Monday Musings on Muppet Brows and Midlife Adjustments
I’m currently sporting a bright red nose…not from festive cheer or too much wine, but thanks to a new combo treatment my dermatologist prescribed for a few actinic keratoses on my nose and cheek. It’s a mix of Calcipotriol and 5-Fluorouracil, which sounds like something you’d need goggles to handle, but apparently, it’s quite effective.
The idea is to stir up a bit of controlled chaos, irritate the area just enough to get rid of the precancerous cells. She told me to expect a visible reaction around days seven to ten. Well, it’s day six and so far… nothing much . Not a flake, not a flare, not even a respectable blotch.
Anyway, I’m trying to be patient, drink water, and not Google things I’ll regret. If this does eventually turn into a full facial fireworks show, I’ll be the one wearing a hat, sunglasses, and a polite smile at the grocery store, hoping no one asks if I’ve taken up boxing.
Bowen Therapy
At Pilates last week, a woman on the Reformer next to me mentioned she was doing Bowen therapy to help with stiffness and alignment. I hadn’t heard of it, but apparently it involves light, rolling movements across the fascia. The idea is that these tiny nudges tell your nervous system to settle down and realign things. No pressure or twisting and no dramatic stretches. The practitioner even leaves the room for a few minutes between moves to let your body “process.”
It’s all very subtle, and the therapist told me not to expect to feel any change for four days. Well, it’s day seven and there’s nothing to report.
To be fair, it wasn’t unpleasant. I lay still in a quiet room for 45 minutes while someone gently touched my back. My Oura ring actually thought I took a nap. I have another session today, so I’ll give it one more try before I decide if it’s therapy or just an oddly soothing pause in my week. Have any of you tried Bowen therapy?
Bone Density
Last week, I had my bone density test and my husband had his Reclast infusion, which felt like a very adult double-header. I’ve known for a while that I need to add more weight-bearing exercise into my routine, but knowing and doing are not the same thing.
I walk, I stretch, I go to Pilates, but I also spend a lot of time sitting…writing, reading, knitting, and thinking about exercising. So I’ve finally decided to hire a personal trainer. Not for anything dramatic. I just want someone to show me what to do, make sure I’m doing it correctly, and help keep me accountable. Left to my own devices, I’ll find a dozen “important” things to do before lifting a dumbbell. Laundry suddenly feels urgent when weights are calling.
This feels like a realistic next step and just one more way to take care of the body I’ve got and keep it strong enough to do the things I care about.
Giving Up The Dream
Sometimes giving up brings an unexpected win.
About ten years ago, I saw a woman wearing the most beautiful sunglasses. I asked her the brand, found them online, and ordered them right away. At the time, I was determined to make contact lenses work—mostly so I could wear stylish sunglasses like these without having to squint through prescription lenses.
But my dry eyes had other plans. The contacts became painful and eventually impossible to wear. When I finally gave up on them, I tucked the sunglasses into a drawer and forgot all about them.
A few months ago, I rediscovered them while searching for something else. I had my prescription put in, and now I wear them all the time. Letting go of contacts felt like a loss at first, but finding those sunglasses again made it feel like something had quietly come full circle.
Style Shift
Lately, I’ve noticed my style shifting again. Not in a dramatic, throw-everything-out kind of way…just a quiet pull toward shapes that feel more modern and sculptural. Clean lines, unusual proportions, and the kind of details that make you stop and take a second look.
I’ve worn classic pieces for years. They’re reliable, and I still reach for them. But lately I’ve been craving a little more personality. Perhaps something that feels creative or artistic, yet still wearable.
Some of my old standbys are starting to feel a little too predictable. A few newer finds have me thinking, “Well, that’s interesting… do I dare?” And usually, I do. Because honestly, if not now, when?
I’m not turning eccentric, but I’m open to flirting with it. Just enough to keep things interesting. You will see it here first :).
Brow Woes
And while we’re on the subject of things that used to work…my eyebrows have entered a whole new, depressing chapter.
Every pencil and powder I’ve used for years is suddenly too dark, too warm, or way too harsh. What used to give me soft, natural definition now leaves me looking like a cross between Groucho Marx and a Muppet with something to say.
The problem isn’t the makeup. It’s the brows themselves. They’re fading to white, not gray, and thinning out faster than I can adjust. The same products that once blended in quietly now look like I used a black Sharpie to draw them on.
