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Women's Fashion

THE BEST AND WORST OF MY MOTHER’S LEGACY RECOGNIZING NATIONAL OSTEOPOROSIS MONTH AND MOTHER’S DAY

by Lina Clémence
written by Lina Clémence


 

 

*This post is part of a paid collaboration between myself and Amgen. The content reflects my own personal opinions.

It wasn’t until quite recently, while writing my memoirs, that I suddenly realized how much I’ve inherited from my mother. My love of fashion, the way I walk, my disdain for the color green, and my ability to live life very much in the moment, are all things that were gifted to me as her daughter. While we grew up to be vastly different women, there is no mistaking the genetic link that connects us in so many obvious, yet subtle ways. 

My mother was beautiful and adventurous. She commanded attention whenever she walked into a room. There was just an aura about her that people found intoxicating and mysterious. She was always in motion and larger than life. As she aged, her ability to live in the moment never faded. It was one of her most interesting qualities, but it also meant that she was always on the go and rarely thought about her health or took notice of the small physical changes that should have been early warning signs to other people. She rarely exercised, yet she seemed strong, agile and ageless, until she wasn’t. All it took was an unexpected twist of an ankle for her entire life to change. When she lost her balance, her sudden fall left her with a fractured hip. While she eventually recovered, she was never truly the same again. It only took one moment for her sense of invincibility to be shattered. It was a lesson that stayed with me. I was wary of repeating her mistake, so I committed myself to exercise. I knew weight training was part of maintaining bone density, so I went all in.1 I thought solid lifestyle choices would protect me from following in my mother’s footsteps, but I was wrong. I severely underestimated the role that genetics play in our lives. I failed to realize the physical predispositions mothers often pass down to their daughters. 

A man in blue shirt and hat standing next to table.

When I was in my mid-forties, my general practitioner sent me for a DXA scan, leading to a diagnosis of osteoporosis. The news came as quite a shock to me because I felt great and was physically active. Although I was going through menopause at the time, I hadn’t experienced any symptoms, so the diagnosis was completely unexpected. What I didn’t realize was that osteoporosis is commonly referred to as a ‘silent disease’ because you can’t feel your bones weakening.2 In fact, 80% of people go undiagnosed and untreated even after breaking a bone, and after a fracture, postmenopausal women are ï’ve times more likely to break another bone within a year.3,4

My doctor later explained to me that I was at high-risk for fracture for a number of reasons. Not only are postmenopausal women at a greater risk for osteoporosis, other risk factors can include low body weight, low calcium intake, vitamin D deï¬ciency, excessive alcohol intake (>3 drinks/day), and having a parent who has had a hip fracture.5,6 Unfortunately I ticked a lot of those boxes, so the numbers were not in my favor from the get-go.

A man in blue shirt and hat standing next to table.

Sadly, the statistics show that approximately one in two women over the age of 50 in the U.S. will break a bone because of osteoporosis.7 I’ve been very fortunate because I haven’t broken any bones, but ever since my diagnosis I’ve been more cautious with certain activities. While I’ve made minor adjustments to the way I do a few things, I attribute my good health to the specific lifestyle choices I have made in order to keep this disease under control. 

I’ve previously shared my osteoporosis journey in a few of my other blog posts that describe how I’ve managed my osteoporosis care during the pandemic, and the way that nutrition has played a significant role in my ability to manage my condition. You can also watch my Facebook Live discussion here, where I discuss my osteoporosis journey and my path to treatment with an every 6-month injection of Prolia® (denosumab), which is a prescription medicine used to treat osteoporosis in women after menopause who are at high risk for fracture. Do not take Prolia® if you have low blood calcium; or are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, as Prolia® may harm your unborn baby; or are allergic to denosumab or any ingredients in Prolia®. Please see additional Prolia® Important Safety Information below.

A man in blue shirt and hat standing next to table.

My journey with osteoporosis has been a long one that has spanned over 40 years. After trying numerous other medications over the years, Prolia® worked for me and has not only managed to control my bone density loss but has actually improved it.  While Prolia® worked for me, it’s important to talk to your doctor about what treatment may be best for you.

Thankfully, my condition was detected early on which has allowed me to manage it successfully. If I hadn’t caught it early, I think it would probably have been a vastly different story. Which is why I’m partnering with Amgen to share information about getting a bone density test (DXA scan) and the process for doing so. I want to encourage postmenopausal women to ask their doctors about their osteoporosis risk factors and request a DXA scan.

I know we’re all busier than ever before, and there never seem to be enough hours in the day, but we have to make the time to maintain our health. As we celebrate Mother’s Day and recognize National Osteoporosis Month in the month of May, now is a great time to commit to self-care. Wellness isn’t something that just happens to us, it’s something that we have to work on and make a priority. That means making the time for a DXA scan to check bone density levels. Yes, I know that sounds scary, especially given all of the uncomfortable healthcare tests we women have to endure. However, let me put your fears to rest. I was surprised to find that the DXA scan was a much easier process than I had expected. It is a non-invasive, painless test that only takes about 15 minutes.8 You can even wear athleisure wear to the test, since you don’t have to remove your clothes during the scan. Just avoid pants with zippers.8

A man in blue shirt and hat standing next to table.

As someone who suffers from anxiety, I can assure you that getting a DXA scan is an absolute breeze. Taking care of your bones is such a beautiful gift to give to yourself, as well as your family. So this Mother’s Day, please share this information with the wonderful women in your life.

ABOUT PROLIA®

  • The medication, Prolia®, also known as denosumab, was discovered and developed by Amgen. Prolia® was approved 10 years ago by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis at high risk for fracture.9,10




  • Prolia® is given as one shot every six months by a healthcare professional, taken along with calcium and vitamin D.9 




  • Prolia® is proven to reduce the risk of fractures and help strengthen bones in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.9

After your treatment with Prolia® is stopped, or if you skip or delay taking a dose, your risk for breaking bones, including bones in your spine, is increased. Do not stop, skip or delay taking Prolia® without first talking with your doctor.

For more information go to: prolia.com

PROLIA® INDICATION AND IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Indication

Prolia® is a prescription medicine used to treat osteoporosis in women after menopause who are at high risk for fracture or cannot use another osteoporosis medicine or other osteoporosis medicines did not work well.

Important Safety Information

Do not take Prolia® if you: have low blood calcium; or are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, as Prolia® may harm your unborn baby; or are allergic to denosumab or any ingredients in Prolia®.

What is the most important information I should know about Prolia®? 

If you receive Prolia®, you should not receive XGEVA®. Prolia® contains the same medicine as XGEVA® (denosumab).

Prolia® can cause serious side effects:

Serious allergic reactions have happened in people who take Prolia®. Call your doctor or go to your nearest emergency room right away if you have any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including low blood pressure (hypotension); trouble breathing; throat tightness; swelling of your face, lips, or tongue; rash; itching; or hives.

