Back in 2007 – I started a Midlife Blog

Wow – 10 years ago I started a blog, when I started midlife. I wanted to find a group of women who I could relate to. I loved all the young mom bloggers who I met on the media trips and events, but I needed to find mom’s who had kids going to college, driving, dating, and more.

I just found the intro to my old site, I think it’s still up but with broken links, and other items like an old house it need a bit or repair.  Some of the old content was fun to read, below is the intro…when I was searching for other midlife gals….

NOT YOUR MAMAS MIDLIFE!! The Fun Starts Now, Life is about new beginnings. Yes, raising a family is one of life’s greatest joys and challenges, but once the kids are older, a huge shift occurs. Our connections with our neighborhood, our community, friendships are changing. We’re no longer in the PTO. Our kids aren’t in a playgroup. We don’t have to drive them everywhere. We’re not the “young mommy blogger,” newly discovering all the blessings of young parenthood. We’re on to the next stage. This is our time now!

and boys is it….

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Below is when I was a younger mommy who hosted a parenting radio talk show…
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I went a bit “Rogue” Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

I slayed the Red Carpet – and no one noticed me..

They say that women after a certain age become a bit invisible. I’m usually a pretty big personality ask anyone who knows me, but at the Star Wars World Premier – I was happy to be that older women, and invisible.

You might think, a short women carrying a very large RED LightSaber is hard to miss, I must say most just ignored me. Here are my three reasons why

  1. Most people may have thought I was an older talent agent and they were not going to ask who I was, or tell me where and what I could do.
  2. Maybe people thought I was an executives wife, and we have seen how that works out – (“Sources told Page Six another woman who was rudely splashed was Lisa ­Pevaroff-Cohn, the wife of Goldman bigwig Gary Cohn.” via “SiriusXM canned Bethenny Frankel’s show after meltdown” Page Six
  3. I’m invisible – women after a certain age are invisible, we go unnoticed, and people don’t pay much attention to us – even on the Red Carpet.

Seville Spain – Top 5 in 2 Days 2 See

Top 5 things to see and do in Seville

I had a quick 2 days to visit Seville, it was going to be such a quick trip I almost decided to just skip Seville and go straight to Barcelona…I’m so happy I took a stop in Seville Spain, and I suggest you do to.

Hotel Alfonso XIII, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Seville

Hotel Alfonso XIII, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Seville

Seville is one of the most exciting and beautiful areas of Spain.

Located on River Guadalquivir named after ‘Hispalis’ (Roman origin). Seville has so much to offer and the history an iconic representation of architectural relics by Moorish Almohad dynasty.  You can explore most of the city just walking around, and two days will allow you to get the vibe of the city, the taste of the cuisine, of the history and art.

This is the view from the Jewish Quarter looking at the Cathedral of Seville

This is the view from the Jewish Quarter looking at the Cathedral of Seville

Within a 5 minute walk of our hotel.

So easy to experience the taste of tapas from many of its outstanding restaurants. There are so many scattered around the city, flamenco is everywhere and you can catch some of the best flamenco shows to be seen in Spain. Horse drawn buggies crowd the streets hop in one to view the architecture everywhere you look will take your breath away landmarks, fountains, squares, gardens, and sculptures. We had 2 days and we really felt we were able to capture the feel and history of the city.

The Alcazar of Seville is a great spot to see and learn about the history of the kings, and royal families

The Alcazar of Seville is a great spot to see and learn about the history of the kings, and royal families

While planning to visit Seville, try to stay at the Hotel Alfonso.

Save up some extra money for one of the best & most interesting hotels in Europe. We booked the perfect room in Hotel Alfonso XIII, a Moorish style royal palace dating back to 1929. This exquisite hotel provides delicious and visually beautify traditional breakfast. From the lush garden view, private terraces and elegant Juliet balconies these hotel staples make your trip priceless.

Hotel Alfonso XIII is a historic hotel in Seville, Spain, located on Calle San Fernando.

Hotel Alfonso XIII is a historic hotel in Seville, Spain, located on Calle San Fernando.

