Sunday, February 18, 2007

Help, My Body is Under Attack!

My doctor said the weight gain was a result of my metabolism slowing down. She said it was one of the symptoms of perimenopause and part of the aging process. But there was good news according to her. “Just cut back on your calorie intake, Beverly, and exercise,” she said. “That will keep your weight under control.” Oh, that’s just great. Not only do I have to eat like a bird but then I have to sweat like a pig in the gym!

Weight gain and hot flashes were my introduction into the world of menopause. As soon as I knew what I was experiencing had a name attached to it other than “lunatic”, I started doing research because I wanted to know more about what I could expect physically and even mentally. I discovered weight gain begins primarily during perimenopause. It is estimated that a woman may gain a pound a year during this time.

It is believed that hormone levels associated with menopause are not the sole cause of weight gain. However, aging and lifestyle does play a major role in how your body changes over the course of time. The reasons are that menopausal women tend to exercise less; eat more; and burn fewer calories. The result is a shift in the composition of your body which results in more fat and less muscle as your metabolism slows down. It is no surprise that genetics most definitely contribute to weight gain. If your parents are on the heavy side, chances are you or one of your siblings will inherit that particular body type as well.

While we all know that weight gain can cause health problems, excess weight gain during menopause increases the chance of developing serious conditions. Studies have shown that women who gain in excess of 20 pounds after menopause increase their breast cancer risk by nearly 20 percent. On the other hand, women who lose weight after menopause can reduce their risk of breast cancer by that much and more. It is estimated that women who lose 20 pounds after menopause reduce their breast cancer risk by as much as 23 percent.

In order to maintain a healthy body and reduce the risk of weight gain after menopause, a proper diet regimen combined with exercise is the answer. Exercise increases the metabolism, which allows you to burn fat. In addition, strength training exercises increase muscle mass, which not only boost your metabolism but strengthens your bones as well. Anyone who is on a diet and exercise program knows this to be true.

We all have to deal with the changes in our bodies; there is no escaping that fact. The ugly truth is as we get older; parts of our body will sag; shrink, and expand. Perhaps the trick is to not worry about what you can’t control, but to control the things you can.

One more thing…..my doctor said during menopause I could even lose my desire for sex. Loss of libido is what she called it. Well, I don’t know about you, but I sure hope it doesn’t happen to me because I’d hate to think I wasted the best years of my sex life on my ex!

Portions of this blog are a part of my book "Whatever! A Baby Boomer's Journey Into Middle Age. It is available on Amazon.com

Friday, February 16, 2007

Ten Tips to Help You Live to be Drama Free at Midlife

10. Write a list of goals you'd like to achieve. Focus on what you know you can do well. Don’t try to be a “jack-of-all-trades-master-of-none.

9. Say “no” instead of “yes”. I had to learn this one. You can’t be all things to all people so instead of trying to please everybody—just do what you know you can do and forget about the rest. The worst mistake you can make is to say “yes” and then fail to do what you promised because you’ve said yes once too often.

8. Stop being a slave to communication tools. How many phones do you really need in order to communicate? Do you really need a home phone, a cellular phone, pager, fax, e-mail and internet ICQ technology?

7. Stop spending time to save money. Instead, spend money to save time. Don't drive across town to save a few cents on a grocery item. It's not worth your time.

6. Cancel subscriptions to magazines you never get around to reading. How many magazines do you have cluttering up your house?

5. Cut back on television time. When you’re sitting glued to the television, chances are more likely that you’re going to snack on junk food. And where does junk food go? Straight to your stomach, hips and thighs! Instead, go for a walk and get some fresh air. Then you come back, take a shower and relax or find some other things to occupy your time.

4. Clean out your garage or your home-based office. If you're not using something, get rid of it. Have a yard sale and make some extra money. Remember, one person’s junk is someone else’s treasure.

3. You don’t need to be a member of every organization. How many groups do you belong to that aren’t contributing to your personal or professional growth? You say “Oh, but they need me.” No, they don’t. There are others who can do what you do—maybe even better. Join a maximum of two groups. One for professional; the other for pleasure or social.

