Is Divorce Ever Equitable?

Let me begin by saying that I am not a divorce lawyer and any experience I have in this arena is strictly personal experience; both my own and experience via observation of my friends, colleagues and acquaintances. That being said, this blog entry may be a bit emotional and yes a bit angry.]

A friend of mine is currently going through a divorce. After 24 years of marriage, her husband found the company of a 25 year old and her small child more appealing than the life he had built with his wife and their two sons. Ok, ok it's the same old song and dance. Most of us have heard this tale more than we care to admit. After a little over a year and a half of pain, humiliation, anger and a host of other emotions, the time has come for the end. Now is the time that their 24 years of marriage is reduced to dollar signs and possessions.

In the state of New Jersey, divorce is all about equitable distribution. The definition of equitable is "characterized by equity or fairness; just and right; fair; reasonable." At her mediation the other day, this 51 year old baby boomer, who has worked diligently in education for the last 27 years, while raising her two sons and contributing more than her "fair share" during the course of her marriage was informed that she would most likely be surrendering between 45 and 50% of her pension to the man whose actions deleted a history just as easily as pushing the delete button on the computer. His employement over the years has not yielded much in the way of pension. Oh yeah, and let's not forget that she will need to sell her house of 20 years too to pay him his share. Call me crazy, but this just doesn't seem "equitable!" Not only has her life past and present been shattered, her future is shattered as well.

It is hard to comfort my friend on her down days. She is hurt, pissed and often afraid. To tell you the truth, I am pissed for her. Is the moral of the story screw whomever you want, literally and figuratively, but it will be OK? How can it be that in 2009 it is still the woman who suffers more financially as a result of divorce? How nice for him to know that his future is secure so that he can begin his new life in peace. That seems "equitable" doesn't it?

Happy Columbus Day - It's Our 14.92% Sale!

You can't open a newspaper or look at your local circulars without finding a ton of Columbus Day weekend specials. Lunar Radiance wants to get in on the fun too!

All day today (Sunday) and tomorrow, all purchases of wicking pajamas and wicking nightgowns will receive a discount of 14.92% on purchases of $39.99 or more. All you need to do is enter promo code COLUMBUS09 at checkout. It's that easy. So pick something new, grab another one of your favorites and be prepared to sleep in cool, dry comfort! Say "Nightie night, night sweats." CLICK HERE now! Spread the word to you baby boomer and menopausal friends!
___________________________________________________________________________

My Zazzle store NightSweatsDiva, is also having a 14.92% sale. Grab your Halloween goodies at a fabulous price. Adorable tee shirts, goodie bags, mugs, stickers, postage, greeting cards and more!

Personalized Halloween Tote Bag by NightSweatsDiva

Halloween Card...customize w/your message by NightSweatsDiva

All Purchases 14.92% Off Thru Monday!

Americans Must Pay Attention

I rarely write on political issues. However, as a mother of a recent graduate, who is facing difficulties finding a job; a mother of a child who will graduate from college within the next 4 years, and as a baby boomer who has worked as a teacher for 30 years and would like to see her medical benefits and pension intact, I have to write.

I have my own opinions about Obama, the stimulus, the proposed food and beverage taxes and the proposed healthcare plan, and I will keep them to myself. What I would like to do is encourage people to educated themselves on these pressing issues and contact your Congressmen and Senators to let them know how you feel.

Looking for additional information? Here are some websites and articles that I have found that may be of interest:

• Nationalized Health Care Pros and Cons - Click Here
• Lawmakers Warned About Health Costs - Click Here
• House Healthcare Plan to Add to Deficit: Analysts -Click Here
• Americans Against Food Taxes - Click Here

Musings on Self Image - Man vs Woman

Why is it that when men look at themselves in the mirror, and I am talking about men who are lets say....45 and older..... they puff themselves up like peacocks and see themselves as the dashing 30 somethings they once were; yet women zero in on the spreading thighs, thicker middles and sagging breasts? A little gray hair on a man is distinguished. However that same gray on a woman represents a minimum of $65 in a salon, depending on where you live.

I was recently having a conversation with a male and female baby boomer about another couple who had know each other in high school, and recently reconnected and married. This led to a bit of reminiscing about high school relationships. The gentleman in the group smiled at the memory of his one time beloved, then interjected his thought that she probably had put on weight.

Whoa..........buddy. I couldn't let him off the hook for that comment and redirected his attention to the spreading middle he was sporting. His response, as he sucked in and puffed up, "It's a baggy shirt." What a classic.

