The Balancing Act Continues...

I Find Myself at a Fulcrum

My mother's garage full of memories and red jeans for energy.

When our big kids flew the coop, the house dynamics completely changed. We used to set the table every night for a well-balanced, home-cooked meal. Roundtable discussions were encouraged and boisterous. Our whole schedule was routine...dinner at six, baths at seven, and bedtime at eight. These days I'm lucky to deliver soup and sandwich, for one, on a little placemat, at the counter. Our youngest is in middle school, so conversations are over quickly. She yearns for independence but still wants her mom close at hand.

The Big Kids? They'll always come by...and when they leave, I worry more than when they lived here. They neeeeed guidance (and cash) through their formidable 20's. 

Los Angeles.........just sayin'.

Here's where I find myself.... in the middle. My 80-year-old mother and her husband are downsizing from a large 4 bedroom home, with a garage, to a two bedroom apartment, 900 square feet...no garage! They need assistance! As we sort through closets, there are items, lots of them, that have been pushed to the back and forgotten. This isn't going to be a leisurely or easy move and it all has to happen in one month...this month. The home staging is scheduled for the first of April and their home is packed with 25 years of memories. I am helping where I can.

Where does that leave me? I am a simple girl with a dream.

As I came home from work the other day, our neighbor was outside...distraught. Their house had been robbed. We have a security camera recording motion that faces out toward our driveway and also captures their home across the street. Maybe, I could be of some assistance in fingering the perps?! Unfortunately, had I noticed that the security camera was dead, I could have recharged the battery...two weeks ago. I failed.

"Time, time, time. See what's become of me. While I looked around for my possibilities..."  A Hazy Shade of Winter lyrics by Paul Simon

And I'm not running around back and forth from set to set anymore...my hips are shot. The stress from being pulled in so many directions as a mother, wife, and daughter, the responsibility as a boss to keep people employed, and the inescapable longing to express myself as an individual has me completely overwhelmed. I can't be the only one.

My plan for the Emotional Support Therapy Dog wasn't the best.

Ryder is a 70 lb. fur covered heart.

Next week: When siblings get involved.

The Balancing Act

After 50 and in High Heels

(Supplements and heels not to scale)

Recently, I received the little gold 25-year anniversary pin for my contribution to the Motion Picture Industry, and for almost every day of those past 25 years, I have enjoyed wearing high heels. I am known for my high heels, I love the way they elevate my short frame and there is validation for an insecure boss babe in being eye-level with her male counterparts.

Ginger Rogers did everything that her partner Fred Astaire did,

but backward and in high heels.

Unfortunately for Ginger Rogers, supplements had yet to become mainstream. 

This year, I turned 55 and running around in high heels is pretty much slowing me down! 

I ask myself, "Is it more important to look good or to feel good?"

 Okay, there has to be a balance, right?!? That journey has led me to supplements. 

Do they work? Who needs them? Which ones do I need?

Of course, anything to do with your health, consult with your health care professional!

I sat with my doctors, discussed my health care needs, and generated a list of supplements that I am taking. So far, they are working. But this is key:

They have to be taken consistently, and taken as directed, to feel the full effects. 

In order to find balance in my heels, practice being vegan, and stay on my toes after 50, 

I'm gonna need a little help.

The list of supplements ("the rainbow" as my daughter calls it) I take:

Fish Oil

It is known that the Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil are nutrients proven to prevent and manage heart disease. There is strong evidence that taking

 three grams of fish oil a day contain enough nutrients in the Omega-3 fatty acids to help to reduce inflammation in joints, thereby reducing the intensity of joint trouble like stiffness, tenderness, and swelling! That claim has not been evaluated by the FDA, but so far, it's working for me. Again, talk to your doctor. I was cleared by my physician, but there is a nice warning label for folks with coagulopathy...

maybe be tested first?

Turmeric

Turmeric has long been used as an effective supplement for inflammation and arthritis, but there are also lots of other claims to what conditions turmeric can treat. Lots of claims. That lead me to WebMD, so very helpful in explaining what was LIKELY a cure for many conditions or not. Currently, I am only interested in reducing joint pain, specifically in my hips, and this is what WebMD had to say, 

"Tumeric contains the chemical curcumin, which might decrease swelling (inflammation).

Because of this, turmeric might be beneficial for treating conditions that involve inflammation." 