Take the Hotel Tour.

My girlfriend Pam had stayed the year before and mentioned I should take the hotel tour, it’s free and there is so much to see just in the hotel. As you will see from the below photo our tour guide was the same one my friend had almost 2 years before us. Even if you are not able to stay at the hotel, do spare some time to enjoy a cocktail, grab breakfast in the garden or have a late lunch there, because they offer free hotel tour after 3 o’clock.

The Hotel Alfonso tour guide 3:00

The Hotel Alfonso tour guide 3:00

Start at the Real Alcazar.

Once in Seville, start your visit at Real Alcazar. It is a world heritage site, a royal palace originally constructed during Moorish Muslim reign. This place is an amazing depiction of Mudejar architecture, which beautifully blends Islamic architectural elements with local materials. Rising arches, decorative courtyards and amazing intricate details on the wall simply takes your breath away. Alcazar of Seville combines influences from Renaissance period, late Middle Ages, Baroque and Gothic culture.

Walking toward on of the gardens - Reales Alcázares de Sevilla" or "Royal Alcazars

Walking toward on of the gardens – Reales Alcázares de Sevilla” or “Royal Alcazars

There are ten major zones of in the Alcazar of Seville, each of which signifies art forms from different cultures. There are hidden courtyards, baths, tropical gardens, walkways and patios which simply have to be seen.

The Cathedral of Saint Mary -Built on the site of a grand Almohad Mosque, Seville's cathedral was built to demonstrate the city's power and wealth

The Cathedral of Saint Mary -Built on the site of a grand Almohad Mosque, Seville’s cathedral was built to demonstrate the city’s power and wealth

 Seville's Cathedral at night

Seville’s Cathedral at night

The Cathedral is beautiful night and day.

Once done with Alcazar of Seville (which will take a bit of time), walk across the street and visit the Seville Cathedral. Also known as Cathedral of Saint Mary with majestic appeal and bell tower. It is the third-largest church in the world, which depicts city’s wealth during Reconquista years in 1248. You won’t be able to explore this cathedral in one day as it has eighty chapels and five hundred masses. Since we were short on time we just did some of the highlights and then spent time reading more about it online. The inside of this cathedral is a never-ending chronicle, of gothic arches, sculptures of archangels, stain glass artwork on windows, cross vaults on ceilings and so much more.

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Food, shopping, tapas, and more in the Jewish Quarter.

Just around the bend back towards the Alcazar is an area known as the Jewish Quarter. Here you will find many interesting gift shops, restaurants, and some other hidden off the beaten path sights. Enjoy the area and you can find great little places that serve tapas, so grab a bite and enjoy.

Little shops around the town

Little shops around the town

Great Shopping.

The main shopping area of Seville is also filled with history, restaurants, shops, and more tapas. At night you can find lots of spots to sit and take in the view of the Cathedral while enjoying some of the best sangria you may ever have.

The heart of Seville's shopping district is Calle Sierpes

The heart of Seville’s shopping district is Calle Sierpes

You can also catch many Flamenco shows; many change each night so even if you go back to the same place you may see different dancers.A short carriage ride away from Seville cathedral is Casa de Pilatos, an Andalusian style palace which is now a permanent residence of Medinaceli Dukes.

La Casa de Pilatos is an Andalusian palace in Seville, Spain

La Casa de Pilatos is an Andalusian palace in Seville, Spain

"Metropol Parasol is a wooden structure located at La Encarnación square, in the old quarter of Seville, Spain. ... The structure consists of six parasols in the form of giant mushrooms"

“Metropol Parasol is a wooden structure located at La Encarnación square, in the old quarter of Seville, Spain. … The structure consists of six parasols in the form of giant mushrooms”

"The Plaza de España is a plaza in the Parque de María Luisa, in Seville, Spain, built in 1928 for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929"

“The Plaza de España is a plaza in the Parque de María Luisa, in Seville, Spain, built in 1928 for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929″Seville is also known for serene towns located on its outskirts. Do not forget to visit Triana, a small town located across the bridge. The sight of sunset on stone pavements and a wonderful food market nearby will fulfill your travel appetite.

