A few years ago, most women in their 40's were not very computer savvy.  Sure, we could send and receive e-mail, and maybe even share a photo online.  But when it came to understanding the newer technologies - such as using social networks to make connections, share information and build relationships - most of us had no clue.  

Fortunately, we fabulous 40-ers catch on quick!  Women around the world are now embracing social networking technologies in record numbers, a trend borne out by the explosive growth of fabulously40.com in the past year. It's interesting to see how this phenomenon has become an integral part of our daily lives.

This morning when I went to work out, I purposely left my cell phone in the car in order to enjoy a "tech-free" hour. But as I huffed and puffed away on the Stairmaster, I couldn't help but notice how technology has become pervasive even in the gym.

All around me, women were emailing, texting and twittering, simultaneously sweating and staying connected without missing a beat.  And as some are learning the hard way, this approach to getting fit is not without risk. Our gym has a policy that prohibits speaking on cell phones, but you are free to text and twitter away at will. One woman on an elliptical trainer lost her balance and nearly fell by focusing a bit too much on her digital conversation. She avoided a nasty spill by grabbing the handrail at the last second, but despite the risk to life and limb she never let go of her phone!

As I pumped away, blissfully unencumbered by any technology device, my mind drifted back to the advice and information I recently received from some very successful people on how to better market my business. Although their advice was valuable, it was outdated and couldn't compare to the tips I received from a much younger demographic that keeps their finger on the pulse of the newest trends.  

For example, in one short session Jenn Van Grove,  an editor at Mashable.com, was able to take us "elders" (most in the audience were 35 and over) through the basics of twitter 101 and give us a glimpse of what it would take to master this remarkable tool. Everyone in the audience was in awe of Twitter's ability to quickly disseminate information in cyber space. From insignificant trivia to earth-shaking information, nothing can get the word out quite like Twitter.  

Then on the weekend I met with my daughter's friend, Ryan.  Reading Ryan's blog  made me cringe at first, then it made me smile. Much of what he says is true, but only someone in his demographic can say it the way he does and get away with it. Ryan had fantastic ideas about marketing, and in just 30 minutes came back with more feedback and information than I could actually take down on paper.

Throughout my morning workout I replayed and re-evaluated all the information I had received. I couldn't help thinking that times sure have changed, and the experts are now our kids and their friends. I will still be their mom, and I will continue to bust their chops and tell them what to do and how to do it. But now I'll be closely listening to what they have to say when it comes to marketing, technology and keeping up with the trends.  

Can you say "role reversal?"

Two of the entertainment industry's legendary performers passed away today; Farrah Fawcett finally lost her long battle with cancer, and Michael Jackson died of cardiac arrest this afternoon.  The sheer improbability of such an unexpected death of a music icon with that of an expected passing of one of Hollywood's most beautiful women of all time on the same day merits a quick tribute to each performer.

The King of Pop collapsed this afternoon in his Beverly Hills home and was pronounced dead on scene by paramedics.  He was 50 years old.  It seems only appropriate to take a moment to honor the long and incredible career of such a music legend, breaking the mold in 1982 with his album release, Thriller, Jackson was to forever be an icon and legend in the business.  Even before his solo career, Jackson was famous for being the baby of The Jackson 5, stealing the hearts of Americans with his charm and charisma.  Despite falling from grace later in his life, Michael Jackson has been and will always remain one of the greatest musical performers of all time.

Farrah Fawcett is best known for her role on the 1970s show Charlie's Angels, which was one of my favorite growing up, I even had my hair cut and styled to mimic hers?she was everything I idolized as a little girl.  And who could forget the iconic photo of her in a red swimsuit on a blanket?  She was the next sex icon to follow Marilyn Monroe.  Her battle with cancer started in 2006 and was highly publicized by the media.  In May of this year, NBC made a primetime documentary focusing on her battle with cancer called, Farrah's Story that drew over 9 million viewers.  She was the epitome of an all-American girl; her luminous smile and waves of golden hair will be sorely missed.

Feminism has been alive and thriving for over 40 years, but is it giving us what we want?

Thriving it may be, but whether it's alive and well is another question altogether. Recently I read an article pointing to the fact that women are actually significantly less happy today than 30 years ago.  How can this be?  You would think that all the years of "progress" towards equalizing rights, shrinking the pay gap and the ever-growing number of women attaining advanced degrees would promote better feelings and happiness, yet the statistics indicate otherwise.

One explanation is that women have, for many years, felt that they perform dual occupations: career woman and domestic attendant.  At the end of the workday, women would come home to wrangle all the household chores and still needed to be done.  However, experts disagree about the soundness of this hypothesis; some counter with statistical evidence showing that the workload (workday combined with other obligations) of both men and women has decreased since 1965.  Technology has advanced tremendously in the domestic field, with an ever-expanding array of helpful household cleaning appliances that take a chunk out of the workload. Remember Roomba?

But just because the workload has been diminished slightly doesn't mean women don't spend the same amount of time thinking about the chores left to be done.  The counter argument to the technology-based theory, is that women may have more help to accomplish their domestic tasks, but that these new devices can't take off the mental pressure women feel to "get it all done."

