Browse >
Home / Archive: August 2008
A recent FAF reader wrote to us and asked, “What are the best ways to stay healthy and fit?”
We all know that if we can get our bodies looking at least “fit”, than buying and looking good in clothes will be a lot easier! So we passed off the question to our favorite Health and Wellness Guru, Lisa Crisalle, (owner of www.OverFortyFitandFabulous.com) and here is her answer:
After 40 we generally find it more challenging to “stay on track” however here are a few quick tips to help you feel and look great (at any age)!
1st – Stay active, keep moving and choose activities that you LOVE! So, next time you go to the mall, park farther away and walk! Choose the stairs over the elevator and take advantage of the summertime and plan more outdoor activities (like hiking, biking or power walking). In fact, next time you plan time to get together with your girlfriends – meet them at a park or hiking trail with a bottle of water (instead of meeting and sharing a bottle of wine). If you have children (or a dog), take them to the park and throw a Frisbee (when is the last time you did that?) How about joining a Zumba class (never heard of it – check with your local YMCA or gym).
The key is – Have Fun!!
2nd - Choose what I call an 80/20 clean eating meal plan. What do I mean by that? Simple – 80% of the time stick to fresh produce, and unprocessed foods. Lean proteins such as chicken breasts, white fish, and lean fillet mignon, or low-fat cottage cheese. And, always combine a protein with a complex carbohydrate (rice, yams, oatmeal, multi-grain bread) and fresh vegetables. Keep your fresh fruit to mornings and lunch and avoid fruit juice.
Since it is still summer time, take advantage of your local farmer’s markets and have fun with color! Stay away from sodas at all costs, and processed foods – they will gunk you up and slow you down. That means that 20% of the time (each week), allow yourself some freedom with a nice glass of wine, a special desert, or an extra slice of bread with butter.
The key is to plan for the 20% (if you have a special event, or get-together with friends). Plan for it and you won’t “fall off the wagon.” Be sure to get right back to your 80% and you will feel amazing.
3rd – Your mindset is key. Set a goal of where you would like to be and what EXACTLY that would look like. What clothes or outfit will you be wearing, how will you feel, and how will you carry yourself? Remember, you have choices every day. Make the best choices at least 80% of the time (I truly recommend pushing it to a 90/10 split if you are truly on a mission), and that will leave you a little “fudge factor” for your special times. Use pictures as reminders and visualizing techniques are truly effective.
Most importantly, KEEP IT FUN!! Because when you feel great, you feel empowered and it is a beautiful upward spiral. ~Lisa Crisalle, CFNS
Have you tried Botox? Have you ever wondered is there something else you could try?
I (JoJami) sure had my interest peeked when Galvanic Spa representative, Kennerly Clay came over to my house to give me a demo of her anti-wrinkle treatment. I must say, it did plump up everyone’s skin and was not painful at all! We also found a great article about other alternatives to Botox, the other day, over at The Best Kept Secret. Here are some of Karen’s top tips from her research:
Cosmetic Acupuncture Okay, needles are involved but they’re tiny, have been used for thousands of years to treat all sorts of conditions and are not’t shooting toxins into our bodies. “It’s an inside out kind of treatment,” explains Shali Rassouli of the Cosmetic Acupuncture Clinic of Toronto. A licensed Chinese medicine practitioner, she described the process during a phone interview. “Acupuncture increases the local circulation to the face and stimulates collagen production, which will fill out the lines and give firmness to the skin.”
While she’s quick to point out that it’s not a quick fix –it takes up to 10-12 sessions over a six-month period before you’ll see results – she’s adamant that the results are worth it. “You’ll look like yourself, but better. And, there are no side-effects.”
The cost is around $1,000 for the recommended 10-12 treatments. If that’s all you do, you should keep seeing a difference for up to one year. But Rassouli points out that with monthly maintenance, things will just keep getting better. For more information, visit the Cosmetic Acupuncture website at http://www.cosmeticacupuncture.ca/.
