How to wear leggings/jeggings and not look pregnant

Dear Babyboomer women and other friends

We had our first of many open fires last night which smelled wonderful and was cosy after a cold rainy day.  Definitely out with the woolies in earnest.  Lots of leggings around which have evolved since they hit the market some years ago and now we have “jeggings,” which are just really tight-fitting jeans. 


I must admit to needing to wear a longer top if I wear tights as the tops of my legs do not match the glory of my firm muscular calves.  
How Not to Look Pregnant
When wearing leggings, it’s best to wear a top that can be cinched in at the waist or goes straight down to your hips and avoid flouncy tops with too high empire cut or yoking.  Leggings are cute with flats or heels, heels elongating the leg of course.  And of course with boots.
A few of Renotta's  fabulous creative tunics and neckpieces, to provide inspiration as to what to wear over leggings and jeggings.  http://www.shopatnextdoor.com/




Cosy Clara

Everything Old is New Again...March 4th

Loom Knit Tunic with Out of Africa Neckpiece






















Faux Forsythia...

Loom Knit Poncho with Hope Springs Neckpiece























Post Note...March 17th

loom knit silk poncho inspired by shard neck piece

Blue Belle...April 20th


off the shoulder lace knit wrap with robin's egg blue necklace


















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Wrap yourself in a cosy scarf in your own seasonal colour

Dear Babyboomer Women
"The South Wind doth blow
    And we will have snow
    But what will   Rosella
    Do then?  Poor thing!       Southern Hemisphere version   
We could wrap ourselves up in a cosy scarf in our own seasonal colour. 
R wrote yesterday - There's a great way to tie a scarf that fills in the neckline nicely and keeps the scarf situated. Fold a long narrow scarf in half and loop it around your neck. Pull one end through the loop. Twist the loop and pull the other end through. Voilà!

I tried it today and was pleased with the result.



The right colour next to your face can change your whole appearance. What are you -  a spring, summer, fall or winter?

Your seasonal colour range will complement the colouring of your skin, hair and eyes. I am a summer being a blond, with fair skin (tending more towards a blue tinge rather than golden - damn it). A friend of mine has dark hair with similar skin and I would call her a Winter.  Autumn   looks good in the rusts, browns, orange, cream and tend to have skin warmer hues as do Spring who looks good in the clear bright colours. 


Your seasonal color range will complement the coloring of your skin, hair and eyes

Winter colors are cool, clear and dark to light intensity. Think of the winter landscape colors. In the low light of winter colors appear darker, but on a bright day with the sun reflecting off snow colors appear pale and icy.

Summer colors are also cool, but muted and medium-light to medium-dark in value. Think of seeing the landscape through a summer heat haze. The colors are muted, paler versions of Winter’s. The light colors are creamy pastel rather than icy.

Autumn colors are warm, muted and medium-light to medium-dark intensity. Think of fall New England landscape colors of rich burnt oranges, reds, golden yellows and sludgy greens.

Spring colors are also warm, but clear and bright with medium to light intensity. Think of the bright clear colors of spring flowers and the new season’s clear, bright green shoots.

Happy scarf tying.
Clara




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Babyboomer Women dress up and show up

Dear Babyboomer Women
My desk calendar tells me today, "No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up". 
In the process of compiling, with your help, the Secrets to Successful Retirement", this has to be a biggy.  'Get up' - well - sometimes not easy,  'Dress up', whatever that means to you but I find even though it is tempting to go out in my 'comfies'  or at least my gym shoes, it's worth the effort to make an effort, even if it's to add a flattering scarf or an interesting neckpiece.  It is said by the colour experts that you can correct an unflattering colour choice by adding one of your flattering colours in the upper left quadrant.

Get Looped...May 11th
Brighten up your outfit
 with my new loop necklace with pewter pendant. R

http://www.shopatnextdoor.com/

'Show up' is the really important one here as it suggests that there has been some planning to go somewhere, meet someone, perhaps a commitment to engage in an activity.


