I like to think that I'm less judgmental about stuff that really doesn't matter and more---not judgmental per se-- but more discerning about the things that do.... And I'm firmly convinced that the way we become the women we want to be is by being her now. When I was in my 20s, I heard an older woman speak, and I took to heart her advice that to be that sweet old lady someday, we needed to start practicing now. What we sow in our 20s, 30s, 40s, we reap in our 50s, 60s, 70s. SO TRUE. And with the 50s, 60s being the new 30s, 40s, we still have plenty of time to be sowing good habits/thought patterns. :hurray:

I like the veggie tray--preferably with a good ranch/creamy dip-- idea. Or perhaps, a crunchy, creamy broccoli salad. I like cool and crunchy contrasts with chili..... But, PLEASE share your in-demand pumpkin crunch cake. I was served a piece about 20 years ago that was fabulous but didn't get the recipe. All that I've tried since then haven't satisfied....

More than once in the past ten years, I've answered the front door and been asked (usually by old men) if my father was home. I'm 57! I suspect it is because I'm on the short side (5'2") and have lively (curly) hair, and they have old eyes. :laugh:

I wouldn't let being "old enough to be anyone's mother" stop you from making friends/having people over. I'm nearing 60, and our kids are all currently living far away, yet we (hubby and I) regularly have young people from ages 18 on up over for meals, for games, to go to various events with. I find being around young people keeps me young and they all seem to enjoy spending time with us. Of course, I do think it helps that I like to cook and they like to eat... :-)

I second this course. Chef Briwa is very personable, the techniques are adaptable, the dishes cooked are a nice blend of good basics and something a little fancier.

Back in the day when I first got started with Oil of Olay stuff, I took a good look at their website which describes the various lines (although there were fewer back then---the Regenerist line was the latest, greatest at that time). They also have some questionnaires to give you a starting point. In general, though, the Olay lines follow a four-step model of skin care: cleanse, moisturize, daily care, special care. Cleanse and moisturize are pretty self-explanatory Daily care is the extras like sunscreen, eye serums, night serums. Special Care is stuff like once-a-week masks. Like healthy eating, I've found it is the daily stuff that makes a big difference. So, for me, the Olay model works like this: Cleanse (morning and night,): TJ's cleanser, though I still have on hand the Olay Regenerist Regenerating Cream Cleanser which is what I used before discovering TJs. It is also a good product) Moisturize (morning and night): Olay Regenerist fragrance-free regenerating serum. I rarely need any other moisturizer but if I do, I have on hand the old-fashioned pink Oil of Olay moisturizer. Daily care: (morning only): 30Spf Sunscreen (listed in my other post) Special care: I've discovered that I even when I plop down the $$$ for special masks and such, I never use them or use them once or find them harsh or whatever. So, when I go all DIY spa-mode (once every six months or so), I just mix up some oatmeal scrub (oats blended to a flaky powder) with a sprinkle of Vit. C powder, make a paste, rub it on, let it sit while I deep-condition my hair, wash it all off, and call it good!

I feel like I've finally hit on a skincare regimen that I can live with, both results-wise and price-wise. First, I use Trader Joe's Nourish All-in-one-facial Cleanser. https://www.amazon.com/Trader-Joes-Nourish-All-in-one-facial-Cleanser/dp/B009DSXT80 I actually buy it at TJ's, around $6-7 I think. I first learned about it from Paula's review site where she stated that it is essentially the same formula as one that costs $20 by some Dr and she was amazed at how good it was for the price. (I've not been able to find that review since....perhaps it was a little too enthusiastic for something not of her line.....) Everyone I've introduced to this product has ended up liking it very much.... This is followed by Olay's Fragrance-Free Regenerist Serum, https://www.amazon.com/Olay-Regenerist-Regenerating-Fragrance-Free-Moisturizer/dp/B0000CC64W/ref=sr_1_2_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1506274478&sr=1-2&keywords=olay%2Bregenerist%2Bregenerating%2Bserum&th=1 I usually get this with a coupon or sale from Amazon. I keep it permanently in my camelcamelcamel price checker. A serum goes on very light, very thinly and is chock-ful of good stuff for your skin. I like to think of it as vitamins for my skin. That is all I *need* on a daily basis. Additionally, due to skin cancer concerns, I've since added 30spf sunscreen to my morning routine. I've had good success with both Target's generic version of Neutrogena's Ultra-Sheer Dry Touch sunscreen (or the real thing if on sale): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001E96OZQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1 and Olay's Complete Daily Defense All-Day Moisturizer with Sunscreen 30spf for Sensitive Skin: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001F51TDG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1 I knew I had a winning combo when this past year, in seeing two different groups of people for the first time in awhile, a couple of people independently asked me what I used on my face because I looked good .... (I'm 57, and frankly I think I look like I'm in my fifties...I just didn't look older and dried out and wrinkly). Sorry about the long links...not sure how to tighten them up but there are so many products with similar sounding names, I wanted you to see the right ones. And while all those bottles are on the small side, they go on light and thin and last a good while for me. Definitely been worth it! HTH,