Low blood calcium (hypocalcemia). Prolia® may lower the calcium levels in your blood. If you have low blood calcium, it may get worse during treatment. Your low blood calcium must be treated before you receive Prolia®.

Take calcium and vitamin D as your doctor tells you to help prevent low blood calcium.

Severe jaw bone problems (osteonecrosis) may occur. Your doctor should examine your mouth before you start Prolia® and may tell you to see your dentist. It is important for you to practice good mouth care during treatment with Prolia®.   

Unusual thigh bone fractures. Some people have developed unusual fractures in their thigh bone. Symptoms of a fracture include new or unusual pain in your hip, groin, or thigh.

Increased risk of broken bones, including broken bones in the spine, after stopping, skipping or delaying Prolia®. Talk with your doctor before starting Prolia® treatment. After your treatment with Prolia® is stopped, or if you skip or delay taking a dose, your risk for breaking bones, including bones in your spine, is increased. Your risk for having more than 1 broken bone in your spine is increased if you have already had a broken bone in your spine. Do not stop, skip or delay taking Prolia® without ï¬rst talking with your doctor. If your Prolia® treatment is stopped, talk to your doctor about other medicine that you can take.

Serious infections in your skin, lower stomach area (abdomen), bladder, or ear may happen. Inflammation of the inner lining of the heart (endocarditis) due to an infection may also happen more often in people who take Prolia®. You may need to go to the hospital for treatment.

Prolia® is a medicine that may affect the ability of your body to fight infections. People who have weakened immune systems or take medicines that affect the immune system may have an increased risk for developing serious infections.

Skin problems such as inflammation of your skin (dermatitis), rash, and eczema have been reported.

Bone, joint, or muscle pain. Some people who take Prolia® develop severe bone, joint, or muscle pain.

Before taking Prolia®, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

  • Take the medicine XGEVA® (denosumab)




  • Have low blood calcium




  • Cannot take daily calcium and vitamin D




  • Had parathyroid or thyroid surgery (glands located in your neck)




  • Have been told you have trouble absorbing minerals in your stomach or intestines (malabsorption syndrome)




  • Have kidney problems or are on kidney dialysis




  • Are taking medicine that can lower your blood calcium levels




  • Plan to have dental surgery or teeth removed




  • Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant

Females who are able to become pregnant:

  • Your healthcare provider should do a pregnancy test before you start treatment with Prolia®.




  • You should use an effective method of birth control (contraception) during treatment with Prolia® and for at least 5 months after your last dose of Prolia®.




  • Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant while taking Prolia®.




  • Are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed

What are the possible side effects of Prolia®?

It is not known if the use of Prolia® over a long period of time may cause slow healing of broken bones. The most common side effects of Prolia® are back pain, pain in your arms and legs, high cholesterol, muscle pain, and bladder infection.

These are not all the possible side effects of Prolia®. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see accompanying Prolia® full Prescribing Information, including Medication Guide.

REFERENCES:

1. National Osteoporosis Foundation. Osteoporosis Exercise for Strong Bones. https://www.nof.org/patients/treatment/exercisesafe-movement/osteoporosis-exercise-for-strong-bones/. Accessed March 16, 2021.

2. National Osteoporosis Foundation. What is Osteoporosis and What Causes It? https://nof.org/patients/what-is-osteoporosis. Accessed March 16, 2021.

3. Nguyen TV, Center JR, Eisman JA. Osteoporosis: underrated, underdiagnosed and undertreated. Med J Aust. 2004;180:S18-S22.

4. van Geel TA, van Helden S, Geusens PP, Winkens B, Dinant GJ. Clinical subsequent fractures cluster in time after ï¬rst fractures. Ann Rheum Dis. 2009;68:99-102.

5. Camacho PM, Petak SM, Binkley N, et al. American Association Of Clinical Endocrinologists/American College Of Endocrinology Clinical Practice Guidelines For The Diagnosis And Treatment Of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis-2020 Update. Endocr Pract. 2020;26(Suppl 1):1-46.

6. Cosman F, de Beur SJ, LeBoff MS, et al. Clinician’s Guide to Prevention and Treatment of Osteoporosis [published correction appears in Osteoporos Int. 2015 Jul;26(7):2045-7]. Osteoporos Int. 2014;25(10):2359-2381.

7. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Bone Health and Osteoporosis: A Report of the Surgeon General. Rockville, MD: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Surgeon General, 2004.

8. National Osteoporosis Foundation. Bone Density Exam Testing.

https://www.nof.org/patients/diagnosisinformation/bone-density-examtesting. Accessed March 16, 2021.

9. Prolia® (denosumab) prescribing information, Amgen.

10. Prolia® (denosumab) FDA approval letter. June 1, 2010.

 

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Women's Fashion

Your Skin Care Questions Answered By A Dermatologist – The Number 1 Product Is? – FORD LA FEMME

by Lina Clémence
written by Lina Clémence


Adult acne, signs of ageing, universal skincare must haves, is SPF really that important? A top dermatologist answers your questions.

As you know, I’ve been on a skincare journey of my own, trying to clear my hormonal acne with topical spironolactone, using products from Uncouth, which is a personalised, prescription skincare brand founded by a dermatology doctor.

Uncouth compound bespoke formulas using ingredients that you would only be able to get from a private dermatologist: like Tretinoin for anti-ageing, Hydroquinone for melasma, and of course, Spironolactone for hormonal breakouts.

I’ve been using their products for around 6 months now and I’m definitely seeing good results with my skin. It’s just so tricky to get hormonal acne completely under control! I’ve also tried a couple of their other active ingredient topical creams and I can safely say that they are definitely a power house!

I thought it would be a good idea to talk to one of the dermatologists at Uncouth (the lovely Emma) and get some answers on some of our important skincare concerns! Emma has been helping me with my treatments and is extremely knowledgeable, so I asked her some important questions that I think all of us want to know! I hope you all find this interview really useful. My questions are in bold, Emma’s answers are in plain text. Please do let me know if you have any questions as well!

25% Off Your First Order With My Referral Link

(Dermatologist Emma from Uncouth)

Lorna: What’s the most common skin complaint you encounter?

Emma: The most common concern I see is acne — and not just in teenagers. Adult acne, especially hormonal breakouts in women in their 30s, 40s and beyond, is incredibly common. I also see a lot of rosacea, melasma, pigmentation issues, and general concerns around ageing like fine lines, dullness, and skin texture.

That’s good to know! I’ve suffered from acne (mostly hormonal) since I was 14 years old. Do you have any useful tips for those of us struggling with acne?”

