Progress?

I got a little busy this month and may have stumbled a bit upon the pathway to fabulous.  My weight is still about the same.  I have to say that having a supply of Slimfast and milk in the house helps me to avoid getting overly hungry and eating bad things.  The Slimfast was $10.99 per tin.  So I substituted President's Choice Trimplan.  How bad could it be?  It was a few dollars less.  I was not treating myself as a fabulous person by substituting the cheap stuff.  It's not that it tastes awful.  It doesn't.  I just don't look forward to the taste of the Chocolate or Vanilla PC stuff.  I love the Vanilla Slimfast (not the Chocolate or the Strawberry).  So if I have it, I'll eat that instead of junk food.  Really.  For a Few Dollars More...

I have been walking 4 days per week.  Not great but OK.  I'm not sure if it's the new jeans or the walking, but I'm definitely getting lots of weight loss compliments.  It's not the weight for sure, it may be the walking, but I'm definitely getting more of those jeans. (Marks Work Wearhouse - classic fit).

Shopping

While waiting all day for car repair the only nearby clothing store was Marks Work Wearhouse.  I needed shoes to replace the flip flops and launch my feet into fall.  I am starting with just some basic going to the grocery store shoes.  Not fabulous but not ugly.  I bought these http://www2.marks.com/productdetails.asp?categoryID=510&start=1&href=%2Fctwnew%2Fmarkprod%2Ensf%2FProductListByID%2F840F2B337CE13F81802576F5000B53AB%3FOpenDocument for 24.99 because they look youthful,

and some black athletic shoes in a style called Tanya - which don't look like anything - but they make my feet look small - that never happens.  Sorry I can't find an image but they were $79.99 and were "quad comfort" with "Duraguard Protection" and they were street shoes.

But I Love Black

I just got this from "Long Tall Sally"

http://e.longtallsally.com/go.asp?/.$.lts001.mkt.2010.wk32.20100909na/bLTS001/uHLRZI0F/x8LGKG2F

Apparently "Black brings seductive sophistication to your modern look and is perfect for any occasion."

Well, I've always bought that - just a bit too much.  This is the Angelica Shrug for $42.  It's dark - but it's cut differently from anything else in my closet - so maybe.......I'm not sure why the whole picture won't display - but it ties at the bottom.
http://us.longtallsally.com/tops/long-sleeve/angelica-shrug/black?cm_mmc=Email-_-20100909CA-_-xx-_-HLRZI0F&utm_source=sfd&utm_medium=email&utm_name=BatchField%20CampaignName&utm_term=HLRZI0F

Goodbye Summer

Labour day has past and the old tradition is to put away the white clothes after Labour Day.   Well, it helps that it was suddenly cold today - so I have done away with the white stuff.

Here's a quote from the series Frasier - from his brother Niles:

 Love is a funny thing, isnt it? Sometimes its exciting and



passionate. Sometimes its something else. Something... comfortable


and familiar. That newly-exfoliated little face staring up at you


across the breakfast table... sharing a laugh together when you see


someone wearing white after Labor Day.


 

So with the white put away, my quest is to find some fall clothes that are more fabulous..... but I'm afraid I'm cheap and practical.  My first search is for some jeans and tops.  So I'm going to check in with Stacy and Clinton to see what they will say about Jeans. Here's a video clip: http://tlc.discovery.com/videos/what-not-to-wear-how-to-find-the-perfect-pair-of-jeans.html  Episode 19 of What Not to Wear is about Gina, a 38 year old mom who has the world's largest collection of Mom jeans.  What's wrong with that?

Here's a blog about selecting Jeans: http://hubpages.com/hub/Designer-Jeans-for-Moms

Now I know I'm not supposed to wear high wasted Mom jeans - but I've tried low rise and it's not working for me.  The pants sink below my belly, I get an uncomfortable breeze in the back, and I end up with  unflattering bulges over the top.  I'm trying some Marks Work Wearhouse classic fit jeans - they are a little higher rise - but not way up!  They offer Classic fit, Modern Fit and Contemporary fit - and I think my body has to head for Classic.  The jeans have a bit of stretch to them - which I'm not sure is a good thing - it seems to allow my bulges to bulge instead of pulling it all in.  I was only able to find boot cut in my length which has a bit of a flare at the bottom.  This is supposed to draw emphasis away from the top - for me though with being taller - a straight cut should draw attention to my length I think.  I would say though that my walking has improved my rear profile - even if I haven't changed my weight.  Maybe it's the new jeans.

