Saturday, April 30, 2011

Under $100.00!

This I can wear out on a Saturday night or dress down during the day!
Just wanted to post a few more items from Express.  I really feel that this year I, as a woman over fifty, can shop at Express and have a selection to choose from at affordable prices! I love these pieces.


How pretty is this floral top!



Love these cropped leggings by Express.  You can unsnap them at the bottom if you want!
Cropped leggings by Express.....so comfortable!
Both pair of leggings are called "Sexy Stretch"

These are the shoes that I bought at Payless.  I also bought them in a nude suede which I posted a few days ago.   They are great looking, comfortable and very affordable!  Girls, you have to check out Payless.  They really have great shoes!


Top, leggings and shoes are all under $100.00....combined!!!  That works for me!


Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Foods That Can Weaken Your Bones


Hi Girls,
Of course we know how important a good diet is for good health.  A good diet is also extremely important for bone health.   There are actually foods that have a very negative effect on your bones.  By negative effect it means that these foods can leach the minerals from your bones or they can block the bone's ability to regrow!  Beware of these foods..........

  1. Salt.......will take calcium from your bones.  (we get too much of our salt from processed foods.  Try to avoid as much as possible deli meats, canned foods, frozen foods, pizza and fast food.
  2. Soft drinks......The fizziness in soft drinks often comes from phosphoric acid which is so bad for our bones (phosphoric acid increases the rate at which calcium is excreted in the urine 
  3. Alcohol......prevents bone building minerals that you eat from being absorbed and drinking too much alcohol can interfere with bone healing if you do suffer a fracture.  Limit your drinks to one a day.
  4. Caffeine.......caffeine's actions are similar to salt.  It will take calcium from your bones.  Limit coffee intake to one to two cups and try to avoid other caffeinated drinks.
  5. Vitamin A......... is found in eggs, full-fat dairy, liver, and vitamin fortified foods.  It is very possible that we are getting more than the 5,000 IU's that is recommended for us daily.  And experts believe that the 5,000 IU's is still too much for us girls over fifty.  Studies show that women whose intake was over 5,000 IU's a day had more than double the fracture rate of women who were taking less than 1600 IU's!  We must switch to non-fat dairy products.
  6. Hydrogenated Oils.....the process of hydrogenation, which turns liquid vegetable oil into the solid oils used in commercial baking destroys the Vitamin K naturally found in the oil.   Vitamin K is essential for strong bones.  Not much Vitamin K is taken from the oil so you need only be concerned if you are a big lover of baked goods like muffins and cookies.  But if you are eating your green leafy veggies you do not need to worry because they are a great source of Vitamin K. 
Parts of this post taken from aolhealth.com

    Sunday, April 24, 2011

    GERMS HERE, GERMS THERE, GERMS ARE EVERYWHERE!




    By Wendy Joy




    Washed my banana like I was washing my baby!
    Clean As A Whistle!
    I think I knew I had a problem last week when I was in the kitchen washing and drying the outside of a banana as if it were a new born baby.   It used to be enough to open it carefully and take great pains to make sure the outside peel did not touch the banana...no more.  Now the banana needed a full bath, a steam shower and body scrub!  Then a nice dry pat down with a paper towel.  Maybe not the first paper towel on the end of the roll, but the second one.  That one must be cleaner for not hanging out so recklessly on the end of the roll for the last hour and a half.  Then and only then was my banana ready for consumption....and then and only then did I realize that my germaphobic situation was in full throttle.  I was a germaphobe! 

