World Menopause Day Means $5 Off Wicking Sleepwear!

HAPPY WORLD MENOPAUSE DAY LADIES!!! World Menopause Day is not a new event. It was started way back in 1984, though it is still relatively unheard of. Started by the International Menopause Society and the World Health Organization, World Menopause Day's original purpose was to bring increased awareness to menopause.

Menopause changes a woman’s quality of life and more importantly puts her at increased risk for osteoporosis, breast cancer, heart disease, and stroke. Let's not forget hot flashes, night sweats, weight gain, depression, sleep problems, itchiness and a host of other symptoms that were once thought to be only "in the head" of the transitional woman. It is important to understand the risk factors associated with these conditions and how these conditions can be treated.

This once undiscussed topic has now come into focus and is open for discussion for more and more women with each other, and their physicians as well. Just Google "menopause" and you will find an abundance of websites and information.

In honor of World Menopause Day, Lunar Radiance is offering $5.00 off all wicking sleepwear purchases of $20.00 or more. We are doing our part to help you say "Nightie, night" to night sweats!!

Potpourri

I am always reading about baby boomers, menopause, night sweats and generally all information that pertains to those of us who are living in this transitional period. I came across a plethora of articles, but these three stood out because they resonated with me since I had actually engaged in conversations about these topics this week.

First up deals with depression and menopause. Did you know that the risk for major depression more than doubles while women are going through menopause and afterward? Have you been wondering if it's "just you?" Click here to read more.

Boomers around the country are talking retirement around the water cooler. The baby boomers have three important questions before them: Have they had enough? Do they have enough? Will they have enough to do? What about you? Click here to read more.

I'd like to say I saved the best for last.....NOT! However, I couldn't pass it by. Women who add more fat to their bodies as they approach menopause will have a harder time with hot flashes and night sweats. (thank heavens for wicking sleepwear!) Research is showing that these weight gains, which are often common during menopause, may actually contribute to a worsening of symptoms. Click here to read more.

Do you have a topic or blog of interest that you think is worth sharing? Let me know!

Fall Is Upon Us

The heat of the summer is over and fall is upon us. I, for one, am thrilled. Maybe a little cooler weather will take some of the heat out of those hot flashes!! Speaking of hot flashes...within the next two weeks, Lunar Radiance will be revealing new wicking sleepwear to fight those night sweats....always love that. In the meantime, it's time to turn to some fall festivities that are upon us and prepare!

Halloween is always a fun time to dress up, decorate and send entertaining greeting cards. Over at my Zazzle store, NightSweatsDiva, I have been busy creating many new greeting cards, Halloween postage stamps, trick or treat bags, tee shirts and so much more. Below are just a few samples, but there is so much that I can't fit everything here. The best part.....You Can Personalize almost everything and have you never have to leave your house!!

Teachers, baby boomer grandparents, moms and dads need to pay a visit, and check back often because new additions are being made every day.

Personalized Halloween Tote Bag by NightSweatsDiva

Halloween Novelty Mug by NightSweatsDiva

Halloween Postage Stamps by NightSweatsDiva

Halloween Stickers by NightSweatsDiva

Halloween Party Invitation by NightSweatsDiva

P.S......Have a bride to be in your family? Have her click here. She will love, love, love it!

New Wicking Sleepwear Products at Lunar Radiance

Our two newest products are here and they are made of soft, cool, naturally wicking bamboo!

** Bamboo is a fabric which is incredibly soft and comfortable.
** Bamboo is naturally anti-microbial helping to control odors and hypoallergenic.
** Bamboo provides superior natural wicking capabilities.
** Bamboo is environmentally friendly; it is the fastest growing plant in the world and is an easily renewable resource.

These two new products offer style and comfort at a reasonable price!

Wicking Capri PJ's $52.99 - CLICK HERE

Wicking Nightgown $39.99 - CLICK HERE

Say "Nightie, night" to nightsweats with our wicking sleepwear!

How Do You Beat the Heat?