Tuesday is traditionally a blah day - with rainy Tuesdays the worst - maybe this is because it is situated in a blah  position in the week (Monday is first, Wednesday, the middle, Thursday getting towards the end of the week, Friday, Yeahh.  Tuesday - nothing much really.  Tuesday's activities, in our local paper includes all these exciting activites - well - at least one or two may appeal, and this is before you take advantage of the Evening and Day College, Private clubs etc -  7am - 8-15am - North Sydney Sunrise Rotary, breakfast at Plato Restaurant,  9-30am - 2-30pm: Cards, Bridge, Jigsaw, Internet Access at Neutral Bay: Seniors Community Centre;  10am-11am:  Tai chi for seniors, Crows Nest,  10am - noon: Mah-jong for all;  10am - 2pm: Computer Club; 11-30 - 12-30: Heartmoves gentle exercise;  Noon to 2pm:  lunch at Mosman Square Seniors Centre for $9;  12-45pm - 2pm: Rotary Club Mosman, Horizons Restaurant;  6-30pm Free Tai chi for beginners at Nth Sydney; 6-30- 7-30 Yoga and meditation at St john's Uniting Church, Neutral Bay, 7-30 pm - 8-30pm: Meditation at Mosman Art Gallery and Community Centre  


Off to do some errands,  meet a friend etc so add  scarf and neckpiece and begin surgical process of removing gym shoes - anyone for Tai chi? 
Cheers Clara
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Babyboomer Women enjoy Disposable Time

Dear Babyboomer Women 
OK......    Disposable Time?  What is she talking about -  you ask? 
Perhaps you don't relate because there wasn't any.  We are hardwired to be the carers and keep everything moving forward positively.  Wow - how good are we?
The downside was that we didn't have time to ourselves.

And now we do.  How was it for you?
Cheers Clara





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Dear Babyboomers

I'M BACK! MOB (Mother of the Bride) has returned to Blogsville. The wedding can only be described as fabulous.  How good it is to see one's offspring, happy and fulfilled!   

I sat next to a charming man  - we agreed on most things until he talked about retirement, which of course was a trigger for MOB (after a couple of glasses of excellent vintage wine.)  His words were 'Retirement is God's Waiting Room' or something to that effect, then followed it up with 'Women last longer than men because they don't work as hard'.   
A lively conversation followed - as you can imagine. 

I'll leave the second statement for others to debate, and focus on the first as this is my area of interest.  Since beginning this project of 'Blueprint for Successful Retirement' where discussion and chat contribute towards concepts and strategies towards that end, I feel passionate about the positive aspects of retirement.  Which is actually fabulous because I wasn't feeling that way when I began.  In fact, I had similar negative ideas, thinking phrases like, 'I'm finished',   'I don't have an important role in society any more', I feel invisible out there'.  etc

I see differently now -
There are now over 45 million women on the far side of 50, becoming visible, influential and numerous. Never before, in recorded history have there been so many women with so much competence, experience, independence and resources." Babyboomer women are powerful mentors in today's society. We are the Matriarchs - the female elders - the holders of the wisdom for the next generation. There is dignity and strength in this position." 

But there are some simple ideas and strategies to share with you; in the meantime to leave you with the thought that 'we are not finished - we are just starting' - ie now we have the time to explore and act out many aspects of ourselves.   I can't help but comment on the second remark - women and men traditionally work hard, but the one differing  factor which stands out to me, is that women generally  are left with less disposable time. 
Perhaps this is why we value our retirement - we now have precious, disposable time to ourselves, to decide how we want to spend it. 
Cheers Clara
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Denim Divas are not Dinosaurs

Welcome to my journey as I photograph something I create everyday for a year... RRT




Jurassic Park...April 6th

Woodland creature dons cozy felted hat.



