June 2023 - Style Beyond Age

A Desert Oasis for Your Next Girls Weekend: Palm Springs

by Serena Duffin | Jun 29, 2023 | Travel

Are you planning your next girl’s weekend but can’t decide on a destination that has it all? Look no further than Palm Springs, the desert oasis that offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. From luxurious retreats to gourmet dining and vintage shopping, Palm Springs has something to offer for everyone. In this ultimate guide, we’ll take you through some of the top places to stay, eat, and vintage shop in Palm Springs, ensuring your weekend getaway is nothing short of unforgettable. So grab your girlfriends, and let’s take a tour of this charming desert city.

Where to Stay

The Colony Palms & Bungalows

572 N Indian Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262

If you’re planning a trip to Palm Springs and looking for a luxurious hotel to stay at, the Colony Palms & Bungalows are definitely worth considering. This charming boutique hotel is centrally located in the heart of Palm Springs and features beautiful Spanish colonial architecture and lush gardens. Its accommodations include spacious guest rooms, private bungalows, and villas, all with their own unique decor and luxurious amenities. The hotel also has a stunning outdoor pool area, complete with cabanas and a poolside bar, and a restaurant with a delicious menu. Plus, the staff is incredibly friendly and welcoming, making your stay even more enjoyable. Overall, the Colony Palms & Bungalows are the ultimate destinations for a luxurious and relaxing stay in Palm Springs.

Hotel The Colony Palms & Bungalows located in Palm Springs

Pool at the The Colony Palms & Bungalows

The Parker

572 N. Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262

For those looking for luxurious and stylish accommodations in Palm Springs, the Parker Hotel is the ultimate destination. Nestled in the heart of the city, the Parker is renowned for its stunning mid-century modern design, lush gardens, and luxurious amenities. The hotel’s accommodations are equally impressive, featuring spacious and stylishly furnished guest rooms and suites with all the modern comforts you could ask for. The hotel boasts a stunning outdoor pool area complete with cabanas and a poolside bar, as well as a state-of-the-art fitness and wellness center. “Mister Parker’s,” the hotel’s on-site restaurant, offers a fine dining experience with a menu by Chef Tristan Goffe. Additionally, the hotel is surrounded by a myriad of other dining, shopping, and entertainment options. With its impeccable attention to detail, sophisticated style, and luxurious amenities, a stay at the Parker Hotel is truly unforgettable.

Beautiful bathroom at palm springs hotel

Sitting area around a fireplace at The Parker

Korakia Pensione

257 S. Patencio Road Palm Springs, CA 92262

If you’re in search of a serene and peaceful getaway in Palm Springs, the Korakia Pensione is the perfect choice. This Moroccan-inspired hotel is nestled in the heart of the city and features beautiful gardens, meandering pathways, and intimate spaces that create a truly tranquil atmosphere. The hotel’s accommodations are equally enchanting, with both rooms and villas that feature authentic Moroccan decor, private entrances, and outdoor decorated patios. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, strolling through the gardens, or enjoying a moment of meditation in the Moroccan-inspired courtyard, the Korakia Pensione will transport you to a world of serene relaxation. Additionally, the hotel provides complimentary breakfast and yoga classes every morning and is just steps away from many of Palm Springs’ top attractions. Overall, a stay at Korakia is an unforgettable peaceful, and rejuvenating experience.

Style beyond age standing near fountain at a pool

Sonia from style beyond age at Korakia Pensione in palm springs

Vintage Shopping

Palm Springs is known for its vintage shopping, and I definitely take advantage of that every time I go. There are so many great vintage shops in the area, with everything from vintage clothing to mid-century modern furniture. Some of my favorites are The Fine Art of Design, The Frippery, and The Estate Sale Company. I also really loved that Palm Springs has a great selection of thrift stores, including Goodwill and Salvation Army.

The Fine Art of Design

73717 Highway 111 Palm Desert, CA 92260

The Fine Art of Design is located right downtown on Palm Canyon Drive, right across the street from Korakia. It’s a cute little shop with tons of vintage clothing, jewelry, furniture, and decor for sale at very reasonable prices.

