter to underside of hair.
Stand upright and wait length of time according to directions.
Rinse and treat with conditioner for color-treated hair.
Style and dry per usual and enjoy your new look

Older Women in Pursuit of Happiness at School

2013-06-30T12:26:00.000-07:00

If you are a middle-aged woman in pursuit of happiness, consider getting back into a classroom as a student. Taking a class, whether it is for college credit, continuing education, or just for fun, helps keep our middle-aged brains sharp so that we may avoid becoming like the Tin Man in the Wizard of Oz; rusty and frozen in time.

You would be surprised by the positive side effects of taking a taking a class or two, including meeting new people and learning interesting facts. Who knows, you may even stumble upon a second calling in life or find a new passion.

I attended college or took classes of some sort during my late teens, twenties, thirties, forties and, yes, into what is now my fifth decade. You may wonder if it is awkward being an older person enrolled in college classes - - and the answer is "No." As a matter of fact, I am rarely the oldest person in any given class [not that there's anything wrong with that.]

As a middle-aged woman pursuing happiness at school, you are likely to view teachers and professors with more empathy than you may have as a youth. Additionally, you may find that paying attention is a lot easier to do now that you have some years behind you.

Go online and see what the nearest community college or university has to offer. Contact your city recreation center and see what range of classes are available. Take an online course, if that works better for you. You may also wish to consult your public library for help or information about where to look for classes near you.

Remember the Tin Man? That is so not going to be US!

We look forward to your comments on this subject.

Monday is Diet Day, Losing Your Look,s & Visiting the Dematologist

2013-06-22T21:33:00.000-07:00

What is the best day of the week to start a diet? Monday, of course! Or is it? Who knows for certain?

If there is a particular day of the week that is scientifically proven to provide optimum results, I am not aware of it. After all, if there were such evidence, it would be common knowledge considering the obsession we humans have with dieting.

Personally, when I start a diet (or as I like to call it, a "new way of eating), I always begin my "new me" diet on a Monday. Unfortunately, I typically toss aside the concept of dieting as the aroma of non-fruit or non-vegetarian food wafts toward my nostrils; which is by approximately noon on Monday. Yep, the very same Monday I begin my quest to embrace a "new way of eating" is when my plan is generally shelved by 12 p.m. of the same day.

Surely, such weakness on my part indicates a complete lack of will power. How in the world did my will power tank out so completely? What the heck is going on here?

In the 1980's, my physique was (modestly speaking) sculpted and fit (with big hair, of course). I progressed to curvy-yet-firm (along came blow-dried hair) in the 1990's. Bearing two children in late 90's left me fit as a fiddle. It was the 2000's, and the years since 2010 in particular that have brought me down; dragging me across the path of aging with physical evidence that has slowly crept its way upon every square inch of my person.

Firm chin? Gone. Small waist? Adios. Hair growth on the face (thanks, Grandma), dry heels, dry elbows, dry (you-know-what). It's all gone, and worse yet, living otherwise is becoming nothing more than a fond memory. But must that be the case?

Recently, I decided to deal with an aspect of my physical appearance that I thought would be easiest to "take care of". Before I reveal my decision, take a moment to consider my options. Do you think I went with: (a.) meeting with a nutritionist, (b.) consult with a personal trainer, or (c.) visit with a skin care professional? Ding-ding-ding! If you chose (c.) Visit with a skin care professional, you are a winner.

That's right, instead of working on my weight and nutrition, I went for what I thought (HA!) was the quickest fix I could find to looking like my old self.

I took my sun-spotted, blotchy face (thanks, Mr. Sun) to a dermatologist and asked them to fix my face although that was probably the last thing that needed fixing. I needed to lose about 40 pounds. I needed to quit stuffing my face with everyone's leftovers, I needed to stop eating while hunched over the stove, cooking the family's dinner. I needed to sit down and not read the paper while scarfing down the rejects of the meal that weren't "good enough" (in my mind) to serve hubby and the kids.

PHOTO REJUVENATION
I met with a skin care consultant at my dermatologist's office who recommended "photo rejuvenation" for my face. She said my facial veins and accompanying red blotches were a result of sun exposure as a teen, just now showing up on my skin. I plunked down $150 and prepared for my first photo rejuvenation session the following week.

Photo rejuvenation is a procedure where pin points of laser light are directed to small areas on the skin's surface to get rid of red dots, broken capillaries and other small imperfections.

Photo rejuvenation can be done on the face, chest, hands, arms and legs. Costs vary. My 1st session, as I mentioned, was $150 for treatment of my entire face and to zap a few red spots on my chest. Hands only cost $300 for the first session, likewise legs (lower portion only) and arms. As you can see, costs can quickly add up!

ANGIOMAS (Red spots)

The procedure goes like this: You recline in a dentist-style chair, eyes are covered to insure that your eyes do not suffer side effects of the laser style light. An Aesthetician cleanses your face then begins the photo rejuvenation procedure. Although you cannot see, the aesthetician positions the laser's point to areas of your face and then should warn you that a treatment is about to be administered. Each laser zap feels akin to being shocked with a small zing of electricity. It is superficial and hurts just for a second. In other words, it is bearable! After getting zapped on all of your large red spots you are free to go.

Shortly after my photo rejuvenation treatment (which lasted 30 minutes) I felt as if I had a moderate sunburn on my face which a dose of Ibuprofen took care of. I looked the same, but with more of a red-tone to my face. The next two days, I was (as warned) mildly puffy in the cheek area. The 3 larger sized red dots on my chest turned dark brown by day 3, as did an angioma (red dot) on the inner bridge of my nose by my eyebrow. Today, on day 7, those same 4 red dots are dark brown but shrinking in size.