Toning Technology When Maxine Warsh of Facial Rejuvenation contacted us and asked us if we’d be interested in experiencing a “non-surgical face lift”, we were intrigued and agreed to give it a try. The procedure involved applying a variety of electrical probes to different areas of the face. Mild electrical vibrations stimulate facial muscles. It’s not at all painful and, as you might expect, lying on a table for an hour or so is soothing in and of itself.
The results? Improved skin tone and a decrease in the appearance of lines and sagging. It’s also touted as being helpful in treating rosacea and acne. Maxine tells us we can expect to see some results after a single session but anyone who is serious about this should plan for an initial course of twelve, one hour-long sessions. A former yoga instructor in her early 50s, Maxine reports, “My clients boast that after even a single sessions their friends say they look rested, vibrant and like they’ve just returned from a long and happy vacation.” Looking at our reflection in the mirror at the end of our trial session we’d have to concur. The lines that run between our nose and mouth didn’t seem so pronounced.
And was it our imagination or did our facial skin seem a little tighter? Does it work? You be the judge. For more information, call Maxine at 416.221.0568 or visit her web site at www.MaxineWarsh.com.
Have you found yourself wondering if your latest purchase was a little too young looking for you? Do you have a few things in your closet that might be border-line too sexy, making you wonder, “does this look right on a woman my age”?
This week’s Blogging Boomer’s Carnival (a collection of some of the best boomer blogs on the net), has an eye opening post about dressing age appropriately.
Fellow blogger, “The Midlife crisis queen” writes about a woman who started dressing like her teenager because of her midlife crisis.
To hear this woman talk about her problem in her own words, visit the Blogging Boomer’s carnival, hosted this week by Gen Plus! Once you are at Gen Plus, scroll down to The Midlife crisis queen post and click on the link that says The “morning show with Mike and Juliet” .
Could this be you?
If you follow our blog you know we’re great fans of MORE-the magazine that celebrates women over 40. Here’s the September issue featuring Felicity Huffman looking Sensational!
The exciting news from MORE is they’re giving our Fabulous after 40 subscribers the chance to win a Summer Beauty Gift bag. We’ll be giving away 6 prizes over the next two weeks.
All you have to do is fill our our very short Fab after 40 survey and you are automatically entered into the contest. Just click here to enter and WIN!
Also, Last year we attended the MORE Magazine Reinvention Convention and we have just signed up for this year’s on Oct 6th in New York. Hope to see some of you there. Issac Mizrahi will the be guest speaker on Style. Can’t wait. Should be fun!
The fashion magazines are showing lots of suits this fall and there are several trends that you should be aware of if you want to look up to date!
The matchy matchy suit is out! This season, it’s time to break things up! 
Also, you asked for it, and it’s back…YES, the high rise pant came back this spring and you’ll see it this fall too! Here are a few more things to look for:
- Wide legs. This is a blessing for us! How flattering this style is on almost all body types. Just make sure you stay fitted on the top half and don’t go too, too wide on the bottom.
- Men’s suiting. This fall the look is very tailored, almost masculine, but to keep yourself from looking like a man, add a little ruffle or soft flowing fabric.
- Get a pencil skirt. This is the first thing you should buy this season! A pencil skirt looks great on most everyone, and you can dress it up with a fitted jacket or down with a comfy sweater set.
- Be daring and throw in a Bold color! It’s not going to be easy this fall to find a great color to add to your wardrobe, but you gotta to try! This season, grey, black and neutrals will be filling the racks. Go out there with the mindset, that you want to brighten up your wardrobe and don’t settle for buying just another black something!
- 3/4 sleeve Jackets - They are everywhere. We like them and have bought them, but are curious about how practical they will be when winter rolls in? This one is from Nordstroms<.
What do model Carol Alt and Demi Moore have in common? Both claim the reason they look and feel fabulous after 40 is because they follow a strict Raw Food Diet.
If you’ve ever wondered what raw foods could do for you, then check out a fascinating video we found at The Blogging Boomer’s Carnival #82.