More about Teeth

An Article "20 Things That Can Ruin Your Teeth" appeared this morning on MSN http://health.msn.com/health-topics/oral-care/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100261172&gt1=31017 telling us a bout Sports Drinks, bottled water (because there's no flouride. tobacco and wine - and you can read the rest. 

The headline was about bottled water being bad for our teeth - but come on - because there's no flouride?  Don't you have flouride in your toothpaste?  Ask your dentist if that's enough.

From urbandictionary.com

"Geriatric bypass, n.: The act of denying your actual age in order to give others the impression that you are younger; a medical procedure intended to provide persons of advanced years the appearance of being younger."

Fashion Forward - I Hope

I have a few style issues.

First of all, everything is black.  Somewhere along the line I learned that black was slimming and sophisticated, but it's also boring and does nothing for my pale complexion.  So then I opt for bright pink or white, and my daughter reminds me that I am dressing like grandma.  She is correct.  Colour then is something I definitely need to work on.

Another problem is that I tend to repeat everything.  If I find something that looks good, I tend to buy the same things year after year.  For example, I buy new beige pants every year to go with a new black top every year.   Why?

Finally, there are things that I am trying to hide.  My hips, my waist or lack thereof, my upper arms.... and so on.  You know they really aren't that bad.

So it's time for me to think outside of the box or my closet so to speak.  Wish me luck.

I've been reading today (before I begin my quest for fall clothes) that women my age can wear more accessories than younger women. http://womensfashion.suite101.com/article.cfm/how_to_dress_your_age_when_youre_over_50
No.  I want clothes.  I don't want to give up and just accessorize - "because a woman my age can carry it".  No NO.

In another article, I learned that women of a certain age should opt for more classic pieces such as:
a well-cut blazer, good quality blue jeans in dark colour, a classic white shirt, a sheer chiffon blouse, a pencil skirt, a fitted cashmere sweater in dark jewel colours, tailored black pants, a trenchcoat, a little black dress and a long silk scarf.
Well I like the sounds of all of this - but it seems like everything that I have already, and maybe I should just head back to the black section of the store.  I need to do some more research.

Don't Forget a Great Sunhat

Even though it's almost fall there is still a lot of sunshine out there.  For years I have struggled with age spots and other sun related issues.  In addition to sunscreen, and the makeup that I always try to wear that also has an SPF of 20,  I try to wear a sunhat.  Each year I try to get something that looks a little stylish but casual at the same time.

The trick is to have something that shades your whole face without looking like a floppy crazy country garden lady.  I bought one something like this from Marks Work Wearhouse at the beginnng of the summer, but by the end of the summer I do have that crazy floppy look.  Time for a new hat.

Apparently these ones are from Jollyfishing

Quotation of the Week

Nature gives you the face you have at twenty; it is up to you to merit the face you have at fifty.


- - - - Coco Chanel

An Update

Previously, I said I was going to step it up.  Well, I have had limited success with that.  I have been continuing to walk 6K five days a week or so.  I have my new shoes, and I feel great when I'm walking, but my feet are still killing me every morning.  I did hit the drive through and have a full McDonald's breakfast this week - FAIL - but guess what - food poisoning or something - and I was down for a day and I lost a pound. This is not success.  I must step it up some more.  Good luck to everyone!

Walking Shoes

So, I finally took a few minutes to visit my local sporting goods store and source out some walking shoes.  If you are looking for shoes - there is a big difference between walking, training and running shoes.  Apparently, walkers tend to strike the ground with their heels and push off with their toes.  With walking, one foot is always in contact with the ground.  Also, we need flexibility at the toe and front of the foot and some padding at the heel.  Grill your sports store employee about the right shoes for your style of walking, and if they don't seem to know - go somewhere else.  I bought Nike Air Max HealthWalker VII+ at Sportchek for $99.00 or so plus tax.  A lot for me to spend on myself, considering that I would be happy to wear my daughter's handme downs, but I need to be fabulous - and my feet are killing me.  These shoes had pretty good reviews on-line - but I've heard they don't have great traction on wet pavement.  Take care.

