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Our members say... I just want to thank you for the lovely silk scarf that you sent me for Christmas. To everyone out there who is considering COSMO CLUB (Diamond Membership), it’s worth every penny & more. Sherri I am enjoying the Fab 50 experience because of the ladies I am meeting and the activities I’ve been part of. Also getting into some of the coaching now which looks like a makeover in itself. Jayne 2 • Be Fabulous! e_Magazine I www.fabulousat50.com I February • 2017
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Celebrating baby boomer women • Interactive eMagazine • 3
Creative Director • Dianna Bowes Editor, Creative Director Dianna Bowes FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION ads@fabulousat50.com www.fabulousat50.com
our story
Thank you to our Contributors: Dianna Bowes, Barbara Lee, Laurel Vespi, Pam Robertson, Sue Paulson, Loretta Friedrich, Alison Phillips .and to all who made this issue possible Photography: Ealanta Photography www.IStock.com www.123rfs.com
Mission: To INSPIRE, EDUCATE and EMPOWER the baby boomer woman! Be Fabulous! was designed specifically to be an event magazine to be presented to our guests at the Annual Fabulous@50 Experience and Martini Party. But something magical happened! Dianna Bowes took a look around and realized there was nothing in our community that was discussing the needs of the seasoned woman. Be Fabulous!, much like the Fabulous@50 tradeshows, seminars, the meetup group and the Fabulous@50 on-line membership, filled a gap. Since 2010, Be Fabulous! has spotlighted inspirational women on it’s cover and covered topics that mid-age women want to read about. The vision of creative director, Dianna Bowes, was to publish a magazine that would be written by baby boomer women for baby boomer women. Fabulous@50 and Be Fabulous! is more than a magazine, more than a tradeshow, more than a membership, it is a community! Find out more by going to our website. www.fabulousat50.com
On the Cover: Mary Stevenson Be Fabulous! is published by Creative On The Move.
Be The articles represent the views and opinions of the individual authors and not necessarily the publisher. No material should be reprinted in whole or in part without the expressed written permission of the publisher/authors. The contents of Be Fabulous! should not be used as advice of any kind. Please consult the appropriate professionals for any advice. Be Fabulous! does not constitute endorsements of, or assumption for, liability for any claims made in the advertisements and or advertising information.
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Fabulous at 50 Lifestyle with Dianna Bowes Finn, was a stray that came into our yard and never left.
The Love of Pets I can’t remember a time in my life where I have not had a pet. I have had everything from cats, dogs, mice and turtles. I can’t even imagine not having a furry family member welcome me at the door and snuggle with me when I need a rest. My pets as you can tell are so much more than pets, they are part of the family. Even though my husband is not a cat lover, I catch him napping with Lucy and Finn. He talks to them, scolds them when they make a mess and giggles along with me about their silly antics. Finn is our younger male cat, which came to our back porch as a stray. I gave him water, and would not let him in the house at first. He would call me from outside our
bedroom window and just would not go away. I did everything I could, but take him to the Humane Society. I just could not do it. He is the sweetest cat, and everyone, including Lucy, our older girl, loves him. In 2016, I felt some unrest in my heart, I asked myself if was I doing things I truly loved? I observed myself when I was at my happiest. And many of those times, were when I was in the presence of animals. So one of the projects I did, was design a Pet Lover’s Gratitude Journal. I sent out a message to my friends and community and gathered photos of dogs, cats, horses and a guinea pig named Beatrice.
Celebrating baby boomer women • Interactive eMagazine • 5
Lucy
Connor and Molly
The second thing I did, was respond to a friend’s request for dog walkers. Ciara has started a company called PupLove and it appealed to me. My first clients were Connor and Molly. I was taken back by the size of these two beautiful dogs, but I am enjoying walking them and they seem to be pretty happy too. Being outside and walking dogs, seems like a simple thing, but it keeps me mindful, and right now in my life, simple is good. Having a pet not only makes you happier, but it can help people adopt healthy lifestyles by getting them outside and thinking about something other than themselves. Studies show that interacting with a pet helps to reduce levels of harmful neurochemicals in the body and raise the good ones. Kind of like Prozac. The bond we have with our pets leads to stress release and even a short visit with pets can support health improvements, mentally and physically. That is why therapy dogs are so great, either having a full-time therapy dog or having a dog visit you can be so beneficial for your health and wellness. My friend Charmaine Hammond found this out with her dog Toby. They visited people who struggled with mental illness and saw people who hardly spoke, open up and not only talk but smile.
