31 Mar Spotlight On-Over 40-Andrea’s Wellness Notes

Hello Friends, I wanted to introduce you to Andrea, another over 40 blogger friend, whom I interviewed about blogging after 40. Enjoy!

I always begin by asking how you decided to name your blog Andrea’s Wellness Notes? What is your definition of Wellness?

I started my blog in 2009, when my older son was in high school, and the little one was just a toddler. I was stretched very thin between taking care of my family and being a college instructor. I hardly ever took time for myself, and I knew things had to change. Starting my blog was a way for me to document how “well” I was taking care of myself.

For me, wellness is a very broad term and includes food, exercise, mental health, as well as the way I dress and take care of the “outside.”

2. Germany was your home for 20 yrs prior to moving to San Francisco with your family where you are now. How has your lifestyle changed and did you enjoy one area more than the other?

I’ve lived in the San Francisco Bay Area for over 25 years, and it’s definitely home now. However, I also miss Germany and my family and friends there. As people in my life are getting older, being far away is definitely getting harder.

3.You have been blogging since 2009, that is a long time. What changes, have you noticed in the blogging world for women over 40?

When I started, most of the other bloggers were in their 20s.Today, there are a lot more women over 40 who are blogging. It’s great to see awesome women in their 50s and 60s and beyond, and they are a great source of inspiration.

4. You know we both agree on wearing what we love to wear and ignore “fashion rules.” What might be one of those “rules” you enjoy breaking?

I like to break “color rules” like not wearing white after Labor Day or pairing red with pink.

5. How should an Over 40 lady dress casually? Casual used to be jeans, sneakers and tee shirt, when I grew up, has it changed?

I have a fairly casual wardrobe and often wear jeans. However, I always try to dress my outfit up a bit and make it more interesting with accessories. Jeans and a t-shirt can look totally different with cool shoes, a statement necklace and a fabulous handbag. I am also a big fan of leggings and a tunic – I just love how comfortable they are! But again, I try to always add cool accessories.

6.Since your blog has wellness in mind, what is your favorite exercise? Why?

I’ve been doing barre workouts since 2010 and love them. They are a great workout and the hour at the barre is my “me time.” It’s great for body and soul. In January my husband and I rejoined a gym, and I’ve enjoyed “more serious” weight workouts a lot recently, too (I’ve always done some weight workouts at home.

7.Tell the readers one of your best recipes. (you list some delicious ones on your blog) I want to make the butternut squash fries.

My favorite recipes on my blog are my Korean-inspired dishes. My husband is Korean American, and I enjoy making Korean side dishes as well as bulgogi (marinated beef; the literal translation is fire meat).

8. Tell us your go to fashion “uniform”?

You’ll see me most often in leggings and a tunic. I love being comfortable, and there are many cool tunics with interesting patterns out there that help me express myself.

9.What makes you choose your clothes for the day? Mood, outing, colors etc..

I definitely think about what I have on the agenda for the day. If I teach, my outfits are a bit more professional although California and my campus are very casual and pretty much “anything goes.” On days I work from home, my main priority is to be comfortable, but I always wear accessories and make sure to look put-together. I often wear neutral outfits, but on days I need a pick-me-up, I always choose bright colors.

10.Now that we are in the Spring Season, is there anything currently on your wishlist?

I really like the embroidery trend. I have a pair of embroidered jeans, and I love them. I would love to get an embroidered denim jacket. I’m also intrigued by the floral and ruffle trend, as they are a bit out of my comfort zone, but these days I’m more open to experimenting and trying new things. I’m very particular when it comes to floral prints, but I hope to find the perfect ruffled floral top.

11. Anything else you want the readers to know about Andrea’s Wellness Notes?

Andrea’s Wellness Notes is my happy place. I love to share things that bring me joy and make me happy. My tag line is “Attempting to live my best life.” I hope to inspire my readers to try to live their best lives as well.

12. What goals do you have for your blog and after 8 yrs, what might be one of the most important things you have learned through blogging?

The most valuable things that have come out of blogging are the relationships I’ve built with other bloggers and blog readers over the past eight years. Some of them have been with me on this journey from the very beginning. One thing I’ve learned several times is the importance of being authentic and do what’s right for me. My goal is to continue to have fun with my blog and to create content that my readers enjoy.

13. Just for fun, what are you watching or reading right now?

One of my favorite recent TV shows is This is Us; I can’t wait for it to come back. And I’m really into fun mystery novels at the moment; they are a great way to relax and take my mind off things.

I hope you enjoyed this interview. Follow Andrea on Facebook.

If you would like to see more Over 40 Interviews click HERE, and follow me on Facebook for when I post each month.

Have a great weekend!

Jess xx