#45 MAE WEST - SIZZLE, SEX, n' SIN

"DIAMOND LIL" --

MAE WEST RETURNS TO THE GREAT WHITE WAY

 

Sizzle, sex and morality in the Bowery during the turn of the century

A serio-comic look at what made Mae a star and sensation and a tale of the seedy side of New York behind the glamour. 

DONT TELL MAMA -  AUGUST 18TH @ 7:00 PM

 

DIRECTED AND STARRING DARLENE VIOLETTE

 

along with a scintillating cast and

 

JOANNA BONARO...

as

Rita Cristina -- a fiery, feisty Madam/Slave Runner from Rio de Janeiro

Mae West and Diamond Lil Bring Sin Back to the Big Apple in August and November

Aug 7 2013, 7:40am CDT | by PR.com

Courting Mae West, LLC invites you to attend an extravaganza in New York, NY; five events featuring Mae West’s “Diamond Lil” -- in a new adaptation by LindaAnn Loschiavo that's faithful to the novel published in 1932.

New York, NY, August 07, 2013 --(PR.com)-- Mae West was the controversial Broadway playwright City Hall couldn't tame and the screen queen The Hays Office couldn't refrain from censoring, a bi-coastal bombshell who dominated the box office and the front page for decades. The legendary entertainer will be back in our midst with her gaudy retinue in 2013 during August and during November.

 Introduced on The Great White Way in 1928, “Diamond Lil” written by and starring Mae West remained popular until its final performances in 1951. The  "melodrama of the underworld" set in Chinatown and on the Bowery during the 1890s has been adapted into an 85-minute version by playwright LindaAnn Loschiavo, whose work "Courting Mae West" was last seen in Melbourne, Australia. Actress Darlene Violette stars as the irresistible diamond-draped Queen of the Bowery and is supported by a fine cast featuring Sidney Myer, Anthony DiCarlo, Joanna Bonaro, Gary Napoli, Juan Sebastian Cortes, Kimmy Foskett, Jim Gallagher with live music by Brian McInnis.

- Who, What, When, Where and How Much -
On 5 Dates: August 12th, August 17th, August 18th, November 22nd and November 23rd
- What: Five events timed to celebrate the 120th birthday of Mae West, born in Brooklyn, NY on August 17, 1893
- On Monday, 12 August 2013 at the Hudson Square Library
- One afternoon only from 4:00pm — 5:45pm [Seating from 3:45pm]
- Where: Hudson Branch Library, 66 Leroy St., NYC 10014; not accessible to wheelchairs
- Who + What: "Diamond Lil" by Mae West as a Reader's Theatre Experience with words and period songs and live music — a unique and unforgettable presentation
- Cast: Costumed in 1890s Bowery style, actress Darlene Violette and actor Sidney Myer present the 1932 novel "Diamond Lil" written by Mae West in Mae's words — enhanced with period songs and live music by Brian McInnis. At intervals, historian and playwright LindaAnn Loschiavo leads an "Armchair Tour" through the boisterous Bowery and Chinatown of the 1890s with rare vintage images you have never seen before.
  - RSVP: Email MaeWestDiamondLil @gmail.com

 - There will be two stagings of "Diamond Lil" on August 17th and August 18th in NYC.
- Cast: Starring Darlene Violette as Diamond Lil, Queen of the Bowery and also featuring Sidney Myer, Anthony DiCarlo, Joanna Bonaro, Gary Napoli, Juan Sebastian Cortes, Kimmy Foskett, Jim Gallagher and live music by Brian McInnis
- The public is invited (suitable for age 18 and over)
- On Saturday, 17 August 2013 at 7:30pm on West 38th St.
- Where: John Strasberg Studios, 555 8th Avenue, Suite 2310, New York, NY 10018; accessible to wheelchairs
- August 17th Admission: $10 — must be pre-paid. Raffle tickets are free.
- RSVP: Advance sale tickets: you must email MaeWestDiamondLil (at) gmail (dot) com
- Closest MTA subway stations: 42nd St./ Times Sq. via A, C, E, 1, 2, 3
- On Sunday, 18 August 2013 at 7:00pm on West 46th St.
-Where: Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC 10036; T. (212) 757-0788
- RSVP: August 18th Admission: $15.00 cover charge plus a two drink minimum; raffle tickets are free.
- Reservations: www.donttellmamanyc.com
- Closest MTA subway stations: 42nd St./ Times Sq. via A, C, E, 1, 2, 3
- Join them as they turn the iconic NYC nightspot Don't Tell Mama into Gus Jordan's "Suicide Hall"