In fact, one study showed that when people are presented with stressful situations in four different situations - alone, with their spouse, with their pet, or with both their spouse and their pet - they experienced the lowest stress response and quickest recovery in the this situaion where they were only with their pet. Even if you can’t have a pet, for whatever reason, you can always go to the Humane Society and volunteer, go to the dog park and hang out. Or call a friend that has a pet and visit. Sometimes when I have had enough of politics and negativity, I just watch cat and dog videos on Youtube. One of my favorite Instagram accounts is Cats of Instagram. I know it is silly, but I laugh, which relaxes my body and I feel better. It does not have to be all or nothing. Enjoy the unconditional love and joy of these beautiful creatures. If not now, when? Dianna Bowes is the creative director of Fabulous@50 and editor of Be Fabulous! Dianna is also the author of The Fabulous@50 Re-Experience - Refresh your mind, body and spirit. Dianna Bowes is the creative director of Fabulous@50 and editor of Be Fabulous! Dianna is also the author of The Fabulous@50 Re-Experience - Refresh your mind, body and spirit. Available by clicking here Read more Fabulous@50 Lifestyle stories {Please share and comment}
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It’s never too late to refresh your
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mind, body and spirit and you don’t have to do it alone.
Many Baby Boomer women have spent decades suppressing their own wants and desires, and losing themselves in the expectations and demands of culture, parents, partners, and children, working hard to please and care for almost everyone but themselves. They’ve been misunderstood by marketers, politicians, millenials, most men, and last but not least, themselves.
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In these pages, you’ll find a wealth of reassurance, inspiration, companionship, and practical guidance to refresh your mind, body, and spirit.
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Happiness starts with a wet nose and ends with a tail Georgie Girl came into our life last spring. She chose us one chilly day when she bounded over to greet us at a meeting with the breeder. It was love at first sight. Georgie is a West Highland White Terrier, now 13 months old, a breed of dog I have loved for over twenty five years since owning my first, Jinx and then dear Andy who lived to be 15. They are bright, cheeky, playful loving and naughty! Until last year, Grant and I were both too busy working at our business to contemplate the responsibility of having a dog in our life. But, since now having reliable full time staff, I have found myself working more and more at home “on our business” instead of “in it”. As anyone who works at home knows, it can get a bit quiet. Often I will sit down at my desk around 10 am, only to look up again and find it’s 4pm and I haven’t taken a break! Not good.
Enter young Georgie. From the moment we got her home at 3 ½ months old, she has been one of the family. Sure, there were the usual “accidents” while toilet training, but she learned very quickly to go outside and now comes and scratches my knee and voices her wish to go out. She has learned the word “bedtime” and takes her self off to her crate to sleep at night. She goes to work each morning after breakfast, taking her seat up on the back of the living room coach or the sun room couch patrolling both windows to keep us safe from passers-by. We’re trying to teach her not to bark at everything that moves, so now she squeaks! She passed Puppy Kindergarten last summer with flying colours, learning all the commands. However, when it’s time to leave the off leash dog park now, she can’t seem to remember the word “Come”.
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Speaking of the dog park, she loves running and playing with the other dogs. Even if she is at the far end of the park, if she hears the gate open and sees a new dog coming in, she will dash over to properly meet and greet them. It’s her first winter this year, and she absolutely loves the snow! Dressed in a bright red turtleneck, she bounds through the white powder, buries her face in the snow and stretches her back legs out dragging her belly along with a broad, happy smile on her face. What a character! Lessons Learned
We’ve left her on her own a few times in the evening, and after learning the hard way, we close all the bedroom, bathroom and closet doors first. Otherwise, slippers get chewed, towels are tossed around, and shoes end up with extra large lace holes. Oh, and did I mention she likes to read magazines and play cards? Hard to get mad at such a cute face. Georgie loves the game of tug and hide
and seek; she and Grant can play that for hours. Then, when she’s all tuckered out, she collapse in front of the fireplace revelling in the heat until she has to move to cool down, panting like crazy. Our life was full and fun before Georgie came into it. Now, it’s even fuller and more fun. She reminds me to take breaks from my desk, encouraging me to take her for a walk or play a game. She follows me around, curious about how laundry is done, and what I’m making for dinner. She is waiting at the front door when I come home paws up in the air, grinning widely doing her happy dance. She always brings a smile to my face. She is “love personified” . We take joy in exploring new parks with her, or simply relaxing in front of the fire stroking her belly. Life with a dog is grounding. I find myself feeling more peaceful and playful. Thanks Georgie Girl, we love you to the moon and back. World Traveller, Entrepreneur, Wine Aficionado, when not travelling or sipping wine, Alison loves cuddling and playing with Georgie Girl.
