Well…. sometimes my mind is in a fog. However, tonight’s topic is BLOG!
I was inspired by my friend La Contessa of The Vintage Contessa blog fame. She wrote a post about “Blogging” and the post got me to thinking.
As a reader, what do I look for in a blog? What kinds of blogs do I enjoy? And what kind of blogger am I? This is all very deep thinking for me so I may have to leave and get myself a cocktail.
On second thought I won’t get a cocktail. I would have to drive into Philly to get a nice shot of bourbon. Then I just realized I have a WW weigh-in tomorrow. The cocktail is too many wasted points. Another time!
It’s funny. I do subscribe to a great many blogs. And I read many of them when I’m not working or writing or running errands. And the blogs that I always return to are the ones that have a great story.
I love a good story. I love great editorial. I love reading about people who have allowed me to enter into their lives the way a good friend would. I love reading about the ups and the downs. I love reading about the good times and the fun.
I love a blog that makes me happy and doesn’t take itself too seriously. I love a blog with a sense of humor.
If I’m reading a blog about cosmetics, I want to read an in-depth review about the product. Tell me why you like the product. Tell me why you don’t like the product. Don’t praise something because you received it for free. Be honest.
Does the product work? Please let me know–and give me an honest look!
Oh. I like honesty and transparency in a blog as well. I’m not a “smoke and mirrors” woman—get rid of the photoshop. When I read your blog, and see your photos, I want to see the real author. I don’t want to see where legs and arms have been slimmed by a computer. I want to see wrinkles and flaws.
I like the real…and when I write my posts I always try to…
Keep it honest. And transparent. And real.
If I write about a tweezer, I’ll tell you why I use the tweezer. And it isn’t for my eyebrows. It’s to rid my chin of the hair that is growing at the bottom end of my face instead of the top of my head!
Might I add, this Tweezerman tweezer is not the greatest one in my collection! It’s hard to grab onto those unsightly lady whiskers!
I have flaws. And I try to write about them in a fun way. Nobody is perfect. I’m bald as a cue ball on the back of my head.
Have you seen the back of my head? It pretty much looks like this cue ball!
It makes me feel good to write about my hair loss because I’m not alone. I like to bring topics like female baldness out in the open. Hey—baldness isn’t just for men. Baldness believes in equality!
By the way, the pics were taken this past Sunday. I have no makeup on because I was too lazy. But–to the top left is my bio hair after washing and a roller set. Top right. Oops! Where did all my hair go? It went to my chin! Bottom left. After a sprinkle of hair fibers. Bottom middle, and bottom right. Wearing a topper in each pic. Hey. Never a bad hair day with fake hair. You’re welcome!
The fashion industry ignores older women. Someone’s gotta write about Shit Old Ladies Do and wear! And we wear clothing very well. When I write about what I wear, I really have fun with it.
I was getting my best Bardot look on for what turned out to be my most-read post: Shit Old Ladies Do I had more fun writing that post!
And speaking of clothing, I’m not wealthy. That means I purchase my clothing, shoes, bags within a budget. I think that’s important because there are so many blogs I read where the price point of the clothes is just way out of reach for most women. Don’t get me wrong. I have a couple of pricey Longchamp leather bags–but for the most part I’m on a middle-class budget!
We all know about my love-affair with J. Crew Clothing–But there are times when even I think their styling AND pricing is too much. Atypical60 Looks at The J. Crew Style Guide was another fun post.
A year later and still in J. Crew, but at sale pricing!
I’ll write about travel, but in a very different way. A very different way. It’s usually about the misadventures that I experience with my Frenchman.
This is how WE travel in Paris. We hang out in cemetaries taking photos of tombstones that give us a smile!
Many women go to Paris to buy designer bags, shoes and clothing. I run to my favorite discount pharmacie–CityPharma and load up on the beauty goods!
Life is good great! And at times, things happen to make us sad or bring us down a bit. Sometimes my posts will reflect those trying times. But mostly, the posts I write are upbeat and positive.
My little blog is very important to me. I started when I lost my job. It was a devastating time for me but writing about my life in little bits and pieces made me realize just how lucky I was to have the support of Bonaparte and my kids!