Find out what happened when a group of Type 2 diabetics were put on a raw foods diet for only 30 days. Believe us, you’ll be reaching for the raw carrot sticks after seeing this one! This week’s carnival, featuring this story and many more cool boomer posts, can be found at host site Life Two.
Dear Deb and JJ,
Recently I had my toes done before I went on vacation to my friends lake house and the guy did a little flower on each big toe. Then, I was at a craft show and found a really cute ankle bracelet for myself and thought it would be a fun step toward updating me, so I splurged and got it.
Now, visiting another friend she fell in love with the ankle bracelet and said here! and slipped a toe ring on me. So now I have one toe ring, one ankle bracelet, and two flowers on my toes (color is subtle) My question is that too much for one set of feet???
Sincerely,
Dressed From the Knees Down
Dear Knees Down,
Well, this is very interesting!! We think your intentions are very good… we love that you have splurged on something that you want. However there is one problem.. the truth is ankle bracelets and toe rings went out of style years ago and are not in style right now. You want to look hip, we’ve got some suggestions below.
Also, little drawings on your manicure or pedicure are fun for teenagers. They are not age appropriate for us ladies. This being said, we feel like we have burst a balloon and taken the fun out of life. However, we promise you we are not snobby, stodgy old ladies, that don’t want you to shine your individuality. NO, we want you to be YOU, but do it with some hip flair, some Oh, la la.. Don’t worry, we have a solution for your fun loving soul! Put your toe and ankle bracelet away or wear it at night with nothing else! Then try these tips to update your look and TWEAK YOUR CHIC!
1. Do it with a great FUN watch!!! Start a watch collection. Cheapo is fine. Find one that speaks to you. Collect them and switch them up. The first time I bought an inexpensive watch I thought I would never wear it much. It’s my favorite one now! Once it starts to look worn, I will toss it and not feel guilty.
2. Buy a jeweled flip flop or one with beads on it. Your shoes should be where you put your bling; not your ankle. For examples, visit our past blog posts on shoes!
3. Try some metallic nail polish in bronze for some subtle shine!
4. How about a colorful purse. Your purse should be FUN. Buy one in a bright color that you LOVE.
5. Totes can say “wow” too. See if you can find a flashy beach bag that says your personality. These are all much better ways to show your “cool” factor!
Your arms may be a little flabbier than they used to be, and you’re likely struggling with some middle age spread, but no one will ever notice if you slip on a great jacket. Ah, structure!! A short fitted jacket can work wonders to transform any 40 + body into a lean mean style machine. And, how fabulous a jacket makes you feel… Chic, together and ready for action!
If you have a jacket on this season’s shopping list, but you’re not sure what kind to buy, here are 5 Fall Jackets to Make you Look Fabulous after 40.
Romantic Ruffles
Though Ruffles are one of the hottest trends this season, they can be hard to pull off if you are over 40. Why? They can look too “little girly” and all of those busy ruffles can just add bulk if you are busty or have a few extra midlife pounds at the waist.
That being said, we adore this red Armani wool jacket. It’s simple, elegant and nips in beautifully at the waist, which is what we always preach (No boxy jacket please! It won’t hide extra pounds. It will only make you look bigger, like a football player)
The key to making this feminine ruffled jacket work is to balance it out with something tailored and masculine (like these simple black pants) to give it a modern edge. The simple “I mean business black heels” are grown-up and sexy. The color red is bold and powerful. If you think you might be able to wear a jacket like this in pink, pastel blue or even with a ruffled skirt, think again. The combination of pastels and ruffles will make you look like an outdated mother of the bride.
Long Live Leather
If you like leather, but you are worried about looking like an old biker, then this is a great jacket for you. It’s a Tory Burch quilted leather jacket with super soft leather diamond quilting and military pomp detail.
Again, it’s fitted (see how it nips in at the waist) so it will give you a great shape. Also, it is a warm brown shade which is softer than black.