 - Updates: facebook.com/MaeWestDiamondLil
- On Friday, 22 November 2013 from 7:00 - 8:30 PM
- On Saturday, 23 November 2013 from 2:00 - 4:00 PM
- Where: Jefferson Market Library in the very room where Mae went before a judge
- Address: 425 Sixth Avenue, New York, NY
- RSVP: Admission is free but you must RSVP via email MaeWestDiamondLil (at) gmail (dot) com

FYI: "Courting Mae West" received a six-page spread in the July-August 2013 issue of THE DRAMATIST. The article will be part of a presentation on November 22nd and November 23rd, 2013 at Jefferson Market Library on Sixth Avenue -- in the same room where Mae West faced off with Judge Donnellan in 1927.
Contact Information:
Courting Mae West, LLC
Mae Westside
212-614-9683Contact via Email
maewest.blogspot.com
Sponsorship Inquiries only: 212-477-0893
Read the full story here: http://www.pr.com/press-release/508355

Press Release Distributed by PR.com
Source: PR.com

Read more at http://www.movieballa.com/2013/08/103728/mae-west-and-diamond-lil-bring-sin-back-big-apple-august-and-november#z5CGO64ImtK3HXig.99

 

 

 

#32 BRAZILBUTTLIFT ON QVC - Watch how it works! 9/12/12

More info click onto     IMDB www.imdb.me/joannabonaro

LET ME INTRODUCE YOU!....

AND YOU'LL HAVE A REAL GOOD TIME,

YOU'LL SEE,

YOU'LL.

HAVE. 

A REAL GOOD TIME.

(yes channeling Natalie)

 

 

http://www.qvc.com/Brazil-ButtLift-Lower-Body-Workout-with-3-DVD-%26-3-Booty-Bands.product.F05456.html

HELLO LADIES!  SO WHY THE CAPS? 

I SHOUT IT OUT ---
BECAUSE I KNOW WHAT IT IS LIKE TO BE MADE TO FEEL INVISABLE ----
AND I DON'T WANT YOU TO FEEL THAT WAY AT ALL...
OR EVER AGAIN.

I prefer the lady like term - INVINCIBLE 

ULTIMATELY ITS NOT ABOUT SIZE --- IT'S ABOUT FEELING GOOD ABOUT YOURSELF.

AND STAYING HEALTHY. 

ITS NOT ABOUT VANITY --

ITS FIRST AND FOREMOST  ABOUT YOUR MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH ....

THE PHYSICAL BENEFITS ARE THE ICING ON THE CAKE OF YOUR LIFE.  

I AM TALKING ABOUT FEELING ---   JOY.

SO TAKE A CHANCE.

I GAIN NO MONETARY VALUE FROM THIS - ZILCH. 

I JUST WANT TO SHARE WHAT WORKED FOR ME.   

GET BACK YOUR STRENGTH, YOUR INNER BEAUTY & THE CONFIDENT WOMAN IN THE MIRROR. 

 

I WANT YOU TO WAKE UP AND FEEL ON FIRE EVERY SINGLE DAY....

 

-----FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE.   

http://www.qvc.com/Brazil-ButtLift-Lower-Body-Workout-with-3-DVD-%26-3-Booty-Bands.product.F05456.html

If you have questions, or concerns feel free to ask me.  I am on FB and also IMDB. I will advise you to the best of my experiences and my abilities.    I wish you LOVE AND GREAT JOY.   JOANNA



More info click onto



IMDB www.imdb.me/joannabonaro




 

#34 HOT OVER 40! REALITY SHOW BEAUTY - AHEM! 9/28/12

More info click onto



IMDB www.imdb.me/joannabonaro

BEHIND THE K****N KURTAIN  Or (Any) Reality TV Comeliness
---- Real vs Reel beauty

I was getting an infusion and the new young nurse queried, "How does KK look so great when she wakes up?"  I am the only "actress" patient of the infusion unit;  therefore the de facto "expert."  I said to her, "What do you mean?" she replied, "Well she looks soooo beautiful as soon as she is out of bed, do you know any secrets? I never look like that waking up."  I stated matter of factly, "No one does. The secret is hair and makeup and lighting 2 hours before her head hits the pillow to be filmed, oooh soooo dreamily waking up.  Have you noticed the pillowcase is perfect too?"

