Make Resolutions Stick By Jan Cullinane NABBW’s Expert on The New Retirement FIVE, FOUR, THREE, TWO, ONE – HAPPY NEW YEAR! How many of us, when that ball is dropping, vow we will eat healthier/exercise more/be nicer/stop smoking/read more…you know the drill. There are a few ways to improve the chances that we\’ll keep our resolutions, at least beyond the first few weeks. People who actually keep their resolutions tend to share some common strategies. They: Make their goal specific. Example: Use the SMART acronym (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Time-Sensitive).... Read More

Dancing with Duality: Confessions of a Free Spirit Author: By Stella Vance Reviewed By: Anne Holmes for the NABBW This book is a wild ride through the major decades of the author\’s life. It\’s divided into sections titled, of course, “The Seventies,” “The Eighties,” “The Nineties,” and of course, “The New Millenium.” There\’s even an appendix, which includes notes and an appendix. I must say, in telling her story, Author Vance takes the reader where many autobiographers wouldn\’t dare. The story begins in the 70s, when... Read More

Navigating the River of Aging Note: This book is also available in Kindle format. Author: By Marilyn Slaby Website: http://www.ThereForYoutoo.com Reviewed By: Anne Holmes for the NABBW If you\’re a Baby Boomer, this book just may become your “go to” book for quick answers to the issues you and your parents face today. It\’s small, less than 100 pages, but full of practical tips and information – all served up with a positive attitude and a dash of humor. Author Slaby is an advocate and consultant for baby Boomers and their parents. The depth and breadth of her experience... Read More

Secret of the Missing Crown: A Pilgrimage of Change Author: By Sunday Larson with Art by Karen Vogel Website: http://www.sedonasunday.com/press.html Reviewed By: Anne Holmes for the NABBW This small book is a treat to read, as well as a feast for the eyes. Beautifully published, it would make a very special gift. The book is a charming and perceptive union of words and images that again proves that angels appear in forms least expected and there is healing power in the red rocks of Sedona. This book tells of a pilgrimage through the Sedona countryside. A special pilgrimage that teaches a woebegone... Read More

Not Your Grandmother\’s Retirement – a Look at Retirement in the Modern World By Pamela J. Sams, CRPC NABBW’s Retirement Planning for Women Expert According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the average life expectancy in the United States was 77.9 years as of 2007. That longer life expectancy has an impact on all aspects of society, from health care expenses and employment law to retirement planning and finances. A higher life expectancy can have its greatest impact on retirement planning, since it requires that your nest egg support you for decades after you... Read More

Avoid Post-Christmas Clutter: 15 Things You Can Easily Recycle After Christmas By Diane MacEachern NABBW’s Going Green Expert Now\’s the time to think ahead to the day after Christmas — and all the stuff you may want or need to throw away. Instead of trashing it, here\’s a list of what you should easily be able to recycle. Wrapping paper and ribbon – (keep a paper bag or box handy when you\’re unwrapping presents to make the job easy and efficient) – Shred paper to use as packing material, put aside for your kids\’ art projects, or recycle with the... Read More

Wild West Wander – Part II By Linda Ballou NABBW’s Adventure Travel Expert The head-spinning stretch of the San Juan Skyway between Telluride and Ouray is flanked by thousand-foot sandstone formations carved by a river lined by willows. I pulled over at the Dallas Divide unable to pass by the breathtaking sweep of rusty sedges at the base of Dallas Mountain. Its flank was clad in velvet green pine splotched with aspens spinning gold and its ghostly peak pierced tender blue skies. I took a moment to breathe deeply of our fast vanishing American Heritage. The promise of the mineral... Read More

A True Philanthropic Holiday Season By Margaret May Damen, CFP, CLU, ChFC NABBW’s Philanthropy Expert Each year it seems there is more conspicuous consumption and less conspicuous compassion around the holiday season. Is it just human nature or do we all get a bit edgy when we hear Christmas Carols and Holiday tunes blast out of the radio and in the shopping malls before Halloween? It seems merchants are “Decking the Halls” way before Jack Frost starts nipping at our toes. Mark DeMoss, author of The Little Red Book of Wisdom, writes “The standard, \’How much should... Read More

A Holiday Note from “The Diva” By Barb Tobias NABBW’s Thrifting Expert I become reflective with the turning of the leaves and the fast approach of the holidays. During this time I am reminded of the days and things and people that colored my 2011 canvas. It was an amazing, pigheaded and magical year. As this last month continues to wane, I look back on the year with a bit of reflection, much gratitude and the hope for a bright future. Reflection. I reflect on what I have learned. Ah…so much. Yet, I still wonder why the lessons are so bumpy. Not that my awareness is limited... Read More

Weight Loss Tips for Post-Menopausal Women By Susan Schenck I am post menopausal, nearly 56 years old, and have achieved my ideal weight of 122 pounds and maintained it for three years. Here are a few tips I have learned on my journey: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to whatever you are eating. It helps control the release of insulin, the hormone that tells the body to store fat. Fill yourself up with a vegetable salad before you eat your main meal. Nonstarchy vegetables such as cucumbers, asparagus, lettuce, celery, and more are actually negative in calories (since they stimulate the body to burn... Read More