Vain Worries: In the Pink

Pink-a-licious!


Tweens

Growing up, my mother didn't have a clue about makeup and skincare. She was part American Indian so, she tanned naturally, had high cheek bones and, beautiful black hair and blue eyes.  Me? I was European descent with black hair, black eyes, and a creamy, china doll complexion. 

Mother used to say, "You need to get some sun on those legs!"  So, on Sunday afternoons, I would roast myself on the back patio basted in baby oil just to get a touch of color, mostly red, that faded by mid week.  It was a miserable way to spend Sunday afternoons.

As I affectionately called her, Euniepie's makeup routine consisted of a teeny purse size cosmetic bag with Cover Girl makeup and a tube of lipstick.  This combination she applied whilst driving to work every morning.  Her makeup never blended in with her neck, and she used her lipstick to double as rouge.  Occasionally, I would see her use a blue or green eyeshadow on Sunday.  There really should be a ban on driving and makeup application because it is as deadly as texting and driving or, at least, heart stopping.

Teens

I just had this feeling that there was more to cosmetics, and skin care that what I was being "taught," for lack of a better word.  So, after starting part time work at 14, my skincare consisted of soap, and alcohol.  Yup, straight alcohol on a cotton ball after bathing and before putting on my makeup. I was blessed to escape the ravages of teen acne too!

My first makeup brand was Sarah Coventry that came in a round purple case which I received from Santa. I don't remember much about it; however, when it ran out, that was it.  There was no more so, I used what I purchased from the dime store where I worked.

Around 19 years old, I was introduced to Beauty Control cosmetics.  This line featured color swatches to determine your "season" that enabled you to use color to maximize and enhance your natural beauty.  It cost several hundred dollars to join, attend the color training, and receive the color swatches, beauty mirror, lamp, and makeup line.  I was so excited to actually attend the training because, as I said, I knew there was more to healthy skin than alcohol.

Little came of this business, as I continued with my dime store job.  I wasn't the most outgoing of persons, and didn't solicit myself as a Beauty Control consultant, or makeup expert.  So, my makeup routine continued with the over the counter, dime store products.

  

Twenties

Avon, ah Avon.  After getting married, Avon entered the picture.  Yes, I attempted to sell Avon, Tupperware, and Stanley.  I wasn't very successful but, I had an enjoyable time doing it.  Avon makeup didn't last too long for me.  I just didn't care for it like millions of women do.  But, that one perfume, Toccara, still lingers in my nose to this day; I loved it!

After my first child started to school, my husband and I decided it was time for me to return to work.  I was hesitant but, after a call regarding the trade of my car which ended up discussing my job search, I was referred to a retail store called Parisian. 

Parisian was a family owned department store, much more high class than my dime store experience.  But, the HR manager was pleased with my cosmetics background and I was hired as a Clinique Counter Manager.  That is when Life began!  Wow, what fun I had.  What great products I used.  What special training I was afforded!  I can not say enough good things about Clinique, and Estee Lauder cosmetics.  Nor, can I speak more highly of Parisian, which has subsequently been purchased by other companies.

Quarterly, a wonderful little package from Clinique used to great me in the mail and vouchers to purchase Clinique products came just in time to refill my cosmetic case.  Annual meetings allowed me to meet other sales associates. Parisian afforded us a 40% discount on all items purchased for work. And, hourly pay from Parisian plus commission from Clinique padded my family's income.  What a life!

Thirties

It wasn't until I had two children that the hours of retail began to hamper my lifestyle and role of mom.  My hubby had the children nights, weekends, and holidays.  I missed out on so much because of this retail environment.  I loved it, but wanted to spend time with my children so much more. I was wrapping Christmas gifts at work while my family worshipped at Church during Carols by Candlelight.  I was working Black Friday while my family enjoyed left over turkey sandwiches Thanksgiving weekend.  I was wrapping gifts as lovers purchased packages for Valentine's Day instead of eating chocolate strawberries with my hubby.

After 20 years in retail and a divorce, I finally decided I needed to do something different.  My children were almost grown, and what few years I had left, I wanted to spend with them.  So, after retraining, I entered the M-F, 9-5, social services world.  

