Sunshine In Winter

When we have sunshine and sixty degrees in February, we must go out and enjoy every moment of it.

We stopped to snap some photos in Blountville, which is a small nearby historic town.

I am wearing ankle jeans and a red military-inspired blouse from Chico's. The French Connection black blazer is from Saks Off 5th. The calf hair ankle boots are also from Saks Off 5th. The Michael Kors bag is from T.J.Maxx.

Making New Friends

This week, I read an article stating that one of the most difficult things for people in their fifties was making new friends.

At this time in our lives, there can be many changes that take us away from familiar environments. It might be that we retire from a job we have had for many years. Perhaps children leave home, and you become an empty-nester. A marriage may end by choice or by the passing of a partner. It may be that you move to a different neighborhood to downsize or a different state to escape the cold.

As you enter into this new phase of your life, how will you make new friends?

As always, I will use myself as an example. I have experienced several start-overs in my life, and I am an introvert, so it was even more daunting to make new friends.

Just last year, I moved into a new neighborhood when I decided to downsize. During the first month, I was invited to attend a neighborhood women's breakfast. At first, I thought, "I don't have time to do this!" but I put my chores aside, got dressed, and went to breakfast. I met several ladies who have become friends that I look forward to often seeing during our frequent get-togethers.

Volunteer to help. You will meet like-minded people. For example, if you are interested in music, volunteer to help your local Symphony, get involved with a school program, or start one at a nursing home.

Go to a place of worship. Talk to people and attend any other classes they offer there. Get a part-time job at the place you like to shop most. Even if it is for only one evening a week, that is one night you get to dress up a little and be around people. Make the most of every minute! Smile and talk to everyone you see.

When you are speaking to someone, give them your undivided attention. Ask about them. Look at them, not around them. Don't plan what you are going to say when they stop talking.

It isn't all about you. I see this a lot! As a blogger and as a woman who is very active in my community. I interact with people every day who only talk about themselves, and everything they see relates only to them. This makes me want to run away screaming!

Drop all negative thoughts. You know that person who, when you say, "Isn't this a gorgeous day?" will respond, "Yeah, but tomorrow it is supposed to be cold and rainy again." Look at the positive side. If you don't have anything positive to say, be silent and move along.

To have a friend, you must be a friend. Be someone that people are happy to see and talk to. Get out of your house and be a part of something greater than yourself.

Find a project that helps those who are less fortunate than you. Make a difference in someone else's life. Share what you know. Share what you have. Be a mentor. Read to people in nursing homes or write letters for them or just listen to them. You may learn important things about yourself in the process.

Before the end of the month, you will have met new people and helped many people. Soon you will start to be included in more and more events. Friends will come along with your efforts, and you will have a full life again. True friendships are like a good marriage. They develop over time if you give them a chance and your best efforts.

Please share your own success stories in the comments below. You may be helping someone else who is struggling to adjust to a new way of life.

Modeling For Chico's

Occasionally my friends at our local Chico's ask me to model for them. I enjoy these events very much!

I always bring various colors and styles of shoes with me when I am asked to model. As you know, shoes make the look.

The spring merchandise has already started to arrive at Chico's. I bought several of the pieces I wore today. I just had to have these ankle-length Platinum jeans.

I always enjoy getting to meet Fifty, not Frumpy followers when I am out and about. This is Patsy Davis, who also lives in Johnson City. Thank you for coming out today, Patsy!

An award-winning management team!

This pale blue top has a sequined front, so I added a long crystal and silver necklace and suede pumps to make it more appropriate for the evening.

I always find something in the Travelers Collection that I love.

Jane Street and Susan Street... no relation, just long time friends.

There was a great turnout throughout the whole day!

As I was about to dress in my own clothes to leave, a guest asked me to model these palazzo pants. They are so comfortable! They would be perfect for taking with you on a cruise.

An extra thanks to Mr. Mickey for spending the whole afternoon being our photographer. (I was told several times today that it would be great if we could clone him!)

Model Off Duty

On Saturday, we visited the Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World in Bristol to learn what the fuss is about.

If you are a lover of outdoor activities, this is a truly amazing place to shop. It includes hand-painted murals, log cabin details, a huge fireplace, a restaurant, a bowling alley, a mountain stream water feature, and a huge aquarium surrounded by bears, deer, and a mountain lion. The taxidermy animals were so real looking it was almost like catching a glimpse of them in nature.

This post is lightheartedly titled "Model Off Duty" because I will be participating in informal modeling at my local Chico's store here in Johnson City on Sunday. They have special events in the store for Super Bowl Sunday. Mr. Mickey has graciously agreed to photograph and video the day's events for you.

I am wearing a black silky zip front top and ankle jeans from Chico's with a mink vest given to me by Mr. Mickey at Christmas when we first started dating. The cut-out booties are old from Nordstrom by Vince Camuto, Louise et Cie. The new sunglasses are by Michael Kors via T.J.Maxx.

How do you stay slim?

I get this question or one very much like it every day. I realize that many people honestly do not know what to eat from these exchanges.

In the spring of 2010, I was about forty pounds overweight. It was a few hours before the stiffness left my joints after getting up in the morning. I did not sleep well, and I often had migraines and sinus infections. I had to take several expensive medications and was facing the possibility of three scary surgeries. I did not wear heels anymore because my feet hurt all the time.

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Now when I get up in the morning, there is no pain. I am ready to move well immediately. I am rarely sick, but I did get the flu this past winter. Other than that, I haven't even had a cold in years. I no longer take any medications or have migraines or sinus problems.

The only difference is that I changed my choice of food. I eat various vegetables, grains, seeds, nuts, and fruit. I do not eat meat or processed foods. I avoid all processed vegetable seed oils, cheese, and all dairy. Instead, I drink water with lemon, hot tea (with no sugar), and an occasional glass of wine.

The weight came off in about six months. Then, of course, I go for a long brisk walk when the weather is nice.

My inspiration for eating this way came from reading the book "Eat to Live" by Dr. Joel Fuhrman, which helped me learn what foods to eat and why. It isn't a diet. It is the way I choose to eat for the rest of my life because I really enjoy sleeping well, feeling great every day, and having lots of energy. Wearing size 4 jeans is just a bonus.