24 In My Mind

Top-Notch Chef, Aaron Sanchez

2012-02-18T16:13:00.002-08:00

I was lucky enough to get to attend today the Top Chef Competition at the Homestead Air Force Reserve base in south Florida. I am a huge fan of the Food Network – OK, I’m somewhat obsessed with the Food Network – so I really wanted to attend the competition between Air Force chefs in a “Chopped” style format. But, I really, really wanted to attend when I found out that Aaron Sanchez was coming to be one of the judges.

We got to the base early and I waited like a 15-year-old groupie for Aaron to arrive. So, I’m just hanging out on the sidelines a few minutes before the competition, playing it cool, trying to act like I’m not excited. I’m standing there and a guy walks past me, right in front of me actually. I just glance up and think it’s just a guy, some young dude – an extremely tattooed, t-shirt and baggy jeans dude, carrying his sunglasses and rubbing his eyes like it’s a little early on a Saturday morning for him to be anywhere. Then, I’m like… holy crap, that’s him – that’s Aaron Sanchez!

I kind of watched Aaron for a little while, trying not to stare or look like a stalker. I’m just really curious about a TV personality, how they roll. Surely he has an assistant or “handler” (I’ve heard that’s what they call them) that’s going to whisk him away any second to makeup, hair, wardrobe, something. But, that didn’t happen. He just hung out like everybody else, talking to people, shaking a few hands, still clad in his (yesterday’s?) t-shirt, jeans, and tennis shoes. He looked more like he was there to run the sound than run the show as the celebrity chef. Either that, or his band was playing at the VFW and he walked into the wrong building. (I thought he was a hottie, BTW, so I’m not raggin’ on his clothes.)

Besides this very ‘regular’ presentation of this very famous chef, I was most impressed by how nice Aaron was. He was pleasant and cordial to everyone. He posed for pictures, gave autographs, and thanked us for coming out. Aaron was funny and witty and clearly knows what he’s talking about when it comes to food. I was touched by how kind he was to each of the 4 competing chefs, apologizing profusely when he had to “cut” somebody. Aaron also shared a lot of cooking advice with the chefs in a very unassuming way. Just an all-around nice guy who did a great thing by coming out to entertain the military today.

I did want to mention, too, the other judge in the competition – Jeff “Stretch” Rumaner. I was not familiar with Stretch, but it seems he is a sculptor as well as restaurateur who has been on quite a few shows with Guy Fieri and some others. This guy is a trip. He wears his hair (what’s left of it) sticking straight up and today he had on a Sergeant Pepper jacket and cape or something. Crazy! But, he was extremely nice, too, and he has a wonderful smile. I liked him and I’m going to check out his shows.

Here’s a picture of me, Aaron and Stretch. It was so much fun!!!

ReVitalash: The Results Show

2012-02-18T05:46:00.001-08:00

Well, here I am 3, almost 4, weeks out with the ReVitalash. No, here I am, literally:

So, this is my 'post' ReVitalash photo. I should first say that ReVitalash says to wait 6 weeks for optimal results, and I'm not quite there. However, I would expect by now to see something, if I'm going to, in terms of more eyelashes. And, obviously from the photo..... not so much. I cannot say that my lashes are any fuller than their formerly skinny, pathetic selves.

Now, I will say one thing: I think, maybe, kinda, sorta, my lashes are slightly longer. There aren't any more of them, but I think they are a little longer. Which is not a bad thing, I guess. This would actually go along with the ReVitalash 'spin' that their product is a lash conditioner, not 'grower'. So, it would make sense that if my lashes are healthier, they stay attached longer and, therefore, have a chance to grow longer. But, you know, I wasn't really worried too much about length. I just need lashes!

Here's a picture of my "Pre" Revitalash eyes about 3 weeks ago.

I also need to share that I had some eye irritation with Revitalash. Nothing serious, but a little itchy, burny stuff going on. They tell you to put it on at night just before going to bed. I think one reason is since your eyes are closed while you're sleeping, it can't drip into your eyes. It does burn a little bit. But, if it had worked to grow lashes, I would have put up with that.

I'm not ready to put ReVitalash on my "Products That Disappointed" page. Like I said, it's a good lash conditioner, I suppose. And that's all they really promised. But, I can get another good lash conditioner at the drugstore for about 1/10th the price. I suggest you do the same.

Rebel Just Because

2012-02-16T15:05:00.004-08:00

You know, I haven’t been real thrilled about turning 50, my “assigned number” for about the last 6 months. I admit, I had some problems initially adjusting to the ‘new era’ and all that. I nearly choked the first time I had to state my age at the doctor’s office… “F..f...f..if…uh..uh….fifty”. They probably thought I’d had a stroke.

But, I’m slowly getting OK with the idea of being 50. It’s better than the alternative, right? Actually, I’m beginning to see the beauty in being ‘of age’. Not that I didn’t see it before – my 40’s were absolutely spectacular. But, as I continue to ponder my new-found seniority, I’m realizing that, you know what? I am a grown-ass, 50-year-old woman and I can do whatever the crap I want. Better yet, I don’t have to do what I don’t want to do. I’m old enough to decide things for myself. I’ve raised two children and two husbands -- and without killing any of them, I might add. Yes, I’ve paid my dues – hell, I’ve paid dues for clubs I never even joined. I quit Brownies at the age of 7 (without my mother’s permission) because there were too many rules. Somebody should’ve seen this coming.

I am just so tired of the “serving suggestions”, “recommended daily allowances” and all the other “guidelines” put in place to protect us from ourselves. Who decided this stuff, anyway? It was probably either a man, or somebody half my age. And I’m not scared of either one of them.

So, at this point in my life, and from this day forward, consider me a “Rebel Just Because”. My own little passive-aggressive way of sticking my finger in the eye of social convention. And as part of the Official Rebellion Declaration festivities, I have formulated a list of things I will commit to do, effective immediately, as I begin my first term as Mayor of the Land of “Make Me”.

From now on, I solemnly swear to:

1. Go “In” the “Out” door at the grocery store

2. Refrigerate Before Opening

3. Lather. Rinse. That’s it.

4. Eat tuna salad at a restaurant (or maybe it was just my mother who told me never to order anything with mayonnaise away from home because you’d get “ptomaine poisoning” – my great aunt Ida, apparently, got it in ’69 at the Democrat convention in a Chicken a la king incident)

5. Wear blue socks with black shoes

6. Use a salad fork to eat my entrée

7. Apply the entire bottle of home haircolor without first doing a test patch

8. Operate machinery (like a blender, OK) before knowing how medication will affect me

9. Refuse to "Hold on to the Bar”

10. And I got news for them, if my husband gets an “erection that lasts more than 4 hours”, I am not calling a doctor.

Revitalash Re-Visited

2012-01-29T05:20:00.001-08:00

Let me begin by asking a question...... Why is it that I can sprout hair on my upper lip like a grown man, but I can't grow eyelashes to save my life? Ok, I know the answer = menopause. Kinda funny when you think about "men"opause, and we're talking about being able to grow a mustache. Anyway...