Better...But, having to pay full price for cosmetics hit me like a ton of bricks!  I tried going back to other brands but, having been sold on Clinique and Estee Lauder, I made it my mission to purchase my cosmetics at "income tax refund" time.  

Pink-a-licious!!!  Some how, I ended up purchasing a pink case to par down my cosmetic bag for my purse that contained a lipstick, eyeshadows, and blush.  It was Mary Kay and I loved their color line.  Still sold on Clinique, I kept using the skin care line in addition to my new love for MK color.

Forties

Years rocked on, 3 sons by this time, single mom mode set in, day care and college tuition were a nightmare, and my beauty regime suffered.  Years rocked on, and my sons were grown and gone.  I hit 40 remarking my 40's would be better than my 30's.  I hit 50, and I shut down mentally!  My grandmother and mother both died at 69, and all I could think of was I had 19 years left, 18 years left, 17 years left.  Then, at 53 something woke me up.  Can't remember exactly what it was but, I'm thankful it happened.

Fifties

"What do I do now?" I asked myself as I looked into the mirror.  Who was this woman?  It didn't look like me.  Lines around my mouth, saggy jowls, age spots, uneven skin tone, a double chin, and a furrow between the eyebrows greeted me.  My husband's remark, "aging beats the alternative" made me thankful to be alive.  I HAVE to do something to continue living the life God gave me.  I have to find a way to honor Him, and glorify His name.

The first step to regaining control of my life was rededicating it to God, and being thankful I have lived a good life, and for 53 years.  The second step was starting this blog, "Vain Worries" along with a few more.  Vain Worries allowed me to express all of my worries over aging and getting feed back from those who share my concerns.  Yes, it is vain to worry about aging considering all of the sorrow and sadness other women all over the world can suffer.  Nonetheless, if affected me and I have to ask God to forgive me all the time.

Enter, Heather and Lisa!  Facebook has a blessing.  My cousin, Heather, started working as a Mary Kay consultant and sent me a video to watch at my leisure.  My answer to the questions it asked were, "Yes!"

"If someone offers you an amazing opportunity and you aren't sure you can do it, say yes - then learn how to do it later!" ~ Richard Branson, Virgin Airlines

I enrolled as a Mary Kay consultant!  I started off very slowly, almost a crawl, two steps forward and one step back but, WOW, did I make a great choice.  Deep discounts on personal makeup purchases alone are reason enough to become a MK associate.  Work as much or as little as you wish.  Be home with the children when needed. 

Weekly meetings, yes, WEEKLY meetings with other sales associates are like pep rallies!  Encouragement when you need it, leadership when you want it, fun tips and testing new products are just a few perks.  Extensive training with the best makeup artist's in the business are available online. Stay up to date on makeup trends! Coach purses, jewelry, and other sales goal awards are offered.  Have your own sales line and, be a director. 

Can you believe it?  The next National Sales Director's meeting will be in London, England! And the most obvious reward for all of your hard work and dedication to your business, the opportunity to drive a Pink Cadillac with White Chevy's and a Black BMW in between!!!  I've seen it!  I WANT TO DO IT MYSELF!!!

If I knew then, what I know now, I would have started my Mary Kay career in my 30's!  I have been fortunate to represent the best names and products in the business but, for my lifestyle, Mary Kay is the way to go.

Stop here?....or NOT!!!

Email me at camrobn@yahoo.com if you want to see the video that changed my outlook on my middle-aged life.  If your answers are "Yes!" then, speak briefly to my sales director, and you, too, can be rewarding yourself and other women with the opportunity of a life time!

That pink cadillac knows no age!  Only diligence!  Today IS the first day of the rest of your life.

Vain Worries: Grin and bare it!

Grin and bear it, you say?  Well, I have to grin and bare it!  No, I am not fortunate to have a Giada DeLaurentis smile.  Although, I have tried to achieve one over the years.

