Is there an art to writing seductive text messages?

I usually stay away from this kind of topic - but I think it's worth touching on because 'romance' can be such an important part of life - at any age - and I promise o keep it clean.

Seductive Text Messages

What do you think when you hear the term seductive text messages?

Are you one of the lucky ones who is already comfortable with the skill?

Have you tried and had a bad experience?

Does your mind go right to the raunchy and you get a knot in your stomach thinking you can't do "that" because you're a 'nice girl'?

Or, do you just dismiss the idea with a laugh?

Text Seduction Tips

If you think you might like to try this mild form of sexting - read on. If you're in a trusting relationship and think it might be fun or might spice things up a touch - consider these tips and see if you feel comfortable trying them. (I don't really recommend this if you're not in some sort of a relationship because it comes off as desperate and easy if you go for seduction before the relationship is "there.") It's not like you have to send naked pictures of yourself anyway - and you don't have to "talk genitalia" to do this. It's kind of like sexting for beginners.

Tip 1: Be true to yourself. Tat might sound overly simple, but if you try to force something raunchier than you are comfortable saying (or doing) - it's going to come out sounding fake. What's worse - you might end up kind of committed to doing something you don't really WANT to do.

Tip 2: Keep the suggestions veiled. For example, write something like, I can't wait to feel your skin against my lips. Or - I am longing to feel your strong arms around me as I taste the saltiness of your skin. Keeping your suggestions veiled tells your mate you are thinking of them, that you WANT them, and it lets THEIR imagination sizzle imagining the parts you didn't write.

Tip 3: Practice a little. Write the things you want to say, but don't send them. Hold onto them for a day or two. Read and re-read them while you assess your comfort level with what you have written and what you are suggesting.

Tip 4: Practice a LOT. The more you write these mildly erotic words, the easier it gets. Before you know it, you'll be comfortable writing wilder and wilder messages. If you really struggle with it, write an erotic fiction short story. Make a up a lead woman that you want to be, and let her say the things in your wildest imagination to HER mate. Put it in a password protected file if you worry about someone reading it, and have fun with it.

Tip 5: This one is the most important. Don't be so hard on yourself. Let yourself have some fun. It is both fun and VERY freeing emotionally to just let yourself play and have some fun with your luvver. If you're reading a blog about menopause - it's about time you cut loose and quit worrying what someone else thinks- and have some frickin' fun. (Sorry for the borderline swearing there.)

Easy Ways to Stretch Out Snug Jeans

You do not have to walk around in too-tight jeans, because you can stretch them out a size or two.

Make Tight Jeans More Comfortable

It isn't much fun to wear too-tight jeans that cut into your waist and give you muffin-top. Even jeans that fit just right can end up shrinking when you wash them, but you can stretch them back out. Most jeans can be stretched up to a size or two.

Wet jeans are easier to stretch than dry jeans, so the best time to stretch them is as soon as you take them out of the washing machine. Skip the dryer, and go right to the stretching steps.

A pants stretcher is kind of an old-fashioned device that is regaining popularity because it works. Slide the pants stretcher into the wet jeans. Position the stretcher so the denim is smooth and pulled tight. the stretcher out until the fabric is pulled tight. Then, set the stretcher's clasp. Hang the jeans up to line dry, and do not remove the stretcher until they are completely dry.

Another way to stretch the width of your jeans is to put them on wet, just like they did in the old western movies. It won't be the most pleasant sensation, unless you like wearing wet clothes; but the jeans will be molded to fit your hips and legs. It might also seem like It takes the jeans a very long time to dry, but you can cut the time by standing near a fan or a heat register. Make sure you move around a lot, to get a thorough stretch on the tight areas.

If you find your jeans shrinking lengthwise, it is because of the way the fabric was cut, and stretching them will be a little bit harder, but you can get a little bit of length back. When the jeans are fresh out of the washer, not dripping wet, but before you dry them at all; stand on the hem and pull up on the inseam.

The inseam will usually be the toughest to stretch because of the type of seam used. Then pull up on the waist-band. This might start an unwelcome circle, though. To stretch the outer seam; you will probably lose a little bit of width when the jeans stretch, so then your jeans may be snug around again.

Sources:
Sewing and Craft Alliance: Denim ... More Than Just a Pair of Jeans
Iowa State Extension: Consumer Choices: Textile Labels
Ohio State University Extension: Selecting Jeans

Top 5 Women's Rock Climbing Shoes

Feel like trying something new for some fun exercise?