Time to Step it Up

It's mid August, and although I'm not going back to school, everything changes after Labour Day.  Kids are back to school, people are back from vacation and the routine changes.  I am the same weight that I have been for 10 years, but gravity is changing my overall shape.  My walking is going well - still doing 6K per day about 5 days per week.  For me, it's not that I need to diet, it's just that I need to eliminate temptation.  What are my weeknesses?  Frosty cold beverages - replaced with frosty cold diet pop.  Not eating breakfast or lunch - followed by hoovering down fast food or globs of peanut butter when I feel starved.  Therefore no drivethru and no peanut butter.  Replaced with Slimfast.  We'll see how it goes for a week.  Wish me luck.  Good luck to you too.

61

Margot Kidder with Annette Otoole I think!

Today I heard Margot Kidder (famous for her role as Lois Lane) talking about her role in the new play "Love, Lost and What I Wore".  When asked about her fashion she said something like "Darling I'm 61.  Nothing fits.  But I buy lots of shoes and purses."

Over 50 Skin Care

While lounging by the beach this past week, I read a piece about skincare through the decades – (published in Chatelaine’s June 2010 issue) – what to do in your 20s, 30s, 40s and finally your 50s. I’m not sure if Chatelaine thinks we should give up after 50 or just stop buying the magazine once we hit 60. Chatelaine responded to a reader letter to the editor about this. The gist of it was that in the 50s and beyond we just continue with more of the same. I’m not so sure about that. The article is also on their website at: http://en.chatelaine.com/english/style/article.jsp?content=20100409_152052_0003


The article tells us that since our skin is getting dryer – we should try heavier creams or lotions. I know that this may be true for some people, and I’m only approaching 50, but at this phase, while my skin is dryer in some spots, I still will break out if I use heavy creams. Apparently we should also try hyaluronic acid in these creams and to “use a moisturizing mask once a week”. I’m going to give this a try. Also recommended are retinoid products for deep creases, hydroquinone for age spots, and

From the dermatologists: Since skin becomes drier at this age, try heavier creams or lotions that contain hyaluronic acid, which help it retain moisture, and use a moisturizing mask once a week to work against the appearance of wrinkles by plumping up the skin. For deeper creases on your face, try a routine with retinoid products. Hydroquinone products will help treat age spots. “Vitamin K, azulene and anti-glycation serums that help replace collagen” are also suggested. Check out the article.

Three Products I'm Trying Right Now

So I have bland pasty white skin - I look tired and pale, I have a few age spots and other things and wrinkles - more on that another day.  

Every day before my shower I apply Exact Endless Summer Daily Moisturizer - in fair skin tone - I put it all over my face and neck, etc.  - It moisturizes and has a very gradual self tanner - It is NOT SUNSCREEN - I'm losing the pasty look and having a little bit of a moisture blast before my shower.  Sorry, I can't find  a link to it on the net, I bought it from Loblaw/Superstore - Exact is a generic brand - so try Coppertone Endless Summer instead.

I've always noticed I have racoon eyes when I look in the mirror at a department store through the day - bright reflective circles around my eyes bouncing the department store lighting back to the mirror - where I have applied a too light foundation to my face.  I took the time to see a cosmetician who recommended that I try a slightly darker but still pale foundation all around my face.  She matched the tone in-store - all over my face - and it seems to work.  Lancome Renergie Lift Makeup - seems to cover most of my spots, doesn't settle in my wrinkles, and has an SPF of 20 - it seems to stay smooth most of the day!  I'm not sure about the Lift thing though!

Finally I'm applying Maybelline Expert Wear Blush WF127 in Romantic Plum - I'd given up on blush years ago - because it made me look like I was wearing clown makeup over my pale skin.  This is working for me.

Try something new.  Please comment if there is something new you have tried!

Smile!