Small, broken capillaries and veins on my cheeks remain the same - still red and spider-like and thoroughly unattractive. I return to the dermatologist in 2 weeks for a follow up exam and, I hope, promises that one more treatment will get ride of the small veins on my cheeks. I will update in late June what happens.

I'm going back for a follow up visit I see that 3 larger-sized red dots on my chest that
Aetheticians will tell you that "more than one treatment

List of Recommended Wines For Women

2013-06-19T19:19:00.001-07:00

Get Thee to a Winery! Wind down with our list of recommend wines for women. Read why we chose the wines below and please, do not over indulge.

Sweet wine is for baking or using in flaming desserts. I don't know about you, but I've got no room in my waistline for super-sweet, sugary wines. Therefore, we recommend:

BEST LOW-CALORIE WINE WINNER: Skinny Girl Wine

Whether white, sangria, rose or red, this brand rocks and keeps the sugar-high away. Buy at Wal-Mart (Yes, Wal-Mart) for @ $10 per bottle. Sells elsewhere for approx. $12-$13 per bottle.

BEST VALUE-PRICED WHITE WINE: Parker Estate Tolleson High Corniche
Crisp and best served super-chilled, this white wine won't go to your head. $10-$13 per bottle. Read a review HERE.

BEST BARGAIN JUG OF WINE: L'Epayrie Red Wine

This French red table wine is delish and cost-effective. Their white wine version is also a winner.

ALCOHOL-FREE WINE WORTH SIPPING: Sutter Home Non-Alcoholic Fre'Wines
Believe it or not, this alcohol-free wine from Sutter Home has a nice wine-like taste reminiscent of earthy grapes without the alcohol-infused burn.

My Photo Rejuvenation Experience

2013-05-28T06:30:00.002-07:00

FIRST OFFICE VISIT: May 15
Recently, I met with a skin care consultant at my dermatologist's office who recommended "PHOTO REJUVENATION" (broadband laser therapy) for my face. I made the screening appointment because I was concerned about red, blotchy areas on my face in addition to a large red dot on my chest (decollag) plus one red dot by my eyebrow. The consultant said that small, broken capellaries gave my face the appearance of red blotches and were a result of years of sun exposure as a teen just now showing up on my 53-year old skin. Additionally, the skin care consultant identified the red spots on my chest and face as "angiomas". The skin care consultant advised that the red blotches and angiomas could be diminished with PHOTO REJUVENATION. I plunked down $150 and prepared for my first photo rejuvenation session the following week.

Photo rejuvenation is a procedure where pin points of laser light are directed to small areas on the skin's surface to get rid of red dots, broken capellaries and other small imperfections.

Photo rejuvenation can be done on the face, chest, hands, arms and legs. Costs vary. My 1st session, as I mentioned, was $150 for treatment of my entire face and to zap a few red spots on my chest. Hands only cost $300 for the first session, likewise legs (lower portion only) and arms. Furthermore, aetheticians will tell you that "more than one treatment" may be necessary. As you can see, costs can quickly add up and prices vary depending on whom you visit.

ANGIOMAS (Red spots)

The procedure goes like this: You recline in a dentist-style chair, eyes are covered to insure that your eyes do not suffer side effects of the laser style light. An Aesthetician cleanses your face then begins the photo rejuvenation procedure. Although you cannot see, the aesthetician positions the laser's point to areas of your face and then should warn you that a treatment is about to be administered. Each laser zap feels akin to being shocked with a small zing of electricity. It is superficial and hurts just for a second. In other words, it is bearable! After getting zapped on all of your red spots and veined areas, you are free to go.

An hour after my photo rejuvenation treatment (which lasted 30 minutes) I felt as if I had a moderate sunburn on my face which a dose of Ibuprofen took care of. I looked the same, but with more of a red-tone to my face. The next two days, I was (as warned) mildly puffy in the cheek area. The 3 larger sized red dots (angiomas) on my chest turned dark brown by day 3, as did a red dot by my eyebrow. Today, on day 7, those same 4 red dots are dark brown and shrinking in size.

Small, broken capellaries and veins on my cheeks remain the same - still red and spider-like and thoroughly unattractive. I return to the dermatologist in 2 weeks for a follow up exam and I hope that one more treatment will get ride of the small veins on my cheeks. Yes, I've fallen for the hype and won't back down now..I would love nothing more than to not have to use heavy concealers under my make up.

I will update in late June what happens after my second visit to the dermatologist's office.
SECOND OFFICE VISIT: June 14
I returned to the dermatologist's office 3 weeks after my first visit. Although I had not been thrilled with the results after one week of my first photo rejuvenation treatment, I did see results in approx. 8-10 days. The angioma by my eyebrow was 90% gone. The larger angioma on my chest was50% reduced. Broken capellaries on my cheeks fared about 40% improvement. Worst was the high cheekbone area which receives the hardest hit from the sun's rays. SUN + Unprotected skin=BAD! Yes, I plunked down ANOTHER $150.

I wore NO Makeup into my second session and she zapped my red spots and tiny veins. Six days from my second treatment, I have to say I see a 20% improvement. I'm holding out for better results in the coming week or two. Will I go back for a third photo rejuvenation treatment? Maybe. I'll keep you posted.

Pants for Women with Tummies

2013-05-21T10:25:00.003-07:00

I dearly wish that it was not necessary to write about a subject matter such as "Pants For Women With Tummies", but I must confess that such a need exists...for myself.