Blind Eye

It was 9th grade, and my Momma took me into the Orthodontist office.  His reply, "They aren't worth saving."  I was heartbroken. My teeth were the only ones I had, and it was worth it to me!  My brother, grinning in braces at the time, said I was lucky I wouldn't have to go through that pain.  So, Momma opted for stainless steel cookware that year.  And, I never let her forget., Ah Ha Ha...

My family has a unique tooth condition.  Our eye teeth are blind.  My brother, sister, a cousin, my uncle, my son, and I have been affected.  They will not "see" their way into proper place.

I was in 7th grade when I noticed my front teeth were loose, and cupped under like a beaver.  The dental x-rays revealed my eye teeth were pushing my front teeth out.  Poor Momma felt so guilty as I had been complaining about my front teeth, and the hygienist had not x-rayed for a couple of years. Subsequently, the dentist had a heart attack over the situation, and the oral surgeon couldn't believe, "I was a patient of Dr. So-n-So."

My pallet was removed, the eye teeth extracted, and I drank a Big Mac from a straw later that day.  The quandary left was, "What to do from there?" The oral surgeon said my baby teeth could last for years, or a life time.  And, I was left with a less that perfect smile, yellowed by administration of tetracyclines for chronic ear infections, which turned out to be chronic candida infection.  No wonder the meds didn't do any good (but that's another story.)

Ah braces...OH BRACES!!!

San Antonio afforded me the opportunity to get braces, finally!  My insurance covered adult braces 100%.  So, like a flash, I headed to the orthodontist.  With my new pink bands, I proudly wore those braces as a testament to my long awaited prize, a beautiful smile!  Oh, I had so many plans: whitening, filing, pictures, etc.  But, in the middle of the process, I lost a baby tooth because the root was nearly disintegrated.  I was upset, but the doctor explained, I could get veneers which would cover the gap.

After 3 years, the braces came off, and I was given my retainer which contained a fake tooth to save the space so my teeth wouldn't shift.  I waited 2 weeks to get the retainer, and by that time, I was already living in Montgomery again.  When the retain got there, I tried to pop it in, and the teeth had shifted enough so the tooth wouldn't fit into place, and the fake tooth popped off.  I wasn't too worried because I could get it fixed when my teeth shifted back with the retainer.  But, somehow, I lost the tooth.

I filled in the gap with gum at times while saving the money for a dental implant.  However, the bone didn't heal ready to accept an implant.

2 down, none to go

I lost the right baby tooth a couple years ago, and had to wait again to see how the bone healed to accept the implant on the that side.  Unfortunately, I'm not a candidate for implants.  The bones spaces aren't dense enough to hold a titanium implant.  So, at 52, I have 2 spaces where my eye teeth should be.  What are my options?

Snap on Smile

I think I'm going with the removable Snap on Smile.  They are a fitting that snaps on over your permanent teeth.  It is kind of like the mouth protector a football play pops into his mouth, and unlike dentures which have a pallet that covers the roof of your mouth.  I'm not enthused, but at least the embarrassment of "gaping gaps that get ogled at at gatherings" will cease.  Say that six times!

Dental implants would be risky even if my bones would hold them due to my lidocaine allergy. I'm not to keen on bridges, because my other teeth are kind of fragile and have chipped some. And, veneers cost exclude that option at this time.  Caps could work, but they are costly as well.  So, I guess I need to get Snappy.

Obsession

Most people haven't had the issues with their teeth I have, and I say, "Hurray for you!"  If you have a great smile, please use your high beams.  Most people need to see a smile everyday to get them through however they may be feeling.  Your faces use less muscles to smile than to frown.

Yes, I'm obsessed with teeth.  You ask me why?  Okay, I'll tell you.

It was at IGA grocery store on the corner of Park Avenue, and Lower Wetumpka Road, circa 1965-ish.
Mother and I were shopping away.  Anyone who knows my Mom knows she was loud.  Loud, but a lovely person, inside and out.

On the fruit aisle, she sneezed.  Out came her dentures, and they flew into the buggy.  I didn't know what dentures were at 4.  I only knew my momma had sneezed her teeth out!  And, I started screaming with fright.  I never missed another occasion to brush my teeth!