I enjoy my coffee, but I could definitely make an effort to have more fabulously white teeth.  My teeth aren't too bad as I have tried a few whitening products and thank my mom for those years of braces in my teens.  Recently I came across a review for "Brighten Up" tooth whitener.  It comes in a tube which looks easy to use - and for me appropriate because I have a few problem teeth that look a touch darker than the others.  Good Housekeeping reviewed the product stating "In the lab, Brighten Up visibly lightened the teeth of two thirds of participants, and more than half agreed that their teeth looked whiter.  Not surprisingly, results were most pronounced on stained teeth."  Paula's Choice . I'm going to order it, and I'll let you know how it goes.

And Another Thing....

There's nothing like sitting out on the patio or on the beach, in the summer sun (soaking up that vitamin D) relaxing.  Every evening is like a vacation or so it seems.  This makes it tempting to have a lovely frosty beer or perhaps a nice light glass of white wine, or perhaps a patio chianti......or two..... so how am I ever going to slim down if it's so easy?  So since I'm posting it online - I hearby will have no more alcoholic beverages for the month of August - on weekdays - kind of half baked and lame - but with 3 more weeks X 5 days X 100(wine) to 150(beer) calories X 1.5 per day = 2812 calories - OK not quite a pound in a month - but it's all good!  Let's just try it and let's take all the cold stuff out of the fridge right now to reduce temptation.

Besides, alcohol makes us feel sluggish and old, it's bad for our liver, and alcohol leaches the calcium from our bodies. 

Walking.....

The first thing to be addressed is my overall shape, health and posture.  How can we be fab if we are shaped like a pear?  I have committed myself to various exercise routines over the years and quickly lost interest.  These have included assorted exercise bikes in front of the TV, and the Wii Fit.  I have to say that the exercise bikes do not work at all for me as I slow down to listen to the TV until I barely break a sweat.  The Wii was kind of fun - I ended up using the Free Run and building up to a half hour run around my basement.  So I did break a sweat, but I find it hard to make a commitment to running alone in my basement.  So then I bought a dog to walk with, but I was never walking more than a kilometer before losing interest.  (But I love my dog)

Finally I am proud to say I have started walking 6km per day with my husband.  This is great.  My husband is in great shape, so it's no challenge for him, but walking with a partner motivates me to push myself.  We have been walking together for about 4 weeks, averaging about 5 days per week.  I find the walk to be a challenge and I am quite sore afterwards and all day.  We were taking the dog, but found he was quite growly and grumpy after the walk - so it is a bit too long for him.  I know exactly how he feels.

I have not lost a pound with this walking - but I do feel that my legs and thighs are just a little firmer, so that motivates me to continue.  OK - so I am not quite at the level of my neighbour, who walks every day in her spandex, and lunges her way threateningly past my driveway, but that's cool....we'll just see how it goes.

Next on my list is to buy myself some nice but not too expensive walking shoes (my feet are killing me in my daugher's hand me down track shoes) and some flattering exercise clothes (not so spandexy - but fabulous - no baggy sweats please).

I am also motivated to continue because this exercise qualifies as weight bearing - which helps strengthen my bones.  My mother suffers from osteoporosis and has broken several bones, so her struggles motivate me to still be up and moving when I am her age (over 80).

In the book "Osteoporosis: What it is, How to Prevent it, How to Stop it" [Paperback] by  Betty and Si Kamen, http://www.amazon.com/Osteoporosis-What-How-Prevent-Stop/dp/0523433212/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1281359462&sr=1-5  walking is recommended for osteoporosis prevention. An added benefit is that walking in the sunshine helps your body to absorb vitamin D.  Vitamin D is important so that our bodies can digest calcium.  Apparently about a third of the people with hip fractures are vitamin D deficient.  More on vitamin D another day - but I am taking vitamin D supplements as well.

Welcome

Welcome to Fabulous Fifty Style.  This is a blog about being Fabulous at Fifty and Beyond. As I approach my fiftieth birthday, I realize that I have gone from young and thin but boring and conservative, to a little bit heavy but boring and conservative to prematurely old but more boring and conservative.  This blog then is my commitment to try to do something new to improve my fabulousness and yours every day.  I hope that you will enjoy my blog.