Information on five great styles of women's rock climbing shoes.

"Stick" with Climbing Shoes that Give Good Friction

When buying a pair of rock climbing shoes the most important things to look for are proper fit and performance. Proper fit in a climbing shoe means snug. Good performance means it will 'stick' or have 'friction' to reduce the chance of slipping and falling. Five climbing shoes that are "sure-fire" winners are the Evolv Rockstar Climbing Shoe, La Sportiva Women's Katana, La Sportiva Mythos Lady, the Five Ten Women's Anasazi Velcro, and the Mad Rock Women's Onsight.

The Evolv Rockstar Climbing Shoe for Women has been a favorite with climbers since 2004 when it won awards from both Climbing and Rock Ice magazines. The Rockstar is a versatile mid-priced rock climbing shoe that is enjoyable for both beginners and experienced climbers. According to the experts at Rockclimbing.com - the Rockstar "performs well on cracks, sport climbs, and all-day multi-pitch climbs without sacrificing performance for comfort."

La Sportiva Women's Katana is a good rock climbing shoe for climbing indoors (in the gym) or outdoor sport climbing, crack climbing, and 'bouldering'. It's a performance shoe with a Velcro closure to make it easy to put on and take off and for one hand adjusting. The sole is designed to be hard enough that it's durable and rubbery enough to be sticky and get proper friction. The Katana is lined to reduce the chances of it stretching out of shape but users find it does mold to the shape of their feet.

La Sportiva Mythos Lady is known as a versatile and comfortable rock climbing shoe. The Mythos Lady is made with unlined leather upper so it fits snug but quickly molds to the shape of your feet. The laces tighten down around the toe and heel so the chances of the shoe slipping are reduced.

The Five Ten Women's Anasazi Velcro is an excellent shoe for intermediate to experienced climbers. It has Velcro closures that make putting it on and taking it off easy and fast. The Anasazi is a slipper style of climbing shoe but it does not have an aggressive down-turned toe like some slippers do. The less aggressive toe lets the foot rest in a more natural position than an aggressively down-turned toe does - while the deep-cupped heel is positioned to drive the force forward to the toe area.

The Mad Rock Women's Onsight Climbing Shoe is a versatile all-around performance climbing shoe. The Onsight is designed specifically to contour and to be comfortable on a woman's feet. The narrow interior, heel, and higher instep of the Onsight create a climbing shoe that gives better fit and better performance.

Sources:
http://www.rockclimbing.com/gear/Shoes/Climbing_Shoes/Women's_Climbing_Shoes/Rockstar_738.html
http://www.rockclimbing.com/gear/Shoes/Climbing_Shoes/Women's_Climbing_Shoes/Women_s_Katana_3619.html
http://www.rockclimbing.com/gear/Shoes/Climbing_Shoes/Women's_Climbing_Shoes/Mythos_Lady_638.html
http://www.rockclimbing.com/gear/Shoes/Climbing_Shoes/Women's_Climbing_Shoes/Women_s_Anasazi_Velcro_3458.html
http://www.rockclimbing.com/gear/Shoes/Climbing_Shoes/Women's_Climbing_Shoes/Mad_Rock_Womens_Onsight_Climbing_Shoes_5014.html

Classic Oakley Sunglasses

Oakley sunglasses are a quality eyewear product. They are durable and appealing sunglasses.

Oakley has been a name associated with consistent quality in eyewear for many years now. Oakley sunglasses offer both style and function while standing up to scratches and occasional bumps. (I actually saw a pair of Oakley sunglasses get dropped and run over by a car about ten years ago - and they came out of it with only a small scratch on one lens. I have been an Oakley fan ever since.)
The Polarized Oakley Nanowire 3.0 is available through the Oakley website for around $300. The Nanowire is available in Olive Chrome, Brown Chrome, or Polished Black. The lens is one long, smooth surface rather than split for each eye. This allows for an uninterrupted field of vision. The frame is designed to ultra-lightweight and flexible.
Oakley Flak Jacket XLJ is an excellent sports sunglasses style. They can be purchased through Zappos.com for about $142. Flak Jacket has a rain and sweat repellent coating on the smudge and dirt resistant lens. Lenses are also UV resistant, lightweight, rimless, and offer impact protection. Easy change lenses are available for different light conditions. The Predator is available in different colors and also comes with a case for your easy storage convenience.
The military-inspired Fuente Antix is available through the Oakley website for approximately $265. The company originally had to set a limit of one pair per customer. Frames are available in black, tortoise, or red. (Red is cheaper - available for about $90) the polarized lenses balance light transmission and tame even the sharpest sun glares.
Limited Edition 4-Legged Frogskins are cute retro-style sunglasses that are available through the Oakley website for about $120. The frame colors are matte denim and turquoise. The lens shape is similar to the cat-eyed sunglasses that were popular in the fifties- though updated with a chunkier size. Frogskins come with an extra pair of stems. If you want a pair of these - you had better hurry - they are only available for a limited time - at this point - you may actually have to seek out vintage Frogskins on sites like eBay or Amazon.
Polarized Fives came out in 2009. They were available through the Oakley website for about $135. These dark sunglasses are perfect for bright days or for people with light-sensitive eyes. Fives are a slimmer, classic style of Oakley sunglasses. The lenses are created with Oakley wrap and rake curvature. Wrap and rake offers the wearer a wider field of vision, more protection from the wind, and better UV protection.