Since GrandeBrow used to work like a charm, I’m starting to wonder if my thyroid is the issue, because if that’s off, no serum is going to help. I’ve decided to switch to RevitaBrow anyway, just in case there are still a few willing follicles left to encourage.
That’s the theme this week: subtle changes in skin, brows, fascia, and style. Nothing dramatic, just a quiet reminder that what used to work doesn’t always keep working. It’s not a crisis. It’s just midlife doing its thing.
Are you noticing any shifts lately, too?
Hi Jennifer,
I’ve had many basal and squamous cell carcinomas removed over the years, fortunately never melanoma. I did have a spot on my nose that my dermatologist had me use Flurocil (sp) for I think about two or more weeks. I looked like Rudolph the red nose reindeer but fortunately for me it was during lockdown and I wore a mask. It worked great!
Thanks for letting me know! I’m going to use it again after this gala we’re attending this weekend
Hi Jennifer, always look forward to my morning read here. Regarding brows, my hair stylist introduced me to “Silvering” last year and I have been using their eyebrow wet/dry powder as well as a few of their hair products and have been very happy with all of them. You may want to check it out.
RevitaBrow worked wonders on my eyebrows! I highly recommend it😁
Thank you for being so honest! I can relate to so many things you mentioned in this post. Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us!
I gave up and had permanent makeup on my brows. I wish I had done it sooner. Mine are very soft and natural. No big huge over done for me. Find someone good and you will love it.
Nulastin works really works for me if I use it consistently. I had almost no brows and they grew back. I stopped and then was back to the sparse again. So word to the wise….be consistent. It takes a while, don’t get discouraged.
I love your honesty, especially about your Bowen experience. I tried it and felt it was a complete waste of time and money. It did make me reevaluate the effectiveness of massage therapy for my needs.
I’m reserving judgement until I try it a few more times
I will just say that microblading my eyebrows has been wonderful! You wake up with your brows already there, and it’s so nice. Just had my second touch up in three years. Highly recommend.
You look well & always happy. I often get the spots, moles, etc. frozen by my doctor to hopefully get ahead of the game.
Also identify with several ‘issues’ but at the moment my biggest is thin hair & hair loss. Have recently started oral minoxidil & liquid collagen (vitamin c & biotin).
Have you tried & noticed any improvement with any of the above?
The oral minoxidil has made a huge improvement for me. I put powdered collagen in my morning shake. What brand do you like?
Jennifer – I’ve been going back to some of your posts showing Quince items but you tend to not give the size you’re wearing. We are similar in size and I’m thinking of trying one of their sweaters. Do they run true to size or are they narrow? Size up or down?
I size down in oversized cardigans, and up in fitted sweaters and slim pants. I try to mention the size when I can.
I find Quince runs small
This is a wonderful post! It sums up and touches on the many changes this stage of life brings. I felt like I was talking to a long time friend.
Comments on two things:
I have seen you like those Eileen Fisher booties. I even tried them on at a Nordstrom Rack. I just can’t see paying that much for basically a sweater with a sole.
Eyebrows – mine are rather thick and light colored, but definitely there. My daughter, who knows more about beauty than I ever will, said I don’t need to get them waxed. Half of one eyebrow doesn’t grow hair because I had a chicken pox there when in the second grade. When I think about it, I put on blonde eyebrow pencil, brush it in and I think they are looking about as good as they ever have, but I am not a great judge.
That perfectly points out the personal in our style. Comfort is of primary importance for my feet these days, so stretchy knits that give rather than bind, make my feet happy. The price of an item is also determined by the fabric and manufacturing sustainabily, the designer, and style. I don’t assume leather makes footwear more valuable and I gravitate to interesting shapes.
Jennifer, how about hiking? Nothing too strenuous — but even a few miles on pretty level ground will give you some good cardio, plus it’s a weight-bearing exercise. Mood-boosting, too — has kept me grounded during some wacky times.
I do like walking but I’m not sure about true hiking.
I’ve had to use Fluorouracil on several occasions and I’m using it in four different places right now, including my nose. I will look like the walking wounded after 4 weeks of treatment. But my skin will be as smooth as a baby’s butt afterwards. It does work.
Thanks for the encouragement!