I don't think this is anything new. For years older men have sought and attained the company of younger women. When the shoe is on the other foot, well....can you spell C-O-U-G-A-R? That's tad bit of a nasty title don't ya think?

How about commercials and advertisements that bombard women daily with potions, lotions and creams to wipe away wrinkles, sags and bags on various parts of our bodies. We buy....I buy. It seems like every day I notice some new sign that aging is upon me. This week it was a few age spots on my once fabulous legs. OMG...as I wrote the last sentence a commerical for a serum that assists "menopausal skin" just came across my TV screen. The maintenance, both cosmetically and physically is just plain old exhausting.

Life would be so much easier for us baby boomer women if we could just "suck it in" and blame it on a big shirt.

Where Has the Time Gone??

Wow...I must be getting old, but time is definitely passing more quickly. It has been close to a month since my last post, but in my defense, I have been busy.

Thankfully, my Christmas season at Lunar Radiance was good. Everyone in retail experienced a bit of a downturn, but I guess those old night sweats don't understand economics and my business was able to hold steady. Post Christmas I have been managing minimal returns and preparing for the nasty tax season. Honestly, that is the worst part of being in business for me....paperwork.

My children were home for Christmas, which I loved and there was a lot of hustle....boyfriends, girlfriends and friends were in and out. It was awesome. Tomorrow my daughter returns to school which makes me sad, and my son has been back for two weeks. I will be back to the empty nest.

However...I always find a way to keep myself busy. I have started working feverishly, allowing my creative juices to flow by creating greeting cards and gifts which are sold through two pods over at Zazzle and my newest a Greeting Card Universe.

Do you love Valentine's Day or have a bride in your house? Then visit my newest Zazzle pod Be My Valentine. It's a love fest over there!!! There you will find a wide variety of Valentine cards and gifts designed by little old me! Brides can't be ignored when we talk about love. If you have a newly engaged person in your life, then you know all about save the date cards, will you be my bridesmaid cards and other wedding accessories. Plus.....lots of adorable custom postage!!!

My first Zazzle pod NightSweatsDiva has a large selection of cards, gifts and custom postage for the baby boomers in our midst! Specific birthdays and momentus occasions particular to baby boomer women are given special attention!

My newest endeavor, Lunar Radiance's Card Store, over at Greeting Card Universe is in early stages of development, but the card collection is rapidly expanding. Here you will find greeting cards, only, but for all occasions.

So.....I guess that is why I haven't blogged in a while....ha ha. I have been having tons of fun doing my creating, while managing my wicking sleepwear business and of course teaching as well. We baby boomer women are pros at multi-tasking aren't we?

PS.....still NOT smoking!!! It's been over 4 months!!

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of the season. This year, it is a bit more exciting for me because both of my children are home together for the first time since the middle of August. I have had quite a few chuckles already listening to them bicker over something silly. However, I have really enjoyed watching them reconnect and share stories of their college exploits. These things for which I am thankful this year cost absolutely nothing! All I need to do is sit back and take in the sights and sounds that remind me that as corny as it may sound, I have every thing I need when I know that my kids are happy and healthy.

I hope all of you find something for which you can be thankful and enjoy a true day of Thanksgiving!

Sunday Morning News Just for Us - Baby Boomers That Is!

Happy Labor Day weekend to my fellow laboring baby boomers! This holiday, started about a hundred years ago, was put into place to honor the working man. It is now the signal for one last trip to the beach, final barbeques, and the beginning of school. I used to joke that I went into a state of mourning because I would be giving up my carefree days to return to teaching. I still lament because, although I love teaching, I sure do hate getting up early!

So what happened this week that is interesting?

• Well, we can't overlook the selection of Sarah Palin. So much talk has been made of the "glass ceiling." I guess we will have to see just how far she can go. Whatever your political beliefs, there is no denying that her selection made for more excitement in this year's campaign.
• Women and baby boomers are becoming a driving force in video gaming. Who would think?? A new report from IBIS World claims that 38% of gamers in the US are women and 24% of them are over 50! What are your favorites? Click Here to read more....
• Perimenopause, the years leading up to the actual stopping of menses, which is menopause, can last from a few months to several years. Think this is where you are? Click Here to read more about signs and symptoms.
• How do you feel about yoga? A study from India is offering compelling evidence that yoga eases the physical and emotional symptoms associated with menopause. The women tracked in the study showed significant improvement with their hot flashes, concentration and memory. Click Here to read more.......
• Women are the primary financiers in many households, but a recent survey conducted by Prudential showed that although we are clear about our financial priorities, we experience what they call a "confidence gap." Click Here to read about "5 Simple Steps to Boost Your Financial Confidence."