Perhaps the unhappiness is better linked to the fact that when women in the past several decades fought so fiercely to join the ranks of, and even replace men in the workplace, they really didn't know what they were getting into. Neil Lyndon, author of, No More Sex War, believes feminists never gave men enough credit for having it tough.  Spending hours away from the family is tough, gender-regardless, he argues. Having young children, a (demanding) job and additional mental preoccupations (aging parents, marriage concerns, ex-spousal concerns?) means decreased happiness.  

There are also non-work-related grievances that women are faced with more these days than thirty-years ago.  Divorce rates are sky-high, not to mention the pay gap has not been filled in completely.  Getting through the grind is getting more difficult, it seems.

Women are not coping well with their stresses and concerns, too. These days, women aren't eating their feelings, so much as spending them.  Having an independent source of income means having more money at one's disposal; in one online survey, reported that 79% of women take themselves on shopping sprees to calm their nerves.  While shopping, they experience a kind of buzz, a high that comes with buying something new and shiny, getting the shopping bag and experiencing feelings of temporary happiness.  The worst part of all is this feeling quickly fades, leaving them no happier than before the shopping trip.

So what can we do to combat our anxieties and worries?  The answer does not lie in your freezer, no, Ben and Jerry's won't fix this pickle.  What has been reported as a good longer-term solution, is reestablishing a system of support?creating a community to cheer you on.  Women often lose touch with extended family and old friends, and then neglect to rebuild close ties later on in life.  So here's the treatment: call your old friends, talk to an old lady, join a book club, or better yet, invite your friends to join Fabulously40.com.  

Do what it takes to find those feel-good feelings without swiping your credit card or digging into Haagen-Dazs.

This Friday stop by and personally meet Dr. Amir Karam, our San Diego expert on all Facial Cosmetic Needs. Enjoy an evening of mingling, shopping, food and prizes.

Dr. Karam is offering $100 off coupon to all our Fab40 members.

This event will take place on Friday June 26th  from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the doctors office located at 4765 Carmel Mountain Road, Suite 201 S.D. CA 92130

It’s you time...come out and enjoy yourself!

InStyle Magazine  interviewed Michelle Pfeiffer who reveals how she is bolder and sexier at fifty one than ever before.  

Read her interview below where Michelle exposes herself and see if you can pick up a tip or two from this stunning beauty.

Try on her hairstyle by visiting InStyle   or see how Michelle's look has changed over the years.  Read more of Michelle's exclusive interview with InStyle.  

Michelle Pfeiffer Sounds Off

  Photographer: Mark Abrahams

Bolder and sexier than ever, 51-year-old Michelle Pfeiffer shoots straight on aging.
By Johanna Schneller

Turning 50

“Really, the only bad thing about turning 50 was the anticipation. Once you turn 50, you feel grateful you made it. The overriding, positive thing about turning 50, is that you go from ‘You don’t look your age’ to ‘You look pretty darn good for your age.’ There’s this tremendous pressure off—you deserve to have a wrinkle, you deserve to have a little pooch on your tummy.”  

Feeling Sexier Than Ever

“I’m not saying I’m sexier to other people. But part of feeling sexy is feeling comfortable in your own skin, and less inhibited, and that goes along with getting older. Feeling more confident, dropping a lot of the BS.”    

Getting Plastic Surgery

“Well, I think your face should still move. And you should be recognizable to your friends. One actress I knew years ago, a really lovely person, had some stuff done, and literally, every time I run into her now I don’t recognize her. Every time!”

Being Told She’s Beautiful

“When I was first starting out, I was a little sensitive about it because I hadn’t really proven myself. I was careful to not wear a lot of makeup; I’d show up for interviews in men’s clothing. It took about eight years for me to feel it was OK to look my nicest. To think, I’m just going to enjoy this. And now, the older I get, the more I like hearing it.”

Romancing Younger Men on-Screen

“It was a progression. Paul [Rudd] is 11 years younger. With Ashton [Kutcher, 20 years younger], I thought, I’m never going younger than this again. Then Stephen [Frears] called with Rupert [Friend, 24 years younger], and I thought, Oh my god. But at my age you either play the insane mother-in-law, the wife of the leading man, or the older woman. So of the three, it’s the most interesting choice. It helps if you have a sense of humor about it. Fortunately, all three men are really smart and really funny. And really cute.”  

Keeping Mystery in a Relationship

“Can you imagine, for 20 years, trying to stay mysterious in your relationship? That’s the worst advice I’ve ever heard. Of all the people in your life you don’t want to hide from, it’s your partner. One of the reasons my marriage is successful, I think, is that we are completely comfortable around each other and don’t feel the need to hide aspects of ourselves.”  

Hating “Cougars”

“I so hate that term! Men are sugar daddies and women are cougars? Men are strong and women are bitches?”

It’s Your Turn!

Michelle shares her insight on keeping mystery in her relationship. How are you mysterious with your partner?What do you do to keep it hot?

Have a fantastic week gals, and remember that it is up to us to look and feel good.