Me and the kids. Oona, Jake, and Roman–they are my jewels..
And Bonaparte is my rock–and presently the keeper of my credit cards! (There’s a reason for that)
I can’t leave Chippy out of this. He’s the king–and the one who ate three of my beauty blending sponges–and about seventeen rolls of toilet paper…and…
And little by little, I found my niche and my humor came back and I found that my blog was my baby.
My blog isn’t about numbers. It’s about trying to put a smile on a reader’s face. Sometimes people get annoyed with me—and that’s ok. We are a great group of women here at Atypical60 and we agree and disagree really well! We play nice!
Here’s a big hug and thank you to everyone who enjoys reading this little blog. You keep me going. You make me happy. You make me want to write. And you always manage to help me bring my sense of humor back after I’ve lost it!
Thank you!!
The spectacular Bette Midler with “Friends”–we all need ’em!! And I’ve made some great ones through blogging! I never get tired of watching her because she always looks like she’s having a great, great time!
You are such a brave heart! Soooo many women are going to appreciate that photo of your ‘cue ball’ head! Maybe not as severe but it reminds of those bad ass gals that will whip open their shirts to reveal a mastectomy scar. Not for the shock value but so they can show women that hey, there’s a boob missing but I’m still standing! You totally rock! Your hair, bio and not, looks fabulous. Ya, life can throw those curve balls out of nowhere but us old ladies, we’re pretty resilient! Life is good!
P.S. I subscribe to many blogs, some are meh, some are so ‘poseur’ it’s frightening, some are very good…a few are gawd awful and one has to wonder what are they thinking? But I’m always happy when Atypical60 arrives in my mailbox!
Ahhh, Momcat. Thank you! I never felt that showing off my royal baldness was particularly brave–I just wanted to show other women that they aren’t the only ones.LOL.
Seriously. Thanks. I’m really glad that you “get” me–I can’t do the poseur thing. And photoshopping isn’t my style. It’s not real and doesn’t send out a good message!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Thanks for the lovely and very apt description of your blog. I am always excited when your latest piece of writing arrives in my inbox. I’m thinking, hmm……what has she been up to now?! What did she wear, what has been going on in her kitchen, what will she rant about that I will agree with?
Love when you take us on a weekend trip, or any trip.
Merci, Merci.
Thank you Miss Bougie. Oh you just never know what I’ll be up to. And I promised my daughter I would stop getting all worked up about the moron in the whitey house. She’s afraid I’ll have a heart attack. I’m not kidding–that’s the conversation we had last night over the phone!! XOXOXOXO!!!!!
Cathy…I appreciate your blog precisely because you are so honest and are not afraid to be critical of products which don’t meet your expectations. I get so tired of bloggers who have nothing but praise to give no matter how god-awful the clothing or cosmetics look on them. And I applaud your fight against invisibility. You are an inspiration to all of us older women…always remember we are “”elders” not “elderly”
Hi Liz. We NEED to make sure fight against invisibility. It’s as if to be an “elder” is a disease. It’s disgusting. Whatever happened to wisdom and respect!! Hey. I call it like it is. If I’m not happy with a product that I spent good money on (as opposed to bad money?), you can bet I’m going to wright about it! Thank you again!! XOXOXOXO!!!
I thoroughly enjoy your blog – it’s so honest, heartwarming, and real.
THANK YOU!! x (from an atypical 37 year old)
Hi Rachel. My dear atypical 37 year old…this almost atypical 62 year old gives YOU tremendous thanks!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Honestly, Catherine, yours is one of the few blogs I read all the way through. I love your take on life, the good and the bad bits. Some blogs are, as you say, just too “poseur,” many have interesting things to read, but yours is like a friend keeping in touch . Thank you!
Thanks Judy. That’s the vibe I try to get across–like a friend keeping in touch. And those blogs are the ones I like to read too. XOXOXOXO!!!
Thank you from across the pond! Would love to see which blogs you enjoy? I can recommend Belgian Waffle for a good giggle!