    Please don't sneeze in my drink!
    It all started when I was out at a restaurant.  I noticed that when you spoke to a waiter or waitress while they were serving your food they spoke right above your tuna on rye and there was a 50 percent chance that their spit would end up on your plate as well.  I am a very sociable person but I had to hold back during serving time.  "No questions when you are being served" I tell my friends at the table...."why?" they would ask.  Look,  at this point there is no time for the question "why" and I get very serious about the possible spit in the plate situation....."the waiter could spit on your plate!!!!!"  I hold all questions until my plate is in front of me and then I move my wine glass to the other side as the waiter answers. 
    There I am between a rock and a hard place!
    The grocery store line is another problem.  It always seems that right before it is my turn the woman or man at the counter feels compelled to put their finger up by their nose.  By then it is too late to turn back.  I am locked into position between two people and I am at the point of no return.  That's o.k. When I go home I will wash the outside of the popcorn bag as well as every other item in my cart!  And yes this does get me to thinking about all of the things that I don't see!
    I don't think it really started at the restaurant, I think it started when I got old enough and people started to say hello and goodbye by shaking hands.  At some point in time it started to freak me out that my newly washed hands were no longer newly washed and instead covered in whatever that person was just touching.  It's not that I need my hands to be freshly washed...I'm out there living life, getting dirty ( I think) and enjoying every second of it..but why all the needless handshaking and passing of the germs. 
     Not to mention passing of the perfume!  I think that as I write this story that would be my latest freak out.  I leave the house every day with a soft smelling vanilla scent.  By the time I come home from an event, dinner or party, I have collected nine hundred scents.  All strong at least when they are mixed together on my body.  I am very excited to get home and jump into the shower! 
    Ever have someone come to your house and sit on your bed with their dirty jeans?  Yes, they just came from a long subway or taxi ride and park their jeans right on or near your pillow.  yes....I love that.  I've since learned to cover all beds with a coverlet or something like it, but when the coverlet is filled with a lot of dirty jean sitting action, how do you draw the line there? Do you just put it off to the side and try to forget about all the jean action it got when you put it back on your bed, or do you wash it everyday like everything else?  I was doing all of this way before bed bugs arrived in New York.  I had my bed bug protectors for the mattress and my coverlets for the top.  Where does the madness end?
    I am so way passed the "don't put your hands on the doorknob when leaving the bathroom"  That is so yesterday!  I've been doing that for years.  Leaving the bathroom for me has been an ongoing circus act.  I have one foot up in the air to flush, if there is no hook, my bag is in my mouth while squatting and the sink work alone is magical while all done with the elbows....and of course the final paper towel exit combined with my round hook shot of the towel into the garbage before the door hits me in the back.  I should get a college athletic scholarship for this performance....my only negative being the bag in the mouth....major germs there.....but I have to choose floor or mouth. 
    There are so many things I've learned to avoid like the squeezed lemon or lime in my diet coke.  The thought of the hand that could have been anywhere squeezing an open lemon into my drink and also did they cut the lemon with the same knife that they just cut that piece of raw meat with???....that's disgusting!  Watching the man take money from someone with gloves on and then ask me "what would you like?" with the same gloves on....."oh nothing yet, I'm just looking".
     I think I have this germ thing down to a science and believe me I am an equal opportunity germaphobe.  I wash my own hands the second I walk in the door and make sure they are clean before I touch someone else's food!  I also stay away from my nose when I am about to serve you a meal at my house!  See that, now you can come for dinner and not worry!!!

    Saturday, April 23, 2011

    Saved by a Poem

    When I was younger, in my late teens and early twenties I wrote poems.  I wouldn't call it Poetry because I really don't know if anyone else would.  But to me it was therapy and a way to express myself.  I loved writing poems.  I haven't written a poem in years and honestly don't know if I could.
    The reason I am posting this is because I was looking through the April issue of "The Oprah Magazine" and came across a story and a poem that stopped me in my tracks!  The poem was written by Naomi Shihab Nye.  The short story in "O" was about a woman who encountered very trying times.  She had known about this poem "Kindness" but never really thought much about it until one day when hard times hit she was drawn to this poem.  "Kindness" by Naomi Shihab Nye actually became the prayer that carried her through the days and months to follow!



    Kindness
    Before you know what kindness really is
    you must lose things,
    feel the future dissolve in a moment
    like salt in a weakened broth.
    What you held in your hand,
    what you counted and carefully saved,
    all this must go so you know
    how desolate the landscape can be
    between the regions of kindness.
    How you ride and ride
    thinking the bus will never stop,
    the passengers eating maize and chicken
    will stare out the window forever.

    Before you learn the tender gravity of kindness,
    you must travel where the Indian in a white poncho
    lies dead by the side of the road.
    You must see how this could be you,
    how he too was someone
    who journeyed through the night with plans
    and the simple breath that kept him alive.