2. Simplify your financial world. For instance, set up automatic bill payments. Include your automatic savings plan as part of your monthly spending. That’s one less headache you’ll have every month.

1. Give yourself some ME time! Plan to spend more time doing things you like to do. Ladies: Get your hair and nails done. Get a pedicure. Go out with girlfriends and share a laugh or two over hot flashes and mood swings. You’ll feel much better after that.


Beverly Mahone writes about issues affecting baby boomers in her book "Whatever! A Baby Boomer's Journey Into Middle Age." For more articles, visit her website at www.talk2bev.com

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Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Baby Boomer Love on Valentine's Day

Out of nearly 400 entries, an essay written by an American wife, mother and grandmother living in Germany, came out on top. The contest was sponsored by Baby Boomer Author Beverly Mahone (Talk2bev.com) and Fabulously40.com. The grand prize winner receives a 3-day, 2-night mini vacation package to one of 26 destinations in the U.S.

"After thirty-two years of marriage, my hubby is still romantic. He doesn’t need to wait for Valentine’s Day to light candles, bring home flowers, cook elaborate dinners or give me a massage…" is how contest winner Angelika Schwarz begins her winning essay. She was one of nearly 400 baby boomer women who submitted entries for the first-of-a-kind contest.

In 250 words or less, baby boomer women were invited to write an essay on what advice they would give baby boomer men to help them prepare for an "exceptionally romantic" Valentine’s Day with their mates. The judges selected for this contest were five baby boomer men who were selected at random by Talks2Bev organizer and baby boomer expert, Beverly Mahone. "I thought it would be a great idea to have middle aged men read what middle aged women are thinking about when it comes to romance," says Ms. Mahone.

After all of the initial entries were read, the field was narrowed down to a total of 11 finalists. Author Debra-Shiveley Welch from Ohio, Author Linda J. Alexander Maryland, Writers Diane Tegarden and Dana Hall California and Nita Lopez of Washington State, Gospel Recording Artist Jenniefer Evans and Author Jaisun McMillian of North Carolina and Poet Eve Hall of Georgia. But in the end, the winning essay came from Angelika Schwarz, a native of Boston, who now makes her home in Germany. Her description of her husband wooed the judges:

"I see in the shadows of the night, his silhouette bending over our grandchild’s crib, as he sings in deep whispered tones an old German lullaby.
Watching him laugh with his sons, till tears of merriment roll down his cheeks.
I see the flicker of admiration and love in his eyes when I just happen to look up at him. I feel the warm palm of his hand, as he lays it on the small of my back as we cross a street."

In addition to Fabulously40.com, other sponsors for the contest were Sonshine Travel, Midlifeheroine.com, Business Resources Podcast Directory, HealthierOutcomes.com, OlderWiserWomen.org, Veriuni All Natural Products, My Little Taste of Italy, The Secrets of Prosperity with Kim Emerson, WECAI Network, Healthy Women’s Network, Gano Excel Coffee & Tally Green.

To view the winners and their essays Ms. Mahone invites you to visit her website at: http://www.talk2bev.com and she laughs and says "Purchase a copy of my book while you’re there!"

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Spice Up Your Romance this Valentine' Day!

Year after year as Valentine’s Day approaches, I hear my middle-aged girlfriends complain about how the spark has gone out of their relationships with the "man of their dreams." They tell me he isn't attentive anymore or he works long hours and then comes home too tired or they even suspect there might be a little "foul play" going on with another woman--and a YOUNGER one at that.

Well, my dear sisters make this Valentine’s Day the day you turn up the heat in the romance department.

Do you know why some older men are sexually attractive to younger women? Because they are adventurous! They have an experimental attitude and don't mind doing what it takes to please their partner.

We were once like that, remember? Well, maybe I should just speak for myself but I recall the days when I couldn't get enough pleasure from my man and he was more than willing to oblige. Has growing older made us become prudish all of a sudden or did we not realize the man we married had an over-active sex drive?

Just because we age doesn't mean the romantic flames have to die does it? The first thing you must ask yourself, honestly, is what did you do to kill the romance if it's gone. If you can honestly say it's not your fault then you need to do a reality check on exactly why you chose the person you're with and if it wasn't for romance, then you shouldn't be complaining at this stage of the game.

