Breast Biopsy Alternative - Good News For Women

Women go through hell before going for a mammogram.  While waiting to hear the results we can barely breathe.  Up until now, if the test shows you have a lesion on your breast, the next course of action has always been a biopsy.  But that course of treatment may be changing.

After a six-month study radiologists can, with confidence, recommend a six-month follow-up diagnostic mammogram rather than an immediate biopsy for patients with "probably benign" breast lesions.  This would relieve a woman's angst of having to go for the the biopsy and also the added medical expenses that pile up very quickly.

"Short-interval follow-up mammograms are done to monitor for changes in 'probably benign' breast lesions. But, you do need to be closely monitored for any changes.

In the study 45,007 women were studied.  From that base number 360 women with "probably benign" lesions were diagnosed with breast cancer within six months; and 506 women were diagnosed with cancer within 12 months which is about one in 100 of the "probably benign" lesions). 

Of course decisions about treatment must always be decided by you and your doctor.  I  just want you to have all the information you need to make the most intelligent choice. Never take anything at face value and always get a second opinion.  Do your research and ask lots of questions.  It could save your life.   

Aging Breakthroughs - Imagine 90 Becoming The New 30

Perhaps the aging process can't be stopped, but now it can be predicted. New research from Tel Aviv University is showing  there's a new biological marker that represents the age of a body's bones.  It's called the osseogrphic score (OSS) and can be used by doctors as a scientific tool for predicting a person's general functioning and lifespan.

What does that mean exactly?  From what I understand, if your doctor can determine that you'e aging "biologically faster" than you should, specific measures such as vitamin supplements and exercise can help slow down the process.

"While different biomarkers such as grey hair, wrinkles or elasticity of the skin can help us estimate a person's biological age, these features are hard to quantify.  With the new OSS biomarker, and treatment administered at a younger age, "at 90 people can function as though they are 30. 

The Tel Aviv University researchers investigated the bones of about 400 Russian families 787 men 18 to 89 years old and 723 women 18 to 90 years old. The results of the study indicated that men and women inherit different aging patterns. In men, the genes are more likely to influence how quickly they will age. For women, the genes are more likely to represent at what age visible changes in the bone will begin to appear.

Can you imagine the day when it's normal for people to live to be 125?   But, I guess the better question would be - what would you do differently today if you knew you would still be here well into your 100s?    

Sex, Sex and More Sex Is Still The Best Medicine

This is fantastic news!  You can throw away your prescription meds.  Science is proving that a  good old-fashioned roll in the hay is the best way to cure all your ills.

There are at least 25 health related problems, from the common cold to high blood pressure, that can be helped by lots of hot and heavy sex. Here's the short version of the list.  To see all of them go to Nerds Do It Better.  Just click here.   

Depression: Without the help of researchers, just about anyone can agree that sex will make you feel good about yourself and just a bit more confident. But one researcher has said there’s a scientific explanation that goes a bit farther. Professor Gordon Gallop says that there’s an unknown chemical in semen that has an antidepressant effect on women.

Headaches: Although sex can sometimes bring on a headache, it can cure them too. The tension release your body experiences during and after sex can ease restricted blood vessels in the brain.

Arthritis: In his book, “How to Treat Arthritis with Sex and Alcohol,” rheumatologist Carter V. Multz asserts that sex, as well as alcohol and other complementary treatments, can reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation associated with arthritis.

Common cold: Manfred Schedlovski, a Swiss researcher from Zurich, asserts that sex has a positive effect on phagocytes, which are a part of the immune system that goes after alien bodies, like cold germs, and kills them. Phagocytes are increased signficantly during sex, and will often double after orgasm.

Weak bones and muscles: Sex brings on a boost of testosterone, which helps to make your bones and muscles strong.

Steve & Barry's - Too Good To Be True?

When was the last time you saw something really new?  How about this. Steve & Barry’s, a clothing chain where everything costs less than $10. Steve & Barry’s is about stripping away the gloss and giving consumers something real. They say great clothing doesn't really have to cost that much. I say amen to that.

Steve & Barry's currently operate over 264 super-stores in 33 states.  To find one near you click here.  Their shoppers typically pay 50% to 90% less for the same quality clothing found at competing department and specialty stores. How do they do it it?  They strive to find cost saving solutions in every corner of their business, that allow them to charge incredibly low prices.

