BEAUTY AFTER YOUTH

SLEEP PROBLEMS, MELATONIN, & MORE....

2009-01-08T11:56:00.000-08:00

Here it is, a New Year, 2009! Are you feeling the allure of new beginnings, or renewed vigor, of rejuvenation? I sure am! I have good feelings about this year, despite the turmoil around us, despite another birthday, despite the negatives of life itself, I feel that 2009 will be awesome and divine!!!

I have aged a bit since my last post, as I have been burning the candle at both ends and in the middle too, and it shows on my face, that is for sure. Getting enough sleep is not always easy, especially for women with natural hormonal changes going on. I have read that part of the reason is that we lose a significant amount of Melatonin: Melatonin, also known chemically as N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine , is a naturally occurring hormone found in most animals, including humans, and some other living organisms, including algae. Circulating levels vary in a daily cycle, and melatonin is important in the regulation of the circadian rhythms of several biological functions. Many biological effects of melatonin are produced through activation of melatonin receptors while others are due to its role as a pervasive and powerful antioxidant with a particular role in the protection of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA..

The use of melatonin as a drug can entrain (synchronize) the circadian clock to environmental cycles and can have beneficial effects for treatment of certain forms of insomnia. Its therapeutic potential may be limited by its short biological half-life, poor bioavailability, and the fact that it has numerous non-specific actions. In recent studies though, prolonged release melatonin has shown good results in treating insomnia in older adults...

The recommended dosage is 300 - 500 mcg. daily. It also acts as an anti-ager, in that, while you are sleeping, it increases the levels of the growth hormone which aids in repairing skin cells, as well as other tissues. You can also be helped with a multivitamin which contains 250 mg. of magnesium, at least 25 mg. of B5, and 50 mg. of B6. The B vitamins hinder the overstimulating effects of stress hormones. I, for one, really need to try something, as, I have had many, many, sleepless, or almost sleepless nights, regardless of how relaxed, or tired, I feel...

Of course, Yoga and meditation, and relaxation techniques will help as well. I am getting ready to get back into basic Yoga for the stretching, as it helps to build the core, plus, strengthens it for life. I use relaxation techniques frequently, and while I do not meditate, per se, I am in a meditative state in my relaxation techniques. Exercise, like walking and such, are also great attributes to both energy and relaxation. Just find a time which fits your metabolism. For instance, I am considered an owl, I am not an early to bed, early to rise, person, so, my ideal workout time is between 6 & 9 p. m., and a lark, an early riser, is between 4 & 6:30 p. m. . Our body clocks determine a lot about how we should be doing things, and suffer if we go against them, and so, we see lots of tired people, all resisting giving in to the natural rhythms of their internal clock, based on necessity, lack of knowledge, or simply because they like certain times of the day/night better. At any rate, when sleep problems interrupt our lives, we are going to suffer in more ways than we might imagine....

BEAUTY AFTER YOUTH, TONY BENNETT...

2008-12-05T12:31:00.000-08:00

82 year old Tony Bennett is a fine example of 'beauty after youth', in more ways than one. Famous for his voice, one which is rich, sultry, and certainly highly acclaimed, he is also famous for his charm, style, and gentlemanly qualities. I have adored him for a long time, even my Daughter does, and I didn't know her generation knew about Tony!

His latest work, a Christmas collection (A Swinging Christmas) with the Count Basie Band is wonderful. I bought it as soon as it hit the shelves. Great work, in which his children have contributed in various ways, and some fine arrangements. It will rise to the status held by other greats such as Bing Crosby, and the rest of the old school genius', I am sure of that...

Look at how great he looks. He is full of life, vitality, and confidence. His aging has not stopped him from being the best he can be, and that is what aging gracefully is about, think? He is also a talented painter, working under his real name of Anthony Benedetto. His painting acclaim has flourished; he followed up his childhood interest with serious training, work, and museum visits throughout his life. He sketches or paints every day, even of views out of hotel windows when he is on tour. His paintings have been commissioned by the Kentucky Derby, and the United Nations, plus there are works of his in permanent residence in Art Galleries and Museums throughout America...

Tony was once so addicted to cocaine that after a nearly fatal overdose, he had to turn to his sons to help him recover his life, and they have done a fine job, I would say...

You see, it is true, no matter what we have gone through, if we keep active and pursue our dreams, longevity graces us....

WHAT WOMEN OVER 40 SHOULD WEAR...

2008-11-16T17:05:00.001-08:00

I wonder what the top 10 things we SHOULD wear as women over 40 are??? Well, I went searching and found just a few things from a site called Fabulous after 40

We should wear color from one color family from head to toe to appear taller.
We should wear heels.
We should create a continuous vertical line, like a row of buttons, vertical stripes, zippers, a long scarf, etc..
Do put your hair up, and up-do elongates the neck.
Do wear long flowing pants.
Do wear tailored clothing.
Do wear shimmer make-up, but only on select parts of the eyes, face, and lips.
Do wear belts, but not too thick or wide.
Do wear sweaters, but in fine materials.
Do wear makeup, just learn how to make it minimal.

Well, this is not so bad, however, some of the stuff does not work well with certain body types, shapes, or styles. Should we really have to change our signature style to fit our numerical age? I just do not think that it is necessary. I don't really care what the fashion experts in Hollywood say, I think that Goldie Hawn looks great in her signature style, and as long as she has the body, and the personality to pull it off, she should do it. Now, I am going to say that Dyan Cannon way over does it, and she looks way eccentric in her style sense, BUT, she still has a body which she feels is worth is exposing, and so, if she has that kind of confidence, I am with her, for truly, that is what aging gracefully is all about, think??? Or Not???

10 TOP THINGS WE SHOULD NOT WEAR AS WE AGE????

2008-11-08T14:53:00.000-08:00

There is a lot to be said for being at this particular age, in this particular time. We have more going for us as women over 40, than any previous generation, and just a few generations ago, many women did not live much past 40, so, besides being physically superior, we are superior in other ways too...

The mentality of being older is wonderful, at least, I think so, don't you? I mean, come on, we are smart, savvy, sophisticated, sensuous, and soooo hip that we don't have to think too hard to figure out most things, which saves lots of wear and tear on the brain, and lots of time, think???