Luckily, my legs and hips are holding up just fine, fitting into the size 10 or 12 range. But my belly? (Don't you just hate that word, 'belly'?) Well, my tummy has taken a turn for the worse over the last few years (years!) and I may often be found residing in a pair of comfy work-out pants. You know the kind of work-out pants I'm talking about; stretchy, boot cut pants almost always in a shade of black.

Don't get me wrong, I do indeed work out, and therefore have earned the right to wear exercise pants. Yet, I find more frequently that I look upon my stretchy exercise-style pants as a uniform of sorts. Stretchy pants, if you will, are my "go to" garb of choice for the lower body. However, the concept of wearing these stretchy slacks all day long is taking a toll on my psyche. Where is my pride? Why do I no longer wear fashionable clothing? Should I blame it on my rotund torso?

Well, for your information, I do blame my lack of fashion-conscious attire on my waist circumference (a much nicer word than "girth", isn't it?) Clothing options for women with average thigh and hip sizes who are also carrying an extra couple pounds in the waist have very few choices when it comes to clothes that fit well and look fashion-forward. (Much like the dilemma a gal with plump arms faces, but that's a different story.)

I used to be fashionable, trust me. What else would you call a women in her 20's wearing a black bra exposed under a tank top a' la' Madonna? Of course, that was in the 1980's. I once wore a size 8, had a sweet golden tan, and carried a giant can of hair spray in my purse just like the other 20-somethings. But then I had kids in my 30's and everything went to hell. Not my life, you understand, just my body and desire to look "hot". Who cares about feeling sexy playing with the kids at the park? Hubby never said a word, so onward I marched, deeper into mommy hood and the fashion pitfalls it secretly wields

Sure, not all moms are like me, caving in to comfort versus style. I have friends with kids who are fabulously decked out no matter what time of day or night it may be. I even have one friend who serves as a style consultant to refined women (which explains why she has never offered her services to me.)

My new mission, as of late, is to search for pants that will show that I can wear fashion-forward clothes and still be comfortable. Because, if there's one thing a gal with a hefty (another hated word) waist needs, it's a flexible waistband she can breath - I mean feel comfortable - in.

While searching for pants for women with tummies, I realized a few important "DON'TS" for women with thicker middles:

1. Avoid Crop Pants. If you have a generous waist, you will look like a squished marshmallow; short and stubby with a soft middle if you pull on a pair of these pants designed for clam-digging. Trust me.

2. Ban The Belt. I don't care what anyone says, slap a belt around a burgeoning torso and that's right where someone's eyes will fall. Belts attract attention to your middle and that's all there is to it - try it sometime, you'll see that I'm correct.

Okay, so what pants for women with tummies are a good bet? Glad you asked.

1. Slip on jeans. Do not laugh. Jeans with trim stitched in the manner of regular jeans, such as those by Peck & Peck are comfortable slip-on jeans without buttons or zippers. The waistband of slip on jeans is gentle and forgiving and well-designed slip on jeans such as those by Peck & Peck do not resemble maternity jeans as so many types of slip on jeans for women do. I really like Peck & Peck jeans and purchased mine at Stein Mart.

2. Skirts. Sure, a skirt is not a pair of pants, but they can be very comfortable and flattering. If your legs have seen better days, wear tights under a skirt, or try wearing a pair of snug cotton leggings. You'll look trendy and feel sassy. Short gals need to avoid skirts that are too long and tall women can get away with any length of skirt, you lucky ladies!

3. Drawstring pants. Old Navy carries cotton drawstring pants in the summer that are comfortable and look nice. Avoid drawstring pants that hike toward your armpits to keep a frumpy look at bay.

4. Exercise pants. Yes, you heard me correctly. "But," you may ask, "aren't you trying to avoid wearing exercise pants?" The answer is "Yes, and no" because I know that I cannot let go of my love of comfy, stretchy pants created with just a touch of Lycra or Spandex to help to keep my junk from jiggling (or so I like to think). The key to buying exercise pants is to seek out those with fashionable colors such as purple, pink, or perhaps white. Victoria's Secret offers cute casual pants with graphics that are alluring. Additionally, BCBG carries several lines of casual gym-style pants with embellishments.

March on and seek out new ways to rock the fashion world, ladies! Comfort and style can work together if you put your thinking cap on.

Lose That Menopause Weight

2013-04-01T07:29:00.000-07:00

It's no secret that gaining weight after fifty is easy to do. Nor is it a surprise that losing weight after fifty seems difficult, if not downright impossible, for some. For women over 50, there is a particular challenge to successfully lose menopause pounds which are attributed to side effects of going through "the change."

Men, too, have difficulty losing weight after a certain age. Consider actor Alex Baldwin, for example, who strutted a less-than svelte form in the film, "It's Complicated." However, look at him now...his middle-age tummy has taken on a youthful look and his entire body appears transformed as well. To what does Mr. Baldwin owe his success? Possibly to his wife, Hilaria, who has a background as a Yoga instructor and more.

While it is obvious that Mr. Baldwin did not have to go through menopause, perhaps he went through "Manopause" and has transformed into a studly new man thanks to his interest in Yoga (and likely a dietary makeover.)

YOGA AND PILATES can help you lose menopause pounds. Here's how.

1. Yoga creates body self awareness. It is a pretty crummy feeling to not be able to hold a certain yoga pose because your belly is in the way (we know this from experience). Yoga poses require excellent posture and being aware of your own body (and it's weaknesses) actually encourages you to aim for correct posture, increasing body awareness as you work toward a stronger, more flexible body.