Hi R
You amaze me with your creativity - this is a wonderful hat with so many processes to get to this point - very you colour. Denim Divas look great in hats - I always look twice at a women in a stylish hat and since we lose most of our body heat from our heads, it makes sense to wear one. Most of the time, down under, except for a brief cold period, a hat is vital for sun protection and yet it is not easy to find a flattering hat. I believe we really don't embrace hats enough and this is why there is a limited focus.
I hope the world is looking at your daily blog with the same interest and amazement as me. THE WEDDING is this Saturday and even though I am not at the helm, my headspace is taken up with the surrounding detail. When the happy event is over, and the dust settles, yes, we will engage the world. Denim divas are not dinosaurs! And we like to be noticed - so wear more hats.


Love Clara


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Young People Look at our World with Fresh Eyes

Dear Babyboomers - My Week -
Anzac Day, our national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand, commemorated by both countries on 25 April every year to honour members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who fought at Gallipoli in Turkey during World War I. It now more broadly commemorates all those who died and served in military operations for their countries.
Good to see young people embracing the ANZAC spirit.

Sometimes the simplest techniques are the most effective. Like the simple activities that grandparents often do with the little people in their lives, like going on a ferry ride to the city. We did this, taking along a cut lunch, sat on upturned milk crates and watched the street entertainment at Circular Quay. Another world opens up for the children and we are young again looking through their fresh eyes.



Cheers Clara


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Babyboomers - have your say - it's easy and valued

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Dear Babyboomers
COG - Crazy ole Gals - The point of this post is that if you would like to contribute the occasional comment to brighten up our days, it is easy and uncomplicated.  We would love some feedback 
Being creatives we need this to boost ego,  so please just 'say your piece'. Use another name such as  - Dragonfly (taken) or whatever expresses how you feel or think. 
R wrote - www.lynda.com on line course for support re web stuff is amazing.  Wish you were here. I do all this alone. No one to brain storm with. I have a cool product with my tattooed denim, just hard to get it out there. Also still looking for the source for the jeans. Long story.

Clara  - I have been introduced to www.lynda.com  before and consider it to be a fabulous way to get to know how to communicate on the net or how to email /blog etc. 
Like you I have done it alone   - I attended a local evening college which said "Start your own website" which sounded like fun BUT perhaps  code for-  "Doing your own brain surgery"-  Somehow I went there but you don't have to.  I do know that the best way to learn is by doing. Years of teaching have taught me this - when you are challenged to teach a subject you are unfamiliar with, which happens often with the world changing so rapidly, you learn the lessons quickly, sometimes only being one step ahead. (OK with children but on shaky ground with adults). But you have to sound as tho you know the lot - I basically supported myself and my children by teaching casually until I finally landed a full time job back in Primary School Teaching. I used to think,"I have to be the leader of the band - without knowing what tune they are playing". Tricky stuff - has left a few scars - still have nightmares about riotous, unprepared classroom situations. Long story. I too wish I was there talking - but the good part is we probably share more ideas this way than if we lived in the same place, because COGGERS are never alone. What is important is to communicate and understand how others feel - which is love - which is life. This I know  - when a four year old really looks at you with total candour, tells you the truth, then tucks his hand into yours.  Priceless.
Love Nonna Clara

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Babyboomer Women in Fashion Mode with Change of Season

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Dear Babyboomers
I am now in fashion mode - change of season does it to me every time. Easter heralds the change - out with the whites, (well - not the jeans) and in with the jackets - Yeahhh!  So much more style and softer light (you guys over there don't have to put up with the same harsh scrutiny that us Gals Down Under  have to endure.)

R's amazing daily creative contribution which she makes every day!

Turquoise and stone choker.


I love this bold choker of turquoise and stone. I plan to wear it with an oversized tee and a pair of skinny jeans. I like to think of it as a "fitness" neck piece, kind of like a weight belt that you wear when you're out for a jog, designer jewelry that helps you fit in your jeans.
Clara - Your description showcases the absolute essence of Babyboomer dressing. Your fashion hints are welcomed. As are your technical hints - the notsotech leading the notsotech, but enjoying our ability to communicate.
Love C



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If you're going to wear jeans, eat leafy greens! Thai style.

