Late 40s, menopausal and fading

[Swedes2]

I haven't as yet submitted to the full beard and elasticated waistband trousers. But heck, it's hard isn't it? I absolutely love clothes, make-up, and all that shit.... but I am becoming more and more interested in my garden (not a euph). Last night I went to the garage to buy milk in my gardening clothes.

Anyone else going through the same thing? Have you any tips you can share?

KM have booked a massage but would ransack this place for painkillers / muscle relaxants if I thought there were any . . . .

Second (or third?) the recommendations for sonic-type toothbrush. I had one and I should really get another. Never "scrub" the gums, however, whatever you're using. Had a friend who had to get gum transplants and apparently it was very rough.

'who was it that said aqueous cream thinned skin? ffs. no wonder my hands look like shite. it's all i've been using on them for years! '

That was me -- read it on MN of course. I did a quick google and there seemed to have been a recent study which claimed the detergents in it progressively thin the skin.

Thank you to ZZMum for the app - will think about downloading it!

OMG - I joined the C25K page on Facebook. As well as some lovely and encouraging comments, I now also have someone praying for me.

I didn't think I was that bad...

Oh can I join in? 45 and feeling deciedly saggy, esp about the midriff. DP and I decided to start a diet at the weekend. We took the DC out yesterday, he nipped into Tescos to buy a picnic and came out with...two sausage rolls, a pork pie and a bag of doughnuts . Thing is, we don't normally eat like that at all. We're actually relatively healthy.
I've bought my omega oil this morning. Running shoes next. I hate running. Would happily walk for miles and miles but I loathe running.

LOL @ being prayed for.

midnight - Welcome aboard. We are starting couch to 5K on Monday are you in?

Z - thanks for the link to the app.

what is it with men and doughnuts? My dh buys loads of them. I wouldn't mind if I actually liked them very much.

I did a search on my iPhone for C25K and downloaded one called Get Running - I think it was a bit cheaper, but not sure.

Hey Swedes, just noticed it is your thread.

Yes, OK, I'm in.

Though next week is a blimmin PITA with bank hol, INSET and polling day all in the one week. I'll just have to brave the streets after the DC go to bed. Do you think they do running shoes with blades that come out of the heels like in the car in Grease?

You know, more wine, and not less, might be the solution too. Lots more wine...

I gave up wine in Jan and took up running - gained weight..

Still running and now drinking - losing weight ..

Go figure the choice I made!

Arrived late here, but definitely fit the profile!

Just wondering what hairdos everyone here has. It is time to chop off my long hair. Twice I've had blokes peer at me out of vans as they've driven past only to recoil back into the cab when they see that I'm an old bird. My first grey hair was discovered during Easter week. And dh has taken to singing "Here I go again on my own" (David Coverdale) when I wear my hair down.

I know if I go to the hairdressers they'll brandish the scissors and just give me the middle-aged mum cut (that flicky sort of layered hairdo) - but what alternative is there?

A word of warning: I had my long hair cut and the hairdresser told me it would look "young and fresh". It didn't. It aged me (more) instantly. I am growing it back and hoping I'll be able to rock some kind of elder-stateswoman chignon/bun affair instead...

Is it possible to rock a bun?

I have convinced myself that it is. I'm sure PJ Harvey's had a bun at some point... although I was thinking more Eleanor Bron...

I wear a low chignon type messy bun most days I like it and it is kind of ageless

Only just found this thread, and love it. I'm almost 43 and have been through a bit of a slump recently (3 small children, dh out of work twice in 18 months, family problems and health issues) and my face seems to have slumped with me. I have, however, pretty much sorted out my dreadful age-related PMS with progesterone cream and a huge number of supplements which is great as I was losing at least 10 days amonth to grrrrr. Plus I have recently gone back to WOH after a decade freelancing from the kitchen table. Being out with grownups has really helped and made me feel like making a bit more effort with my looks. I lost the final baby weight (the "baby" is nearly 6 now ) last summer and have managed to keep it off, but now all my clothes look rubbish. I got out my summer stuff at the weekend and almost cried - the nice stuff is too big and the rest of it is stained and droopy.

I need to exercise more, get a few new things to wear (not much as dh still not gainfully employed) and finally get around to going and getting teeth whitening stuff.

I could discuss my facial hair issues, but then I really would cry.

Hi Wilbur,

I am really inyterested in how did you sored out your pms what supplements worked ?
I too have sorted out summer stuff and found it iis all too garish and worn looking. Tips on key items for Summer would be good ( on a budget) . Really interesting thread

More new crepeys. Who'd have thought there was so much of it about.

Arf @ BIWT being prayed for. perhaps wthat's what we need. Divine intervention.

Couch to 5k - can I just point out you don't need an i-anything!

I downloaded a few podcasts onto DS1's cheap MP3 player and that works just fine. OK, no fancy app to tell you where you've been, but if you just want the timings and a background soundtrack of motivating music then that'll do just fine. Try:

The original and best Californian Robert Ullrey

The helium-powered Suz

Or the quietly efficient NHS

BIWI - if you are puffed out on Day 1, then maybe run a little bit slower (if that's possible ). Really really slow, as long as you are not actually going backwards. You can build the speed up later.

Tanterose - I have the teeth problem too - as well as using sensitive toothpaste (which, shock horror, actually does what it says on the tin) I get the dentist to paint on some fluoride solution to the sensitive areas - it blocks up the tiny holes and the effects last for a while.

What else?? Hair-do?? Hair-don't, more like. I have much the same as I've had for years (layers, shoulder length) but perversely am growing it longer. The greys are not too prevalent, but DH has pointed out on several occasions that they are multiplying.

you are all being very norty about BIWIs new cyber friend who is praying for her [wags finger]. it is meant to be supportive & kind and this is a support thread , n'est pas? if you cant be nice you will have to stand in the corner

i have been to the gym 3 times in 4 days. i am exhausted lithe and gorgeous. not doing so well on cutting out the wine though

can i ask you omega 3 experts what its supposed to do? i would ask kerry but i expect she has forgotten

pagwatch what were you wearing when you got all these complimenst on your outfit? i am having a mid season clothing crisis - its freezing up here despite the sun. too cold for bare legs but opaques look silly.

CV - believe me, I wasn't running at any kind of speed! I'm just old, overweight and knackered!

KristinaM you are quite right.

I got the dental hygienist to show me how to floss properly (no question too stupid, that's me), which has made a difference...

also discovered the tape stuff as opposed to the thinner floss, which I always managed to cut myself to shreds with

Where;s good for dwnloading running music at a specific beat?I need something long and trancelike to listen to. Am a bit fed up of my ageing hippy/rocker/Motown soundtrack (although you can't beat Theme from Rocky or Whole Lotta Love when you start out!)