Nearly toppling out of her rolling stool and into my lap she said, "Impossible!"

I explained what was obvious to me. "Don't you realize that a reality show has nothing to do with reality?"  She was agog. 
Completely  stunned.  She refused to believe me. 
"Really? ", she almost squealled, "Ooohhh nooo, I don't understand. REALLEE?"
 
Do I tear or tug at this point? I decided on a splash of cold water REAL-ity.
I said evenly,   "Look closely.  Those are fake eyelashes honey.  Nobody's skin is that perfect in Hdtv land unless they have special makeup that makes your skin poreless,  botox to make you seamless and subtle highlights and shadows to make you glow... in all the right places.  Never mind the unwrinkled sheets."  
"But" she gasped,  "she is just waking up!"
I saw I needed to be more gentle tearing away the pink tissue of tv land.  One must be careful where fantasies abound....
I explained as carefully as I could that these "reality" shows are scripted. 
"WHAT! How could that be?" she gawped.  
I was thinking, "How can THIS be? " I figured everyone knew none of this was really "real".
Much to my surprise and chagrin I was very, very wrong.   

peek-a-boo-boudoir photography studio
Illinois

Now I like the K's 'kause they are kurvy, and though pretty, I like the fact that they don't fit the hollywood sKary sKinny, beautiful beyond measure standard -  They are savvy, successful businesswomen and I am k-k-keen to that. And Heck! Some reality TV can be kick-ass fun! However, they are as manufactured and marketed as any young or older female with powerful, helpful fleets of "peeps" behind them as any.  I am including K-mom too. This was "A peak behind the camera's curtain" moment if ever there was one. 

This young nurse, (feeling substandard and inadequate, thankyou pop culture!), needed a gentle hand to steer her away from swallowing all the malarcky and understand that she was perfect just the way she was.  Refreshingly pretty, a healthy weight, and a lovely charming personality along with a generous spirit.  In other words, a real beauty and beautiful human being. 

To my horror, another nurse eavesdropped - she is 48.  She believed the same thing.  My heart hiccuped.  "Oh dear," I said to myself, "this is not good at all.  These women are feeling so terrible about themselves." 
My Joan of Arc warrior spirit was surfacing rapidly.
My internal neon billboard blinked, THESE WOMEN MUST BE SAVED!

So I  explained, tenderly, (I did afterall, have a needle stuck in my veins that would have to be removed) how it all worked.  Episode Pitches, writers throwing out ideas, fabricated scenarios, pre-determined drama, scripted key lines, molding an image of glamour and excitement, along with hair, makeup and don't forget wardrobe.  This applies to all of reality TV. There are courses now to teach aspiring celebrealities how to audition and behave. The K's are exemplified here solely because of this nurse's query.

Oh, by the way, I now had an audience of 5 nurses. They all looked a bit stunned.
Yet at the end of this "enlightenment intervention" they told me they now felt relieved.  You see, they thought they were doing something wrong.  They thought the people on TV were just superior and special - and they..... weren't.  These are NURSES for goodness sake who take care of others when they are ill, sick and weak and THESE SPLENDID females were feeling inadequate as women!  I left thinking, "well that is what the blog is all about.  Urging Women to feel satisfied with themselves, to enjoy their uniqueness, and to live life with gusto. "

So please ladies, if you get nothing else from my blogs, know that my intention is to highlight enjoying ones life, and loving yourself by eating healthily, keeping cardio fit, and enjoying everyday, no matter what anyone else says or does.
Forget the movies, the magazines, the models and manufactured icons.
Look at the lovely, kind, smart, funny and real women around you and follow their examples.

You only have one life. 
Live, laugh, love.  Fully, deeply, truly.