    Before you know kindness as the deepest thing inside,
    you must know sorrow as the other deepest thing.
    You must wake up with sorrow.
    You must speak to it till your voice
    catches the thread of all sorrows
    and you see the size of the cloth.

    Then it is only kindness that makes sense anymore,
    only kindness that ties your shoes
    and sends you out into the day to mail letters and
         purchase bread,
    only kindness that raises its head
    from the crowd of the world to say
    it is I you have been looking for,
    and then goes with you every where
    like a shadow or a friend.
     






    Home

    Naomi Shihab Nye
    (another talented lady over fifty!)

    Friday, April 22, 2011

    Decouparte

    Hi Girls,
    Two more great designs by "Decouparte"

    Sitting Buddha
    To order:  e-mail  Fayeks21@aol.com
    or leave your email in comments and Faye will contact you.
    Please view 
    My Favorite Things above
    to see more great designs and read about "Decouparte."  You can also visit "Decouparte" on Facebook.
    Queen Cat

    More Bling For Spring!!!

    As Seen On The Red Carpet
    
            Lollipop Earrings  sterling silver or gold vermeil with colored gem stones!
    Lollipop Earrings
    $75.00


    To order:  e-mail Andee137@gmail.com
    or
    Leave your e-mail in comments and Andee will contact you

    Thursday, April 21, 2011

    I Need Your Opinion!!!!

    Hi Girls/Ladies
    
     I often start my blog posts with the greeting......"Ladies"
    Now I am thinking about changing that to "Girls"
    I thought that as women over fifty we deserved the respect to be addressed as ladies.  We ARE ladies.  Aren't we?!? Then I started to think that we are all girls!  We just so happened to become over fifty.  We are still the girls from high school, just a little older!
    What is your opinion ???  As a woman over fifty do you like to be referred to as a lady or a girl or you couldn't care less?
    Please let me know what you think.........thanks!!!

    Wednesday, April 20, 2011

    Get Me The 411!!!

    My nephew just yelled at me because I dialed 411 to get a phone number. He could not believe  that I did not google it!  I do have to say that most of the time I do google for phone numbers.  And I am at the office at my desk in front of my computer which I am now typing this on, but, my finger went to the phone to dial or should I say press the buttons to dial.  Of course we don't dial phones anymore!  Remember how long it would take to dial a number especially if you were dialing the number 9 or calling the operator.  Yes, a person who actually answered the phone.  Even though she sounded like she had the worst stuffed nose!  Yet even though it took so long to dial.....I don't remember.....did we care or think about it?
    I can't remember if my family had a black rotary phone like in the pic above but I do remember that we had a light blue one.  And I thought it was so cool when my parents bought me a princess phone.  My princess phone was blue although pink was an option. It was so beautiful!  No call-waiting, no answering machine, no call-back, no star 69, no caller ID, etc........just a phone to call my friend.....and if the line was busy I would have to call back later.  Not so terrible.  We survived!

                                                         
    Anyway, just wanted to share this little story with you all because my nephew could not believe that I was calling 411!  (Let's remember that my nephew is 27 and I am 57!)
     P.S. I just asked my brother a question about rotary phones and he couldn't remember something so what do you think my nephew said.......Right!!!!.............He said "Google it!"

    Bling For Spring!

    Look At The Newest Jewelry Styles For Spring!
    
    Wide Cuff - $45.00
    4-Row Cuff - $25.00
    Two-Tone (silver/black) Laser Cut Earrings - $130.00

    
    These fabulous cuff bracelets sparkle with beautiful crystals!  The wide thirteen row cuff has a magnetic closure and the four row smaller cuff has a heart clasp.


    Take a look at these hoop earrings. They are laser cut sterling silver plated with black rhodium and platinum.  The craftsmanship is so amazing that they appear to be crystals!  Imported from Italy. 45mm size.


    Girls, to order email Andee137@gmail.com or leave a message in comments and Andee will contact you.

    
    

    My Outfit Tonight......Under $100.00!!!!

    $9.98 on sale at Target!  Going back, they also have it in grey.


