Divorce After 50

I don't really fit into the "divorce after 50" club, since I am a widow. In addition, I don't know that I plan to get married again and if I ever do get married again, hopefully, I won't get divorced.  However, I told the public relations person that I would be glad to review her book "Divorce After 50" so that I could share all the information with any of my readers who might need such a guide.

I am glad that there is a comprehensive guide such as this book for those boomer women who are thinking about divorce or in the middle of a divorce situation and need help sorting out all the legal and financial challenges.  After all, look at Tipper and Al, I'm sure there are many other women out there who after many years of marriage have decided to call it quits.

In fact, if you are one of those women and are reading this review, I will be glad to send along my sample copy.  But, contact me soon, I only have one copy to share.  Otherwise, you'll have to go to Amazon.com and buy it yourself.

Judi

Ready for To Go Gardening In My New Raincoat

What A Model I Am!

Would you like to try one of our new raincoats and share your feedback with your readers?" said Denise Dickens, from Outside Designworks, a clothing company.  Since Denise was a fellow baby boomer, I was glad to oblige. And, since I thought her rainwear was very cute, I was happy to sample the new patch pocket hoodie with an adorable hood.  


According to Denise, "We baby boomers are not going down easily.  We need easy silhouettes, but they can't be drab or dowdy." (I agree.  I don't want to look drab or dowdy, not even when it is raining.)  Denise created Outside Designworks with outwear cut to flatter a woman's body with fabrics that are easy to care for and durable for travel.  


The raincoats are available in a variety of "oversized floral prints and quirky animal prints.  The fabric has a durable water repellent finish that allows water to bead up and roll off. This keeps the rain from being absorbed into the fabric.

You can find the rainwear and other clothing designed by Denise on the Outside Designworks website.  There are also fun rain hats and umbrellas available too.  The prices aren't cheap, but they make nice gifts...for yourself or a favorite friend.

Judi

Sweet and Salty Snacking

I gave in this weekend and went and bought the new Pretzel M&Ms.  They are a tad lower in fat since they are stuffed with pretzels not full of chocolate.  I really liked the sweet and salty combination and one individual size bag contains 150 calories and 5 grams of fat.  Yes, there is some saturated fat in there too. I'm not going to buy them all the time, but for an occasional treat, I will definitely add them to my list.

A Fan for Menopausal Women

Awhile ago, I received a sample of a little fan that you can fold up in your pocket and take out to fan yourself when you have a hot flash.  I thought it was a cute idea, especially for menopausal women like me.  I tried it a few times, but I had a tough time putting the fan back into the original pouch it came in.  Since it is the invention of two baby boomer women (kudos to the both of them for starting a little business) I thought I would write about it.  Take a look and see for yourself at the "Not So Hot" website. 

A Delicious Summertime Dessert

Ooh, aah, I just ate the most delicious frozen yogurt and it was only 120 calories and 2.5 grams of fat per half-cup serving.  It was Turkey Hill PomBlueberry Chocolate Truffle Frozen Yogurt.  The yogurt is a limited edition flavor so I would suggest you go now and buy some right away.  Yummy, yummy, yummy.

Judi

The Best Cupcake I Ever Ate

I think this weekend I had a "bestever cupcake." It was a Magnolia Cupcake from their bakery in NYC. It had just the right amount of  vanilla cake to chocolate frosting. Simply delicious. Ooh, I would love to have another one right now. Wish they delivered cupcakes. I may have to buy their cupcake cookbook.

A Great Frozen Yogurt Dessert Place in NYC

I know I haven't written a review in awhile, but I've been piling up all my good news. Here's a healthy food tip for those who are visiting NYC soon.

I had the most amazing frozen yogurt dessert called Red Mango. It is all-natural, nonfat, gluten-free and kosher. It has about 500 calories per cup and tastes just like frozen yogurt. Plus, according to the flyer, the dessert is fortified with GanedenBC30 natural probiotic to help support a healthy immune system. Ooh, I felt so healthy after I ate this dessert and it tasted great. Check out the Red Mango shop on the eastside in the 30s the next time you're in NYC.

The Help

I finally finished my first book on my Kindle. I read The Help by Kathryn Stockett. It is Kathryn's first novel and was quite impressive. I would highly recommend this story about young women growing up in Mississippi during the early 1960s. Skeeter, one of the main characters, was my favorite. She wanted to be a writer and move to New York City...no wonder I like her. According to Entertainment Weekly magazine, Steven Spielberg is going to produce the movie. Can't wait to see who is cast in each part.