That belly will shrink as you work on yoga poses. Remember the old story about the tortoise and the hare? Slow and steady wins the race. Work at your own pace, and don't forget to breathe.

2. Pilates movements encourage a focus on the body's core, or torso. The back must be kept absolutely flat while performing various floor movements and the effort to do so will reward you with a tighter tummy and a stronger lower back as well.

Pilates also increases flexibility and strength, which turns your body into a fat-burning machine even when you are not engaged in physical activity. Pretty super, huh?

Take a yoga class once or twice a week and try a Pilates class once or twice a week as well. Buy DVD's if going to a gym or studio is out of the question -- there are a lot of great Yoga and Pilates DVD's out there. Throw in some walking or cardio a few times a week and see if you are able to lose menopause pounds. Give it a minimum of 6 weeks and then do a body check...good news, right?

Read more about the benefits of Yoga and why Yoga exercise is good for you HERE.

Should You Write For Ozio Media?

2012-11-28T14:53:00.001-08:00

Ozio Media logo

If you have hit upon this blog entry, perhaps you have been wondering, "Should I write for Ozio Media?" I have recent experience in this area and will share with you my venture writing for Ozio Media. Please note: It wasn't pretty.

As you may know, Ozio Media serves as a subcontractor of sorts for businesses that need someone to do what is primarily Internet-based writing. I was a writer looking to make a few bucks and decided to give Ozio Media a shot.

After submitting a writing sample, a representative for Ozio Media had me fill out employment forms, claiming I was now a contract employee.

For my first writing project with Ozio Media, I was given 6 titles of diabetic wound cleaning products and told to write informative copy for the products, such as you might find on a website selling such items.

Each write-up was to contain approximately 150 words and it was necessary to spend quite a bit of time doing research about the products in order to write intelligently about them. THIS is where writing projects for Ozio Media can go bad due to spending too much time doing research. I earned $6 for that first job.

After my first 6 write-ups were approved, I was given more writing jobs. The entire time I wrote for Ozio Media (2 months), I was contacted on their behalf via email by someone named "Marissa." "Marissa" gave the impression that she was not a native English-speaking person (not that there's anything wrong with that, to quote Seinfeld) but understanding her emailed explanations of writing projects was quite a challenge.

Marissa ended up getting bitter and snippy with me when I misunderstood one of her poorly worded missives which resulting in me researching and writing more articles than she apparently intended me to write. After 2 days of back-and-forth emails between us, as I tried to clarify what Marissa wanted, I was abruptly locked out of accessing the Ozio Media contractor portal. And she did not even say goodbye. I ended up $34 richer for the 25 projects I completed.

Synopsis: In regard to financial gain, it was not worth my time writing for Ozio Media. Additionally, you may noticed that this blog is about middle-aged women, a tribe to which I belong. Middle-aged women simply do not put up with bad attitudes from people and, as a result, my relationship with Ozio Media was doomed from the moment "Marissa" contacted me. It really is for the best.

Warner's amazing muffin-top and c-section bulge-slaying underwear

2012-07-05T08:35:00.001-07:00

Nothing ruins a woman's silhouette like a bulging midriff, and thankfully, we have discovered a miracle for this problem in Warner's amazing muffin-top and c-section bulge-slaying underwear.

Stomach's that poof and pouch are not always caused by excess weight around the middle; sometimes a woman's C-section scar is so deep that it indents the area around the scar, causing a bulge just above the pubic bone area. Warner's probably did not intend to smooth c-section scar tissue with this amazing underwear, which is marketed at smoothing muffin-tops - - but trust us, Warner's amazing muffin-top and c-section bulge-slaying underwear do it all.

WARNER'S amazing muffin-top and c-section bulge-slaying underwear (we like style #5138) smooths out Cesarean section bulges (and muffin tops too.) Pantie lines are also smoothed while wearing Warner's amazing muffin-top and c-section bulge-slaying underwear and the gentle waistband of smooth, flat elastic helps keep undies in place.

We bought our Warner's amazing muffin-top and c-section bulge-slaying underwear at J.C. Penney - - choose from brief or hi-cut styles in various colors. Look for the orange label with the "good muffin" and bad muffin" pictures.

Finally, we can quit wearing shirts long in the front to cover our c-section bulge - Oh, happy day!

How to Handle Hot Flashes and Menopause Symptoms

2012-03-25T14:06:00.000-07:00

Hot flashes that come and go may accompany menopause and leave you miserable. Hot flashes that started at the waist and moved up until reaching the face in a deep flush with searing heat were a curse of mine for weeks. After searching how to handle hot flashes and menopause symptoms, a visit to the gynecologist was in order and thereafter, blood was drawn to test hormone levels.

A gynecologist, or any doctor, really, can prescribe a wide variety of estrogen/progesterone solutions based on your blood test results in order to level out your hormones - which usually eliminates hot flashes. Ask about patches, sprays, creams, and pills and see which one your doctor prefers.

In my case, results have been great using a Prometrium pill (progesterone) in addition to Evamist brand estradiol spray. Sorry to say that Estroven (a natural menopause-symptom relief pill that can be found at your local drug store/over the counter) did not alleviate intense heat flashes in my case, but it could work for YOU -- Each of is different and no one-solution-fits-all/

Whatever you do, don't give up on seeking relief! Your sanity is worth it! We've done a lot of research and came up with these worthy ideas about how to handle hot flashes and menopause symptoms.