This is not a new topic for me. I have always had thin, blond eyelashes, and menopause just took that to a whole other level. And I have tried a lot of things to alleviate the problem. I've tried lash prep creams and every mascara they make, and some do work pretty well to extend and enhance your lashes. That's fine, but what if you don't have any lashes to start with?! Right now I'm to the point, when I put on the mascara, I'm basically smearing it along the skin around my eyes because there's no lash there. Pretty. My gentleman caller should arrive any time.

I need some lashes! I have done lash extensions in the past, and they work pretty well. (I plan on writing about that experience later). And, I have used Revitalash in the past (3-4 years ago) with some pretty good results (see my previous post, link here). But, my lashes are even worse now than they were back then, so I'm somewhat concerned that Revitalash may not be enough.

http://24inmymind.blogspot.com/2011/03/product-of-week-revitalash.html

At this juncture, I'm either going to jump on the Latisse wagon (I'm still scared of Latisse. Have you read the warnings?) or I'm going to give Revitalash one more try. So, here I go. I purchased the Revitalash on Amazon last week. Price was around $70 (it better work). And I will begin today with the daily regimen. Here is a picture of my pre-Revitalash eyes. Awful picture, in many ways, but hopefully you can see that my lashes are few and far between right now. I do need to say that I put on a little bit of mascara for the picture just so my (pitiful) lashes would even show up in the photo at all.

So, I will update you about every 2 weeks (with photo) to let you see how - if at all - my lashes get better. Revitalash, you better bring it.

Allie

Product of the Week: John Frieda Precision Foam Colour

2012-01-18T13:02:00.000-08:00

I'm no stranger to dying my hair. Lord knows I have tried pretty much all the brands and been to the salon for color countless times over the years. I have been on a kick the last couple of years of just doing my own color, not only to save some money, but because I can't really tell any difference in the results whether I do it myself or the professional does it. (I would never cut my own hair, please note).

I was intrigued by the John Frieda Precision Foam Colour product. Not sure if it's entirely new, but the foam idea seemed interesting to me. So, I decided to give it a try. I actually like a lot of the other John Frieda products, so I had a pretty good feeling about the hair color. And..... I was right.

This stuff is good, seriously good. I'm in about week 4 of the color and it has barely faded at all. I have been going with a little darker hair lately (not sure how much longer I can pull that off), as I just think having darker hair makes me look more "interesting". I picked the color 4N Brilliant Brunette Dark Natural Brown, and I love it. Well, let me say this..... it is a little darker than I expected (and I've read some other reviews that also say this product tends to 'run dark'). However, I'm OK with that, and maybe that's why the color seems to be lasting longer..... it has farther to 'go' to fade, if you know what I mean.

Besides lasting, the color is 'deep', "multi-toned" as I believe they say in the hair business. In other words, there are shades and highlights within my hair. I think some of this is because the gray in my hair, while covered, takes on a slightly different shade. And, I like that, actually.

My hair is shiny and soft, and a little healthier, I think. And, let's mention that the price is incredibly good. The foam is a great idea. No more drips. And, maybe, because the foam clings to the hair a little better is why the color 'sticks' better, I don't know. You're still in for the 25-minute wait time.

Anyway, this is a good hair color product. I have it listed on my Allie's Top 24 page over to the right if you want to take a look.

Love it.

Allie

Product of the Week: Boots No. 7 Reviving Eye Gel

2012-01-03T15:52:00.000-08:00

I love a good eye gel. Not eye cream (which can be good, too), but I'm talking eye gel here. Stuff that cools, refreshes, just plain feels good. I've tried quite a few and definitely some are better than others. This one, Boots No. 7 Reviving Eye Gel is a great one, at a great price.

I actually came across the Boots gel at Target one day. I was looking for something to replace another eye gel I used to use that I loved --- and that I can't remember the name of, and I can't find anywhere anymore anyway -- and I found the Boots line. I thought the name "Boots" sounded like teenager makeup, and I'm still not sure who their primary market is, but this eye gel works for the 'mature' eye, I'm telling you.

The Boots No. 7 Reviving Eye Gel is intended to not only feel good (which it does), but it's supposed to reduce puffiness, brighten up dark circles, all that good stuff. It has some sort of botanicals in it, I'm not sure which ones. It's a clear, light gel, not greasy or oily, no perfume. I don't find that it particularly moisturizes around my eyes, maybe it does, but I don't care. I can use another cream for that. I'm looking for cool and soothing.

I like to dab the Reviving Eye Gel under my eyes and even on my eye lids any time I get the chance - when I'm not wearing eye makeup, obviously. So, first thing in the morning, or after I wash my face in the evening, or weekends when I'm not wearing makeup anyway. Actually, I like to use it first thing in the morning as a 'secondary' eye makeup remover around my eyes. You know how sometimes even if you remove mascara before you go to bed, you still have some residue around your eyes in the morning? Well, this stuff works great --- dab on pretty liberally around your eyes (you don't feel bad using a lot because it's not expensive), massage a little into your lashes (it doesn't burn your eyes), then gently wipe off. Your eyes are not only clean, but they feel tingly and fresh.

The Boots No. 7 Reviving Eye Gel comes in a small tube, so it packs well for travel. It is really good to put on after a day at the beach. You can even put the tube in the refrigerator and put it on cold-- now, that's refreshing!

You can check it out on my Allie's Top 24 Faves page if you like.

Allie

My Resolution On New Year's Resolutions

2011-12-28T06:14:00.000-08:00

I don’t make New Year’s Resolutions for a number of reasons. First, and perhaps most importantly, I don’t make them because I don’t need a New Year to decide to make a change in my life. I’ve written about this before. I just don’t get needing the “calendar” to compel me to do what I need to do. I prefer to employ “Daily Resolutions” over New Year’s ones, actually. It's a pretty simple philosophy. Every day I make up my own mind that I’m going to:

1. Put my energy only into things I can do something about.

2. Remember that not everything is "about me".

3. Be grateful I’m on this side of the grass for another day.

I also see New Year’s Resolutions as just setting yourself up to be disappointed and discouraged when your ‘resolve’ inevitably falls through. Like when you swear off Diet Coke for the New Year and you last about a week with that. God, those caffeine withdrawal headaches must rival kicking heroine. Look, life kicks your butt enough. I don’t need to make resolutions and then feel like crap about them.

On a related note…… I don’t go to New Year’s Eve parties. Besides the fact that there are very few things that will make me stay awake after 10 p.m., I just think it would be disingenuous of me to attend and act like I’m into the whole New Year’s thing. I really hate the cheezy speeches and toasting, and the kissing at midnight. I’ve observed there are 2 kinds of Stroke of Midnight Kissers: The dating couples who basically give each other a tongue endoscopy and make the rest of us feel really uncomfortable as we wait for them to come up for air. And the married people who really don’t even want to kiss each other, but everybody else does, so you think you have to. Yes, you can tell a lot about a couple by watching their New Year's kiss. And, let's don't forget the poor people who don’t have anybody to kiss at the party. Enough to make a person want to throw themself onto the cheeseball knife. Can't we just skip The Kiss for the sake of everyone involved?