There ways to help keep that romance and magic alive. Here are some suggestions that work for this middle aged happily-married woman:

Establish a secret word or a secret phrase between the two of you and decide that every time you say the word, you will share a passionate kiss or a gentle touch. The word might be one that holds a special meaning for the two of you or maybe choose a word that is sexy.

Turn your dinner into a romantic dining experience. It has been said that it is "mood, not food that sets a romantic scene." You don’t need to spend a lot of money for this one. Whether you’re cooking a meal or ordering take out, put some fresh cut flowers in a vase, even if they come from your own yard, and then dim the lights, light some candles, pour some wine and enjoy the ambience. Or maybe even cuddle up on the couch together with some junk food and watch listen to some soft, soothing music.

Speaking of music, why not get up close and personal by dancing cheek-to-cheek with your bodies touching ever so closely? You don’t have to go out for a night on the town to do this. Put on some Luther Vandross or Barry White and let the romance begin—in the kitchen, living room or bedroom. Dancing helps to keep romance alive and it is fun and a way for couples to positively connect with one another.

Touch and kiss each other at every opportunity and this includes those non-sexual moments. Kissing and touching isn’t always about foreplay before sex takes place. And make those kisses passionate! Pecks on the cheek are for children and not for mature lovers.

Try reading sexy literature to each other in bed or when you are cuddled up together on the couch. Take turns being the narrator and if asked to re-read a particularly erotic scene, do so willingly. Fiction can be very romantic if you choose the right books to read. Both the reading and the listening can be very romantic for both parties. Try wearing some alluring lingerie while you read and then listen and stroke your mate as you listen to the sound of his sexy voice as he reads steamy fiction to you in the dark or by candlelight.
Scent is very romantic so wear some of his favorite perfume and spritz a touch of your favorite aromatherapy on your pillow to set the lovemaking mood. Don't be afraid to try something different. Role playing can be very enticing and a lot of fun!

I, personally, love it when my husband writes me a romantic letter because I know it came straight from his heart.

Most importantly, don't be afraid to communicate your desires and try to be as open-minded as you were back then. But don't be afraid to let him know what you don't like. He shouldn't be offended if he wants to please you.

Make this Valentine’s Day be one of fun, fantasy and fulfillment! You may discover, just as I have, that he makes you "hotter" than a "hot flash!"

Beverly Mahone is a veteran journalist and author of the book, “Whatever! A Baby Boomer’s Journey Into Middle Age. For more information, visit her website at http://www.talk2bev.com

Saturday, February 03, 2007

"I Want Some Attention!"

Have you been spinning your wheels trying to get your book or business recognized by more people that just the folks you network with on RYZE or AuthorsDen, MySpace, LinkedIn or Squidoo, etc?

Putting you and your product in the "spotlight" can be overwhelming. BUT IT CAN BE DONE!

Free publicity, sometimes, means breaking away from tradition. Press releases are fine. They serve a purpose but if your press release doesn't capture attention in the first couple of sentences, it goes into the discarded pile. So what should you do when you're hungry for media exposure, especially when you know you've got a great book, product or business and you're excited about it?

Please join me on Thursday, February 8 when I discuss "How to Get Noticed by the Media: Breaking Away from Tradition". This is a follow-up to the call on January 25. Media Experts Raven Blair Davis of WomenPowerRadio in Houston, Louie Jones of the Louie Jones Show in Chicago and Kim Ross, CEO of Kross Media in Washington DC will join me again on Thursday, February 8 at 8pm EST to talk about what it takes for you to get your name and business the exposure it deserves.

Sign up early to guarantee your spot and invite a friend. If you’re on the call on Thursday and decide to sign up for the “Preparing for a Successful Interview” teleclasses, you will be eligible for a special discount.

OK…so here we go again….you can get noticed and we’re gonna tell you how!

To register, contact tonya@womenbizowners.org

Remember, if you WANT exposure then you NEED to be on this call! Even if you were on last Thursday’s call, you might want to sign up again for some NEW information.


