My best friend Malou just turned 55 and she is still full of energy. What is the secret?According to her, just enjoy life and let the problem take care of itself, oh well that was not exactly her words but if you are with her, positivity is electrifying.
looking great at 55
I guess, it is how you deal with your problem that counts. I don’t know anyone who has no problem in life but we all have different style of looking at it and perhaps a different way of taking it in.But for sure, I know the words that makes her smile often…that makes her feel young and certainly looks younger than her age.
” you’re beautiful ”
” I miss you ”
” I love you ”
” The strength of a woman is not measured by the impact that all her hardships in life have had on her; but the strength of a woman is measured by the extent of her refusal to allow those hardships to dictate and who she becomes “- unknown quote
malou @55 and me @54 enjoying beauty beyond fifty!
Alright my friend,my only wish for you is GOOD HEALTH, I heard you are resting as in ” flat on bed” because of 2 days partying 🙂
Two days before Eid holiday, my friends and I decided to have a little escapades to places we haven’t been and one that caught our attention was a small coffee shop going along the corniche side.
At first, when we read the sign “Cook shop” we thought that it’s a place like “shabu shabu” but coffee shop and shabu-shabu?? hmm doesn’t really matched!
spinach pizza
magnolia home made ice cream
penne arabiata
So we get in, the place is simple but cozy, staff were friendly and the food were serve fast and tasty too!
My patient yesterday asked: how i maintained my “young looks” having reached my golden years three years ago. Honestly, I don’t have any secret at all when it comes to beauty tips, I guess I am lucky to have good genes. 🙂
However,let me share some of the things I used when I hit fifty and I wished I did it ten years ago (would have been better) and some of the activities I do and beliefs I can share which I think help me through my fifties and beyond.
1) sunblock
I prefer to use tinted sunblock because I don’t have to use foundation.
2) mask
to avoid Botox/filler injection, I used “meso-mask”, once a week for three months and once every two weeks for another three months, together with ‘Meso C” for another month. This is my brand and I don’t endorsed it to everyone, Each individual has preference and different kind of sensitivities, please consult your doctor before using it.
3) Eye cream and concealer
I have used eye glass since college years, so I took care of my eye bag even before I hit fifty. I have assisted in Blepharoplasty and I think I wont submit myself to that kind of surgery.
4) Diet – plenty of fruits and vegetable surely helps and regular exercise too.
I go to gym three times a week and walk once a week. When I am hungry, I usually choose fruits or carrots as substitute for chocolates and chips. I do have a “cheat day” once a week so i don’t deprive myself eating ice cream, chocolates and red meat.
5) Changing hair colour.
Experiment which colour of the hair that suits you best.
6) Eyeglass
I can’t use contact lens, so I have to use an eyeglass that suits the shape of my face, I think a shade of red when your face is a bit fair will do some trick, instead of using the traditional black.
7) SMILE – the cheapest !
please read my blog (june 21, 2011) on “Power of Smile” under the category of ‘Beauty and fashion”.
8) Camera 360
It’s a good app to motivate myself, If I look good, I feel good and it change my mood for the day.
9) stress buster
I like photography but there’s some restrictions in the Kingdom so I used my coffee to paint. Look for something to do that you are passionate about. You can even experiment different style of make up or dress up even though you are just at home. My day always starts… looking at the mirror and give myself smile, believing today is one of the best day!
coffee art
10) Friends
I keep trusted friends with utmost positive outlook in life, even in moment of hardships, we manage to look at the mishap in a funny way.
There you go ladies, beautybeyondfifty beauty tips,… have a nice day 🙂
Just to share some of the highlights of my interview as an expatriates in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, I am not sure when it will come out or will it ever be published! Probably never 🙂
However, some questions never occur in my mind, so i decided to share a few, maybe you will also be interested to ask yourself and wonder …why ?
Tell us about your new life in Saudi Arabia differs from that back home. Did you have trouble getting used to the new circumstances? Did you experience culture shock?
I was hired 1987, I came alone without my family, It was the most difficult and complicated time of my life, not only culture shock but family shock as well. Being away from my family was an ordeal to take. My husband and my first son came one year after another. I only have two years experienced in my profession and a newly mom as well. Looking back, I am so grateful that i came, this is where I grew up professionally and be successful in my career.