Look for cold places to hang out if you are experiencing hot weather and menopause simultaneously. Visit an ice rink for instant cold-air relief ... you may even need a sweater! Take ice skating or hockey lessons and have fun with family and friends while showing off your new skills.

Alternatively, consider using three menopause relief products tested on the Rachel Ray Show:

1. "Flash Eaz" finger bands apply acupressure and may help with symptoms of menopause
2. "Restore" Hot Flash Aid Spray
3. The "Chillow" Add 8-9 c. water to this waterproof pillow slip and place it inside your pillow case. Reviews say that the Chillow is cooling to rest your head on for about 20 minutes per side. Why not try the Chillow on your chest or beneath your calves for extra cooling comfort? Maybe we need 2 or 3 Chillows to pack ourselves into the bed similar to frozen food!

High Magnifying Mirror - What Does Yours Say?

2012-03-05T19:04:00.000-08:00

What does your high magnifying mirror say? Hopefully, not much.
Nothing is crueler than a 5x or 10x high magnifying mirror. You know the kind of mirror we're talking about...a mirror that allows you to look close, really close, at your face. Pay attention to what you see, however, because your high magnifying mirror may say some things you should consider listening to.

See if you neglect grooming your eyebrows. A 5x high magnifying mirror will tell you "yes" or "no."
Notice if there are small red veins along the surface of your skin that need attention.
Look at pores, which might seem ordinary when you look in an average mirror, but a high magnifying mirror lets you see if there are any enlarged pores on your face - - especially around the nose. It might be time to schedule a facial treatment.
Search for unwanted hair growing in areas of your face. Look in a high magnifying mirror to check along your jaw, upper lip and chin area for unwanted hair. Consider the many different ways to rid your face and neck of inappropriate hair growth. (See our article about getting rid of hair growth on this site.)
Check your neck for sprigs of hair that sprout for no apparent reason on middle aged women.
Use creams that are targeted for deep wrinkles, such as products by Olay or L'Oreal or ask your dermatologist for something stronger that may lightly peel top layers of skin for renewing effects.

Lastly, if your high magnifying mirror tells you that your eyes are bloodshot or yellow; or your skin is uneven in color -- make an appointment with a dermatologist or doctor to be certain that your do not have underlying health issues. You are worth it.

Keep Skin Youthful: Protect Hands,Neck,Chest

2012-02-24T09:01:00.000-08:00

We know that to keep skin youthful, it is important to slather sunscreen on your face before heading outside - - but what about your hands, neck and upper chest area?

Brown spots on the back of hands and dry, wrinkled skin along the neck and chest area are often caused from overexposure to the sun - - exposure that busy women sometimes forget to take into account.

Whether you are driving a vehicle or heading outside to mail a letter, keep skin youthful by protecting hands, neck and upper chest area from constant exposure to sunlight. Do not forget to wear sunscreen on these delicate parts of your body to keep your skin youthful or they will show signs of premature aging.

Keep a scarf in the car to drape around your neck while driving around town, covering exposed skin in the chest area to keep skin youthful and undamaged from the sun.

Protect hands from the sun's glare by wearing driving gloves similar to those worn by Tippi Hedren in "The Birds" -- and don't worry, that was just a movie.

Get Rid of Nose Hair

2012-02-23T12:26:00.000-08:00

Get rid of nose hair hanging out of the opening of your nostrils for a better appearance. Check to see if nose hair extends out of your nostrils by taking a look in the mirror in a well-lit area. Hold your head level, then tilt your head from side to side. Give your nose a close inspection - - can you see small nose hairs protruding from your nostrils -- or clustered in your nostril openings? If so, you need to get rid of nose hair.

Sure, nostrils need some hair in them to filter out dust particles and help keep moisture inside nostrils, BUT no hair should be visible around the opening of nostrils let alone sticking out of nostrils.

On the other hand, NEVER trim too much hair out of your nostrils or you will become a breathing, whistling, one-person band. Over-trimming nose hair creates an uncomfortable feeling in your nasal airways and leaves a void where some hair should be.

Get rid of nose hair using a pair of small manicure scissors. Snip hair in the nostril opening away. Don't dig the scissors up your nose, for heavens sake, or you could end up in real pain, bleed, or get an infection.

Ask your hair stylist or barber if they provide a trim serving to get rid of nose hair; many do trim nose hair in addition to ear hair.

Consider using a battery-operated nasal hair trimmer, as some of them are very efficient. However, prepare to experience mild pain as tiny hairs are ripped out by the roots. Read Nose Hair Clipper Comparison Test for additional suggestions on how to get rid of nose hair.

How to Cover a Big Stomach For Women

2012-02-22T20:23:00.000-08:00

Cover a big stomach for women by camouflaging your middle area using these clever fashion tips:

Wear "jeggings" if your legs are great but your middle is larger. Jeggings are a snug fitting stretch pant in a variety of colors and textures with back and/or front pockets. Add a long t-shirt-style shirt and top with a short or mid-hip blazer to cover a big stomach for women. Grab some bling, including a necklace and earrings, and you are good to go.
Chunky legs and a wider middle are minimized with higher heels. You don't have to wear 6-inch heels, however, for a lean silhouette. Wedge-heeled shoes are comfy and look great. Keep your form sleek by wearing clothes in the same color scheme from head to toe for a smooth look.
Look at your face and find out which neckline is best for you. Round faces love "V" necks and long, narrow faces look great with a round scoop-neck shirt. If your neckline is a fit, your wait will not look so large.
Shirts that are longer, with a pattern, such as this shirt by Simply Vera (Wang) [Kohl's Department store] is ideal to hide a wider waist while looking fashionable.
Pick a bra that really fits and your middle area won't look so large. We love Spanx bras because they leave no traceable "back bulge" and are super comfy to wear.