Classic and Best Ray Ban Sunglasses

A brief guide to the best-selling, classic Ray Bans.

Ray Ban sunglasses are a tried and true, reliable eyewear standard. Ray Ban consistently comes up with styles that are spot-on fashionable. Whether your personal style is classic or trendy, Ray Ban has a great pair of sunglasses waiting for you. The official Ray Ban website has a great virtual tool that allows you to virtually try on their sunglasses so you can decide if you like the way they look on you before you buy new Ray Bans.

If you are looking for a place to buy Ray Ban sunglasses, one easy way to find a reliable dealer is to go to the Ray Ban website - rayban.com, and click on store locator. Then you just enter your state and city and the site gives you the location of the nearest store that sells authentic Ray Ban eyewear.

• When many people think of Ray Bans - they think of the Wayfarer sunglasses that have been popular for many years. Good news Wayfarer fans - Wayfarer frames are available in fresh colors as well as classic colors like black and tortoiseshell.
• The RB3349 is another new Ray Ban sunglasses style that is an updated version of an older style. The chunky lens of the RB3349 is reminiscent of an oversized pair of aviator glasses - contrasted with a thin wire frame traditional to most aviator sunglasses.
• Classic aviators are also still a popular Ray Ban offering. Ray Ban classic aviators are available through intrends.com for around $110. These traditional Ray Ban sunglasses have metal frames and arms. They offer 100% UV protection, and they come with their own case.
• Intrends.com also offers what they term Casual Lifestyle Ray Ban Aviator sunglasses. These casual aviators are squarer than traditional aviators, and they come in a variety of colors. They range in price from around $105 to $120 or higher. They are a very nice option for someone who does not want to get too wild with their eye wear but still wants to try an updated look.
• The Ray Ban Predator Polarized sunglasses are part of Ray Ban's leisure sport collection. The Predator has a nearly shatter-proof polycarbonate lens that absorbs 100% of all UV rays. These Ray Ban sunglasses have adjustable nose-pieces, polarized lenses, and they come with a case. Ray Ban Predator Polarized athletic sunglasses can be purchased through Zappos.com for around $159.

Ray Ban sunglasses offer a fun, edgy style as well as a classic style to suit all of their customers who are looking for sunglasses. Whether you decide to buy them online or in a traditional store, you can count on these great sunglasses to give you years of use and enjoyment.

Dolce and Gabbana Sunglasses for Men and Women for Under $200

Dolce and Gabbana offers stylish but expensive sunglasses for both men and women - but they can be purchased for under $200 in some styles.

I wanted to share this here to pass along information about some super stylish styles of sunglasses for my female readers and for any men who happen onto the site or in case my female readers are loking for gift ideas for men.