EMPOWER • EDUCATE • EMPOWER
Create Your Legacy Fabulous@50 is expanding and we are looking for enthusiastic, energetic and well-connected women 40 plus to bring Fabulous@50 to their communities. This is an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to run your own heart-centered business and create your legacy! Cllick here for more information Celebrating baby boomer women • Interactive eMagazine • 9
The Ladybird’s Kitchen by Pam Robertson
Have Your Cake & Eat It Too! I enjoy food and so many things about it. I like to savour flavours, trip through ingredients, and play with new recipes or change up familiar ones. I get a big thrill when someone cooks for me, and love to visit locally owned restaurants and cafés to see what’s up in their kitchens. The Art of Loving Food isn’t just about enjoying what you eat. It’s about creating experiences. Whether you take the time to eat off your good dishes, or you pour water into a crystal glass, or you skip the fast food line and sit down to linger over a plate, or share a taste experience with someone special, it all counts.
This time of year we often see recipes dripping in chocolate, so I thought it was time for something different. February has a day dedicated to carrot cake, which seems perfect, especially since it comes with cream cheese icing! I love a good carrot cake. Every family seems to have a version, and Betty Crocker is in on this timeless favourite. The most popular topping for carrot cake is usually a cream cheese frosting, and while the recipe for the icing doesn’t change much, you can really kick up the flavour by replacing vanilla with lemon juice and zest for a fresh kick.
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Cream Cheese Frosting Three 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened
2 cups shredded carrots (about 4 medium carrots) 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup raisins
3 1/2 cups icing sugar
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour your pan (10 inch springform, or you could use a bundt, or even make cupcakes). In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ginger. In a medium bowl with a wire whisk or fork, beat pineapple or applesauce, vegetable oil, brown sugar, vanilla, and eggs until smooth. Stir wet mixture, shredded carrots, walnuts, and raisins into flour mixture, just until flour is moistened. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 65-70 minutes in a spring form pan, 50-60 depending on your bundt pan, and 35 minutes or so for cupcakes (this is dense cake and it takes a while), or until a toothpick inserted in centre of cake comes out clean.
Zest of one lemon plus 2-3 Tablespoons lemon juice Beat cream cheese, butter, and sugar until very smooth, about 7-10 minutes. Add lemon zest and juice until well incorporated, just 1-2 minutes. If your icing seems a bit too thick or thin to spread you can add a little more lemon juice or heavy cream to thin it out. Careful if you start adding more sugar as you can easily make it too thick, so just add a heaping tablespoon at a time. Cream cheese frosting needs to be refrigerated, and lasts for up to 4 days. Spread it on your favourite desserts, including chocolate or red velvet cake, banana bread, and spice cake. Old Fashioned Carrot Cake 3 cups flour 1 cup sugar 1 1/2 Tbsp cinnamon 1/2 tsp nutmeg 2 tsp baking soda
Refrigerate for up to four days. For best flavour, cut your slice of cake and let it sit for 10 - 20 minutes prior to eating so that it comes to room temperature and the flavours are ready to mingle in your mouth.
1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp salt 1/2 tsp ground ginger 1 1/2 cups unsweetened crushed pineapple (lightly drained) or unsweetened chunky applesauce 1 1/4 cups vegetable oil 1 cup brown sugar 1 Tbsp vanilla
Cool cake in pan on a wire rack 10 minutes; remove sides of spring form or invert from the bundt and cool cake completely on a wire rack. Place cooled cake onto a serving plate. You can cut it into layers if you like, and put some frosting between each layer and then frost the top and sides.