Absolutely — you’re not alone. Hormonal acne often flares around the jawline and chin, especially before periods, and can persist well into adulthood. A few key tips:

  • Stick to a simple, consistent routine. Overloading your skin with too many actives can worsen inflammation.
  • Ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and azelaic acid can be helpful for mild to moderate cases in the first instance.
  • For hormonal or persistent acne, prescription treatments — such as topical retinoids or oral medications like spironolactone — often offer more lasting control.

Are there any specific products you recommend as a universal must-have?

Yes — SPF is the absolute non-negotiable. A broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), worn daily, is your best defence against pigmentation, premature ageing, and skin cancer.

If you’re prone to melasma or pigmentation, I often recommend tinted sunscreens. These contain iron oxides, which offer extra protection against visible light — an often-overlooked trigger for melasma.

I prefer gentle cleansers, particularly balm cleansers, which cleanse effectively without stripping the skin barrier.

For dry or eczema-prone areas, simple ointment-based moisturisers — even something basic from Boots — can be incredibly effective. They often contain fewer preservatives than creams and do a better job at sealing in moisture.

I had no idea about iron oxides! What’s your number one skincare rule or tip?

Consistency over complexity. You don’t need a complicated routine — just a few well-chosen products, used regularly and correctly, make the biggest difference.

If you’re using a prescription retinoid it’s important to find the strength that suits your skin. Not everyone needs (or tolerates) the highest dose — it’s better to settle into a level that gives you results without irritation.

And finally — don’t wait until skin problems get severe to seek help. Early, evidence-based intervention can save a lot of stress later on.

What would be your recommended routine for those of us worried about signs of ageing?

For ageing concerns, focus on products that protect, stimulate renewal, and support the skin barrier:

Morning:

  • Gentle cleanse
  • Antioxidant serum (like vitamin C)
  • Moisturiser
  • Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ — every single day

Evening:

  • Cleanse (balm cleansers are great)
  • Prescription retinoid or over-the-counter retinol (build up slowly) you can combine or add in extra skin brightening ingredients like arbutin to increase efficacy. I’m a fan of antioxidants like Niacinamide and ferrulic acid.
  • Moisturiser to support the skin barrier

Hydration, consistent SPF, and a well-tolerated retinoid are your foundation.

Tretinoin seems to be a skincare ingredient that has gone viral too. Can you tell us more about this product and how it could be useful?

Tretinoin is a prescription-strength retinoid, a derivative of vitamin A. It’s one of the most well-researched and effective ingredients for treating acne, improving skin texture, and reducing signs of ageing. It works by increasing cell turnover, unclogging pores, and stimulating collagen production.

That said, not everyone needs the highest strength — irritation is common when starting. I recommend starting with a lower strength, using it a few nights per week, and building up gradually. And always pair it with SPF and moisturiser.

At Uncouth we have different bases available to suit different skin types and we can combine tretinoin with a variety of ingredients to improve results, minimise side effects and simplify your routine.

That’s great to hear! Is diet really that important when it comes to skin health too? What about our water consumption?

Diet does play a role — but it’s not about perfection. For acne, there’s growing evidence that high-glycaemic diets and excess dairy, can trigger breakouts in some people. However this is likely to be more of a contributory factor.

As for water: hydration is important, but drinking loads of water alone won’t magically clear your skin. Think of it as piece of the puzzle, alongside sleep, stress, skincare, and hormones.

I can vouch for that as dairy does break me out, as well as oily, sugary foods. Is it ok to wear make-up every day, or do you recommend having days off?

It’s absolutely fine to wear make-up daily, as long as you’re removing it thoroughly at night and using non-comedogenic products (formulated not to clog pores). Skin doesn’t need a “break” from make-up — but it does need good cleansing habits to stay healthy underneath.

Great! I do love make-up! And finally, do we all need to be using retinols/retinoids and multi-step routines, or is a simple cleanse and moisturise ok too?

You don’t need a 10-step routine to have healthy skin. A basic routine — cleanser, moisturiser, and SPF — is perfectly fine. That said, if you have specific concerns like acne, pigmentation or signs of ageing, then retinoids, antioxidants, and targeted actives can offer real benefits.

But it’s not “all or nothing.” Start simple, and only add products if they serve your skin’s needs. Skin care should feel sustainable, not overwhelming.

Thank you so much! This has been super helpful! 

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Women's Fashion

What Does This Outfit Say?

by Lina Clémence
written by Lina Clémence


Happy Tuesday!  Let’s discuss this audience interactive post called WHAT DOES THIS OUTFIT SAY?

I began WHAT DOES THIS OUTFIT SAY? in order to help some of you understand style adjectives and how they help you build a wardrobe.

And, a few of you found these exercises to be very helpful.

Understanding what our clothing tells the world about us, helps us so much to build a wardrobe that is unique to us…and no one else.

There are so many voices online telling us to be certain women and dress like those women, but I believe looking closer at the messages is the key to being ourselves.

When I posted a WOULD YOU WEAR IT? last week, I was pleased at how well it went and I do want to keep it going…but not at the expense of this exercise.

So, let’s try another WHAT DOES THIS OUTFIT SAY? and look at two very different outfits.

Of course you can describe the women would would wear them…BUT THAT IS NOT THE MAIN POINT HERE.

I really want you to stretch yourselves and pick 5 style adjectives for each outfit…and it does not matter if you would wear the look or not…that is not the point either.

WHAT DOES THIS OUTFIT SAY? – LOOK #1

what does this outfit say

Try to forget that she is holding a golf bag and concentrate on the clothing and how she styled the look to answer what does this outfit say.

Without the golf bag, would athletic still be one of your style adjectives for this woman.  Also, remember this is one outfit in a wardrobe that should speak the same five adjectives.

I see her style adjectives as:

  1. POLISHED
  2. CLASSIC
  3. CURRENT – cargo pants and paisley are on trend
  4. COMFORTABLE
  5. ACTIVE

This is an outfit from J.JILL…and the pieces are:

FIT FRENCH TERRY CARGO CROPPED PANTS

FIT PROGRESS SHIRTTAIL TEE in the print called mist exploded paisley

FIT WATER RESISTANT HOODED JACKET...this would have been helpful for some women to have on last weekend during the U.S. Open!

WHAT DOES THIS OUTFIT SAY? – LOOK #2

what does this outfit say

Yes…I picked very different outfits for you to think harder about WHAT DOES THIS OUTFIT SAY?

This is from early spring at Dillard’s and it was in the BRYN WALKER department.

I see this woman telling the world that she is:

  1. FUN
  2. CREATIVE
  3. ALIVE
  4. POSITIVE
  5. APPROACHABLE

It is so important that we learn to dress in a way that tells the world who we are…unique…and that is a good thing…

We need to listen to our own voices.

There are some who would say the first outfit tells the world she is a snob.

The second outfit tells the world she is old and crazy.

Those are the voices we must shut out and learn to embrace who we are in confident positive ways.

Dressing with style adjectives will provide that confidence once we learn to embrace them.