Go make plans with a group of gals you love right now and toast yourselves. Do it and create a wonderful memory!       
STRIVE TO FLOURISH!  HUGS JOANNA

Joanna (unretouched ladies- veins, wrinkles, freckles and all,however will admit to makeup and great lighting)

#28 HOT OVER 40! BERRY BEAUTIFUL! - SWEET 'N SLIMMING 8/6/12

More info click onto



IMDB

www.imdb.me/joannabonaro

FORGET DIAMONDS
Blue Collar Babe's ---

RASPBERRIES ARE A GIRL'S BESTFRIEND

SO YOU WANT TO BE SKINNY, SEXY BUT CRAVE SWEETS?
- NO PROBLEM - 
RASPBERRIES TO THE RESCUE

HELPS FIGHT FAT + TASTY TREAT = SUBLIME

MMMM.... Raspberries.....yummy, sweet, satisfying and curb your sugar cravings, fight fat and burn excess fat deposits.  Yup that's right.  In studies, scientists have isolated something called "bery ketones" from the raspberry,  a family of compounds that can aid in weight control by helping your body burn off excess fat deposits.
Along with the fact that raspberries are super nutritious and contain vit C, manganese, and are a great fource of fiber.  They also contain antioxidant substances that have been linked to preventing cancer and macular degeneration to name a few benefits.
So eat up - Nature has provided us with a tasty treat that is simple to savor.


Just buy, rinse, pat dry and put in a pretty bowl. Great anytime of the day.
Just add a spoon and a smile!









A very berry treat, is to add blueberries, strawberries and raspberries --- berry pretty! Diversify!
No sugar needed, Nature provided it all.

YUM, YUM, YUM, 'SCUSE ME HAVE TO GO HAVE DESSERT NOW.....! 

#25 HOT OVER 40! BRAZIL BUTTLIFT - FIRE UP YOUR WORKOUT! 7/4/12

FIRE UP  YOUR EXERCISE ROUTINE 

 BLAST  YOUR METABOLISM &

 BURN   THOSE CALORIES, BABY!  

4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS FOR YOUR BODY

More info click onto



IMDB www.imdb.me/joannabonaro

OK Blue Collar Babes - 4th of July is around the corner and BBQ, beaches and bikinis are on order. 

Want to blast that fat and burn baby burn those calories for a great beginning of summer lift off?

Join me working out with Leandro Carvalho of Brazil Buttlift fame who will show you some mega-moves that will bring your workout into the stratosphere.

Stop looking at the magazines saying,
"How do they do it?" -- Look in the mirror and say, "I know how  they do it!" --
You can look Hot Over 40!
--- if I can, You can --- 
 Leandro knows all the right moves.
Follow me...

Leandro Fitness Video Blog #25

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxVsgu5tXL8

COMING SOON ---- QVC appearance with Leandro, live fitness demonstrations watch us on July 24th, Tuesday evening between 8-10 pm EST.

#19 HOT OVER 40! PLAN B for BLUE COLLAR BABES 3/15/12

OK SO YOU ARE AN INJURED HOTTIE -

NOW WHAT DO YOU DO?

PLAN A   That's for the highly blessed, the super rich, or those who have great publicity agents and personal trainers. 

PLAN B  -  that's for our special group: BLUE COLLAR BABES. I used to bemoan this, however, I have learned that when life throws us curves, if we love them on our bodies, then we love them anywhere else, too.

WHEN PLAN A GOES ARRAY

I was injured recently while intensely training for a 1/2 Marathon.  Damn!  What to do? What to do?  All my fitness goals for the new year de-railed.  Doctors orders. After bemoaning my fate, I came up with some alternative exercise options even though I did have to give up the marathon in April.  

Plan A ---   running 5-6 miles 5x a week, gradually adding 2 miles a week

                    until I achieved 12 miles with ease.

My fave Brazil Buttlift classes 3x a week for 2 hours each

                   time; along with free weight training on alternating days.

                   Trampoline 2x a week just when watching TV. And anything

                    else I could come up with.  Eating for intense training.

then re-opened old injuries on elbow, shoulder, bicep, neck, and hip.

SOOOOOO ~~~

PLAN B - BE A BLUE COLLAR BABE HOTTIE EVEN WHEN INJURED

Plan B  ---  water aerobics 1x week,  elliptic 30 min. 3x (no arms) on
                   a low incline and effort (Level 5-9 not  12-15), lower body

                   weight machine training 2x a week. Stairs (19 floors) also very long, hilly 2-4 mile walks.  Eating Heaps of steamed broccolli and stringbeans.

Goal -- Healing... then....getting ripped bikini season of course! 