    My leggings I found at Express.  They were buy one pair/get another half price!!!  Sooo comfy!  I love leggings!  I know that Tim Gunn does not like leggings,  but I live in them.  I dress them up and dress them down.  This pair by Express are really really black and looked very dressy tonight!  Tomorrow I will wear them to the office with a peasant top that I found on sale also at Target today for $7.48!
    I can't find the Express receipt.  When I do I will tell you the exact price of the legging.  I think they were about $20.00 to $25.00.

    Found these beautiful suede open toe, zipper back shoes at Payless!  They are by Fioni.  Had to buy them in black leather as well.  They are extremely comfortable for a high heel.  Got so many compliments on them tonight!

    My blazer I found at Annie Sez.  It is by Olive & Oak.  Gorgeous!  Three Quarter length sleeve.  Two closures if you want to use them.  Black Lace with a nude color underlay.  The blazer was compare at $98.00, buy at $49.99 and on sale at $37.49 with an additional 20% off if you have an Annie Sez  coupon!  So $29.99 was the final price!

    $26.99 at Payless!
    $29.99 on sale at Annie Sez!

    Girls, have fun with fashion!  It is not necessary to spend a lot anymore.  There are so many stores that have great quality and brands for less!

    Thursday, April 14, 2011

    Christie Brinkley

    Christie Brinkley Wows in a Skin Tight Red Dress
                                                

    Christie Brinkley is playing the role of "Roxie" in the Broadway musical "Chicago".  Here she is promoting the show in New York arriving at "Good Morning America."

    Brinkley who is 57 is wearing a skin tight, red Herve Leger bandage dress.  She looks amazing!  57 looks amazing!

    Let's hear it for women over fifty!!!!!!!!



    Fizz Away The Day!



    By LA Indulgence


    New Fortune Bath Fizzies
    Good Fortune & Indulgence

    New Fortune Bath Fizzies, and your shower cap. Everyone needs some time for relaxation in their busy day. LA Indulgence has a great new way to relax. Bath Fortune Fizzies are the perfect way to unwind from the hassles of the day. Each fortune fizzie is 2oz and made in the USA. There are 6 bath fizzies in each unique take-out gift container, Ooh la la lavender, Vanilla sugar and Honey oatmeal, all great for that soothing bath experience. Each fortune fizzie is individually shrink wrapped to protect each fizzie, ready to be used when you need that me time in the bath. Each fortune cookie will not only infuse the water with soothing oils and great fragrance, but will also impart words of wisdom for your well deserved me time, as every bath fizzie has a fortune inside. You can find them here, visit our shop.....


    Put on that fabulous LA Indulgence shower cap, and partake in a relaxing experience. Dim the lights or light candles, put on some music and run a warm bath and drop a fortune fizzie in it. Step into the bath and you are surrounded by fizzie fragrant bubbles, fading away the stress of the day taking you to a serene place.



    As you soak in your bath you can feel the oils nourish your skin to a smoothe silkiness and the fragrance in the air is so intoxicating.

    This is just what you needed, some time for yourself to just get away from it all. Ahhhhh….

    This makes a great unique gift for anyone thats needs some relaxation in their lives. Pair it with one of our LA Indulgence shower caps for that ultimate indulgent gift. Visit our shop.

     So whether its you that needs some indulgence or someone in your life, LA Indulgence can make that happen.

    So relax & Indulge yourself….

    Wednesday, April 13, 2011

    Another Reason To Shop!.....I'll Buy It!

    A Study was done and it is a fact.......Shopping extends your life!  

    Ladies, all kinds of shopping.  Just going to the grocery store or CVS will extend your life according to research!  The study was published April 6th in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.  "Shopping captures several dimensions of personal well-being, health and security as well as contributing to the community’s cohesiveness and economy and may represent or actually confer increased longevity," researchers wrote in the study."  But it's also possible that shopping itself could improve health by ensuring a good supply of food for a healthy diet, ensuring exercise by walking around, and providing social interaction and companionship in the form of shopping buddies, the study said.  
    As if we really needed another excuse to go shopping!




