2013 ~ The Year of the Fox! "Silver Foxes" Returns to the Blogsphere...

Hello again!

Of the four blogs that I‘ve started over the past few years, Silver Foxes is, hands down, the most widely followed. I wondered why a blog about mid-life is so popular, which prompted me to do a bit of research.

After a week or two of looking at web-sites, reading blogs, books, and magazine articles on the subject, I’ve come to the conclusion that, 1. there really isn’t that much written about how to grow up without growing old, and 2. middle-aged women are, for the most part, marginalized in our society. Surprised? I didn’t think so…

We’re encouraged to either dye our hair, botox our expression lines, and lift our faces and butts in a desperate attempt to cling to youth…or to simply fade comfortably and quietly into the background to make way for the pretty young things. The p.y.t.’s get most of the attention from the clothing designers and cosmetics manufacturers, even though it’s us baby-boomers who wield the real buying power. And let’s face it…we’re not really all that interested in trying to look twenty five, nor are we ready to retreat comfortably and quietly into our golden years!

Most articles about fashion and makeup for women over forty give us lame advice on how to look younger, or how to disguise or eliminate our “flaws.” We’re called “frumpy” and “dowdy.” We’re encouraged to dye our “lifeless” gray hair. Our attractiveness and sex appeal are questioned. It’s a real blow to our self-confidence, especially at a time in life when we should be feeling really good about ourselves. There’s just not a lot out there that presents a positive image for today’s middle-aged women.

Of course, there are fabulous exceptions, like Eliza Fayle’s http://silverandgrace.com, Kama Frankling’s http://www.gracefullynatural.com, Donna Pekar’s www.rockthesilver.com, Geri Brin’s www.faboverfifty.com, and Anne Kreamer’s http://www.annekreamer.com.

On Facebook, there are some inspiring, supportive, and uplifting groups like Gray and Proud, and Not Always Perfect…But Always Happy.

Then, there’s Diana Lewis Jewell’s beauty bible for women of all ages, Going Gray, Looking Great, and Anne Kreamer’s book that chronicles her journey of middle-aging, Going Gray: What I Learned About Beauty, Sex, Work, Motherhood, Authenticity, and Everything Else That Really Matters.

Former makeup artist and fifty-plus super model, Cindy Joseph is a super role-model and creator of a pro-age line of cosmetics and body moisturizer. And More is a leading magazine “for women over forty who are interested in looking, feeling, and living their best.”

But compared to the plethora of material aimed at the twenty and thirty-somethings, women over forty are seriously short-changed. Over sixty? Forget about it…

What about careers and money? Most of what I’ve read about middle-aged women and careers assumes that we’ve worked hard, made it, and now we’re ready to retire and rest on our laurels. In terms of finances, the assumption seems to be that we’re going to retire with plenty of disposable cash, since we’ve been investing wisely and feeding money into our 401k for years, or we’re married to great guys who’ve made sure we’ll be well taken care of. And for many of us, that may well be the case.

But what if we want to keep working? How do we compete with people half our age?  What if we need to work? How do we get what we’re worth for the experience that we bring to the table? What if we can’t afford to retire? How do we maintain energy and enthusiasm? What if we want to start a whole new career? Where do we begin?

I’ve discovered that middle-aged women are often intimidated and/or overwhelmed when it comes to money. Many are completely unprepared financially for retirement. Why are so many otherwise savvy and intelligent women uncomfortable in their relationship with money? (In my opinion, Suze Orman’s book, Women and Money is a must-read for women of all ages, the earlier the better).

Gentlemen, I haven’t forgotten about you. But most of what I read and write about is from a female perspective because…well…I’m female. However, I think there will be plenty of things here that you’ll find informative as well. And we would love, love, love to hear from you! What’s it like for you guys? We want to know!

So, due to popular demand, I‘m bringing back Silver Foxes in 2013! Just like before, I’ll be writing about the ins and outs and ups and downs of growing up with style and chutzpah.

I am, by nature, curious. I’m a researcher…always ferreting out useful tips, ideas, and information that inspire and excite me, or that enhance my life.  And I’m always on the lookout for great cosmetics, skin and hair care products, clothing, accessories, designers, etc. that work for me now. I want to share my findings with all of you. I’m no expert, by any means, but I know what I like, and I know what works (and doesn’t work) for me. Perhaps it will work for you too!

And…this is very important! Any input from YOU is greatly appreciated. Everyone really enjoys the Silver Spotlight posts. We love getting to know each other! I invite you all to share your personal stories, inspirations, or information that you think might be of interest to your fellow Foxes.

Silver Foxes are smart, sexy, attractive, experienced, confident…and we’re just getting started!  We’ve been there, done that…and now we’re blazing new trails and making new rules! Get ready for the year of the Fox!

Merry Christmas! Feliz Navidad! Joyeux Noel! Happy Holidays!
And Happy New Year! See you in January!

C