Summer is here and the temperature is heating up across the country. In my neck of the woods we are just happy to see the sunshine after a long period of rain every day. Temps are expected to skyrocket at the end of this week.

When it heats up outside, I look for ways to stay cool on the inside. I love to experiment with summertime drinks. Sometimes they are of the alcoholic type, but most often I choose the "virgin version." Alcohol tends to make a girl feel warm, and heaven knows, menopausal women don't need any more causes for hot flashes and night sweats.

So here is a new recipe that was shared with me today, and it sounds totally DE-LI-CIOUS. Just thought I would pass it along....

Fresh Mint and Ginger and Lemonade

Yield: Makes 4 servings
This distinctive fat-free drink is a great change of pace from coffee or tea.

Ingredients
1/2 cup (packed) chopped fresh mint leaves
1/3 cup chopped fresh ginger
1/3 cup honey
2 cups boiling water
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 cups (about) cold water
Ice cubes
Fresh mint leaves
Lemon slices

Just mix together, pour over the ice and garnish with some fresh mint leaves and lemon slices! Yum.

Don't forget to wear your favorite wicking nightgown or PJ set to help keep you cool and dry on those steam nights as well. Click Here to visit Lunar Radiance to pick up some of our newest styles. Pictured is our wicking nightshirt by CoolSets. Also available in red passion - $46.50

DO YOU HAVE A GREAT SUMMERTIME LIBATION RECIPE TO SHARE? Don't keep it to yourself! Share please! I would be more than happy to post them.

Sleepwear for Plus Sizes

Brrrr..........it is cold here in New Jersey this fine Saturday morning, but I like it! Since my hot flashes are a pretty regular happening these days, I don't really mind. It is a bit of a welcome relief. Plus, this is just one more signal that the winter and holiday season is upon us and I love it. Next week, my daughter will be home from college for her winter break and then I will be able to decorate my house for the holidays. I made her a promise that I would wait since she has certain decorations she likes to take care of.

Anyway......my good friends over at Wicking J Sleepwear introduced their fall/winter line of wicking sleepwear a couple of weeks ago. Of course their products are of excellent quality or else I wouldn't carry them at Lunar Radiance, but I wanted to mention that they have expanded their plus sizes! Because there was such demand for more plus, Wicking J. had added 4X, 5X and 6X to their inventory and I have added it to mine!

Both the Chelsea Wicking Pajamas and the Abigail Wicking Nightgown both come in a full range of sizes. So if you or someone you knows is in need of some relief from those nasty night sweats, but has been unable to find sleepwear because they are a plus size lady, please pass this information along to them. They will love you for it!

Have a great weekend!

Perimenopause, Menopause and High Blood Pressure

OK....as if weight gain, night sweats and hot flashes aren't enough, could it be that high blood pressure is another physical ailment affecting baby boomer women?

I am hoping that some of my readers may be able to offer information. Any sites, links or concrete information would be appreciated. What do you know? Has high blood pressure been something you have experienced during your transition into perimenopause or menopause?

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."

Sunday Morning News Just for Us - Baby Boomer's That Is!

OK......I know it's not the morning, but my day got away from me today. However, my little fingers have been clicking the keys and searching the internet for the latest news and stories of interest, so here goes.....