Dolce & Gabbana is a hot designer name right now whether you are looking for designer items ranging from eyewear to clothing to watches or perfume. It is not at all uncommon to see photos of celebrities wearing these designer sunglasses. Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses tend to be quite expensive - it is easy to find higher priced D & G sunglasses at high end stores like Neiman Marcus - but they can be found for under $200.
Dolce and Gabbana Sunglasses For Women
Dolce and Gabbana Style 6035 are dramatic with big lenses and a subtle but visible DG logo. These can be purchased through hiSunglasses.com for about $189. The 6035 is available in shiny black-gray gradient or Havana brown. They are durable, comfortable, and hiSunglasses.com offers free shipping and a money back guarantee on this style of D&G sunglasses.
Dolce and Gabban Style 2058 is available through Sunglasses.com for around 173.99. The 2058 is a classic style of sunglasses complete with big lenses and fade-away color on the lenses. They are nice-looking sunglasses that come in shades of brown or gray.
Dolce and Gabbana Style 4005 is an attractive chunky-style frame with dark lenses. The 4005 is available in Havana brown for about 185.99 through Sunglasses.com. They add an appropriate amount of style and flair to any outfit while protecting your eyes from the sun.
D&G Style 4015 offers a nice color change from the blacks, grays, and heavy browns. The frame arms of the 4015 are done in a soft buttery yellow or a crisp, fresh white.
Dolce and Gabbana Sunglasses For Men
Dole and Gabbana Sunglasses 2029 are an aviator-style offering for men that is available through Sunglasses.com for approximately $185. The 2029 is a classic style of sunglasses that comes in Gold-Brown frames with Mirror Bronze lenses, Silver/Gold frames with Gray - Silver Mirror lenses, Silver frames and Gray lenses, and finally Light Brown frames with Brown lenses.
D&G Style 2049 is another men's' style of Dolce and Gabbana sunglasses that can be found for under $200. They are a classic wire-rimmed style. They are available in grays, gold, and browns.
Dolce and Gabbana Style 2064 is available for men for under $200. They are sunglasses with a classic aviator-shaped lens but the frame is updated with chunky arms that block more sun than traditional aviator style sunglasses.
Sunglasses are an important accessory. They protect your eyes from the sun's rays, wind, and foreign particles. Dolce and Gabbana sunglasses add the element of style to the protective qualities of sunglasses.

Athletic Sunglasses that Look Good and Protect Your Eyes

Athletic sunglasses not only need to look good - they also need to offer protection for your eyes.

I wanted to share this here, because eye protection is so important in maintaining both your vision and the skin around your eyes.

Athletic sunglasses are available in a wide range of prices and styles. Purchasing a high quality pair of sport sunglasses is a worthwhile investment. The ideal athletic sunglasses should look good and protect your eyes while you are enjoying your favorite activities. While aviator-style sunglasses are still popular wraparound frames and polycarbonate lenses with UV protection are worth paying a little extra for and are features to look for in sunglasses for active wear.
The Kicker is available at a base price of $96. The wraparound style Kicker is designed for a medium to large fit. It is lightweight with frameless sides and bottoms around the lenses for style and comfort. The Kicker is offered in several frame and lens colors to suit different customer preferences.
The Rudy Project: Freon Golf can be purchased for a base price of $170. These great wraparound style sunglasses for athletes are designed with special alloys so the frames are light and flexible. The impact resistant polycarbonate lenses offer maximum UV protection. These sunglasses also have an adjustable nose piece, interchangeable lenses for varying light conditions, and replacement parts available. If you lose something like the nose piece you can easily replace it rather than getting new athletic sunglasses.
Nike Tarj sunglasses are great for athletes due to their wraparound design that opens up clear visibility from any angle. The nose piece is soft and also ventilated for comfort in warm weather. The lenses are scratch and impact resistant. The Tarj is available for just under $80.
Ray Ban Predator Polarized sunglasses are part of Ray Ban's leisure sport collection. The Predator has shatter-resistant polycarbonate lenses that absorb 100% of all UV rays. These athletic sunglasses have adjustable nosepieces, polarized, mirror-coated lenses, and come with a case. Ray Ban Predator Polarized athletic sunglasses can be purchased for around $159.
Oakley Flak Jacket XLJ is an excellent sports sunglasses style. They can be purchased for around $142. Flak Jacket has a rain and sweat repellent coating on the smudge and dirt resistant lens. Lenses are also UV resistant, lightweight, rimless, and offer impact protection. Easy change lenses are available for different light conditions. The Predator is available in different colors and also comes with a case for your easy storage convenience.

Whichever style or brand of sunglasses you choose it is best to make sure to look for the features that will protect you during outside sporting activities. UV protection and impact resistant lenses go a long way to protect your eyes.

Make Fighting Osteoporosis Easier

This article contains some basic facts about osteoporosis as well as some tips to make fighting easier.

I have been hearing about osteoporosis for several years now. It sounded unpleasant, but I never really thought of osteoporosis as an especially awful disease - until I started researching the details of it.
Osteoporosis can be an absolutely debilitating disease - with brittle, easily broken bones, and painful, hunched spines as a result.

Anyone can get osteoporosis, but women are five times more likely than men to get it. It tends to run in families, and it can also be made worse by some medicines.

I was surprised to learn there is no way to stop or cure osteoporosis, because I have seen commercials on television for medicines for it. I was, however, glad to learn there are ways to slow its progression.

