Many of you may be aware that my feet hate the warm weather. For years now I’ve continued to wear socks and boots even in 90 degree heat because of my heat related blisters. So imagine how surprised, delighted and ecstatic I was with my latest purchase. I wore them at my Style Forum on Saturday to get the low down from my clients and, yes, it was rapturous. I wore them again today in Birmingham with the same result. You might guess who the designer is. Yes, Dame V/W  herself. BLISS.

is Ronen Chen and here is the chance to preview the A/W10 collection and get your pick before anyone else:

YOUR INVITATION- RONEN CHEN A/W PREVIEW

Amelia and Anne are invitinge Feel Fab at 50 readers to an exclusive private preview of the  NEW Autumn/Winter RONEN CHEN Collection, on Thursday 1st July, between 5-8pm. Join them downstairs for a glass of champagne in their showroom to browse the exciting new styles. This is a great chance to preview the new collection, as well as put in an early order before it hits the shop floor!!

We Look Forward to Seeing You!

Please RSVP us at info@anneodowd.com or 0207 402 5292

23 New Quebec Street

London W1H 7SD

My friend and 50′s expert Karen Knott has invited you to join her on a special FREE teleclass she’s running on Tuesday 29th June called:

3 Steps to Change: A Magical Metamorphosis!
Karen will be sharing with you exactly HOW we can use our middle years as a catalyst for personal growth, fulfilment and transformation!

On this 60-minute teleseminar you’ll discover:

• The number one reason women DON’T change situations they’re unhappy with…. and what to do about it.
• Simple steps you can take RIGHT NOW to ensure your discomfort becomes the catalyst for positive change.
• How to stop wasting precious time THINKING about change and get to the Good Life faster!
• The ONE secret you need to know that will help you easily make decisions, choices and actions which are right for YOU.

I f you’re exploring your future options in preparation for the next brand new chapter in your life, join this teleseminar as my special guest at no charge!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
To claim your complimentary invitation, simply click on the link
http://www.midlifematters.co.uk/Teleseminar_sign_up.htm

I’ve just booked up to see Women Beware Women and the Infinite Variety exhibition at the National Gallery. Why? Because the fabulous actress Harriet Walter is on the case of the older woman. The play, Women Beware Women, is about a 55 year old Duke who marries a 16 year old girl, promising her status and wealth in exchange for sex. But when Livia, played by Harriet Walter, offers the same deal to a young man, she gets rejected and faces public disgust.

If that reminds you of another woman in her 50′s who could have done so much for the power of the middle aged woman, including her wrinkles, you might be right. Yes, Madonna, could have championed our cause but has gone the route of most of our celeb’s trying to keep age at bay by having work done and spending an eternity at the gym.

However, according to the article in today’s Times, cosmetic surgery isn’t all what it’s cracked up to be. Cameramen are struggling to get the correct angles required to show emotions on a face that’s had work done, so perhaps wrinkles will rule after all.

Infinite Variety – a collection of photographs of older women, some famous but not all of them known, is curated by Harriet Walter and runs from 1st July – August 15th. The play, Women Beware  Women is from July 1st – 4th. I’m going on Saturday 3rd for the aftrenoon matinee, so might see you there. Tickets for Thursday 1st are already sold out so you’ll need to be quick .

www.nationaltheatre.org.uk

One of the biggest moans I hear in the summertime is from those of you with Autumnal colouring saying that there is nothing that suits you in the shops. So, here is a site you’re going to love. Great quality and beautiful styling. JohnSmedley has been around for 100′s of years so you can count on the fabric and wool being top knotch. It’s also light to wear so perfect for summer days.

Take a look:

www.johnsmedley.com

and get this special offer from Liz Earle. It’s the 15th anniversary of her Cleanse & Polish coming onto the market on Tuesday. I love and use it all the time as I think it really does the trick and it gets rid of my mascara too. To celebrate, she is offering it for sale at £9.50 rather than the usual £13. It’s only available at this price on the day so sign up now, so you don’t forget:

http://uk.lizearle.com/index_2.php?userpage=cp_anniversary_signup_thanks

If you want to make the most of your complexion then you’ll need to guard against too much sun. One answer arrives in the form of a jaunty little summer trilby. Stripes, prints, rainbow colours and beaded versions of these marvellously cool straw hats can all be found with prices varying from £5 New Look to £115 Paul Smith.

The one shown is a beaded version from M&S £15

The fabulously successful retail guru, Mary Portas, has now taken on the plight of the over 40′s and the lack of relevant, modern clothing. Her new website encourages us all to participate by means of discussion and debate to acknowledge  how we feel, what we want etc.

She says “I’m looking for women in their forties and beyond who want to join me in defiantly redefining middle age as the most desirable age bracket to be in. If you feel as passionately as I do and are interested in joining my campaign (which might get you on the telly) then drop me a line at maryportas@optomen.com or go to my website www.maryportas.com”

Ladies, this is your chance to have your say with someone who can REALLY make a difference. Don’t squander it.

The fabulous Karen Divine is one of my Feel Fab at 50 experts on nutrition, and a TV star to boot, so I was thrilled when I found out that she is doing some detox retreats to ensure we all can feel healthy and light.

Devine Detox and well being retreats are designed to help ‘take you on a journey within‘, to help you detox physically, mentally and emotionally. It has been created by Karen Devine (www.karendevine.co.uk) designed to also, teach, inspire and empower you in stunning locations.

It’s a combination of juice fasting, colon cleansing, detox and elimination support measures, supplements, daily yoga and one to one support throughout your week to assist you on your personal journey

Devine Detox Retreats are run in small groups to allow for individual attention, there are also a team of expert therapists working on mind, body and spirit. And of course there are many informative talks each day and some surprise workshops along the way.

I heartily recommend so go to http://www.devinedetox.co.uk/ for more information. You won’t regret it.

You can also buy a download of my interview with Karen by going to http://ww.feelfabat50.com/shop/index.php?maincat_id=1

As many of you will be aware I, alongside many of you reading this blog, have had challenges with eating disorders in the past and a battle to keep my weight where I’d like it be be. Luckily, most of my struggles with food have gone but my curiousity was piqued by a new book hailed by Oprah – a well documented yo-yo dieter – as the ‘bible’ for anyone with issues around eating.

Geneen  Roth has bought understanding and acceptance to tens of thousands of women from all over the world about why they have such great emotional attachments to what they put (or don’t put) into their mouths. Her simple techniques and practical advice help resolve the conflicts and put an end to the powerful anguish that only someone with these issues can understand. As a fellow sufferer, she can put herself in our shoes and so she is totally believable. 

Yesterday I read her latest book, the one which Oprah so loved, called ‘Women, Food and God’.  It was brilliant. It’s about ending the struggle of dieting, forcing, depriving and continually trying to fix ourselves. Through a process called inquiry, Geneen teaches how to actually feel our feelings instead of numbing them with food. Included are exercises to help us drop below the continual chatter of our busy minds to a direct experience of presence and clarity. Instead of repeatedly struggling for the next thing that will surely, finally make us happy, we can realise that all we want – all we ever wanted – is right here, right now.

What a HUGE relief.

If you would prefer to listen to her, rather than read, Geneen has a fabulously rich website full of CD’s, downloads and US tour dates for you to sample.

http://www.geneenroth.com/women_food_and_god.php