Beverly Mahone is a veteran journalist, media consultant and baby boomer expert who helps fellow baby boomers and others make in-roads with the media.

Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Talk2Bev.com & Fabulously40.com Team Up for Valentine's Day

I'm convinced that some men really need help when it comes to knowing how to please their mates on Valentine's Day. And I've decided to help them, along with some help from Fabulously40.com and a few hundred women.

This year I'm teaming up with Fabulously40.com to sponsor the First Annual Baby Boomer Valentine's Day Contest in which baby boomer women will be submitting their thoughts and ideas on what a man needs to do in order to sweep the love of his life off of her feet and give her the most romantic day imaginable.

The judges are five baby boomer men I selected at random. The only person I know in the group is a deacon at my church and I have to tell you, I chose him because of the relationship I have witnessed between him and his wife. The other judges were selected because we are all writers and are connected in one group or another on-line.

It should be interesting because you know we women tend to be very opinionated.

Is Valentine's Day only set aside for young lovers or do baby boomer babes like me get the honor and privilege of being showered with flowers, gifts, love, kisses and a fulfillment of a sexual fantasy? Has age caused us to put the romantic holiday aside because it's "just another day?" Or have we become too wrapped up in other personal or professional matters that we can't appreciate the love that we share?

I remember Valentine's Day when I was younger. The most beautiful gift I ever received was a heart shaped necklace that came from my first high school boyfriend. You know the kind that is split in two with both of your names on each half? It had such sentimental value because he was not the romantic type at all. The fact that took the time and went out to find a necklace like that for me meant more than words can express here. I kept it for many years.

These days I treasure the love I share with my second husband. He is all that I could ever want and more. He is my soul mate. Everyday is Valentine's Day with him and I thank God for the hook-up!

If I were entering the contest I would give this advice: Show your mate the same consistent, passionate love each and every day so she will tell her girlfriends, as I often do, that EVERYDAY is Valentine's Day in our home.

You can get all the details for the contest by going to my website and clicking on Valentine Contest and then submitting your entry to:

babyboomervalentine@gmail.com:

I might also add that there will be ten (10) winners selected with the GRAND PRIZE WINNER receiving a mini vacation package, courtesy of Sonshine Travel. Other sponsors include: Business Resources Podcast Directory, Women's E Commerce International, A Little Taste of Italy, Healthier Outcomes.com, Tally Green & Gano Excel Healthy Coffee, Tasha Beckman & SendOutCards, The Secrets of Prosperity, etc.

I don't know about you but I'm glad to have lived long enough to appreciate what it means to truly love and to have that Special "I love you" Valentine feeling throughout the year.

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

What do you give a Baby Boomer for Christmas?

Baby Boomers have acquired quite a few Christmas gifts...just by the mere fact that we've lived more than 40 (plus) years already. Some of those gifts have been duplicated. Some we didn't like and just passed on to some other poor unsuspecting soul.

Every year thousands of Christmas gifts are “re-gifted.” The truth of the matter is our friends and loved ones don't always buy gifts we like but we just smile and say "thank you" because we know it came from their heart. Many people get gifts they don't want, don't need or don't like. Those people sometimes pass those gifts on to someone else.

In a survey conducted last year, nearly 40 percent of the respondants said they re-gifted a present they didn't particularly care for. Why?

1) It wasn't the right size size.
2) They didn't like the color.
3) It looked "cheesy"
4) They already had one.
5) It was a fruitcake!

If you want to make sure your present will be appreciated and used this year by the baby boomer in your life, purchase a copy of “Hope for the Holidays.”

This CD Project is a combination of Spoken Word & Music and is also “personalized” to the recipient with a special poem. It's a project I personally created.

Instead of re-wrapping it and giving it away to some unsuspecting soul, your loved ones will “Thank You” and play it for their friends while complimenting you for giving them such an inspiring and unique gift.

Order your copy now by going to: http://www.talk2bev.com/holiday.htm

And the best part of it all is the price is UNDER $10!!!!

Passing the Torch from Baby Boomers to Millennials to Gen Z

Whether baby boomers can accept it or not, a changing of the guard has taken place with  millennials and the up and coming Gen Z generations...