Dr. Pam Robertson cooks up a storm in The Ladybirds’ Kitchen (www.ladybirdskitchen. com) to help the people who’ve lost their zest for cooking to #EatInspired. She’s also a bestselling author, coach, and part-time badass. You can reach her at 1-780-232-0083 and eatinspired@ladybirdskitchen.com
4 eggs Celebrating baby boomer women • Interactive eMagazine • 11
Tea with Sue Paulson
The beautiful view from Sue’s back window.
Life with Roommates It’s been a year since my decision to move from a one-bedroom walk-up apartment to a ground level, three bedroom townhouse. It was a leap of faith because the rent and utilities were more than I had been paying. But I had grown weary of lugging groceries up two flights, plus our building started having problems with bedbugs - yikes! Roommates
My long ago dream of a townhouse with a small back yard was possible if I considered sharing with a roommate. You have to know that I’ve been away from home for 48 years. In all that time, I never had a roommate – husbands, yes, but not a roommate. Fortunately, I had developed a friendship with a young woman in her thirties who was looking for new accommodation. A deal was struck, and she moved in a month after I did. Trigger points and
lessons showed up shortly after that. The thing was, I had always felt I was pretty easy going and therefore easy to live with. I might have been wrong! The first sticky point was the “correct” kitchen towel to use for drying hands vs dishes. And who knew I would freak out when my “good” tea towel got stained from being used as a potholder in the oven! I soon came face to face with my own quirks and foibles as we sorted out space in the house, cupboards and frigde. Perhaps I wasn’t as good at sharing as I’d imagined. Talking
However, I maintained then and still maintain that anything can be sorted out by talking about it. Since we’re both sensitive souls with a desire to be respectful as we share, we have been able to settle into our new surroundings and enjoy not only the space but each other.
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However, I maintained then and still maintain that anything can be sorted out by talking about it. A second roommate (a friend who found me this townhouse) came along last November to fill the remaining bedroom. She fit in like comfy slippers, so for now we are three. It helps that all of us have that people-pleasing streak; the kitchen is always tidy and our common living space kept nicely in case of unexpected company. Whenever our crazy schedules align, we share a meal or popcorn and a movie. I’ve heard lots of stories about roommates from hell, so I’m very grateful for who I have. Because they help with expenses, I live in a nicer place with a marvelous view. I can travel or come and go as I please, knowing that the house will be looked after while I’m gone. I find I’m less particular
about things that don’t really matter, plus I’m better at talking about what matters most. Since I embarked on this particular journey, I’ve had other friends my age ask me what it’s like to live with roommates. Like anything, it’s not without its challenges, but if you find the right people and you all approach it with a solid set of rules, expectations and a huge dose of humor, it will work well. Sue Paulson inspires others to love their magnificence. Her third book, “Magnificent Misery – From Adversity to Ecstasy” is now available at Audrey’s and Ascendant Books in Edmonton or through Amazon. www.suepaulson.com
Celebrating baby boomer women • Interactive eMagazine • 13
Loretta and Geo enjoy a walk in the beautiful Edmonton parks.
Happy and Healthy Tips ~ Love, Geo I was born in Red Deer on Feb 20, 2008 of Bichon Shih Tzu lineage. I understand that my father, Sonny, won show awards back in the day though when viewing my parents’ photos, I can see I inherited “so cute” from both of them. I am often told I am “such a good dog” and think it’s a combination of birthright and upbringing. Speaking of that, I came home to my human (Friedrich) family in May 2008. After a few days I was named Geo. I’ve grown a lot since then into a strong adult dog. My Vet says I am healthy and have lots of muscle (under that fluffiness I might add.) Besides knowing that my humans consider me part of the family, and that I get a belly rub every day, here are my tips on the topic of health and happiness: Remain in the moment
Pause. Take in the scenery. Whether in the house observing the humans’ interactions or out on the deck spying a bird in the tree, I focus on my surroundings. Helps
me to stay sharp, what about you? Sniff everything
This has got to be one of my favorites! Smell the air, smell the grass, smell the snow, and smell the.... okay, maybe that’s just for me. But there is so much to sniff! It is both calming and exciting at the same time. Try it! Eat with enthusiasm
My kibble, treats, and raw natural patties are carefully purchased by my human father. I show gratitude by eating this food with enthusiasm – I can’t help it really! I relish the crunch or soft deliciousness. Sometimes I get pumpkin on the kibble too. Outstanding combination! What do you like to eat? Love always
My humans look after me very well so the least I can do is to be there for them. I always greet them at the door, I look for
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ways to be right beside them. I want them to feel my love and support. They pet me, I lick their hand. Happy sigh. Unconditional love. Always, in all ways. Walk as often as possible
I love walks. I admit, even after a long walk, if you put on that hoodie I can go again! I especially love it when I’m taken to the “puppy park” by my human sister or the other humans. Keeps me sane, improves my walking game, and gives me a chance to say hello to my furry buddies. Sleep well.
