Kathy Ireland uses the airplane metaphor to explain the life of most women.
"When you get on a plane, you hear, 'Put on your own oxygen mask first and then take care of everyone else.'
"It's good advice, but most women ignore it," she says. "Guys are so good at delegating, but as women we try to do it all."
How do you do it all in your 40s – and look gorgeous at the same time?
Ask Ireland and she says that de-stressing your life is the best beauty tip around.
"Get rid of stress and have a really good photo re-toucher!" jokes the 49-year-old. "Photo shop is great these days."
Ireland, wife, mom, and CEO and Chief Designer of a worldwide $2 billion a year earning lifestyle firm, admits that getting rid of stress is actually a better option if you want to look younger and feel better.
"I really think whatever we can do to help alleviate stress in our lives is worth it," she says in a serious voice. "I learned so many lessons the hard way. I was 40 before I learned that 'no' was a complete sentence. 'No thank you' is even better.'
"As women, we do too much. We say yes too much," she says. "Suddenly, we're stressed out and exhausted and that's not good for anyone."
KATHY'S BEAUTY ROUTINE: SKIN CARE THAT ACTIVATES STEM CELLS
I catch up with the sweet, friendly Ireland on a weekday morning when she's getting ready for a National Bridal Market convention and planning a trip to Dubai to speak on business and her lifestyle firm.
She's also a hands-on mom of kids ages 9, 13 and 18. "They're very different ages with very different needs, so it's a lot," she says, laughing.
It's a busy life that requires a lot of self-care.
"Yes, it's crucial that you take care of yourself. I've always had challenges in the skin care department," Ireland admits. "But I'm working with some great products right now that really works for women from the age of acne to menopause. It activates your own stem cells and it's called Stemage."
"Our brand is about solutions," Ireland says. "An amazing doctor has been working on developing it and it will be available soon."
HOW SHE STAYS SO FIT
"It's really hard to find the time to work out," Ireland moans. "I have to make the time."
Kathy says to find what you love to do because then you will do it.
"I love sports," she says. "Before my life got so busy with family and the growth of my business, there was more time to dedicate myself to surfing, biking and hiking – things I love to do."
"I make time for those activities these days, but it's a point of scheduling them," she says.
She also does what we could dub Mom Cardio.
"Sometimes my cardio is chasing the kids around," she says with a laugh. "I do grab a quick workout because it's also so good to my health as I'm getting older.
"My metabolism is slowing down, and that really stinks!" she moans.
Wait, supermodels also experience metabolism slowdown!
"I have a really healthy appetite, " Ireland says. "And I get cranky when I diet. Believe me, my family hates it when I'm on a diet. They're like, 'Oh no! She's not on a diet!' It's much better when I eat and when I do exercise.
"I just try to make healthy choices," she says. "I don't believe in deprivation."
HER WEDDING GOWNS
Her latest venture is a line of gorgeous wedding gowns called Kathy Ireland Weddings.
"I've worked with incredible designers," Ireland says. "We have a large breath of gowns for all sizes and ages."
She insists that brides don't need to be size 0 to wear her dresses.
"I'm extremely sensitive to this issue because in the last century I worked as a model and I'm extremely grateful for that education," she says.
"We don't want to put pressure on women to be a size eight to look beautiful. Women and brides come in all shapes and sizes."
She offers this advice: Never diet down to a gown for a big day like a wedding or a major event.
"I hate to see women say, 'I'm going to buy my gown a size smaller and lose the weight.' I don't want you fainting when you walk down the aisle! Why put all that undo pressure on yourself."
TURNING 50 …SOMEDAY
Ireland says that hitting the big 50.
"I'm not freaked out about 50," she says. "I wonder if I'm in denial. But I don't think so.
"When I say, 'Turning 50,' I think, 'That's great because I'm enjoying life more and more each year.
"I'm so blessed to learn and grow," says the woman who does it all. "I also realize at this age how much I don't know.
"There is still so much to do post 50," she says. "I hope I'm blessed with a long enough life to do all the things I need.
"That's why I say, '50! Bring it on!'" she says.
