“Am I too old to wear this?”

A question I get frequently from women.

My response: “Why do you ask?”

We have been told by the media, and others who are WAY younger, that we are supposed to wear certain things and not wear others.

Let me tell you, they aren’t in any position to tell us what to wear.

When we are unsure of something, it usually means that we have had an experience where we let somebody else (or something) get in our head and make us believe otherwise. Many women I talk to have accepted this mindset.

As a result, those women feel invisible. And this makes me so sad because it just isn’t true. EVER!

Numbers Mean Nothing!

I have realized that when it comes to our confidence, it comes down to numbers, really. Numbers are the culprit, since they are misleading, and we have used them forever to judge ourselves. They play tricks on us and diminish our self-confidence.

And when I work with my clients, numbers fly out the window, FAST!

What do I mean?

When we work on identifying someone’s body shape and body type, we don’t use measuring tape of any type – I promise!

Instead, we work on unraveling limiting beliefs that started generations ago. But I am here to tell you what I tell my clients:

“You are beautiful. You are relevant. You are needed!”

And we can’t change our age, so that number needs to be celebrated. Remember, every day is a gift, and we get to pick the wrapping paper and the bow!

The next number we use to judge ourselves is size. The average size for a woman is _________. Someone else who knows nothing about us, giving us an arbitrary number that defines us and if we aren’t that number, makes us feel bad or less than! Again, assigning judgment when it hasn’t been asked for, and more importantly, is not true.

I, for one, am not sitting down for the time I have left to roam this earth. I have worked hard to get to where I am, I am proud of who I am and want each of you to feel the same. Midlife and beyond is an accomplishment.

Unleash the Power of Confidence

Confidence can be a powerful word – especially to women.

When you don’t have it, it can wreak havoc with:

• your self-worth
• your perspective, and
• your experiences.

Stripping down all these untruths and letting in what you believe (truly from your core) can be life-changing for you. It certainly has been for me and the women I work with.

As I’ve written before in my articles, age is an image, and we get to decide which image we portray every single day!

Style isn’t about the clothes; it’s about how you feel. You wear your clothes; they do not wear you. And, that, my lovelies, is the opposite of what we’ve been told to do. They tell us to “buy this; wear it this way; this is the IT color; you must follow this trend.”

That’s why fashion is fleeting, and style is forever. You know the phrase “a slave to fashion”? It’s one of the reasons I had so many pieces in my closet that I never wore.

Your Uniqueness Matters

When I work with my clients, we spend a lot of time on what they love, why they gravitate to specific colors, textures (and we don’t limit it to clothes) and experiences. Essentially, self-expression. No matter how old we are, we deserve to express our personal style through pieces and accessories that reflect our uniqueness. Please read this sentence again.

How long has it been since you really looked at your individuality from a place of positivity?

I encourage you to go through your closet and really look at your clothes. Do they represent your individuality, your personality? These two questions will determine whether you need to repurpose your clothes and create more real estate for the pieces that indeed do portray who you are. Isn’t that exciting!

Finally, Breaking Through Stereotypes

Stop listening to those who tell you what you should or shouldn’t wear. Refer to your uniqueness to clear your path on what makes you feel good. Embrace your experiences and celebrate what lights you up. It’s so fun to see women shed limiting beliefs that they’ve been holding on to for decades, really listen and hear what THEY love, and then we weave this into their wardrobe.

You see, lovelies, happiness and self-expression have no age. And once we realize this, magic happens. We allow ourselves permission to be who we’ve always wanted to be, and don’t allow any of the inner critics to sabotage or sway our belief.

Confidence is strong when you let her in, lovelies. Isn’t it time? She’s been waiting to cross the threshold for a long time. Oblige her, love her, and see what happens.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Have you been told by someone that you should or shouldn’t wear a particular color, cut, style or something else? How do you respond to such limitations? Have you tried shedding your limiting beliefs about style and individuality? Do you like your “after” version?

Melissa Gorga’s Yellow and Blue Dress on Instagram

Real Housewives of New Jersey 2023 Instagram Fashion

I don’t know what looked better here, that pizza or Melissa Gorga in her yellow and blue floral dress??? Just kidding, they both looked amazing, but for different reasons. The pizza being the obvious delicious looking (), and then Melissa’s dress looking cute and perfect for summer. And since the Gorga’s have inspired us to make our ‘zas at home, now we can just focus on getting a new dress delivered to our house.

Sincerely Stylish,

Jess

Click Here to Shop Her Lulus Dress

Photo: @melissagorga

Originally posted at: Melissa Gorga’s Yellow and Blue Dress

There is a disconnect between what doctors say about weight loss surgery and what average people say. Doctors, especially those who study the subject, view metabolic surgery as a risk-reduction tool, something that makes life safer.

