Kimberly Dalferes | Author

Crazy, Southern, Irish Gal, Author

Stupid Sh*t Said to Women

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A friend recently recommended I read the interview of Hillary Clinton by Editor-in-Chief Cindi Leive of Glamour magazine. This September 2014 article focuses on career advice for women – the article was suggested because I’ve developed a keen interest in the whole “lean in vs be balanced” debate. FYI, excerpts from this interview can we be found online at: http://www.glamour.com/inspired/2014/08/hillary-rodham-clinton-career-lessons (accessed 9-29-14) Clinton’s discussion of what it was like … [Read more...]

A Quotable Woman

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September is a magical month. As the transition from summer to fall begins, I find myself appreciating any lingering warm days, knowing that cooler temps are on their way. September brings festivals that celebrate pumpkins and mums, apples and wine (for a few tips regarding those wine festivals you can check out Don't Be the Drunk Girl). What’s not to love?! Image provided courtesy of www.gratisography.com I recently discovered another reason why we should all love this month: … [Read more...]

One Gal’s Trash

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My mama raised me right. In our house, nothing ever went to waste. Leftover bacon grease was saved in a can on the kitchen counter. Aluminum foil was reused until it disintegrated. My lil’ brother and I often joke that Mom can spot the sales rack in a store faster than green grass through a goose (I cleaned that one up a bit for you Mom). But it’s not just good common sense instilled from Mom. My thriftiness can be traced to all sides of my gene pool. A couple of years ago my Dad introduced … [Read more...]

My Middle-Aged Bucket

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One does not think too much about bucket lists when one is young. You’re too busy rushing forward to be concerned about the things you’re not doing. At least for me, during my first five decades I was full steam ahead, go-go-go, to-do list in hand busily checking off items and then quickly moving on to the next adventure. Hey, I’m a Virgo, of course I had a to-do list: don’t judge. Something started changing the closer I got to Club 50 status. There’s been a small yet perceivable shift in … [Read more...]

Away, Not Gone

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I cannot breathe. I stand awkwardly in the parking lot, unable to force air into and out of my lungs. One of the greatest loves of my life, a person I’ve held onto as tightly as possible for the past eighteen years, is leaving me. As much as I’ve tried to prepare for this day, a day I knew was coming, I’m now paralyzed, unable to speak or think or breathe. He’s scared too, I can tell. He’s also eager to get this over with and I’m not helping matters. One last hug and he turns away, walking … [Read more...]

Steals, Deals, and Splurges

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A few weeks ago I asked my Club Fifty gal pals to help me choose a new mascara for my increasingly skimpy eyelashes. As a result, many of you also forwarded your recommendations for additional products that are must haves for anyone, but especially those of us in our fifth decade and beyond. This got me to thinking: What products would I recommend, from thrifty to expensive - but worth every penny? photo credit: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/benmcleod/991447665/">Ben … [Read more...]

Who Ya Callin’ a Girly Girl?!

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Back in 2005, I shocked the majority of my gal pals by announcing that I would be heading to Alaska to go… wait for it… salmon fishing. This crazy southern Irish gal is a bit of a weird hybrid: love pretty pedicures, but will also happily get downright muddy in the garden. I’ll rabidly watch a college football game, followed by my favorite DIY show on HGTV. I am as comfortable wearing a frilly dress as I am relaxing in torn jeans and a sweatshirt.  However, fishing?! A little … [Read more...]

I’m Walking On Sunshine

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Summertime! Having come of age in Florida, I didn’t truly appreciate the importance and beauty of a cloudless bright sunny day until I moved north to Virginia. In Florida, except in January, every day is cheery and sunshiny. Now I know that for the rest of the country, these summer months are provided by the Universe to help us forget about shoveling snow and heating bills. I’ve been a bit lax when it comes to my personal summer prepping. Just this week I finally got around to a cute short … [Read more...]

Who Ya Callin’ Skimpy?

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One of the truths about turning fifty is that our bodies evolve. Some changes we can - the Universe willing - control with exercise, diet and getting enough sleep. But, the reality is that it is very difficult to control, at least in my experience, the changes to our hair. I’m not just talking about the hair on my head: I’ve addressed that issue with a shorter cut and highlights. I am, however, currently quite concerned about the hair on my face. I was blessed with my Nana’s eyebrows … [Read more...]

Dog Wisdom

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This month one of my best friends left this world. Our dog Taz, the little miracle mutt who survived a crazy emergency surgery last year, finally succumbed to old age at thirteen + years old. Up until very recently he was still chasing squirrels and had hauled ass after a fox that had shown up in the flower bed. For most of his life he was a happy, healthy mutt from the pound who we loved dearly. I sure do miss him. For those of you who have by chance read my book, you know that my … [Read more...]