This year, Steve & Barry's presented  BITTEN™, a collection of high quality, affordable sportswear for women created by actress and fashion icon Sarah Jessica Parker. BITTEN reflects Sarah Jessica’s personal sense of style and taste. By August, the collection will comprise nearly 500 apparel and accessory pieces, each priced at $19.98 or less and designed for all ages and sizes. As Sarah Jessica says, "Fashion is not a luxury, it’s a right."

Why not stop into Steve & Barry's on your next shopping trip?  Got nothing to lose and maybe a whole lot of money to save. 

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Eating Disorders Too Common in Women Over 40

Sixty-five percent of American women between the ages of 25 and 45 report having disordered eating behaviors, according to the results of a new survey by SELF Magazine in partnership with the University of North Carolina.

Despite the stereotype that eating issues affect mostly young women, the survey found that those in their 30s and 40s report disordered eating at virtually the same rates. Findings show that:

-- 75 percent of women report disordered eating behaviors or symptoms consistent with eating
disorders; so three out of four have an unhealthy relationship with food or their bodies
-- 67 percent of women (excluding those with actual eating disorders) are trying to lose weight
-- 53 percent of dieters are already at a healthy weight and are still trying to lose weight
-- 39 percent of women say concerns about what they eat or weigh interfere with their happiness
-- 37 percent regularly skip meals to try to lose weight
-- 27 percent would be "extremely upset" if they gained just five pounds
-- 13 percent smoke to lose weight

Eating habits that women think are normal such as banishing carbohydrates, skipping meals and in some cases extreme dieting may actually be symptoms of disordered eating.

You can take the Self's survey by clicking here. 

Niche Dating Increases Your Odds For Success

If you want to increase your odds in the world of online dating, maybe you should take a look at niche dating sites.  According to Hitwise, an analysis company, there are now 1,378 United States dating sites — up from 876 just three years ago.  They estimate 44 percent of these targeted sites.

What these niche sites do is match you up with someone who has the same interest that you do.  So, let's say your passion is golf you will go to a site that attracts other avid golfers.  That would immediately increase your odds for success.

I have two friends who met their now significant others on JDate.  This site specializes in men and women who are Jewish.  One of my friends is 35 the other is 60, so it seems to cater to a broad range of ages.

If you want to read more about this up and coming dating trend click here.  Courtney Sullivan wrote a column about it in Sunday's New York Times.  Go take a look because it will give you lots of resources plus you'll get personal stories from the people Courtney interviewed. 

Happy Hunting!

Insomnia - Breakthough In The Quest For More Rest

The quest for more rest is a battle more than 60 million Americans fight each night. But new hope for insomnia sufferers -- could literally be in thier hands!

Finally catching some Zs could come from within.  Sleep specialists say people's ability to fall asleep is linked with the temerature of their hands and feet.

"The best predictor of whether someone is going to fall asleep is an increase to their hand and foot temperature relative to their core," says Matthew Ebben, Ph.D., a sleep specialist at the Center for Sleep Medicine at New York Presbyterian/Weill Medical College in New York.

In normal sleepers, as we doze off, the temperature of our hands and feet increases by about one-degree.  In a recent study, insomniac participants actually learned to change their hand temps through temperature biofeedback -- a technique that trains the brain to control temperature responses.

"We're trying to teach them to control their hand temperature, and then use that when they go to sleep. We're trying to see whether they fall asleep faster with this technque and it looks like they are, "Dr. Ebben says.

The technique worked for about 90 percent of the participants in the study making the quest for more rest much more than a dream.

Madonna - Her Sexiness Extends Way Beyond Her Looks

Kudos to Madonna.  She never ceases to amaze, and with her 50th birthday just around the corner, this "material girl" doesn't show any signs of slowing down.

Her 11th album "Hard Candy shows the world sex is still a pretty high priority with Madonna.   Some critics say she is just going through the motions, not getting back to her erotic self. But, with songs like Give it 2 Me, I'm not so sure I agree.  For what it's worth I think she is still one hot mama and apparently I'm not alone.  Her millions of loyal fans continue to follow her anywhere she wants to take them.

From Material Girl to Kabbalah sexpot, Madonna is probably the most influential female musician of this generation. And she’s also one of the most diverse, pulling off every possible look and being sexy each step of the way. Classic blond, long wild dark brown locks, boyishly short and dyed black, Madonna’s sexiness extends way beyond her looks.