I would want to know both of these women…though they are very different.

Now, it is your turn…WHAT DOES THIS OUTFIT SAY?  Please answer for both and put some thought into it…remember this is NOT would you wear it…we will do that on Friday!

I cannot wait to read your answers….

KEEP SMILING!!

By Pamela Lutrell

For all your shopping, please use the links on my SHOPPING PAGE…thank you, thank you to all who shop this way.

what does this outfit say


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Women's Fashion

DATE NIGHT OUTFITS – One Small Blonde

by Lina Clémence
written by Lina Clémence


Going on a first date is always intimidating… Getting ready and picking out an outfit for a date is even harder. That’s why I wanted to put together some fail-proof date night outfits that work for almost any type of date. I never want to be overdressed, but I always want to look good. I mean, don’t we all want to look good on a date? Haha. That’s why I always stick to black! Usually, it’s a black top with a pair of jeans or a casual black dress.

DATE NIGHT OUTFITS

I always lean towards jeans, a cute top and heels for date night. It’s saying, “I put effort into my look, but I’m not too overdone.” Another option is a casual dress like a maxi dress or t-shirt dress with heels. Below you’ll find what me, Kendall and Lindsey picked out for our date night outfits!

Zara Satin Effect Halter Top

Anthropologie Halter Plissé Romper

4th & Reckless Ruby Strapless Dress

Zara Swiss Dot Ruffled Blouse

Open Edit Button Front Strapless Top




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Women's Fashion

My Top 10 Affordable Health, Beauty & Well-Being Products

by Lina Clémence
written by Lina Clémence


A few weeks ago I brought you my can’t-live-without purchases and promised my top health and beauty products were coming soon… well, here they are!

So that last post with the products that –ahem- “changed my life” (and yes, I know how dramatic that sounds but I like to keep up the optimism!) listed the items to do with the home and garden, style and kitchen that all made my life easier or enhanced it in some way; I wanted to do that with health and beauty products. And anything to do with wellness that I think have had an impact on my everyday life and that may well have an impact on yours, too.

(You need to let me know!)

[Reading time: 8 mins]

This blog contains affiliate links which means if you click through and buy I may receive a small commission (at no cost to you).

Well-being, wellness, our home/life balance are all buzzwords that are bandied about so much but wowsers, now that we’re aware of them I do believe they’re really important. Self-care and mindfulness also come to mind… you get my drift. We can’t do everything, we can’t make everything perfect (and good lord midlife is hard enough as it is without feeling pressure to do EVEN better than what we’re already trying to do), but anything that makes your life easier or makes you feel more positive? I’m all in.

Nothing listed here is crazy expensive, I can’t afford anything that costs a bomb these days anyway. They’ll all make you feel good and/or look good, because we all need a bit of that, don’t we…?

Here they are:

My top 10 affordable health, beauty and well-being products (with prices at time of publishing)

 

My Top 10 Affordable Health, Beauty and Well-being Products (Eyelash and Brow Growth Serum) | Not Dressed As Lamb, Over 50 Fashion and Lifestyle Blog

1. NYK1 eyelash and brow serum (£38 each)

In the past I’ve used that eyelash growth serum – the really expensive OG, Revitalash – because it was heads and shoulders better than any of the other cheaper ones on the market at the time. But now it seems that other companies have caught up and are making serums that are just as effective but with a much cheaper price tag. I’ve tried a couple since then, but here’s a brand that many people seem to wax lyrical about, as do I: NYK1 for eyelashes and brows. Compared to Revitalash‘s £100 price tag (gulp, for 3 month’s supply), NYK1 is a much more affordable £40-ish.

It works just as effectively: at Christmas I thought my lashes had had it. Thin, sparse and short. But by the end of March – after three months of using NYK1 – I realised that bloody hell, I had crazy-ass longer, thicker lashes again. They just sort of… creep up on you (not literally, that would be kinda weird). The brow serum has made my brows much, much fluffier too. Growth serum for your lashes and brows is NOT an essential in life, but wowsers they make you feel good about your face.

 

My Top 10 Affordable Health, Beauty and Well-being Products (Self Tan and Face SPF) | Not Dressed As Lamb, Over 50 Fashion and Lifestyle Blog

2. St.Tropez bronzing mousse (£15), Ambre Solaire self-tan spray (£6) and Ambre Solaire over makeup SPF50 spray (£8)

So much trial and error over the years has resulted in me swearing by/sticking to these two self-tanning products (and a clever SPF sunscreen for your face that can be used on bare skin OR over makeup: genius). I use two different self-tanners as I use them on different parts of my body; let me explain…

I use the St. Tropez mousse on my legs all the way up to my bum (I have a set of standard black pants that I bought just for tanning overnight so it creates clean tan lines in the same place every time) with a hand mitt… don’t try and apply it without one unless you want tanned palms! It doesn’t smell grim, though I can’t ever remember smelling one like that so maybe those days of biscuity-smelling self-tanners are long gone. And I find a spray easier on my top half so it can reach my back and everywhere it needs to go – it still sprays upside down which is a bonus. I don’t use it on my legs because I just CANNOT get it to spray evenly on them, don’t ask me why?! The St. Tropez mousse AND the Ambre Solaire spray give an even, natural-looking colour overnight, and here’s another tip: protect your sheets with a tanning sack. That was another very wise investment… all my sheets are plain white so I’m glad they don’t end up with dubious tanning stains on them. It all sounds like a faff but it’s actually quicker than it sounds, and I like the healthy glow these products give me.

 

My Top 10 Affordable Health, Beauty and Well-being Products (Healthy Diet Cookbook) | Not Dressed As Lamb, Over 50 Fashion and Lifestyle Blog

3. The HBD (Human Being Diet) cookbook (£15)

I might write about the Human Being Diet (HBD) in a separate post sometime in the near future, but if you haven’t heard of it it’s a diet plan (as in “your diet”, not as in a fad) that’s being lauded by many midlife women as having helped them get fit and healthy – and to keep weight off.

It’s not a long-term restrictive way of eating; you must have three hearty meals a day, there’s no calorie counting, and you’re told to not do any (not ANY!) cardio exercise for the first two or three months. Plus, after the stricter first two weeks, you get to have a treat meal of ANYTHING you like once a week.

There are four “phases” with different rules in each, and the last phase is the “forever” phase, i.e. when you continue on, keeping the weight off and staying healthy. I lost an incredible 11lbs (5kg) in two weeks with only walking for exercise, and it didn’t feel like I was trying to do anything special. The recipes are all absolutely delicious and very easy and I felt soooooo much better for all the protein, vegetables and general goodness I had to eat.