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Dear Babyboomers
R wrote - The Asian Spinach dish sounds delicious. I need a conversion chart for grams and ml.  I'm having a version of the "home alone meal" again tonight, sauteed greens with cheese ravioli. Sorry, no recipe for the rav's as I picked them up at the local grocery after an exhausting and frustrating day of selling jeans. If you're going to wear jeans, it helps to eat leafy greens!


Clara - Yes, still on the leafy greens - and I am still passionate, because my favourite meal of all time is warm salads.  However a good combination is exactly how you described your meal - take away whatever, served with our own leafy greens etc.
Re - conversion chart - yes it will be there - however, Clara is not precise in her measurements - more into the creative blending of flavours, with some guidance as to the content, but as the mood takes her.

Salad greens  usually eaten raw. In general, the darker the color, the more nutritious. romaine lettuce has 8 times the vitamin A and 6 times the vitamin C as iceberg lettuce. When you have a choice, a variety of greens is always best, as each has its own constellation of nutrients.
The best salad dressings have healthful oils such olive oil,  as Soy and corn oil have a lot of omega-6 oil, and it is best to steer away from them for the most part, as many nutrition experts feel we consume too much omega-6 fat.



It's easy to make your own dressing right in the bowl. Start with vinegar, lemon juice, or lime juice - add salt, pepper and seasonings as desired, and whisk in some oil (about three times the oil as vinegar- although I tend to go for a significantly lower ratio of oil.



Tonight's salad, after a drink or two at the Rowers
 Either pumpkin or kumera (sweet potato), Red or green capsicum, whatever else is in the frig- cut into pieces, lightly coated with olive oil and either salt and pepper or Thai seasoning or whatever - and baked quickly in the oven.
Make my favourite dressing of equal amounts of Thai Fish Sauce, Thai sweet Chilli sauce and lime juice.
Line a salad dish with our lovely leaves, plus coriander and mint - add cooked veges  plus a sliced cucumber, then add dressing.  Garnish with fresh herbs.
Tonight I served this delicious salad with oven baked fish - coated equal ratio of soy sauce, wasabi  and lime juice.

Cheers Clara


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Babyboomers benefit from eating green leaves.

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Clara says 'Eat More Green Leaves'  because we are grazers. Leafy green vegetables are like the 'little black dress' of the vegetable world. They go with just about everything and they’re appropriate for every occasion,
Green leaves are perhaps the most anti-ageing of all foods and since I am passionate about my greens, once I start on them I seem to need to give all the good news. (below)

Obviously, the best way to eat greens is uncooked, fresh from the garden, with Spinach or Rocket being my favourites because of their versatility. They can be stir fried in a little olive oil, wilted by steaming for a very short time, but I love them when added to cooked vegetables, at the last minute for extra colour and super nutrition.

Sichuan Style Spinach or Green Leaves
30g peanut oil
20 black peppercorns
4 dried red chillies
2 garlic cloves
2 bunches  English spinach
Sea salt
30ml chinese wine
Dash sesame oil
Heat oil over medium heat, add groundpeppercorns and chilli until fragrant.  Remove, add garlic, then wine, salt, spinach and cook until wilted and liquid nearly evaporated.  Add seasoning, and chilli.



It was common for our ancient ancestors to eat up to six pounds of leaves per day, ie  a grocery bag full of greens each and every day?  Calorie for calorie, they are perhaps the most concentrated source of nutrition of any food. They are a rich source of minerals (including iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium) and vitamins, including vitamins K, C, E, and many of the B vitamins. They also provide a variety of phytonutrients including beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which protect our cells from damage and our eyes from age-related problems, can help prevent age-related cognitive decline and may also reduce your risk of skin canceramong many other effects. Dark green leaves even contain small amounts of Omega-3 fats.
Almost Carb-Free, with the carbs that are there packed in layers of fibre, which make them very slow to digest.


