Fiftyish

09/02/2024

You might have noticed we haven’t been posting. That’s not because we don’t love Fiftyish, believe in the mission, and appreciate our followers.

It's because we’ve made the difficult decision to disband the site and social media accounts. We’ve both changed careers (yet again!) and found we no longer have as much time as we'd like to dedicate to the site. And though our followers were the most awesome women ever, there simply weren’t enough of them to sustain the brand.

We want to thank our supporters, especially all the amazing entrepreneurs across the country who agreed to be profiled… each of you took a chance on a fledgling online magazine and without hesitation agreed to share your stories. For that we are forever grateful. You made the world a little bit smaller and entering our sixth decade a little less scary. Thank you.

We loved being a place to celebrate fiftyish women. Thank you for giving us that chance.

Stacey & Laura

16/06/2023

“Huge risks are easy to do when you’re at zero."

So said Laura Huang, the director of the Women’s Entrepreneurship Initiative at Northeastern University to the New York Times on June 8, 2023. She was referring to the large number of small businesses that had to pivot during the pandemic to stay afloat. Many of those businesses pivoted back after the pandemic but many did not. What was an act of desperation became a new business model.

How did the pandemic change your work? What pivots did you make? And did you pivot back?



How did the pandemic change your work or life? What did you pivot to? What pivots were permanent?

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13/06/2023

Did you know there is a whole world out there that you can't find on Google?

This month on Fifityish.com, meet a woman who opened a travel advisory business with one goal in mind: to give her clients life-changing travel experiences they would never find themselves.

https://www.fiftyish.com/stories/michelle-orr-travel-advisor

Master Travel

29/05/2023

Just in time for summer travel, our latest profile victim shares how she turned her love of travel into a business, what places are hot for 2023 and items she never leaves home without.

Michelle Orr launched a travel advisory business in 2018—right before the pandemic. Four years later, she’s one of Conde Nast’s favorites.

15/05/2023

What does it mean to cookbook author and television host Padma Lakshmi that just this week she became a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model at age fifty-two? Here's what she told the TODAY Show:

"I mean, I would have killed for it in my 20s when I was a model, but that it's happening now is all the much sweeter, and I'm glad they're being more diverse.

"I'm not going to lie, I was pretty nervous," she said. "I’m 52 years old, and I think I look great for my age and I definitely work at it."

"I love where I am in my life and know my body is not perfect by any means, but I feel beautiful. I feel like I have a very lucky, fruitful, productive life," Lakshmi said. "My thighs may have been leaner, and my b***s were probably slightly higher in earlier parts of my life, but I have never felt better about myself. I hope they see a full woman in all my facets and nuances and some contradictions. I wouldn’t go back to my 20s if you paid me all the money in the world."

12/05/2023

Judy Blume’s “Are You There God, It’s Me Margaret.” debuted in 1970 to the delight and relief of self-conscious tweens everywhere. The novel was like a shot heard round the (suburban) world… no one had ever talked about puberty, sexuality or changing bodies in such a frank and funny way (or any way, really).

As we approach Mother’s Day, Fiftyish is proud to celebrate Judy’s amazing legacy with a special guest post by writer Anne Scardino and her daughter Kim (seen here with Kim's daughter Olivia). Their reflections and experiences are probably not very far off from your own. Check it out:

https://www.fiftyish.com/books/a-mother-amp-daughter-look-back-at-judy-blumes-ground-breaking-1970-novel


Simon and Schuster

05/05/2023

The Derby and the Coronation on the same day? Never fear... let Nicole Bracken of Nicole Bracken Fascinators show you the proper way to wear a fascinator.... and how to get it to stay put! (More on Nicole at www.fiftyish.com.)


Considering Flowers

03/05/2023

Have you heard about "digital fragments?" According to The New York Times, they are photos, texts, videos, playlists -- and even digital "to do" lists -- that we find after a loved one dies. What digital fragments do you have that you cherish?

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/05/02/business/digital-remembrances.html

24/04/2023

Last year, we reviewed the L'Ange Volumizer and the Revlon One Step to see how they compared. Today, they are both on sale on Amazon (one 46% off!).

Check out our review to see which one might be right for you... then treat yourself to salon-quality blowouts at home.

We tested two blow dry wands… see which one won!

21/04/2023

When her flower business stalled due to Covid, Nicole Bracken decided to try making fascinators. She ordered supplies, watched videos, and kept designing and redesigning until she had one she was happy with... not knowing where it would lead or just how quickly she'd be in business.

Read Nicole's "fascinating" story this month on www.fiftyish.com.

16/04/2023

Currently, women serve as the head of government in just 13 of the 193 members of the United Nations. And fewer than one third of UN countries have ever had a woman leader, says the Pew Research Center.

HOWEVER, some countries are not so backward.

The answer to the above question is...

Bangladesh! This South Asian country of 170 million people has had the most years of leadership by women since 1945, at 29 years.

Following close behind are Sri Lanka, Norway, New Zealand, Germany, India and the Philippines (each led by women for at least 15 years).

As for the United States? Never. Zilch. Zero years.

This report was researched and written by Laura Clancy and Sarah Austin.

14/04/2023

“All of these women look great for their age, without trying to look like they’re 20.”
-Paul Edmonds, stylist (as told to Vogue.com)

From Sarah Jessica Parker to Naomi Campbell, all the most stylish stars are embracing long lengths.

05/04/2023

Have you seen Brooke's new documentary on Hulu? It's a fascinating look at how the backlash to feminism helped create a culture of objectifying young girls. But it's also a story of survival... and a woman creating the life she wants and deserves.