I have 6 or 7 places I like to relax. There’s nothing like curling up in one of my dog beds, sleeping on the stairs, lying on the table (much to my human mother’s dismay) in my human parent’s bedroom, or
snuggling up against one of my humans. I embrace those times to really let the power of rest heal me. I get so much energy afterwards. I highly recommend you recharge through lots of sleep! I hope you found these recommendations practical. They come from my heart to you because you see, I wish for you a long and healthy life too. See you around town... Did you just say, “Do you want to go for a walk Geo?!” Loretta Friedrich, N.N.C.P., is a health advocate, local supporter, community leader, speaker, author, program creator/director of Your Food Story, and award-winning business owner of Sprout Natural Nutritional Consulting. She enjoys walking, getting vegetable stains on her hands and smelling dirt! www. SproutNaturalNutrition.com
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Click here to get your tickets Celebrating baby boomer women • Interactive eMagazine • 15
Fabulous@50 Featured Member
Mary Stevenson: Uses healing energy to help people and animals
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How has hardship, tragedy, or trauma shaped who you are – what gifts have come of it? When I was very young, 21 years old, I met and married someone very quickly. I left my country, my home, my life, my family and friends and moved 3500 miles away. My life changed completely. What I realized very quickly is that I had married an alcoholic. My life was full of stress and things were happening that I didn’t want to share with anyone. As I coped with this issue with my husband and was struggling with how to be a step mom; I became physically ill. Over time, I kept getting worse, lost a lot of weight, and doctors couldn’t seem to help me. However, I did have a most amazing light in my life. His name was Bud and he was my first Chinese Shar Pei. We competed in dog shows in obedience and spent a lot of time together.
Mary and her husband Eric and their furry family.
He was my companion, protector, and my teacher. Through the tough times with my husband, Bud and I developed an even stronger bond. He taught me that I was communicating with him very clearly. I had always had a very strong connection to animals but hadn’t understood in this particular way that I was communicating and he understood completely.
I have been doing healing sessions with people and healing/communication sessions with animals ever since! (Over 20 years now). Even though I had several difficult years, it brought out these abilities and have helped me to help others.
I was becoming so ill that I started to look into alternative ways to heal my body. One day I was in a store and a book ‘called out to me’. I picked it up and it said that if the medical field hasn’t helped you to heal, try Hypnotherapy. I booked a session immediately. Going through this type of therapy turned my life and health around completely. Because of this, I was inspired to become a Clinical Hypnotherapist so I could help others in this same way. Shortly after, I became a Reiki Master/Teacher because I learned that everything is energy.
I am compassionate and have a desire to make a difference in the lives of my clients. Because I have a love for people and animals, when I meet with them, they can feel this love and feel safe. Many people have said that they tell me things about themselves that they have never even said out loud to anyone else before.
What would you consider to be your top three talents/skills?
Animals will feel my intentions immediately as well and allow me to work with them when no one else has been able to in the past. Healing sessions are most effective when the client feels comfortable and trusts the facilitator.