The Frippery

664 North Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262

The Frippery is located on the same street as The Fine Art of Design, just a little further down. It’s a small store, but they have tons of gorgeous vintage clothing and accessories for sale at reasonable prices. I especially loved their selection of hats!

The Estate Sale Company

4185 East Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 92264

The Estate Sale Company is a large warehouse filled with all kinds of furniture, decor, books, and more. They usually have sales every weekend so it’s definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for something specific or just want some inspiration.

Fine Dining

Workshop Kitchen + Bar

800 N Palm Canyon Dr, Ste g, Palm Springs, CA 92262

Palm Springs has some incredible restaurants, and I had some of the best meals of my life while I was there. One of my favorites was Workshop Kitchen + Bar. The restaurant has a beautiful industrial chic design and the food is absolutely amazing. From the moment we arrived, we were impressed with the elegant decor and stunning ambiance.

We started our meal with the shaved brussel sprout salad which was incredibly fresh and flavorful. We then shared the steak au poivre which was cooked to perfection, tender and juicy. Our lovely server was incredibly attentive and recommended some outstanding dishes and drinks to us. To our delight, the server sent over the most amazing coconut ice cream along with a delicious raspberry tartlet which were both divine. Overall, the Workshop Kitchen & Bar made for a remarkable evening of fine dining and exceptional service, and we highly recommend it to anyone visiting Palm Springs.

meat and vegetables meal at palm springs restaurant

Le Vallauris

385 West Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262, USA

Our experience at Le Vallauris in Palm Springs was one for the books. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted by the friendly and welcoming staff, including the chef himself. The restaurant’s elegant ambiance and incredible outdoor patio added to the luxurious experience. We started our meal with the most delicious stuffed Bartlett pear with Roquefort cheese, and the pate was a perfect complement. Our main course was sautéed Maine lobster with vanilla butter, which was prepared to perfection. To finish off the meal, we savored the classic creme brulee. Throughout the meal, the Michelin-starred restaurant proved itself to be a true culinary experience. We highly recommend Le Vallauris to anyone in search of an exceptional dining experience in Palm Springs.

Mister Parker

572 N. Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262

Our dining experience at Mister Parker in the Parker Hotel was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment we entered, we were met with an ambiance of luxury and sophistication. The centerpiece of the meal was the fresh bread, accompanied by an innovative candle made of butter that added a unique touch to the dining experience. I thoroughly enjoyed the fresh and succulent scallops, while Mom was delighted to have her beef tartare prepared at the table. Throughout the meal, the service was impeccable, with our every need attended to by the attentive and knowledgeable staff. Notably, the General Manager Tim Fox was the ultimate host, ensuring we had the perfect dining experience. Overall, Mister Parker is a must-visit for anyone looking for unparalleled cuisine and a top-notch dining experience in Palm Springs.

World Class Hospitality

One of the things that really stood out to me about Palm Springs was the hospitality. Everyone I encountered was friendly and welcoming. The hotel staff went above and beyond to make my stay special, and the restaurant servers were knowledgeable and attentive.

Palm Springs is truly a hidden gem that makes for the ideal destination for your next girl’s weekend. Whether you’re looking to unwind and relax or indulge in some high-end gourmet dining, or even some unique vintage shopping, Palm Springs has something for everyone. There’s no shortage of luxury accommodations, mouth-watering cuisine, and charming boutiques to explore on your trip. By following the tips and recommendations outlined in this ultimate guide, you’ll be able to create the perfect itinerary that caters to all your desires and satisfies all your cravings. So pack your bags and escape to this desert oasis for the ultimate girl’s weekend and an unforgettable trip to Palm Springs! For more travel inspiration, check out my blog post here!

The Integratron: Exploring the History and Benefits of Sound Baths in Joshua Tree, California

by Serena Duffin | Jun 14, 2023 | Travel, Wellness

The Integratron is a unique structure located in Landers, California, about 20 miles north of Joshua Tree National Park. It was built by George Van Tassel, a former aircraft mechanic and ufologist. He claimed that he received instructions for the Integratron’s design from extraterrestrial beings, the Venucians to be exact. The structure was built with the intention of being a machine for time travel, rejuvenation, and communication with other worlds. That being said, we couldn’t get to Landers fast enough to start exploring the benefits of sound baths and their fascinating history!!