And, then there’s the Song: Auld Lang Syne (I had to Google the title to even know how to spell it…. And I don’t even really know what the words mean --- I guess it’s “Happy New Year”, but how do we know?) Nobody knows all the words to the song anyway. And, apparently, I’m not the only one who has figured this out. Here’s Jimmy Fallon on Late Night making the same point:

Late Night with Jimmy Fallon - Monologue (12/23/11) - Video - http://www.latenightwithjimmyfallon.com

Oh, and one more thing…….Please don’t say “Happy New Years” (with the S on the end of ‘year’) It’s not plural, nor is it possessive. It’s just one YeaR. One is enough.

How the Food Network Has Changed My Life

2011-12-22T07:23:00.000-08:00

I don’t watch all that much TV, but when I do watch, it’s almost always the Food Network. It beats watching the local news, which, where I live, would cause a case of agoraphobia if you’d let it. Besides, I think it makes me sophisticated to watch the Food Network. Everybody on there is so intellectual and enlightened. They use terminology the rest of us have no clue about, and they’re all so “green”. I have to laugh when the chefs are cooking a dish that we, too, can make at home (yeah, right) and they tell us to just ask our “grocer” or our “butcher” for this spice or that cut of meat. OK, my grocer is a 16-year-old kid working for car insurance, and my butcher is a recovering alcoholic who’s working to pay child support. Ask them what?

It’s kind of ironic that I watch any cooking shows, seeing how I don’t cook. I’m not really a bad cook, I just don’t enjoy it. But, I can watch me some cooking shows. In fact, I’ve logged enough Food Network hours that I’m seriously considering contacting the Culinary Institute of America about offering college credit for hours watched. BTW, the only way I get my husband to watch the Food Network with me is because he thinks the CIA is… well… the CIA.

Watching the Food Network has really changed me as a person, although not necessarily in a good way. Actually, I’ve become a neurotic, gastro-obsessed, food snob. Here is a breakdown (that was Freudian) of some of the Food Network shows I watch and what they’ve done to me:

Chopped – Apparently, it’s not uncommon for chefs to accidentally cut themselves in the kitchen and, therefore, the likelihood I have eaten human blood in food on at least one occasion is quite high. I have now begun hepatitis testing on a regular basis.

Restaurant Impossible - There are far too many restaurants that should have been closed by the health department a long time ago, yet they still serve food. I will now only eat at restaurants whose kitchen is out in the dining area so I can see what they’re doing, which seriously limits my eating out choices.

Secrets of a Restaurant Chef - I have now developed a fetish of spanking a piece of meat and calling it “Beautiful” before I cook it. My family has become quite concerned, and my therapy bills are going to be outrageous.

Iron Chef – First of all, “in the words of my uncle”, this show is processed cheezy. Seriously? The Chairman is a descendant of Japanese royalty, yeah, and I’m the love child of Queen Elizabeth and a Saudi prince. But, that aside……. Thanks to Iron Chef, I will no longer eat anything that is pre-cooked, pre-cut, pre-anything. Truly, I have become a food snob. Only slow food for me. Yet some of that high-brow food is just nasty --- sorry, I’m not eating fish eyeball tartar for anybody. Actually, I don’t think rich people like all that frou-frou food either; they just act like they do because it makes them look cool. I think they spit it out when we’re not looking (especially those skinny bitches). Oh, and one last troubling symptom brought on by Iron Chef: I now think a bald guy that laughs like a girl is sexy.

Food Attack - I actually just discovered this show last night. I’m not sure if it’s new or not. OK, first of all, using “attack” and “food” in the same sentence…. really a good idea? Whose idea was this show? I already wash my lettuce in bleach water – twice – and last night’s show made me throw out a perfectly good jar of peanut butter because it “might” have salmonella. Damn.

So, there you have it. How the Food Network has made me what I am today. I guess I should send a Christmas card or thank-you note to Bobby Flay. Doesn’t he, like, own the Food Network or something? He’s on every show. (I have to add that I think the term "Throwdown" associated with Bobby Flay is hilarious. Real tough guy there.)

I’ve asked for a food processor for Christmas. Those things crush ice, right?

Jon Bon Jovi's Advil Commercial: A Review

2011-12-20T04:03:00.000-08:00

I love Jon Bon Jovi. There, I said it. I just do. I always have. My friends, and even my grown sons, know about my crush. My husband is aware (although not to the full extent, it would only crush the man). And, I won’t apologize for it. Jon Bon Jovi is the epitome of OMG seriously, a girl-could-get-herself-in-a-lot-of-trouble, hot. And, I might add, he is the poster child for us over-40 people in how to look, act, and stay “24 in Our Mind”.

I read last night that there was a rumor that Jon Bon Jovi had died. I did not see the rumor itself but, rather, read about it after it was debunked. Thank God for that. If I thought his death had actually occurred, I would probably be writing this today from the psych ward at the local hospital, and I’m not sure they give patients access to the internet. (Although, I don't know... have you seen Twitter lately?) Can you see my family calling into my job this morning? “Unfortunately, Allie can’t come to work, (she thinks) Jon Bon Jovi died”.

Anyway…..I was actually going to blog about Jon (we’re on a one-way, first-name basis) this week already, before the death rumor. It seems that I pleasantly (an understatement) stumbled upon his new Advil commercial on TV last night. My God, the man looks fine even when he’s pretending to have a migraine. But, I got to thinking…….

As happy (OK, excited) as I was to unexpectedly encounter Jon (settle down, Allie), I was a little weirded out about him doing a pain medicine commercial. You see, I associate pain med commercials with old people with arthritis. You know, they rub their hands and talk about how the medicine gives them better "range of motion". Dang. Has it come to this? Has my personal icon of my generation, Jon Bon Jovi, now reached the milestone of touting arthritis medication? Really?

Look, the man could sell dryer lint and I’d buy it. But, couldn’t he advertise for something else, like a soft drink, beer, underwear…. Something besides an anti-inflammatory?

Well, at least he’s not doing a Viagra commercial.

Mamaw's Checkin' It Twice

2011-12-15T17:08:00.000-08:00

Mamaw has updated her Unplugged Christmas Shopping List. (don't you love it when people refer to themselves in the 3rd person?).

As you know, I am committed to a Tech-No Christmas for my grandkids this year. Here are some more good, old-fashioned board games that have to be played with OTHER PEOPLE and require no plugging in, flashing lights, or laser guns. OK, the Operation Game takes batteries and makes a 'buzz' sound, but work with me a little bit here. I loved these games when I was a little kid. (Yes, we had these games way back in the 60's and I LOVED them).

MouseTrap

Operation

I have added these to my Allie's Top 24 Page if you want to get more details. http://astore.amazon.com/24inmymind-20 I can tell you my grandkids are getting both of these from Mamaw. I can't wait to play them!

CFO to SAHM: From the Boardroom to the Toyroom

2011-12-14T11:18:00.000-08:00

My daughter-in-law recently put her career as a corporate Chief Financial Officer on hold to be a Stay-At-Home-Mom for her 2 boys (my grandsons) ages 2 and 5.