Celebrating baby boomer women • Interactive eMagazine • 17
Often times people and their animals are interconnected. My intuition has grown stronger over the years. I have always been able to feel what other people (& animals) are feeling, but now this is stronger than ever before. My training as a healer has also brought out the ability to tune in on a level where I can assist with what will be most beneficial for the person or the animal’s highest good. I assist people in finding their own answers within so they can shift and improve whatever they want to in their lives. I have an ability to tune in to an animal and communicate openly and effectively heal and release past trauma as well as pass on messages on to the animal’s guardian so the animal can be better understood by their caregivers. The healing energy I use in my sessions is very powerful and helps people and animals to heal on all levels—physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I love to tell stories! I enjoy teaching about life and how to live it fully by public speaking/teaching. If there is a subject that I am asked to talk about, I find an experience that I had in the past that can show how I handled it or how I learned important life lessons. I know I really stay engaged and understand a message clearly if someone tells a story to explain it—one where I can relate. Quite often I use humour to get my point across. I have an ability to always see the humour in situations, life, and in myself! Things can get ugly if we take everything too seriously! I find it is a fun way to learn when humour is involved.
feeds their soul. My advice to young women is to identify what their values and beliefs are, notice what ‘sparks them up’, and stay focused on this. Don’t let anyone take you off track of what feels right for you. Listen to your intuition and follow it. When you honour yourself in this way, you will shine from the inside out and be incredibly beautiful! If you were to share one thing that made a difference in your life, what would it be?
What would you like to share with younger women about “being beautiful”?
Throughout my life I have had a very strong faith in God. This started as a small child when my dad would come in before bed each night and say prayers with me. This connection to God has grown stronger as I have grown older. I still have this practice of prayer before bed but I also start each day with it as well. There have been times in my life where I have felt overwhelmed and thought I didn’t know how to continue on.
I would love for younger women to know that ‘being beautiful’ is living from your authentic self. What is truly beautiful is to see someone tuning in to their passions, doing what makes them happy and what
At this point, I would give it all up to God. My situation would change and improve very quickly after that. Knowing I have this support in my life makes all the difference in the world!
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What is it in nature that feeds your soul? When I am in nature, my connection to God feels very strong. I look at everything in nature and see how there is an innate ‘knowing’ and I am in awe! Nature shows us when we are in the natural flow, everything in life falls into place. I feel the rhythm of everything I am surrounded by in nature. There is also so much beauty— the colours of the flowers, the amazing animals, the majestic mountains, the breathtaking sunsets and so much more. I feel that there is something greater than us human beings that is walking alongside us in life. Witnessing all of this, taking in fresh air, feeling the warm sun on my face, all brings peace to my soul. What inspires you most and why? What inspires me in life is being able to help people feel happy! My heart feels full when I see something I did helped another person to feel great! When I was young, I used to perform dance with sign language in a professional dance company out of Boston. I would be thrilled to see how happy people were that we were bringing the words in the music to them by signing as we danced. It was connecting with them on a level where we were recognizing and acknowledging them. It felt wonderful! I also used to visit seniors through my church at the time. They loved to tell stories and give me advice about life.
They enjoyed having the attention and discussions that sparked them up. I still perform on a regular basis but recently it has been singing. It feels so good to sing a song and see people dancing to it or singing along—lighting up! Currently I am doing shows with a colleague for seniors’ homes around the city. After our performance, they often like to come and tell us their memories attached to the songs we sang. Some even like to jump up and sing with us! It is truly inspirational to find what can light up another person! I believe we are all connected; and that is why when we help someone else, we feel the joy ourselves!
Celebrating baby boomer women • Interactive eMagazine • 19
Life is just a Phase by Laurel Vespi
The best lessons cats and dogs can teach us Are you a cat person or a dog person? That’s a question that can start an intense debate depending on your preference. Dog people think cats are stand-offish while cat people consider them independent. Cat people think dogs are too needy while dog people love their loyalty. Regardless of whether you are pro canine or feline, perhaps the best qualities of cats and dogs are the ones we humans should adopt. Here are some great lessons we can learn from both our furry friends: Create a little solitude each day.
Cats definitely like their independence. Having a little quiet time each day is a good thing for people too.
It gives us an opportunity to pause in our busy days, to reflect and re-charge. If you are not used to solitary time, ease into it with a short break during which you can give yourself permission to unplug from your busy life. Hang out with a pack.
Dogs are pack animals. They enjoy being around people. Research shows that having a social network has positive effects on both our physical and mental health. We know that hanging out with friends is one of the contributing factors to a long and healthy life. Make time to socialize whether it’s in a small gathering or in a large group.
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Regardless of whether you are pro canine or feline, perhaps the best qualities of cats and dogs are the ones we humans should adopt. Show your affection.