Hi Harriet. You are welcome! But you know what? I will start to work on a post about the blogs I enjoy. There are lots that I read but the ones I truly enjoy are the ones that I think everyone here would also like!! I’m definitely going to check out Belgian Waffle! Thanks for the heads up on that!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Just love your blog. You keep it real.
Thank you Ruth!! I believe in keeping it real at all times!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Thank you!
You are quite welcome Jean! XOXOXOXO!!!
Agree with all other comments. I totally look forward to your blogs. You are down to earth, fun, genuine and I love your style. I, too subscribe to many other blogs and yours is one of my all time favourites. Thanks for all the laughs and please keep writing. xx
I shall keep writing Jenny. I shall. And I shall try my best to keep you laughing too!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Hi Catherine. I just love your blog posts – keep them coming! Because you know what, you can write. There’s blogs and blogs and I love the way you have with words. Also you’ve prompted me to show more of my face as it really is. I take a very flattering selfie photo (got it just right) but there are others…………….
Looking forward to your next post – you’re the best xxxxxxxxx
LOL. I love you Penny! YOUR blog is one that I absolutely love reading. I get really excited when I see a new post. Yay!!! I want to see more of your face–it’s really beautiful!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Always loving receiving your blog. I only wish I could buy the makeup you recommend, and oh if I I could only shop in J Crew! . Love to you and Bonaparte!
Love to you too Mary. Oh..listen to me. I purchase all my Crew stuff on sale. I very, very rarely spend full price. The only way to go is sale…(hmmmm..is there another post swimming in my head?). Thank you so much XOXOXOXO!!!
Thank you for inviting me into your life through your blog and friendship! And I do consider you a good friend xoxo!!
Lori!! Of course we are friends. I feel like you were that first neighbor I met when I moved into a new neighborhood because you were the first person to follow the blog. It’s really like meeting a new neighbor and now we’ve grown closer!! XOOXOXOXO!!!
I am so glad I found your blog! I feel like we have so much in common, and I love that you have a wonderful sense of humor. One of these days, we WILL meet in person, right???
Hi Bridget!! Umm—-maybe this summer? Hopefully!! Finally!!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!
Yes, let’s plan it!
I love your blog! It never fails to put a smile on my face. It is also a huge inspiration, as a 50+ women, I have been struggling with what is bringing me passion and about feeling not as relevant as when I was younger. I have considered for a couple of years now to start a blog but that nasty voice of fear of judgement keeps lurking about. So reading your blog with it’s honesty and most importantly humor helps nudge me a little closer to my goal, all the while making me smile. Have a great day!
Charlotte!!! START THAT BLOG!!! I mean it. Don’t worry about being judged at all. If someone can’t stand what I write on a regular basis, then they’ll just stop reading. OMG> I’ll bet you have a ton of stuff to say! You have a good base–not feeling relevant anymore. It happens to us all. Look what the fashion industry did to us–they dismissed us! Consider this a push instead of a nudge!!!! You have a great day too…and start that blog!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Thank you for the push!
Great tweezers for chin chin hairs MOTHER PLUCKERS they do the job!
Debe. Any tweezer with the name MOTER PLUCKERS is THE tweezer for me. Now I’m on a mission to find these. THANK YOU!!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
I love tour blog and I always read with a smike. At this very moment I am sitting in front f the Notre Dame (in Paris of course)! But I shoppen at the Chanel boutique inkt to buy my favoyrite perfume, Coco!
Do not count the mistakes, I am typing in my iPhone!
Gina. I can’t even type on my iPhone because my fingers are too wide. LOL. I make the Chanel perfume purchases at Duty Free at CDG. Oona loves Mademoiselle and I pick up a bottle when I’m over there. I hope you are having a blast in Paris. Are you going to CityPharma??? XOXOXOXO!!!
AND WE SHARE THE SAME GOAL!
“It’s about putting a smile on peoples faces!”
WE ARE HAVING FUN IN MID-LIFE.Whether it be Clothing,ISSUES,Problems,PETS…………….
WE CAN DO IT OUR WAY AS WE HAVE ARRIVED to AN AGE where WE FEEL CONFIDENT!