Too Much Information

Yep, probably so, but people look at me and wonder, so I just wanted to put it out there.  I'm not going to be embarrassed anymore for something I can't help, or fix to standards set by today's culture: the perfect smile.  My only perfect smile comes from above.

Blessings my friends...

PS:  For anyone interested, I have articles on the following blogs

vainworries.blogspot.com
escapeofnotions.blogspot.com
theburnqueen.blogspot.com
thewayandthewalk.blogspot.com
theglutenfreebeginner.blogspot.com
aziceeit.blogspot.com
mydietribe.blogspot.com
sign2cc.blogspot.com

Vain Worries: A Barren State

Turning 50 has been the most traumatic milestone of my life, and being 51 isn't any easier.

Vain Worries was created as a salute to the big 5-0 in 2011.  Not really a salute, but acknowledgement that time goes on whether you like it or not.  Things happen to the body that frustrate and burden, so making the best of it is a struggle.  Well, at least for me it is a struggle.

Sitting in church last Sunday, I actually arrived early enough to watch others as they filtered in, chatted with other members, and generally enjoyed what the time had to offer.

Different people caught my eye.  An older lady wore a nice black and white pants outfit, and carried a bright, shiny, yellow purse.  One woman was morbidly obese and her belly hung way past her knees, and I thanked God mine wasn't that bad.  Although, I felt very badly for her.  Another few couples brought in infants, and I wondered why they didn't leave them in the nursery.  There was an elderly man who came in wearing wrinkled shorts and sandals with socks.  Teenage girls were wearing little of anything, and I wondered how their parents would let them be seen anywhere especially in church looking half naked.

The main person that stood out was an expectant mom.  She actually looked like a watermelon was under her shirt.  She was tiny everywhere except her little, elongated pregnant belly.  My heart broke realizing that procreation was no longer an ability I possessed.  I felt a loss.  I felt an intense fondness for her, and relived the long gone years of my children's lives in just a matter of seconds knowing what she could expect.  With a half smile, and a chuckle, I watched her disappear into the congregation.

Pregnancy was a time I felt the most feminine and most emotionally fit.  I don't know what all the hormones in play do during that time, but whatever it was, it was balanced and optimal for me.  I LOVED being pregnant.

Pregnant.  What a word.  My mom didn't like that word, and opted for expectant, which is the term I usually use in conversation.  And, Ellen Corby, as Grandma Walton, on TV described it as "being in a family way."  Bun in the oven, or whatever word you use to describe it, means life!

Those little bundles of joy are gifts that bring the greatest joy, and the greatest sorrow.  It's the hardest job you will ever love, to borrow the slogan the Marines use.  And, sometimes as a mother, I did feel like a Drill Sergeant.

Being a Christian, I read the Bible a good bit, and use it as a model for my life.  One of my favorite verses is found in my favorite chapter and written by my favorite author, King David.  Psalms 113:8-9 says, "He maketh a barren woman to keep house, and be a joyful mother of children!  Praise ye the Lord!"  What a wonderful job description - wife and mother!

Looking back there were so many squandered moments, tense moments, impatient moments, regretful moments, missed moments, and any other adjective you can think of to describe a not-so-perfect attempt at being a good mom.

I do think I was a good mom.  Well, at least I was better than some, but was in no way perfect, and I lament many things.  But, I adored being a mom.   And, I mourn my hysterectomy.

My children do not need a mom anymore, but a friend.  So, I try not to step in when not invited, but be available when they reach out.  I let them know they can call me any time about any thing.  And, there have been nights when they have all called between 10 pm and 5 am, which resulted in NO sleep.  But, I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Empty nest is simply terrible for me, but thankfully, I'm available for my three year old niece.  It's really different from my sons, and I do so enjoy the time spent with her.

I can't imagine the pain one must feel being young and unable to have children.  But, I do know the pain I feel knowing I could never have another.  So, women, if you have the ability to have children, be keenly aware of your condition, and savor every moment, for one day, it will just be a faded memory.

Happy Mother's Day!  Celebrate it everyday for it is a triumph for the human condition.

Vain Worries: Fit and Firm

Exercise and Aging: The need for exercise remains a constant throughout life, but the exercise routine may need a tweak after 50.