Baby Boomer Women...Don't You Love Something For Free?

Don't you just love when you can get something of real value for free? I do! I am so excited to offer to my readers the chance to participate in one of the leading forums and websites for baby boomer women. I am a member and participate in the forums and I love it!

You can receive a FREE membership to the National Association of Baby Boomer Women! The National Association of Baby Boomer Women is the only association devoted to addressing issues concerning 38 million of the healthiest, wealthiest, and best educated generation of women to ever hit midlife, baby boomer women. This is a $75 value!

All you need to do is be one of the first 10 women to order one of our awesome wicking nightgowns or pajama sets, at Lunar Radiance, in the month of August. That's it!! I will contact Dotsie Bregel, the founder of NABBW and she will take care of the rest!

There are lots of perks to being a member of the NABBW

Two FREE magazines for one year: One year subscription to me* magazine and Grand magazine. me* is for those of us over age 40 who may not be a size two with a picture perfect life! Grand is the premiere magazine for grandparents.

Access to the NABBW Resource Center packed with Tele-Conferences to keep you informed on the latest personal and professional issues pertaining to baby boomer women. You can listen to them live, while online, or print them and read at your convenience.

MEMBER DISCOUNTS on goods and services, including:30% OFF natural skin care and beauty products, 20% off silver jewelry, 15% OFF http://www.1800flowers.com/, 20% DISCOUNTED Web Design by NABBW's Web designer, discounts with the largest cruise retailer, Cruise One.

Total access and participation in the forums at Boomer Women Speak

Click the NABBW Link to Get More Info About the Association Now!

Click Here to Visit Lunar Radiance

How Are Hot Flashes Like Volcanic Eruptions?

It starts deep within the earth....it becomes so hot that some of the rocks begin to melt and become a liquid commonly known as magma. The pressure builds and eventually some of the magma forces its way to the surface and presto.....the lava spills and a volcanic erruption occurs!

Why the mini earth science lesson? Well, while trying to describe to my husband what I was feeling on a much more regular basis than ever before, this was the only analogy that I could come up with. "She's gonna blow," is becoming a common refrain in my house. I feel like a volcano!

Some volcanic eruptions are explosive and some are not.....just like my hot flashes. Sometimes I just heat up and become uncomfortable. Some volcanic eruptions can be dangerous and deadly. Ok...I'm not going to die from my hot flashes, but they sure can be dangerous to those who are around me because I may whack them in the head with whatever is in my hands as I begin to fan myself and mop up my personal lava (sweat).

My volcano tends to lie more dormant during the day and really likes to make an appearance at night. (From what I've read, this is not uncommon.) Why do natural wonders seem more spectacular at night? It is at those times that I am ever so grateful for my wicking sleepwear. At least I don't have to get up and change my clothes and sheets when my lava spills.

The good news.....is there really good news? Yes! Unlike volcanic eruptions which can periodically rear their ugly heads for hundreds of years, my hot flashes and night sweats, and those of my fellow baby boomer women, will only hang around for a few! It just feels like forever.

New Book Release-Worth More Than Rubies

I had to take a minute to toot the horn of a fellow Boomer Diva, Kathie M. Thomas and congratulate her on the launch of her new book!

"Worth More Than Rubies" is all about women who want to be home for their families, while still contributing to the household income. Kathie M. Thomas, a fellow baby boomer has been working at home for over 14 years. In that time she has been able to watch her five daughters grow up while also running a full time business at home. This book will inspire you and give you ideas to return home to work. What you will learn in "Worth More Than Rubies":

• The value of women working at home and being present for their families.
• The benefits both children and spouses receive from a mother home fulltime.
• Cost savings from being at home.
• Examples of connections you can make outside of the home so you don't feel all alone.
• A list of 64 different types of businesses that you can operate from home, .. and much much more!
  

Interested? Click Here to check it out at Amazon!

Turning Desire Into Something More

I am frequently asked how I came up with idea to start my wicking sleepwear business, Lunar Radiance. The basic answer is simple: necessity. I was experiencing night sweats and found wicking pajamas by accident. As my husband and I sat at dinner that night, and my pajamas were still in the bag, we started discussing possibilities. You see, I had always had in the recesses of my mind, the desire to start a business. I always admired people who took an idea and ran with it, and created a business. I guess I had always had an entrepreneurial spirit, but just didn't have a direction.

