From Vivant Skin Care’s Blog:
Catherine Urbanski Wants You To Be Your Own Beauty Icon!
From Buzzfeed: I’m Number Eight!!
This is What The 40 Shades of Rhianna’s Fenty Foundation Looks Like on 40 Different People!
I did it again! Back in Buzzfeed! 24 Photos of Woman Over 40 That Will Make You Smile Uncontrollably
French Entree:
- Impressions of Renoir’s Home
- People Watching in Place Dauphine
- Memories of a French Christmas
- Surviving the Soldes
- An Ode to Romantic French Men
Catch me on Estetica Design’s site!!
If you would like to contact me you can reach me at my email address! I would love to hear from you! Wynstep@verizon.net
Are you interested in the style and travel of a real, mature, older woman? Then I’m your go-to person. There is no smoke and mirrors with me. There are no filters. What you see is what you get. The Real Deal!
If you would like me to write or collaborate with you, I’m open to suggestions. I’m open to collabs!
That’s it. Enjoy and keep enjoying. Be kind. Be nice. Be humorous!
XOXOXOXO!!!
Hello just wanted to say I enjoyed reading your blog. Had not seen it before but am glad I did. I’m glad someone is writing about age discrimination, an issue that is rampant in today’s economy. Let me just add my experience. After 37 years of continuos full-time employment, I was laid off from a job I enjoyed. Six months later, the company closed. I applied for unemployment benefits and immediately set out looking for another job. Fast forward to 6 years later. My unemployment benefits ran out several years ago, I still have no full time job, no health insurance, no 401k. All I was able to get was an “on call” job with two different companies. Which means I get called in to work when and if there is work available, oftentimes on short notice. I work approximately 100 hours a year, which of course is not enough to maintain any kind of standard of living. I’m now 61 years old and have finally realized it’s very probable that I’ll never work full time again. I’m too old to work (according to employers) but too young to get Social Security benefits. Due to my reduced income, we are not able to continue living in the home we’ve living in for over 25 years. We’re now in process of selling and downsizing.
Even though I polished my resume to give no indication of my age. But now in the age of Google, etc. employers can find out an applicants age in an instant. I’ve been called in for interviews only to be asked for my drivers license by the receptionist. “To make a copy”, they tell me. Since when does anyone need a drivers license for a job interview? So they can check your age, that’s why. And if you don’t hand it over, you could be labelled uncooperative and when you’re trying to make a good impression to land a job, you find yourself doing as requested all the while knowing it’s over at that point. I live in Florida and that has happened to me several times. Age discrimination is rampant here for sure and I’m living proof. I even contacted my AARP office and they said they realize it’s a big problem but there’s nothing they can do about it.
Sorry for the long post, but I wanted you to know my story. I’m sure many others are in the same boat. Our carefully constructed plans of having enough to retire on are shattered. Thanks for listening.
Hi Rosemary,
I will always be here to listen to you and anyone else who want’s to share in their ageism angst. It’s a shame, that in our country, older people are put out to pasture and we have turned into a “youth-based” society. Youth is beautiful and our youth of today are the leaders of the future. However, we elders, as a group have so much to give! We are dedicated workers, we are dependable, we have a fantastic old-school work ethic. Your story has touched me and I want to give you a hug because I feel your pain. Honestly, I do. It’s about time corporations woke up and started reassessing their programs for hiring staff. Before I became unemployed, I made sure to have my mammo, my pap, and my colonoscopy. Isn’t that pathetic? I no longer have medical benefits either and there are so many more in the same situation as we are. I’m hoping more people our age see this blog because I have so much more to say. We need to stand united! Thank you so much for writing!
Just wanted to leave you a quick note to let you know how much I enjoy reading your blog. I’m originally from Germany so I get a big kick out of your adventures in France. Really enjoyed your recaps of your recent trip. Keep up the great writing and photo sharing.
Hi Sandra Lynn. Thanks for the quick note! I’m glad you enjoy reading and I’m extra-glad that you enjoy my adventures in France. *Sigh*, I can tell you right now, I wish I was enjoying a nice café noir and brioche at a café in Paris! Instead, I’ll just enjoy my
“cawfee” with white toasted bread! LOL!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
It’s possible there’s a somewhat subtle reference to your blog on today’s post from me. I thought you might appreciate it: http://www.marsgonemad.com/2015/08/28/a-couple-of-creative-updates/
Thanks Matt! I appreciate and like that subtle reference. A lot! XOXOXO!!
I nominated you for the Sunshine Blogger Award! Check it out https://wearethatcouple.wordpress.com/2015/08/31/the-sunshine-blogger-award/
Oh Wow!!! THANK YOU!!!! Thank you so much! I will check it out!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Thank you for your lovely comment about my blog. Yours certainly is not typical, and i suspect neither are you! Looking forward to following.
Thanks Becky! I’m glad you are looking forward to my writings–especially now that you are aware of how “atypical” I am! XOXOXO!!!