She and I were having (trying to have) a quick telephone conversation yesterday evening while she was attempting to get dinner on the table for the kids (actually more like, she was trying to get the kids to the table). My son was out of town on a business trip, so mommy was doing all the wrangling.

We only talked on the phone for, maybe 5 minutes, as I could hear the boys in the background, playing in the house, being pretty rowdy. Typical boy stuff - the occasional thud, scream, door slam, the sound of running feet that aren’t supposed to run in the house. My DIL commented to me that they were particularly ‘wound up’ that evening, as they tended to be when Dad wasn’t home. I laughed when she mentioned how the boys always get really ‘off-the-wall’ when she is on the phone.

I can remember saying that same thing when I had young kids. Only, back then, we still had cords on telephones and I am certain that my kids knew exactly how far that cord would reach – and then they went just beyond that to do their dirty work. They were so good at this little setup, I was convinced my sons were either going to grow up to work for the phone company, or become one of those dudes at the football game who measures whether a “down” was made (this would be the extent of my football knowledge, BTW)

But, what I really found funny in all this were my daughter-in-law’s side commentaries to the kids in between broken sentences to me. It struck me how this bright, young woman’s daily vocabulary must have digressed drastically since her transition from a Corporate Mover and Shaker to, well, ……. a Mover and Shaker of Children. Here are just some of her comments to the kids, overheard during a very brief phone encounter, as compared to her former vernacular:

Then	Now
“On the Chopping Block”	“Stop chopping your brother!” (a reference to the 5-year-old’s recent interest in Kung Fu and using his little brother as a practice dummy)
“Look at the Bottom Line”	“Bend over so I can wipe your butt.” (2-year-old has begun potty-training)
“Clean up these accounts”	“Wash your hands. They have poop on them. “ (another reference to the toilet-training)
“It’s Dog Eat Dog”	“You’re *hurting* the dog!”

I don’t know. After looking over this list again, it occurred to me that maybe the boardroom and the toyroom aren’t so different after all.

Product of the Week: Neutrogena Healthy Skin Pressed Powder

2011-12-12T14:12:00.000-08:00

You know how much I advocate the ‘less is more’ philosophy when it comes to pretty much everything, but especially when it comes to make-up for the ‘mature’ face. I’m pretty radical – I suggest that we don’t wear liquid foundation at all, unless maybe we are really getting glammed up for a special occasion. I have just never found a foundation that does everything I need it to do, or not do. And, I’ve tried quite a few, believe me --- mostly of the drugstore variety, I have to admit. But, that’s really by choice – I’m after a natural, low-maintenance face, not a made-up one and, besides, I’d rather spend my money on hair, oh, and Botox J (Botox is natural, isn’t it? It comes from bacteria or something…)

So, my ‘face regimen’ involves, first, using self-tanner (one made for faces) twice a week, just to keep a healthy overall color and glow. (I’ve posted about this before). Then, every morning I put on the best moisturizer I can find (actually, I recommend one from Walgreens, I’ve blogged about it, too). Then, concealer under the eyes, and then this week’s Product of the Week: Neutrogena Healthy Skin Pressed Powder.

This powder is great. First of all, it’s priced right. It has anti-oxidants and SPF 20. Best of all, it goes on like silk and blends evenly and lightly. It comes in 4 or 5 shades, and I will suggest you buy one shade darker than you think you need because the colors tend to run light. I have very fair skin, so I originally bought the lightest one. But, it was too light, even on me, and it didn’t ‘show up’ at all.

Make the investment and buy a big, fluffy, natural fiber powder brush. The Neutrogena comes with a cloth ‘puff’ but, to me, that just makes the powder blob in spots on my face. A brush is much better. Just wisp it all around lightly and you’re good to go. You have a nice glow and just a hint of color. And, don’t forget to put some on your neck. That’s another good thing – with this powder you don’t have to worry about getting that chin-line thing where your face and neck are two different colors. This powder is way to subtle for any contrast like that.

So, I get some nice coverage, without having to wear make up. I’m not going to say it covers as well as liquid make up would, but with the powder you’re not going to get the ‘side effects’ of liquid, either -- like cakey-ness, greasiness, or the grout effect, as I like to call it, where the makeup fills in the lines on your face and just magnifies them about 20 times.

Of course, then you can follow with mascara, a little blush, whatever else you want to add. You now have a nice, smooth, healthy – natural - canvas to work with. This product is on my Allie's Top 24 Page if you want to check it out.

Botox: Outta My Forehead (Again)

2011-12-01T15:36:00.000-08:00

My 6-month Botox anniversary is coming up in about 2 weeks. My doctor told me that the Botox injections I had in my forehead in June would last about 6 months, and that is exactly what has happened. In probably the last 3 weeks or so, I can really tell that the injections have 'worn off' and the lines across my forehead and especially the ones between my eyes have returned, pretty much to where they were 'pre-Botox'.

I'm not really freaked out about the return of the lines. First of all, I knew that Botox wasn't permanent. And, more importantly, I know that the lines can be erased again with just a few minutes in the doctor's office - OK, and a few needles stuck in my forehead. I think I have come to consider Botox just part of my maintenance plan, like haircolor every 8 weeks and exercise every day. I know Botox isn't for everybody, and that's totally OK. I just like the way it gives my face an overall 'lift', just kind of perks me up a little bit. I'm blessed that I can afford to have it done, and I know everybody can't always do that. I would never let my kids go hungry to pay for Botox (well, actually, I don't have any kids at home anymore, but you get my point), and if there's ever a day a can't afford it, I don't think I will be devastated. But, in the meantime -- for me -- Botox is kind of fun and it's worth it.

I should mention, too, that the doctor told me that the more times you do Botox (although she didn't suggest doing it more than 2-3 times a year), the better the results become and the less Botox 'juice' (a technical term, mine) you need. I like that idea. Could that possibly mean, in theory, that if you do it long enough, eventually you don't need it at all? Ok, no, Allie, probably not.

I did want to share with you my current forehead picture to show how the lines have returned. Where I really notice the return is between my eyes, even more so than the horizontal lines across my forehead (although they're back, too, but maybe not completely)

Let's compare how I look now to my pre-Botox lines just before the injections in June. I'm thinking this one and the current one (above) are pretty much the same - as I said, especially between the eyes. In other words, I'm now back to my 'natural' look, the Botox has worn off.

For comparison, here's the photo 2 weeks after I had the injections in June, which was pretty much when the results were at their peak. I hope for this same result, or better, this time around.

So, here I go.... Outta My Forehead once again!

Allie

Mamaw’s Christmas Shopping List: Unplugged

2011-11-29T13:39:00.000-08:00

I am the grandma (aka “Mamaw”) of 5 grandchildren. Of course, they are the most brilliant, talented, and good-looking children on the planet. 5 boys – ages 9 months to 6 years.

