The Not So Retired Grandma

14/11/2019

Fashion has always been fascinating to me. I like to keep up with what is new each season, and shop for updates to my wardrobe. Lately I have been trying to purge my closet, re-evaluating which pieces are appropriate for a 62 year old. I do not want to be that woman who wears frumpy clothes that age her even more. Nor do I want to be that woman who dresses like she's 18! There is a middle ground, so I decided to research what stylists advise. Here are some key strategies for dressing well as you age:
1. Buy the best quality you can afford. Shop off-season, go to discount places like T.J.Maxx and online or outlet stores. Quality brands fit better!
2. Buy natural fabrics like cotton, wool and wool blends. Natural fabrics retain their shape better than synthetics. The exception is that there can be a bit of stretch mixed in.
3. Buy classics instead of trendy. Classics provide a more elegant appearance. You can accessorize with a trendy piece, but the main outfit should have a timeless appeal. Think trench coat, double breasted blazer, pencil skirt.
4. Limit busy prints. Solid basics work best. Once again, accessorize with the paisley, plaid or flowered scarf.
5. If you can no longer wear heels, choose quality ballet flats or flat boots. Nice flats are hard to find, but there are a few good brands out there.
6. Limit costume jewelry and wear the good stuff! A strand of pearls can be worn with almost anything. Gold and Sterling silver are basics if they are understated, not chunky. Every woman should own pearl studs, diamond studs, a pearl necklace, gold and silver small hoops and a few bracelets.
7. Gym clothes are for the gym!
Period!
8. Get a classic purse for winter, and another for summer. Black is a must for winter, but you can also do something like burgundy or khaki. Grey also works well.
9. Minimize make-up. Older women should not use powder, as it tends to clump in wrinkles or large pores. Make sure you wear lip liner, so lipstick doesn't bleed into wrinkles around lips. Find a good shade of red!
10. Skirts and dresses look best slightly above or just below the knee. Minis and maxis generally do not flatter the older woman.
11. Look to style icons like Melania Trump, who always dresses classy. Copy looks you see on stylish older women.
12. Have fun!

06/08/2019

Tangleart is an interesting genre I have become obsessed with! It is relaxing, fun, and unique! Here are a few examples:

06/08/2019

Have you ever met an inspiring person? Someone who sparked your creativity and energized you? I met such a person a few days ago, and I know it was a God thing. We met at the mammogram center, of all places! We were both reading, and I commented on the book she had, asking her opinion. We chatted for a few minutes, but then she told me she is an author of several books. She writes a blog as well. She is older than I am, but so active! She shared some inspiring thoughts, and I shared about the book I want to write. We promised to pray for each other. We got each other's emails. I bought her latest book, released that day, and assured her I would write a review. My point?
BE AN INSPIRATION TO SOMEONE!
If you can encourage and uplift a stranger, do it! Make it an everyday habit to be sunshine to another person. The results are so worth it!

03/07/2019

Social Security: What is the best age to file?
I have heard arguments for waiting until 70, as well as for taking it at 62. After thinking it over, I have decided to take it when I turn 62 in October. Why? I want the freedom to work a little if I want to, but not work because I have to. I want to do so many things that I can't do while still working so much. I want to expand my wellness business. I want to travel. I have a book in my head that needs to be written. I want to paint, collage, do tangle art. I have several unfinished quilts. I want to live life to the fullest! I cannot do these things if working saps my energy. My job is tough. Physically and mentally. I prefer to take less money and live more!

16/10/2018

October 16, 2018: Jan Rutherford posted an article on LinkedIn

08/10/2018

Organic is the way to go!

Study blames Roundup herbicide for gluten intolerance and celiac disease epidemic “Celiac disease, and, more generally, gluten intolerance, is a growing problem worldwide, but especially in North America and Europe, where an estimated 5% of the population now suffers from it,” researchers wrote ...

13/08/2018

My most reccent mixed media creation. So fun to do!

13/08/2018

Did you know that art is good for your health? I have just started painting in the last two years, and I love it! I never expected to start learning to paint at this stage of my life, but I'm glad I did!

Creative activities, particularly when undertaken with the direction of a trained art therapist, can relieve stress and aid communication in people with cancer, dementia, or depression. Doing arts and crafts can help arrest cognitive decline in healt...

09/08/2018

To move or not to move? As one retires, it is tempting to try out a new place to live, like Florida. What does it really take to pull up stakes, leave family and friends to start over in a new place? Are retirement communities fun, or filled with people who are much, much older? Is it difficult to find all new doctors, dentists, hairdressers, etc? Will the old places be missed, or will new places be so exciting and interesting that the old ones are quickly forgotten? I know as you age, change gets more difficult. Would a major move be too much change to handle? Feel free to add comments if you have experienced a move in your sixties. Pros? Cons?

12/04/2018

Good to know!

In this guide, you'll learn how to score great senior discounts on health products, clothing, entertainment, travel, and restaurants.

12/04/2018

Ok, let's just start by saying that I hate taking pills. Swallowing huge pills has always been hard for me. But now I have decided to get on a vitamin program. I have an AM pack, and a PM pack. I am going to report back in a few weeks to see if I have more energy, more clarity, and less digestive issues. (My PM pack has a probiotic). Taking a mixture specifically for Longevity and 50+. Who else is on a regular vitamin program, and how has it helped?