Perhaps the star of these nutrients is Vitamin K. A cup of most cooked greens provides at least nine times the minimum recommended intake of Vitamin K, and even a couple of cups of dark salad greens usually provide the minimum all on their own. Recent research has provided evidence that this vitamin may be even more important functions.
Vitamin K
•Regulates blood clotting
•Helps protect bones from osteoporosis
•May be a key regulator of inflammation, and may help protect us from inflammatory diseases including arthritis.
Fat-soluble vitamin, so make sure to put dressing on your salad, or cook your greens with oil.
Quick-cooking Greens
These greens can either be eaten raw or lightly cooked. Six cups of raw greens become approximately one cup of cooked greens and take only a few minutes to cook. Spinach, Chard,  Rocket, Beet Greens, Dandelion greens, Sorrel and Cabbage belong in this category. 
Greens should be dry or almost dry, after washing; store in a bag with as much of the air pushed out as you easily can. I like to put a barely damp paper towel in for just the right amount of moisture. Then, put them in the vegetable drawer of your fridge.



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Fitwithmyjeans by eating leafy greens

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Thursday, April 8, 2010



Leafy Greens with Herbed Chicken - a treat for waistline


Dear Babyboomers
If we are to 'fitwithmyjeans', we need to cut down on this bacon etc that G is cooking and bring out the greens.


R's favorite home alone meal after a holiday weekend of too much food, wine and song.Makes enough for 2 pounds of chicken. Published May 1, 2009. From Cook's Illustrated.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts should be marinated for no less than 30 minutes and no more than 1 hour. Skin-on, bone-in chicken should be marinated for at least 45 minutes and no longer than 90 minutes.

Ingredients
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon minced fresh herbs , such as tarragon, chives, basil, or parsley
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
3 medium garlic cloves , minced or pressed through garlic press (about 1 tablespoon)
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon table salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons water

Instructions


Whisk together ingredients in medium bowl. Place marinade and chicken in gallon-sized zipper-lock bag; press out as much air as possible and seal bag. Depending on chicken type, refrigerate 30 to 90 minutes (see note), flipping bag halfway through to ensure that chicken marinates evenly.


Grill or bake marinated chicken breasts
Serve on a bed of leafy green spinach and organic wheat pasta sprinkled with parmesan.

Sorry G, but not every meal can be from the Silver Spoon.


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Lovely Specialty of the North Woods under question from Down Under

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Dear Babybomers

Today's post is dedicated to food since G is home from Vietnam  and feeling the need for a good Aussie / Italian meal which was deliciously tasty.

However I am not so sure about the 'lovely specialty of the North Woods of Wisconsin.' You say that it is vegetarian but my fertile imagination can see a mouse in there, right in the middle!  See the nose and the eyes? I enlarged it so others could make up their minds. And what is a very large mouse nest - is there only one lonely mouse because a nest usually has others there too, in which case it would be a Mice nest (I think)? By the way, what is the plural of a computer mouse? Very intriguing. Please explain. R wrote -
Recipe
start with one very large mouse nest
add garlic and olive oil, toss gently
set grill on high for 3 minutes
reduce heat and grill for 10 minutes
serve with white wine

Other bloggers can make up their own minds about this! I rest my case.
Now food for the returning veteran -
G has only been home for a short time and is already cooking from his bible, 'The Silver Spoon', Page 745, Roast Leg of Lamb. Wonderful aromas were circulating as this delicious dish was oven roasted (of course), with fresh herbs (more the merrier).  G served the lamb with baked potatoes, carrots, peas and beans.  He loves these vegetables and when he first ate from my table, he was very suspicious of what he called my 'designer vegetables' (anything that wasn't potato, carrots or beans).  However I now have him trained in this way, but he would die rather than cook eggplant himself and would be very suspicious of your lovely grilled dinner (as I am)

Roast Leg of Lamb    Cosciotto Arrosto
2kg / 4 lb leg of lamb
80g / 3oz pancetta, cut into strips (or bacon)
Fresh Sage leaves, Rosemary -  they say 1 tablespoon of each (but the more the merrier)
Olive Oil for brushing
4 garlic cloves, chopped
5 tbsp white wine vinegar
5 tbsp white wine
S & P
baby spi nach leaves to serve

Using a small pointed knife, make small incisions and insert fresh sage and rosemary.  Brush lamb with oil, place in oven dish and season with S & P.  Wrap pancetta or bacon around lamb, sprinkle with garlic and rosemary, pour on the vinegar and wine and roast for 1 1/2 hours, basting halfway through.  Serve with baby spinach salad.
Please tell Roberto I think he has a promising modelling career ahead
Cheers Clara


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Looking back at our youth and ahead at our future - a perfect circle - like the seasons

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'Memoirs of a Babyboomer' looks back at our youth
and ahead to the future by tracing the decades.