Me, too! Not a big poster but have been on the forum since the old, old days. My youngest just graduated from university.... Still here because I love the discussions about life from the varying viewpoints--don't want to live in my own bubble.... Plus, I learn so much (fish and green peas, for example)!

Oh, oh! The past summer I had a small window of opportunity to buy some Tea tree oil (we live overseas), so I did. But now, I have NO idea what I ought to use it for! Please, oh pretty please, do share your many uses! Thanks so much!

What a great idea! How strict are they on the age limit? I have a young friend (my kids are all grown-up now) that might be interested but she is a mature 12 year old, not 13.... TIA,

We spend about $120/year--I wear only a little make-up everyday so it lasts. My biggest expense is my 30spf facial sunscreen/moisturizer because of high-risk factor with skin cancer...I don't skimp with it.... My husband's is Curel lotion because he gets cracked skin otherwise.

OMG! I never heard of such a thing! I can see giving that as a wonderful gift for some otherwise hard-to-shop for relatives. A quick google search showed me several clubs. Which one are you in? TIA, Vicki

Concurring with the others. My eldest daughter studied her entire junior year (in college) in Germany. Your child with be a college student, not a homeschooled student at that point. Probably more important is to research how many of the students actually go abroad for a semester, the number of different plans and options for various majors, and what kind of financial help is available. Just because the college *says* it has programs for overseas studies doesn't mean the college handles it well.

You've gotten some good ideas, but I'll add a few (we are ex-pats living in Europe): Baseball caps (any logo or none), chocolate chips and/or peanut butter (can pair with recipes for chocolate chip and pb cookies). Chopped chocolate is NOT the same. ;-) and foreign pb tastes.....different.... than American pb. Reese's PB cups

For special occasions or when plain water just isn't cutting it, here's another easy "lemonade" recipe perfect for hot summer days: In a 2 qt pitcher, Mix 2 tsp (10gr) citric acid* 2/3 c. sugar Fill pitcher with cold water and chill. Optionally add some washed and sliced strawberries (we get from the garden) and let macerate for a day for Strawberry Lemonade--this gets rave reviews from guests and family. I'll be experimenting with adding raspberries later this month.... *citric acid has been around since the 900's and is made from lemon peel. While we can buy it for cheap at a local store (in Europe), friends buy it by the pound from Amazon. This seems like a good deal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000OZFECU?psc=1 Plus, citric acid has many other uses! Just check out Amazon Reviews and Google....

We travel regularly internationally by plane (and bring goods). No limit on liquids in CHECKED baggage--though, obviously, liquids are heavy. Do weigh your luggage to make sure your check-in is not too heavy--the airlines have been very strict these days.... For CARRY-ONS, all liquids must be in a container holding 100ml (approx. 3.5 oz) or less. (ie.,, you can't have a bigger bottle that is only half full--the container size matters, not just the amount of liquid). And all carry-on "liquids" should be packed into one 1qt. ziplock and easily accessible for security screening. Travel sizes are your friends..... I would also suggest (I speak from experience) that most of the soft packaged goods (like chocolate chips, Crumbs, shredded coconut, dream whip) and all the liquids (incl. PB) be placed in Ziplocs---that way if the package bursts, the item is still salvageable. We've had choc. chip bags burst, coffee can lids burst off, brown sugar bags rip. Best to assume rough handling of luggage and, trust me, one small tear can lead to a huge mess. Hope your son has a fabulous trip!