    Parts of this article were taken from:  MyHealthNewsDaily Staff

    Tuesday, April 12, 2011

    Too Much of a Good Thing

    This is where we should get our nutrients from!
    Cultures that consume a diet primarily made up of fruit, vegetables, and whole grains, with less emphasis on red meat, refined starches, and sweets have lower incidence of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and hypertension.
    It is really best if you can get your nutrients (vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytochemicals, which help prevent disease and obesity) from whole foods.  Eating a balanced diet promotes optimum health.  Of course that is not always possible.  There are times when a  supplement might be in order.
     I know that I was extremely Vitamin D deficient so I took a Vitamin D supplement.  Honestly, my prescription has run out and I am overdue for a blood test to see what my level is right now.  Hopefully I have not undone all the weeks of taking the supplement.
    Don't overdo it!
    Yet there are times when people can overdo vitamin and mineral supplementation.  There are risks that are associated with excessive supplementation.  Following is a list of potential medical complications:
    • B-3 (niacin) can cause flushing, redness of the skin, upset stomach.
    • B-6 (pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine) can cause nerve damage to the limbs, which may cause numbness and pain.
    • C (ascorbic acid) can cause upset stomach and kidney stones.
    • A (retinol, retinal, retinoic acid) can cause nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, blurred vision, clumsiness, birth defects, liver problems and possible risk of osteoporosis.  
    • D (calciferol) can cause nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, constipation, weakness, weight loss, confusion, heart rhythm problems, and deposits of calcium and phosphate in soft tissues.
    So, this does not mean that taking supplements is a bad thing, but everything in moderation.  Don't overdo it!

      This article was taken from "Focus On Health", Volume Three,  North Shore LIJ

      Thursday, April 7, 2011

      Sweet Dreams!










      By Wendy Joy


      I have had trouble falling asleep since I was a child.  When I was young I would map out my night like I was going on a camping trip.  I would pack a flashlight, a roll of toilet paper (we never had tissues), a blanket, pillow and a comic book. Off I would go to my parent's bedroom and try to get a spot on the floor on my father's side of the bed.  I would say he must have stepped on me about twice a week on his way to the bathroom in the middle of the night.  My mother was the most incredible mother in the world.  She had more patience and kindness than anyone I have ever known.....When she woke you up in the morning it was with a big warm smile and hug.  When she said good night, she tucked you in just like you see in the movies!  I got a kiss, a hug,  an "I love you" and everything else a young child needs to be sent off into a great night's sleep.  She armed me with everything I needed to make that happen....but I couldn't!  So after a long day of tending to four children she just wanted (and needed) to sleep for a little while between the hours of 11:00 and 6:00!!!  "I don't think so!!"  "I am your daughter and this sleeping thing is hard."
      So off I would go to the floor on my father's side of the bed because he didn't mind if I was there........so I would crawl on the floor with the flashlight, toilet paper(very important), comic book(one never knows) and my blanket and pillow.  If my mom got up and said "what's that?" I would have to freeze on the floor for five minutes!!!  Not easy but hey, I had nothing else to do....anyway.  Sometimes it took a good fifteen minutes to navigate my way to the right side of the bedroom and when I finally made it there ( I didn't always and then I had to go on the floor of my sister's or brother's room-not as good) I would unpack and set up camp for the night.   I would finally fall asleep on the floor and spend another tired day in the fourth grade.


      Which house will they choose?
      Before HGTV
      So flash forward a few decades or more and here I am in the same situation.....only my solutions have changed....Thank G-d.  Now I go into the living room by myself and watch HGTV!  There is nothing more relaxing than watching House Hunters, House Hunters International, Property virgins, My first Place, and Income Property etc.....The list goes on but House Hunters is by far the best and it's like I won the lottery when that show is starting.....If it's 12:00 and "Curb Appeal" is on it's not a good night.  House Hunters takes you on a journey of someone looking at three houses and making a choice by the end of the show.  You go through the whole process with them and my eyes start to shut by the second house.  I struggle to keep my eyes open which doesn't make sense because I'm there trying to get relaxed and fall asleep, but I have to see what house they choose!!!  
      After HGTV
      The next morning I try to test myself to see if I even remember who was looking for what house and I have no clue....but that night it is beyond important that I watch this family find their dream home.  I have to know if the sellers are willing to fix the boiler and the crack in the foundation!!!  I have to know!   It really is the most interesting show that can put you to sleep!  It's like taking a Xanax...and the shows are always on....they don't stop.   If you watch a movie or something too exciting it can keep you up.  Once I tried to fall asleep to a "Sex in the City" marathon and by the time I got sleepy Carrie was already in Paris with her artist boyfriend.....oooyyyyy....2:00am and I'm upset she is not with "Big".   The news is not good at that hour.  I get so freaked out over all of the problems in the world that my heart starts to pound and I am left thinking that for sure this time we are all in real trouble. That usually leads me to putting on my i-tunes and listening to sad music.  I try to get all my news in before bedtime....not during it.   So my solution is HGTV.  It is addicting and it works!  Next time you can't fall asleep, give it a try!  I promise you great results! 
      If only there was HGTV when I was a child!