I am reading this article from Life Script Healthy Advantage, titled Top 10 Items You're Too Old to Wear. Hahaha. It begins by making reference to women who might have killer bodies at 40 and beyond, but, who wear clothes like from Forever 21, and mention Goldie Hawn early on in the article, stating that while she looks good, she looks like she raided her Daughter's closet. This stuff cracks me up, for various reasons, one of which is, who determines how an older babe should dress anyway?

Who determines? Well, according to this article people such as celebrity wardrobe stylist Ricci DeMartino, whose clients include Eva Longoria Parker, Patricia Heaton and Lisa Kudrow. “Living in L.A. like I do, you can go to Malibu and see this look any day of the week!” DeMartino says. “But trying too hard only calls attention to yourself – it’s overcompensating. You don’t need to dress like a teenager to look young"...

Top 10 items to discard of???
Message Tee's, Too-Trendy Denim, Costume Shoes, Micro-mini skirts, Anything Showing Excessive Cleavage, White Ribbed Cotton Tank Tops, Hair Gadgets, Over-Sized, Overly Decorated Hobo Bags, Cheap Unflattering Underwear (Panties & Bras), Loud Accessories...

Hahahaha, how many are you guilty of wearing? Me, quite a few, actually. While I can see the necessity for refraining from OVERDOING it, I cannot imagine retiring certain of my wardrobe items in favor of being correct simply because of my age. There are ways to wear these things without looking like you are 'trying' to look young, and if your body does not allow for certain of these things, I am sure you are aware of that fact, right? It just cracks me up. What about the woman whose partner LOVES her to dress a certain way, should he be deprived because someone decided that she should not look hot at her age??? Ok, give me a loose fitting shift, some flatties, and a tiny purse that doesn't hold much, some red lipstick, and while you are at it, give me a cane will ya??? Please, this stuff bugs the hell out of me...

THE FACTORS OF LONGEVITY...

2008-10-26T18:15:00.000-07:00

There are several things I feel are necessary to aging gracefully; the first being, high self-esteem, confidence. The second is, maintaining great posture, standing and sitting straight. The third is, activity, for it keeps us busy, which means not enough time to think about things which might take us away from living in the moment. Then there is fitness, for fitness will add years, grace, and litheness to our bodies, our minds, our spirits. It doesn't have to be a tough regiment, just enough to keep the heart healthy, the bones strong, and the skin glowing. We have all read and heard of the importance of a fitness routine, and while it is difficult to cultivate and maintain, it is absolutely imperative; it is a gift to yourself, and to those who love you!!!

Cutting out certain things, such as sugar, salt, bad oils, smoking, and inactivity can do remarkable things for your body and psyche, plus, add years to your life, which makes these things seem trivial after all, think? I know I have a ways to go, but, I am working on it as much as I can. This is another important thing to remember, you cannot place time limits on certain things, such as giving up bad things or habits, for then you set yourself up for failure or disappointment. When you simply keep trying, simply keep quitting, eventually it becomes a part of your mentality, and finally it is done and over with, through persistence and logic...

Keeping busy should be easy for most of us, however, even busy people are sometimes not busy in the right ways. Like some of us sit at the computer for hours and hours, instead of visiting with people in the real time, or performing real time activities, and this, my friend, can catch up to you real quickly, so try to be out and about more than not...

Aging doesn't have to be a negative thing, not in any way! It was not designed to be a negative, it used to be respected and held with regard, and Lord knows, these days, most of us over the hill are still so youthful looking and acting, so, it should not be a big deal, for the most part. I can relate to the occasional discomfort of the aging process, indeed, but, try not to dwell upon it, it too, will pass...

THE WONDERS OF OLIVE OIL...

2008-10-19T14:04:00.000-07:00

Olive oil is purportedly a wonder oil; it has been used since the beginning of time for all sorts of things, and, has had a large part in beauty regiments. It was used on hair, on skin, and in baths, as well as added to different ingredients to create masks and such. I use it, and I love it. I have read that it is the best natural skin care there is...

If you mix it with honey, you are softening, moisturizing, and eliminating inflammation as well. You can mix it with pineapple which will fight cellulite, and add Vitamin C to your skin, which is imperative for healthy skin. Add some milk and you have an emulsifier, soother, and rich moisturizer. Add some tea or dark cocoa and you have antioxidant plus moisturizer. It is indeed, a staple which should be included in our regiments of skin care...

I often bathe in a mixture of milk, olive oil, dark cocoa, honey, and even green tea. While it is not a lovely sight to see, when you soak in it, you will love the feeling. It is great to remove the dry skin of the colder months, and soothes you body, mind, and soul, which is what a good soak is all about, eh???

I have read that if you apply a minimal amount of olive oil to your face before sleeping, it will be the best overnight wrinkle fighter you can find. It simply has to be minimal, for otherwise, it is like an oil slick, and if you have oily skin, it might make it worse. Just a few drops is all it takes, massage it in well, and go to bed. It might take some time to see the results, but, you will see results, and without all of the additives of traditional night moisturizers, which can do more harm than good, in the long run...

Olive oil is great for shaving too. It leaves the skin nice and soft and the razor glides over easily. You, of course, have to rinse the razor head frequently, but, it is worth it, and makes shaving seem to go faster too...

I love olive oil, it is naturally good, useful and helpful. From skin care to salads, it is one of natures gifts to the world, and what a gift it is....

FIGHTING CANCER, BEING PROACTIVE NOW!!!

2008-10-11T09:50:00.000-07:00

2 of the top cancer causing factors are, estrogen overload, and stress. Because of many factors, many women continue to carry too much estrogen, which can cause cancer cells to grow and rapidly multiply. 2 reasons for estrogen overload are stress and being overweight. Being overweight does not mean obese, it means being over 10 lbs. over a healthy weight. Did you know that estrogen is produced by fat cells? That's right, estrogen is produced by fat cells and the more fat cells a person has the greater their risk a person has of estrogen dominance. Therefore, a lack of exercise also falls into this category...

Interestingly enough, I did an article last year about the estrogen (artificially simulated) in our food chain, see ENVIRONMENTAL ESTROGEN AND BODY FAT , also, check out this article on the same page, ENVIRONMENTAL ESTROGEN REMEDIES. It seems that much of our food is bringing with it a compound which acts like estrogen in the body and makes people gain weight, along with other symptoms, which might be a factor in creating breast and other female cancers???

From all of my research, this is what I have gathered:
Eat well, which means, lots of vegetables, fruits, proteins, legumes, grains, brown rice, fish, fish oil, olive oil, or coconut oil, they recommend to stay away from ALL other oils, lots of water and green tea, plus, a glass of red wine, or grape juice once a day, get plenty of sleep and exercise...