And, as the Wise and Wonderful Mamaw, I have declared this Christmas to be the “Year of Unplugged Christmas Gifts”. I cannot support, financially or otherwise, all the technology that’s being marketed at even our smallest kids. Therefore, I will not purchase any gifts for the grandkids for Christmas this year that are ‘techy’. No video games, no Wii, no Kinect, No XBox….. I don’t even know all the names of the latest gadgets and games. That’s fine - I don’t want to know.

Now, I am not opposed to technology – I use it, and I understand that my grandkids need to know how to use it to survive in the world. God only knows how they will use technology in their adulthood. So, the parents can buy techno-gifts if they want to, but I have declared that I will buy nothing this year for the grandkids that involves electronics. Nothing that has to be charged, plugged in, or that moves faster than the speed of light. (I may buy an occasional battery-operated toy, but with the requirement that it still only moves in ‘real time’ and it doesn’t shoot lasers or blow up anybody).

I believe that kids need to be kids when they play. They need to be curious, imaginative, creative kids – exercising all the attributes that separate us from the animals. And kids just need to play – like we did when we were young. They don’t always have to be learning anything, or doing something faster than somebody else, and their play should involve more body parts than just their index finger and thumb. (I know, Wii allows for physical movement, but I say that’s just a marketing ploy to make us think it’s not a video game). Electronic toys and gadgets with special effects that move at warp speed and neurologically re-wire young brains in the name of fun and relaxation, just somehow seems perverse to me.

My grandkids already have their fair share (whatever that is) of electronic games, anyway. The parents give in to fads, peer pressure, and in-store meltdowns, but not me. Not Mamaw! I’ve seen the dark side of electronic games. I have watched them (yes, even “educational” ones) transform my sweet, kind, naive 5-year-old grandson into an anxious, irritable, and competitive jerk. The first time I witnessed this metamorphosis, it was truly disturbing, and I refuse to spend my money to feed his pre-kindergarten addiction.

This doesn’t mean I’m not a ‘fun’ grandma. I love kids and I love toys, and I love to buy them for my grand-guys. And, the toys I buy them are not boring or dull. Now, I’m not stupid, I don’t expect complete jubilation when my grandson rips the wrapping paper off a book. However – BIG however --- I have seen the pure joy later on his face when he and I sit down together, read that book, and laugh till we nearly pee our pants (Ok, that was just me on the peeing part).

So, in the spirit of electro-boycott, I am creating Mamaw’s Christmas Shopping List: Unplugged. I have created a list of many toys, books, and games – all sans technology - that I have purchased and actually tried out with my grandkids and all were big hits. All of these are listed in my Allie’s Top 24 Faves Store http://astore.amazon.com/24inmymind-20 (under "Cool Grandkid Stuff") so you can see the products for yourself and check out prices.

Here’s a few of the ones that made the list:

My grandkids, from the time they can walk and older, love to tromp around in these Monster Feet. They can tromp for hours, with or without shoes, The feet are way over-sized and they just stick their feet in and hold onto the ropes. We should mention, too, that it’s great exercise, something many modern kids don't get enough of.

These Melissa and Doug paperdolls are made from wood. They are very sturdy and come with lots of outfits. The clothes ‘stick’ magnetically. Remember, I have boy grandsons, and they love these. The little ones love to dress up the “mommy” doll and the older ones think the wardrobe changes are pretty cool. I know, I know, boys aren’t supposed to play with dolls. What? Boys don’t wear clothes, too? Actually, if it makes people (mostly dads) feel better, there are Melissa & Doug paperdoll sets that come with male figures and with traditional 'guy' career uniforms (like firefighter and police officer).

Keep checking back for new items, as my shopping list continues to grow.

Hope I'm Not Too Late: Thanksgiving Food & Fashion

2011-11-23T15:46:00.000-08:00

I hope I’m not too late, but I wanted to share some last minute Food and Fashion do’s and don’ts for Thanksgiving. Perhaps you don’t need to hear any of these yourself, but you may be able to pass these tips on to someone less fortunate.

If you are on a diet during Thanksgiving:

1. Don’t announce to everyone that you’re on a diet. And, for the love of cheesecake, please don’t brag about how many pounds you’ve lost!

2. Do not tell me how many calories there are in what I’m eating.

3. Don’t bring a lowfat version of anything to the meal. Lowfat is just nasty. People need to quit lying that it’s “just as good”.

4. Go ahead and eat just one crescent roll or something ‘off your diet’. Be a team player (eater) – just today. It won’t kill you.

What to wear (or not) to the Thanksgiving get-together:

1. This goes back to the diet thing. If your ass is skinny and you look really good in your little workout outfit, don’t wear it today while the rest of us are in elastic. Oh, and no cleavage either. I already feel inadequate.

2. On the other hand, don’t show up in one of those stretchy, comfortable velour jogging sets either. Those are just bad – any day.

3. Wear makeup and fix your hair. I know it’s a holiday and you want to just let it all hang out, but it scares us to see you au natural. We haven’t seen you in a year, and we worry you’re hiding a serious illness if you look too bad.

4. One more fashion no-no: Do not wear anything with the holiday theme. You know what I’m talking about --- appliqued turkeys on a sweater, or “Happy Thanksgiving” written in glitter glue. Those are right up there with “Grandma” t-shirts. A holiday does not give you permission to look tacky. And don't refer to "Thanksgiving" as "Turkey Day" - next you'll be calling your husband "hubby". Stop it.

And, lastly --- on an unrelated yet important note: If your kids are sick --- stay home this year. The rest of us have to go to work tomorrow.

(You know I still love ya --- Happy Thanksgiving!)

Allie

Thanksgiving: The Kinder, Gentler Holiday

2011-11-18T11:22:00.000-08:00

And, now, as the holiday season is upon us, I would like to share with you my favorite of all holidays --- Thanksgiving. It is my favorite, well above its most formidable competitor, Christmas. Here are my reasons why Thanksgiving is so much more rewarding, relaxing and, frankly, inspiring, than Christmas.

First, let’s consider the shopping…..

The only shopping hype for Thanksgiving is for food, one of life’s necessities. No crowded mall, no megastore…. just your neighborhood grocery store. It’s your usual place, you’re comfortable there, you have one list, you know where things are…. life is good.

Everybody at the grocery store is just nicer. When was the last time you saw people camping in line overnight to buy that cranberry jelly stuff in a can, or trampling each other at the entrance to the grocery store to get the “limited edition” turkeys?

Speaking of Turkey……Thanksgiving is much more economical than Christmas. What is turkey, like $1.99 a pound, while a Wii game is like ……$39.00 a pound, something like that? And you can’t eat a video game.

How the Day is spent…..

On Thanksgiving, people come over to your house, you all consume like 10,000 calories each, and then you go to sleep. You eat, you go to sleep. What’s not to like about that?

At Christmas, it's every man for himself, ripping through wrapping paper like it's hot. But, at Thanksgiving, families get together, sit around the same table, actually look at each other, and they might even have a conversation. What a concept.

You can invite other people over to have Thanksgiving dinner at your house and nobody has to feel weird about not having a gift for the other person.

The ratio of parades to football games on TV is much more in our favor on Thanksgiving day.