The average person often views weight loss surgery as a kind of shortcut to losing weight that should be achievable on one’s own. Let’s untangle those two ideas just a little bit further.

The Medical Perspective

For the doctors and experts who study obesity and its health effects, weight loss surgery has become a valuable tool. The average person who undergoes weight loss surgery loses a substantial amount of weight for a long period of time, so much so that health risks fall significantly and life expectancy increases.

These are no small conclusions, but they have been firmly reached in large perspective studies across many nations, and have convinced even the firmest skeptics. Hard-won endorsements from societies like the American Heart Association came after data showing large reductions in the risk of heart attack, stroke, and fatal arrhythmia after weight loss surgery.

The Average Person Perspective

The average person, on the other hand, does not always connect excess weight with higher health risks, at least not quite as crisply as doctors do. Additionally, the average person often looks at excess weight as a personal failing, and thinks that with the right diet and exercise program, anyone could enjoy a normal weight.

Once again, the data bears out a very different truth. Across countries, ages, and many different strategies, non-surgical weight loss efforts do not produce significant weight loss over a significant timeframe. Non-surgical weight loss efforts do not result in significant risk reduction or longevity increases. The largest, most intensive and well-funded investigations have terminated the studies for futility.

Eventually, the reality about a health intervention becomes clearer. So despite the disconnect, the intransigence of health insurers, and the stigma of obesity as a disease process, gradually the impact of metabolic surgery is becoming evident to more and more people who spread the word to yet more people.

Events like the Covid pandemic highlight the risk of obesity and how living day to day and year to year with excess weight translates to more severe health risks. Despite being significantly overweight, we might not feel unhealthy or worry about our looks or fashion or other nonsense the media focuses on, but mother nature is very unforgiving when it comes to disease and injury.

And fighting disease and injury while suffering from obesity is a whole lot more difficult, and the risks are a whole lot higher. Everything from Covid to a car crash could develop into serious disability or death.

The Bottom Line

Weight loss surgery has become increasingly safe, simplified, and uncomplicated, resulting in years or decades of improved health. It is just a medical treatment to reduce risk and improve health, simply put. Add that peace of mind to the quality-of-life gains from shedding those pounds, and there is an opportunity for life being a lot more fun.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What do you know about weight loss surgery? Have you ever inquired about it or researched it? Do you know anyone who might have benefitted from this procedure?

Knitting has existed for centuries and is one of the most popular crafts in the world, with millions of knitters spanning the globe. Whether you’re a new knitter or have been practicing your craft for years, you could learn many different things about knitting by returning to the basics.

The following list contains some of the best easy knitting patterns that anyone can try at home. These patterns range from scarves to beanies, blankets to headbands, and baby blankets to boot cuffs. There’s something here for everyone!

Here are our top 7 easy knitting patterns for beginners:

1. Simple Garter Stitch Scarf
2. Basic Beanie
3. Easy Baby Blanket
4. Basic Knit Cowl
5. Cozy Boot Cuffs
6. Simple Shawl
7. Cable Knit Headband

Methodology for Selecting Easy Knitting Patterns

I considered several things when coming up with these easy knitting patterns for beginners. Let’s take a look.

• Skill Level: These patterns were made for beginners.
• Materials: Patterns requiring only yarn and basic knitting tools are ideal for beginners learning how to knit.
• Stitches: Patterns using only (or primarily) knit and purl stitches are perfect for learning the basics and perfecting your skill before moving on to more advanced projects.
• Project Size: Small projects work up quickly, making them a great choice for newbies.

Read HOW TO KNIT FOR BEGINNERS.

1. Simple Garter Stitch Scarf

Many people choose to make a scarf as their first knitting project. A garter stitch scarf is easy to make and provides valuable experience with basic stitches.

Materials:

• Straight knitting needles size US 8 or 9 (5 mm or 5.5 mm)
• Worsted weight yarn (approximately 200-250 yards)

Instructions:

• Make a slip knot and cast on 20 stitches.
• Knit every stitch of the first row.
• Repeat the previous step until your scarf is the desired length, approximately 60-70 inches.
• Bind off all stitches.
• Weave in any loose ends.

2. Basic Beanie

Knitting a basic beanie is a fun and rewarding project you can complete in just a few hours. You can create a cozy and stylish accessory perfect for chilly weather with a few simple knitting techniques and materials.

