> After-50 Operating Instructions
Barbara Grufferman offers a road map for navigating your 50s
By: Gerit Quealy
Archive for May, 2010
From: StyleGoesStrong.com
Tuesday, May 11th, 2010I WANT MORE!
Saturday, May 8th, 2010
I don’t want more stuff . . . I have enough stuff, too much stuff. I’m taking the great advice from Julie Morgenstern (which I share in THE BEST OF EVERYTHING AFTER 50), and I’m paring back, de-cluttering, making room for . . .
. . . more.
The “more” I want is harder to get. I can’t buy it in a store or through amazon.com. I can’t borrow or steal it. But, I want it. I want more.
I want more time . . .
And guess what? Because I’ve gotten rid of stuff and things and obligations and even people who dragged me down . . . I’m getting it.
More time to write, to read, to connect, to focus on matters and people that have meaning to me.
I’m getting greedy. I want more, more, more.
That’s okay, isn’t it?
Best of Everything,
Barbara
THESE SHOES WERE MADE FOR WALKING
Friday, May 7th, 2010I like shoes.
I’ve always liked shoes. Most women do, so I know I’m not alone.
While I was attending St. John’s University as an undergrad, I workedin Bloomingdales to help pay my way through college. It was my great fortune to be assigned to the women’s shoe department, where I was employed for four years.
I worked two nights a week, two afternoons a week, and all day Saturday. My life at that time was all work, with very little time for play. But, did I care? NO. I was selling SHOES. And, boy did I sell. A woman would come in for a pair of slippers and she walked out with high heels, low heels, boots, and two pairs of slippers.
The highlight was when the “employees sale” happened . . . every few months. I’d secretly hide a pair of shoes I wanted in some little nook or cranny, and pop them out when the sale hit. Ah, shoes . . .
In the 1980s, I dressed like the quintessential career woman — high heeled Charles Jourdan pumps with my broad shouldered power suits. I towered over of the men I was competing with for jobs and assignments, hopefully intimidating them. I owed it all to my . . . shoes.
Now, I’m into a whole new range of shoes. Sure, I’ve got a pair of high heel pumps that I bring out for special occasions, and I just bought these fab pair of nude pumps that make my legs look better than they deserve . . . but, overall, my shoes are more . . . wearable.
I need to walk, to move, to be comfortable. But, for sure we don’t have to give up style for comfort! Don’t go running around in flip flops you wear to the beach (and for getting pedicures), and leave the running shoes for . . . running. Some great choices, which I suggest in THE BEST OF EVERYTHING AFTER 50, include shoes with a 
kitten heel or a wedge. The best I’ve found in a long time are in this photo. They’re from Jaime’ Moscaro’, a shoe company from Spain. It’s basically a ballet slipper with a kitten heel. LOVE them . . .
Go out this weekend, and whether you celebrate Mother’s Day or not, buy a new pair of shoes as a gift to yourself. But first, get a pedicure, put on a great color (I only wear Marshmallow,which is a pale, iridescent white) . . . and then get a new shoes that will show off your toes, your legs, your style and your attitude.
. . . and keep walking.
Best of Everything,
Barbara
WMGC-FM “Remarkable Woman” Radio Show (Taped)
Wednesday, May 5th, 2010Host Florine Mark wanted to know all about my life, and what made me decide to write “The Best of Everything After 50.”
SUMMERTIME . . . AND THE MAKEUP IS EASY. REALLY.
Saturday, May 1st, 2010
Okay, I admit it. I need a mental break from the oil spill off the coast of Louisiana. Just for a few minutes. And, I’m dragging you all along with me.
I’m going to “mental break” by thinking about makeup. Not just any makeup. Makeup that looks great on us women over 50, especially in the summer.
While researching products for The Best of Everything After 50, I tried a gazillion different lipsticks, mascaras, eyeliners, and so on. But, I settled on only a few., which are listed in the book. Some of them were recommended by my experts–Laura Geller and Carmindy–but many I found on my own.
Looking for an easy, fast, and oh-so-pretty summer look? Here it is:
First, get your skin ready (2 minutes, tops):
Exfoliate with a little white sugar on a soft wash cloth and warm water.
Dab on a few dots of an antioxidant (like Revale’ Coffee Berry Day Cream, my favorite, because it really works)
Put a light layer of Aveeno Ultra-Calming Moisturizer with SPF 30
Do 20 push-ups while you’re waiting for the moisturizer to set. Oh, c’mon. Just do it. If you do these every day, your arms will look fabulous, and your cheeks get a little flush to them, too. I love “two-fers.”
Okay, now the fun begins (less than 5 minutes):
Smooth a little Aveeno Positively Radiant Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 30 (I use Fair to Light) over your face with your fingertips or a makeup sponge (my preference).
With a powder brush, apply Laura Geller’s Bronze-n-Brighten all over your face for a little added color and to take away any extra shine
With your ring finger, dab a few dots of Benefit’s High Beam under your brows, along the tops of your cheekbones, and at the inside corners of your eyes (near the tear ducts)
Pop a little bit of Laura Geller’s Blush-n-Brighten in Pink Grapefruit on the apples of your cheeks, extending a bit up and out toward your ear (just a little bit!)
Make a very thin line along your upper and lower lash lines with Styli-Style Line & Seal Waterproof Pencil Eyeliner in Plum.
Curl your lashes with the only thing you should ever use — Shu-Uermura
Add a coat of Lancome Black Mascara to top lashes only.
. . . a little bit of Natural Beauty by Sally Hansen Inspired by Carmindy in Perfect Pink on your lips . . .
Result? You’ve protected your face with loads of sunscreen, and created a fresh, pretty, modern, light look for summer . . . in a few minutes.
Okay, mental break is over . . . but DAMN . . . we look good.
Best of Everything,
Barbara
Talk – Jeff Galloway
Saturday, May 1st, 2010Jeff Galloway, best-selling author and creator of the “Walk/Run” program was in NYC giving a talk. He’s one of my experts in the chapter on fitness.