Jennifer, I have to recommend dermabrasion and a tattooing combination for your brows. It is the single most wonderful thing I did for myself this year and I am thrilled with the results. I feel like every morning when I wake up my face is still there, it hasn’t disappeared into my pillow during the night. With very little effort depending on my mood, my face looks put together. If I want a little more definition or color I can easily add a little brow powder or pencil. It’s Wonderful!!
Janet
Wow, that sounds great!
Your post resonated with me deeply. I appreciate your musings so much. I love how relatable you are.
I’m 71, and although I’ve had RA for 40 years, the last few have been particularly challenging.
I’ve had setbacks after pickleball (fractured patella and my husband a ruptured Achilles), a pinched nerve in my neck from Pilates reformer class (despite decades of Pilates), rotator cuff surgery unrelated to exercise, and getting injections this Friday for a herniated disc. Oh and plantar fascia tear.
Yet if you saw me, I look the picture of health, as you do. It’s humbling.
I have not tried Bowen therapy but I’m very curious as I have long standing pain issues.
I did hire a personal trainer and loved it but ultimately decided I know my body best and set up a home gym in our basement. I can roll out of bed and head to the basement and follow an online strength training session and be done in the time it would take me to drive to the gym and back.
I had to give up contact lenses years ago. I love your glasses!
Style shift: I’m finally giving up the dream of being in the body I was 5 yrs ago. What worked then no longer works. My middle has its own mind. I probably need to donate those sizes and accept where I am (not overweight, just shifting!)
I want to be modern but don’t want to chase trends. It feels too costume-y to me. I love classic style and it’s a delicate balance. My style icons are those who would look elegant if dropped into 2025 (Jackie, Caroline Bissette, Audrey Hepburn….etc). Just add a touch of edge. I haven’t quite found it yet but I’m working on it!
Thank you so much for sharing Jan. Your comment speaks to so many of us. I put a whole bag together to donate today, including bags I’ve moved on from and clothes that just frustrate me.
Good for you. Life is too short to be frustrated daily.
I’m over it and ready to tackle my quarantined wardrobe in the bins in my basement. If my body magically reduces its middle, I’ll just shop! Ha!
All the issues you have written about today ring true for me as well. Thank you for your comments.
Hello,
I just have to say those sun glasses are adorable!! well done-
As I’ve gotten older, I have noticed my eyebrows have faded away. And now they are becoming thinner as well. I have to pencil mine in every day.
It’s always something, right?
Hang in there-
Hi Jennifer-
So happy to see that you thought of hiring a personal trainer! For that exact reason, last year (at age 71) I finally signed up for a package deal of 10 sessions with a female trainer who enjoyed working with seniors. My aim was to end up with a written weekly plan/template, specific and effective, that would cover everything necessary for me in terms of both weights-based exercises and cardio, but also highly customized and realistic (because I’m picky in my likes and dislikes, and also my schedule varies). It worked!—I now have had a doable and satisfying plan for over a year that involves the gym, hand weights that we have at home, and jogs/walks outdoors. Now and then I might tweak it a little bit, but it is still basically what we came up with last year.
So I hope you will find success as well!
That sounds perfect!
Try. Grey for your brows. I use benefit but there are others. Good luck🥰
I also use Anastasia brow definer in taupe. I was using a darker color, but going into Sephora the makeup counter suggested the taupe color. My brows are brown with more and more grays coming in. They look much better, also I use the Anastasia clear gel over to set in place. Thanks for sharing. I love all your tips and ideas.
Good for you for getting a personal trainer. I have done pilates for 15 years, and absolutely love it. I just started working with a trainer , and am learning how to lift correctly, and how to work around my issues( arthritis in my thumbs etc) She pushes me the right amount with out me getting injured. It is so easy in the weight room to see your improvement. I have noticed that I am much stronger in pilates due to weight training.
Hi Jennifer. Love your Monday posts. I’m wondering how your husband did with his Reclast infusion and if he had any side effects. My Endocrinologist prescribed the Reclast infusion for me after taking alendronate (Fosamax) for 4 yrs. After researching it, I’ve been a little hesitant to do it.
He had a very strong reaction with tremendous body aches and pains. His Dr says it happens to about 30% of the people who get it. He would not repeat it and the Dr agrees.
Hi Jennifer,
I, too, really enjoy your blog. It’s so nice to see someone, who is around my age, look so stylish. You not only give us ideas for clothing but great “life” advice.
Could you tell me what sweater you have on in your picture? I love the color and it looks so pretty with the white blouse.