This week has been interesting and challenging.  I have started physical therapy for fall issues associated with my 3 fainting spells which resulted in a brief hospital stay in early February.  Since my release, I've broken my right toe (the piggy that had none), had 3 MRI's, a sleep study consult with a sleep study scheduled, an EEG, and other medically necessary tests.  Oh, I have Multiple Sclerosis, and hearing loss, just so you know.  I've been poked, prodded, drained dry, and greased all in the name of medical care, which I'm very thankful for.

During my physical therapy session, the young therapist measured my strength, balance, range of motion, and whatever else they had to do.  She encouraged me to join the water aerobics fitness classes for MS patients so I could learn what exercises to do this summer in our home pool.  Also, I was referred to a "Fit for Life" exercise class for adults over age 50.  Yep, that's me.  I can hardly believe it.  I'm 51 years old as of 03/07/2012!

I can remember my Dad exercising to Jack LaLane.  He had been on the gymnastics team in high school.  He was also a firefighter, and they usually ran around the firehouse for fitness.  Unfortunately, my dad didn't make it to 50.  He passed away at 47 with a heart attack which I attribute to the over use of a potassium based salt replacement.

My Mom was a tom boy.  She played women's softball for our church, so she was fit as well.  Years later, her health took a dive, and she became sedentary.  I don't want that to happen to me.

"Fit for Life" teaches aging active adults how to restructure their exercise routine to minimize joint damage or other issues, and maximize fitness levels for better health.  Or "Fit for Life" introduces fitness to sedentary adults. I'm ready!

The majority of my life has included exercise: gym memberships,  exercise aid gadgets and gizmos, and/or various cardio, aerobic, or dancercize classes.  Micky Mouse disco became an early favorite when I was teaching my 12-year younger sister the need for exercise.  Stair climbing was my choice over elevators.  Then, the Jane Fonda revolution started in the early 80's.  I could do those moves so well, you would have thought I was Jane. Disclaimer:(I know some of you don't like Jane, and I understand why, but I loved her exercise record. Sorry if that offends you.)

Later, walking, Hip Hop Abs (to encourage my son's exercise habits), and the exercise bike were my choice of fitness activities in my home.  But, recently, the kick-your-backside P90X was purchased for intensity and the assurance that in 90 days you could have abs.  Well, I have Abs, she is my niece, but my abs are long since gone, and the intensity too strenuous for me right now.  My son, however, loves it.  After the first day when I asked if he wanted to go the steak house for dinner, he said, "Mom, I'm so tired and sore I don't think I could cut a steak."  It was too funny.

Zumba fitness is offered at my church, and I really want to go, but I haven't yet.  I have heard it is a lot of fun.  I just hope my sagging, flabby arms won't hit me in the face, and slap me silly.  Wish me luck!

Vain Worries: Face to face with someone new

By Carolyn Roberson - Friday 02 Sep 2011 

 

Today, I was looking in the mirror, and didn’t recognize the person staring back! My thought was “who in the world are you?” followed by “where did I go?” Everything is different: the hair, the eyes, the wrinkles, the nose, the earlobes, and the turkey neck.

Vain worries: Aging.

Dermal tone facial exerciser:

 

I bought one years ago, and started using it right away. It helped, and I don’t know why I quit using it. These little devices work by using small electrical impulses that actually exercise facial muscles, thus the name Natural Face Lift has been associated with it. I was skeptical, but used it anyway. I could see a difference, but could anyone else see it? That answer came at my mother’s funeral when someone asked me how I stayed looking so young to which I replied, “DERMAL TONE!” I don’t know why I stopped using it, and couldn’t tell you where it is. I’ve got to look for it and start again.

Sun-damaged skin:

 

I’m dermatologist bound! Microdermabrasion, laser skin resurfacing, and chemical peel are just a few tricks the doctor has up his sleeve. However, are these treatments cost prohibited? Selective dermatological therapy isn’t covered by my insurance; so how deeply in my pocket book can I go? Unfortunately, my purse isn’t Mary Poppins issue providing a never-ending assortment of things to pull out of the bag.