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BAM! Getting Better – Bolder – With Age

You made it happen.  THANK YOU to 150 of the most creative, friendly, and fun women who spent 2 days in Las Vegas at BAM.

What is BAM? Watch this

Together we were able to learn, laugh, mix and mingle with new friends and old, but the greatest accomplishment was we were able to open the minds of major consumer brands, who brought sponsorship dollars to our conference. We also got to spend a few days in the sun!

Our midlife attendees had the confidence to prove that using the connectivity of social media, combined with real in-person relationship building, is beneficial to brands – even if they have spent their marketing dollars elsewhere in the past.

Our results were more than we could have promised, (we trended on Twitter nationally  both days) the connections between attendees was life changing, and the engagement for the brands proved that midlife women are powerful voices for brands to work with.

Marketing to midlife women is priceless. We respect, appreciate, and are willing to build relationships with brands that in return understand us, and we are truly ready to engage, listen and adapt.

Below are blog snippets from just a few of the wonderful women who attended. Each blog post is worth a read if you truly want to understand the heart, soul, and power of this amazing group. BAM!

Sponsors we thank – BAM Recap

 

Off To A Conference for Midlife Women #BAMC16

Marketing Zeus: The Purchasing Power of Women

Give “H2O” The gift of clean water is easy

Did you hear about this cool campaign going on now through September 30th , an opportunity to do some back to school shopping and make a difference in the lives of people and families in need.
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Recently I spent some time with my friend’s daughter who is getting ready to head off to college. Knowing that Nikki is very socially aware I mentioned that I was working with Walgreens, Unilever and the Me to We Foundation. This is a campaign called Give H2OPE to Others.

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It’s easy to take part with the shopping your doing for back to school you can also help supply clean water by purchasing the items you family is using. I knew that showing how a simple action can make a big difference empowers each of us to want to do more.

I asked her if she uses any of these products Caress®, Suave® or TRESemmé® , when she mentioned that she has in the past, I spoke with her about if we get them now, five gallons of clean water will be provided to a family in need.

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Look for the informative display in Walgreens, there you will find more information about how a purchase can impact the lives of others. and share with them how families in other parts of the world are in need to clean water,

Once you make your purchases you can go home and see how your helping make a change in the world. Track Your Impact to discover how your 1 purchase will give 5 gallons of clean water. Visit Walgreens.com/trackyourimpact your donation help.

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Track your impact.
“Look for the Track Your impact code, or numbers on the bar code on the back of your product.
Enter that code at the top of the page to see where you are making an impact and how it makes a difference in a person’s life”

I was asked to participate in the #GiveH2OPE to others campaign sponsored by Walgreens. The opinions are my own, and I have been compensated we also made a video that you can view on #ChicagonistaLive.

Women Driving Excellence

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The 3rd Annual Women Driving Excellence at the Chicago Auto Show was a full day event held on February 17, 2015 title sponsored by Nissan

To read more…http://womendrivingexcellence.com/672/

It’s what I do – join me!

In case you don’t know me – hello and welcome to this site. I love to add content and keep it current, but my spelling is less then steller. If you can see past that, it’s kinda a fun blog.

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Getting ready to go live #ChicagonistaLIVE

I’m more of a video person and I am co-founder of ChicagonistaLIVE with MJ Tam. I love working on this social talk show, and have had a blast broadcasting around the world.

Each month we broadcast live from interesting locations. Check us out and let me know your thoughts.. 10603934_10152256401268053_8619354298036326740_o

Boomers on TV? Why not?

Who are the stars of Boomers? Veteran stars line up for new BBC comedy http://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/who-stars-boomers-veteran-stars-4054666#ixzz3AV1AMJsX  Follow us: @DailyMirror on Twitter | DailyMirror on Facebook

Who are the stars of Boomers? Veteran stars line up for new BBC comedy via Daily Mirror UK

 

I wish the US could be as bold as the UK when it comes to broadcasting shows about “Ghasp” Boomers – Hello #Brands we do have dollars to spend….below is a bit about a new show set to air on the BBC…who could would you like to see if done in America?