Once I experienced the relief that was provided with this remarkable product I began to think....hey Eileen, what are your waiting for? Millions of baby boomer women are in the same boat. I had never heard of wicking sleepwear, and I am on the internet all the time; why not spread the word? So, from those simple questions, an obvious need and an innate desire, and hours of tireless research, my journey began.

Do I have a business background? The answer is no. I have been a teacher for 28 years, but I can read, listen and learn. Am I a computer guru? The answer is no. However, I can read, listen and learn. As I began the process I realized that there is a wealth of information, resources and support available as long as you are eager and willing to read, listen and learn and to put in the time.

Now, I am not naive enough to think that just because you have desire every idea can be turned into a lucrative business; there has to be a market. (That's an entire blog entry in itself) The steps in the process of turning an idea into a full fledged business are numerous and at times exhausting, but it can be done and the personal satisfaction is indescribable.

I love this business. I get excited when I get an email from someone who has reaped the benefits of the wicking sleepwear I carry and are finally sleeping better. I am gratified when a woman, who has found some information from my resources page or my newsletter, tells me that she found help or could relate in some way to what I had written. I become energized when I am networking with other baby boomer women who are engaged in thinking and creating. I feel an immense sense of pride when I look at my website. What was once notes and drawings on sheets of paper, is now up and running and evolving, changing and expanding.

It is true.....desire can be turned into something more. What is your passion?

Looking for Hot Flashing Squirrel Lovers!

I was searching for a photo today for a project I was working on and came across a photographer who really does some pretty neat stuff. Her name is Teri Francis....her work is at the right and left.

What started out with her love for squirrels has turned out to be more than just a hobby; it has become a passion that has taken her beyond the world of her furry/feathered friends.

I contacted her to find out where I could purchase some of her work and we had a chance to chat. She, too, is a baby boomer.....soon to be 50....(ok now I outed her age, hope she doesn't mind) who has turned something she always enjoyed doing, into something that not only brings her joy, but some green too! She is a fascinating, creative and talented woman. I can't wait to have her do some work for my wicking sleepwear business!

I LOVE to hear about baby boomer women who are pursuing dreams and passions, and I just wanted to share!

To see more of her work (she has much more than just critters) look for Teri Francis at BigStockphoto.com or Dreamstime.com. Have a passion for squirrels, visit Squirrel Hugger.

Where Has Good Service Gone?

I decided yesterday that my printer wasn't as efficient as I needed it to be, so I went on the hunt for something new. My first stop was at one of the well known business supply stores. I perused for a bit, found two that met my needs and then had to search for someone to answer my questions. My first gripe.....I had to search for help.

When I asked the young man if I could see one of my choices in action, he politely informed me that the model I was interested in was new and that the store did not have one on display. When I asked if we could open one since the store would have to put one up for display anyway he told me in no uncertain terms, "No."

OK.....well let's look at model #2. I asked for a demo. I really wanted to check out the quality of the print. As it turned out, the ink in my second choice was low, so the printer spit out a basically blank piece of paper.

"It's out of ink," responded the young man. NO KIDDING! The two of us just stood there looking at each other. After I suggested he replace the cartridge, he begrudgingly agreed. This took about another 10 minutes.

Then I asked to see it do the two sided print that he box boasted. He couldn't get it to work. He literally scratched his head, pulled up a chair and repeated the same steps over and over to no avail. When I offered the idea of reading the directions, that was a bit of a problem because it meant we needed to open another box to get them and he informed me that he doesn't usually read directions! After about 20 minutes, my husband and I left.

On to super store number two. No luck here! Plenty of workers on the floor, but no one who really seemed too interested in selling any printers. My help came in the form of a young man, whose pants were so low on his hips that he had to periodically stop to pull them up. When I asked if he had the model I was looking for, his mumbled response was "Did you see it?" He then made a cursory effort to find what I wanted, walked up and down the aisle literally slamming the lids of various printers, then told me "Looks like you're out a luck." The end!

Store number three......here I was actually lucky enough to find a man in his early 50's who was an actual HP representative, visiting the store. He was knowledgeable and genuinely interested in selling a printer. Finally......success.....so I thought. After a demo that put my mind at ease, there were none in stock!