A Blue Collar Babe Over 40,50 or even 60 (Helen Mirren is an icon!) - wears bikini's proudly.  

You can do it. Transforming is a specialty of mine.  I believe in you.

(Don't worry we will be in touch for that - failure is not an option)

I saw this card in the store and had to pick it up -- it encapsulates this philosophy:

Life is all about how you handle plan B.

by Suzy Toronto

#20 HOT OVER 40! THE SACREDNESS OF STRINGBEANS 4/1/12

 A Joanna Dinner. Notice the Italian Lemon Juice.
Pictures by Joanna Bonaro 

STRINGBEANS - SENSATIONAL,  LOW CALORIE AND WHEN SEASONED ARE A GIRL'S BEST FRIEND.     

What can I say about stringbeans?  I wax poetic.  These have taken me from thick to thin and anything in-between. They are crunchy when raw, so that I satisfy my chewing fetish.  They let me absent mindedly munch when I am reading a book.  (A habit left-over from my 12-19thc English Lit and Acting double major college days - then it was corn muffins, but post 40 means adjustments must be made) 

When micro-waved, (yes I buy STEAMERS microwaveable bags, so that any cleaning up before or after is obliterated.  I believe in less work not more)  and seasoned with  Lemon Juice, garlic, 2 TBLspoons white wine, some H2O, and either curry or red pepper, they make a terrific dinner -- alone or with broiled sole, chicken or salmon.  Sublime!    Low Calorie -- guilt free -- finger food - no fork necessary, mindless, chewy, and tasty!  

Who could ask for anything more?  you live green to save the earth, why not eat green to save your body and your sanity?

When I am healthy and driven, or injured and held back, I rely on them.  When I go ballistic and I need to eat, eat, eat!!!!! and just pig out!!!!!!! - well it doesn't have to be so self-destructive.  It can be green and filling.  Then if I still need a Baci, well, my stomach is full, and the chocolate fix can be sated without eating a whole bar.  Stringbean's bring it back to "what am I doing to myself?" "Do I really want to do this?" (meaning the chocolate cookies or box, for that matter.) And, the next morning, "I am soooo veryyyyy proud of myself! Hurrah!"

So when my girlfriends who are over 40 and trying to lose 5,10, or even 20 pounds and ask "how did you DO it?" , "how do you KEEP IT OFF?", I tell them, hard work, Brazil Buttlift, constant activity, making magnificent food choices, and STRINGBEANS!

Just please don't use oil. If you must -- literally -- a teaspoon will do.  Salt, a smidgen, again, only if absolutely necessary.  Don't ruin the magic by fattening it up.  You will come to look at it as your saviour savory.   It will work for you if you work with it.  Add jalapenos, cumin, curry, oregano, sage, onion powder -- any spice will do.  Whatever works for you for additional taste.  I still prefer lemon overall.   Even if ultimately you give in to weakness, your stomach will still have been filled up by a nutritious, healthy substance, so you will STILL BE CONSUMING LESS.

If stringbeans don't ring your bell, then I suggest, asparagus, broccoli (VERY FILLING), spinach or lettuce.  Learn to love green!!!!!!

Yup! Opened and used. 2 for a filling dinner. So low calorie, quantity is not an issue.
pictures by Joanna Bonaro

JOANNA'S TASTY STRINGBEAN RECIPE:
2 Greenbean Steamers
1/4 cup part water and white wine
Garlic powder
Onion flakes
Red pepper powder or flakes
2 tblspn Lemon Juice or fresh squeezed lemon
Mix and enjoy!

If you are still hungry, 2-3 WASA crackers, with Weight Watchers Swiss Cheese - 2 wedges and even a glass of red or white wine.  Filling, healthy and low cal. 




My cancer fitness journey --
blogs 1,2,3,6,8,10 & 14

#24 SUMMER BEAUTY PRODUCTS 6/21/12

A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS
Summer Beauty Products
No Sweat Beauty 

BLUE COLLAR BABES!!

Some beautifying products that won't break the budget.  Sometimes the basics and what grandma taught are the best.  Save your money in some places so you can splurge on the more important things.

BREAKOUTS ---- yes we still get them.   I have gone the toothpaste route, though the new whitening gels don't work at all.  Used dermatologist proscribed products where I need a prescription (not covered by insurance) or better yet, their pricey private label products. Yet, after much experimentation I highly recommend Mario Badescu's Drying Lotion.  It works like clay. Apply with a q-tip. Sleep. You will wakeup to problem solved. 