Materials:

• Yarn of your choice (worsted weight is best for beginners)
• Circular knitting needles appropriate for the yarn weight
• Scissors
• Yarn needle

Instructions:

• Cast on 80 stitches (or desired number) using the long-tail cast-on method. You may need to cast on more stitches if you use lighter yarn and fewer if you use bulky yarn. Be sure to cast on an even number of stitches.
• Place a stitch marker at the beginning of the round and join to work in the round.
• Knit 2, purl 2 ribbing for 2-3 inches (5-8 cm).
• Switch to stockinette stitch, and knit every round until the hat measures around 7-8 inches (18-20 cm) from the cast-on edge.
• Begin decreasing by knitting 8 stitches and then knitting 2 stitches together. Repeat this pattern across the round.
• Knit every round for the next round.
• Knit 7 stitches and then knit 2 stitches together. Repeat this pattern across the round.
• Knit every round for the next round.
• Continue decreasing in this manner, knitting one less stitch between the decreases each round until only a few stitches remain.
• Cut the yarn leaving a long tail, and thread it through the remaining stitches using a yarn needle.
• Pull tight and weave in any loose ends.

Congratulations, you have now knitted a basic beanie! Feel free to experiment with different yarns, stitches and patterns to create a beanie that’s uniquely your own. You can also add pom-poms or tassels for a special touch.

3. Easy Baby Blanket

A knitted baby blanket is a thoughtful and practical gift for a newborn or young child. Its soft and cozy texture provides warmth and comfort during nap time or playtime. Check out these simple instructions for an easy baby blanket even beginner knitters can tackle.

Materials:

• Baby weight yarn of your choice
• Knitting needles appropriate for the yarn weight
• Scissors
• Yarn needle

Instructions:

• Cast on 120 stitches (or enough to reach the desired blanket width) using the long-tail cast-on method.
• Knit every row (garter stitch) until the blanket measures around 36-40 inches (90-100 cm) in length.
• Bind off all stitches and weave in the ends.
• If you’d like, add a decorative border or embellishments for a special touch. Remember to use baby-safe designs and materials.

4. Basic Knit Cowl

Cowls are a great way to learn how to knit in the round and an exceptional way to use leftover yarn. Here are the instructions for knitting a simple cowl that’s perfect for beginners.

Materials:

• Bulky weight yarn (approximately 140-160 yards)
• Circular knitting needles size US 10.5 (6.5 mm)
• Stitch marker
• Scissors
• Yarn needle

Instructions:

• Cast 80 stitches onto the circular knitting needles using the long-tail cast-on method.
• Join the round, being careful not to twist the stitches, and place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round.
• Knit every stitch in the round until the cowl measures your desired length (generally around 10-12 inches or 25-30 cm).
• Cast off all stitches and weave in the loose ends using your yarn needle.

5. Cozy Boot Cuffs

Knit boot cuffs are another great project for beginners. They’re easy to make, and the pattern is a good way to practice knitting in the round and working with double-pointed needles. These boot cuffs look great on any pair of boots, so you can use them as gifts or keep them for yourself.

Materials:

• Worsted weight yarn (approximately 100 yards)
• Circular knitting needles size US 8 (5 mm)
• Yarn needle
• Scissors

Instructions:

• Cast 36 stitches onto the circular knitting needles. If you have a large calf circumference, you may need to cast on more stitches. Cast on as many as you need to go around your leg.
• Join the round, being careful to avoid twisting the stitches.
• Knit every stitch in the round until the cuff measures approximately 6 inches (15 cm).
• Cast off all stitches.
• Fold the boot cuff in half with the wrong sides facing each other, and use the yarn needle to seam the two edges together.
• Weave in your loose ends.

6. Simple Shawl

A simple shawl is a great project for beginners. It’s basically just a big rectangle with some stitches added to the edges, so you won’t need any complicated stitch patterns or cables to worry about. The size of your shawl will depend on how many rows you knit, but it can be as small or large as you like.

Materials:

• Fingering weight yarn (approximately 400-500 yards)
• Circular knitting needles size US 4 (3.5 mm)
• Yarn needle
• Scissors

Instructions:

Knitting a simple shawl is a great project for beginner and experienced knitters. With just a few basic techniques, you can create a beautiful and functional accessory that’s perfect for chilly evenings or adding some style to your outfit.

• Cast 300 stitches onto the circular knitting needles.
• Knit one row.
• On the next row, knit 1 stitch, yarn over, then knit the rest of the row.
• Repeat the previous step until you reach your desired shawl size (approximately 60 inches (152 cm) wide and 30 inches (76 cm) long.
• Cast off all stitches.
• Weave in loose ends.