It’s linked below the photo. Eileen Fisher on sale!
Terrific column as always.
To Mira… if you don’t want to tape your eyebrows to retrain their direction, try men’s mustache wax. My eyebrows are wiry since they turned white and the wax is strong enough to redirect them.
Great tip!
I use the same drug combo for my actinic keratosis and it really does work. The level of response is based on how damaged your skin is. I use it in the winter when the sun isn’t as extreme (I live in Atlanta so that is practically never). Good luck with it!
The areas are getting a bit flaky but nothing much. I wonder if I didn’t use enough?
Hi Jennifer,
Your quips are better than a therapy session. This thread reminds me of an interview of actress Andie McDowell by Katie Couric.
She was being encouraged to dye her wild grey locks to look younger, but said she refused. She wanted to experience every phase of life, not go back or try to hang on to a phase that has passed. She was excited to see what lies ahead, the good and the bad. I like her attitude. It’s an adventure for sure!
As always, loved your post today. Always thoughtful and interesting. The brow topic hit home with me. I have one “normal” one then the other is shorter and now has a section sprouting up and towards the nose! Quite an effort to get it to cooperate! Something you recommended, Kosas AirBrow, is helping. And something always sounds better than doing the weight training I need but you’ve inspired me again!
Yay!!
I lost my brows in menopause – I have NOTHING so I pencil them in using Anastasia in chocolate (brunette).
Very interested in doing a closet purge but unsure how to approach it. I moved things over when I wore them to see what I actually wore, but some of that was seasonal and now doesn’t really apply as weather turned colder. I think having less would make me enjoy my clothes more!
How did you find a personal trainer, and what was the criteria to know if you found someone you mesh with? I don’t respond well to drill sergeants! LOL.
I’ve just requested one at our gym. Not sure who they’ll refer to me but I don’t do well with drill sergeant either. At all! So I’ll see what happens.
I agree about the thinning mostly white eyebrows. Maybe it is because we were blonde before we turned white and silver on our heads. But I am older than you are at 80. Wait until you get here! I’m still petite and mostly slim as long as I don’t tuck my shirts in. That darn waistline issue as we age! I still like to look cute and stylish in my jeans and tees. Today I have gone really wild and put a pale grey plaid check flannel shirt on over my grey jeans and tee because it is 49 degrees outside and cloudy today. Have a great day everyone!
A personal trainer to get a person going and be sure you are performing the exercises correctly is the best way to spend money for your health, including mental well being! I have found that it will pay off quicker and last longer than the piece of cake/chocolate I always want!! Go for it! (Even just a few sessions)
I do functional weight training 2x’s a week and have been ever since I recovered from shoulder repair as the result of a fall ice skating 5 yrs. ago. I find I’m stronger and less afraid of falling even though I tripped over bricks bordering a walkway and ended up having 7 stitches in my forehead. Growing old can be a challenge!
My eyebrows were blond in my youth and now what ones I have are mostly white. I use a Bobby Brown pencil that is grey/brown and wish I could get them to look more like natural lashes. Grateful to wake up each day, put my feet on the floor and move. Keep sharing what you know and what you do, Jennifer. So thankful for your blog!
I’m grateful you’re here Mary. Thanks for sharing.
My brows started falling out quite some time ago, not completely gone, but too far gone. I like the Anastasia pencil in ash brown . It’s a gray brown that goes with my graying hair. Sephora carries it.
Loved this post. I’m 76 and so much empathy.
I am 75 and just saying the number makes me feel quite old. I also have a problem with my brows. Most of my life my brows were just fine. They are a mixture of gray and brown and white. I have fair skin and most products look too harsh. I have been using nulastin for my eye brows and they are coming back. I also have been nuslastin for my lashes ( that is another story ) I keep looking for something that will restore my brows and lashes. I guess I want what I use to have and that is not coming back.
Jennifer , I hope this treatment works for you. I have the same issue with my nose ! I finally had a biopsy ( not too bad) and it is basil cell precancer. So, next monday it will have to be surgically removed. Stitches included.
I’m sorry Karen. Good luck! Keep us posted how it goes.
I use to have the biggest and bushiest of eye brows. Can you say unibrow! It was a monthly appointment to keep them under control Now I have bald spots. Yoicks. This morning I noticed that I have fewer eye lashes. The hair in other spots on my face is the other big change. I try to laugh it off but somedays it is really hard to accept.