Striking A New Anti-Aging Skin Care Regimen

You know I am always on the lookout for a new skin care regimen. So when the senior marketing manager of "Striking," an anti-aging skin care with SmartPeptide technology contacted me and asked me if I would like to try their line, I said "absolutely, send it along."

I've been using it for about a week now. It is a four step regimen, so it takes a little extra time in the morning and evening to put all this stuff on my face. But, I really like the products, especially the Striking Multi-Vitamin Creme Cleanser. I feel like I am giving myself a facial twice a day. The Restorative Moisture Cream is nice too and not greasy, like some other anti-wrinkle creams I've tried.

According to the Striking website, these products were the result of years of scientific research in developing peptides so precise, that they target the concerns of a more mature skin such as fine lines (I have them all over my face, especially on my forehead), wrinkles (got those too), loss of firmness (will this regimen prevent my neck from turning into a turkey-neck...I hope so) and diminished barrier function (oh my, that sounds scary).

The materials I received say that individuals who used Striking for 8 weeks saw visible results. I have many more weeks to go and will likely have to purchase some more of these products from the Striking website. The products are similar in price to other skin care regimens.

Mirror, mirror, on the wall,
I hope Striking skin care will make me have the fairest and youngest looking face of all!


Judi

Eating Healthy

I just love the new Kashi cereal that I was able to try for free with my RecycleBank points. It's called Kashi U and is made with 7 Whole Grain Flakes & Granola with Black Currants & Walnuts. It contains lots of Vitamins and Minerals and Protein and Fiber. I could eat an entire box at one sitting, but that wouldn't be too healthy. I may have to spend the $4.95 that it costs to buy one of these boxes. Maybe I will.

Judi

It's Complicated

I went to see "It's Complicated" this weekend featuring one of my favorite 50+ actresses, Meryl Streep. It was so much fun. I could totally relate to what she was going through, although I am widowed not divorced. I so want her kitchen and her food business. All baby boomer women should see this movie...and go with your girlfriends. Maybe take your boyfriend or husband or partner too. I think I might just purchase this movie to have for keeps when it comes out on DVD.

Judi

A Brand New Kindle

I'm here to report that after much back and forth and forth and back with the Amazon.com associates, that I have a brand new Kindle.

Last week, the day before my birthday, I received a message from the Amazon team to go to a special spot in my neighborhood to see if my sick Kindle would work. I had plans to visit this special spot during the weekend. I thought I would visit to see if I could help heal my sick Kindle and as the Amazon team says "find it's Whispernet," the signal that a Kindle needs to enable it to download books.

But, on Saturday, a nice Amazon associate called me later in the day. "We are shipping you a new Kindle and we are truly sorry for all we put you through. In addition, we are going to give you $30 in Amazon Rewards to download books."

I was excited to receive my brand new Kindle this week. I quickly opened the box...no more waiting a year to start up this device.

"At least take off your coat," said my son D.

"Nope, I need to download a book right away," I said, as I pushed the on switch and moved the roller around and watched the screen appear that indicated I had the "Whispernet signal."

I downloaded "The Help." I downloaded two books in the "Twilight" series.

I'm all set for my vacation. Ready to read and I'm not even retired yet.

I do hope I learn to love my Kindle like other Kindle lovers I know.

Judi

My Sick Kindle

I was so excited to use my new Kindle that had been given to me as a gift for my 25 anniversary last year. I finally had time to unpack it and learn how to download books. I was so excited. But, when I revved the engine (or should I say revved the battery) my Kindle could not find it's Whispernet. And when it finally did find it's Whispernet, I wasn't able to download any books.

I called the Amazon Help desk three times during the holiday and they still have not solved my problem. I am really sad about my sick Kindle. I was told to take it outside. I did that. I was told to charge it overnight. I did that. I was told to leave it alone...all alone and wait a few days. I did that. Still my Kindle sits with no ability to download any books.

I am not only sad. I am very angry at Amazon.com right now. One of their Help Desk associates told me I may have to purchase another Kindle. Why would I want to do that? My faith in Amazon is dwindling.

Will I ever be able to read a book on my Kindle? Ever, ever, ever? Stay tuned. I'll be back to report.

Judi