I thought for a while that wearing black is only for those in mourning, so i refused to wear black “abaya” i tailored made a blue abaya instead.
After the Gulf war, rules getting more stricter , expatriates women were asked to cover their hair as well. So, not only I have to wear the black abaya but also wear a black head cover (Tarha). But now a days, a lot of fashionable abaya are available in the stores, different styles and colours, I would say, I feel safe wearing it in public and enjoy the fashion.
Every expat knows that expat life comes with some hilarious anecdotes and funny experiences. Care to share one with us?
Oh well, most unforgettable was always the first..so the first time we met our employers’ wife, She keeps repeating..Hi am Mrs_______ Dr. _____ wife. Shaking her hand as I nod my head repeatedly as a sign of acknowledgement. We did it three times, she probably thought I don’t understand English. 🙂
I got the lesson, ” nod your head and talk at the same time”,.. gesture with new acquaintance certainly doesn’t work!
Which three tips would you like to give future expats before they embark on their new life in Saudi Arabia?
Don’t take a lot of luggage, rather take a lot of sense of humour, trust me, you need it!
If you signed a two years contract, be ready to save and get out of the Kingdom as fast as you can!
How would you summarise your expat life in Saudi Arabia in a single, catchy sentence?
INCREDIBLE 25 years of HARD work and perseverance!
Six years in Gold Gym (Jeddah branch) ohhhh don’t get me that look, yes, I haven’t got any muscles yet but at least I maintained my body built, not too fat and not too skinny. I would say, at age 53, I’m still on a medium scale and in excellent health. My usual workout routine was to go to gym three times a week , the place is about 30 minutes car ride from my clinic.
When my son went to college, I decided to transferred to another gym (E-spa) five minutes walk from our clinic, so i have the chance to go everyday, and this is where i met Reem ,as everyone fondly called her, my lady fitness instructor. Her real name is : MAURICIA T. GARCIA.46 yrs of age from Alcala, Pangasinan, Philippines.
She recently came back from holiday when i did the interview and photo shoots. As anyone (including me, with my two hands up!) an additional fats goes with the holiday 🙂
Tell us about your life in Saudi Arabia, how it differs back home?
The first time I came to KSA, I was so surprised about the way of life here until such time that I adjusted myself to it. There’s a communication barrier because of Language differences.
How did you manage the differences?
I enrolled in the Islamic center just to learn how to speak, write and read Arabic. And with the help of Dictionary , I slowly learned it and helps me a lot in my work especially in swimming lesson.
How many years you been working in the gym?
I started working way back 1996, quite a long years!
Do you think you were fully prepared when you started?
Though, I have a bachelor degree in Education (BSE) and a certified teacher, nothing really prepares you when you are in a foreign country. My first employer was not really good and it hurt me badly but I took it as a challenge to learn and know them better.
With your 17 years experience, any advice for the future expats before they embark on their new life in Saudi Arabia?
First,you need to know the lifestyle, culture and traditions, secondly you should know your rights and privileges as an expat and thirdly, to be ready at all times if ever problems occur. You must have all the important documents and know where and to whom to run in case of emergency.
How about when in it comes to health fitness? any tips?
Balance is the key! well-balanced diet and balance exercise is a must. So as not to injure yourself, you should know what exercises your body needs. I gave classes according to what level my students are.
Yes ladies! I agree with Reem, I have tried to get rid of the two kilos I gained from holiday to no avail. But let me tell you at age 53, i think I’m pretty much toned and firmed. Thank you for the daily dose of exercise routine she is giving me and diet???? Full diet of course, a lot of vegetables and fruits, no red meat (only on cheat day) and plenty of water.
So there you go, I am looking forward to video some of our work outs so we can share it to you also.!
E-spa is located along Thalia Rd. It has Gym, cafeteria,salon,and spa, all in one stop for you beautiful ladies!
