mll's posterous

The Steps We Take Marrying Later in Life

Today was another aha beauty day! I seem to be learning more about "How to simplify your daily Beauty Routine," as I get older. I have never been one to overdo in the makeup department. This is probably a hand me down from my Mother.
Julia Cross from Steven's & Cross Beauty in Newport Beach, is my new secret.  She shared with me her one secret of looking beautiful at any age, especially on your wedding day. Her secret? Having your eye brows shaped, plucked and dyed a week before your wedding. Julia recommends a week ahead because some ladies may have an allergic reaction to the waxing process, although she uses a gentler method. It was amazing for me to see the before and after. How it opened my eyes and brightened my whole face! When I came home earlier today, even Big Daddy mentioned how rested and pretty I looked.He always brightens my days. I wish I would have discovered this tip for my wedding day! Better late than never. And the gift is you don't have to use mascara!
Hugs,
Elizabeth & Marsha

Dressing Beautifully when Marrying Later in life

How do you find a dress that compliments and flatters your figure while tastefully hiding some of your least favorite spots. We all have those spots. Ones we are most self conscious about as we grow in years. I know at 60, although in good  shape, I am extremely self conscious about my arms and knees of all things.
To top it off, where did that little tire come from around my waist? My Mother use to have one, but I thought I was free and clear when I was younger....Big Surprise! Especially when a friend mentioned a concern about her new found tire, I became even more focused and obsessed on deflating mine! Alas. I think it will be with me forever. Some days it seems less than others, but it is still a part of my changing self! Oprah and Deepak Chopra would say "embrace the change!" I am trying.
Back to finding a dress or pants suit ensemble. Whatever makes you feel on top of the world, because as a bride, it is important to feel that way. Special.
From Bon, our fashion stylist, she recommends choosing a classic, timeless, simple silhouette to complement your best body features. As I mentioned above, most of my friends want to downplay their necks, midsection (the new tire!) and their upper arms. It's nice to know I am not alone!
Some choices to think about:
Know your body and what parts you want to emphasize. Be open to adding something new to your wardrobe, as long as you have a good friend in the dressing room to give you a thumbs up!
Tailored looks will keep you from looking old and frumpy, especially when selecting all one color such as neutrals, blacks, browns or navy.
To avoid focusing on your tire, add accessories such as scarves, necklaces and earrings. Just don't add them all at one time! Also, avoid too many layers in this area. Simple is best and choose finer materials.
For my knee obsession, look for knee length or longer skirts and dresses.  You may be more comfortable in pants.
Add spanx and other shape wear under your outfits. It really makes a difference in streamlining your whole look.
Embrace an elegant look such as outfits worn by Jaclyn Kennedy, Katherine Hepburn and Michelle Piefer.
In the end, embrace the beauty you have inside and out with confidence. My Mother always told me 
chest out, stomach in, buttocks firm. A message I think about daily.
Thanks Mom!
Hugs,
Elizabeth & Marsha

Marrying Later Beauty tip of the Week

We have so many beauty tips to share with you lovely ladies over 40. This one is more an "opps!" quick repair trick we have found invaluable. Especially if you are getting ready for your wedding or black tie event.
The absolute best way to stop the bleeding from a razor nick,   (when you don't have a stylus pencil) is to dab antiperspirant deodorant onto your finger and hold it on the cut. How does it work? The aluminum chloride derivatives found in most antiperspirants, used to constrict sweat glands, also will help to form a clot by slowing blood flow to the nicked area.
Hugs,
Elizabeth & Marsha

Elizabeth James Berberich

Learning to Love Deeply to Marry Later in Life

When I was younger and in love, I was blinded by my concern for the other person's choices they were making with their lives. It mattered more to me what they were doing then how I was conducting my life. I learned through a year's sabbatical before meeting my husband Steve, that to love someone deeply enough to marry them, one must become independent of how they choose to live their life. I learned not be dependent on their choices as long as they weren't destructive to the relationship. I found a freedom in this way of thinking. And looking back, it has actually brought Steve and I closer together in the ten years we have been married, especially in times of disagreement. I love him more and more each day, and am grateful to marry later in life.
Hugs, 
Elizabeth & Marsha