SOFT, SUPPLE HANDS  ----  Grandma always knew best. Tried and true through the ages. 1-3x a week. Use those old fashioned cotton white gloves, slather on your favorite hand cream, or my fave --- Vit. E oil gel and go about your day.  Do it a few hours before you do the laundry, remove and throw in the wash. Voila! Ready for next week!  Or sleep on it.  I cut out the fingertips so that I can go about my business.  Any beauty treatment for me must be easy.  Too involved and I lose interest.  Try it.  Compliments galore!   When gloves aren't an option --- Mario Badescu Hand Creme is the best hand creme I have ever used.  Use during day, near the kitchen sink, in your hand bag, even a sample in your winter parka.  Dry hands begone!

MANICURE TIP -- over 40! I would recommend shorter nails and paler colors.  Your fingers will look more elegant without the harsh color contrasts, along with elongating your fingers.  Longer nails start looking like claws and also seem so out of date and age you.  Oval shape as opposed to square is also much more attractive. Less boxy and blunt. Understatement is best. 

FOUNDATION FOR YOUR CLOSE-UP ----  again, there are a lot of products out there, but my favorite is MakeUp Forever  Liquid Foundation and SmashBox High Definition Primer.  Smooth on after moisturizing prior to foundation application.  Leaves your skin looking poreless and smooth.  Your close-ups never looked so good.

GEL EYEPENCILS  --  TARTE emphasEYES --  I first used these after getting eye lash extensions. (more on that in later blogs)  They don't have oils in them that will emulsify the glue from the extensions. They are super soft and so easy to use.  The color just glides on.  I stopped with the extensions (just for special occasions now) but kept on using these.  A little goes a long way. 

THOSE ARE THE SAVINGS BEAUTY TIPS, HERE IS THE SPLURGE!

FOR THAT VERY SPECIAL OCCASION ---  Well if its a big event day, I would recommend my favorite makeup artist and hair dresser/colorist from LA.  She comes to New York regularly and her work is featured on the covers of Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire, Brides, Vanidades and Cosmopolitan.  More caring and concern that you look magnificent on your big day you will never find.  Her name is Laly.  And she is magnificent, munificent and just plain fun.  You will look gorgeous and have a blast. 

She can be contacted at www.Ztalentgroup.com

Laly up front with Elizabetta Canalis

With these products and people as part of your arsenal, 

then you won't feel so bad - ever.

#22 HOT OVER 40! SURVIVING CANCER - I RUN FOR ME, MY MOTHER, FOR LIFE 5/12/12

More info click onto

IMDB www.imdb.me/joannabonaro

I AM WRITING THIS FOR MY 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY AS A CANCER SURVIVOR-- MAY 25th, 2002.

 I survived cancer. But hated the way I looked. 

I gained my life. But lost my self-esteem. 

For 7 years. 

Then - * I got the woman in the mirror I liked to see back again. 

I am determined to make up for those 7 lost years.

In between, I learned that we all really need and want to feel beautiful.  That society puts way too much pressure on woman to be skeletal skinny and prepubescent and that there is a huge prejudice for any woman out there who is a size 8,10, 12 or 14. 

 I had a conundrum. 

I feel magnificent as a size 4, fat as a size 10 --- so what can my philosophy be? 

"Are you a hypocrite?", I asked myself.

No.

My viewpoint is:

I am not advocating skinny, nor am I condoning too much fat.  Neither is good - both are reflections of poor eating habits and perhaps poor exercise regimes.

I decided to propose & promote a positive outlook --- 

to seek health and happiness based upon your own values.  Not Vogues.

The thinking that "taking care of yourself" is important.

A tall building won't stay upright without a deep foundation and strong supports.  The same goes for your body- it needs proper food and exercise to excel.  Take care of the inside and the outside will take care of itself. Your spirit needs to wonder and feel light.  That's why we love mountain aeries.  Feeling close to the sky transports you.  You must have moments in life when you feel as if you can jubilantly soar through the Heavens.

 

The more  you take care of yourself, the better and lighter you feel. Your mind and emotions need to feel inspired.  Creating new ways of eating, moving and then yes adorning, create a sense of well-being.