This brand's formula, with its amazing ratings, includes black pepper (when taken in conjunction with curcumin, apparently super-charges the anti-inflammatory effects). This must be taken with fatty food (think avocado) to properly absorb into your body. Oh and WebMD has a host of warnings about taking too much for too long, so check with your doctor about supplements.

Glucosamine

This is what started it all for me. I heard Glucosamine was as good as Advil (ibuprofen), but heard it took a lot longer to feel effects. At the time, I was taking enormous amounts of ibuprofen for pain and knew it wasn't good. Glucosamine is an amino sugar that your body produces naturally and is found in and around the fluid and tissues that cushion your joints.

This tissue is called cartilage. 

The breakdown of cartilage as you get older is called osteoarthritis.

 Chondroitin is found in human cartilage and is a component of human connective tissue. Chondroitin supplements are intended to enhance shock absorbing characteristics of collagen and together with Glucosamine, they seem to help block enzymes that break down cartilage, helping to retain water and reversing cartilage loss. Got it? Doesn't squishy, well-lubricated joints sound better than bone on bone? It's working for me, but it took a lot longer than I anticipated (three times a day, every day, for about two months) for the effects to fully register. By reducing the inflammation, reducing the loss of cartilage surrounding the joints, the pain was also significantly reduced as well.

Green Tea

Studies show that green tea drinkers are likely to live longer than non-green tea drinkers. Given that information, why not incorporate green tea into your routine? Of course, the tea drinkers probably have a healthier lifestyle, but think about it. Coffee is an acid and inflames the body. Green tea is anti-inflammatory. Green tea is a powerful source of anti-oxidants, which may help reduce the risk of cancer and lower cholesterol. And......green tea can increase your metabolic rate, burning up to 100 more calories a day, promoting weight loss.

Naproxen

I know, it's not a supplement, but I want full disclosure here. I brought my concerns to my doctor since I was starting to take supplements and didn't want any adverse interactions. She said it was okay to take, if needed, to continue moving. Naproxen is the generic name for Aleve and provides quick pain relief and is safer to take more for longer periods if your symptoms last. Since starting my journey over 90 days ago, I am so pleased to report that I still have a bottle naproxen, but it's the same one.

It's important to mention that supplements are just that, supplements, and can not replace a  colorful diet of high water content fruits and vegetables, picking an exercise that will stick, and choosing to get a good night's sleep.

Well, that's all I know. Drink lots of water and I hope this finds you well. -julie

Tricks of the Trade: OOTD

Anatomy of an OOTD

I am honored to be interviewed by Jonet Wooten of Fabulously Chic Over 50!! for the "She's Got Style" highlight on her blog.  What an honor, Jonet.  Thank you.  Check out all the fabulous women highlighted on her blog. 

Link here: Fabulouslychicover50.com.  

Every day, I use the little "life hacks" that I have seen the wardrobe department use on-set.  Let me show why you, too, can use these little tricks of the trade to help you look and feel good.

Spring has sprung and the weather is turning warm little by little.  I am ready to put away the scarves and boots and pull out some spring-inspired color.

Monday, April 2.

The Pendant Necklace  

Link here: Pendant necklace by Kendra Scott.

Whenever I wear a loose blouse, I'll wear a nice pendant necklace to define the bust and keep me from looking "barrel chested".  This pendant necklace is by Kendra Scott and they come in almost every color.

Link here: Kendra Scott Necklace

The Steamer

Unless you live in a house with a dedicated Laundry Room and a built-in ironing board, then the portable handy steamer is the answer.  Not only will it remove the wrinkles, but it will save space on your ironing board for a spiffy bar set-up.

Seam Ripper

If you didn't inherit this handy tool from your Grandma, then it's time to put it in your toolbox.  There is nothing worse than a tag that pokes you in the morning and sticks you the rest of the day like a "burr in your saddle".  Tucking in your shirt isn't the answer and is just as annoying.  Get the seam ripper, remove the obstacle.

link here: Seam Ripper

Lint Roller

lint roller link here: Super Sticky Lint Roller

There's nothing worse than getting to work in the morning to have someone tell you that you have false eyelashes stuck to the back of your pants.  How they got there is anybody's guess, but I have a black dog for days I wear white and a little fuzzy white dog for the days I wear black.  I always use the lint roller and I never have a problem.

Leather Punch

Leather Punch link here

Exercise?!?!!!!  I thought you said extra fries!

