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Meryl Streep in It's Complicated
Diane Keaton in Something's Gotta Give
Diane Keaton in Something’s Gotta Give

Now that I’m a woman “of a certain age,” I love watching movies starring other women “of a certain age.”

Now before you surmise that I’m comparing myself in any way to Meryl Streep, Diane Keaton or Michelle Pfieffer, let me tell you – I’m not. Not by a long shot. Not by a million light-years into space long shot.

But if there’s anything that’s a great equalizer, it’s being a woman “of a certain age.” Here are my top five movies starring those fabulous women who are a guiding light for me every day:

Meryl Streep in It's Complicated
Meryl Streep in It’s Complicated

1. It’s Complicated. Meryl Streep stars in this comedy about a woman who re-connects with her ex-husband (Alec Baldwin) while attending their son’s college graduation. Ok, so that’s not such a bad thing, except for the fact that he’s re-married to a much younger woman with whom he really has nothing in common. Likewise, she’s drawn to a really nice architect (played by Steve Martin, so you know he has to be nice) who’s working on her house. By the way, this movie was directed by Nancy Meyers, who’s known for her fabulous movie houses, and this one doesn’t disappoint.

2. Something’s Gotta Give. Here’s another Nancy Meyers movie with yet another fabulous house. This one stars Diane Keaton as a writer who ends up in a complicated relationship with a swinger (Jack Nicholson) who’s on the cusp of being a senior citizen — and who also has a taste for younger women. But when a heart attack sidelines him at her house for a while, something’s gotta give. Kudos to Keaton’s unabashed bravery for a nude scene. 

3. New Year’s Eve. Garry Marshall’s romantic comedy follows the lives of several couples and singles in New York City as they intertwine over the course of New Year’s Eve. Michelle Pfeiffer plays Ingrid, a woman who decides to quit her job after having a near death experience. She asks a young messenger (Zac Efron) to help her fulfill her resolutions, and the two form a sweet friendship.

4. The Kids Are All Right. Annette Bening and Julianne Moore play a lesbian couple with two teenage kids (Mia Wasikowska and Josh Hutcherson) who decide they want to meet their biological father. Never mind that he’s never been a real father to them, having only supplied the sperm that made them possible. It’s a new kind of family with many of the same issues as a more traditional family.

5. Brave. This animated movie from Disney Pixar follows young Princess Merida (Kelly Macdonald) who’s determined to make her own path in life. In doing so, however, she brings a curse upon the village where she lives and inadvertently ends up turning her mom into a bear. The girl must rely on her bravery and archery skills to undo the curse and restore order.

Look, every woman goes through the same stuff in life, but thanks to companies who know that and design products specifically for us, life can be a whole lot easier. Like Poise brand’s Body Cooling Towelettes, Personal Lubricant, Panty Fresheners, Feminine Wash, and my personal favorite, Roll-On Cooling Gel, which is a life-saver when it comes to hot flashes (yes, I’ve tried it).  You can get free samples here or download a coupon here. Also, hear stories from real women “of a certain age,” share your own and pledge to join The 2nd Talk at Poise.com.

And guess what? Everyone who posts a comment at the bottom of this post will be eligible to win a $100 Visa gift card.

Here’s the question: How are you approaching life’s changes confidently? Answer in the comments below! 

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This sweepstakes runs from 1/22/13-2/19/13.

Be sure to visit the Poise brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!

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97 COMMENTS

  3. Just keep on living. We’re (thank goodness) long past the days when women are supposed to just surrender to their fate and stay in their room out of the way.

    I loved Diane Keaton in Somethings Gotta Give, and It’s Complicated was almost painful to watch it was so true.

  6. I am approaching life’s changes with some concern, but I am eating right, getting a bit of exercise, really trying to take care of myself, to make the change easier.
    jslbrown_03 at yahoo dot com

  23. Confidently? Me? I don’t think I’ve ever approached anything — and especially life’s changes — confidently. Instead, I do what I can to take care of myself and keep my fingers crossed. But I’d never confuse that with confidence.

  32. I loved Meryl’s wrinkles in It’s Complicated and the fact that her ex husband liked her better than his beautiful young wife (played by Lake Bell, who by the way is a director herself in the real world).

    Accepting middle age was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done…I first focused on what was now lost and was shocked at the health issues that arose. But now I realize that with the wisdom and perspective and skills mastery I have at this age, I’m “poised” to live my best life ever. I am not even kidding!

  37. My biggest life change right now is having my first child (so no menopause just yet!)! I’m finding confidence in preparing for that by taking time to research it and work through my feelings/fears beforehand, so that when the time comes, I’ll (hopefully) be more ready for it!

  38. I have not had an easy time of it. I am still going through it. I have contacted my doctor regarding different issues and each time she says that what I am experiencing seems to be a symptom of perimenopause with menopause coming on. Some days are good and others really not so good. I just have to take it as it comes. I am not taking medication due to a health issue (unrelated) so I have to do things naturally. I am taking it as it comes.

  42. I am trying to approach it with a little laughter and try to be confident about it. My mom started early and I think she is still going through it! Hopefully it will not be as bad for me!

  45. I try to relax and not stress about what’s happening. It’s hard, but there is nothing you can do except handle it and try to be comfortable. These cooling products sound wonderful.

  51. Great list of movies! Talking to my mom about how she went through changes always give me confidence, it’d be nice to read more stories on poise.
    songyueyu at gmail

  53. I am taking vitamins (especially vitamin D) to help with mood changes and I go for acupuncture every once in a while to help with night sweats. I have lost weight recently and am exercising every day to keep it off, gain confidence, and help with mood.

  54. I’m just trying to stay positive about the changes I’m going through by taking good care of myself by eating right, exercising, getting enought sleep and taking vitamins.

  56. I’m not there yet, but it is something I’m already starting to think about since my mom had early menopause. Nice to see that there will be products to use!

  57. I am accepting that change is a way of life, good or bad. We must embrace change and not try and fight it. That is the attitude I am trying to take anyway!

    Thanks for the chance to win!

    wildorchid985 @ gmail dot com

  64. I have to admit that I’m not really approaching it with confidence, but it sounds like these products would be a great help! Thanks so much for sharing and for a chance to win!!!! kmassman gmail

  70. I’ve been taking better care of myself both physically and mentally – I’ve been working out and telling myself to take a break every once in a while!

  72. I am approaching life confidently by knowing that these changes are going to come, so enjoy life know and stay healthy so I am healthy when they are present

    Oliviatheservicedog at hotmail dot com

  73. love somethings gotta give
    ia m approaching it positively by saying that once i get through it…i will be free of my monthly friend

  78. quite honestly, I am 55 years old and still having my period on a regular basis…I take one day a time…and try to keep my attitude positive.

  79. i like to take it easy, not get stressed over things! hopefully when i approach menopause i will have it easy and if not these products seem like they would be helpful

  83. just by making small changes so when the time does come it isn’t that bad. I have heard horror stories, and I am just hoping it is a fast process. sweepmorey at gmail dot com

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