Cancer fighting vegetables include, many of which are from the cruciferous family, broccoli, cabbage, mustard greens, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, romaine lettuce, tomatoes, chick peas, avocado, kidney beans, kale, carrots, red, orange, and yellow peppers, onions, garlic, celery, and I have heard that sweet potatoes are the absolute highest of antioxidants, spinach is vital as well...

Fruits of all kinds are beneficial to fighting cancer, however, some are better than others, such as apples, cherries, citrus, blueberries, strawberries, pomegranate, kiwi, bananas, dates, and I would say plums, raisins, and prunes as well...

Certain spices help aid in cancer prevention as well, such as, tumeric, ginger, and rosemary.

Stay away from sugar and limit salt. Each, salt and sugar have very debilitating effects on the functions of the body, and each create a multitude of dangers. Also, avoid high fructose corn syrup at all costs, it is extremely BAD for you, and congeals in the veins, plus, does much damage to the digestive system itself...

Stress has to be controlled, it is extremely dangerous to the entire system of your body, not to mention your mind. Mainly it leads to depletion of progesterone, and will convert it into the stress hormone, cortisol. We all know that too much cortisol is the result of too much weight, especially in the stomach area, and this is not good, if you can avoid weight anywhere, it should be in the stomach area. Also with depletion of progesterone, it will create estrogen dominance. So, you see, besides other reasons for reducing stress, to ward off cancer, you must avoid it as much as feasible. Maintaining a life of relaxation, meditation, shared fun, laughter, sound and image therapy, and exercise, are some ways to reduce stress, and should be used by all people. Negativity also stores excess stress from the mind, to the emotions, to the body, and should be dealt with and eliminated daily. I write much about this, as it is negativity which generally leaves us stressed beyond help...

There is much more to know about fighting breast and other cancers, and we will explore the rest in coming posts, this is a guideline, and although not complete, it is a gentle reminder, and should be a motivator. If we followed established guidelines, our lives would be much healthier and happier for the effort. To our health, to our longevity, and to happiness...

MAINTAINING ME...

2008-10-06T17:20:00.000-07:00

I have got to be more determined about working out! I need to implement stretching, free weights, and something like Tai Chi into my maintenance program, for these alone, help to alleviate disease and demise...

I am in fairly good shape for my age, and I am yet strong, but, if I don't dedicate more time to maintaining, it won't be long before that clock, which just has to keep ticking, and at this point, ticks ever faster, takes over, and I will be one of those older ladies who is all mushy from gravity; not my idea of aging gracefully, no way!!!

You know I read an article about Salsa dancing because I LOVE it, in where it stated that there are NO Salsa dancers (female) over 40 in the entire world. Hmmmn, that is quite a challenge there, and while we might not be able to do it as good as when we were younger, I do not see why it could not be done...

Back to the point... Stretching, they say, is one of the best overall exercises a woman (or man) over 40 can do, for it keeps the shrinking muscles from shrinking too fast, and keeps them humming. I used to stretch all the time, but, haven't in so long, unless it is a quick stretch here and there, especially after walking. Remember back in the day when people used to wake up and do some stretches? They were doing their body good, and we should be doing this too. Basic stretches, like toe touches, side bends, sitting on the floor and reaching for your toes, and so forth; they truly do miracles in the body, especially, the aging body, and are a great preventative for future damage to muscles, tendons, and even bones...

I tell myself I am going to do this or that, and where do I wind up? Here, on the Internet! It is like a magnet for me, and I know, for many of us. There has to be some discipline, some way to curb the desire to spend time here as opposed to caring for our overall health, think? So, I sat down today, and made a schedule for my days, one I will probably lose in the pile of schedules and lists I have going on, but, I am determined, for time is getting shorter, and I want the best of the time I have left, and so, it is up to ME, and ME alone, to make sure that I maintain the vessel in which I sail, right???

THINK PINK, THINK LIFE...

2008-10-05T18:45:00.000-07:00

As we are all aware, October is the official month of Breast Cancer Awareness, the race for a cure, and all kinds of activities, and other special attention to this horrible disease which so many women suffer from...

The pink ribbon at the left is from Carol Sutton, who is breast cancer survivor (bless you, Carol), she launched this pink ribbon SERVICE and RESOURCE on April 18, 1996, now 12 YEARS strong. The first virtual or Internet pink ribbon...
Download Pink Ribbon Gif by Carol Sutton This link is not working, no matter what I do, so here it is to copy and paste, www.carolsutton.net/download_pink-ribbon.html...

Throughout this month, we are going to discover ways to stay healthy enough that we do not become another statistic or victim of this deadly and painful disease. There are many preventatives, and many actions one can do to cut their risks, and I for one, am willing to do anything to stay healthy...

To all of the survivors, YOU GO!!! To those who have lost loved ones to this deadly disease, I am sorry for your loss, and will attempt to give back to life via this important and imperative cause. God Bless Us All!!!

WHEN THOUGHTS PREVAIL...

2008-10-03T11:42:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I admit it, I go through periods where I feel old, and less than attractive, but know what? I try to get through them pronto!!! It is useless to feel like this, it is debilitating, it is senseless, though truly, it does happen to all of us...

One thing I do is to divert my mind, and my eyes, if need be. Sometimes when we are in hormonal imbalance, or have had too much stress, too little sleep, or other factors, when we look in the mirror, we see the effects of externals, and that can spark feelings of negativity, so, it is best to divert from looking in that mirror, and getting on to more important things. I find if I keep busy, I don't think about, and forget, mostly, and then later on, when I catch my reflection again, it is not nearly as bad as I had thought... Hahahahaha! Life is hilarious as we age, we merely need to find the humor in it, think???

Aging is inevitable, we can do nothing to change the fact, besides embracing the wonderful people we have become, and focusing on more important issues, keeping ourselves in as best shape, health, and appearance as possible. Still, those nagging insecurities do arise, and they are not easy to deal with. We can do much better than to listen to our minds in these times, for once a thought is started, we allow it to run full throttle. What we really need to do is to nip it in the bud, and get over it...

There are wonderful attributes to aging, which unfortunately do not get much attention or discussion, and in next weeks posts, we are going to bring to light some of these wonderful aspects of aging. I think it will be interesting to see how many we can find or come up with, think???