• Is it a myth that menopause puts a damper on libido? True, woman suffer from a host of uncomfortable symptoms including hotflashes and night sweats, but a recent survey dispels this myth and eases women's concerns regarding hormonal changes and changes in their sex life. Click here to read more and you can be the judge.
• Osteoporosis, which means porous bone, is a natural process that accelerates during menopause due to the decrease in the production of estrogen. It is often referred to as the silent disease because we can't see it nor feel its effects unless it is brought to our attention because of a broken bone. According to an article in the Times-Picayune, "almost 80 percent of the 661 people (older than 45) recently surveyed by the National Osteoporosis Foundation said they didn't think that the disease was a risk factor for broken bones, and 60 percent of women and 90 percent of men had not discussed their osteoporosis risk with their doctors." Click here to read more.....
• This week's topic at my other blog, Not Fit to Pick is the relationship between mothers and daughters. Although Not Fit to Pick usually deals with romantic relationships, this week's topic is inspired by my reflections after sending my last child, my daughter off to her freshman year in college. Click here to read more......
• Taking care of aging parents is something that many of my friends are dealing with right now. If you find yourself in this position, you will want to check out the Baby Boomers Retirement Club. This organization provides solutions for boomers caring for aging parents including online forums, senior care service locators, a senior and over 55 community search, and free pharmacy prescription cards. Click here to read more....
• Job hunting baby boomers face new challenges and they need to step up to the challenge. Bob Moos, from the Dallas Morning News takes a look at what boomers need to do to "brush up on modern ways to find work, interview and even update their image." Click here to read more....
• Lunar Radiance has introduced a new wicking nightgown to their wicking sleepwear line to help you fight those nasty night sweats! You can "Slumber in Sleeveless," pictured above, with this newest nightgown made by Wildbleu. Sale price is $45.99.

Have a great week everyone.

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.

Fast Facts About Menopause

Many baby boomer women are in the transitional life stages of perimenopause and menopause. As they will attest, the physical and emotional changes that come as part of the package can be daunting. When talking with a girlfriend the other day, commiserating about the latest menopausal gifts we had received she asked me if I was itchy. I couldn't believe it, so I did a bit of digging.

Did you know that in addition to night sweats, hot flashes and the other host of glorious symptoms that accompany menopause, itchy skin is now one to add to the list? Hormonal swings, poor diet, dehydration of the skin and even smoking all contribute to the midlife itches. There are some steps we can take to help alleviate itching during menopause. To read more, CLICK HERE.

Finding it hard to concentrate? You're not going crazy. Difficulties with concentration during perimenopause and menopause are quite common. Sometimes you may even feel like you are in a fog. Our old friend estrogen, or should I say less of it, is the culprit. Never fear, there are some simple ways to cope with yet another menopausal nuisance. CLICK HERE to read more.


It goes without saying that symptoms may have other causes, so it is very important to always check with a physician to make sure there are no other underlying reasons for your symptoms.

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

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!

Sunday Morning News Just for Us!

Good Morning Everyone,

This was a weekend for me to celebrate. My company celebrated its first birthday! I have made it through the first year of doing business which from what I understand is something to celebrate. It has been a year of the proverbial blood, sweat and tears. However, if I had to do it over again, I would do it in a minute.

Opening Lunar Radiance has done more for me than I ever could have imagined. I have learned much about myself and my capabilities. I have had the opportunity to meet other fabulous boomer women who are taking risks, following their passions and proving that just because our "biological eggs" may not be abundant as they once were, they still have much to offer and possibilities to explore. I have written about this before in my article "Baby Boomer Woman Gives Birth."

I am not alone in my entrepreneurial endeavors. According to SCORE, women represent more than 1/3 of all people involved in entrepreneurial activities. Still not convinced, check out these statistics:

• Between 1997 and 2002, women-owned firms grew by 19.8 percent while all U.S. firms grew by seven percent (Source: SBA, Office of Advocacy)

• Women-owned firms accounted for 6.5 percent of total employment in U.S. firms in 2002 and 4.2 percent of total receipts. (Source: SBA, Office of Advocacy)

• The number of women-owned firms continues to grow at twice the rate of all U.S. firms (23 percent vs. 9 percent). There are an estimated 10 million women-owned, privately-held U.S. businesses. The greatest challenge for women-owned firms is access to capital, credit and equity. Women start businesses on both lifestyle and financial reasons. Many run businesses from home to keep overhead low. (Source: SBA, Office of Advocacy and Business Times, April 2005)

• Women are more likely to seek business advice—69 percent women vs. 47 percent men. (Source: American Express)

Wow! It is a great time to be a woman. So nurture your ideas, think outside of the box and follow you passions. Who knows what could happen. Now.....onto our news for this week.

• Weight Loss During Menopause Linked to Bone Loss
• It's the New Puberty
• Baby Boomer Singles, This One's For You
• Breathe Your Way Out of a Hot Flash