03/04/2023

We love this app that gives you an insider's guide to cities around the world. Don't think of it as a travel guide for tourist attractions but tips from real locals and expats like a great indoor rock climbing wall, the best vintage jewelry store or even a quiet spot to relax in a busy city.

NOTE: The web site, spottedbylocals.com, has FREE guides on more than 50 cities but the app charges you a minimal fee for each interactive city guide on your phone.

23/03/2023

Looking for something great to read? These ladies have you covered... with literature, historical fiction, romantic comedies, and more. More at www.fiftyish.com/books.

14/03/2023

Today is Equal Pay Day, and we are sad to report that things aren't much better than thirty years ago. According to the Bureau of Labor, salaried women earn 84 cents to the dollar of what men earn, and all women workers (hourly + salaried) earn 77 cents to the dollar, up just two cents from 1996. What's worse, that inequity grows as high as 30% by the time we reach age 45. Women of color have it even worse.

A complete look at this issue is at https://19thnews.org/2023/03/equal-pay-day-2023-charts-gender-pay-gap/.

Keep asking for more, ladies. It's there.

13/03/2023

"Ladies, don't let anybody tell you you are ever past your prime." - Michelle Yeoh, 60, first Asian artist to win a Best Actress Oscar.

25/02/2023

Sometimes you have to say F-it and go for the things that have been sitting in your heart, the what-if’s and somedays, the little nagging voices. Because we’re not getting any younger. And opportunities don’t always come knocking.

I had been an on and off-again cyclist, mostly indoor for the last few years. My favorite classes have always been ones that are high energy, loud, FUN and challenging with a kick-ass playlist. I strive to bring my riders all of these elements at every class I teach at Lifetime.

When I turned 50, my mindset on everything became “WHY NOT ME?” and “WHY NOT NOW?”. I focused on intentional action and triaged the things I SHOULD do vs. things I WANT to do vs. things that bring me JOY. Because I’m not getting any younger. And opportunities don’t always come knocking. Sometimes you have to just go for what you want and put yourself out there- your raw, rookie, imperfect, human self. And then put your whole heart into it.

My nagging voice was to be a Cycle Instructor - I’d been thinking about it for 20 years!

I absolutely love it - and the best part are the riders who cycle with me on Mondays at 6am and Thursdays at 6pm. They dial in with laser focus, push when I ask them to, follow cues (and roll with it when I miss one) while giving me some sass by way of engagement, clapping, singing, shouting and whatever other fun we can drum up on a bike. It’s hard and fun- exactly what exercise is supposed to be.

Lifetime is truly a community and members bring their A-game, every time. I’m so glad I acted on that nagging voice!

Of course my job as a Menswear Stylist isn’t going anywhere! I love it as much as ever and my business is thriving. I’m grateful for a flexible job that lets me pursue all of my passions.

Thank you for reading and I hope to see you in the cycle studio!

10/02/2023

Sometimes you need a pick-me-up. Which feeds always make YOU smile? Tag them below.

26/01/2023

Have you been in a relationship — as a child, spouse, friend, sibling or employee — with a narcissistic personality? Are you trying to heal from the trauma? This new-ish podcast hosted by Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a licensed pyschologist, professor and author, will help you unravel the impact of narcissistic relationships through survivor stories, expert advice and what we all need more of---empathy.

newpodcast

24/01/2023

Do you know a Fiftyish woman entrepreneur who deserves to be recognized--and might want to be featured on our site? Leave a comment, tag them or email us at [email protected]!

13/01/2023

When Cary J. Hansson moved to Sweden decades ago, the adjustment to the dark, cold winters was hard. Luckily, the Swedes take a proactive approach to winter and its affects on mental health.

Visit www.fiftyish.com/stories. And be sure to follow Cary's adventures and pick up her novel "A Midlife Holiday" via Cary J Hansson.

11/01/2023

It was a big night for fiftyish women -- three wins! Talent, confidence and style... everyone else should take notes.

17/12/2022

We read a lot this year (lucky us!) but these were our favorites! Link in bio for our top 12 novels of the year.

16/12/2022

Need a novel to snuggle up with? Here are twelve we loved in 2022. Most now in paperback!

Jessie Greengrass Bonnie Garmus Jeannie Cummins

We read a lot this year but these are the novels we enjoyed the most. Don't miss these great books... most now in paperback!

07/12/2022

Don’t panic! Okay, maybe just a little…

Click the link in our bio for gift ideas for teens, college kids, men, parents, neighbors, families and even Fido. Prices from $9 to $325.

04/12/2022

Allemansratten: the Swedish term for “everyman’s right,” which gives all Swedes the right to roam, ride, cycle, hike and forage on any land. Read more about this and other ways Swedes stay sane and fit during the long winters at Fiftyish.com, courtesy of our guest poster . Cary is a novelist whose book “A Midlife Holiday” hs been called a cross between Bridget Jones and Shirley Valentine.

29/11/2022

Wondering what to get your tween, teen or college age daughter?

Link in bio for ideas!

20/11/2022

Winter is coming and, for some of us, that means the winter blues. That's why we asked our first-ever guest poster, author Cary J. Hansson, about how Scandinavian women stay healthy and happy during the winter. Cary is a Brit who fell for a tall, blonde Swede many years ago, and now loves living in a country where mental health is a priority. Link in bio for her story, her advice, and where-to-buy her warm and wonderful novels.

Follow her at .

13/11/2022

Why not put the surprise back in gift giving? Click the link in our bio (above) for 100+ gifts that are truly unique... and as low as $9.