I am also noticing that colours that were my go to aren’t working for me as I go naturally grey. I am doing some reassessment there. I wish I had the resources, time and money to build an entirely new wardrobe.
Thanks for keeping it real.
I have had very light eyebrows my entire life. Started wearing eyebrow pencil in 10th grade. What works for me now is using Gimme Brow by Benefit to see where I actually have a few brows. Then I fill in with Anastasia pencil and brow powder, using the spoolie to soften the look.
I’ve struggling with my brows also. The product that worked for me is no longer being sold so I’m trying all kinds of things. The struggle is real!! I had a small basal cell cancer removed by my ear. They used the Mohs method and it worked the first try. So I’m grateful for that and really grateful that my hair covers the small scar. Love your sunglasses.
Thank you for reminding us to be ok with changes as we age. You are truly very inspiring.
I am new to your posts, and I’m enjoying all of them! Thank you for all the work you do to share good things with me. I am 60 something and love your input and outlook on fashion. Wading through trends is tricky. I am drawn to feminine classic styles like Quince and Talbots, but strangely attracted to boho dresses with boots!
Re: eyebrows Try Mary Kay volumizing brow tint. It is like mascara for brows.
Thanks again! Jean
Welcome Jean. Trends are tricky and I’m not sure they’re a great idea. In fact I’m leaning away from them.
Jennifer. Promix was on Consumer Reports 2023 lead in protein powder. It carries California prop 65 warning. (As do many products in CA. 🙄) Perhaps they have addressed that. Otherwise clean ingredients, wish they didn’t add sugar.
Oh wow, I’ll check into this, thanks for the heads up. California puts that label a most things I find.
This article really spoke to me especially about the eyebrow situation. I just turned 69 a couple of weeks ago and it’s getting more and more difficult to make them look decent. Thank you for all the helpful tips
and advice and the laughs here and there!
I just love your blog! Today’s left me laughing because it’s so relatable. I often wonder who this person is that wandered into my closet & is not quite the right size or shape for things hanging there. And she’s looking so much older than she did just a few weeks before. I’ve got the same problem with an AK on my nose & thinning brows, except for the long black or white ones that grow in some bizarre direction. Keep the blogs coming. I have purchased many of your recommendations. Now, I need to design a life that will give me opportunities to wear them. Right now, bocce & walking the dog don’t call for high (or even low) fashion.
Wait! Bocce and dog walking do require clothes, so wear what you’ve purchased and enjoy them. Everyday is an occasion!
At 75 years old my style mantra is “don’t give up;” in other words, don’t go gray, keep in shape, and definitely keep whatever hair style works for you. I had a personal trainer for 13 years until we moved to Santa Fe two years ago. It was worth every penny. The key is to find one you end up being friends with. That happens over time so I think picking a female trainer is the first step.
Wonderful idea! Santa Fe is so beautiful. Lucky you
I also saw my eyebrows disappear and it did look like I had used a Sharpie to draw them in…it didn’t matter what shade or product I used.
I decided to try micro blading and found a wonderful salon that made my eyebrows look very natural. I was hesitant as I have seen some brows done that appear bluish.
Now I just fill in a little with a powder and am so pleased. I recommend that one finds a reputable and professional salon and consult with them beforehand. The procedure was painless and healed quickly. What a game changer!
I’ve seen some bluish ones too. Maybe that’s what has scared me off
Yes, thinning hair on the top, along the part and crown. Did you mention you use minoxidil?
I’ve moved on from topical to oral monoxide and it’s been a game changer for me. Ask your Dr!
Today you made me smile. Thank you. I need also need to engage a trainer to hold me accountable as I am currently doing nothing. My hiking group loves steep climbs that I cannot do currently. But maybe with a trainer to encourage and strengthen me who knows?
A steep climb would be a bad idea for me currently too
Always happy to see your posts in my inbox Jennifer.
You have the warmest smile and beautiful teeth.
Any recommended products or routines?
Thank you! I floss every chance I get, even keep it in my purse, sleep in a night guard, (tooth grinder here) swear by electric toothbrush’s and most important…had crowns fixed/replaced and lots of restorative work done when I knocked my front tooth out a few years ago. I take really really careful care of my teeth now.