DANCE AND THE WOMAN OVER 40...

2008-09-30T17:51:00.000-07:00

I believe in dance! Dance keeps people of all ages in good shape, it keeps them lithe, graceful, and more flexible, plus, it is lots of fun! Women over 40 should definitely take some form of dancing, or make sure to dance around the house, or go out and dance at least once a week. There is something freeing about dance, plus, you have to use lots of muscle groups to dance, and your core will be strengthened from doing it, even if just once a week. Dance was my life for so many years, and now, I feel that I have lost much because I don't dance every day, but, I make sure to as often as I think of it, and for sure, go out dancing at least once or twice a month, it just makes me feel so good, inside and out...

Granted, there are some dances which are not attractive for women over a certain age to be doing in public, but, in the privacy of your home, you can do any kind of dance you like, or that which your body might like. I have found a site for bellydancing for older women, and it looks really fun. The instructor caught me off guard, go there, you will see what I mean, but, that is all the better. It is not something I would do for others, but, realistically, if I learned it, and learned it well, I could, and I sincerely believe that it would do some wonders for the aging body, so, take a look Belly Dancing For Older Women , I think even if one only did parts of the dance, they would feel fabulous...

Not a dancer? Well, there is all kinds of help available. For instance, check out this page How To Ballroom Dance/eHow.com , if you look to the right, there are videos and articles which can help you on your way. There are lots of great videos available online, as well as some classes, all you have to do is do some searching...

I think that Soft Yoga, and Modern Dance, mixed with some aerobic dancing, such as any kind you can muster, from Hip Hop to Salsa, will work wonders for your entire being, body, mind and soul. You could even pair up with friends and make it a time to remember, there will be lots of fun and laughter, that is for sure. Just make sure that you are fit enough to get into certain types of dancing, don't go trying stuff which will hurt you, take it easy and find your own groove, that is what it is all about. This is one reason I like burlesque dancing, it cannot hurt you, unless you go beyond your ability, and it works the body good, plus, you feel so sexy doing it. If you choose this type, learn it, practice it, and then share it with whoever, you will feel like a star when you are finished...

Well, as I said, I think dance is fabulous for us older women, for exercise, flexibility, strength, and lots of fun, plus it builds self-confidence, which makes us all the more beautiful. Try it, you will love it and the results...

TAKE CARE OF THAT NECK, NOW AND FOREVER...

2008-09-26T15:29:00.000-07:00

What is the most devastating physical indicator which comes with aging? Well, that depends upon the person, but, mostly, it is the neck, then the hands, the arms, and the jowls, then the wrinkles around the eyes, the lips, and those danged creases in the center of the forehead, just above, or even on the bridge of the nose. Like I said, it is different for each person, but, one thing we all have in common, is the neck and the hands and the arms. Few people can avoid the signs of aging in these areas, and for some the aging process begins at an early age. I have seen people way younger than me with turkey necks, and that is just devastating...

My own neck has been through a lot, I had a goiter operation when I was like 14, and the scars from back when were not as cosmetically correct as they are now. My neck is not BAD, but, because of that scar, the aging process is definitely going to make this a troubled area. My hands have looked old for years, for manual labor and lots of hard work in restaurants and bars, with bleach and other harsh cleaning products, took its toll. They are looking better than they did, that is for sure, but, there is not much hope for hands as we age, I think that is one area of the body which cannot be dealt with too much, for there is not much muscle, and such to work with, plus, the knuckles and so forth, take on a whole new look after being used for years and years. Women who have not had to work very hard might maintain their hands better than most of us, but, here again, I have seen some hands from very pampered women who look older than their years...

Besides staying hydrated, using moisturizer on your neck, exfoliating gently with a soft washcloth, plus, remembering to always lightly use upward motions to apply moisturizer, or to remove dirt, and maintaining great posture, the following exercises will definitely help. These should be done every day for the duration of your life, but, can do 3 times a week once the muscles are more taut...

Did you know that skin cells get lazy and stagnate, but with proper exercises these cells are once again activated to work with renewed vigor???

Neck and throat facial exercises
# 1
A great exercise is to sit upright, tilt your head back looking at the ceiling while keeping your lips closed and then start a chewing movement. You will feel the muscles working in your neck and throat area - and will be truly amazed at the results. Repeat 20 times.
# 2
Sit upright, tilt your head back looking at the ceiling, while keeping your lips closed and relaxed. Start puckering your lips together in a kiss and stretch the kiss, as if you were trying to kiss the ceiling. Keep your lips puckered for 10 counts, then relax, bring your head back to its normal position and repeat 5 times.
# 3
Sit upright, tilt your head back looking at the ceiling, while keeping your lips closed and relaxed. Open your lips and stick your tongue out as if you were trying to touch your chin with the tip of your tongue. Keep your tongue out in this position for 10 counts, and then return your tongue and head to its normal position.
# 4
Sit upright, tilt your head back looking at the ceiling, while keeping your lips closed and relaxed. Next move your lower lip over your top lip as far as possible and keep it there for a count of 5. Relax and repeat 5 times.
# 5
Lie on your bed, with your head hanging down over the edge. Slowly bring your head up towards your torso and keep it there for 10 counts. Relax and lower your head towards the floor again - repeat 5 times.
# 6
Sit upright and face forward and while keeping your lips together, separate your teeth by dropping your jaw and then push your jaw forward, keep for a count of 10, bring back to starting position and repeat 5 times.

Tip your chin towards the ceiling and stick your jaw out as far as you can to tone the jaw and chin, and prevent a double chin. Lower your chin down towards your neck, and repeat 10 times.

Well, this is some preventative information to help us maintain our looks as we age gracefully, I hope that it is helpful, I know it has been for me. I love researching such things for I am so happy to find out that which will give me more time as the woman I view myself as, youthful yet grown...

GREAT ZEN STYLE ANTI-AGING WORKOUT...

2008-09-23T09:54:00.000-07:00

Check out this great workout DVD at THE ANTI AGING METHOD,it is fabulous! I am ordering one right now!!!

As we age our bodies change. We need an inspiring workout that adapts gracefully to these changes so that we can continue to feel and look our best! This total body workout is a unique fusion of Yoga, Tai Chi, Dance and Pilate's. Loosen up and experience the joy of movement. Strengthen, stretch and mobilize your entire body while improving posture and balance. Become more relaxed and comfortable with yourself. The Anti Aging Method may actually get you in the best shape of your life! Enjoy Carol's graceful calm style of teaching in a beautiful Zen style setting. For all fitness levels. All you need is a yoga type mat. For the Bonus, you need a chair.