7. Cable Knit Headband

Knitting a cable knit headband is a fun and practical project that can add a stylish touch to your winter wardrobe.

Materials:

• Worsted weight yarn (approximately 60-70 yards)
• Circular knitting needles size US 8 (5 mm)
• Cable needle
• Yarn needle
• Scissors

Instructions:

• Cast 16 stitches onto your needles.
• Knit 2 stitches, purl 2 stitches, and repeat this pattern until the end of the row.
• Continue this pattern for every row until the headband measures approximately 18 inches (46 cm) long.
• Begin the cable pattern by knitting 2 stitches, holding the next 2 stitches on the cable needle in front of your work, knitting the next 2 stitches, then knitting the 2 stitches from the cable needle. Repeat this pattern until the end of the row.
• Continue this cable pattern for every 6th row until the headband measures approximately 3 inches (7.5 cm) wide.
• Return to the original pattern of knitting 2 stitches, purling 2 stitches for every row until the headband measures approximately 4 inches (10 cm) wide.
• Cast off.
• Weave in your ends.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

How long have you been a knitter? Which of these projects are you most interested in trying? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Are you someone who closely marks the calendar in springtime, eagerly awaiting the day when you can put seeds in the ground to grow your vegetables? Gardening is a wonderful way to connect not only with our food, but also with the soil, air and water that nourishes it.

Many of us had our first gardening experience in Kindergarten, where we carefully placed a bean seed in a paper cup filled with soil, watching the first sprout grow into a tall plant. If it’s been years since you’ve put seeds in soil and this memory sparks a desire to grow things, this may be the year to do it again.

Gardening Methods

Gardening used to be seeds in the ground. Today there are many ways to grow seeds. If you are in an apartment, window boxes or vertical planters do the job.

You may decide to have a couple of raised beds built where you add quality soil and compost, keeping easier control over the space you use for your vegetable gardening. If you are lucky enough to have a large yard, you might cultivate the soil and plant several rows of vegetables.

Too Much Work?

If you are thinking this is too much physical work for you to do at this point in life, here are a few suggestions:

• Go small. Do a window box and put in your favorite herbs.
• Share your garden. Invite a friend or neighbor to garden with you and share the work.
• Hire a weeder/waterer. If all you want is the end result, hire out the labor.

Health Benefits for Do It Yourselfers

If you are willing to do the work yourself, here are just a few of the benefits:

Physical Activity

If you are an avid gardener, you are bending, crawling, shoveling and pulling. It’s a great workout! Stretch before you start your work, gather your tools, including a knee pad and gloves, and protect your skin.

Soil Has Bacteria

Just like humans, soil contains its own microbiome, or community of bacteria. When you garden in your own soil, you expose yourself to native bacteria, a useful companion to your own microbiome.

Gardening Builds Community

Neighbors are always curious about what’s growing. Mine stop by with comments and questions. I love sharing my extra veggies with them.

Knowing Food Origins

Unlike food in the grocery store, you know exactly where your food is coming from. You can enhance the quality of your food by using organic soil, seeds, and weed control, so you are not consuming any toxins or chemical pesticides. See why organic matters.

Counteracting Health Threats

Throughout the pandemic, we heard about the vulnerability of older people to the virus due to weakening immune systems. A weakened immune system is not a byproduct of age; it is the result of years of poor nutrition, exposure to toxins, stress and chronic illness.

That is why eating the highest quality vegetables is so vitally important to each of us, and growing your own makes sense.

Why Vegetables Matter

Vegetables contain a host of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Did you know that eating different color vegetables will give you different vitamins?

Minerals only come from food grown in organic soil. Antioxidants are disease fighting chemicals that naturally occur in fruits and vegetables. And did I mention fiber? The kind you find in vegetables is the kind that supports regular bowel movements.

Weight Management and Vegetables

If you are looking to manage your weight, you can literally eat a plateful of vegetables and take in fewer calories than a single cookie. If you gained weight from the stress of confinement and constantly worry over world affairs, you may want to look at my 4 week online Post Covid Weight Loss program.

Vegetables Contribute to a Healthy Microbiome

Eating vegetables nourishes your gut microbiome. Research is showing that a healthy microbiome supports mood, immunity and metabolism, all vital pieces in your overall health.

Be Proud of Your Efforts

And last but not least, imagine the pleasure you will get when you see the fruits of your gardening appear on your plate in all its splendor. It’s worth it, isn’t it?

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you have a garden? How small/large is it? What do you plant inside? Do you have a container garden? How do you use your space? What benefits have you seen from growing your veggies yourself? Please share your tips with the community!