It’s important for us to show our love to those we love. There are lots of ways to do that. It might be in a big and boisterous demonstration like a dog bounding across the room to greet you at the end of the day. Or it might a subtle gesture like a cat rubbing its head on your leg. Busy lives often mean that we take our loved ones for granted so make it a priority to let them know in words and deeds every day how much they mean to you. Go for a walk.
Say “walk” and a dog is always ready to head outside. Studies show that a daily walk has numerous benefits – everything from helping to maintain a healthy weight to boosting your immune system and your mood. Walking also lets us be mindful of the world around us. Make time to play.
When we have a long to-do list, it’s easy to take fun and recreation out of our schedule. All work and no play makes Jack a dull
boy and it doesn’t do much for you either. Cats and dogs have both figured out that play can take many forms. It doesn’t have to be complicated or even need a playmate. Look for ways to weave some play back into your day. Learn new tricks.
While dogs have a reputation for learning tricks, cats actually can do it too if they are motivated. Brain research shows that humans are capable of learning new things well into our eighties. Seems that you can actually teach an old dog new tricks! But in order to keep our minds sharp as we age, we need to learn unfamiliar and somewhat challenging new skills. Set a goal to master something new every year so you can stimulate some brain cells and build some new neural pathways. Laurel Vespi is a certified life coach, author and motivational speaker who helps women live more mindfully no matter what phase of life they are in. Learn more and get resources and inspiration for mindful living at stonecirclecoaching.com
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Nurturing Your Relationships All Claire needed to do was bring Andrew a cup of coffee at the Rendezvous Restaurant and she was smitten by the man she would eventually call “the best thing that’s ever happened to me.” And all Andrew needed was to look into Claire’s eyes to see the sweetheart who would bring happiness into his life. Last year, after eight years of journeying together, Claire and Andrew were married. Imperfection
It wasn’t an easy road. On the way there, they experienced the stresses of new jobs, home ownership and multiple knee surgeries. It helped that both Claire and Andrew knew that no relationship is perfect and no commitment is without struggle. In the process, Claire learned to be more accepting of herself and that it
really is okay not to be perfect. Andrew found that he had greater strength than he thought he had. Today Claire and Andrew are more deeply in love than ever as they continue to build on the solid foundation of their relationship. Expectations
Sadly, the failure of love that we see so often in this world of ours often leads to a scaling down of our expectations, visions, and dreams. Many expect from the very beginning that in their love relationships there will be no mystical wholeness at all. Others enter into their relationship with optimism and the expectation of forever, but when struggles begin, they allow normal life difficulties to shatter their dreams.
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Tend to all of your relationships and allow your love relationship to deepen and grow! What has made Claire and Andrew successful in building and deepening their relationship is that they continue to take care of themselves. Through the highs and the lows, they remained aware and to focus on their own needs. At the same time, they continued to nurture their other friendships. That focus allowed them to each bring a strong sense of self to their relationship with each other. Nourish the Relationship
Two people have to nourish the relationship they share, but they also have to nourish their own being and other important relationships in their life. We all do better with a community of support. When one person decides that one other person will forever fill all of their emotional, spiritual and physical needs, it is just too much weight for one person to bear. Love for another cannot survive long when it isolates the partners from other meaningful relationships. This Valentine’s Day, think about all of the significant relationships in your life and then commit to reaching out to each of those people to let them know they are special to you. Tend to all of your relationships and allow your love relationship to deepen and grow!
FAN FEEDBACK Question? What is your favorite move or book about animals? Brenda: Sea Biscuit Juanita: The Lion King Laurel: Charlotte’s Web Kay: The Littlest Hobo or Lassie Dianna: The Art of Racing in the Rain, War Horse, Flicka Susan: Bambi, Lady and the Tramp Sharon: Hachi Cindy: Deerskin Ingrid: The Journey of Natty Gann Pam: The Bee Movie Loretta: Wine the Pooh, Old Yeller, Snoopy, Charlotte’s Web Mary: Secretariat
Barbara Lee is the author of Sacred Sex: Replacing the Marriage Ethic with a Sexual Ethic and Tension in the Tank: Embracing Interfaith Mysticism Without Leaving the Church. An ordained interfaith minister, Barbara has crafted the tools that lead to higher self-esteem, healthier relationships and a deeper respect for the many facets of sexuality. You can read more about Barbara at www.dontdoesntwork.com Celebrating baby boomer women • Interactive eMagazine • 23
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Edmonton, AB
VISION BOARD WORKSHOP The Edmonton Fabulous@50 ladies enjoy a relaxing evening at the Vision Board Workshop held at the Integrity Seminars office. Want to join us for a Edmonton workshop, just click here and add your email to our newsletter.