There is nothing better than having an exercise regiment designed for comfort. Forget about trying some of the newer routines, this one looks complete, and as Carol says, you might end up in the best shape of your life, wouldn't that be great?

I am not selling anything on this site, but, will be bringing forth certain offerings which I think WILL aid in the anti-aging quest, some of which I will definitely try myself, like this awesome DVD...

YOUTH VS. THE 'OLDER' WOMAN...

2008-09-22T09:34:00.000-07:00

I went out and had a good time this weekend; one of my 'young' friends was in the same place as I. She is having some difficulties with her Thyroid, and is afraid of having throat cancer or something. I told her that I had a goiter removed when I was 14, and Thyroid problems were with me forever. She said, "Yeah, but you are like OLD, and whatever you have, or whatever happens to you, is not as serious as if it happens to someone my age." Hmmmmn, that is nice, isn't it???

I said, "Waaaaaaaa, that is not nice!" She said, "Well, it is true, I am only 34, and you are like a Mom (she is a Mom too), and you know what I mean." No, really, I don't know what you mean. If I were to suffer from a disease, or such, how is it any less important than if you do? How very immature that conversation was. I hope that she remembers that conversation when she gets to be OLD like me...

You see, the age-related misconceptions do not come from only men, they come from younger women too, and even some older women, who feel that their day, is indeed past. Sad state of affairs. Look people, I WILL certainly ADMIT when I AM old, but, until then, I AM NOT old, so, get off it!!!!

Anyway, I had a great time, I just went on with my life, my mind-set, and my confidence. The thing that stuck with me was that I truly hope that she remembers this when she is OLD like me, so, that she can understand how unkind that statement was, and how selfish it was too...

I have friends of all ages, and she is the only one who ever refers to my age, though, she hangs around with all of us OLDER people. Her b/f is OLDER than me, and besides 3 friends her own age, ALL of her friends are OLDER people; funny stuff. I care much for her, so, I will forgive and forget, I merely wanted to expose that there are lots of younger women who feel that us over 40 are OLD, too. It is interesting because, many of these 'younger' women feel threatened by us OLDSTERS, and make no bones about it. I could tell you some stories, indeed. They go to great lengths to make a point of making sure everyone knows you are OLD, which is rather childish, for they can see, can't they? I mean, even if I look 10 years younger than my age, you can still see that I am not 34, so, what is their point worth? Really, I find it more than amusing, it is too funny...

The aging process involves toooooooo much, especially for women. Men might feel it in certain ways, but, people do not make a big deal out of their age, unless it is in competition for a job, or as a joke. Men are accepted, regardless of their age, no matter how they look or act; a woman, on the other hand, has to contend with all sorts of subtle issues, and even some blatant ones. If we are secure in who we are, if we like ourselves, these issues are merely humorous, and can even inspire us to new levels of achievement; while they might sting a bit, here and there, they can do no damage, for it is nothing new to us...

Pamela Anderson was put down recently by a younger girl here on the 'Net for being so attractive to younger men. The young girl said, "Ewwww, how gross, isn't she like 50 or something?" Hahahahaha, that cracks me up. That young girl probably couldn't come close to being in the shape Pamela is, even though I am no fan of hers. For the record, Pamela is barely over 40. There are millions of women over 40, 50, and even 60, who are in great physical shape, are still HOT, and still gorgeous, and still attractive to people of ALL ages, and when a younger woman says something this ignorant, this childish, it is because she feels threatened by the woman's presence. A GROWN woman's presence is, indeed, something to contend with, for a GROWN woman knows what she has, who she is, and how to use the whole package to make her presence known, end of story...

THE ANTI-AGING MENTALITY...

2008-09-18T10:19:00.001-07:00

What you want from life, what you want from yourself, what you want from your looks; each is a deciding factor in how you will age...

I want to remain as fit, strong, healthy, and always evolving, ever learning, as I age. I want to fulfill my dreams, and to look as good as I possibly can doing so. This means that I have decided that I am going to take certain steps to accomplish each thing upon this list. It means that I have made a choice that age is not going to slow me, hinder me, or deny me, no way!!!

Yes, I have battles within because age sneaks up on you almost stealthily, and, it shocks you, especially when you first notice the subtle changes, but, that only means that I have to nip that in the bud, accept that I am here, and work to correct, or alleviate the rest of the process, does that make sense??? Plus, I am more determined to develop new skills, new talents, new directions, for my mind is grown, though, still growing, and I have much character to bring to new adventures and ventures...

Tina Turner is going to be 68 in November! She is on tour right now, will be in this city very soon, and she is yet throwing it down. She obviously has a great mind-set, and because she is active in pursuit of many things, she is slowing down the aging process. Tina is my role model for the simple fact that she is STILL kicking butt out there, she is yet fit, strong, and making it happen. She did not allow a number to stop her, in fact, she says that she will stop performing when she is old, and she says, "I am not old yet!" That is a decisive mentality which totally aids in anti-aging...

I am NOT going to let aging stop me. It truly is a number, even if with that number comes a certain set of differences, or certain hindrances, these are mere obstacles, which with some gumption, we can overcome. Granted, I can no longer be the fast sprinter I was in high-school, though, I can still run races, just on a different level, and what is wrong with that???

There is a trend in the world which makes people over a certain age feel that they are finished: that is WRONG!!! Not only is it wrong, it is foolish! No one can determine when YOU are at a point of hanging it up, only YOU can decide that. Don't listen to the trash talk, and don't bite into that judgemental mentality. You can do what you decide you can do, even if the odds are against you. For instance, I have a friend whose sister had terrible breast cancer, she had a double mastectomy, there were like almost 50 tumors, anyway, this woman, who is not very active at all, decided that she was going to walk the walk for Breast Cancer, the full 60 miles. She trained, and she did it. She is almost 65, and I was impressed as I was not sure she could do it. This is a testimony that WHAT YOU SET YOUR MIND TO DO, YOU CAN DO!!! Her sister is a survivor, is going through the reconstruction process, and is happy, happy to be alive, and my friend is all the more convinced that age is a number, for she proved to herself and the world that no obstacle is too great IF you so decide...