I was told I had MOXY in my comment section…………I THINK YOU MAY HAVE MORE THAN MOI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!THANK YOU for copying ME!I ADORE YOU and THAT FRENCHMAN!
XOXO.
Hi ELizabeth! You know, I’ve been told many times, when I lived in NYC, that I had quite the bit of Moxy. PA people just look at me with fear in their eyes–I think that’s Moxy, Pennsylvania style!! We are having fun–and we shall continue to have fun!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Your point of view is appreciated, as it is unique.I prefer spending time with people who view this crazy life with a sense of humor, so your blog is just right for me. And I almost named my first-born Roman, so there’s that. haha
WHAT???!!!! Patricia!! You almost named your first-born Roman! That is so cool. Bonaparte’s nephew named his son Roman so we have big Roman in the USA and little Roman in France!! I’m so happy you like spending time with my humor!! Thank you!! XOXOXOXO!!
Yeah, I was vetoed. His name is Charlie.
You are gonna laugh at this – for some reason I had in my mind Bonaparte was this young French stud (mental image gone wild for me I guess), so he is an older French stud. C’est la vie!
If you are at all interested, I am hosting an April Challenge – mainly a linkup for exposure to other blogs. Hope you can join, if not, I continue to enjoy all of your posts!
http://aprilalternativechallenge.blogspot.com
Hi Tami. I just bookmarked the challenge. I’m in! Thank you. Well…Bonaparte was quite the handsome tabby when he was younger. He still is handsome–but in an older way!! He gets upset though when people think he’s my dad–it’s happened a few times. Naturally, I can’t contain my glee and will laugh the entire day. But he’s a great sport!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Hi there, I found you through instagram. Nice to know you have a fun sense of humor. Delightful. I’m one of those bloggers who lets it all hang out also. My daughter couldnt belive I told wrote about my husband shaving my armpits while I have abroken wrist. Love The Vintage Contessa shes become a dear friend. Looking forward to your posts in the future.
Hi Sandra! Really??? From Instagram! That is so cool!! I’m glad you found me! I just bookmarked your blog–you had me at the lipsticks. And I thought I was obsessed. I need to read about your husband shaving your armpits. That is something that I could see happening with Bonaparte and me!! See…THIS is what I love about blogging–you find kindred spirits!! Oh I love Elizabeth. I wish I lived near her!!! XOOXOXOXO!!!
I’m like the other commentators- I love your blog! This overweight, Midwesterner reads your blog, because it’s like a letter from a good friend. You are doing it right! And I am so looking forward to your summer vacation. It truly is a a vicarious pleasure. Thanks for being transparent, honest, and really funny.
Hi Yolanda!! Thank you for that lovely compliment–I like that you said my blog is like a letter from a good friend because that’s how I want it to be!! Thank you! Oh..summer vacay is in three more months!! I’m getting excited. Especially since I’ll be sitting under an umbrella with a huge sun hat (I found another “thing” on my skin that I have to get checked out) and my fake tan whilst all the beautiful peeps are basting like holiday turkeys!!! But I’ll have fun doing it!!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!
Thank you for taking the time to write it — I look forward to it!
Thank you Elaine!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
You are a riot- I LOVE your blog!!! I literally laugh out loud at your spot on commentary- especially since I’m an “Atypical 60”. It’s so refreshing to have someone ‘tell it like it is’, and not be a size 4 airbrushed waif sporting overpriced designer duds. If you hear a screech or scream at KOP Mall, or PHL premium outlets, it’s because you’ve been spotted by this fan!!
Hi Lindsay! Well, darlin’ I am so happy to be talkin’ with another atypical 60!!! Please, I swear to you, last night on Instagram I came across a photo of an ass in a thong. It was a beautiful ass. It must have been heavily airbrushed because each cheek was like a perfectly round melon without the dimpled skin. My comment was ” I wish my ass looked like that” I don’t even think my ass looked like that IG photo when I was born!! Nor will I ever be a size 4–it’s too much work and I like to eat!!