Have you found yourself at times, alone? drinking coffee? reading while drinking coffee, chatting while drinking coffee? have you ever wondered, your day will passed by doing nothing? oh well, i am a person who will always look for something to do, learn and try new things, so here’s one of my favorite pastime – painting using coffee inspired by my trip in Petra-Jordan.
lined the border with a paper tapemy paraphernaliawatercolor brushesmy coffee table
Here’s some of my finished painting using my favorite coffee.
Yes, the beauty beyond fifties, made their way to the JS prom of sixteen and below. A reminiscence of the past comes rushing back; I guess mothers are more excited as their daughters/son to look for their own attire of the evening. This is the night to wear the best suit, gown or dress, be the king/ queen or prince/princess of the night and be the Star and shine!! : Young and adult are all excited.
I came late from work and hurried up to the venue, I decided to wear casual, anyhow, my mission was to take my photography in different level…Wow, what level? ZERO level, my D7000 first prom!
Kidding aside, seeing the faces of the mothers, their eyes bewildered to what will happen to their daughter/son. As I looked around, I remember my own JS prom, back then, Miss junior and Senior was already chosen, I was Miss Junior and Miss Alma Mater but I haven’t seen my mother so excited to what I should wear on that particular night, all I heard from her was.. ”ikaw na naman?” (You again?) so for me, that was not a big deal! Whether I wore pink gown or white gown, I still have the crown. I am not in the cotillion either because I was on the stage as the Muse of the Junior and Senior.
Oh well, I don’t have daughter to experience the shopping mode to get a gown and jewelries to match the occasion, although when my first son went to JS prom, I was more than thrilled, I was there to choose his suit and be excited for his moment…from flowers and corsage, to picking her up from her house, his first dance with his first girlfriend..That was the magical moment!
mother and daughter
And so what’s new Jeddah, I had the opportunity to be invited four years ago to the JS prom and last night was not a different one. Parents were present to support their daughter and son, School staff and the guards are on look out too, after all we are in a very conservative country. JS prom was like a beauty pageant where there were judges to decide who will be the King and Queen, Prince and princess etc. I did not witnessed the turnover ceremony (I was late), but I heard it was great!
There were a lot of pretty young ladies, wearing nice gown, make up, long fake eyelashes and flashy hairdo. The young men were also equally elegant in their suit. It seemed they were not bothered by the heat, all smiled and poised! And when the winners were announced, parent’s faces are overrated of joy, all the effort were vindicated but of course, there were “ah” and “ oh” (positive and negative feedback) but who cares, free dance was announced, this is the moment the junior and senior are waiting for but wait… what? Please take your parents to the dance floor…Come on you’re kidding!!!
So there you go …when beautybeyondfifty meets sixteen and below… it’s hilarious!
Hence, I am flying early back home; I decided to travel a day ahead to Zurich. Travelling alone with a big luggage in tow is a hassle on train but I manage to find my seat. I put my luggage in front besides an empty seat hoping no other passenger will need to sit on it. After a few stops, a smiling couple sits beside me and I am so apologetic about my luggage. They smile, nod their head and shrugged their shoulder off signaling they are not bothered at all. Thank goodness!
Arriving at the Zurich airport on time, I went straight to a waiting hotel shuttle bus. Looking at my watch, I still have the afternoon to see the central town of Zurich. Great!
subway i got to enter to get into the other side of the train station in Kloten
I hurriedly put my things in my room and walk to the train station. The trip took around 20 min and I only have 5 minutes to reach the bus station to where the city tour begins.
inside the subway
It seems the bus is already full when I reach the place but the conductor waves signaling there’s another seat unoccupied.
So I hop in and found the only seat available with a guy sitting with his legs wide open, I politely excused myself to
get into the window seat but he didn’t move at all.
He said, “This seat is too small for two” so I went at the back of the bus trying to find a place and looking to all the passengers, huh! Every seat has two passengers whether fat or thin, big or small, I look again to this guy and he was also thin and definitely I’m not fat! So what’s the problem?
I look at the driver/conductor and with my eyes wide open and arms open, an attitude of “come ‘on do something, where I gonna sit? He got up and with German accent , he talk to the guy whose legs are still widely open, He argues but the driver speaks in German language trying to tell him, this seat is for two understand!