I have nominated you for the Blogger Recognition Award. You can check out my blog for the rules of accepting the award nomination.
http://amanpan.com/2015/09/22/ah-that-wonderful-feeling-of-camaraderie/
Thank you so much! I’ll check out the rules. I’m touched and happy! XOXOXOXO!!!
You are quite welcome. 🙂
I’m heading to Europe (well mostly England) in the summer next year – have you done a post on what to pack for summer European holiday? You looked totally sorted on your recent trip to France.
Hi Wish. I have done posts on what I pack but there are all for naught because I always overpack. What I would suggest is dressing for the enviornment. England can be rainy. Pack a pair of light jeans and a light- raincoat or forget the raincoat and just make sure you have an umbrella. I’m a fan of looking decent when traveling so sensible but nice looking shoes help too. I love my Air Nike ballet flats. If you are stayiing in an apt. v. hotel you can pack less if you have the use of a washing machine. When do you leave?
Hi Catherine,
Love your blogs! Thanks for your wonderful sense of humor and candor!
How can I subscribe?
Best,
Irene
Hi Irene! Go to the right of the home page and click to subscribe via email!!!💗💗💗💗💗. Thank you!!
Catherine, just discovered your blog. Today I was searching for “Older Women” blogs. I have retired recently, and taken up writing (books not blogs) and I wanted to join the community of us. I wouldn’t know I was older if it wasn’t for reflective surfaces. I look forward to following you further, although I’m not going to my 50th class reunion, so I won’t be losing weight with you.
Catherine I started reading your blog in June 2016. I just want to thank you for all your work.
Thank u for sharing your life, vacation in France, your fashion and makeup tips, etc. (I even bought a wig and some makeup on ur recommendation. Your posting is delightful and I appreciate all the work it takes. AND your pics and visuals, and songs are Super. I feel you are a friend that I really enjoy being with. Tnx
julia. You have NO idea how your comment and kind words have affected me. Seriously. don’t thank me. I need to thank YOU!!! Thank you so much for being a friend of mine and reading my blog on a regular basis. I’m very happy to have been able to have you buy a wig (btw, how did you like it?) and makeup. I feel as though I’ve been able to actually have a voice! You trully are a friend and I honestly hope that I’ll continue to have you enjoying every word I write for you! Thank you again! XOXOXOXO!!!
Hi, I really enjoy reading your blog and your election article was the best I have read yet. I’m Canadian but still find the results very hard to take. Anyway, I enjoy all your posts. (I tried to comment on the article but it seems to be gone, so sorry for the duplication.)
Susan.
Hi Cathy! Having been a neighbor of yours and growing up with your kids, it’s so fun to see where life has taken you. I’m so happy to see you wearing your quirky on the outside. Your blogs and insta bring a smile to my face and it’s great to see you keep on keeping on. Much love, WJ
Awwww! WJ. I miss you. I miss seeing your dad rollerblading down Navesink with the crew of Bijons! I miss your mom and brother! And I’m glad to be in touch with you again! I’m glad that you are enjoying the blogs. It makes me happy!! XOXOXOXOXOXX. I love you W!!
I enjoy reading your post, and your point-of-views. However, I am a disappointment at the one about aging hair. As I age I get compliments everyday about how pretty my hair is at 61. I don’t want the silver sexy to give up on their hair care and settle for wearing wigs and/or weaves. But I truly enjoyed reading how? And Why? You are in your feeling about your aging hair.
Hi Catherine — Can you recommend a great blush for women “our age”? Powder seem too dry, but I can’t find a cream blush that I’m happy with. Any suggestions? Thx! — Claudia
Hi Cathy
I live in the UK and very much enjoy reading your blog. I am 64 years old and very much identify with your thoughts. I feel as if I have a friend across the “pond”!
Hi Jan! Welcome aboard to this wonderful group of friends of the blog!!! Thank you so much and don’t forget to comment on posts!!!! XOXOXOXOXO
Hi Cathe –
I’m working on a post with a list of the blogs I follow and why. I’d like to include yours and share a link. Just wanted to make sure you’re ok with that. I can’t imagine anyone would not want some potential readers sent their way, but you never can tell!
Rita
Oh Rita!! It’s absolutely fine! Thank you so much!!❤️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️❤️❤️❤️❤️
My post is on my blog today, but I’m not sure if you were pinged. I may have screwed up how I added the links.
Anyway, thanks for letting me include you!
Hey! Hope your still around as I see nothing been updated in quite some time!
Anyway, I just finished reading (most) of your post on your hair loss and it made me wonder if you’ve ever had your thyroid tested?
Not that you NEED to do that, since you look really hot in the different hair pieces/wigs!
Personally speaking, I know I would find it a huge turn on, as it would sorta be like sleeping with a different woman every night!