Not getting enough calcium, vitamin D, and exercise can increase the problems caused by osteoporosis, while weight-bearing exercise, calcium-rich foods, and green-leafy vegetables can help keep bones strong.

There are prescription medicines available that help to build stronger bones, as well as over-the-counter calcium and vitamin D supplements.

It is best to take some precautionary measures before osteoporosis problems develop. Have "the discussion" with your doctor. X-rays or sound wave tests can be used to measure bone density - so you do not even have to undergo painful tests. Then you will know early-on if you need medication or just dietary supplements. Stay active - or get active if you aren't already, and eat a calcium and vitamin D rich diet.

Now that you have a brief list of the basic facts about osteoporosis and how to fight it - think about making the fight against osteoporosis a little more enjoyable. You don't have to just drink milk or eat cottage cheese to get your daily calcium needs met. Ice cream and frozen yogurt have calcium too. Orange juice can be bought with added calcium. Some flavored fitness waters come with calcium. Check the labels on some of your favorite foods. It can be a lot of fun to experiment with recipes and look for ways to add calcium to your meals. (How about a serving of nice, extra cheesy lasagna?) Even supplements come in tasty, chewy chocolates now.

Low-impact exercise, like walking or biking, can be all it takes to reduce your osteoporosis risk. Lifting weights is an excellent choice too - and you don't have to go excessively heavy with them either. You can get a light weight - whatever size is comfortable for you to get started. (You could even use a soup can if it fits your hand comfortably.) Try to have fun with the exercise - just like when you add calcium and vitamin D to your meals by adding foods. Walk with a friend, or your favorite music. Go outside, use a treadmill, or dance around the house to your favorite music. If you enjoy it, you're more likely to keep doing it, and if you keep doing it you're more likely to fight off osteoporosis.

You owe it to yourself to be aware of your personal osteoporosis risk and to ward it off. Preventing it is a small thing you can do for yourself now that pays off big as your bones age.

Sources:

• USFDA Office of Women's Health Fact Sheet: Osteoporosis
• http://www.propelfitnesswater.com/why_propel/calcium">http://www.propelfitnesswater.com/why_propel/calcium</a>

3 Easy Ways to Jump Start Weight Loss

While safe, easy ways to be thin and healthy are lofty goals for so many of us - there are safe, easy ways to get started on a weight loss program that is easy to stick to.

I have been studying fitness and nutrition for - well - pretty much my whole adult life. I admit it; I was looking for an easy way to be thin. I have come to the conclusion that there is no easy way to do that. (I can almost hear you yelling "Boo" from here.) There are, however, easy ways to kick off a new weight loss program.
Easy Weight Loss Technique Number One

Drink water. Water flushes toxins out of your body. Drinking plenty of water also helps people feel full faster. Get a water bottle that fits your hand comfortably. I personally recommend a sixteen ounce water bottle.

• Get four rubber bands that fit around the bottle.
• Each time you finish drinking a bottle of water - remove one rubber band or move it up to the neck of the bottle.
• When your rubber bands are all gone (or moved) you will know you have consumed the minimum recommended amount of drinking water.
• The next day - just put your rubber bands back on.

Easy Weight Loss Technique Number Two

Plan ahead. Planning ahead is easier than not planning ahead when it comes to weight loss. Here is why. We know we are going to be hungry - and busy. The easiest thing to do when faced with growling hunger and a crazy schedule is grab the quickest thing you can find.

• If you're trying to lose weight ask yourself which is better fit for your goal - a fast food sandwich and a large order of French fries or a turkey sandwich on wheat bread and a snack bag filled with carrots?
• It is easiest to plan ahead.
• Buy the foods that fit your personal diet plan.
• Have the food prepared and packed before it is time to run out of the door.
• The easiest thing to do if you do not plan ahead is going to be to drive through the closest fast food place or grab a candy bar and that sabotages your own weight loss plan.

Easy Weight Loss Technique Number Three

 

Choose activities you enjoy. Enjoy is your key word here. You can decide how hard you are willing to exercise when you start. I suggest taking the view that you know yourself better than anyone else. If you start out at high intensity and then give up - then you will not end up succeeding in your weight loss plan. If you start off easy with an activity you enjoy - whether five minute increments or hour-long blocks of time - you are going to be more likely to stay with it.

• Make twenty minutes total - of exercise time - your minimum goal.
• Don't worry if you can only make it for five minutes at a time dancing to the radio in your kitchen. It is still five minutes of exercise you would not get if you are overwhelmed at the gym or the track.