Food-wise, I feel my best when I eat three meals a day prepared primarily from real foods. However, I've found it to be just as important to eat slowly, mindfully, and just until satisfied, not overly sated. But, for anyone interested in the commonalities of healthy eating, I highly recommend checking out OldWays (non-profit org) Common Ground info. They brought together top 11 nutritionists promoting vastly different diets (vegan to paleo, low-fat to high fat) in order to find that Common Ground. Quick Summary of the Importance of the Common Ground Consensus: Common Ground Consensus: https://oldwayspt.org/programs/oldways-common-ground/oldways-common-ground-consensus (The 11 points of Consensus. The site also has recorded video sessions and papers from all the major players.....) Why asking the wrong question leads to wrong answers: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-katz-md/expert-opinion-on-dietary_b_8638990.html I hope someone else finds this all as fascinating (and comforting) as I did.

I concur with all the suggestions to continue to keep on hand a variety of interesting easy readers, but I have to mention a book that will always be dear to my heart because it is THE book that vaulted my I-don't-read-books-any-longer-than-30-pages son into "real" books: https://www.amazon.com/Great-Horn-Spoon-Sid-Fleischman/dp/0316286125/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1477316119&sr=8-1&keywords=the+great+horn+spoon which hit the right combination of excitement, adventure, humor. DS read it in three days, chuckling all the while. :-)

You might also search for olive spoons. This one looks like it might fit the bill and the price is right: https://www.amazon.com/WMF-Manaos-Bistro-Olive-Spoon/dp/B001ECQQWY/ref=sr_1_6?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1477148068&sr=1-6&keywords=olive+spoon And based on the suggestion to use a fork, you might search for "sporks", too. Here is a set of four: https://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Steel-Sporks-Everyday-Household/dp/B00UQKYMIU/ref=sr_1_5?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1477148304&sr=1-5&keywords=spork

Oh good! Someone else mentioned No-S! I lost 50+ pounds following No-S and have (mainly--dealing with other health issues currently) kept it off. It is a sane, sensible, and satisfying way to live. Check out the NoS testimonial board: https://everydaysystems.com/bb/viewforum.php?f=13 I'm on there (same username, I think--look for the "7 years and still loving it" post :laugh: ) plus you'll find tons of encouraging stories. And congrats on your accomplishment!

If you haven't decided, my personal favorite: Katrina Rose

I've enjoyed the Miss Read series and find them uplifting (and worth rereading!) The first book is titled: The Village School and there are plenty more. Here's what Wikipedia says about the series: Enjoy!

Thank you, thank you, thank you for mentioning this! Just exactly what I've needed and dreamed of---never knew it already existed! :-)

The good: I like buying thank you notecards there, decorative party napkins, helium balloons, and tissue paper (for sticking gifts in bags). Sometimes they have cute holiday-themed glassware that I will pick up to use as a gift container (I do a lot of homemade food gifts). I also keep on hand one of their 12pk mini-clips--with my curly hair, I can quickly and easily pin up stray wisps and still look put together.... We will also buy the $1 bottle of aspirin and/or Robutussin equivalent if we need it while traveling. I'm not sure it is any cheaper than buying a bigger bottle at Costco, but it beats paying full-price at a drug store when on a trip. I also pick up glow-bands-not sure if that is what they are called, but you pull on them or shake and they glow for awhile? Fun treat for the kids when they were younger. The bad: I tried the spices once (on holiday with a kitchen, so had none with me) and they were terrible. I pretty much stay away from food there.... though my friend swears by all of their stuff.....I think we have differing grocery needs..

I especially remember the oldies, but here are a few more: Thanks, I needed that! (for Aftershave lotion slapped on the face) You're soaking in it! (Madge and Palmolive dish soap)