Shoe Shine

Shoe Shine link here

You know when you see someone on television and they look like their clothes are brand new?  Well, they have stylists to mend a button and shine a shoe.  It does not take a lot of time or money, but it makes a big difference in the overall impression of a well put together outfit.  Works on your belts too.

Fast Flats

Always, always bring a pair of alternative flats whenever you wear heels.  The more insurance you have the less likely you'll need it.

Lifts

link here: Lift kits

"What are those in her shoes you say?"  You probably didn't even notice.  No one does.  They are called lifts.  These are very common for the short actors and actress' of Hollywood.  They are secret inserts for your shoes to instantly lift your height by an inch and a half.  If I'm not wearing heels, then I'm wearing lifts...surprise!!  I'll wear them in my boots, Uggs, flats and even tennis shoes.

That's it!  Leave a comment to let me know what you think and if I should throw back the velvet curtain and expose some more secrets of Hollywood.

I hope this finds you well.  Check out my Instagram @over_fifty_in_Hollywood

XOXO, julie

Gratitude

Gratitude 

February always feels like a good month for appreciation.  It's Black History Month and I love hearing inspirational stories especially about fierce influencers, the artistic trailblazers who were courageously following their passion.  

Thank you.

Claudine

@edgy_50

Claudine is from the land down under, but her fierceness is puts her right on top.  She is not one to shy away from an awesome pair of sunglasses and knows what looks good on her.  She is bold and fierce and the kindest badass you will ever find.  If I have one ounce of the fierceness she possesses, then I am fiercely happy.  She will make you smile.  Thank you, Claudine for being a fierce influencer today and everyday.  You inspire me.

Gina

@gstone2013

Gina is one of my fierce neighbors from Canada.  She reminds me of the awesome neighbor that has great parties upstairs!  Gina loves her core of lifelong friends and always has something nice to say, whether about her mother-in-law or an inspirational quote to lift you up.  She lives life with a determined fierceness.  Thank you, Gina for being a fierce influencer.  
You inspire me.

Dee

@thedeeproject

Do I have a favorite fierce influencer?  That's like asking if you have a favorite child. Since Dee does not have kids, I feel it's fair to say I am certainly influenced by Dee's fierceness.  Dee has evolved into a true authentic influencer, by living a chosen life.  A life of intention.  Who can truly say they live by their inner essence?  Dee can.  I love you, Dee.  Thank you for being a fierce influencer.  You inspire me. 

Nancy

@nancyiosborne

Nancy lives on the East Coast with her husband and kids.  She is concerned about the youth of today and even taught a personal finance class.  I love her sense of humor, green thumb, and her love of family.  Thank you, Nancy for being a fierce influencer.  You inspire me.

Julie

@makemineaspritzer

Julie is from California, but has moved to the gorgeous Fidalgo Island in the Northwest.  She first caught my attention with her gorgeous Southern California decorating style.  I love to check her site to see how she has placed a plant, set a table, or embraced the season in her home.  She has no idea how talented and adorable she is.  Thank you, Julie for being a fierce influencer.  You inspire me.

Kiki

@foreverstrongnfit_with_kiki

Kiki is a mom's best motivator, fitness trainer, wellness coach, Jesus follower, and married to an amazing man.  She will inspire you with every posted picture.  Each post is well thought out and each packs a punch.  Just looking at Kiki will tell you she is doing something right.  Here she is getting ready for summer!  I wish I had that forsight!  Get your daily dose of inspiration from Kiki's Instagram feed.  Thank you, Kiki for being a fierce influencer.  You inspire me.

50 fit and fiery

@50fitandfiery

You will love her.  50 fit and fiery is the perfect name for a 50 fit and fierce influencer.  She is into group fitness, healthy eating, silliness and wine...oh and everything in moderation.  She is a weightloss coach and will inspire you with her love of laughter and fun inspirational quotes.  Thank you for being a fierce influencer.  You inspire me.

Tranquility Beach Girl

@tranquilitybeachgirl

Do you need a moment?  Then visit the Instagram page of Tranquility Beach Girl and be swept away by the gorgeous perspective of this fierce influencer.  If there is no time for a Calgone Bath, then feast your eyes on the lovely images on her feed.  I am never disappointed and you won't be either.  Escaping to tranquility is always a good idea.  So is promoting going the extra mile...it's never crowded.  She will inspire you too.  Thank you for being a fierce influencer.  You inspire me.

