Should You Write For Ozio Media?

   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

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

     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?

  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.

1. See if you neglect grooming your eyebrows. A 5x high magnifying mirror will tell you "yes" or "no." 
2. Notice if there are small red veins along the surface of your skin that need attention.
3. 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.
4. 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.)
5. Check your neck for sprigs of hair that sprout for no apparent reason on middle aged women.  
6. 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

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

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

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

1.   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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4.     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. 
5. 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

   
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

  "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

  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

    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

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

   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

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?

     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!

   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.

ALWAYS Gloss Over It!

Middle-aged women like us are prone to drier skin than we had in our younger years. We can fight dry skin with topical lotions and by drinking lots of water, but we must not forget to keep our lips hydrated. 

Lip gloss is exactly what you need to have silky lips. Lip gloss will give your appearance a modern touch that shows you know how to wear makeup that is not dated. Apply lip gloss frequently, particularly if you are going out socially. Choose a shade close to your natural lip color or a clear gloss for best results.

Avoid excessively shiny lip gloss by selecting a lip gloss that is neither matte nor very thick. Keep an eye on ingredients and avoid those with cinnamon in them if you have a sensitivity to cinnamon. Many lip glosses created to "plump" your lips up contain cinnamon and can cause uncomfortable tingling of the lips.

PUCKER UP, LADIES!

Hair Color is The Elixir of Youth

If you remember Miss Clairol ads from the 1960's that asked "Does she...or doesn't she?" then you are likely one of "Us" -- a middle aged woman.

Coloring your hair is the number one way to keep your appearance fresh and modern. We can hear you groaning already. Yes, we know it is bothersome to apply hair dye but the rewards outweigh the disadvantages. If you disagree, by all means let nature take its course and revel in your luxuriant silver or grey hair and laugh at those of us who do indulge in tinting our hair. We are all sisters and can therefore agree to disagree.

Whether you tint your hair, frost, or highlight it, consider wearing a shade of hair color similar to what your natural hair color was in high school. As a result, you are likely to look more natural.

Color hair frequently enough that unmatched roots do not show (approx. every 4-6 weeks.) Pay a hair dresser to color your hair at  a salon for $30++, if you can afford it. If not, a box of hair color will set you back about $10 -- you are worth it!

Adding Bling to Your Look Will Help YOU Sparkle!

Just because we are middle-aged women does not mean that we must resort to wearing demure pearl necklaces and small earrings -- not that there's anything wrong with that. Adding bling revs up your appearance. Here are two favorite costume jewelry finds we love that women of a certain age can wear well.

HOOP EARRINGS add a fashionable look to any outfit and are fun to wear. Perhaps that is why hoop earrings have been found in such places as burial chambers in Egyptian pyramids. Select any size and shade of hooped earring you prefer. Rock those hoops!


MULTI-LAYERED BRACELETS dangling off one arm is a zesty choice for jazzing up your appearance. Try layering 3 bracelets of the same style and even same color OR mix it up and don't be afraid to get creative. By the way, larger women should opt for jewelry that is not overly chunky in style in order to minimize their size, while medium-sized or slender ladies may mix both chunky and slender jewelry together.

Sarah Jessica Parker is one of Us!

A Time For Everything

If you share our demographic of being a middle-aged woman, you too may have noticed that you have been wearing stretch pants quite often lately. Stretch pants can be any color, but generally they are black and somewhat snug, with wondrously forgiving fabric. Most often worn for exercising, stretch pants smooth flesh that may be less than toned and flex comfortably around the waist.

If you find that you are wearing stretch pants everywhere you go because you have no other pants in your closet that fit, or you are not up to the challenge of finding modern clothes to wear in your closet, you may have a problem. The problem is called "settling." Settling to look nondescript -- settling to be less than the fabulous you that it is possible to be.

We know all about "settling" because we have been there. Additionally, we have noticed that this particular type of settling is prevalent among women our age -- those in their middle-aged years.

This site is not about "stretch pants" but simply aims to help ease us out of our stretch pants into the modern era as we share ideas about how to live fabulous, vivacious lives in our middling years, how we can be both fashionable and comfortable (without wearing stretch pants.) Most of all, this site provides observations, tips and ideas about how women of "a certain age" can rediscover and exhibit their sense of savvy, humor and yes, style. After all, that is what being a middle-aged woman is all about!