Remember this always, YOU have control of your ability to overcome numbers, health issues, financial issues, and much more. YOU are in charge of YOUR destiny; simply believe and you will see things begin to align to that mind-set, and I will be here, cheering you on!!!

A TINY TREASURE CHEST OF USEFUL ANTI-AGING INFORMATION...

2008-09-16T10:33:00.000-07:00

Did you know that pomegranate cream will help to elimate loose skin? The juice is packed with ellagic tannin, a top antioxidant that increases collagen production, which smooths the skins texture and firms troubled spots. It is also useful on cellulite. What a great thing to know for the coming winter months...

There is good news about carbs. If you eat carbs that contain 2 grams of fiber for every 90 calories, it will fill you faster, so you eat less of other things, and, it will aid in helping you shed some extra pounds...

To alleviate, or even get rid of spider veins, use berry juices, berry teas, or any berry extract from a health food store. Anthocyanins are the compounds that give berries their deep colors, which also strengthen capillaries in the legs and other areas...

If you use a Vitamin C enriched lotion before and after sun, you will suffer less sun damage, and, the cells which had been damaged prior will begin to heal from the Vitamin C enriched lotion... Also, try eating more Vitamin C treats such as strawberries, papaya, oranges, or mango's...

This is interesting; did you know that Avocado's can boost your mood? Not only that, they are on the 13 Healthiest food list with their rich Omega oils... It seems that Avocado's are rich in B6 which is a natural mood elevator...

I hope that everyone has a great week, get out, and about, find an activity that will cause you to feel great, as, when you feel great there are bountiful benefits...

THE FACE IS COMPRISED OF MUSCLES, SO IT ALSO, NEEDS A GOOD WORKOUT...

2008-09-16T10:28:00.000-07:00

I am going to be doing some facial exercises. This is an important part of anti-aging for both sexes. Your face is made up of muscles, just as the rest of your body, and, we forget about exercising them. While I am not certain that it will make a dramatic difference NOW, I do believe that over the coming years that it will make a great difference. I am determined to avoid lines, wrinkles, sags, and what have you for as long as I can, therefore, I am beginning now. I am doing a few as I type this, which shows that you need not make special time for this, although, you might not want others to see your face in some of these positions, they are not pretty to look at... Ha~

The exercises that I am doing are found at Ageless Herbal Products... Click on free articles, and in the list of free articles, will be free facial exercises, down in the lower left column... There are what they call basic exercises there, but, they feel more than basic to me, and, if you were to do these 2 or 3 days of the week, you wouldn't need more advanced ones. Check it out! I am going back there right now to finish my exercises, because I am determined to remain as ageless as possible, and, Lord knows, that is going to take some long term commitment on my part...

WOOHOO, HIGHER WAISTED JEANS!!!

2008-09-16T10:03:00.000-07:00

I am so happy that high waisted jeans are coming back!!! I love jeans, and still look good in them (so many of us older babes do these days), but, I tell you this, I have hated the recent years of wearing low riders, they are like, so uncomfortable! Even my daughter has found them uncomfortable to wear, and so many people just do NOT look good in them. I am really surprised that they were around for so long, plus, how ignorant of the fashion industry to not have any alternatives to them...

I have been researching new trends, and I have found lots of higher waisted jeans and pants and skirts. I am so happy. This is a pair of Marc Jacobs 'Charlie' High Rise Stretch Jeans. The price tag is also high, but, there are knock-downs and lower priced ones on the market. I simply wanted to show these as they are really good looking, and yay, we can be comfortable again, all the while, being stylish...

I do not care for Tummy panels in anything. I find that strange and also, uncomfortable. Not Your Daughter's Jeans features jeans, which are really good looking, and fit well, with tummy panels to help slim you. I am sure lots of women like that added feature, but, it is not for me...

In coming posts, I will find the most affordable and best made of the NEW higher waisted clothes, that it is easy to find what you are looking for. We all know that just because New York, or Los Angeles have readily available styles and designs, doesn't mean that the rest of us can yet find them in our cities, towns, or communities, right???

Also, I have read that there are new shirts and blouses which end at the natural waist, so that you do not have to tuck them, which is a definite plus for most women. I am short waisted, and trying to find a decent length of tops is sometimes hopeless, so, this trend will totally please me!!!

Yep, I am really excited about the newer and smarter designs/styles. It is about time!!!

BEAUTY REGIMENTS ARE DIVERSELY UNIQUE...

2008-09-14T18:49:00.000-07:00

Every culture, heritage of the world dictates a certain set of beauty attributes, or problems. Therefore, it is unlikely for us to use the same practices/procedures, as what might work for you, might not work for me...

I thought it might be interesting to discuss the many different beauty rituals, tips, techniques, as well as the problems for some of the major cultures in the world. I have done some research, and have been fascinated by the many differing issues/solutions for beauty, throughout the globe...

For instance, Shea oil, or Shea butter is a standard in African cultures. In the North, such as in Denmark or Sweden, to tighten the face, it is standard to splash the face twice daily with ice cold water. I have heard that this practice is one of Joan Collin's personal favorites, as it truly works. The Asian women are big on anti-oxidants from a variety of sources, China likes White tea, and so forth and so on. Sound interesting?

There are, of course, similarities in certain regiments and products, though, each is diverse, each is designed to aid the practices by unique and diverse cultures. In these times, surely many similarities are found in products, for most are sold world wide, and used by a very large consumer group...

I am also researching ancient beauty rituals, and all natural rituals, for I am sensitive to many products, and I like the idea of remaining as close to nature as feasible. I have tried many things which have left my skin burnt or inflamed, and that is not going to help in my quest to anti-age it, is it???

Makeup also varies from culture to culture, with different ingredients and expectations from each. I will go out on a limb here and state that the United States produces some of the most dangerous skin products on the Earth. Do some research, you will see what I mean. Yes, there is a trend to go more organic, more friendly, but, there is a ways to go before we begin to see real changes, along with affordability...

Such things as olive oil, Shea oil, coconut oil, and a few others, work wonders for the entire body, as well as honey, Vitamin C, whether in pure form, or from Vitamin C rich fruits, vegetables, supplements, or even teas, Vitamin A, and Vitamin E, lanolin, chamomile, even certain flowers, such as Mums, and well, there is a whole arsenal of natural beauty aids, which will keep us looking younger, and feeling great, and I intend to share each that I find with you...