UPCOMING EVENTS Connecting Hearts Wednesday, March 15, 6:30 pm Want to meet other Fabulous@50 members and learn what Fabulous@50 is all about? Whether you are a seasoned member or a new member, this event will be worth attending. Expectto have some fun and leave with your heart full. Tea and snacks will be available. Register now...limited space
Dianna Bowes Edmonton Director & Founder Email Dianna Go to our website
Unleash your Creativity Workshop- date TBA
Read my blogs
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Calgary, AB
Enjoy reading and want to share in great conversation? Join other fabulous ladies on the 3 Wednesday of each month for the Fabulous@50 Calgary Book Club discussions. All Welcome. Visit MeetUp or FB for details on Book club and other wonderful events. Click here
UPCOMING EVENTS BOOK CLUB - Wed, Feb 15 All welcome to participate in the monthly book club meetings. January book choice “Saving Fish from Drowning” by Amy Tan. Joanne Neweduk To register or to get more information. Calgary Director Monthly meetup meeting held every second Thursday, join us and have fun! Click here for info
Email Joanne Go to our website Read my blogs
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Moncton, NB UPCOMING EVENTS
Crazy Daisies Fun Fashion Show This will be a great fun event to start out with Spring, everyone is encouraged to wear the ugliest dress or outfit you can find, we will have judges for the ugliest and an awesome prize for winner. Dinner will be a fabulous turkey dinner between 4-5, with special guest Charline Savoie who will be singing during this time. Fashion show will follow the dinner with clothing from Nygard Fashions and also Ripped Angel clothing. There will be a Silent auction with door prizes. $30.00 PER PERSON AND $25.00 FOR VIP MEMBERS. To get your tickets, click here. MIchelle and Ray Collins from Sculpt Riverview were on display as Vendors at the Fabulous@50 Wellness event in New Brunswick.
Juanita Wilson Moncton Director Email Juanita
www.fabulousat50.com
Go to our website Read my blogs
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Thank you to our sponsors of the Health & Wellness Show
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FEELING DISCONNECTED?? Get connected with Fabulous@50’s On-Line Community Receive a monthly gift of the Be Fabulous! eMagazine. Join our online Social Groups and stay in the loop of all things Fabulous! No strings, just love... Click here 28 • Be Fabulous! e_Magazine I www.fabulousat50.com I February • 2017
Does your company serve women who are 40 and over? How are you reaching them?
SHARE YOUR STORY! Be an inspiration to other women by sharing your story of success and build strong relationships.
Read about inspirational women like Petra Remy. Click here
INSPIRE Tell women everywhere how you became successful, and inspire them to follow their dreams.
EDUCATE Share your knowledge and expertise to educate women to take their next step.
EMPOWER Through your story, empower women to become change agents in their own lives and others.
Cheryl Anne is the creator of the Beautiful Women Project - The Art to Loving Life. Click here to read about Cheryl Anne.
Be Fabulous! E-Magazine: is a monthly on-line magazine aimed at the baby boomer woman. This monthly issue will be sent to the growing Fabulous@50 on-line community. Featuring inspirational woman (this could be you) we will also have articles that will interest women in the 40 plus age range. Be Fabulous! is a part of what makes Fabulous@50 so vibrant. EMAIL US TODAY FOR THE MEDIA KIT AND MORE INFORMATION ...info@fabulousat50.com
We are more than a magazine. We are a community!
Loretta Friedrich shares her love of nutritious food with us. Click here to read about her.
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FAB Books! A Year of Gratitude Pet Lovers Issue by Dianna Bowes
Be in gratitude everyday for a year by writing in this adorable Pet Lover journal. Photos by friends of Fabulous@50 and sweet strangers we have met. Buy your copy today, click here.
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