Madonna’s got major sex appeal because of her willingness to push boundaries and explore her explosive sexuality.  Isn't she an inspiration for all us Real Cougar Women?  I can't wait to see what she comes up with at 60.

Naked Yoga - Let it All Hang Out!

WOW WOW WOW.  Here in New York City the craziness just keeps on coming. The newest thing here in the Big Apple is Naked Yoga.  And, as you might have already suspected Naked Yoga, unlike regular yoga classes, is attracting a lot more men.  Just picturing these guys doing the Sun Salutation au natural makes me laugh. 

This freedom centered yoga is supposed to liberate negative belief patterns and help those of us who might be overly conscious of our bodies feel more comfortable.

Yoga twists us into different shapes in order to get a different perspective on ourselves and our lives. The yoga practice is meant to move us closer to our truth and our connection with the divine. The folks who run Naked Yoga say "by removing our clothes we are forced to examine our bodies and our belief patterns. We let go more quickly of what is holding us back, and plunge more deeply into our truth and our bliss".

Nakedyoganyc.com say this practice is about accepting and revering the body as a temple in all of its shapes and sizes and honoring the divine that resides within.

So if you're tired of sweating at Bikram and are ready to let it all hang out, maybe this is your next yoga adventure.

Men Are Not Created Equal When It Comes To Sex

A study by researchers at the Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, and Reproduction find that men report a variety of different experiences involving sexual desire and arousal.

The men we asked to express their feelings (that in itself is a breakthrough) about the relationship between erections and desire, the importance of scent and the intelligence of the woman.

"We have a lot of assumptions about how men think, feel and behave sexually," said Erick Janssen, associate scientist at the Kinsey Institute. So we had them talk about their real life experiences.

The focus groups involved 50 men divided into three groups based on their age (18-24 years, 25-45 years and 46 and older). Here are some examples of the different experiences reported by the men:

• Depression or a risk of being caught having sex, were reported by some men as inhibiting sex, while other men found that it enhanced their desire and arousal.
• An erection is not the main cue for men to know they are sexually aroused. Most of the men responded that they can experience erections without feeling aroused or interested, leading researchers to suggest that erections are not good criteria for determining sexual arousal in men.
• Many men found it difficult to distinguish between sexual desire and sexual arousal, a distinction prominent in most sexual response models used by researchers and clinicians.
• The sexual history of women also mattered to the men -- but differently for different age groups. Sexually experienced women were considered more threatening by younger men, who had concerns about "measuring up," but such women were considered more arousing for older men.

Men, it turns out, are just as complex as women - no two can be compared.  I don't know why sex has to be so complicated but it usually turns out that way,  Perhaps a little more understanding from both sexes might create more fun in the bedroom.

Patricia Walsh-Smith - All I Can Say is Yuck!

In her six-minute video (which as of Friday night had received more than 2,750,000 hits), Tricia Walsh-Smith lashes out at husband Phil Smith, president of the Shubert Organization,  He wants out and now we can all understand why.

On camera in the Park Avenue apartment from which she says she is being forcibly evicted by him, Walsh-Smith (who is 25 years her spouse's junior) reveals candid facts about the marriage and at one point gets on speaker phone and calls Smith's assistant to ask what she should do with her estranged husband's Viagra and porn collection.

Tricia is portraying herself as the consummate victim.  Why in the world would she choose to do that?  Of course we'll never know what really happened, but that's not what's important. What's important is to read between the lines.  There is a there is a huge lesson here for women. Never leave yourself that vulnerable and unprotected.

It's the responsibility of every woman to be in charge of her own financial future.  When you hand over that responsibility to a man, you also hand over your power. 

So, take the time and the effort to learn everything you need to know about protecting yourself from the curve balls life throws at us. Have your own personal bank account, find the right financial advisor - be prepared and be smart.   

Cougar & Cub Speed Dating - Is It For You?

This was a first for me.  I went to a Cougar & Cub Speed Dating Party.  Nothing is too much when it comes to getting the latest scoop for all you Real Cougars. I went not quite sure of what I would find, but guess what, it was a lot of fun!!!.  Not at all what I expected.

The women were all in business attire (no bling or cleaveage here) and the guys were all nice looking, respectful and obviously enjoying the challenge of alluring a more mature woman.