Anti-aging rituals have been around since the beginning of women, and, they will be around to the end. It is largely a matter of mind-set, and finding that which works best for you, from skincare to exercise, it has to be personalized for your own uniqueness. I hope that I can bring forth at least one tip which will work for each woman in the world. In the meantime, know that while age is inevitable, it can be cultivated to work in your favor, and never let the hands of time work against you, this is the time of your life when you can blossom in many different ways, and hangups about aging should become a thing of the past...

DREAM ON, DREAM ON, DREAM UNTIL THOSE DREAMS COME TRUE...

2008-09-12T20:12:00.000-07:00

I think that one of the most important facets of life, is to fulfill your own personal dreams, and now that you are ripe with experience, character, and the confidence it takes to get the job done, it is a perfect time to get to work on manifesting every single dream which is part of your being...

One dream at a time, let your instincts, belief, and visualization carve the future for you. I once met a gorgeous woman in her 80's (REALLY, she was beautiful, sharp, and independent as hell), who decided to learn many things to fulfill some dreams from long ago, and was at the time I met her, learning the cello. She said that she often sat in dim light, like candle light, and learned to play this wonderful and complicated instrument. I was fascinated by her, for she was always challenging herself to realize dreams...

When one is fulfilled, and taking an active part in advancing their life, on whatever level, there is a certain glow which filters through their persona, which removes years from their appearance, as well as makes them intriguing to others, which in turn, creates more confidence, and so forth...

The other day, I was driving to a clients house, when I saw this elderly lady tending her yard. She was in great shape, had a huge hat, the kind that ties beneath the chin, wearing cropped pants, a tied gingham shirt, and was standing with something like a hoe in her hand, and I thought immediately of someone like Katherine Hepburn. I also thought about the fact that activity keeps us graceful, healthy, in shape, strong, and keeps our eyes sparkling, our minds sharp, and our smiles glorious, regardless of the lines which distinguish our faces as time goes by. This, to me, is what makes a woman beautiful at any age, but, those who keep on keepin' on, are generally the most beautiful at any age, for they are glowing from deep within, which is as contagious and powerful as a ray of sunshine...

Always take the time to fulfill your deepest desires, dreams, and wishes. There is nothing stopping you, nothing but you. It doesn't matter if you cannot do it to the extent you might have at one time, for lack of this or that, all that matters is that you are actively being exactly who you are, from the inside out, which, in turn, creates beauty from the outside to within... Dream on, dream on, dream until those dreams come true...

EYE CANDY???

2008-09-10T18:32:00.000-07:00

Eye candy, everyone wants to be eye candy, some delectable treat, some tempting delight for the sight and the senses. Some people more than want to be eye candy, they NEED to be eye candy, and that is over the top, think???

It is pretty competitive to strive to gather all the attention you can get. It is like this, there is ALWAYS going to be something better, new, improved, so, get over yourself for a while. It is much easier to deal with life if you are not putting yourself in the position of competition, for truly, there are no winners in the competition of looks, for always something better is going to appear on the horizon...

When you accept yourself AS IS, you don't feel the need to compete for anything, for you know your worth, and if you are getting older, you know that you had your day, and still have days where you are more than attractive. When you let go of the insecurity, you could have someone like Beyonce' stay in your house for a week, and not feel the pressure of competition, for you understand that she is young, beautiful, and is who she is, and you, while being older, are yet beautiful, and have so much more to offer than eye candy. Do you follow me here???

True, there are gonna be times when the more improved version might bring us down, but, in those moments, we should forget about it as quickly as possible. Let them have their day, you had yours, and I am sure, you still have more coming, and honestly, it is never going to change or end, there will always be younger people to sparkle and shine, but, do they have what you have from inside? Nope, they are not there yet, and when they get there, they too, will be feeling sick from the younger versions of themselves as well. So, you see, it is pretty silly to get wrapped up in the craziness of comparing ourselves, or competing. For one thing, what are we competing for? It just makes for a lot of wasted emotion and time to place that much weight on yourself, when you can learn to accept yourself AS IS, enjoy the moment, and be glad that you have grown beyond that useless game...

I don't know about you, but, I still get my share and sometimes more, of attention, and while I don't mind it, I certainly am not seeking it. All I know is that I am comfortable in this woman I have grown into being, there are things about myself which I KNOW are devastating, there are flaws which I am coming to realize and accept, I might not always like them, but, I never have. Still, I can strut my stuff, head held high, and know that a head or two or more is going to take a second glance, for my confidence creates mystique, and my sensuous nature creates a striking image of woman, full grown, self satisfied, and sure as fire...

It's all about attitude ladies, all about attitude and self confidence. Attitude is not something you can feign, it has to come from the substance of the belief in yourself, and from the love of yourself. That's right, loving yourself will create interest from without. European women are very sexy at any age for they know these things, and they are comfortable with themselves, plus, they know that they have been, and still are, eye candy, for youth does NOT hold the market on looking good, and surely they cannot touch a woman who is self assured and full of character...

WOMEN OVER 45: TIME FOR A FASHION COMEBACK...

2008-09-09T18:20:00.000-07:00

This is a good read too: Women Over 45: Time for a Fashion Comeback by Makeover guru Christopher Hopkins’ new book on beauty for the boomers...

I have gone through many fashion statements, and fashion nightmares. I can still pull off certain looks, but, much of the fad clothes are lost on me, or I am lost in them. Like Christopher says, trends are slower to develop, and can work on a more mature woman. I love classic styles the best, however, I like to jazz them up a bit, to make them more like me. Dressing becomes a strange partner to life as we age, for we yet like the fad looks, but, they don't always like us, and even if you are perfect body at your age, some of the fad clothes do not work with your character or personality. It is frustrating, and if you hire a fashion consultant, which will generally be a younger person, they will try to dress you like their Grandmother, or they will have all of this fashion sense for ladies from Hollywood, or some Southern plantations, too funny...

Work with your looks. I have been going through this for about a year now. I find things I like in magazines, catalogues, and so forth, and remember them, then when I go shopping, I try on similar styles to see how they look. It takes time to get used to changing your look, but, I don't necessarily think you have to make dramatic changes, you simply need to make adjustments here and there, so that it is still 'your' look but more flattering for your changing self...

50 GREAT THINGS ABOUT WOMEN OVER 50...

2008-09-09T17:47:00.000-07:00

I found this article and thought I would share it with you, 50 Great Things About Women Over 50 .

Some facts about certain stars over 50:
On the cusp of her 50th birthday, Katie Couric became the first female solo anchor of a national evening news show.