      The Goodness Of Green Tea


      Hi Ladies,
      I really don't love the taste of green tea.  I do like tea but green tea is not one of my favorites.  Well that is going to have to change after learning some facts about this wonder tea!

      Green tea is brewed from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant.  It has been enjoyed by many culture for more than 4.000 years.  It has been proven that green tea is effective in fighting many diseases.  It is known to promote longevity!

      These are some of the amazing virtues of green tea......

      1. Helps reduce the risk of cancer
      Powerful antioxidants in green tea search out and destroy hazardous free radicals in the body.  Free radicals cause cellular damage, which can lead to disease such as cancer.  These antioxidants (called catechins) arrest the growth of cancer cells by preventing them from dividing.  Drinking green tea can reduce the risk of stomach, colorectal, esophageal, lung, breast, ovarian, pancreatic and skin cancer.

      2.  Prevents Heart Disease
      Green tea represses the protein angiotensin and lowers LDL cholesterol levels therefore helps to prevent  high blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease.  Green tea also is a protector against thrombosis, which is the clotting of blood in the circulatory system.


      3.  Contains the highest concentration of the powerful antioxidant EGCG
      Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the polyphenolic catechin, or wonder ingredient, found in green tea that is 100 times more effective than vitamin C and 25 times more effective than vitamin E at protecting cells and DNA from free radicals.  EGCG is also twice as powerful as resveratrol, the beneficial antioxidant found in red wine.

      Tea for Two
      Make mine green!



      Facts from this post were taken from "Focus on Health", Vol. 3, North Shore LIJ

      Saturday, April 2, 2011

      The Message Is In The Massage

      Hi Ladies,
      I know that from everyday stress and just everyday everything my bones and muscles ache.  Nothing makes me feel better in every way than a massage.  To me it is the most relaxing and invigorating thing that I can do for my body.  If I had endless funds I would get a foot massage weekly.  To me that is the best massage!
      The benefits of massage therapy have been known for so many centuries and passed down by many diverse cultures.  Massage has been known as a healing tool. It can ease emotional as well as physical pain.  There is scientific proof supporting this.
       One type of massage that I am so interested in is "Reflexology."  I read an article about a woman who was not doing well.  Her physical and emotional state were bad.  She had many health issues and felt so ill that she was sure that she was dying.   She felt helpless and did not know where to turn.  Someone told her to go for Reflexology.  Having nothing  more to lose since she felt like she was losing her life she got up the energy to go for a session.   After the first session this woman felt like a different person.  After a few sessions she no longer felt so sick and her emotional state improved dramatically.  Reflexology basically changed this woman's life.  I wish I remembered where I read this article so I could direct you to it.  But please take my word that this is what happened for this woman.  Reflexology can be pricey.  That is one reason I have not started with it yet.  I am told that it is wonderful for so many physical and emotional issues that can bother us.
       It is estimated that 80-90% of disease in humans is stress-related.  Imagine if we could prevent this!
      Following are some additional benefits of massage:

      • It increases circulation
      • It stimulates the flow of lymph (the body's natural defense system) throughout the body
      • It relaxed and softens injured and overused muscles
      • It reduces spasms and cramping
      • It reduces recovery time for both "Weekend Warriors" and top athletes
      • It releases endorphins (the body's natural pain killers)
      • It helps with scar tissue, which develop as a result of surgery
      • It greatly improves range of motion
      Of course the more frequent your massages the better, but even if it is a once in a while treat it is still beneficial to your health!!!


      Parts of this post were taken from an article written by Dr. Glenn Rosenberg, D.C. which appeared in "Local Luxuries"    March 2011 issue.