Humira Experience As a Solution For Psoriasis

2012-02-05T19:32:00.000-08:00

Here is a narrative of a woman's experience with psoriasis and prescription Humira

Shortly after turning age 46, psoriasis suddenly appeared on my aunt's legs below the knee. She showed me a few red blotches with a bit of dryness to their appearance and I told her to make an appointment to see a dermatologist.

The dermatologist performed a biopsy on a fleck of the red skin and confirmed that my aunt had psoriasis. Psoriasis is a skin disorder thought to be related to the immune system and it often runs in families. Now, I was not only worried about my aunt, but my skin's future as well. There is no cure for psoriasis, and hearing such news from her dermatologist was hard for my dear aunt to bear.

The dermatologist gave her a prescription for spray-on Clobex, which worked on the red spots on her legs quite well. The bad thing about Clobex spray is that the spray bottle leaks a great deal, which is a shame since the prescription, on a poor-performing health insurance policy, is quite expensive.Additionally, Clobex should not be used on the face, which is where psoriasis often strikes.

As the years progressed, my aunt turned 47, 48 and then 49 years old; her psoriasis gradually worsened. It spread to cover both of her legs from thighs to ankles. Psoriasis developed on her elbows and upper tricep area and, for some explicable reason, a patch of psoriasis appeared under her chin. Lastly, two specks of psoriasis appeared under the eyebrow area of her face (a common area for psoriasis to show up.)

Upon hitting the age of 51, my aunt decided she had endured enough. She returned to the dermatologist and asked for a prescription for Humira, an injectable medication that eases the symptoms of psoriasis. In the past, Auntie had received an impressive promotional brochure from the dermatologist about Humira but disliked the possible consequences and side effects related to taking Humira.

After performing blood work to be sure that my aunt was clear of issues that included Tuberculosis, she was given a Humira prescription. The doctor's office took care of all the paperwork and the insurance company approved her prescription - - although she must still pay a sizeable amount per month.

USE
On the first day of treatment for psoriasis with Humira, our aunt with severe psoriasis gave herself 2 injections of Humira, as directed. Injections come pre-loaded and are ready to use. A very informative DVD provided by Humira showed her exactly how to do the injection at home. The medicine produced a burning feeling as it entered her skin, but only for a moment.

RESULTS
Within 2 days, results were noticeable. The redness of her psoriasis spots, which ranged from the size of a dime to a speck of rice, had faded.

Eight days later, she was directed to take another injection of Humira, and while she chose to inject the medication into her thigh, there are other areas of the body to inject, including the stomach area.

One day after her second injection, not only was the redness of her existing psoriasis lessened, but the smaller spots had disappeared.

We don't know what the future holds, but I am happy that my Aunt is feeling more confident about her skin. The patch of psoriasis under her chin is almost gone and the redness of psoriasis on her face does not require heavy make up, as it once did. Maybe one day she can wear shorts or a skirt without feeling self-conscious.

Because my aunt gave me permission to share her story, she has decided that she would like to continue to give details about her experience with Humira. We'll keep you posted.

In the meantime, please share with us and other readers any experiences you have about psoriasis in our comments section, and maybe we can help others fight this silent affliction.

Embrace Being Middle-Aged

2012-02-02T11:02:00.000-08:00

  "Are you a faded wallflower or are you vibrant?" Those of us in middle-age may wish to ask ourselves this question.

Much as the query "Are you a man, or are you a mouse?" is truly asking someone if they are brave enough to handle a task or perform some feat, asking yourself if you are a faded wallflower or vibrant may help open your eyes about how you feel about yourself and how you believe others perceive you.

  Faded wallflowers do not speak up when a conversation is taking place as they feel that anything they have to say would not be interesting to others. If you have become a wallflower, you may have noticed that you have slowly withdrawn from being sociable.

Middle-age women, in particular, may become faded wallflowers because they associate being middle-age with undesirability and a sense of non-worth. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth.

Without being pushy or obnoxious, middle-age women should be proud to be middle-aged. After all, look how much you have been through that younger people could not possibly imagine. Your value as a middle-aged woman cannot be measured by the way that you look - after all, if you did not look older, it would mean that you were not alive!

  Practice being a vibrant, proud middle-age woman by being involved in life. Call friends and get together often, visit extended family when you can and get out of town or join social groups whenever possible. Learn a new skill or take on a hobby. In other words, get out there and mingle, show 'em what you've got and you will soon find that the faded wallflower has blossomed.

How to take care of yourself: Nurture and Grow

2012-01-30T07:49:00.000-08:00

Women of all demographics are susceptible to paying attention to the needs of others over their own. We are naturals at taking care of others; children, a spouse - - even aging parents. If you are a busy woman, perhaps it is time to ponder the question: Who is going to nurture you?

Identify whether you take enough care of yourself by completing the following quiz. If you answer "yes" to more than 3 questions, you need to put the brakes on and focus on giving yourself a little love.

1. Do you take time to shave your legs only when a pair of hedge clippers could get the job done?

2. Does the term "fixing your hair" refer to a ponytail and a rubber band?

3. Typically, would you leave the last cup of yogurt in the fridge so that someone else in your family could have it, even though you are craving a cup of yogurt?