At 57, Diane Keaton produced her seventh movie and played the heartthrob of 39-year-old Hollywood heartthrob Keanu Reeves in Something's Gotta Give.

At 61, actress Susan Sarandon is still the American prototype for the sexy older woman, a title she claimed in her 40s.

This is what I have already stated, yes??? 4. The woman over 50 makes her relationship with herself No. 1. The kids are grown. She's learned to let them go and stopped worrying about them. -- N. O'Reilly

These are 3 more which I adhere to:

45. I'm definitely not the same person my mother was at 50! With the knowledge we have now, the sky's the limit. I ride horses, scuba dive, zip line! -- WebMD: Mustang1956

46. There's something really bracing about being 50. You realize how young you are. And you realize how much more to life there is. -- C. Northrup

47. At 50, you learn the value of being passionate about something -- a lover, a career, your life. Passion is what makes you jump out of bed every morning, makes you love every moment in the day. -- S. Mitchell

Gotta love it when there are so many of us over 40, so many of us doing remarkable things, and still looking good doing them! Yeah, it is reason for celebration, not reason to throw in the towel...

THIS IS THE TIME FOR ME, ME, ME AND MORE OF ME...

2008-09-09T13:09:00.000-07:00

For the most part, I love being the age I am. It is a good time to be me, and that means more than most young people could realize, until it happens for them...

These are the times when we can do what we want with the rest of our lives. Our children are grown, our dues have been paid, and we have earned our worth many times over. Therefore, it should be considered ME time, don't you think???

More time to consider what could make us happiest, what we might like to pursue, which dream will we make a reality today? That is how I live my life right now, for better or worse. I am worth it, and I am going to make the rest of my life happen just for me, not selfishly, but, for the self, if that makes sense...

Yes, this is a time when I can be me, I can walk the roads I choose, I can devise that which will bring the most peace, joy, and fulfillment to my life. I can pamper myself as much as I want, I can simply and profoundly LIVE MY OWN LIFE, in my own fashion, and that is absolute bliss!!!

AGING HAS ITS SIDE EFFECTS, BUT, WE ARE YOUNGER THAN EVER BEFORE...

2008-09-09T11:58:00.000-07:00

2008 sees many of us 'older' women as being yet, not only attractive, but, still able to hang with the kids, and active as can be. It is not like the old days when a woman over 40 was like left alone to sit on the porch and do whatever they did, just sitting idle in her supposed golden years. NO WAY!!! We are much too much for that scene, think???

Don't get me wrong, aging has its definite side-effects and damage, but, we can learn to work around this too. For instance, certain parts of the body are going to show age, no matter what we do, like feet, ankles, hands, necks, and some others, you know what I am talking about, but, that doesn't mean that we are not beautiful, we are merely more seasoned, and certainly more alive for the wear, agree? Whatever our worst wear is, there are ways to alleviate them, camouflage them, or even change them, though personally, I will never alter what GOD has give me, I just don't see the necessity for it, but, that is me...

Mentalpause as I call it, is another factor women have to deal with, and periomenopause can be just as bad as the evil change itself, and can last a long, long time. I started periomenopause at a very young age, like in my 30's, and have suffered many occurrences because of it, and now its evil Mother is with me, and life is hell. Sometimes I am so hot I feel like I am going to explode from the inside out, it is terrible, not to mention the other symptoms which come with the evil Mother of change. Black Cohosh, and HRT's, and all kinds of friendly helpers are out there for us, that we might maintain the lady whom everyone knows and loves and respects. Without these helpers, people will be shocked at how many times you change moods, clothes, or your mind in the course of a day. Hahahaha!!!!

It is a trip becoming aged, but, we should learn how to deal with it respectively; we should embrace the many wonderful things which come with it, such as wisdom, patience, character, confidence, and much more. Of course, we cannot help but notice that our skin is a bit less taut, or that our eyes seem to be shrinking, or that we are getting shorter, or that our feet seem a slight bit bigger, but, this is life, and if you don't have better things to worry about than this, then you need to find something to fulfill your time, for it is only beginning, if we mull on it too much, it will grow out of proportion, and we will never be able to face a mirror, other people; life will be a constant obsession, which is never good. Just take it as it comes, treat yourself well, take care of yourself; remember that you have lots going on, body, mind, and spirit, so use your assets to the fullest, that you can be comfortable enough to live in the moment. After all, you went through a great amount of things to arrive at this point, and it has made you who and what you are, so celebrate it and make the world know that you have only just begun...

I ACCEPT MY AGE, SO LEAVE ME TO ENJOY IT!!!

2008-09-08T19:14:00.000-07:00

I do not understand why people always have to point out to a woman that she is aging. She already knows that, and she is trying desperately to deal with that fact of life, and certainly, does not need constant reminders, ya' know???

I have a couple of friends who just LOVE to tell me that I am no longer the young woman I was. Duh! Really? Man, I have been lying to myself all along, or is that the fault of my mirror? It just kills me when they do this, for I do not go out of my way to present anything other than what I am, a fully grown woman, and I do not understand or appreciate that they feel the need to tell me over and over and over. I have already dropped one such friend for his almost relentless drilling about my lack of youth, it is annoying, and honestly, I cannot see the purpose of it, can you??? He is like way older than me, but, he is attracted to 18 and 20 year old girls, so...

It is a tough thing to accept that you are now a mature woman; it takes strength, courage, and humility, plus some time to get used to, and just when you have gotten used to it, some smart ass has to make a big deal out of your age, for no apparent reason. What is up with this? It makes me angry, mostly because I do not understand WHY they are constantly trying to remind me of the fact I have already dealt with. It's like, I KNOW ALREADY, What's your point????

Don't let idiots rain on your parade. The truth is, if you have maintained your looks at any age, it is worth more than the freshness of youth, for it is downright HARD to maintain your looks as you age, and if you are still beautiful, that makes you all the more beautiful, END OF STORY~~~~

BEAUTY KNOWS NO AGE...

2008-09-08T08:52:00.000-07:00

I am fed up with all of the negatives towards women when they are past a certain age. Especially these days, there are so many beautiful, radiant, and wonderful women who are well into their years. Some women of 60 are downright sexy, and there more than just a few. Women in their 50's are passing for early 40's, and so on. It is usually people who are ignorant making the assessment of a woman's worth, and it is just stupid for so many reasons....