All posts filed under: inspirational women over 40

Sunday Morning Reads 100817

I felt the chill of Autumn this morning – after leaving my window wide open overnight – since the 70 degree temps from the evening before. Something we experience here in San Francisco in October. Even though it was cold, it felt wonderful to breathe in the clean early morning air, and opening my eyes to the moon glistening over the Pacific. Soon enough with a cup of tea in hand, I came across these cool articles to share: Food: First breakfast or brunch idea – pumpkin chocolate chip pancakes: Decor: Old World Parisian Decor meets modern according to Dwell Online     Travel: 12 Museums in Paris not to miss especially when you plan a trip in late Fall And How Long A Vacation Should Be:   Lifestyle: If you long to work from home – here’s a list of companies that are hiring to do just that. Also the affects of anxiety and what it does to your body {featured image credit}

Lifestyle: Distractions Are Always A Good Idea…

Distractions are always a good idea during trying times to help get you through the fears and the stress. I am not saying to ignore what is going on around the world, or in your own hometown, but please try not to dwell. Dwelling intensifies the fear factor which then turns into an obsession and combined together; can paralyze you sometimes to the point that you are too worried about – well, just about everything, and suddenly you forget how to live in harmony. How I cope is by shutting off social media, and tuning in to Pandora. Next I meditate for twenty minutes at the least, to find clarity. Then I make time to watch the sunset, and take pictures. Afterwards, I read an actual paperback – a novel I picked up in the UK or France, or I draw/doodle. This time to myself is priceless, because it helps me become less angry, more rational and even allow me to see the best of the world and the people in it.

The Art of Crafting

My favorite of all is actually Football season in October. Because while my household enjoys sitting around in the family room, watching game after game the entire day on Sunday, I cuddle with my dog on the bed, plug-in my music and begin drafting up my plans for crafting something for the holidays to giveaway right here on RS&S, and even for gift exchange at work and among friends. It is a tradition of mine to, in addition, to the typical generic gifts everyone dreams about getting, I sneak in a homemade something or another. Surprising the person getting the gift from me: Here are my favorite ideas for this year’s crafting projects from my favorite station store – Paper Source:

Travel And Other Topics

I don’t know what possessed me to watch Father of the Bride last night. The one with Steve Martin, not the classic tale from 1950 with Spencer Tracy.   Anyway, back in 1991 when the film was first shown, I watched it with a different perspective.  So, when I watched it again a few nights ago, the first thing that stuck to me was the opening dialogue – where Steve Martin’s character reflects on his life, family/kids, and the town they life – San Marino, California. Back in 1991, the thought of living in such a small town would have never crossed my mind watching a film. Instead I focused mainly on the fashion, and the decor aspect of the movie, and the cuteness of the storyline. But my mind was fixed on San Marino, and I quickly paused the story to get a glimpse of the small town and all information available online – making a note that on my next trip to Los Angeles, I would detour to the area and get a …

Healthy and Beauty – Skin Serum

I have been doing a lot of research lately for the best serum to apply to my skin – in hopes I can preserve the outer layer of my being, just as much as I am doing everything to take care of mind and body. Here’s what I’ve tried so far, and because I am the only person staring at myself in the mirror every day, I cannot for the life of me determine if what I’ve been using so far has worked. For all I know, it’s been doing what it is supposed to because thankfully I’m always told I don’t look my age (whatever that means 🙂 Anyway, here’s what I’ve tried so far for years:  Lancombe, Clinique, Oil of Olay   Here’s what I am contemplating giving a try since from what I have been told and read by facial experts, switching up care products is always a good idea since our skin type changes over time:     I would love to hear your take on any of the serums’s mentioned …

Friday Fun Finds And Winding Down For The Week

By Friday I feel a little spent – mostly mentally. Because I am a good sounding board for my family and friends. And although they feel good at the end of our conversation, I end up feeling the worst possible. Perhaps I bear all of their burdens upon my shoulders. Bad way to be. I need to learn to just let go or not worry past the conversation. Anyway, that is the plan, to work on my not getting all too caught up in other people’s problems. Until then, I find my mind drifting to other topics just so to keep a balance:  I am often amazed at how some people can aim, click and take a really cool photo of themselves and post it right before my eyes and when I take a peek at their smart phone screen, I see nothing but beautiful. So for that, here’s a list of suggestions to take better or in my case a descent selfie. Love this article about an entrepreneur who is changing the way we …

Fashion: Fall 2017 Topshop Picks

While in London in March, on my way to the theater to see a show – if you must know – An American In Paris on stage. Which was amazing by the way. I stumbled upon an actual brick and mortar of the boutique store – Topshop. Which for us in the states is only available to buy online. Well, let me clarify – until I noticed a few pieces on display at Nordstrom a couple of months ago. Anyway, the great thing about seeing merchandise in a store in person is that you can actually feel the fabric, and get a good look at stitching and make of the product. Even the colors are more realistic in a store. But I get it, in today’s world most things are purchased online. So, either way, online or some of the items appreciated in Nordstrom, here’s my list of picks:  

Lifestyle: What Makes You Instantly Attractive

Based on a list in Town & Country mag, what makes you instantly attractive is everything cosmetic, and based on my own observations on the street, in restaurants, department stores, and even buying a car. The more you look your best, the better the service you get. One day I decided to look my worst. Meaning to say, not paid too much attention to how I was dressed in an ill-fitting pair of jeans, an old T-shirt, and tennis shoes. My hair was collected up in a bun, and I wore my glasses instead of my contacts. That day, I walked into various high-end department stores, and not a single person took me seriously, nor approached me. Getting the attention of the waiter during lunch was also difficult. A week later, I dressed the part. A Pencil skirt, and top in black, and high heels in nude. full make up, hair done up and I went to the same stores. And I was not only welcomed in, but quickly offered personal attention to my shopping …

Why Some Things I Adore

Occasionally I get a little nostalgic about the silliest things. Like a place I’d been, the people I’ve spent time with, my childhood, their childhood, first day of school, last day of school and then the day my family decided to immigrate. Even a simple picnic on the beaches of the French Riviera has me longing. Especially more, when I come across beautiful photographs like these: You get the picture of what I mean. So if you are up to it. I’d love to hear what makes you nostalgic. {featured image source}