Here's how it works:

You are guaranteed at least 10 introductions.  The gals are 35- 50 and the men 27 - 35 (although a party with guys 35 - 45 is being planned).  The cost is $40.00 for all participants.

Each person gets a scorecard where you jot down the names of the people you liked.  At the end of the event if the people you connected with also liked you then an email address will be provided.  At this event there were 30 people and 26 got a match.

The organizer of these parties is the Aussie Cougar and her company is Real Live People Party.  She organizes all sorts of get-to-gethers but she says the Cougar events are very becoming very hot.  So stay tuned I imagine they will be coming to your city very soon. 

Real Cougars Know The Power Of Looking Good

     Sorry all you grey haired let yourself go natural ladies I'm not in your camp.  Jamie Lee Curtis may choose the grey and wrinkled route, but not me.  The Real Cougar Woman does everything she can to look good - not to please anybody else - she does it for herself.

My book "The 12 Best Kept Secrets of The Real Cougar Women" gives women over 40 important information on how to look fabulous.  The tag line for the book is "how old did you say you are".  I chose it because that's the question I get asked all the time. 

Here's the thing most women won't tell you. Although we're smart, confident, sexy and financially independent, men are still the ones in charge.  And men want pretty women working beside them.  This I tell you from first hand experience.  I worked with men for over 20 years in Wall Street's Old Boys Club. Even though I was the best at what I did - looking good certainly didn't hurt my career.

Not one woman on the planet wants to wake up one morning and see a stranger looking back in  the mirror.  You know the scenario - feeling 30 on the inside and looking 65 on the outside. Christopher Hopkins, a Minneapolis makeover expert says:  "the first step toward change is defining who you are with adjectives -- i.e. classic, casual, romantic dramatic, alluring, innovative.  Then balance who you are through your haircut, clothes and makeup"  He asks, when did taking pride in your appearance become bad"?

A lot of women over 45 are simply paralyzed, says Chrisopher.  They think it's better to do nothing than to make an effort and fail...it's easier to pretend you don't care.

The Real Cougar Woman cares.  So, if you're feeling a little frumpy today, invest in one of the gazillion beauty books that will give you some tips.  Be the woman who's asked "how old did you say you are"?

 

"Work Out" Star Jackie Warner Attracting Straight Women

Jackie Warner's popular show "Work Out" has attracted a lot of attention.  Jackie is a lesbian fitness trainer whose life is chronicled on Bravo. She has a lot of fans and a good piece of them are women.  Women who are not gay.  The New York Times wrote an article about Jackie this weekend. To read it click here.

Jackie is 39 but she is definitely a Real Cougar Woman.  When she was asked why she is attracting so many straight women to the show here's what she said.  "I think my allure has almost everything to do with my fearlessness. Women are attracted to someone who can walk into a room and who’s self-possessed and confident, and that makes them feel safe,” she said. And I do think I do have those qualities.”

Okay, I agree and Jackie seems to have those qualities all tied up in a gorgeous package.  But, the question I have for all women is why be a wanna be when you yourself can possess those very same qualities you respect in others?   

Do women want to feel safe?  Sure they do.  But, here's the truth - nobody can make you feel safe - it's an inside job. We all want to be confident, sexy and financially independent.   Every woman has a Real Cougar she wants to let loose.  The good news with a little training you'll be running free in no time.

To get in touch with your cougar I invite you to join the Real Cougar Club.  It's simple just click here.  We have a team of experts who are ready to help you start a new business, become financially savvy, get healthy and date smart. Plus you will meet a network of fabulous women over 40 who are telling it like it is.

       

Ivana Trump - Real Cougar Marries No. 4

Ivana Trump, who provided the final punchline to The First Wives' Club – "Remember girls, don't get mad ... get everything! –  just got hitched again.

The ex-wife of real estate mogul Donald Trump wore a pastel pink-and-gold wedding dress when she tied the knot Saturday evening with Italian entrepreneur Rossano Rubicondi at Mar-a-Lago Donald Trump's mansion in Palm Beach..

Trump, 59, and Rubicondi, 36, have been together for about six years.  This is her fourth marriage. 

Apparently Ivana had no qualms about walking down the aisle. "I don't need to get married to get the babies," she says. "I have them. I'm not marrying for the social position. I don't need to get married because of money. It just feels right. I have no fears." 