4. Do you stand over the kitchen sink while eating?

5. Do you make a separate meal for each family member because you know that all of them will not eat the same thing?

6. Does your beauty regimen consist of a mere bar of soap?

7. Is there a class or activity you wish to take but cannot because you are obligated to other people's schedules?

8. Are granny-panties your preferred undergarment?

9. Are your fingernails well-manicured or ragged and uneven because you were out pulling weeds in the yard?

10. Are your clothes plucked off the racks at retail super centers while your kids wear the latest fashion trends?

11. When was the last time you bought a new pair of shoes?

Pass this quiz on to friends and see what they have to say. We hope that this quiz serves as a wake-up call for those who need it - - it was for us!

Avoid Poor Posture For A Younger Looking You

2012-01-26T12:03:00.000-08:00

Poor posture and a slumping stature do absolutely nothing to enhance your looks. Do you hunch over when you are seated? How about when you stand? Do your shoulders cave in while your chest sags? Discover the answer by reviewing your silhouette.

While driving around in your car, take an opportunity to test your posture when you are sitting at a red light. Simply turn your head toward the driver's window and look at the outline of your reflection in the window. Scary, isn't it?

Pull that chest up by lifting your chest and straightening your shoulders - - look how much better you look! In an instant, you no longer look like someone who dreads where they are going. Instead, you look happier and exude an aura of confidence.

Avoid sitting ram-rod straight, but rather concentrate on keeping your chin up and your shoulders over your hips. Research sitting techniques that include sitting with a rolled up towel or an ergonomic chair insert. Having good posture isn't just helpful for your spine and alignment, it's also beneficial to your appearance.

How to Get Rid of Facial Hair For Women

2012-01-23T11:13:00.000-08:00

When women hit middle-age, body hair takes a freakish turn and goes away in places where it was once plentiful and grows in places where it was once sparse.

As a result, facial hair growth is of particular concern to many middle-aged women. When our hormone levels change, thanks to the onset of menopause, facial hair may increase. For some women, a tough sprig or two of hair may suddenly appear on previously barren areas of our face or neck. Additionally, some middle-aged women may experience a soft, downy coat of fine hair along their cheeks and chin.

Often, our facial hair is so light that is may only be noticed in direct sunlight. Spot unwanted hair using a 5x magnified hand-held mirror while looking at your face in mild sunlight. Turn your face left and right while inspecting your face.

If the amount of hair on your face concerns you, consider these options for removing facial hair for women:

1. Personal hair trimmers such as those by Clio are hand-held battery operated shavers that easily trim modest amounts of facial hair. Simply turn on the trimmer and gently stroke hair away against the direction hair is growing. No pain, no red marks on skin, just a smooth face. Pick up a personal hair trimmer next to the shaving cream at most stores, including Walgreens and CVS.

2. Threading is a hot trend for removing facial hair. Patrons recline in a chair while specialists wrap a long thread around their hands and quickly and tightly roll it over your facial hair, effectively pulling hair out. Works on eyebrows too. Search for a salon near you that does threading and yes, there is slight pain involved.

3. Facial hair remover kits uses a spring mechanism to remove hair - also slight pain involved - but anything that rips your hair out is gonna hurt a little bit!

4. Hair removal cremes (depilatories) such as Nair require that users wait for the creme's chemical action to kick in to remove hair. Purchase at various retail locations, including Walgreens and CVS.

5. Laser hair removal leads to a more permanent solution to unwanted hair, but can be costly and may not be entirely effective.

6. Waxing is another way to remove unwanted hair, especially on the area above the upper lip. Waxing strips can be applied to other areas of the face but the pain level is higher than other methods mentioned above.

Getting Teeth White is Important for Self-Esteem

2012-01-20T08:19:00.000-08:00

We middle-aged women need to be vigilant about keeping our teeth white to reflect an image of being healthy and vital. As we get older, our teeth may become stained, discolored, or turn various shades of yellow - all of which make us look older than our years.There are several methods to consider when you wish to brighten your smile.

Visit a dentist to ask about Philips Zoom which is applied at your dentist's office using LED whitening technology -- a procedure similar to having your teeth lasered. This method is costly, however, averaging approx. $300 for a visit. The good news is that results last a long time.

Place whitening gels in dental trays and fit them over your teeth for slower results. A dentist will make a pair of custom trays to fit your teeth, yet this procedure is costly at approximately $150, with additional cost for the whitening gel.

Consider looking for various brands of teeth whitening dental trays at a pharmacy, Target or Wal-Mart stores instead of spending money at the dentist's office.

Use whitening strips, which may also remove stains from your teeth. There are many whitening strips to choose from, with some promising to lessen stains in 7 days while others promise results in 2 hours or less. The cost of whitening strips varies from $10 to $50, based on the product's effectiveness.

Choose toothpaste that purports to whiten teeth in addition to mouthwash that claims to help rid teeth of stains as every effort helps to ward off tooth discoloration. Additionally, keep your toothbrush in good shape and look into some of the electric toothbrushes such as Sonic, which claim to help keep teeth whiter than manual toothbrushes.

Sure, keeping teeth white is a lot of work, but a healthy, sparkling smile is certain to enhance your self-confidence, making all the work worthwhile. Now smile.

Best Hair Styles For Middle-Aged Women

2012-01-18T14:33:00.000-08:00

There is nothing better than a great hairstyle for boosting a middle aged woman's confidence (or anyone's confidence, for that matter). Choosing a great hairstyle for middle aged woman is really not that difficult. Here's what you do: Assess your hair. Is is thin or thick? Secondly, look at your jawline -- could it use a little camouflage? Answer those two questions and select a great hairstyle for middle aged women from the lineup below.