@catherinegraceo

And finally, I want to thank Catherine Grace O'Connell for putting this campaign together.  Funny how a middle name can fully encompass a human being.  You are my inspiration by your kindness, gratitude, and patience.  Catherine is all about helping her fellow woman and bringing about a change to the face of midlife.  I always know that she has a kind word to say about everyone.  Can you imagine a world that embraces this kind of scandal?  Wouldn't it be nice if we could have "Forever Fierce Day" everyday?  

Thank you, Catherine for inspiring me.

Secrets of Hollywood

We are all beginners.

Recently on the "Cat and Kaehler Show" (name change in January to "Forever Fierce featuring Catherine and Co"), the subject was Beginners and how we are all beginners. It was a lightening bolt moment for me.

Go to Link: Catherine Grace O and guest Susan Honey Good

Did you think Harrison Ford knew how to use a bull whip before "Raiders of the Lost Ark"?  Or did you think Tom Hanks came up with that accent in "Forrest Gump"?  They did not.

The Art of Hollywood is make-believe.  We want you to believe Indiana Jones is an expert with that whip.  We want you to believe there is a real Forrest Gump.  It's that susupension of disbelief in order to tell a story.  And it works.  Except not in real life, because it's not really true.

I can tell you, months before those cameras roll, the actors are learning how not to look like a beginner.  And guess what, they are a beginner...you just don't see the behind-the-scenes flub-ups and bloopers, because...we have editors that make them look like pros.

When learning to drive a car, it's like, "Ahhh, which is the gas?!  Which is the brake?!  Oh God...a hill, what do I do? What do I do?!"  Fear.  Do you even think twice about it now?  In fact, you probably answer the phone, put on make-up, and eat your breakfast...all the while not thinking twice about the gas and the brake!  Fear removed.  My point, and the point of the radio show, is everyone starts somewhere...it's the journey of a thousand miles beginning with a single step.  It doesn't even need to be a big step, or even a small step, but maybe just a nudge in the direction you want to go.  A nudge!!

Fear is what usually keeps us from taking the very first teeny-tiny eensy-weensy baby step.  It's your Great Brain keeping you safe, insuring the survival of the human race.  You see, it's your fear based brain that doesn't know we aren't primative man, living in a cave, with a hungry sabertooth tiger outside.  That's scary.  Fear=Safety.  Our brains haven't changed that much in 11 million years!!  Somewhere your brain got the idea that you can't do it, check...fear sets in, check...and we scratch off the list what we can't do, double check.  Paralization.  "You're Welcome!!" , says your Fear-Based Brain.  But your Great Brain knows what you can and can not do because it sees other people doing it.  Your primative Fear-Based Brain doesn't get it.  This is where your two brains fight, causing stress and dis ease.  That's right.  Disease.  Your immune system does not funtion well under stress.

"When in panic, when in doubt, run in circles, scream and shout." -Julie Iiams

Really.  Yes, really.  When you are in panic, stress, or fear, your brain can not think clearly.  Can you think clearly when in that mindset?  No.  But can you remove the fear?  Yes!  Yes, you can.  Did you just say no?  If you say no, then your fear based brain shuts down.  Where as your Great Brain knows the truth; That you can do the thing you think you can not do!  And this is where your two brains fight, causing stress and dis ease...whatever the task at hand is (and you alone know that answer), because how in the world could such a thought pop into your Great Brain if it was not possible?  How?  That's the question you should be asking your great brain...How can I make this happen?  Baby steps is how and realizing we are all beginners!! All of us!! (That first step feels good, doesn't it...less fearful?)

"To understand the game much, you must play the game much" -Goethe

Even asking the question, "How?", you are moving the brain forward.  When you are driving the car, your Great Brain is asking "How?"  When washing the dishes, your Great Brain is asking, "How?"  When you are sleeping, your Great Brain is asking, "How?"  By engaging your Great Brain, you are putting to work a powerful tool to help you figure out the "How?"  Your Great Brain is a muscle, do you know that?  When you flex a muscle, it gets stronger.  When your Great Brain figures something out, it checks it off the list.  Allow your Great Brain to work effortlessly for you!  Let your Great Brain have something to chew on by asking the question "How?"

The body will fail before the brain.  So, if your brain tells your body to get up and move, it obeys.  Therefore, if you can go there in your mind...so will you go there in your body!!  You will see, because the fear of the unknown is gone, your Great Brain has figured out a baby step...trust your Great Brain.