Ivana you are indeed a Real Cougar! 

Whitney Houston Meet Eckhart Tolle

Life can be summed up by Whitney Houston's song One Moment In Time.  Master of living in the NOW, Eckhart Tolle, with the help of Oprah, is taking that thinking mainstream.  Here's how it applies.

Imagining mistakes or what could go wrong has a serious detrimental effect on performance for sports figures, dancers and actors. Dwelling on the negative can disrupt their ability to perform and sabotages actions that would normally be automatic. This research is coming out of the University of Limerick.

The findings suggest that our negative images are much more vivid, detailed and less controllable than our positive images. Positive imagery is known to have a beneficial effect on performance but these results suggest negative images have an even more pronounced impact on how we perform.

Okay having said that, doesn't it make perfect sense that negative thoughts and images take what we want and blow it to smithereens?  Living in the moment is our goal. When we do that our ego let's go of its grip on us.  Why is it we insist on focusing on the yeah buts and the what ifs?  Why not trade those dream killers in for I can achieve anything I want and stay in the moment. 

Here's three things you can do to start being in the moment:

• Pay attention to what you're thinking - put a red band on your wrist to remind you 
• Make sure that every day you do something that you enjoy. Notice the difference in your body when you're feeling good compared to when you are stressed out and worried
• Help somebody else.  That pay it forward model really works

Don't waste another day focusing on what you don't want.  You are in control of your success!!!  

Real Cougar Telling It Like It Is On Growing Bolder Radio

Growing Bolder is a team of  good friends and Emmy Award-winning TV and radio people who got frustrated by the refusal of mainstream media to even acknowledge that the 50+ demographic is the real power in today's economy and society.

I like this sight because like The Real Cougar Woman, Growing Bolder doesn't try to convince you the best is yet to come.  You already know that.  They tell stories of those who are leading by example. I agree with that 100 percent.  In fact I tell women be the person you want other people to be.

Growing Bolder sees men and women smashing all of the stereotypes of aging. They say, like I do, it's all about attitude.

Anyway, they interviewed me on their radio show this week.  Here's the link to listen.  As always, I'm extolling the virtues of the Real Cougar Woman, so I hope you'll take 5 minutes to hear the interview. 

Modeling Opportunities for The Real Cougar Woman and Her Cubs

At some time in your life haven't you imagined yourself parading down a runway or posing for the cover of Vogue?  I think all young women have had that fantasy. But, as we approached our thirties those dreams got tucked away in the back of the closet.  Well, ladies today is the day to resurrect those dreams.  NOW it's your time to shine and here's why.

Advertisers are waking up to the realization that woman over forty have an amazing amount of money to spend.  And, when we buy, we like to buy from people who look like us.  Viola, models over 40 are becoming hot properties.

If you're ready to take advantage of this trend.  If you're ready to strut your stuff, this is a must read - Break Into Modeling for Under $20. It was written by Judy Goss who was a high fashion model and agent for Ford NY in their editorial/celebrity division and also an agent for NY Models in their high fashion division.  She is currently the photo shoot producer and booking editor for More Magazine.  Judy has done it all so she can help you.

Whether you are ready to pursue your dream or help a younger woman pursue hers, do yourself a big favor and read Judy's book first. It can save you a lot of money and a lot of frustration. This is just one of many ways to hold onto your dollars.  Never pay anyone for pictures before getting representation.

Here's some additional information you need to now.  Red Model Management has started a new division called the S-Class. They are looking for vibrant photogenic, elegant women between the ages of 35 and 65 and taller than 5'8".  Here's the best part:  no experience necessary.

The first open call will be in New York on April 26th at their NYC offices:  15 Broad Street, Suite 3320, 33rd floor.

If you are interested, you must make an appointment for the open call first!  Here's the number: 212-785-1999 Contact:  Christie or Kristin.

Hillary Clinton Proving That Women Who Get Angry Lose

It's totally unfair but apparently it doesn't matter.  Whether you're running for president or looking for a clerical job, you cannot afford to get angry if you are a woman, Yale University psychologist Victoria Brescoll has found.

Brescoll and Eric Uhlmann at Northwestern University recently completed three separate studies to explore a phenomenon that is all-too-familiar to women like New York Senator Hillary Clinton: People accept and even reward men who get angry but view women who lose their temper as less competent.