Look for ways to make your fitness plan work for you, and feel free to share your experience, ask questions, or find inspiration in the comments and stories here on Fat & Cranky. Oh, and Good luck with reaching your goals - you CAN do it!

 

Review of Why Women Pick Losers and Jerks

I recently read a book with the controversial title, Why Women pick Losers and Jerks. (I picked it up on Amazon, for the Kindle,but it's also available in the regular paperback form.)

The book resonated with me because - frankly - I attract men like maggots - but have often wished I could attract one that's like a man instead of an infantile insect that feeds by sucking the life out of me.

The book gave a really good research-based explanation of why women pick guys who, frankly, suck, backed up by some facts and data from counselors.

And, based on my experience, the book is pretty much on point. So, now, for me, the hard part - following the advice in the book so the rest of my life doesn't end up as dismal as the first fifty-one years have been.

So, if you're like me, and keep ending up with spirit crushing, soul-destroying men - wake up - look up this book - read it - two or three times till the info sinks in - and no matter what has happened and what you have chosen in your past - - for the rest of your life - finish strong.

So, while the book, Why Women Pick Losers and Jerks has nothing to do with menopause, I feel it's an issue many women of this (or any) age have to deal with - so I wanted to share it here.

If you look for the book on Amazon and can't find it, drop me a note via the comments, and I'll help you find it right away.

Hi Fat and Cranky Readers!

That just doesn't sound right. It sounds like I'm calling you, my wonderful readers, fat and cranky, when in fact I'm just referring to the name of this site.


If you are, however, feeling fat and cranky.... let me join you. This hot weather is kicking me in the perimenopausal rump - and not in a motivation kick in the pants way - in a leave me the heck alone way.


So, this isn't a rant, it's a "hello, I hope your spring and summer are trending in a more positive light than mine" post.


I do have a lot of positive things going on, but nothing menopause related, except, I think, my awareness of time has increased, and wasted time feels like misery - and that - spurs me to action, except when I'm in the deep of it, wallowing in the effects of my past ( and current ) mistakes.


I'm starting a new website, Women in Cars, dedicated to women making a living in the male dominated automotive industry. It's where I plan to direct some of my energy as I refocus my sense of time and recoup some of my lost... I don't know - whatever it is I lost as I got older and put my own desires aside to raise a family.


So far, there's only one post on the site, but I hope you'll check it out to read about some motivational women - going back as far as I can find info about these strong willed automotive beauties who blaze a trail for all future women interested in a new and lucrative career field.

Do You Need SPF to Protect Your Hair From Sun Damage?

Getting your hair color just right can be a challenge, but once you get that perfect shade, hair care products containing SPF can help you keep it that way. This also applies if you are lucky enough to have a natural hair color you love. It's simply a good idea to protect your hair and scalp so the sun's rays do not cause any unnecessary damage. A number of sun protection products are available to help you maintain your hair's beautiful color and condition.

Enjoy Outdoor Activity

Go ahead and leave your hat in the closet. You can slather a generous coat of sunscreen on exposed skin, and you can do the same for your hair. Then head on out to enjoy some fun outdoor activities without worrying about getting sunburned or fading your hair color. It is so easy to protect your hair with a leave-in hair sunscreen. Most of them simply spray on, so you don't have to deal with gels or gooey products. Just remember to stick your hair care products that contain sun protection in your bag or backpack so you can reapply them as often as needed.

Is Your Hair Oily or Dry?

Hair products containing SPF tend to be a bit oily, so most are great for dry hair, but a few lighter products are available for outdoor enthusiasts with oily hair.

• Dry Hair: Redken Color Extend Sun Screen SPF 12 repairs, resurfaces, and moisturizes natural or color treated hair while also protecting hair and scalp from both UVA and UVB rays.
• Oily Hair: While it has a light blend of organic oils, Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil has a reputation as a light, water-resistant, spray-on product that blocks both UVA and UVB rays.

Mini Spa Treatment for Long Hair

If your hair is long, consider braiding hair that has been treated with products containing SPF to deep condition hair follicles while you are out in the sun. Treated braids trap conditioner against hair follicles, so the conditioner stays put and helps improve your hair's condition. Your hair will probably even end up in better condition than it was in before the treatment, thanks to the moisturizers in the products.

Stay in the know on the latest beauty tips and trends by following Daily Glow on Twitter and Facebook.

