Personal Best: Top Five Blog Posts of 2007 + Two

While it is true somewhatfortyplus+ is one of the new kids in the big blogosphere, it has been a good run with several viewers, a few comments, and a general feeling of accomplishment. A look back brings the most read posts to the top for one more round. These are the most popular, as determined by Google's stat counter. If you had another personal favorite, so did I, but you can't argue with statistics.

Not my daughter's jeans was the most popular article, but knowing the struggles faced to look good in jeans, once you wear a pair of these slimming jeans you won't go back to yours, and you will never wear mom jeans again. This post had the most readers ever!

Creating a good looking holiday floral arrangement got easier with step by step directions anyone could follow. Easy, sophisticated and fool proof, this post came in second as most popular.

The third most read post was Combating the visible signs of aging , which has to be a priority for men and women alike. This product is actually remarkable, getting the job done, and while skeptical at first, I am grateful today. More to follow.

The saga of cleaning lady antics with broken glass was discussed in Tiffany cup no more - the fourth most read post of 2007. Of course this problem was resolved in Tiffany Delivers.

And Cashmere: How Soft Though Art came in fifth, thanks to cold temps, the anti-itch factor of cashmere, and probably several readers in snow filled Chicagoland. While these posts had the most readers, two not mentioned were the most fun to write, creating that fabulous sought after feeling of accomplishment we all desire. Blogger Boy, the antics of a blog writer, was inspirational in that BB encouraged this blog. But the best, most fun, and my all time favorite gives heed to the blogosphere and all of its benefits in Blogging High. Give it a read.

So while end of year statements are over done, almost to the point of becoming trivial, not here, and not now. If the past year wasn't your best, the new year is yours for the claiming. I'm filled with do-able resolutions, optimism, and a blogging high. Happy New Year!

Photo attribution: somewhatfrank

Story Updates

Previously written posts cry out for updates, bringing riveting news to the forefront. Stop reading now if you're not interested, otherwise here we go.

My Best Friend Still Has Cancer, but she is slowly progressing and slowly feeling better. Though she needs to pack on the weight that was lost along the way, she eats well, just not often. Able to now leave the house for up to four hour excursions, she lays down on the floor, rug or couch, when she needs to take 10 or even 15 minutes to regroup. Short trips to Costco, Trader Joe's, Sak's, and a few holiday gatherings have made the list. She will return to her team of physicians in January for the next step in this dance. While her clothes fit very loosely she is able to wear them well, with grace and flair. She looks good and her heart continues to be joyous. In her own words, "Each day is a gift."

Not My Daughter's Jeans are still the best jeans available in multiple sizes to hide a multitude of sins. They fit better after washing, and drying them slightly in the dryer, then allowing them to air dry the rest of the way seems to work well. Since they do stretch, always purchase them tight but breathable.

I still hate ragweed but the upside of winter in Chicagoland is death to the ragweed plant, until next August, when it returns in earnest and the whole cycle of sneezing, choking and snorting begins anew.

Blogger Boy and Law School Boy have arrived for the holidays. Rooms were in order; slippers were waiting. Cut-out Christmas cookies had been made by Milly, frosted and hidden to assure they would remain until BB and LSB arrived. They will be slowly eaten to cherish every morsel.

The black Mary Frances purse has received several compliments since it became part of this wardrobe. It is versatile and can highlight formal wear as well as jeans. A beautiful bag to own, several purses are available in the collection and each is unique.

Milly is still here, still smiling, and still helpful. In case you're wondering, we have not had any negative words, only pleasant ones. While this seems strange to many, it is common to us since she has a cheerful upbeat nature that adds warmth to every room. Milly has gone to several holiday parties, lunches and events and has done more each day in Chicagoland then on her long and lonely days in Minnesota. Soon she will venture to Los Angeles for a seven day holiday with another daughter, a holiday tradition as my Christmas gift to her each year. Everyone needs to spend time with their children and Milly will warm a bit in LA before returning to the cold damp air of Chicagoland on New Year's Day. I'll miss her while she is on break but my sister and niece will benefit from her cheery face. Life continues in Chicagoland. More updates on previously reported news will follow at a later date.

Photo attribution: somewhatfortyplus

Not My Daughter's Jeans

Every year since hitting forty, female parts have shifted from their original location to places they don't need to be nor should be. The younger ones, those under forty, have been able to shove their little bodies into slim fitting body hugging bootcut jeans. Not me. Finding jeans that fit is in the same negative category as puking and trying on swimsuits. Jeans can be too tight, too low-cut, too uncomfortable. Until now.

Not My Daughter's Jeans are the perfect solution to a tough problem. Also called Tummy Tuck Jeans, they flatten the tummy, lift the butt, and allow you to wear one size smaller. Amazing! Check them out at their site http://www.tummytuckjeans.com/not_my_daughters_jeans.html and see them at your local Nordstom's Department Store.

Worth the price of $80-100 each, these jeans will lengthen your torso, making you appear taller and thinner. Get in the car and get to Nordstrom's, or buy your pair on-line. I own seven pair of these natural wonders; be careful when you order them, as the black and indigo jeans are cut smaller then the blue jeans, so order accordingly.

When I put these jeans on, two of my adult children said I looked "so thin," and my "thighs looked thinner." So I bought several more pair.