Dear Babyboomers
R from www.shopatnextdoor.com , Wisconsin,  wrote in answer to my question, "What does March coming in like a lion" mean?  Now I understand.    The process of change from bleak winter to soft vibrant spring can only be described as a Renaissance -  I now understand Spring Festivals.  I wanted to dance around a maypole or write poetry or whatever it took, to celebrate and express the colouring in of such a bleak landscape.

Your reply to 'March coming in like a Lion' describes the Creative Process perfectly, where it starts to have a mind of it's own, seemingly without beginning or end - a circle, or a mobius.
Cheers Clara
ps - G has only been home for a short time and is already cooking from his bible, 'The Silver Spoon', Page 745, Roast Leg of Lamb. Wonderful aromas are circulating - he tells me that it will NOT be served with rice, after three weeks in Vietnam. Will post details tomorrow.


March Coming in like a Lion

So, yeah, you probably don't deal with this down under in March. It refers to March coming in like a lion, strong and cold and miserable and going out like a lamb, warm and soft and pleasant. That's exactly what it did this year.
I was down by our creek and the grass hummocks looked like lion's manes to me and it was warm and windy. It's interesting this journey I am on. At first the piece created the photo which created the title. Then the title started to create the piece which created the photo. Now as I rediscover our property, the photo is creating the title which is creating the piece.


The whole process is recreating me. I love the concept of looking both ways, back at our youth and ahead at our future. I also love the idea of one woman's junk is another woman's treasure. Kind of like Roberto and me
Love R


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Babyboomer women enjoying the freedom of wearing pearls with their jeans

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"Memoirs of a Babyboomer"

traces the decades we have experienced.

Dear R and other Babyboomers

I hope you have all had a relaxing Easter holiday.

Thanks R for the Easter photos especially the bonnets.  Roberto looks particularly fetching in his.

It's Easter Monday, G is back bearing beautiful gifts of natural pearls .  It used to be that we only wore pearls with a twinset, or when you were going somewhere very fancy - it's great that there is so much more freedom over the full range of jewellry, and I adore the way you put unlikely partners together to form your beautiful pieces.

G has already fixed all the things which broke down while he was in Vietnam - the computer needed the battery underneath jiggled (I could have done that since I am good at jiggling), my daughter must have turned off the hairdryer, at a secret plug that I didn't know about, and my phone just fixed itself.  So all's well!  We are going out for a juicy steak this evening since G is tired of Asian food.  I actually don't think that I would ever tire of it, and have been going rather heavy on the Thai takeaway while G was away. I am wearing my pearls with my white jeans and new flat and comfortable, black  HushPuppies which will be comfortable when broken in.
Cheers Clara

Welcome to my journey as I photograph something I create everyday for a year... RRT



Easter Egg Hunt...April 3rd

Necklace of beads that remind me of dyed eggs.
















In Our Easter Bonnet...April 4th



I am a day ahead with this post, however I know it's Easter down under. This is the perfect Easter bonnet for the north woods. Love R & R

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Beyond the shoulder piece for wisconsin glamour

Dear Babyboomers
Very pretty  beyond the shoulder, spring piece.  Lovely to see less snow and more happening re renaisassance of environment.
 Welcome to my journey as I photograph something I create everyday for a year... RRT

Neutral Zone...April 2nd















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How do we bridge the gap?

