I’ve always been a bit of a late bloomer and never once have I referred to myself as an early adopter. Trends and . . . well . . . just about everything . . . need to grow on me–sometimes quite slowly–before they “take.”

That’s why I’m only now wearing blue nail polish. . . . MORE »

There’s a silent and stealthy disease you may not even know you have… until you fall.

A new study, “The 2010 Burden of Osteoporosis and Low Bone Mass among Residents of the U.S. Age 50 and Older,” released by the National Osteoporosis Foundation during its annual Interdisciplinary Symposium on Osteoporosis reveals that the prevalence of low bone density and the risk of breaking a bone are far greater among people over 50 than previously realized. . . . MORE »

Hi. My name is Barbara and I’m 56.

Is this meaningful to you? More importantly, is it meaningful to me? My age, I mean. Should this number have any impact on how you view me, or how I view myself? In the ideal world, it would not. You would throw me in the same box along with everyone else and look at me through the same lens.

But, our world is imperfect, filled with all kinds of complicated and unfair ways to measure a person’s skills, talents, character, abilities, and worth. Age is just one aspect of the human measurement stick. . . . MORE »

Yesterday, I heard one of my favorite Jefferson Airplane songs—Pretty As You Feel—on the radio (yes, I listen to the radio), and I was struck by the simple truth of its lyrics:

You’re only pretty as you feel

Only pretty as you feel inside

You’re only pretty as you feel

Just as pretty as you feel inside . . . MORE »

It’s human nature to always be ready to jump on the next “new thing” . . . whether it’s a diet that everyone is raving about, an exercise program that promises to get rid of cellulite or (finally!) the skin cream that will erase wrinkles as soon as you spot them. If something seems too good to be true, it’s usually not.

This time, instead of keeping your eyes, ears and hopes focused on the magic solution that’s lying in wait around the corner, how about doing something entirely new: go back to the basics. . . . MORE »

 Welcome to this week’s FASHION FLASH! Click here for all the latest from some of the best bloggers and experts in beauty, health, fitness and style . . . especially for women over 45!

Enjoy!