The shifts I have noticed are my eyebrows look like they belong to a 90 year old man. I trim back all the weirdness – stiff black hairs, curly white hairs, normal eyebrow hair – that jut out and then use an eyebrow pencil to fill in. It’s not ideal but I don’t know what else to do. I’ve also suddenly decided that I want to figure out how to wear pieces from a very large collection of big flashy, shiny vintage brooches and necklaces that I acquired from my uncle last year. I’m not a person who wears jewelry so I find it both exciting and scary to try to incorporate these items into a style that doesn’t look matronly or weird.
Eye brows are a real challenge. I’ve got several cat whiskers in mine that I need to trim. Wear a simple, non patterned top and just pin on your favorite from her collection. Right below your shoulder. Wait for the compliments which inspire you to wear more.
I have used Bowen work for over 15 years. Once my body realigned, I went monthly unless I hurt and then went weekly for a while. Give it longer! It’s fabulous for aging!
Thank you!! I need all the help I can get
I feel like you were writing about me today. All of your issues apply! Makes me feel better “it’s not just me”. Thank you for sharing. I really enjoy your posts.
I’m glad to hear I’m in good company. Thank you.
I would like to comment on brows. Following your suggestion I recently started using Anastasia colored brow gel. I chose the light ash one which is still a little dark. So I apply a little bit in the most needed area of my brow and immediately brush it through the brows before the product dries. The next step is what really seems to make a difference, I follow up with a clear gel which spreads the color a little more. This seems to give me the right amount of color.
Also, I buy travel sized brow gel so keep cost down, and they last about a year.
Ah, I’ve never tried the clear! I always wondered why people would use that! Thanks Shari
The clear gel is used to set the brow pencil or whatever you use to fill in the brows. I use Maybelline build a brow. One end of it has a tiny brush the clear gel. I really like it. With salt and pepper hair, the ash brown colour works for me.
Jennifer, your blog has become my favourite! Your great sense of humour, honest sharing, practical and stylish tips all make for an enjoyable and informative read. Thanks for all your hard work. 👏🏻🇨🇦
Happy Monday! I’m glad you’re here with us.
Hi Jennifer,
The spa I go to for facials recommended “Li-Brow and Li-Lash”. (Lilash.com is the website)I have been using both for quite awhile now and I can say I have had good results with both. The patchy areas in my brows have grown in and the “tail” of my brow is thicker and my lashes are very thick. I have had no issues with sensitivity, etc. either.
That’s new to me. I’ll check it out, thanks
I still struggle in retirement with clothes because I have so many great pieces from work; I am trying to repurpose them. My brows are thin and almost nonexistent in places; I discovered a simple Revlon product that has powder and a pencil that I use and then brush until it doesn’t look drawn in. I have tried other things but am happy with my $12 product. Also, I like to patronize a brand that has faded but was such a part of my young years; I don’t want it to go away.
Every day is an adventure with my mostly browless forehead – I have very few brows left from overactive tweezing in you youth. Plus, what’s left turned mostly white. Now I use Ulta fine line brow pencil and draw my brows on painstakingly slow. I feel your pain!
And I had a large forehead to start with! I’m with you.
Mid rise jeans…..sadly took the last two beloved pairs out of the closet and into the give away bin. It really bums me out but I just hate wearing them now because my body shape has changed and I don’t think were goin back😉
Mid rise is a no and never on my body. They feel as bad as they look.
I’m not tall but I have very long legs. Regulars tend to reach my ankles which is shorter than I like. But Tall is too high waisted for me. To my amazement, I discovered that if I buy Tall midrise, they fit perfectly! Old Navy has them in the store so you can even try them on!
Brava for getting a personal trainer. After over 15 years of 2x a week Pilates, recovery from spinal surgery led me to a personal trainer. It has been life changing. I am strong now in ways Pilates never approached—and it provides the strength (weights) for good bones The trainer will also keep it interesting. Good luck.
Is your a man or woman?
At 74 I find every day brings a new subtle shift but that’s okay because it makes me grateful that I am still aging and not the alternative. This is not midlife; but by all calculations it is the last third of the life cycle. This last year taught me to appreciate the process; embrace what is specifically me, be grateful for all the positives in my life, tolerate the negatives. I appreciate your blog, Jennifer; always gives me food for thought.