Especially, right before you go to sleep.  Ask your Great Brain any question, even writing it down to be clear in your intent.  Go to sleep and let the butter melt.  Your Great Brain loves to figure things out...loves it...it's a form of survival.  Soon the answer, the baby step, will come to you.  Then you go with the next step...or the baby step...or the teeny-tiny eensy-weensy baby step...or the nudge from the Universe.

"The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones." -Confucius

How do you eat an elephant?  One bite at a time.  Some people prefer to start at the tail...some people think it's best to start at the trunk...me...the big toe, I guess.  The point is, you can do it one bite at a time.  

Now I'm learning how to operate a drone.

I'm a late bloomer.  I hope this finds you well. -julie
All photo credits are mine.

My Favorite Things

The Holidaze are upon us as the shoppers rush home with their treasures.  I like the feeling and the smells of the holidays, I just don't like the stress that comes with the shopping, the parking, and the crowds of pushy people.

That being said, I would like to highlight some items you can order right where you are, in your jammies in front of the computer.  Hopefully, these will make the season bright by ordering on-line and shipping right to your doorstep.

I love the smell of a fresh Christmas tree and Scentsicles ornaments will put anyone immediately in the Holiday spirit.

O' Christmas Tree by Scentsicles

And under $15, you can't afford NOT to hang a few of these in your tree as well so your entire home will smell like a Louisiana Pine Forest.  Really.  Make sure it's the "O' Christmas Tree", there are others, but this one smells the best.  

Amazon link here: Scentsicles O' Christmas Tree. 

The Cocktail Shaker Lip Gloss

Lancome makes this whimsical and effective lip gloss.  I love the little shimmers in the gloss and it makes a fun impact as a gift for one of your girlfriends.  This color is called "Boom Meringue" #313

Link Here: Lancome Cocktail Shaker Lip Gloss

Lots of other awesome messages too!

Mugs from Target!  They are the perfect size for hot chocolate, they stack, and the messages are awesome.  And at $5.99, it's a super nice way to tell all the people in your life that you care.  Check out the complete messages.  Link here:  Clay Art Stackable Mugs

...and it will NOT stain your teeth.

This is a Hollywood secret for public speakers and actress' to tint their gums pink making their teeth look super white. It's the perfect gift for that someone longing for the perfect smile.  Under $20.  Link here: Email Diamant Red Toothpaste

Soft and snuggly is the gift you are giving.

Pier One is having a big sale and if you are stuck as to what to give a loved one, this beautiful Snow Leopard Throw is the perfect solution.  It is soft and faux fur on one side and soft suede-like on the other.  The neutral colors will blend in well on anyone's couch and lap and who doesn't want to feel like a "Fierce" snow leopard in winter? 

On sale now $33. Link here: Faux Fur Snow Leopard Throw

For the techie in your life: a subscription to Lynda.com.  What is Lynda.com?  It is the most comprehensive site to find tutorials by qualified professionals there to explain, in the simplest of terms, how to: work a camera, learn photoshop, how to build a website, how to make creative content.  Basically, anything that has to do with a computer or apps.  The monthly subscription is $25.  That's unlimited access to all the information on all of your devices, so learn while waiting in line or at midnight when the house is quiet.  Oh, and if you don't like the teaching style of one professor, there are more choices!  You can subscribe one month and then not again for three months, then back for a month, there are no commitments and there is a trial to test if you like before you buy.  Link here: Lynda.com

Amazon Prime.  This is the gift that keeps on giving.  At about $8.25 a month (a yearly subscription costs $99) it is worth every penny if you do a lot of shopping on-line.  I have cat and dog food delivered because it's hard to find in stores, but easy on Amazon.  Two-day guaranteed free delivery is the hook, but really, Amazon Prime has so many other features that even if you don't shop on-line a lot, it's still worth it!  Amazon is coming up in the world of film making and their streaming content comes with the subscription.  Also, "cloud" storage.  I take a lot of pictures that are huge files, so having the storage through Amazon keeps them off my computer and keeps the computer running better.  Shopping for basics like t-shirts and socks is so easy, just click away and two days later you have the items.  No jockeying for a parking space, no looking through the shops, no lost receipt if you want to return the item.  Amazon has the easiest return policy.  If you love someone, this is the ultimate gift of time.  Link here: Amazon.com

I hope this helps and you are able to enjoy the Holidays the way they were meant to be celebrated, home, hearth, community.  Take a moment to realize that today is your gift, that's why it's called "The Present."

I hope this finds you well.

-julie