Dear Babyboomers
I've been to a lovely social gathering this evening.  Old mates enjoying the balmy Autumn weather, in an elegant backyard setting.  Met up with old friends from way back, as a special male friend of mine, was revisiting. 
Being old friends it was gratifying to share some real stuff.  And we did.  Like where we are at and where we are going, and how we can help each other to get there.

What was really good for me tho was talking to several women, who had experienced similar situations to me.  There was a real connection there when I mentioned the importance of connections with women and how this can happen over the net.  However, my empathic friend, said - What is blogging?   
This is the barrier -  How do we bridge the gap?  We can't  - is the answer, - only time will take us there.  However, what we can do is live in the momento - and engage those gorgeous gals out there.
Cheers Clara


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If the Hat fits, wear it.

Hi Guys
Hats are like shoes - they define us.  A shoe can reveal the person - the red shoe, the deadly high, the sports shoe, etc.  The hat has not been so much of a feature, unfortunately, in our time frame.  Of course there are functional hats, or hats which define where you are at, etc.  The statement "If the hat fits, wear it' I like - it gives an element of choice.  It also brings up  De Bono's  theory  of putting on various hats.  The Yellow Hat for positive thinking, the Black Hat for the negative aspect, etc, with the wonderful capacity for all of  us to have the capacity to don a particular hat to work out a problem.
Cheers Clara


Welcome to my journey as I photograph something I create everyday for a year... RRT

April Fool's Hat...April 1st
April Fools. If the hat fits, wear it. I embellished this hat with beautiful brass bells that I have been saving for years for just such an occasion. They will not only see you coming, but hear you as well. I added extras like earrings made by yours truly and a necklace of bells and the key to my heart.

Look Both Ways - Keep Fit and Flexible Babyboomers

Dear R and other Babyboomers
Look both ways - sooo important.  Clara - Now here I can comment. Firstly we could dedicate many posts to looking both ways. Better to have a 'Viewing Point" than a 'Point of View."  New Successful Retirement  idea to add.
Re - In Like a Lion - Out Like a Lamb - this feels like a concept I should know but have somehow missed out.  Please  explain. Welcome to my journey as I photograph something I create everyday for a year... RRT
It's your turn for beautiful weather and I know you will enjoy it. We have had soft rain here which is a relief.
Recycling is another passion of mine. You put it together so creatively. Everything Old is New Again. You know, philosophy is maybe where the middle ground lies.
Cheers Clara



In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb...March 31st

The weather is beautiful and the forecast perfect for the weekend. Necklace of amber, stone and smoky quartz.


















It Pays to Look Both Ways...March 30th

Necklace of odds and ends, one woman's junk is another one's treasure



















To view or add comment, click on comments at bottom of page or send an email -
clara@babyoomerconnections.com.au
 or visit my website at http://www.babyboomer.auconnections.com.au/

Happy Easter from Down Under to Creative Wisconsin.

Dear Babyboomers and others
Easter, renewal of spirit and hope.  One of the differences between Australia  and USA, is that you generally  have a stronger Christian ethic than us.  Despite that fact, you don't celebrate Easter with as many Easter holidays as we do.  Australia has been called the 'land of the long weekend',  economic debate still rages,  but I think, it makes us fortunate for many reasons, family being one.   But, you ask,  why do I go there? 
Because R and I met up again (through Facebook) after 30 years to find that we were still the same people with the similar interests and aspirations we formerly shared.  We find that to be very gratifying and meaningful so we have been blogging ever since.  Being creatives, we find it interesting to compare our lives, as Babyboomers, and we would like to involve you in our journey. 
What evolved was a renewal of our friendship, and a fascination re where those years have taken us, and how our attitudes and aspirations have lined up, despite living in different countries and obviously having differing life experiences. 
COG - became our word - 'Crazy ole Gals', derived from Blog, but the special aspect of COGGING  came from Co-blogging, where I am a COG in R's wheel and she in mine.