“Boomers is a brand new BBC comedy featuring some of the biggest names in British TV.

Russ Abbot, Stephanie Beacham, Alison Steadman and June Whitfield head the stellar cast in the hilarious look at retired life in the fictional seaside town of Thurnemouth – dubbed ‘Norfolk’s only West-facing resort’.

The show focuses on the ups and inevitable downs of three couples from the baby boom generation as they come to terms with age, relationships and themselves.

Follow us: @DailyMirror on Twitter | DailyMirror on Facebook

http://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/who-stars-boomers-veteran-stars-4054666

College Campus Countdown Top 5

Getting it right – top 5 items to bring to campus – and 5 other

(I told you so) tips to keep in mind

Less is More

Less is More

We all know

#1. Less is MORE!

You will discover this to be more than true once you start loading, unloading, and schlepping all the items up to the dorm room. Did I mention schlepping

#2. Shop in your garage, basement, parents house before you spend money at the store.

#3. Label your stuff, even if it’s just a dot from a black sharpie or your initials. This will save a few roommate squabbles down the line.

#4. Spend some time on “Pinterest” and see how many ways you can use a storage cube, and multipurpose.

#5 Get to your dorm room first so you can choose your desk, bed, and better side of the room…

Get to your room early - to pick your side

Get to your room early – to pick your side

Having spent the last 10 years getting kids to college I have started to realize that I’m so over packing and still “overpacking” them. I tend to pack many items that they don’t need, and then I get to campus and still have to run to the nearest Target, Wal-Mart, or campus bookstore to pick up other items.

Here are 5 more of my tips to keep you on track, save you time, save you money, and save your sanity.

BEDDING

• Sheets. Get the right size sheet set – Twin XL! This is a biggie those dorm beds only work with XL unless your college lets you know different- get the right size– right the first time. I have tried to wrangle other old sheets from around the house, and trust me – they don’t work.
• Foam Topper. I thought it was just my daughter being her best version of princess and the pea, until the twins called from college and they also needed the Foam topper. You can find them everywhere these days and at a reasonable cost.
• Mattress cover. Well they are going to study in bed, perhaps have a cup of coffee (right) it might spill – keep the mattress dry and get your little study bug a protecting mattress cover, with bedbug protection…

Make sure you get the x long

Make sure you get the x long

 LAUNDRY

• Don’t sign them up for a service – make them learn how to do their own laundry and suffer. So many many life lessons can be learned from doing laundry, trust me.
• Skip the hamper and get them the laundry bag. It’s easy to carry, stuff full and fuller, add detergent, and if needed a full bag can provide extra seating if friends stop over to the dorm for some “study time”.
• Tide Laundry Pods– the best invention – easy to use, carry, they don’t tip, spill…I love em

Best bet for Laundry - better then a basket or hamper

Best bet for Laundry – better then a basket or hamper

TOILETRIES/BATHROOM ITEMS

• Get a soft fold shower caddy – not the hard plastic kind. Also make sure it has holes so it can drain.
• Shower shoes – your child is going to want these! You want them to wear them.
• A small unbreakable personal mirror – for contacts, make-up, one you can carry with you.

These soft Mesh totes are much better then plastic shower baskets

These soft Mesh totes are much better then plastic shower baskets

Sporttote dorm

TECH/DORM

• Chargers – Chargers, did I mention Chargers
• Surge protectors
• Lap Desk
• Bottle opener
• Paper towels
• Flashlight

Trojan

Protection

ODoor

More Space

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Some items you can get once you get to camput

OTHER STUFF

• Protection – you know from the sun, from unwelcome birth, outdoor safety, heavy rain, power surge,keep laptop safe
• Debit Card – small amount for nights out on the town
• A phone card with grandmas address, phone number
• Great college Apps (Next blog post)

• Over the door rack
• A plate with a usb charger
• Bottle opener
• Paper towels

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Sense of humor

You want them to have some fun

You want them to have some fun