Fade creams:

 

During my years working for Clinique at a Parisian department store in the cosmetic department, I ran across a product called Vantex. It was a product in the Fashion Fair line, which is a cosmetics line for darker skinned women. My fair skin self couldn’t use the makeup, but found that Vantex fade cream sure cleared up the discolored sunspots popping up on my face. However, I’ve not seen that product for years, and other fade creams contain quinine, which upsets my delicate stomach. Yes, it makes me nauseous to use. Come to think of it, I may have seen an ad for Clinique’s new fade cream, or was I dreaming? Perhaps, I need to check that out!

Therapeutic Massage:

 

I’ve allotted a few dollars each month for massage therapy. It is great for the stiffness, tired, aching muscles, and mental clarity. Whether it is 30 minutes or one hour, I have decided that, at least once a month, I’m having a massage. Get creative, you can get a massage in different ways. Wal-Mart sells those massage cushions, which I’ve used—and, it was comfortable. Some malls have massage chairs now. You can drop a quarter in and get a few minutes of treatment, or you can invest in a massage chair for yourself. It’s up to you!

Weight loss, and weight management:

 

Years ago, in the early 80s, I used Herbalife to keep my weight in check. Slowly creeping up over the years, and a constant yo-yo of weight gain, and loss, my body is not springing back to shape. I’m not morbidly obese like those super obese shows we see on TV, but the elasticity of my skin is gone. So, skin flaps will have to be surgically removed at some point, but there is the cost issue once again. Thank goodness I’ve found Herbalife again. It makes me feel good to use, keeps the weight off, and helps with the yo-yo cycle. But, like any good weight loss program, the key to loosing is moderation, exercise, and self-discipline. Weight loss is a mind thing. No one can do it for you, and nothing is an easy, magic way to loose. And, take it slow: you didn’t gain overnight, and you can’t loose overnight.

Time management:

 

Time doesn’t stand still: it keeps marching forward, and waits for no one. Take a few minutes a day to pamper yourself or at least once a week. Use your Ped Egg, and some Heel Tastic for those scratchy feet; and put your aloe infused socks on before bed. Paint your toenails. And remember, what skin therapy you use on your face, use it on your hands so your hands will stay younger looking as well. At-home manicures are a great pick-me-up any time. You only get one life, so make it comfortable while you travel the years you are given.

Okay, so this was my pep talk to myself. I hope it helps pick you up when you look in the mirror and ask, “What’s a vain woman to do?!”

Vain Worries: Turkey Neck

Gobble, Gobble.  Turkey season is in!

By Carolyn Roberson - Saturday 17 Dec 2011

So, I’m looking in the mirror this morning trying to take a new picture to update my profile. Every pose includes this hideous looking flabby neck, the proverbial turkey neck. Sags, bags, and tags create hags, and I don’t want to be one. The idea of aging, I’m okay with, but it is the effects of aging that bother me.

Let’s talk turkey, and I don’t mean the Thanksgiving kind.

 

Chewing gum

 

For years, I was told chewing gum helped tone the face, and it does, but very, very little, and it mainly focuses on the jaw line. A more toned jaw line may or may not benefit a turkey neck. But, better than nothing I say: chew away.

Singing

Using facial muscles while singing causes a slight stretch of the muscles, but has no long-term effect on a turkey neck. However, singing does increase oxygenation within the body affecting every cell including those in the neck. The lungs, and heart particularly benefit even while sitting. So, crank up the stereo and sing your way to a healthier you.

Facial yoga

 

Facial muscles, including the turkey neck, can benefit from resistance training. These isometric techniques are simple, and with consistency, over time, a new firmer jaw line will develop and the turkey will fly the coup. The Internet is a wonderful resource for finding these exercises.

Cosmetic procedures

 

Liposuction is a quick way to reduce the turkey neck. Costly as it may be, in as little as ten days of recovery, your neck will look thinner. Liposuction actually removes fat cells from any area treated, so fat will never accumulate in that area again. Adding a neck lift to the procedure will give it a more youthful appearance. Other procedures may include laser, Botox, and collagen injections but are only temporary solutions to a permanent problem. Please remember, it is important to research the cosmetic surgeon before undergoing any cosmetic procedure.