Why Blog - Oversharing About the Menopausal Journey

In person, I'm a fairly private person. Most of the people I know firsthand don't know I write, though a few close family members know I write for one site or another - just not how many - and a few close friends know I write for large businesses - but the personal stuff. like this blog - my secret - in other words, no one in my "real" life knows about Fat and Cranky.


This is because I like the sense of being able to honestly just say whatever's on my mind - sure - it's not total anonymity, but it's pretty close.


Even with as old as I am, someone is always trying to run my life and tell me what to do. I get that it's because they care about my best interest - at least sometimes - but it still leaves me completely isolated ans alone - no matter how many people are around me.


But, you know what? If I haven't handed the reins over to anyone in 51 years, I'm probably not going to now - and this leaves me without one single person in the world I can talk to - so I share here - information I find about menopause or weight loss - my feelings - in the hope someone will stumble across the site and either be inspired by my efforts to be healthy, or feel like they've found a friend in a  world that can be really cold and hard, or that information I have found in my own quest to be healthier during menopause can help someone else.


I recently made an appointment with an attorney to discuss divorcing my husband of over 20 years. It wasn't an easy call to make - I cried, holding the phone and looking at the number I had entered for a long time before hitting send - and it would be so easy to chicken out and just stay here - unhappy - but without the nastiness of a divorce. I haven't met with him yet, but I'm sure after I do, I'll be back here, oversharing, because it's part of the journey and it's authentic. A lot of women find themselves on one end or the other of divorce during menopause.


Do you ever feel like that? like there's not a single person in the world you can talk to?  If you need to share but would like to do so in anonymity for reasons like mine, feel free to drop an email to info@fatandcranky.com and - with your permission to share - we will share  your story here under a pseudonym.

Do Menopause Supplements Help?

I will share my experience, but would really like to hear your thoughts on this... Have you tried taking supplements to ease menopause symptoms?

As a person who gets sick (I actually vomit) after taking regular, everyday multivitamins, I was really skeptical about the idea of taking menopause supplements.

I did a little research to find out which supplements I needed most for my symptoms - mainly crankiness and weight gain - and the home remedies that came up the most often for me were green tea capsules, evening primrose oil (which didn't surprise me because it used to calm my PMS symptoms completely when I took it regularly. My results were mixed - or maybe I should say indefinite... I felt about the same but I quit taking them after about four weeks, so I didn't really give them a fair chance.

I also jumped on the green coffee bean extract wagon to help with quicker weight loss - it worked for me - really quickly - but I didn't stick with it long either - I just don't like taking pills.

I have also heard great things about some of the blended supplements, available in pharmacies, that contain black cohosh.

How about you? Have you tried any of these blended supplements, and if you have, do you recommend them based on your experience?

Share Your Experience With Weight Loss After Menopause

I have read a lot about how much harder it gets to lose weight after menopause, and I have certainly noticed changes in how easily I put on weight during the pre-menopausal and peri-menopausal phase compared to when I was younger.

What has YOUR post-menopausal weight loss experience been like?

I can't really speak to the experience of weight loss after menopause as I'm not quite there yet, but I would love to hear from any of you who would feel comfortable telling me and my other readers about your experience.

My current plan is to keep calm - except for when I'm not in the mood to be calm - and maintain a steady pace as far as eating as healthy as I can manage and exercising regularly, such as light aerobics for cardio fitness and weight lifting for strength building.

What Is Your Menopause and Weight Loss Plan?

Have you ever WANTED things to turn out a certain way, and then instead of taking action, just waited to see how things turned out?

If you answered yes to that - how did things turn out? The way you wanted? Or maybe not so great... When I have sat back and waited to see how things went instead of making  a plan and taking action, things turned out pretty darn awful! Fate can be cruel, and truly, that is an understatement.

If you don't want to trust your future to the cruel hand of fate, this is a great time for you to take charge of your destiny and develop your own menopause and weight loss plan.

I'm not a medical professional, so I can't give you medical advice on weight loss, other than to chat with your doctor about your concerns - but I can tell you what has worked for me and offer you a place to share your own experiences if you feel like it.

As I move into the menopausal phase of life, I notice my weight shifting around, settling around my middle, and I've noticed a few unkind kicks from gravity, too.

I started my own weight loss plan a year ago - and actually it was for t sake of being able to climb a flight of stairs without having to gasp for air. I gave up second helpings at meals - except for when my family goes out to eat at a buffet - then - I can indulge in seconds - if I feel like it. After a bit over a year - I rarely ever have the desire to go back, even at buffets, because I am simply used to eating less. A miracle that has left me a touch over 35 pounds lighter. I also started lifting dumbbells but didn't stick with that past the second month.