I’m not one for fad diets – I’ve never tried Atkins, Keto, Weight Watchers or anything similar as I believe it’s too easy to fall back into bad habits once it’s over. I needed to change my habits permanently and this somehow worked when nothing else I’d tried did. I only stopped and restarted because my back went just three weeks into the programme the first time I started it (there is a lot of prep you need to do as all the meals in the first few weeks need to be cooked or prepped from scratch) and when my sciatica reared its ugly head I could barely make myself a cup of tea, let alone prep and cook a healthy stir fry or cooked breakfast. But I’m back on it (pun not intended), am just about to finish the second full week (phase 2) and am looking forward to my first weekly treat meal in phase 3 soon.

Although this is really an HBD cookbook, there’s still a lot of general information in it about HBD itself. But if you fancy reading about HBD in more detail, you can read The Human Being Diet by Petronella Ravenshear and discover more about the science behind it. It’s a very interesting read.

 

My Top 10 Affordable Health, Beauty and Well-being Products (Home Box Dye) | Not Dressed As Lamb, Over 50 Fashion and Lifestyle Blog

4. Garnier Olia hair colourant (£10 or 2 for £15 at Superdrug)

As someone who started working with L’Oréal five years ago, I can honestly say I’ve not found a better home box dye than Olia by Garnier. Nearly everyone I’ve spoken to who has used it (it becoming a go-to during the pandemic lockdowns) has said just how good it is. It doesn’t stink (at all), it’s easy to apply, the colour is very even and bold (maybe TOO bold?!!) and it makes hair seems super glossy and shiny. I’m not being paid to promote this ad infinitum, I’m just really happy to have found a home box dye that I love considering I can’t afford to get my hair coloured at the hairdressers anymore.

My ONLY gripe is that they’ve discontinued my beloved Rose Gold. (I’m gutted.) I’m going to try L’Oréal Preference Rose Gold Blonde next as it’s the nearest colour to what I want to achieve… fingers crossed the formula is as good as Olia.

 

My Top 10 Affordable Health, Beauty and Well-being Products (Shampoo and Conditioner) | Not Dressed As Lamb, Over 50 Fashion and Lifestyle Blog

5. Pureology shampoo and conditioner (£38 duo set)

I never thought that you could get an amazing shampoo. It just washes and cleans your hair, surely? Makes it feel and smell… nice? What more can it do?! That was what I thought until I tried Pureology (they do several different types but I went for the dry, coloured hair version) – oh my god it’s so much better than any other shampoo I’ve ever tried. For a start, you only need a TINY amount to get a good lather. It smells gorgeous, not just nice. It rinses out easily. And the conditioner is thick and gloopy and delicious. Using them together results in hair that blow dries beautifully and looks amazing. The difference just really, really surprised me (so THAT’S what an amazing shampoo does?!).

I will admit these ARE pricier than “affordable” as per the rest of this list, I’ve kinda sneaked these in. But I honestly think they’re worth it. I’ve had the seal of approval from a hairstylist on a photoshoot when I was asked what shampoo and conditioner I used, and I said Pureology… the stylist’s eyes lit up and he agreed with me that YES they are the absolute bomb for haircare. Not just me, then.

 

My Top 10 Affordable Health, Beauty and Well-being Products (Face Setting Powder) | Not Dressed As Lamb, Over 50 Fashion and Lifestyle Blog

6. bareMinerals Illuminating Mineral Veil (£22)

I have used bareMinerals mineral veil for YEARS and will probably never change it. Nothing else I’ve ever tried has come close to looking as invisible and as dewy as this, and the illuminating version that I prefer has tiny sparkles that make it look like your skin has a natural sheen to it without any chalkiness or dryness (perfect for dry, perimenopausal skin like mine). Plus, it sets makeup beautifully. Don’t ask me how it looks invisible but also seems to even out your skin tone; until I put a light dusting of this on I look blotchy and tired. One sweep later and voilà! Natural, dewy-looking skin. Magic in a pot, especially when you combine it with…

 

My Top 10 Affordable Health, Beauty and Well-being Products (Foundation and Brush) | Not Dressed As Lamb, Over 50 Fashion and Lifestyle Blog

7. IT Cosmetics CC Cream foundation with SPF50 (£30) and Magic foundation brush by Jacqueline Kalab (£42)

I’ve tried LOADS of different foundations over the years (not the super expensive ones, just the cheaper ones and the middle-priced ranges. I’ve never been able to afford crazy-priced foundations). My main gripes have usually been colour match and coverage/finish, which I’ve generally found to be too thick or cakey… neither of which is ideal for me. I’d rather forgo foundation altogether than wear a thick, visible one. Then I discovered IT Cosmetics foundations, and my world was ROCKED. (Slight exaggeration there, I’m just leaning on the dramatic.) I’ve talked before about the IT Cosmetics foundation, and although there are several different ones, I love the Your Skin But Better version: it does what it says on the tin. As mentioned in that post from last year, I don’t know how it’s described as full coverage (it is) but doesn’t look like it. I don’t wear concealer anymore – just this. It’s practically invisible and I love it.

The brush: the brush is perfect. Although £42 is pricey, I was spending loads on Beautyblender sponges that would eventually wear out and get a bit minging – they’re £16 (!) a go, so one Jacqueline Kalab brush that lasts forever is much, much better value in the long run. The bristles are soft and dense and the finish it gives is heaps better than the Beautyblender’s so I’m very happy I bought one.

 

My Top 10 Affordable Health, Beauty and Well-being Products (Water Bottle with Time Markers) | Not Dressed As Lamb, Over 50 Fashion and Lifestyle Blog

8. Fitness water bottle with time marker tracker

Our bodies are roughly 60% water, blah, blah, blah… we know the drill. Drink more water, etc. etc. But sometimes that’s easier said than done and you find yourself halfway through the day and realising you haven’t yet had any plain water to drink. This water solves all that: the times of the day are marked on the bottle so you can see exactly where you should be and when with your drinking water habits. I take mine everywhere (and if you don’t like black there are also colourless bottle/white lid and purple versions too), and I mean everywhere. Two fill-ups of this bad boy a day and I’m weeing a lot but also my skin is clearer and I feel more alert. Oh and it’s BIG, holding 2 litres, is 100% BPA-free and the long straw design means no tipping up of the bottle required (good for drinking in the car), plus it has a loop built into the lid so can be carried with it swinging from your finger. I’ve tried many water bottles over the years and I’ll buy this exact one again if I ever needed to.

If you want a prettier version (with nice colours) go for this similar 2 litre bottle with time markers in pinks, purples, greens or blues.

 

My Top 10 Affordable Health, Beauty and Well-being Products (Happiness and Wellbeing Book) | Not Dressed As Lamb, Over 50 Fashion and Lifestyle Blog

9. The Happiness Revolution (£6)

Described as “a manifesto for living your best life”, I read this book about achieving happiness from cover to cover as soon as I got it – I almost never do that with non-fiction/self-help books (normally I dip in and out of chapters that I fancy reading the most). But it was such an easy read and made SO much sense that it’s the sort of book you should read, say, once a year to remind yourself about how your own happiness is important and achievable.