We have come to the realisation that women of all ages share this aspect of supporting each other, and it is this aspect we are now exploring - how we bridge the gap, share 'Secret Women's Business' (SWB) with our beautiful daughters.  Here is a magnificent opportunity for women to blend our ideas and concepts - and teach each other, wisdoms which span the generations.
Beautiful daughters - "We give you the gift of our experience", and perhaps pass on the secrets re still fitting into your jeans.
With love, and Happy Easter. 
 Welcome to my journey as I photograph something I create everyday for a year... RRT

Out for a Walk...March 29th

Out for a walk scarf of loom knit chenille, printed and screened because everyone needs a friend.



Clara - love you little walking friends - they are universal.
















Wild Thing...March 28th

Necklace of wood and silver

Clara - the combination of wood and silver is an  amazing contrast.

http://www.shopatnextdoor.com/




To view or add comment, click on comments at bottom of page or send an email - clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au
or visit my website at http://www.babyboomerconnections.com.au/

Festive Eggplant just thrown together.

Dear Babyboomers and others

R wrote "Have you ever had one of those days when you're hungry but don't want to leave home? The closest market is 20 minutes from our house. So I started with ingredients and The Silver Spoon. Just threw this together with odds and ends and page 514. Lovely.                 

Clara - G would say "How can Eggplant be Festive?  It is a designer vegetable - it is not real, like carrots and beans.  But because I am married to a creative woman, I eat it and enjoy it, but let me tell you, when I cook, there ain't no eggplant or whatever you call it  - Aubergine!!!, a made up name even."     
Clara - Yes I know exactly what you mean  - sometimes I need to just use whatever is in the frig.  When G first started to cook once a week, he used to say things like "Where are the carrots, beans, etc, why don't we have any ?????? etc;  it took a while, but when I explained that the best cooks use whatever is in the frig and that this is a measure of their culinary creativity, we moved forward.  Once a week, towards the end of the week I cook exactly this way, in order to clear the produce for the next week.

Festive Aubergines  - to serve 4
Preheat oven 180C - 350 F - Brush an ovenproof dish with olive oil.  Slice 4 small eggplants lengthways without cutting all the way through (cut off the stalk first).  Place alternate slices of tomato (4 large),  and mozzarella cheese thinly sliced, (250 g/9 oz) between each eggplant slice and the next.
Mix together, 2 garlic cloves (finely chopped), parsley and basil and sprinkle over, drizzle with olive oil, S & P.  Cover with foil - bake 45 mins.  Serve with juices on top.  
Chow Clara        

Looks scrumptious

 
To view or add comment, click on comments at bottom of page or send an email - clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au
 or visit my website at http://www.babyboomerconnections.com.au/

Technology - we love you when you work - at other times you bring me out in a rash.

Dear Babyboomers
You probably think that I am a Tech Head - nothing is further from the truth!
I embrace Internet / Blog because it is a marvellous tool for communication.  However, I struggle with the technology and  it would not be possible for me to do it without my darling troubleshooter who, doesn't and won't involve himself in my stuff, but is always there to sort out when things don't work in a general sense. But he is in Vietnam.  I actually can't even send emails or love messages to him or to my COGGERS,  so things are desperate.

So, now when I  try to connect via email - it ain't working even tho I have spent most of my day attempting to get there.
Technology - we always feel  on thin Ice - we love you when you work, but we are confused when suddenly you seem to change the rules or go sideways.  But, you are there and we need to move with you - we don't need to know everything - just what works to help us to achieve  Successful Retirement. (and where is spellcheck for blogger?)

Had a great day re wedding stuff and an evening  at the Rowers listening to music, with a few dances as well.  SR involves connecting with family / friends of all ages, live music and energy and having fun.

I adore the hammered pewter - it must be physically demanding - love the big pieces - great to make a statement for Babyboomer women.

Cheers Clara

Welcome to my journey as I photograph something I create everyday for a year... RRT

On Thin Ice...March 27th
Yes, that's ice in the birdbath. We went from the 60's down to the 30's. At least there's sunshine today.
Neck piece of jadeite and hammered pewter links.











To view or add comment, click on comments at bottom of page or send an email - clara@babyboomerocnnections.com.au
or visit my website at http://www.babyboomerconnections.com.au/