I excused myself again, went to the window seat and the lady (his companion) next to our seat said to him “go to the window so you can see better” so while we are switching I commented, “you know we all paid for this tour, everyone should have a fair share”!
i missed all the nice view
If only I have enough time, I would love to go down from the bus and refund my fare but I remained seated, half of my butt on the seat and half is out (with my eyes rolling , I told myself this is gonna be my day!) The bus started to move, I put my feet firmly on the floor trying to balance so I won’t fall and positioned my camera to take pictures, I want to get his face but I hesitated, not to fuel the fire more than to burst, we are after all in a foreign land. Who needs trouble?
After 20 minutes, he started a conversation, his legs still wide open and half of my butt still out, rolling my eyes again, ah what now?
He asked, from where are you?
Me: from Philippines (my reply is as stiff as my neck, trying to get a good picture of the scenery)
the best i can get (fuming)
He: Oh! a lot of Filipinos in America ( I know you are trying to tell me you are an American)
Me: yeah, of course everywhere there’s a lot of Filipino tourist, here in Europe and in America! Everywhere! (keeping my eyebrow down)
He: I mean Filipina nurses working in a hospital. (His voice more relax so as his legs, my butt still out!)
Me: So you are working as what? (I didn’t roll my eyes, but one eyebrow a little up; I wonder what he is up to)
He: I am a medical doctor.
Me: oh I see, and what specialty? (Professional and an American Doctor, where is your etiquette? Or just simply be a gentlemen!)
He: Neurology (Oh my! And you are acting like that? Have you look around and see all the passengers in two’s seating comfortably) Yesterday, we were on the tour also and it wasn’t like this, the seat are wider.
Me: this is a classic bus, so what do you expect? I was in Boston last year and they have the same seat, it was fun! (unlike now, thanks to you…)
He: Oh you been to Boston? (This time his legs a bit closing)
this is a memorable picture (really with my butt out)
Me: Yes, I am a Dentist; I did my post grad in Aesthetic Dentistry in University of Minnesota. And now my youngest son is in his first year in Cesar Ritz College of Switzerland. You should visit the Alps, the chocolate factory in Gruyère, Geneva, we had great time last year…(in short, mr. american tourist, I am professional and I’ve been to many places in the world but I don’t act like you, we are all tourist after all!)
I felt he moves his butt and closed his legs a bit but I remained seated as before, No way, I won’t move closer to you Mr. American tourist in Zurich!
Just a small note for you: Please the next time you are on tour be kind and be gentlemen!
Abaya is a long loose black robe traditionally worn by Muslim women.I have seen the evolution of the design from 1987 to the present. When I first came to Saudi Arabia, Abaya is not a must for non-Muslim foreigner to wear in public. We usually go out in public with modest dresses , blouse and trouser. We started to wear abaya and tarha in public during Gulf war. At first, I refused to wear black, so I wore blue abaya then dark brown until later on, I wore the traditional black abaya and tarha (black headscarf). I also got used wearing it, that sometimes when I’m out of KSA, i felt naked on the first day without wearing abaya.. strange but I guess its true!
With in recent years, a lot of fashionable Abaya became a trend in public. Different fabrics and colorful design for teenagers, embroidered and tailored with swarovski elements for women. I have different kinds of Abayas, I have abaya for daily use, for party, for meetings and for fishmarket. My friend has abaya according to what shoes she is wearing, whether its high-heeled or flat shoes.
Today, we went to a Lebanese abaya-maker, we wanted something different and practical to wear.
model: lyn
This abaya has no opening on the front, you wear it like a shirt, and it looks like its tailored like a butterfly.
model: malou
A very practical abaya with a hood at the back, and well arm fitted sleeves.
model:mimi
Another design with two pockets on each side.
models: mimi-lyn-malou
a good colored combination of black and grey, black and blue
A lot of Buzz about Saudi women driving on June 17 (Friday), I am not sure exactly why this date was chosen or the significance attributed to it. People were asked to Honk for support. I believed a lot of expatriate’s women are waiting for this law to take effect, however, cautious they (and I) may be, driving is a long-awaited , one step forward to women’s right. Among others are … the rights to work which is already being implemented (mostly in education, health, and finance field), mechanism for marriage and divorce, protection from domestic abuse which is globally tackled in many ways.
