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!!!