The best hairstyles for middle aged women who retain fullness in their hair but need a longer hairstyle to draw attention away from their jawline, look great with hair length somewhere between their earlobe and shoulder.

Women with thinning or fine hair often find hair length between their earlobe and shoulder to be flattering as well. However, layers are absolutely necessary to add depth to fine or thinning hair, regardless of length.

Super short hair styles with layers are well-suited to those who have thinning or fine hair, and are extra stunning when paired with a firm jawline or strong chin.

Regardless, highlights are a must for middle aged women. Here's why: Highlights act as a focal point, drawing attention away from the face entirely while enhancing the eyes. Highlights add a modern, updated look to almost any hairstyle.

Look at the famous middle aged women pictured below (and those past middle age) for good examples of great hair styles for middle aged women.

Actress and director Diane Keaton wears a long bob
with layers and chunky highlights.

As an artistic person, Ms. Keaton changes her hair color and style often to keep things exciting. She keeps her hair in the mid-length range and highlights it regardless of the style.

Born in 1946, Ms. Keaton knows how to wear great hairstyles for middle aged women. Also, look how much a smile can add to our appearance!

Actress Patricia Heaton, pictured below, wears her hair in a bland bob with bangs for her television role in "The Middle." Note how fabulous Ms. Heaton's hair looks compared to that hairstyle with her longer, highlighted tresses and long, side-part bangs.

Compare the two and decide which hairstyle best suits the wonderful, middle aged Ms. Heaton
.

If you've got a nice neck and a sharp silhouette, then short, fashion forward hairstyles may work for you as it does for actresses Annette Bening.

Actress Kim Cattrall wears her fine hair a barely shoulder-skimming length with side bangs and lots of layers. And yes, there are numerous highlights in there too!

Could You Support Yourself If You Had To?

2012-01-16T20:09:00.000-08:00

Because Ditch the Stretch Pants focuses on middle-aged women, we ask the question "Could you support yourself if you had to?" directly to the middle-aged woman demographic. However, a person of any age or gender may wish to consider the inquiry.

Simply put, answer the question, "Could you support yourself if you had to?" Where would your income come from and could you maintain a comfortable and acceptable lifestyle if your spouse, employment situation or field of interest simply disappeared? These are questions that middle-aged women, in particular, must ask themselves.

As twenty somethings, middle-aged women of today may have followed a path that led them to college and a job that was secure and well-paid. On the other hand, women of the same era may have opted to become stay at home moms. Middle-aged women who have fulfilled their dream of raising kids may have particular difficulty acquiring an income, should the need arise.

SOLUTION: Never stop growing.

The stone-cold fact is that middle-aged women need to have a plan for their financial security. Even if a spouse has arranged for his wife to receive life insurance benefits after his death, the payment amount may not be enough to handle ever-increasing expenses. Additionally, do not forget that infidelity or divorce can change everything at the drop of a hat.

As a result, middle-aged women need to continue to grow throughout their middle-life years and keep growing. Take classes that give you "certified" status in a field so that you will be considered a master of a marketable skill. Master Gardener programs are available through county extension offices for those who enjoy the outdoors, while community colleges offer certificates for dental assistants, doctor's office assistants and legal assistants.

Beef up, ladies, because in case the unthinkable happens, you need to be ready to hit the road well-prepared and marketable.

Best Shoes For Women & Shoes To Never Wear!

2012-01-12T20:36:00.000-08:00

CLOGS-STYLE SHOES AND slip-on mules might be comfortable, but we have a "bad news" flash for most women: Clogs and mules don't do a thing for our looks. This includes clogs or mules with high heels. Repeat after me, "No clogs or mules, regardless of their heel height."

"WHY," YOU ASK, "should high-heeled clogs be scratched off my list of shoes to try on?" The answer lies in a photo of actress Kate Beckinsale, who was born in 1973.
  Beckinsale, wearing high-heel clogs

ALTHOUGH SHE HAS OVER a decade to go, Ms. Beckinsale is not middle-aged, so she can get away with looking sassy in a pair of high-heeled clogs.

LET'S BE FRANK, as we older women teeter around on high heels, we tend to look as though we are about to fall over and break a hip. It's time to move on and wear shoes that are stylish as well as comfy.

MIDDLE-AGED WOMEN can be fashion-forward by wearing comfy shoes such as those from TOMS, which come in many colors, fabrics, and styles -- even WEDDING styles! $50-80 at Whole Foods, Nordstrom and TOMS.com

IF YOU ARE NOT ready to give up wearing clogs and slip-on style mules, we will grant you a few months to reconsider.

IN THE MEANTIME, we beg you to avoid wearing the following shoe styles which are only going to further cement your status not middle-aged, but hopelessly unfashionable.

UNFLATTERING SHOES WOMEN SHOULD AVOID
... entirely

These shoes scream "practical AND dull."

CROCS, which create an absolutely hideous look for everyone, except children age 12 and under, are okay for us middle-aged gals to wear in the garden but we must ditch wearing them in public.

    Need we say more?

    Classic or dated? Both...move along.
WE ONCE OWNED a pair of these shoes and darn, they are comfortable. Coincidentally, not once did any living person give us a second glance when we wore them - - apparently, this shoe style gives you the power of invisibility.

  IS IT A BOOT? IS IT A SHOE? IT'S a BOOSH! There is never a reason to wear a "BOOSH", unless you need to wear shoes that keep you from slipping on smooth surfaces. Even so, slipping and dislocating an elbow might be preferable to being caught wearing a pair of these shoes.