All posts tagged: midlife

getting ready for two weddings

Published by

Maggy London Illusion Back Pleated Matte Jersey Dress (Nordstrom)$148.00 – This is my best black dress choice for an evening wedding in Sausalito, California this June. I prefer wearing black for most evening occasions, it is the fall back dress for me when I feel self conscious about anything physically or just plain self conscious. Be careful however, with a dress like this one, you want to make sure your curves and bulges are in the right location of your body otherwise your attempt will be disastrous. Alex Evenings Portrait Collar Mesh Dress (Nordstrom)For a more full figured and bustier than myself woman, I suggested going with the following choices. Eliza J Ruffle Print Wrap Dress (Nordstrom) $158.00 – This is the dress I decided on for a daytime outdoor wedding in Santa Barbara July 2010. Again this style works for my body type but may not do justice for the full figured woman over 40. Instead, for daytime or outdoor events, I suggest sticking to neutrals and whites with some sort of sheer wrap …

thank you gwyneth paltrow

Published by

I couldn’t resist including this photo in my blog, because although gwyneth paltrow is not yet 40, her beautiful gown is one that a woman over 40 can surely support. I love it when celebrity dress down to earth even when they do dress up because their particular style “at the moment” gives the average woman the hope that she doesn’t need to go overboard to look good. The dress she is wearing is from BCBGMAXAZARIA gown available at Nordstrom, so it is pretty obtainable around $298.00. Thank you Gwyneth for your gorgeous choice of gown.

angelina’s Cafe

Published by

I must have driven by Angelina’s Cafe on California Street and 22nd (in the Richmond District in San Francisco) about a hundred times and said to myself, wow what a cute place, I have to go there sometimes. Well, finally today, after years of contemplating and planning, I finally decided to eat breakfast there after my one hour walk. As I parked my car half a block from the corner where Angelina’s Cafe is situated, I got a great feeling in my stomach as I walked by the French bistro table and chairs lined along the outside of the cafe. When I entered through the door, I noticed the customers lined up along the deli counter, waiting to order their food. Some were holding on to their dog’s leashes. I instantly knew I would love this place since they allowed dogs to be in the store. (Just in case you are wondering, I feel dogs should be allowed everywhere) I ordered a sesame bagel with eggs, cheddar cheese and bacon and was asked if I …

no recipe here just good food

Published by

I love “good” food like most individual with an artistic palette. I refer to palettes as artistic because if you think about it, those who lack creativity, lack a taste for good food (in my opinion). Good food to me is something that has to compliment my taste buds, it has to enhance my sense of smell from the array of spices used to create the dish, and finally it has to fulfill my innermost sensuality. Believe me if you think about it, you will understand what I mean. I am always in search of good food and when I find myself settling due to my financial state at the time I frequent the restaurant, or the party I am with doesn’t have an artistic palette, I leave the restaurant feeling unhappy and a bit grumpy. Keep in mind I am not implying that only expensive restaurants or those who claim to work with the best chefs in the world have the best meals. I am stating that even the simplest and most inexpensive places …

handbag and shoes for the woman over 40

Published by

If there is anything I can say I am addicted to, even in midlife, is shoes and handbags. I can walk through department stores and browse through the selection of designer shoes and handbags, oh probably an entire day without feeling tired. I know I am not alone in this, but choosing the right shoes and handbags for a woman over 40 could sometimes be very challenging. There is a certain protocol when you reach a certain time in your life and the shoes and handbags you select should compliment your maturity rather than hinder it. A handbag should never be too big or too small and the handle should be designed so that when you carry it, it doesn’t seem like you are struggling. Sticking to pale colors in the summer is ideal and keeping with the blacks is appreciated in the winter months. Women over 40 should stay away from bright yellow or fuchsias and greens. If color is your thing, then stick to lavenders and power blues instead for spring and summer. …

poached halibut with saffron fennel cream

Published by

I love it when grocery stores give a complimentary booklet or a magazine advertising their products with a few good recipes. I collect them all and use them frequently. I found this amazing recipe on Nugget Market’s website and magazine and it is amazing to say the least. Here it is – enjoy 4 Halibut fillets Court Boullion: 4 cups water 2 cups white wine 1 yellow onion, quartered 2 ribs celery, rough chopped 1 bay leaf 1 fennel frond, rough chopped, reserve one more for garnish 12 to 15 whole peppercorns 1 lemon, juiced Fennel Cream: 1 pint cream 1 head fennel, small dice 1 clove garlic, minced 1 teaspoon saffron salt and pepper to taste Preparation Court Boullion: Combine all the ingredients in a sauce pan.  Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer for 15 minutes.  Strain.  Fennel Cream: Combine the ingredients and bring up to a simmer over medium-low heat.  Reduce the cream by half.  This should take 10 to 15 minutes. Puree and season to taste with salt and pepper. …

no mini skirt needed to feel sexy

Published by

I don’t consider my self too conservative when it comes to wearing skirts or dresses, but I do consider my limit when choosing the length of the skirt. Sure, mini skirts are sexy and is intended, in my opinion, to stear attention from other parts of a woman’s body. But, a woman over 40, no matter how sexy and shaply should stay away from mini skirts. I don’t care how good they feel and look. If I want to go for sexy, I choose a black knee (or just below) lenght pencil skirt and compliment it with a nice pair of high heels instead. I wear super sheer taupe stockings for evening time and go with au natural (bear legs) during the day unless my workplace requires me to wear stockings. Mini Skirt: D&G Bouche Miniskirt $285.00 At Nordstrom Pencil Skirt: Ingenuity Pencil Skirt $86.00 At Nordstrom

t-shirt frenzy

Published by

Is it my imagination or t-shirts now a days are made of parchment paper? I understand the whole, let’s cater to the young and skinny as they are the ones who shop and spend money. Let us also make the clothes so that after one wear, you toss and buy another one. I get it, but… For the woman over 40, that concept is not good enough. Women over 40 and mind you those with young children, need t-shirts that will withstand the test of ketchup stains, detergent and various other marks put on as a result of ongoing and everlasting chores. So, while I have searched high and low for some good quality t-shirts I stumbled upon Eddie Bauer and their selection of “pretty good quality” adult t-shirts. Of course the sale they are having now also helps, but at least I know I can do my thing without being worried about the parchment look.