You’re right Linda. Midlife passed me by a long time ago. We are lucky to be here
Good morning, Jennifer. Since you are going to try strength training as a way to strengthen your bones, I wanted to let you know that I have found the resistance training circuit at my local Y to be the easiest and most enjoyable way to do strength training. A trainer helped me learn how to use the circuit – you wear a special bracelet that individually sets the machines each time you use them – and the whole thing is effortless. Honestly, I do not mind going to the Y several times a week to use the e-Gym, as it is called. That is huge for me because I love to put off exercising!
That sounds genius!! I’ll check if we have one near us.
Good Morning Jennifer: I always love your Monday Musings. My favorite way to hear from you, even more so than the Nordstrom try-on days. And “flirting with eccentric” made my day. Can’t wait to see what you’re thinking about. I’ve done Pilates twice a week for 4 years and after two years, my bone density test had improved. I walk as many days as I can and I’d like to add an activity to fill in that 3rd non-pilates day during the week. (weekends are off limits). There’s a gym nearby exclusive for women. Maybe one day there.
You’re inspiring!! Good morning
Your muppet eyebrow comment gave me a chuckle! My once lovely brows are still full with few white hairs, but there are some very coarse and strangely long 3/4” hairs sprouting in there that are truly awe inspiring. I have to trim them, at an angle to make them sort of blend in. They grow straight up and I have to wrestle them to keep them down.😁 I realized my sleep position was making things worse so I’ve resorted to taping them down with surgical tape at night to retrain those misfits. It helps…a little.
Brilliant idea! I have more to trim each month. Grrrr
I’m new to thyroid meds. Now I have an endocrinologist who I hope will help my ever-increasing body changes.
But, this is what I can offer you. My trainer and I meet twice each year (she’s also a friend.) At the gym, she videos me doing the exercises while she talks through the body positions. I need body weight exercises since my osteoporosis diagnosis. So, my suggestion is that you have the trainer video you so you can workout without her whenever you choose.
Good luck!
Great idea Carol
I started using the “chemo cream” about two years ago for flareups on my face and scalp as they occur. I apply twice a day for four or five days and after stopping, it scabs up and new skin appears. It’s been a very effective treatment for me.
I’m wondering if I should try it without the other cream. I’ll message my Dr
I’ve had success with revitabrow. For sculptural clothing, check out COS ( and ignore the models). I’m gravitating back to preppy/classic with a twist. When I was heavier I used the sculptural touches to hide (asymmetry, draping, ruching) and now I’m tired of it plus it overwhelms my current smaller frame. I’m craving old money, but my way, with my colors and silver instead of gold.
I do love the old money esthetic too. Cos is terrific. There’s one in Vancover I love to visit when I’m there.
After 47 years of wearing contacts, I also let them go. I have a cute pair of glasses I got from Warby Parker. I really like them and get lots of complements.
Most of my clothes are black, white, or gray and I’ve been adding some navy. I have cute/comfortable shoes mostly, Vionics.
I appreciated your blog on adding texture and pattern. I feel that one or two good pieces with texture and/or pattern would elevate my style. Jewelry also helps to change my basic B/W look.
I have found some cool sculptured looks from Planet by Lauren G, Cos, and even Eileen Fisher.
Cool is a word I keep circling back too and I’m not even sure how to describe it but I know when I see it.
I’ve been a 3-mile a day walker for years, but last year I hired a personal trainer and added weights twice a week and it’s the best thing I’ve done for myself in years. I turned 70 this year and was successful at a couple of goals I set for myself- a 1,000 step hiking climb with my three sons and going paddle boarding in Hawaii with my grandkids.
The weight training has made me more flexible and stronger. You won’t regret it!
Amazing Stormy!! Good for you.
I too, have severe dry eye and cannot wear contacts. I have found that most sunglasses are prescription ready. That way I can see and be stylish!! Same issue with the eyebrows…. Going to look into micro blading after the holidays. Thank you for your input!!
Love your writing and your attitude! At 70 years, I’ve noticed lots of shifts and honestly, it’s hard to keep up! Thanks for trying new things and passing on your experiences.
Help, what to do about white eye lashes that stick straight out.
All I can suggest is mascara and a curler if you want to bother with one.
What a thoughtful post today – I appreciate your openness about this stage in life. Your blog is a wonderful mix of topics we can all benefit from. Thank you for the variety and for not pushing to buy more this and that, which has caused me to not follow other bloggers anymore. Buying with intention makes sense!
I’m being much more selective these days and it feels good!