On Thanksgiving, you get praise for making stuff with your own two hands instead of for what you bought. (OK, I usually pick up our main course at the HoneyBaked Ham place, but hey – I pick that up with my “two hands”).

And perhaps the most wonderful thing of all….. For Christmas, you make a list of what you want, but at Thanksgiving you make a list of what you’re thankful that you already have.

Happy Thanksgiving ---

Allie

Murad Update: 2+ Weeks

2011-11-12T15:44:00.000-08:00

OK, the moment you've all been waiting for (yeah, sure, Allie) --- the latest photo update of my progress with the Murad Anti-Aging and Acne kit. I just took this picture and I tried to shoot under the same conditions as the 'pre' picture, same lights, same angle, so we could check my progress. (Won't be quitting my day job anytime soon to become a photographer).

Well...... I'm actually pleasantly surprised by what I see in the photo. I think there may just be some subtle improvement that I hadn't even noticed by looking in the mirror. I think my skin is a little brighter and clearer. And maybe, just maybe, the crow's feet have softened up a little. But, I definitely think I'm seeing some reduction in the old acne scars along my cheek line.

Hmmm..... very interesting...... no downside to the Murad for me, so I'm going to keep it up a while longer. We'll just have to see what happens. I'll check back in another week or so!

(You can see a 'pre' photo of my face in the post below, "Mad About Murad?")

Allie

Mad About Murad?

2011-11-03T04:07:00.000-07:00

I write about anti-aging products quite often here on the blog. I’m always looking for products that really work and that don’t break the bank. I’ve had my share of disappointments, not to mention the pain in my pocketbook buying things that didn’t live up to the hype.

Enter Murad. First, I must, in the spirit of full disclosure, tell you that Murad asked me to review their product. While I’m not getting paid, and they didn’t ask me to say anything in particular, they did provide me with the Introductory Kit to try at no charge. I’ve heard about Murad. They use it at the spa where I go to get my massages, so I was curious. Here’s their website if you want to take a look: http://www.murad.com/

This particular Murad, the “Acne Complex Kit”, is a line for ‘aging’ faces that also struggle with acne. Obviously, the anti-aging part is very appealing. The acne part is intriguing. I wouldn’t say break-outs are a major problem for me, but I do get the occasional ‘bump’ that morphs into a major tumor before it’s over. For me, my acne-related concern is really the scars along my cheekline left from when I did have bad acne in my 20’s. (didn’t have many zits in my teens, but suddenly they appeared in my 20’s, kind of like my ex-husband – oh wait, he dis-appeared). But, I digress.

So, here’s what I want the Murad “Acne Complex Kit” to do for me:

1. Smooth out the acne scars along my cheekline

2. Soften the wrinkles (aka “crow’s feet”) beside my eyes

3. Prevent my occasional break-outs

Here’s a picture of my face, naked as the day I was born, to show the “Pre-Murad” problem areas I want the kit to fix for me. (God help me, this picture is horrible, but I’m taking one for the team here). I’ve placed arrows on the two areas of focus, crow’s feet and acne scars.

One Week Update: I’ve been using the Murad Acne Complex kit for 7 days. I’m cautiously impressed at this point. I’m using all of the products the way they are recommended on the bottles. The cleanser is probably my favorite right now. My face feels really smooth and clean after I use it. Not oily, not dry, just ‘clean’. I don’t know that that’s ground-breaking, but nice.

But, here’s the most pleasant surprise at one week: My face is clearer. Like I said, it’s not like I considered myself to have ‘problem acne’, but somehow my face does look ‘clearer’ now. Maybe I had more acne going on than I thought. I do have some problems with blackheads around the nose and I can say that those seem to have settled down some. That’s cool.

Any downside at this point? Not really. I was worried that the acne stuff would make my skin dry and itchy. Anything anti-acne tends to be drying. I’ve had some slight itching on a couple of occasions, but no flaking like I sometimes get with treatment-type products. I had some very slight stinging the first couple of times I put the acne spot-treatment stuff on a fresh zit.

Am I mad about Murad yet? Well, no, but I'm not mad at Murad, either. I’m going to check back in with you next week, with another highly attractive picture of myself! I’m expecting Ford Models to contact me at any time.

Butt Frown

2011-10-25T15:15:00.000-07:00

As you know, I conduct a lot of field research in an effort to discover the do’s and dont's of looking and acting young. And, in my studies, I have looked at a lot of 'mature' women’s butts. Not something I’m particularly proud of or that I enjoy, but I feel it’s necessary in order to watch and learn – discovering mostly what not to do when it comes to fashion.

A common and, I think, crucial observation I have made is what I refer to as the “Butt Frown” phenomenon. Now, we’re all aware of the heartbreak of panty lines, but the Butt Frown is a related and, in my opinion, even more disturbing occurrence. Let me describe.

You know the seam in your underwear in the back that crosses horizontally just north of the crotch? That seam creates a line in the form of an arch, pointing down, in the same shape as a frown. When this line is present, and it shows through your pants, it results in what I call the “Butt Frown”. This sad little down-turned smile line just screams out your backside that you are more than likely wearing ‘grandma panties’ (please tell me you’re not).

Girls, come on. Our butts need all the help they can get at this point, and this frown thing really isn’t helping. So, what to do? Well, I guess first of all, you could wear different pants, thicker material, darker color, something like that. It could also be that your pants are just too tight, and we all know how to fix that. I suppose you could also go without any undies at all but, hey, that's a personal decision.

However, the best solution in eradicating “Butt Frown” is to wear seamless underwear. Not just those that combat panty lines, but ones that are truly seamless, around the legs, between the cheeks, across the crotch, all the above. Underwear that is basically molded out of one piece of cloth (not sure how they do that, but thank God somebody makes these). One good pair that I’ve found is the Calvin Klein line of “Naked” panties (you can check them out on my Allie’s Top 24 Faves page). These are rather pricey, but they wear and wash well, and you could save some money by just having a couple of pairs on-hand for when you really need them (wearing anything that clings to your butt).

In the meantime…..As I often suggest in any and all things fashion and makeup, take the time to check yourself out in a mirror before leaving the house. Check your back, front, sides, head to toe, check it all, and catch “Butt Frown” early while you can still do something about it.

With this discussion, I am reminded of another disturbing older-woman butt phenomenon that I really must address sometime, and that is wearing pantyhose under pants. But, I really just can’t go there right now. It’s just too much in one day. Maybe later.

Allie

Last Man Standing: A Review

2011-10-19T11:48:00.000-07:00

I had a Couch Potato evening last night, a fairly infrequent indulgence. While I was waiting for Dancing With The Stars to come on (one of the few shows I actually follow – I know, I’m not proud of it), I decided to just go ahead and check out the sitcoms that preceded the DWTS Results Show. I’m really not a big fan of sitcoms, or as I like to call them, 22 minutes of mediocre (at best) one-liners. But, there I sat at 8 p.m. ET and on comes one of ABC’s new comedies, “Last Man Standing” with Tim Allen and Nancy Travis. I’ve got half an hour to burn, entertain me. (I haven't said that since 1979).