I started to think that maybe the universe was trying to send me the message that I wasn't supposed to buy a printer, but I really needed to get one. So....back to store one. I didn't see the young man who worked with me the first time. I think he was so disturbed my his first encounter with the printer earlier, he must of had to take an early lunch or maybe a nap!

My husband put the cumbersome box in our cart, I made my purchase and we were off. Needless to say, I was one frustrated baby boomer woman!

• Why is good, friendly customer service so hard to find?
• What has happened to people really trying to help their customers?
• Why don't people who work at stores know their products?
• Does anyone really care about customer service anymore?

If I ran my business this way, I wouldn't sell a single pair of pajamas!

A Boomer Ha Ha

I ran across the following anecdote on a fellow Boomer's site, Boomer World. Just a bit of humor on a rainy day!

A man and woman had been married for more than 60 years. They had shared everything. They had talked about everything. They had kept no secrets from each other, except that the little old woman had a shoe box in the top of her closet that she had cautioned her husband never to open or ask her about.

For all of these years, he had never thought about the box, but one day the little old woman got very sick and the doctor said she would not recover. In trying to sort out their affairs, the little old man took down the shoe box and took it to his wife's bedside. She agreed that it was time that he should know what was in the box.

When he opened it, he found two crocheted dolls and a stack of money totaling $95,000. He asked her about the contents. "When we were to be married," she said, "my grandmother told me the secret of a happy marriage was to never argue. She told me that if I ever got angry with you, I should just keep quiet and crochet a doll."

The little old man was so moved, he had to fight back tears. Only two precious dolls were in the box. She had only been angry with him two times in all those years of living and loving. He almost burst with happiness."Honey," he said, "that explains the doll, but what about all of this money? Where did it come from?""Oh," she said, "that's the money I made from selling the dolls."

A Prayer.......Dear Lord, I pray for Wisdom to understand my man; Love to forgive him; And Patience for his moods; Because Lord, if I pray for Strength, I'll beat him to death, because I don't know how to crochet.

Thank you and have a great day!

Super Bowl Sunday-Sunday Morning News Just For Us!

I like football, I really do, but I have to admit, today doesn't really rank as a holiday for me like it does for many people around the country. My husband is not a football fan, my son is away at college and my teenage daughter has other plans. I'm kind of bummed. I feel like I'm missing out on something. Today I will have no excuse to overindulge in great food that is totally bad for me or throw my regular Sunday chores to the wayside.

When I think back to long ago when I was married to my first husband, my role on Super Bowl Sunday was mainly food preparer. We would usually pack up the car with our share of goodies and travel to a friend's house....the one who had the best TV. Then, the men would crowd around the TV to cheer, eat and drink. The women would spend a good part of the evening in the kitchen gabbing and laying out the spread. We would occassionally pop our heads into the family room and catch a score. Finally there would be the cleanup.

Hey....wait a minute....maybe I'm not so bummed after all!

Ladies, what are your plans for today? What is your role as a Super Bowl woman?
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Sunday Morning News Just For Us

For those of you who are not cooking or partying today, check out some of the latest news for boomer women from this week.

• The National Association of Baby Boomer Women 2008 Educational and Empowerment Opportunities February Teleseminar Series - Healthy Livin' for Boomer Women
• Exercise Is Key to Boosting Metabolism After Menopause

Suday Morning News Just For Us!

Wow, I can't believe how long it has been since I have made a Sunday morning post. Since life is resuming a more normal pace now that the holidays are over, I have finally found the time go get back my Sunday morning routine and peruse the net for what is happening in our world. Today's posts focus primarily on health, but don't miss the article on the NAABBW's contest. I am a bit partial since this is one of my favorite web sites. Have a great week and happy reading!

• Aging Baby Boomers and Seniors at Risk for HIV
• Hearing Loss a Big Problem for Baby Boomers
• Women Voters Key to Win in California
• The National Association of Baby Boomer Women Sponsors the 2008 Contest, Most Valuable Life Lesson
• Menopausal Hot Flashes Worse for Heavier Women
• Soy May Thwart Belly-Fat Gain After Menopause

Why Women Lie

Here is bit of humor to get your weekend started!

One day, when a seamstress was sewing while sitting close to a river, her thimble fell into the river. When she cried out, the Lord appeared and asked, "My dear child, why are you crying?" The seamstress replied that her thimble had fallen into the water and that she needed it to help her husband in making a living for their family. The Lord dipped His hand into the water and pulled up a golden thimble set with sapphires.

"Is this your thimble?" the Lord asked The seamstress replied, "No."

