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

A Mini Movie Review

For those of you boomer women who are looking for a good movie, I'd recommend Up In The Air with George Clooney. There is one scene that is especially noteworthy with the young actress Anna Kendrick. She reminded me of myself when I was 22 years old and starting out in my career. What plans I had for myself...just like Anna's character. It's interesting to be on the other side of the spectrum and look back and wonder what life would have been like had I taken different steps. How would my story be different?

Judi