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Dear Readers
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Manya
Midlife Memoir

T- Shirt Frenzy

Is it my imagination or t-shirts now a days are made of parchment paper? I understand the whole, let's cater to the young and skinny as they are the ones who shop and spend money. Let us also make the clothes so that after one wear, you toss and buy another one. I get it, but...

For the woman over 40, that concept is not good enough. Women over 40 and mind you those with young children, need t-shirts that will withstand the test of ketchup stains, detergent and various other marks put on as a result of ongoing and everlasting chores.

So, while I have searched high and low for some good quality t-shirts I stumbled upon Eddie Bauer and their selection of "pretty good quality" adult t-shirts. Of course the sale they are having now also helps, but at least I know I can do my thing without being worried about the parchment look.

Chanel Gown Gone Wrong

Diane Kruger wore the pictured Chanel gown for one of the events she attended during the Cannes Film Festival 2010.

I am a huge fan of Chanel but in this case not so much. I think the person designing this particular gown was confused or intoxicated. No part of the gown makes sense and I know sometimes photos don't do the gowns justice but really in this case it is very obvious this one is down right awful.

Why Is This Okay

Keilsi Dagger "Carly" Sandals $109.95 at Nordstrom

Francesco Morichetti Suede Sandal $199.00 at Nordstrom


First of all, Suede + (early or late) summer heat = bad for legs due to sweating and clogging/damaging the pores. Second: Sandals and bootlike contraption is truly a fashion oxymoron.

Where has fashion gone and why is it there? Shoes in my opinion should compliment the legs and feet and these type of style/fashion don't do anything for any girl or woman.

Serving Trays From Crate and Barrel

I love entertaining friends and family, but hate using paper plates

and the aluminum disposable serving trays or even tupperware to set up the food table. In my opinion, unless it is a kiddy birthday party, a woman should try to use as much of her trays and dishes as possible when hosting a dinner party.

Believe me even if the food you display is take out or catered, just by having them arranged in your personal collection of trays and racks says alot about you.
Two of my most used and favorite serving trays are the Cambridge Baker with Rack and the Cambridge 2 Tier Server from Crate and Barrel. I am a firm believer that since food is colorful enough, the trays they are presented on should be either white or bone in color in order to compliment the dish.

The other reason I swear by these trays is because they are versatile enough to use throughout the year and have handles which make them easy to move from kitchen to table and back for more servings. I also love the European look and feel to them and of course porcelain is always my choice of ceramic dishware for most occassions.

Anyway, the two items are very affordable and can be viewed and purchased at most Crate and Barrel locations or online just in case you live too far from a Crate and Barrel

Product Details:
Cambridge 2 Tier Server (pictured left corner) is $34.95
Crate and Barrel Exclusive Removable rectangular plates nestle in the portable stand with a simple, stylish design.White porcelain plates.Iron wire stand with natural finish.Plates are dishwasher- and microwave-safe

Cambridge Baker With Rack (pictured right middle) is $24.95
Crate and Barrel Exclusive Clean lines in white porcelain and matte metal make a simply sophisticated oven-to-table statement. The rectangular baker rests neatly in its footed metal stand with arched handles. Bake and serve in one beautiful piece, or simply present foods with style and convenience. White porcelain
Powder-coated metal stand Baker is dishwasher-, microwave- and oven-safe

No Mini Skirt Over 40

I don't consider my self too conservative when it comes to wearing skirts or dresses, but I do consider my limit when choosing the length of the skirt.

Sure, mini skirts are sexy and is intended, in my opinion, to stear attention from other parts of a woman's body. But, a woman over 40, no matter how sexy and shaply should stay away from mini skirts. I don't care how good they feel and look.

If I want to go for sexy, I choose a black knee (or just below) lenght pencil skirt and compliment it with a nice pair of high heels instead. I wear super sheer taupe stockings for evening time and go with au natural (bear legs) during the day unless my workplace requires me to wear stockings.


Mini Skirt: D&G Bouche Miniskirt $285.00 At Nordstrom
Pencil Skirt: Ingenuity Pencil Skirt $86.00 At Nordstrom

Angelina's Cafe

I must have driven by Angelina's Cafe on California Street and 22nd (in the Richmond District in San Francisco) about a hundred times and said to myself, wow what a cute place, I have to go there sometimes.

Well, finally today, after years of contemplating and planning, I finally decided to eat breakfast there after my one hour walk. As I parked my car half a block from the corner where Angelina's Cafe is situated, I got a great feeling in my stomach as I walked by the French bistro table and chairs lined along the outside of the cafe. When I entered through the door, I noticed the customers lined up along the deli counter, waiting to order their food. Some were holding on to their dog's leashes. I instantly knew I would love this place since they allowed dogs to be in the store. (Just in case you are wondering, I feel dogs should be allowed everywhere)

I ordered a sesame bagel with eggs, cheddar cheese and bacon and was asked if I wanted it lightly toasted and although I don't like toasted bread, I agreed to doing so in this case. I also ordered a cup of coffee, then noticed a cranberry/orange scone tray nicely displayed above the deli counter and ordered one as well, overlooking the guilty conscience about the calorie overload.

When they called out my order, I picked up my wicker tray of goodies and walked over to the French bistro style chair and table on the inside and sat so I could take in the ambiance while I ate.

My eyes wondered to every nook and cranny of the tiny deli and I was fascinated by the Italian flare with a bit of French twist decor of the place. Everything in the deli made sense and was organized esthetically so very pleasing to the eyes. I devoured my sandwich and gulped down the delicious coffee while I watched a gourmet cheese truck deliver a new batch of perfect cheeses to the deli and I smiled.

Soon thereafter, I bused my own table and left the place, while planning out my next visit a week from today. My recommendation when you visit Angelina's Cafe , consider doing so on a weekday if you can, but if you must go on the weekends, be prepared to wait. The place is always packed and there is a bit of wait for entering the store to order your meal.