It’s honestly the best book ever if you’re struggling to deal with anxiety, crappy midlife shit or general low mood: “Built on simple and practical principles, The Happiness Revolution is a thought-provoking and fun read which will have an immediate positive effect on your life and the lives of those around you”. This book is a DELIGHT and you’re guaranteed to feel happier and more contented after you’ve read it than you were before.

 

My Top 10 Affordable Health, Beauty and Well-being Products (Freckles Maker) | Not Dressed As Lamb, Over 50 Fashion and Lifestyle Blog

10. Go Ho waterproof freckles makeup stamp (£8)

Yet another product I’ve spent years trying to find the perfect version of… this is the best IMHO. I’ve been drawing on freckles since I stopped going in the sun and started wearing SPF daily and my natural face freckles disappeared. In fact I started when I was still at college, so that’s at least 30 years (did I really graduate 30 years ago?!) of painting on freckles: this ain’t no 2020s trend for me…! I’ve tried eyebrow pencil (my go-to for years), henna, specialised freckle pens, tattoo brow stain, the lot. But someone, somewhere mentioned this and it sounded like the sort of thing I’d have designed myself. I bought it and haven’t looked back, no need for the other methods at all anymore.

It’s quicker than the single dotting of a pen or pencil as it creates more freckles in one go with the round stamp. It’s more natural-looking as the dots are different sizes and you can blend with a light tapping of your finger. It lasts pretty much all day as it’s a temporary stain. I freakin LOVE this product so much and am so glad it was invented: hats off to you, sir/madam that created it 😀

 

And a few special mentions…

Nails Inc Tootsie Tamer foot file (£10) – THE best file to make your feet super soft, it’s unforgiving but works miracles.

Cordless nail drill & polisher (£18) – made mostly for acrylic nails, but I think this is the best tool ever for buffing your nails and cleaning up cuticles.

Rotating beauty/makeup organiser (£11) – so glad I bought this! My everyday makeup and skincare is easily accessible and organised.

Toe protector squishies (£10) – perfect for preventing blisters if you do a lot of walking, hiking or running.

Cetaphil Daily Defence face moisturiser SPF50 (£12) – I’ve almost eradicated the pigmentation I used to get in the summer all over my face with this day cream (Hallelujah!). Great price point for such a high SPF too.

 

Your turn – have you got any health, beauty and well-being products you swear by (or will you be trying any of these)? Do you think a similar post about products for perimeno and menopause would be a good idea? Tell me in the comments…!

 

Thanks for reading,

Catherine signature

 

Linking up to… Monday: Inspire Me Monday, My Glittery Heart, On Mondays We Link Up || Tuesday: Confident Twosday, Happy Now Blog Link Up || Wednesday: WowOnWednesday || Friday: Fancy Friday, On the Edge


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Women's Fashion

Patterned pink skirt – No Fear of Fashion

by Lina Clémence
written by Lina Clémence


Finally, a skirt again. I told you in a previous post that I spotted this patterned pink skirt by accident only a couple of hours after I saw a woman on Instagram styling it six times. Loved it and ordered it. Fits like a glove.

I created many outfits with the skirt, a few of which are copies of the Instagram inspiration, of course, copycat as I am. This version with my golden yellow top from Milan is my favourite. The suede yellow slingbacks from Marks&Spencer bookend it perfectly in my opinion, although a bit matchy matchy. The shoes are holding up surprisingly well, considering they are suede in a light colour and six years old. Bought them in Newcastle when I was there with Nikki of Midlifechic. Scroll down a bit in that post and you will see them.

Below: After I sorted all the photos at home I discovered there is a man behind me, sticking his tongue out haha. I guess he won’t mind being recognised in this blog post.

Patterned pink skirt

Below: The plant man had such pretty plants. He displayed them well.

Plants at the market

Loes and I strolled across the market.

Below: You can see the lower hem at the back. I like such a feature and I like that the skirt is really long. Can I also mention the quirky heel on the slingbacks?

Patterned pink skirt

Below: We decided to have a coffee at this market stall. Great coffee.

Patterned pink skirt

Below: Here is Loes, my photographer with a summer haircut. That pink colour suits her so well.

Loes

Below: This is Loes from head to toe. The trousers and jumper make a charming summer outfit.

Loes

Below: A rather successful close-up with the long glass drop earrings by Lara Design. This close-up is for my friend Jose-Maria, my blog supporter since the very beginning. He loves elegant outfits and close-ups, so I dedicate this post to him.

Long glass drop earrings by Lara Design

Below: A stall with pies. I bought 10 little ones to try all flavours. Definitely will go there again. Only we ate the 10 little pies with the four of us, so I don’t really know which one was the best.

Delicious pies

Below: This is one of my favourite stalls with French cheese, sausages, pesto, you name it. All sorts of delicacies. Great for when people come round for drinks.

Food delights like French cheese, sausages, pesto etc.

Below: And the nut stall is fab too. A queue (actually 4 queues) all day long but well worth waiting.

Patterned pink skirt

Below: I got chatting with the lady of the Polish crockery stall. Very nice woman.

Patterned pink skirt and Polish crockery

Below: If you are interested, her website is www.emilia-bunzlauceramika.nl

Polish crockery

Below: Close-up of my beloved Demellier pale slate bag.

Demellier bag and shiny bracelet

Below: And a close-up of my shiny bracelet. I think I found it in a second-hand shop once. It was at the back of my wardrobe where I suddenly saw it again. People are right when they say that if you haven’t got your clothes (shoes, accessories etc) in view all the time, you forget about them. In our small home it is just not possible to have everything in view all the time, but luckily I have a good memory.

Shiny green and transparent bracelet

Below: The terraces surrounding the market square were filled with people enjoying the weather and the hustle and bustle of the market.

Terrace in the sun in Haarlem

What happened in my life this week

Saturday Ron was selling all sorts of nearly antique (or just old) stuff at an outdoor antique market. Stuff from our house, his allotment and the shed. The market is called Antique Market and sells ‘brocante’ which is a French word for anything old but not yet 100 years old.

Below: The antique market in the morning when it was raining cats and dogs.

Antique market in Haarlem

Below: After 1 pm the sun came out. Ron is on the left, in front of his stall. The photo isn’t sharp and it was at the end of the day when they were packing everything away. He was there with our friend Marla and they both sold well.

Antique market in Haarlem

Below: I made Salad Niçoise with fried chicken this time instead of fish. I don’t like cooking and I am not very good at it either, but this is just a matter of assembling. I figured Ron would be tired after a long day at the market. I can be nice. If I want to haha.

Salad Niçoise Saturday evening

 Nothing to report about Sunday.

Monday on the other hand was a great day in Amsterdam with Sylvia of 40PlusStyle.