Where are you? I was at the mall after work. DID YOU KNOW ANTHROPOLOGIE IS AT THE MALL NOW?? Above DSW. I went to DSW for a pair of Converse shoreline slip on sneakers and they were out of my size in white. I need a trip to the outlets. Hmmm. I need excercise too. Maybe Saturday Ill drive to the outlets if the weather permits!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
I too, love your blog. You are an inspiration in so many ways.
Hi Gillian. Thank you! I hope that I inspire in a good way–LOL!! XOXOXOXO!!!
You’ve got fans in my household! My husband and sons (twenty somehings) so enjoyed your posts on that “person” in the White House (I “met” you through Elizabeth, La Contessa’s). Of course, I love all the: style, travel, beauty, HUMOR, etc. etc.
Renee in Northern California
Hi Renee! Oh..Well, that is probably the only “good” thing to come out of the orange one–the fact that your husband and sons enjoyed the posts. I’m telling you. Oona has asked me to refrain from political posts because she is seriously afraid that I’ll have a heart attack. At least someone in the country is concerned about my health!!
But seriously, I’m glad that you are enjoying the blog. Is Elizabeth not the most entertaining woman in Blogdom?? I love her!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
I know what your daughter is saying…We have to pace ourselves!! The “orange one” just digs the chaos and I don’t want him to take me down!! Elizabeth is terrific! Lucky me… I’ve had the pleasure of meeting her twice!! We live in the same neck of the woods!! 🙂
Nice summation!
Thanks Lady Calen!!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Catherine–
I love your blog for all of the reasons you stated–honesty, no-photo-shop pics, honest product reviews and recs, your stories, your travels–the whole thing! I think that’s what I like most–you seem like someone I would have cocktails/drink wine with after a hectic work week. So yay–I consider you a great blogger and a cyber friend! Keep it up, lady!
Hi Nancy. Thank you!! OMG. Could you imagine having a real-life cocktail party with everyone who reads the blog. We would have a friggin’ blast!!! Thank you again!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Hi Catherine-I LOVE your blog! You keep it real and interesting and you’re not trying to sling product etc. Your my ‘girlfriend’ who I just haven’t met in person. Your kindness and generosity comes through in all of your posts no matter what your discussing. You. Rock.
Hi Marianne. Thank you so very much for your complimentary comment! I’m not slinging any product. Any product I review I purchased, with the exception of maybe three or four–and even then my reviews were honest! I love being your girlfriend!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Hi Catherine,
Just loved this last blog. In fact, your complete honesty and feisty good humour are a rarety on the blogosphere.
I enjoy all your posts but can really connect to your fashion ones (loved that one from last year on how to wear shorts btw) and all your French escapades .
Keep up the good work, my dear,
Bises xx
Thank you Rosemary! I was just reading my shorts post the other day in hopes of warm weather and now we are awaiting a snow storm. I guess it’s a good thing because I fake tanned my legs in a hurry yesterday and now My legs have stripes! Thank you again!! Bises back atcha ma cherie! XOXOXOXO
Coming a little late to this party, but I wanted to echo everything all your other followers have said. I found you through your “Shouty bags” comment on That’s Not My Age and have become a devoted follower. Like so many others, I feel that you are the best friend I’ve never met. Your willingness to be open about your personal struggles, your delightfully wicked sense of humor, your relatable and affordable fashion sense and world view speak to my heart and mind. Thank you!
Hi Elizabeth. Hey! Better late than never. Have a drink! OMG. I love That’s Not My Age but Alyson hasn’t been posting as regularly as she has been. I hope she is ok!!
In this little circle of friends here, we are all besties. I would love to have a big meet up some day!!! I also believe that if you are going to write a blog or anything about yourself, better be honest! And I think that’s an issue with a great many fashion blogs. There’s some serious smoke and mirrors. It’s just not my style!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
just wonderful !
Merci Nathalie!!! BisesXOXOXOXO!!!
Love your blog…always keeping it real! I thoroughly enjoy your posts from begging to end….and I have followed many that were never read to the end.
Oops…should read beginning!
Hi Barb! LOL. Don’t worry about the misspell–my damned laptop has me cursing every time I use it because of the mystery keyboard that does weird shit!! XOXOXOXO Thank you!! XOXOXO!!!