I really had no pre-conceived notions about the show. I’d seen it advertised a couple of times, but didn’t really know (or care about) the premise. The title of the show could imply a lot of things and, honestly, now that I’ve seen the show, I’m still not sure how “Last Man Standing” applies to the plot. Maybe I’m missing something on that.

For me, the show is about the two main characters, played by Allen and Travis, who are trying to reconcile their current lifestage, between being hip and breaking a hip. They’re my contemporaries, not just in age, but in their stage in life. Apparently, the wife likes wine as much as I do and she worries about the fallout from post-menopause (as I do). They have a grandchild that both their minds tell them they’re too young to have, yet their bodies are quick to remind them that parenting is for the young.

I was a little shocked when I first saw Tim Allen on-camera. He has definitely aged since the Tool Time days, but he’s entitled – haven’t we all? And I love Nancy Travis. She’s aged, too, but the camera angles and lighting seemed to protect her, for the most part, from the realities of HDTV. Nancy’s character’s wardrobe could use a little ‘youthenizing’, in my opinion. She had on a mom skirt in last night’s episode, but that may have been part of the storyline, as she attempted to dress (and feel) younger by shopping at the same store as her teenage daughter. This turned out to be a bad idea when nothing in the teen store fit and the best she could do was come home with a dyed feather in her hair. A chilling reminder of how sad we (‘mature women’) look when we try to dress like girls. Interestingly, the pre-teen daughter, when seeing Nancy’s new ‘do, laments that her mom can’t possibly have ‘cool’ hair AND be smart enough to help her with her history homework. Uh huh.

The primary plot in last night’s show was perhaps the most meaningful, if one searches for meaning from a sitcom. It seems that Tim got his 2-year-old grandson kicked out of his preschool due to his own ‘politically incorrect’ behavior on Grandparents’ Day at the school. The school was, let’s just say ‘progressive’, where everybody is “happy” and “accepted” and “in touch with their feelings”. And Tim is, well, less than sensitive to the curriculum. In the final wrap-up, Tim, at the behest of his single-mom daughter in an attempt to have the toddler re-enrolled at the prestigious school, reluctantly apologizes to the teacher for his ‘un-enlightened’ attitude. But, the daughter eventually tells the philosophically ‘superior’ teacher that she’s not sure she wants her son to attend a school that prides itself on acceptance of all while kicking out those who believe differently. Gotta love that!

But, is the show funny? Not so much. There was an occasional funny line, but few and far between. Was Tim Allen actually funny back in the day, or have I become a more discriminating consumer of comedy over the years? Honestly, I think Nancy Travis was the only redeeming quality of the show, but maybe that’s because I can relate so well to her character. Her lines had to have been written by a 50-something chick who’s been married as long as I have. So, it had its funny moments. In one, Tim’s character invites his wife to the bedroom for some ‘adult entertainment’ one evening in an attempt to remind her she’s still desirable. Nancy counters with the suggestion that they just “eat cereal and read their books in bed”. Tim’s response is “Oh, thank God”.

I’m checking for hidden cameras in my house.

Allie

Cold Turkey in Orlando

2011-10-18T05:51:00.000-07:00

I went to Orlando, or as I like to call it, the “Las Vegas of the East”, this past weekend with my son, his wife, and their 3 kids (ages 6 and under). I don’t get to see my grandkids, or my son and DIL, all that often. They live in another state. So, I really do cherish this time we get to be together. I get to go along and play the Grandma, buying the kids stuff they don’t need, at theme park prices that should be illegal. Makes me so dang proud to be an American.

Now, this blog post could be all about the Orlando adventure, as there’s certainly enough material to cover. I could write about the cast of characters I observed walking around the parks (and none of these people were on the payroll). Or, I could share my encounter with the inebriated (wasted) young lady who butchered Lady Gaga’s “Edge of Glory” at 2 a.m. in the hotel hallway (she’s lucky I didn’t push her off the edge of the building). I could even write about my 6-month-old grandbaby crying straight for 2 hours while we were riding in the car. I nearly lost my mind. Has anybody else noticed that babies cry louder today than babies did 30 years ago? (Downed a lot of wine this weekend). But, alas, my story here is not about any of these things.

Instead, this blog post is about my own experience in going technologically Cold Turkey for 3 straight days while in Orlando with the family. During this time, I did not have access to a computer or the internet, and very limited contact with my cell phone. I did not bring my laptop along, and my cell phone spent most of its time in the hotel room while we are at the parks (from dawn to bedtime, I might add. We were going to get all the fun we paid for!) In fact, my cell phone battery died for one entire day, so that must have been confirmation that I was doing the right thing in leaving it behind.

My abstinence from modern communication over the long weekend was pretty much by design. I had decided that I was going to deny my electro-addiction as a sacrificial offering to my family. (I’m such a martyr, aren’t I?). I just wanted to kick back, forget about the real world for a few days, and focus all my time and attention on my grandkids.

For the first day, I had to will myself not to think about my cell phone missing from my purse. I instinctively reached into my bag too many times to count, ready to check for any missed calls or text messages. Eventually, I de-sensitized to the fact that my only link to the outside world just wasn’t there. I comforted myself with the thought that my son had his phone and all my family members would know to call his number if they needed to reach me. Wouldn’t they? And, doesn’t Disney World have a main number that my husband (who somehow weaseled out of this whole trip) could call and they could page me?

The internet! What about the internet?! I can’t check email, I can’t check my blog hits. Say it ain’t so! What if someone leaves a comment on my blog and I don’t respond immediately? What if I get an acceptance email from a publisher, and I don’t respond back within minutes?! They’ll never contact me again! Maybe this whole techno-abstinence thing was a bad idea.

But, I did it. I went Cold Turkey, without cell phone and laptop for 3 entire days. And guess what? Nobody died. Nothing burned down. The world is still turning. My not having my cell phone had absolutely no impact on the cosmos. (I’m kinda disappointed in that somehow).

But, I spent some awesome time with my son and his family. I rode rides that scared the crap outta me. I made a fool of myself dancing to street musicians. I ate cotton candy and drank regular soda. And, the best moment of all was when, just a few hours into our visit to a magic land, my 6-year-old grandson said, “Grandma, how many more hours are you going to be here, because I’m going to miss you when you go home”.

What cell phone?

P.S. Speaking of Turkey…..What is with the Fred Flintstone size turkey legs they sell at the theme parks? I’m not a vegetarian, but those things are the most barbaric and hideous things I’ve ever seen. Even if they do taste good, I would not be seen in public carrying one around, let alone gnawing on the damn thing. Boy, vacation really makes people do things they wouldn't normally do.

Allie

Product of the Week: John Frieda Luminous Color Glaze

2011-10-17T08:10:00.000-07:00

Hallelujah, I've found my latest favorite thing for hair! I battle gray hair (don't we all?) and it's getting ugly. I'm pretty much keeping L'Oreal haircolor in business right now, if you know what I mean.