LIVING IS ABOUT HAPPINESS.

 I want everyone to look and feel as pretty as they can, based upon there own comfort levels. Because I know, I know that no matter what any woman says, she wants to look and feel beautiful.

The reason why I am a lunatic in the gym?  

Because I can be.

Because I am still here. 

I could have been LONG gone. 

I am grabbing Life and not letting go. 

No one can stop me. No one can pull me down. 

I won't let myself and I won't let anyone else.  

AND NEITHER SHOULD YOU.


No matter where you are in your journey to look good and feel beautiful, remember that you are alive and able. 
Just start.  It will become a wondrous adventure full of surprises. You will surprise yourself the most. 
I guarantee it.

 Sure there are setbacks.  Life is about "dancing in the rain" afterall. Any rebirth symbolism involved water; a sprinkle or a plunge, drinking or sweating, it's all the same.

When I am in a class and basically moving at 100 mph an hour while others drop around me.  I am not showing off. 

I am exhilarating in the fact that I can move,
that I am alive.
 

I am not competing -
I am exhulting in movement and breath and life. 
I look in the mirror and I am grateful, incredulous and absolutely amazed.

Working out has become a celebration. 

So yes, I run  for my mom who has survived not one but TWO bouts of breast cancer, and I run for me. 

The scars on my body are my testiment, her testiment, every woman's testiment.  They say "I have survived." 

YES! I RUN FOR LIFE!

If  you are a cancer survivor I would love to hear from  you. 

   

If you would like to read some other blogs about cancer, my fitness and weight loss journey and getting your groove back with Brazil Buttlift 
see blogs #1,2,3,6,8,10 & 14

Fitness tip: Brazil Buttlift w/ Leandro Carvalho  www.leandrofitness.com

*thanks Leandro - I may not be a VS model, but who cares? I feel like a gorgeous one and at my age --- that is enough for me!

More info click onto



IMDB www.imdb.me/joannabonaro

#21 SISTERS, SISTERS --- TWINS NO LESS 4/20/12

SISTERS, SISTERS
 THERE WERE NEVER SUCH DEVOTED SISTERS!

My Twin

AREN'T I LUCKY? I HAVE A TWIN WHOM I ADORE AND WHO ADORES ME.  WE HAVE BEEN EVERY SIZE UNDER THE SUN AND NEVER AT THE SAME TIME....

TILL NOW. 

FINALLY THE JOY OF SHARING CLOTHES. 

I JUST FORCED HER TO BUY A CASHMERE MAX MARA BLACK COAT.   (well when I wrote this awhile back, not now.) She didn't know about this very chic, very Italian designer brand. 

I zoomed into the coat with my selective laser fashion eyes and told her,

"Put it on - it's you."  She was undecided.

  ~now note the sisterly psychology~

I put it it on instead and said, "If you don't buy this I will, I look gorgeous in it - so it's either me or you."  There was only 1 left in the size that we now both can wear.

"caring, sharing, every little think that we are wearing..."

She said, "ok sold."  Who needs a saleswoman when she has me?

VERY AUDREY. VERY CHIC. VERY EXPENSIVE.

IF NOT NOW WHEN? 

 YOU WORK HARD AT LIFE SO WHY NOT BUY A COAT THAT YOU FEEL LUXURIOUS, RICH AND GLAMOROUS IN?

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? 

I urge you to buy cashmere.  It keeps you warm, feels soft, is high quality and a classic style will last you for years.  

BLUE COLLAR GALS DO HAVE CASHMERE TASTES YOU KNOW.

WE MAY JUST HAVE TO WAIT FOR THE SALES. ONCE PURCHASED HOWEVER, WHO WILL EVER KNOW THE PRICE? 

  

We grew up loving "White Christmas", Rosemary Clooney (Ginny was Rosemary -  even though I could sing and Ginny could dance, and they are both blonde and we are not. Details, details. Pah!) and the song they sang --"Sisters, Sisters" -- with those wonderful feather boas! Hmm...

"When a certain gentleman arrived from Rome

She wore the dress, and I stayed home"

The good thing was that we NEVER , really never, liked the same guys.

  So that was not a problem  -- the problem, most noted in college, was if we actually liked the guy the other one was dating at all! It was usually, "Ugh, where'd you find that one! Get rid of him!" This was before they even met Dad!