Jet Black leather can be too harsh for many women over 40, as in midlife our skin and hair color pales a bit and the harsh black combined with masculine leather creates quite a jarring contrast. (If you feel black leather still works for you, then try something elegant like a swing jacket in black leather.)
Last word about the brown leather jacket above…It is best suited for someone with a small to medium bust, as there is a lot of detail going on with those upper patch pockets. A big bust plus all of that detail will look too bulky.
Dusters
Very chic and very fun, dusters are hot for fall. Dusters create a nice long line that draws the eye down and makes you look slimmer and taller. (Petites: Be careful with your dusters. Don’t go past the knee.)
This hot shot of Fuchsia is all you need to keep you feeling happy during the long winter and make heads turn.
Metallic + Plaid
Giant plaids, checks and tweeds mixed with metallics are the newest arrivals on the fashion scene creating a glamorous high fashion look.
This Burberrry trench coat inspired jacket is a classic cut, always flattering to women over 40, and it has 3/4 sleeves which makes it youthful. If you want to look Age-mazing™ you have to be willing to try new things. Get rid of that stodgy two button navy blazer and try something like this.
One other tip-with any patterned jacket, make sure the patterns line up at the seams of the shoulders and lapels.
Color + Comfort
Structure is good because it makes a soft body look more angular, but we all want comfort too. That’s why this burnt orange 3/4 length sleeve-merino wool cardigan by Tory Burch is such a find. It’s simple, rich and that pop of color is just what you need to make the statement “I’m over 40 and I’m fabulous!”
Double breasted (very in at the moment) and shiny buttons give it that military feel, but the 3/4 length sleeves, which seem to be everywhere this year, make it a little more casual.
Texture Galore
One thing you’ll notice this fall is texture. There are textured fabrics and interesting textured details on jackets – at necklines, on sleeves and pockets. This Dior Swan Neck Peplum jacket has a 40’s inspired silhouette with waves of gathered fabric at the pockets that give it a cutting edge look.
With this jacket the attention will be on your curvy hips so if you don’t want the focus there, this is not for you.
This Robert Rodriguez textured jacket is tweed and has fabric rosette detailing at the collar. These nostalgic rosettes, plus the long gloves (which you will see everywhere with cropped jackets this fall) gives this outfit a high fashion feel straight out of the 50′s. Here the jacket is paired with a matching skirt, but you can also wear this it with a solid colored skirt or pants. If you want a much more casual look then take off the gloves, pair it with jeans and change your top. A long loose sleeveless satin top or an empire waist blouse that grazes your hip bones, would look great underneath.
We came across a great thing over at Nordstrom’s… They have something called The Top 10 where they list the top 10 fashion trends and then you can shop the trend. We have done all the work for you…
Here are our top 5 trends out of the of the 10 including what we would buy and why. Have some fun, check out the site and comment below. We’d like to hear what you would choose!
1.The Stand Out Coat: Everyone needs one. In the fall and winter you will wear it almost daily. Here is one we like. It’s a modern pattern and color combination, but the cut is classic.
2. The Pencil Skirt: A pencil skirt should be simple and fit well. We liked this one the best, especially the way the hem falls at just the right part of the leg.
3.The Statement Necklace: We strongly agree that a statement necklace is a must have in your wardrobe. The neck is one of the areas on a woman that stays sexy the longest. Let’s celebrate it with sparkle!/p>
4. The Short Jacket:
Its hard to see it in this photo, but this jacket has a lot of detail to it. The sleeve has just a bit of flair at the cuff. We like the overall fit too!
5. The Bootie: This was a hard choice, but this one is a great price and has lots of class.
Congratulations go out to last months Blo & Go contest winners, Shelly Taylor of Midwest City, OK. (pictured here) and Jeanie Robinson, Hickory, N.C.
Thanks to all of you who are helping spread the word about our site! We sure are grateful to all our readers!
Be sure to enter this months contest and be on the look out for more fun ways to win FREE stuff!!
The good news is, it does…if if you spend it the right way on things like luxurious massages, relaxing facials and other fabulous experiences.