Electrical stimulation

 

Spa and at-home devices are being used to deliver mild electrical impulses to tissue in the skin. These impulses stimulate the skin, which improves muscle tone, increases collagen production, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, and evens your skin tone giving the appearance of a tighter, younger, and healthier look. FDA approved, spa treatments by certified aestheticians may be expense, and at home devices initially can be costly.

Cosmetics

 

Neck creams containing collagen and elastin come in day creams, and more emollient night creams. Exfoliation twice a week helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and prevents an ashy, dried-out look. Using makeup, concealers, and natural color properly, the appearance of turkey neck can be reduced. Also, wearing certain necklines, earrings, and hairstyles can hide a turkey neck. Visit your local cosmetic counter, and sales associate for professional advice, or seek information via your favorite search engine.

Nutrition

Increasing vitamin C and fatty acid intake helps the body fight aging, and resist skin sagging. And, not only does sugar contribute to diabetes, but it is a major component in a process that leads to sagging skin. Avocado, nuts, peanut butter, shrimp, fish, lean meats, eggs, and turnips are good sources of fatty acids. And vitamin C can be found in supplements, but is naturally occurring in most fruit, chili peppers, leafy greens, and some herbs.

Water

 

Lastly, the amount of water required by the body is 64 ounces a day, or about 2 liters. You’ve heard to drink 8 ounces of water 8 times per day. Water is essential to keeping the body hydrated, and the skin is the largest organ of the body. So if the skin lacks water, it dries out, wrinkles, and sags. Increasing water intake will slowly bring the skin back to a more youthful appearance.

Turkey neck will be in season at some point in your life if you are fortunate to live long enough. Most of us don’t think about aging when we are younger, but the benefits of good skin care, proper nutrition, and exercise from our youth do affect how we age. Be a good steward of the wisdom we have gained and mentor younger women such as our daughters, granddaughters, or nieces in a healthy lifestyle. It is never too late to take control of how we age. So, let today be the first day of the rest of your life! Good hunting.

Vain Worries: Thinning Hair

Bald is beautiful!  Well, maybe for Patrick Stewart. But, NOT for Me!

By Carolyn Roberson - Thursday 01 Sep 2011

Oh to be young again: clear skin, no wrinkles, no skin damage, and a full head of hair. Where did it all go?! Vain Worries number two: thinning hair.

My hair used to be very thick; so thick you could run your hand through the back and never see your fingers. Now, you would be hard pressed to find hair between your fingers! Well, that is a little exaggerated, but it’s really thin.

I’ve noticed when I eat foods containing yeast, my hair will fall out faster. Then after about 3 days, I’ll notice new growth, mostly gray, but I’ll take it. At least I’m not bald like my poor dad was at my age. Don’t get me wrong, bald is a great hairstyle. Look at Yul Brynner and Patrick Stewart: these guys were/are very distinguished men. But for women, bald isn’t the exact style we seek out.

Also, I have noticed using WEN hair products lessens the amount of hair lost in the shower. WEN is a great product. The only downfalls of using this product are the cost, and for some reason herbal products, not just WEN, make my hair smelly when I go outside. It doesn’t keep me from using it though. I just mist a bit of Aussie Styling Spray in it.

Use of most heated hair styling devices has ceased. No more hot rollers or curling irons are used. Thank goodness for the Revo rotating brush styling blow dryer, and Velcro hair rollers. After blow-drying my hair, I’ll put my hair up in the Velcro rollers and let it cool. The warmth from the heated hair sets the hair while cooling on the rollers gives it body.

Perhaps there is a hormonal reason for losing my hair too: I don’t know. I’ve not asked my PCP if that is a possibility. All I know is aging is something I’m finding hard to do. If my mother or my grandmother felt this way, I’ll never know.

As my husband would say, I’m just suffering from A-G-E, or O-L-D. But, I’ll tell you this. I do NOT like it. Although, I’m thankful that God has given me a lengthy life.  Thin may be in, but not when it comes to hair!