The studies, published in the March issue of Psychological Science, provide women with recommendations for navigating emotional hazards of the workplace. Brescoll says it pays to stay emotionally neutral and, if you can't, at least explain what ticked you off in the first place.

Clinton's presidential campaign has put a spotlight on the question of whether anger hurts a female candidate. The answer, according to the studies, appears to be an unequivocal yes - unless the anger deals with treatment of a family member.

"An angry woman loses status, no matter what her position,'' said Brescoll, who worked in Clinton's office as a Congressional Fellow in 2004 while she was preparing her doctoral thesis on gender bias. She noticed over the years that women pay a clear price for showing anger and men don't.

Cougar Women Are Facing An Upward Battle

This is something all Real Cougars have to read.  It's disturbing but we have to understand how the world perceives older women.  So hold your nose and dive into the murky pool of negative spin.

The cougar -- A female homo sapien mammal, late 30s to 55 years old, known to prey on younger males, never older than 25.

Physical characteristics: The cougar has distinct markings that include leopard print, fluorescent pink and push-up bras. The cougar has a slender, muscular and agile body, ideal for stalking and ambushing. The traditional cougar has long, painted claws, and she looks about 15 years younger than she is. She bathes in self-tanning lotion and hibernates in a tanning bed.

Cougar Women Telling It Like It Is!

  The Real Cougar Club is a WOW!  It's a fabulous place where smart, sexy, independent woman over 40 are telling it like it is.  The membership is expanding daily and now I've added a brand new feature - a team of experts available to answer all your questions. Starting this month three fabulous cougars - pros in their fields - are available to help you. Let me introduce them.

First meet Catherine Avery an investment strategist. She is going to help you become financially independent. Catherine has more than 25 years experience working for leading investment firms including Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley, Shearson Lehman Hutton and Prudential Securities. She now has started her own investment firm where she prides herself on developing a personal relationship with all her female clients. She knows all the pitfalls so you can protect you. 

Real Cougar Women With MBA's Are More Likely To Divorce

Women with MBA's are twice as likely to get divorced as their male counterparts.  And, women with medical or law degrees are experiencing the same thing. Maybe that's the reason "The Real Cougar Woman" who is strong, smart, independent and over 40, isn't rushing to the altar? 

Smart women have finally figured it out.  Jumping into a marriage because it's the expected thing to do isn't necessarily the best option. In fact, now a woman working the same job and making exactly the same amount of money as a man, is more likely to stay single.

Age Shmage - Does It Matter When It Comes To Romance?

You thought Romeo and Juliet had it bad. When it comes to social disapproval, people who love a much younger or older partner face discrimination as intense as that encountered by interracial and same-sex couples.

Though Demi Moore's marriage to Ashton Kutcher, 15 years her junior, may have opened some minds, people in relationships with more than a 10-year age gap face frequent public scorn in the form of disapproving stares or poor restaurant service. "It's one of those biases that people find justifiable," says Justin Lehmiller, a Purdue University researcher.

Oprah Gets It - Money Can Buy Happiness - Here's How!

Whether it's Oprah's The Big Give or Pay It Forward now it's a scienfic fact.  They more you give away the happier you're going to be. Researchers at the University of British Columbia and the Harvard Business School have found that it's possible to buy happiness after all: when you spend money on other people.

In a series of studies, UBC Asst. Prof. Elizabeth Dunn found that individuals report significantly greater happiness if they spend money "pro-socially" - that is on gifts for others or charitable donations - rather than spending on themselves. Her findings will appear in the March 21 edition of the journal Science.

Jamie Lee Curtis 50 and Topless

Jamie Lee Curtis is at it again.  This time she's decided bare her soul – and body – to convince women that they will be their most beautiful if they take care of their bodies and age naturally. 

Jamie will turn 50 in November and decided to celebrate by posing gray-haired and topless on the May-June cover of AARP Magazine.

Remember when she appeared make-up free in More Magazine in 2002?  In that spread she wore a sports bra and briefs now she's going even further.

She says she prefers the natural look of her hair, which went gray in her mid-40s. And as sexy as she was in early films, she has more confidence than ever in her looks.

"I think I have finally found what I hope beauty is, or at least, beauty as it applies to me," says Curtis.