My next change, and I decided to do this one as a New Year's resolution, is to add exercise a minimum of 3 times per week. To help myself keep on track with this, I've programmed the aerobics classes and cardio-mix classes I can attend free as a perk of my YMCA membership in my planner with a one hour early notification to make sure I'm up and have time to drive in for the classes.

I would love to hear about your plan for managing menopause and weight control, or if you think it's crazy to make a plan like this, I would love to hear that, too, so feel free to comment below - if you want to.

3 Tasty Foods for Weight Loss and Muscle Building

Whether you're still focusing on a New Year's resolution to get fit, or you're just in the mood to get busy fighting the 'middle age spread', this post on eating tasty foods that help you lose weight is for you.

If foods for weight loss and muscle building make you think of chewing on a cardboard box, I'm here to say - it doesn't have to be like that. Check out this short, easy list of tasty foods that will kick your weight loss efforts into high gear without boring you  to tears.

3 Foods for Building Muscle and Losing Weight

1. Brown sugar teriyaki glazed chicken - that's right - I said brown sugar. To make this, spray a light coat of non-stick cooking oil in the skillet and pan-fry the chicken till it's almost cooked through. Toss in about 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, a dash of garlic powder, a  dash of white pepper, and about 2 tablespoons soy sauce. Finish cooking the chicken through and serve over steamed vegetables.
2. Egg white omelette with cubed garlic-chicken and mushrooms - You can also use bits of leftover brown-sugar-teriyaki-glazed-chicken for this - just make the omelette the same way you would make nay omelette. The flavor punch comes from the combination of mushrooms and chicken cooked in garlic and other spices. 
3. Pita Joes: Use ground lean ground beef, turkey or chicken to make sloppy joes. Serve the lean joes in halved pita bread or even a burrito shell with a fresh salad or your favorite steamed vegetables.

These weight loss-inspired food ideas are great because they are lean protein sources and are loaded with flavor, and taste great when served with most vegetables. 

Let me know what you think if you try them, and feel free to share your own favorite weight loss and muscle building food ideas.

Seriously... Is That.... a Whisker? A Short Tale of Unwanted Facial Hair

When I looked in the mirror this morning, I noticed something I hadn't seen before... a dark thick hair coming out of my left upper lip. It had a couple of friends around it, too, other dark hairs, threatening to turn my upper lip into a Magnum PI-worthy flavor saver.


How did I fail to notice these unwanted facial hairs before they turned into a mini-stache? I don't normally put on my reading glasses and look closely at my reflection in the mirror... that's how.


Tweezing Facial Hair


So, to get rid of my woman-stache, I grabbed my tweezers, braced myself, and started plucking. It hurt even more than tweezing eyebrow hairs, but I kept going. Then I rubbed some cold peroxide on my slightly swollen red lip. When it was time to leave the house, I put on foundation to cover the redness, and now everything is back to normal. I plan to spend a little time searching for information on hair lighteners, but if I don't find one I like, I have to admit, I'll pluck the little stinkers when they come back, no matter how unpleasant it is.


So, what about you? Have you had any trouble with unwanted hairs growing in places where they never were in your pre-menopausal days? If you do, what methods do you use to get rid of them?

Menopause and Weight Loss Can Kiss My Butt

I was planning on starting out this first post I'm putting up here - for the year - as an article about menopause and weight loss - you know - about sticking to resolutions or reviving them even you've slipped a little already - since it's 10 days into the new year - hey - it happens...

But what I really feel like saying today is - screw it! I'm old enough and strong enough to take the blasts menopause symptoms are giving me - and if anyone (other than me) doesn't like my weight - well, they can refer to the title of this post so they know where to kiss...

Now, I'll be back plenty this year to talk about healthy lifestyles, how I lost and kept off 35 pounds - so far, and ways to ease menopause symptoms. There are even a couple of fact sheets listed in my 2014 publishing schedule - which is really more of  a loose guideline because - well - because that's what it is.

So, enough about my "hey world - deal with it" attitude - how is the year starting out for you? Did you make any resolutions - and if you did, how are they going and is there any way this fat and cranky perimenopausal woman can support your efforts to make your life better?

Just leave a comment below if you feel like answering. If you don't, that's cool too. I hope you have a great 2014, and I hope you'll stop back often to see what's new here and to share your experiences and favorite tips with the rest of us.