Huh! Beautybeyond fifty at age 52 will start to drive in Saudi Arabia and a lot more who has been in this country for decades, can now put out their driving license in public, and in use hopefully. But this is not entirely a new thing, women in exclusive compounds can freely drive within and I also heard that in some rural areas, it’s common to see a woman in driving seat. So, what’s the big buzz if they allow them to drive freely in the city? Isn’t it … they already have women pilot? Ironically,someone has to drives her to the airport , so she can fly the aircraft…strange but its true! I guess not everyone is amused to the idea but for sure, each has reasons, each has his/her own story to tell.
I remember when my first son, got his driving license in the Kingdom, he was not as excited as I expected him to be, his comment? …this is not the right place to drive ( at least for the first timer like him); a lot of drivers are not polite and doesn’t follow traffic regulations especially during rush hours and Ramadan months. I definitely agree with his observation. This is the place where accidents happened most of the time, not only two but more like of domino effect, most of the time. Even though, how careful and how defensive you are in driving, there are a lot of munchkins on the road, ready to eat you and forever honking, until you give him his way, not to mention, texting while driving and stopping at the middle of the road, just to say “hello” to someone he saw on the road, never mind if he is blocking your way.
What about those rude, smelly taxi drivers, whose eyes are on you… as if this is their first time to see a woman in their life and not only that, they will ask you” kabayan” filipina? kumusta ka maganda! the pedestrians are also the same, staring, wondering where are you going, where is your husband, where is your driver…annoying !
On the other hand, having to drive your own car is a right of every individual who loves life and freedom. Why I mentioned “love life”because if you love your life ,you drive safely to avoid mishap and “freedom”we should be given a free will to decide whether we like to drive or not.
Saudi Arabia is the only country that banned women to drive, if it is about Islamic law? what about the other Islamic country, why do they allow women to drive?
It’s a never-ending discussion, each one has it’s own defense, women’s rights is a global issues, discrimination happens but are they doing something about it? Is there a Law against discrimination in the Kingdom?
Saudi women is still in guardianship..meaning they can not do anything even to travel outside without a male guardian. This is to protect family unity, family honor but what about expatriates? Women expatriates are not allowed to sponsor their husband either or even to invite them on visiting visa. If they value Family unity, it should apply to all expatriates alike who also has family of their own.
Two years ago , my husband had a visa problem and I was literally begging to everyone I know, who can help him to stay with us but to no avail, we have to follow the rules. Of course, you would think this is another issue… but for me this is also connected in a way, if Saudi women have no rights in their own country, how could we?
Beautybeyondfifty honks for Saudi Women… three honks for all Women!
“When women thrive, all of society benefits, and succeeding generations are given a better start in life” .– Kofi Annan
Have you found yourself at times, alone? drinking coffee? reading while drinking coffee, chatting while drinking coffee? have you ever wondered, your day will passed by doing nothing? oh well, i am a person who will always look for something to do, learn and try new things, so here’s one of my favorite pastime – painting using coffee inspired by my trip in Petra-Jordan.
And so what’s new Jeddah, I had the opportunity to be invited four years ago to the JS prom and last night was not a different one. Parents were present to support their daughter and son, School staff and the guards are on look out too, after all we are in a very conservative country. JS prom was like a beauty pageant where there were judges to decide who will be the King and Queen, Prince and princess etc. I did not witnessed the turnover ceremony (I was late), but I heard it was great!
Abaya is a long loose black robe traditionally worn by Muslim women.I have seen the evolution of the design from 1987 to the present. When I first came to Saudi Arabia, Abaya is not a must for non-Muslim foreigner to wear in public. We usually go out in public with modest dresses , blouse and trouser. We started to wear abaya and tarha in public during Gulf war. At first, I refused to wear black, so I wore blue abaya then dark brown until later on, I wore the traditional black abaya and tarha (black headscarf). I also got used wearing it, that sometimes when I’m out of KSA, i felt naked on the first day without wearing abaya.. strange but I guess its true!
Dr. Myriam- The Dental Aesthetic Clinic 
You must be logged in to post a comment.