Diff. wig=Diff woman! LOL
Anyway, my mom started losing her hair about 18 or 19 years ago back when she was in her mid 60’s, She had just recovered from having a gigantic tumor removed from her bladder and intestine, retired from her NYPD job and than started to sit around more and more so she also started gaining (unwanted) weight at an alarmingly fast pace, she had always been extremely thin (even after 5 kids) and a very vain woman who was always constantly worried about her appearance (she was a model way back in her teens and early twenties), so naturally when she started losing her hair and gaining weight her red flags started going off, as did my telephone! lol
So we visited her quack do-nothing MD- (mom always hated going anywhere alone and my siblings were all very good at coming up with (lame) excuses to NOT ever have to go anywhere with her or take her) -who did little to nothing for her and just sent us to go see one quack “specialist” who sent her to another who ended up being some thyroid “specialist”, he ran all sorts of tests over a few days and than stated her on meds he thought would help, after finding out that her thyroid was totally inactive.
Not long after she started taking the thyroid meds her hair started growing back in, all of it!
She’s now 84, and unfortunately her weight hasn’t gone down one ounce, but she has a full, thick head of hair.
A few years ago our long time next door neighbor lady started losing her hair in her late 50’s and also started gaining weight, a lot of it!,
Mom mentioned to her how her own hair loss and weight gain was caused by her “shot to hell” (as she put it) thyroid, so our neighbor lady went and made an appointment with the same thyroid MD mom went to and found out that she too had an inactive or very low active thyroid, she got on the same meds as my mom and her hair started growing back in as well.
Her hair never grew back in as thick as moms, but it did come back, but she lost a lot of weight!
Rogaine only help regrow hair in SOME follicles, but not all, but when mixed with the thyroid meds it seems to work much better.
I’m not 100% sure what the original medicine mom was on, cause she has been on a totally different thyroid med for the past few years now since her insurance would no longer pay for the 1st one, but I think it was “Levothyroxin” (and I’ve probably misspelled it here, sorry about that)
Anyway, thanks for sharing, love your posts/blogs!
Best of luck to you!
Thanks! My dad was retired from the NYPD.. And he had all his hair! My thyroid has been tested quite a few times. I’m ok with the hair loss because wearing wigs is fun and I’m so used to it now that I don’t even worry about my bio hair anymore!! Thank you so much for your support!!!!!! XOXOXOXO
Hi Catherine
Chris d here. My husband and I are moving and I want to let you know that I may not check in as often with atyp 60.We have already shut cable and wifi off. So when we get settled, I’ll check back in. Meantime, enjoy spring and we’ll chat soon.
Very Best Wishes
Chris Donovan
I have just recently discovered your blog and I am hooked! I love your down to earth, honest, funny style! Every time I read it I feel like I am visiting with a favorite girlfriend. There’s gossip, laughter, news about the family and hubby, recipes and cooking, fashion and beauty tips, travel, work and just everyday life…all the things that girlfriends share. Your life and posts are honest and real and you share the imperfect along with the wonderful parts of your world. Love, love, love it all…so happy I found my new “friend”!!!
Hi Sheryl!! Welcome to the neighborhood! Everyone is very respectful and helpful here! It is a group of girlfriends and that’s the tone I love to set. I’m so happy that you are enjoying it!!! Thank you so much!! XOXOXOXO
I love your blog! I’m an “over 70 year old young” and need and appreciate your great advice. Just one question…since summer is just around the corner can you talk a little about what products and information you’d recommend for fake sun tan lotions?
Thank you Jane!! Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh I’ll definitely be touching base on that in a few weeks!!!!!!!!!!!!! Stay tuned! XOXOXOXO
https://www.vintag.es/2015/11/stunning-color-photographs-of-parisian.html
Hello there Catherine.
I guess you already have these lovely images that I found whilst browsing vintage sites?
But – just in case you don’t……
Best wishes
Carolann xx
I really enjoy you.i missed your weekly blog …then ..I thought it might be your daughters wedding. You have to show us ..pics and tell how every thing went.God bless.
Oh you inspired me. To
begin wareing make-up again..for the first time ever.. thanks to you!! I learned and you did that for me. I want to ware wigs .i have bought a few buttttt i’m not confident yet. Keep me going my friend….you are a blessing ♡☆☆☆.
Oh God. Sheila. I’ve been so crazy with work that I haven’t been able to blog as often as I want. Things should be getting back to normal after the wedding. It’s less than a month away and you can best bet your bottom dollar that I’ll have tons of pics! XXOXOXO
Denise
I just watched one of your videos. And WOW!
U are beautiful and your energy made me want to fall for u more. I applaud you for not being ashamed of wearing a wig. AND U LOOK GORGEOUS DOING IT. You are a breathtaking woman. I would never be ashamed to have u on my arm at the beach. Thanks for just being u.
Hi – I’m an avid reader of your delightful posts. I haven’t seen you post in a while and I just wanted to check in with you and make sure you are well! Thanks for giving us mature women something funny and inspirational all wrapped up in one!
Hi Jackie! And thank you for sticking around! Yeah. My eyesight just got so bad that after working for eight hours on two monitors I just wanted to get to bed at night. I couldn’t see a thing. I’m so happy now that I can spend my evenings blogging!!! XOXOXOXO
Miss your blog–hope you and your family are all ok. Waiting anxiously to hear how your trip to France was. Wishing you all the best, Catherine!