The Lord again dipped into the river. He held out a golden thimble studded with rubies.

"Is this your thimble?" the Lord asked. Again, the seamstress replied, "No."

The Lord reached down again and came up with a leather thimble.

"Is this your thimble ?" the Lord asked. The seamstress replied, "Yes." The Lord was pleased with the woman's honesty and gave her all three thimbles to keep, and the seamstress went home happy.


Some years later, the seamstress was walking with her husband along the riverbank, and her husband fell into the river and disappeared under the water.

When she cried out, the Lord again appeared and asked her, "Why are you crying?"

"Oh Lord, my husband has fallen into the river!"

The Lord went down into the water and came up with George Clooney. "Is this your husband?" the Lord asked.

"Yes," cried the seamstress.

The Lord was furious. "You lied! That is an untruth!"

The seamstress replied, "Oh, forgive me, my Lord. It is a misunderstanding. You see, if I had said 'no' to George Clooney, you would have come up with Brad Pitt.

Then if I said 'no' to him, you would have come up with my husband.

Had I then said 'yes,' you would have given me all three.

Lord, I'm not in the best of health and would not be able to take care of all three husbands, so THAT'S why I said 'yes' to George Clooney.

And so the Lord let her keep him.

The moral of this story is: Whenever a woman lies, it's for a good and honorable reason, and in the best interest of others. That's our story, and we're sticking to it.

Signed,
All Us Women

Sunday Morning News Just For Us

Good Morning Ladies,

We are going to take a bit of a turn this week. Instead of strictly news this week, we are going to take a look at a few articles from some of my favorite boomer websites that are just plain old interesting and fun! There's no theme, just information that is timely for us. I thought I would mix it up a bit this week.

• The Key to Getting Dates After Forty
• Is Bottled Water Really Better for You?
• Getting Back on the Career Track
• Feng Shui For the Holidays?
• Jogging Your Memory

Have a great week. Remember....keep those stress levels down, shop online - don't fight those crowds, do something for yourself and have some fun.

Sunday Morning News Just For Us!

Thanksgiving is over and the race is on to find the perfect gifts, decorate, wrap, bake cookies and plan the perfect holiday meal. Some radio stations are playing Christmas music 24/7 and we are inundated with commercial after commercial. You can already feel the mania building. Geez.....how will we squeeze in the responsibilities of daily life without totally losing our minds?

Personally, I plan on trying to keep everything in perspective and find some balance this holiday season. I will try to do as much of my holiday shopping, as possible, online. Why spend the money on gas and fight the crowds? I will elicit the help of my daughter when it comes to decorating and baking.....she loves it, so that is not much of a chore for her. Most importantly, I will TRY to keep in mind what the spirit of the season is really about and not totally lose my mind!

In honor of the impending frenzy, much of this week's news is devoted to managing the stress. Happy reading and stay calm!

• Baby Boomers Switching Jobs to "Give Back."
• Baby Boomers Handing Off Job of Holiday Planner, Host
• Navigate Menopause With These Books
• Take a Holiday from the Holiday Stress
• Enjoy Holidays, Don't Stress About Perfection

Sunday Morning News Just for Us!

Good Morning Ladies,

It feels good to be back in routine. After being away last week, there is a lot of news to catch up on. I hope this past week went well for all of you. I suffered a bit of the post vacations blues, myself, but ended my week on a high note. I had the opportunity to have lunch, yesterday, with an exceptional woman named Dotsie Bregel. Dotsie is the founder of the National Association for Baby Boomer Women and has an incredible website called Boomer Women Speak. She is quite a savvy boomer woman who made the step into the world of business five years ago, with the hopes of making an impact in the lives of boomer women, and she has done a fabulous job. We had never met in person, only via phone and email, but managed to chat away on life, children and business like we had know each other for a long time. Amazing thing about women....when we have something in common and mix it with good food, conversation seems to come so easily. Check out both of her sites and join in the fun and camaraderie...you won't be disappointed.

Afterwards, my husband and I did a bit of Christmas shopping. This is a first for me starting so early, but J.C. Penney had so many bargains, I couldn't pass it up!

Now onto what is new in the world of boomers, menopause and night sweats.....

• Testosterone Patch Could Increase Sex Drive During Menopause
• Dr. Tom Has Tips for Women on Wine, Hot Flashes
• Seven Businesses for Baby Boomers
• 8 Fall Books: What a Woman (of a certain age) Wants to Read

Have a great week!