Find out more about this fascinating new find at The Blogging Boomer’s Carnival, hosted this week by Don’t Gel to Soon.
(JoJami) Wrinkles… If there is one area that I really had not been too worried about wrinkles, it has been my chest or the formal word for it is “décolleté.”
That is, until, a friend of mine who is 30 something, mentioned to me that she had seen this cool product, called Decollete Pads, that basically erases chest lines by wearing this giant band-aid for as little as an hour, or overnight. Then you just peel it off (I tried it, its totally painless) with a chest that looks like someone let you borrow and iron!
OOH NO… Do I need help in that area too?
(I am now running to look in a mirror and check out my plunging neckline…)
Click here for more info.and to see some amazing before and after photos.
We like it when we can get a “scoop” on a new product…and so here it is!
The NEWEST “It” bag, is just hitting stores now, its called:
The Kara James Bag!
This is NOT just your ordinary handbag! Not only is it truly hip and gorgeous, but the decorative “belt” that goes around the bag, can be changed to give it a whole new look!
Isn’t it gorgeous? And it is SO well made!!
Once again, we area hosting the gang of Blogging Boomer’s this week. We would like to introduce you to them and give you a flavor of who we are!
What is a Blogging Boomer’s Carnival? It’s a group of bloggers who are all writing about Boomer issues. Our group is growing and we have 2 new bloggers this week!
More of us are entering the second half of our lives than at any other time in history. Yet, in many ways, we are not prepared to live them fully. Find out more, over at So BabyBoomer!
News on the street is that the AARP is being bossy and always telling middle -agers where to live and when to retire. Not one to take things sitting down, the The Boomer Chronicles are saying, “I object”!
So, how does one tastefully cash in on a show that was canceled after only 39 episodes, but which had proven immensely popular after its demise? That was the quandary faced by TV studio execs with the popular show, The Flintstones. Just go to I Remember JFK to find out the whole story!
Seven years after the fact, The Midlife Crisis Queen thinks back to her own divorce, why it happened and why it was a very good change in her life!
Thinking about the new Batman film and all the political implications behind it, Don’t Gel Too Soon discusses them and more…
California was shaking and quaking this past week and Janet Wendy from Gen Plus gives us a little LA peek inside the rumbling!
Have you heard about the Paycheck Fairness Act, being debated currently in Congress? If not you might want to find out more at one of our newest BloggingBoomer members, VaBoomer!
Would you say you’re happy? Dina over at This Marriage Thing discusses a study that finds women over 48 less happy than men.
Andrea Stenberg is our other newest B.B. member and she is putting it all on the line as she shares her deepest, darkest secret…about her messy desk. This BabyBoomer Entrepreneur tells how she’s going to overcome this bad habit!
Have you had a chance to see the inspiration talk by Randy Pausch, the terminally ill computer science professor whose poignant farewell lecture at Carnegie Mellon University became a viral video phenomenon? He symbolized living life to the fullest. Having passed away last week, Life Two is celebrating his courage with a link to this special and touching talk!
As far as technology is concerned, are you a digital native or an old dog? Head over to Contemporary Retirement to find out!
Here is a quick look on what women are clomping around in NYC, and we warn you… its wild!
What seems to be popular these days is too extreme for us gals over 40. For example, these purple patent heels are the perfect, “what NOT to wear” style.
If you want a chuckle, check out this video from The New York Times to see why we think this new style rage should be left to younger Fashionistas.
With the hot and muggy weather, the last thing you’re probably thinking about is pulling on a cashmere sweater (like this cute Vince sweater coat).
But with the fall clothes arriving in the stores, this is the best time to start taking a look. We’ve always found that some of the best pieces come out first, so make sure to grab something great before it is gone.
Before we shop we like to get a preview of what’s out there so we pop online first. When you’ve seen something that you like online or in a magazine it’s so much easier to shop. You just hit the store and you head straight for that item like a bee to honey.
So here is a online taste of what will be trickling into the stores soon…