There is no one as critical about the viability of prospective boyfriend than a twin.

"All kinds of weather, we stick together

The same in the rain and sun

Two different faces*, but in tight places

We think and we act as one" 

(*aside - how did Irving know we were fraternal? he wrote the song for us didn't he?
that's what mom said)

So true.  And now we can raid one another's closets. 

I've turned her onto Anthropologie. 

Danger ahead. 

Instead of two for one, it's now one for two!

FITNESS TIP:

My thing is Leandro Brazil Buttlift.  Her thing is Weight Watcher's. They both work. Go choose one. There is nothing more to say.  

#17 HOT OVER 40! MARILYN MONROE SIZZLE & SMARTS! 2/25/12

More info click onto



IMDB www.imdb.me/joannabonaro

Real vs Reel Beauty 
Yes! Marilyn knew the difference.

Sizzle + Smarts = 
Sensational  

 

My favorite Marilyn photo - with a BOOK!

Since this is a blog about beauty, image and the pressures society puts on women to look gorgeous no matter the circumstances, I harken back to Marilyn. Why? Well she did re-invent herself.  She was her own creation.  And creating one's own rennaissance whether it be through fitness or schooling, or relationships, or just a new pair of jeans is what this blog is about.  Creating a life and look that makes you happy,  gives one confidence, and authenticity - that is what I would hope for you. Because you are doing it for yourself, not to be selfish and narcissistic, but to be happy and healthy and fulfilled.
You deserve it.  
Marilyn was often misunderstood, however she was a brilliant actress and business woman.  A woman before her time who fought for her beliefs, and the rights of others.
I think if she could have continued to withstand the pressures of fame, stardom and her own personal demons, she would have been a true aging beauty.  
A role model on how to age with grace and style. 
With a face that moved and continued to move us too!

A true iconoclast. A forerunner. Trailblazer.

"For decades, irresponsible biographers like Norman Mailer have represented Marilyn Monroe as nothing more than weak, psychotic, junkie, nymphomaniac, idiot. I have tried to read her life in a different way. True, Marilyn was sometimes mired in the ideology of the past: she married men to gain an identity she wished for herself; she was over-reliant on her sexuality for success in her career. But, at the same time, she displayed real agency by divorcing three unsupportive husbands who interfered with her career and her self-esteem, by fighting for her modeling and film success, by continuing to perfect her art by taking acting classes long after she was a big star, by battling Darryl Zanuck to have more control over her own destiny, by starting her own production company, by buying her own home, even by jogging through service alleys, lifting weights, and wearing jeans. All of these things were accomplished six years before the first feminist protest at the Miss American Pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and eight years before the First Congress to unite Women in New York."   (Excerpted from http://www.americanpopularculture.com/)

INSIGHT FOR THE DAY:

MARILYN JOGGED AND USED WEIGHTS BEFORE THE BOOM OF THE FITNESS CRAZE, GYMS, TRAINERS AND EXERCISE GURUS ---- SO FOLLOW HER EXAMPLE ---

YOU CAN TRANSFORM YOURSELF THROUGH DILIGENCE AND DEDICATION.  And no it ain't easy, however, eventually it will actually become fun.  Trust me. I know.
UPCOMING BLOGS ON VARIOUS EXERCISE STRATEGIES DURING SLUMPS, MALAISE & INJURIES.   

THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST, COMMENTS, READERSHIP, CURIOSITY, CARING, SHARING.

CHOOSE HAPPINESS - EVEN DURING DURESS.
IT WON'T CHANGE THINGS ALOT, BUT PERHAPS, IT WILL CHANGE HOW YOU DEAL WITH IT.

if you are new to this blog and want some background on my philosophies and life after cancer IN A BIKINI   see blogs #1,2,3,6,8,10 &14

#15 HOT OVER 40! BACI, BACI EVERYWHERE~ SEDUCTION 2/2/12

Seduction : 

Give him a mystery trail of chocolate Baci ---- he will think of you everytime he discovers one... Sock drawer, humidor, gym bag, drivers seat, computer pad... When he gets home, have set a path of Baci through the house for him to follow-- at the end of the trail....hide one on your person and let him find it, along with Champagne in a fluted glass with strawberries and chocolate --- awaiting you both. Dinner can wait.