Many photos to come.

Sylvia (below) was the one who gave me the support and encouragement to start my blog in 2012. Now living in Portugal and still travelling a lot, she visits the Netherlands now and then. Of course, we meet when she is here.

Sylvia is still able to pack everything in a carry-on suitcase even if she is away for a couple of months and still look stylish.

Below: Terrace of Café De Jaren in Amsterdam where we had lunch.

Terrace of café De Jaren in Amsterdam

We had tickets to visit a historic house of rich people around 1884 which is now a museum, Museum Van Loon.

Below: The kitchen.

Kitchen of Museum Van Loon in Amsterdam

Below: Stairs and the ceiling.

Stairs and ceiling in Museum Van Loon in Amsterdam

Below: One of the bedrooms. They weren’t shy of a little pattern here and there.

Bedroom in Museum Van Loon in Amsterdam

Below: There was an exhibition called Flourish by an artist who paints portraits of people he approaches in the street in Suriname. He paints them after a painting of someone of the Van Loon family. The artist is Kehinde Wiley who also painted the official portrait of Barack Obama.

Museum Van Loon in Amsterdam with art of Kehinde Wiley

I quote: “Kehinde Wiley’s new body of work constitutes a visual response to the portrait collection and historic interiors of Museum Van Loon. Melted into the museum’s collection, Flourish addresses ties between Western portraiture, Dutch global colonial presence and contemporary art as social and cultural practice. Simultaneously, Flourish highlights beauty and grace in the 21st century, captured through models the artist met in Suriname.”

Below: Here is another painting by Kehinde Wiley. (Sorry about the lamp light on the painting.)

Art by Kehinde Wiley in Museum Van Loon in Amsterdam

Below: Me and Sylvia in one of the rooms. A kind gentleman took our photo.

Me and Sylvia of 40PlusStyle

Below: The stunning garden of Museum Van Loon. At the back there is a little restaurant. Yes, in that gorgeous building which used to be the coach house.

Garden of Museum Van Loon in Amsterdam

Below: A last view of an Amsterdam canal and back home after a joyous day. Bikes are everywhere.

Canal in Amsterdam

Tuesday the day started with rain and this continued until noon. By that time I had arrived at Marjolein’s house and she made me coffee and lunch. As the skies had cleared, we ventured out for a photo shoot. It is always hard to find a new and interesting background for our shoot but Marjolein came up trumps again. Several public objects throughout The Hague had been turned into artwork and became a mural. We found a number of them. We couldn’t use all of them as people parked their bike or motorbike against it (rude). Below one as an appetizer. I ‘removed’ the cart that was parked against it. By the time I went home the sun came out. Never mind, we had a good day and a successful photo shoot.

Wednesday I took the shoes back which I bought a week ago. I didn’t think they were too comfortable, Ron hated them and frankly, I didn’t have the money to spend. The shoes went back to the shop and surprise, surprise, I got a refund! Usually, you get a voucher. I was so pleased. Rest of the day physiotherapist, fitness, chores and clearing the leaves from the garden.Thursday Ron and I walked dog Watson at the beach on a gorgeous day. Below: Ron and Watson in the shadow.

Ron at the beachFriday the family came over and we all went to the beach. It was wonderful.

Below: Nicky and Zoë, fetching water from the sea.

Mother and daughter at the beach

Below: This time fetching water and looking for seashells with daddy and grandpa.

Family at the beach

Below: I was there too, bit of a blurry photo.

Me and granddaughter at the beach

The baby was content with her bottle and slept a lot.

Greetje

No Fear of Fashion


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Women's Fashion

Friday Favorites | MrsCasual

by Lina Clémence
written by Lina Clémence


Happy Friday, friends!! What are you up to this weekend? I am sharing Friday favorites with you today like these which are my favorite jeans I’m BEYOND excited to see on sale!! Plus, Amazon top sellers like this denim shirt jacket & also sharing reels of the week.

Most Popular Items of the Week:

1 | Wide Leg Jeans – My personal favorite jeans finally on sale 🙌🏻


2 | Levi’s Jeans – So soft & stretchy. The perfect spring denim 🙌🏻


3 | Mary Jane Flats – New favorites spring shoes now on sale! 🙌🏻


4 | Sweater – Loving this cable-knit sweater! Wearing S


5 | Barrel Sweatpants – LOVE this denim sweat set!! The barrel leg pants are 👌🏻


Amazon Best Sellers of the Week:


Instagram Reels of the Week:

Hope you all have a great weekend, thanks so much for stopping by!

Shop this look

Click HERE for full roundup

The Casual Details:


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Women's Fashion

Facing the future & what to wear now

by Lina Clémence
written by Lina Clémence


Facing the future

I didn’t expect my birthday post about talking to your 80 year-old self to create quite such a reaction. I’ve had so many conversations with people about it since, both in real life and online. One of the things that surprised me most was people telling me what a viscerally emotional reaction they experienced when they tried to reside in their 80 year-old self. Quite a few said that they couldn’t face the photo-ageing task and yet when I asked why, I found they struggled to get to the bottom of it. In the end though it seems to be about fears that fall into two spheres.

One is the reality of seeing that your still vibrant mind will be residing in an old face and an old body, it’s about the physicality of it. The other is that seeing your older self forces an acknowledgement of reaching what will be the final lifestage, knowing that the closing down of your life is imminent – and by that I don’t mean death (although that’s inevitable), I mean the acceptance of the fact that you’ve probably done the most extraordinary things that you’re likely to do, from this point life will be more everyday.

And the thing is that although it feels uncomfortable to confront both of these realities, that’s exactly why it’s worth doing the exercise now while we’re still in midlife. If we can start coming to terms with ageing now, we’ll move through the years ahead with more ease and confidence. If we can become familiar with our ageing face ahead of time then we’ll avoid that cycle of looking in the mirror and feeling disappointed, it will be a more positive feeling of ‘ah hello, there you are, I knew you were coming’.

So let’s imagine you’re looking at your older face, I don’t think it’s going to be instantly easy for anyone. I tested quite a few different photos in the app and it was easy to see how when I was carrying more weight for example or I was tired, I looked more jaded than the photo I added to the post when I was feeling fit and healthy after Colombia so it’s worth spending time on finding a photo of yourself that you like. The upside of seeing less positive aspects of my 80 year-old self was that it was a bit of an ageing crystal ball and it gave me the impetus I needed to sign up for another year on my gym programme and continue focusing on nutrition. If you don’t like what you see beyond the wrinkles (there isn’t an easy way to avoid those), it’s worth asking yourself a few questions. What does it tell you about the way you’re ageing physically? Does it say that you need to start living more healthily now? Is it as simple as needing to wear SPF every day? Is now the time when you really need to start a steady exercise regime? Do you need to think harder about what you eat and drink? One of my friends told me that she’d decided it was time to think about cutting her long hair and finding a shorter style that suits her, it had been on her mind for a while but the 80-year old photo focused her because she felt her long hair wasn’t going to age well.