About a year ago, I experimented with coloring my hair darker, instead of lighter, against all the conventional advice on how we're supposed to go lighter as we get older. Much to my happiness, I actually found I like my hair a little darker... it's shinier, softer, and just makes my eyes stand out more. I get compliments sometimes on my 'new hair'. Anyway, just some background on that....

The downside to any haircolor, as you know, is that those stubborn (gray) roots keep coming back. And, I swear, they are coming back faster now than ever before. It used to be 1 or 2 gray hairs I could just pluck out and move on, but now we're talking 'sections' of my hair (mainly at the temples) that are just insisting on showing themselves. Of course, this means that I'm having to re-do my haircolor about every 4 weeks, when I used to be able to go 7 or 8 weeks between applications in the past.

I was doing that -- going through the color touch-up thing --- about once a month. UNTIL NOW.

I have discovered John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Luminous Color Glaze! I don't know whether it was intended as a color refresher for those of us who dye our hair, or more for natural brunettes who want some shine, but I don't really care. This stuff does exactly what I'm looking for.

You wash your hair as usual, use conditioner, then you put on the Glaze while your hair is still wet. Coat you hair really well and wait 3 minutes, then rinse out and style as usual. The gray roots are colored, your hair is soft and shiny, all is right in the world.

I'm thinking if it keeps working like it is now, I'm going to be able to go back to only coloring my hair every 7-8 weeks. The label says you can use the Glaze up to 3 times per week.

What's even better is that the Frieda Glaze comes in a pretty big bottle, big enough to probably last me 6 months. And it only costs about $10.

The Glaze also comes in a red and a blonde version, I think. I definitely recommend giving it a try. I have it listed in my Allie's Top 24 Favs page. I just love it when I find something that works!

Allie

Did May and December Just Collide?

2011-10-09T09:26:00.000-07:00

I’m reading this weekend that Demi Moore has asked Ashton Kutcher for a divorce after finding out he cheated with a young woman in a hot tub, or something like that. Could this signal the death of that May-to-December fantasy we were all living vicariously through them? As an ‘older woman’, it just made me so darn proud of Demi when she caught the young, hunky guy. But, now this?!

Well, leave it to me to find an age-related twist to the whole thing. I’m wondering if the age difference between Demi and Ashton – more specifically, her being about 15 years older than him – had anything to do with his transgression? Was it only a matter of time before Ashton sought the arms (among other body parts) of someone his own age? Actually, I think the reported ‘temptress’ was quite a bit younger than Ashton, which may lend a whole other dimension to our discussion.

I’m not sure what I think….. what about you? Are May-to-December relationships, especially ones in which the woman is older, inherently time-limited? Should Demi have known her days were numbered with her boy-husband? (Of course, that’s not to say she hasn’t enjoyed the last few years – I’m still so proud of you, girl!)

What do you think?

Keep Walkin', Girl

2011-10-07T08:24:00.000-07:00

Britt Nicole is a Christian artist whose songs I find inspiring and very often attuned to my life. Although, I would like to say that you don't have to be a Christian to appreciate the message in the song I'm highlighting here.

Britt is young enough, literally, to be my daughter, if not my granddaughter. So, it might be surprising that her lyrics would speak to me. But, they do, and I think it just goes to show that what we as women, as people (regardless of age), struggle with sometimes is quite universal. There's comfort in that somehow.

One of my favorite Britt songs is "Walk On the Water". It talks about facing your fears and moving forward anyway. This song is encouraging to me and I hope it will be to you, too. Here are the lyrics, and this song is listed in my Allie's Top 24 Faves if you want to take a listen.

Allie

"Walk On The Water"You look around
It's staring back at you
Another wave of doubt
Will it pull you under
You wonder

What if I'm overtaken
What if I never make it
What if no one's there?
Will you hear my prayer?

When you take that first step
Into the unknown
You know that He won't let you go

[Chorus:]
So what are you waiting for?
What do you have to lose?
Your insecurities try to alter you

You know you're made for more
So don't be afraid to move
Your faith is all
It takes in you
You can walk on the water too

So get out
And let your fear fall to the ground
No time to waste
Don't wait
Don't you turn around and miss out
Everything you were made for
I know you're not sure
So you play it safe
Try to run away

If you take that first step
Into the unknown
He won't let you go

[Chorus]

[Bridge:]
(Step Out)
Even when a storm hits
(Step Out)
Even when you're broken
(Step Out)
Even when your heart is telling you, telling you to give up
(Step Out)
When your hope is stolen
(Step Out)
You can't see where you're going
You don't have to be afraid

So what are you waiting for?

[Chorus]

Dead Gorgeous

2011-10-03T17:36:00.001-07:00

I don’t think a lot about my own death, although, I have to say that as I age, the concept does become a little more real. I somewhat reluctantly went back to my hometown recently to attend a funeral and this visit afforded me the opportunity to see many of my relatives I hadn’t seen in years. One of my most, let’s just say, “interesting” encounters, was with an Aunt (actually, she’s my cousin, but we always called her aunt because she’s my mom’s age) who was always kind of the ‘rebel’ of the family. Rebel, or some would probably say, ‘kook’. And I love her! Let me just sum up Aunt Georgia this way: She’s in her 80’s and still dyes her hair and wears leather pants. God, I wanna be her!

In my post-funeral chat with Aunt G, we both commented on how people always look so awful in their casket. In all honesty, I find the whole funeral thing pretty much hideous. There lays this dead person, wearing stage makeup and looking like a bad portrayal of themselves, in a box their family had to take out a loan to pay for. Then, people who barely knew them (or hated them) when they were alive, parade by the ‘display’ and make comments about how “good” they look. Really? Good? Uh, excuse me, they’re dead! How good could they look?!

Anyway, I digress….. So, Aunt G and I are discussing looking like crap in your casket. Then, completely true to her persona, Aunt G tells me very matter-of-factly that when she dies she wants to be laid out in a teddy and a boa. A teddy and a boa! Do you love that?!! No permed ‘do and church dress for Aunt G, no sirree. She wants to go out exactly the way she lives, in all her inappropriate glory. (Nobody would recognize her if she showed up any other way.)

After my conversation with Aunt G, I have come to the conclusion that while I’m not afraid to die, I am terrified of looking horrible in my own casket. In response to this fear, I have provided my husband and grown sons with 3 very simple demands regarding my personal funeral presentation:

1. Hire a hairdresser under the age of 30 to fix my hair. Don’t you dare have one of the volunteers from the nursing home beauty shop give me a ‘do.

2. I’m pretty sure self-tanner still works even if you don’t have pulse. Slap it on me. Liberally.

3. Send somebody to The Gap to buy my ‘going away’ outfit. I am looking for fashion here, people, not function. I’m dead, comfort is not an issue.

I want people to walk away from my funeral saying I looked better dead than I did when I was alive.

Allie

P.S. On a somewhat related note……I have made it very clear to my husband that he is absolutely not to re-marry in the event of my untimely death (it’s always untimely, whenever it is). Nope. He is to live the rest of his days in a miserable, lonely existence. When people see him on the street, I want them to comment that “he’s just a shell of a man since Allie’s been gone”. Yep, sounds fair to me.