We have to accept that our faces are going to age, that we’re never again going to look as young as we do today. If you’re someone who’s always had great physical beauty then it must be so much harder but it’s a better option than the alternative which is, of course, not living to that age and missing out on all of the great times that lie between now and then. I don’t know whether it makes it easier or harder that I have my photo taken so often but it means I’m very in touch with the fact that I’m ageing. I think I’ve already said that over the last twelve months I’ve noticed my skin and body ageing faster than I ever have before. I look at my face now and see a slightly crumpled paper bag version, not the smooth one that it was until very recently. I read an interview with the journalist Christa D’Souza this week where she said that the ages between 59 and 64 were when she felt she transitioned from youthful-looking midlifer to older woman. It’s going to happen to us all.

Of course there are some choices. I find myself lingering wistfully over articles about things like blephoroplasty eye lifts until I see the starting from £6,500 price tag and think about the adventures that amount of money could buy instead. And if you start down that path I wonder where you’d stop. If you had your eyes lifted would you then notice your jowls more… or your neck… and there’s nothing you can do about your hands. The thing is that even though you might look younger, you’d still be the same you inside at the end of it.

I’ve had a telling lesson that small tweaks to physical appearance don’t make the enormous difference you imagine they will recently. Ever since I lost a lot of weight back in 2013 and reached the point where I couldn’t bear to live on a diet any longer, I’ve harboured a nagging conviction around how different I’d feel if I’d just pushed myself to go half a stone lighter. And then when we got back from the intensive salsa course in Colombia in February, I found I had. And have I turned into the new and improved woman that I always thought the half a stone down would bring? Not at all, I don’t feel any different – other than knowing it’s better for my BMI my life hasn’t changed one bit… and my favourite Me+Em jeans don’t flipping well fit anywhere near as well as they did!

We’re all ageing every day and I think it’s worth facing up to it purely so that you can come to terms with it kindly. Imagine being that 80 year-old woman looking back at herself and realising too late how much of her life she’d tainted by not accepting how she looked. However vibrant and confident she is at 80, she’s going to feel exasperated. And I bet if you gave her the chance to look exactly as she does right now in 2025 she’d jump at the chance. There’s a balance to be found between controlling what we can by making the very best of what we have and accepting what we can’t change by coming to terms with who we are. So many of us tarnish our lives by wishing that we looked different to the way we do. As we start to age more visibly it’s time to let that go, to finally be ‘bien dans nos peaux.’

Once again let’s accept that we’re all going to be old… if we’re lucky. When you chat to her that 80 year-old woman is going to remind you that the time you have between now and then is finite so it’s better to spend it strategically than let it seep away. As always, strategy involves breaking things down into workable chunks. It was when I sat down with my pension adviser last year that I was really forced to think about it because he asked me, ‘how much money are you going to need in retirement?’ I should probably have been able to have answer him without too much trouble but the thing is that having worked for myself since 2001 I’ve never had a fixed income so I didn’t have the first idea. He then suggested we work it out according to how I was planning to spend my time – how much travelling I’d be doing, how often I’d want a new car, how many times a week I’d want to go out for coffee… and my mind was blown. I just haven’t thought ahead like that yet, he may as well have asked me how many times I’m planning to pop to the moon.

However, the useful thing that I’ve kept in mind from that meeting was that he pulled out charts and graphs (I’m a sucker for models and statistics) and explained the U shaped curve. That is that you need more money in the early days of drawing your pension (for fun mostly – and overdue house repairs) but also at the end, for care. He explained that it’s tri-phasic, divided between what he called the ‘active, passive and supported’ years which all sounded very depressing. But then a little while ago in the comments our much loved Mary Katherine rebranded them as our ‘go-go, slow-go and no-go’ years which feels so much better.

So, let’s imagine that we’re sitting with our 80 year-old picture in front of us. She’ll probably be crossing the bridge to the no-go years so we need to make sure that she’s filled the go-go and slow-gos with everything she wanted to do. When you look at it from that perspective you may realise that the opportunity timeframe is smaller than you’d thought. It’s easy to think that we have at least X years until we die but actually not all of those will be fully active. And so once again that’s why having the picture of that woman in your mind is useful. You need to hold her to your heart and make sure she’s looking back, nodding (and hopefully chuckling too) at everything she did. It’s so much easier if you make friends with her now and care about her dreams.

I’m going to leave it at that but those of you who told me you were sticking your heads in the sand be warned, I’m going to ask you again when I next talk to you… you know who you are. We can resist ageing or we can embrace it, it’s going to happen anyway to those of us who are lucky enough to stick around. The choice is ours but it makes much more sense to surf the wave ahead than splutter our way through it. And planning for go-go could be a really fun project.


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Women's Fashion

Flying high // travel

by Lina Clémence
written by Lina Clémence


B

 Time to Fly  

Sumer holidays are around the corner and deciding where to go or what to pack can e daunting experience. 

So what to pack ? Well after reading how some airlines charge passenger to check the baggage. First I believe the budget airlines started , but now the big name ones have also started to charge it! American Airlines , southwest , Air Canada .  And the extra cost if is a jackpot for the airlines. 

I have not travel with the budget lines but have used some of the others mentioned  and  I won’t be booking any trips with them! 

Really what do they think? If the operate a service to transport you and your belongs  that should be included , NOT an extra expense. 

Give you an idea of what they collect in these extra fees  then read this report via BBC. 

Truthfully people need to tell these companies  NO .  Even a handbag is next to the list.   They are making BILLIONS from from these extra fees! 

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0qg3ylx2g9o

What next ?? Charge you to use to toilet?? 


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Women's Fashion

Beach Bag Blueprint – Julia Berolzheimer

by Lina Clémence
written by Lina Clémence



A well-packed beach bag isn’t just about sunblock and sunglasses—it’s a quiet art form, a personal blueprint for how one intends to spend the day. Mine always starts with a light-weight, block print pareo, a compact pouch with SPF, and a short-brimmed hat that is conveniently packable. A net tote corrals sunglasses, beach towels, keys, cards and a an extra pair of shorts to slip on after swim. An attractive wicker cooler doubles as a beach seat. Each item earns its place, not by trend, but by the kind of summer it helps shape: unrushed, open, and quietly sun-drenched.

These handcrafted cat-eye sunglasses in canary yellow offer a bold yet versatile look, making them a standout accessory that garners compliments wherever you go. I have them in two colors.

This spacious woven straw tote features slim leather straps and a flared opening, combining functionality with a refined aesthetic for all your beach essentials.

With its generous brim and structured design, this lime-wash palm hat provides stylish sun protection, making it an indispensable addition to your beach day attire.




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