Exploring the Benefits of Sound Baths

The Integratron is a dome-shaped building made entirely of wood and is constructed without any metal nails or screws. It is based on the design of Moses’ Tabernacle, as well as the work of inventor Nikola Tesla. The building is also said to be constructed on a powerful geomagnetic vortex, which adds to its unique energy field.

Serena and Sonia at a sound bath session

Today, the Integratron is used as a sound healing center and is known for its “sound baths,” which are said to be deeply relaxing and rejuvenating. During a sound bath, visitors lie down in the Integratron’s main chamber while quartz crystal singing bowls are played. The sound waves are said to have a healing effect on the body and mind.

Exploring the Benefits of Sound Baths in Joshua Tree

One study found that sound baths can help reduce stress, fatigue, and symptoms of depression. The high vibrational frequencies emitted by crystal bowls can guide the mind, body, and soul into deep relaxation. This is where healing can really take place wherever necessary. Sound baths can also help quiet the mind, improve focus, and make you feel more relaxed. Leading to a range of health improvements such as better digestion, concentration, moods, and sleep. Additionally, sound waves can deepen a meditative practice, bringing you into a meditative state faster than traditional meditation.

Visitors can book private sound baths or attend group sound bath sessions at the Integratron. In addition, the grounds include a gift shop and offer tours of the building’s unique architecture and history. We thoroughly enjoyed our time exploring the benefits of sound baths and learning all about their fascinating history! For more information on Sound Healing please follow us to a post that we did a few years back: Using Sound Meditation to Aide Your Body’s Ability to Heal Itself.

Visiting Joshua Tree and Exploring the Benefits of Sound Baths

Painting of UFO amongst cacti in Joshua Tree

How Regular Exercise Can Help You Age Gracefully

by Serena Duffin | Jun 2, 2023 | Wellness

Exercise is a key component of living a long, healthy life. Whether you’re young or old, fit or on the heavier side, exercise can help you improve your physical and mental health. Regular exercise can help reduce stress, improve sleep quality, boost energy levels, and even ward off chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes—overall making it easier for you to age gracefully.

You’ll experience a better mood

Exercise can also help you feel happier and more relaxed. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins, which are feel-good hormones that increase your sense of well-being. Plus, seeing as regular exercise can improve your sleep quality (we’ll talk about this in the next section), you’ll likely experience less stress during the day as well.

Your body will stay flexible and strong

As you age, it’s important to maintain flexibility and strength. Both are crucial for staying healthy and preventing injuries.

If you’re not currently exercising regularly and want to start, here are some suggestions:

Take a yoga class at least once per week. Yoga helps build muscle strength while improving balance and coordination–and reducing the risk of falls in older adults.
Walk regularly outside or at the gym on machines such as elliptical trainers or stationary bikes. Anything that provides resistance when pedaling (as opposed to just being an aerobic workout). This exercise will strengthen leg muscles without putting too much strain on joints like knees or ankles. It keeps them from bending too far forward during movement cycles like walking or running.*

Your bones will stay strong and healthy.

Weight-bearing exercise is any activity that involves the weight of your body, such as walking or jogging. Weight-bearing exercises can help prevent osteoporosis, a disease where bones become brittle and fragile.

Osteoporosis weakens your skeleton by reducing the amount of calcium in it. As you age, this makes it harder for your body to build new bone tissue and repair old bone tissue damaged by injury or illness. This leads to an increased risk for fractures throughout life — especially after age 50 — because there’s less material available for repairing broken bones than when you were younger.[1]

Weight-bearing exercises are especially important for older people because they stimulate bone formation (the process by which new cells replace old ones). In fact, research shows that regular physical activity could reduce fracture rates among postmenopausal women by up to 40 percent over six years compared with those who did not engage in any type of physical activity at all.[2]

You’ll sleep better at night

Exercising and aging gracefully while practicing yoga

There’s a reason why people say that exercise is the best medicine. Not only does regular exercise help you age gracefully, but it can also help you fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake up more refreshed than if you were to skip your workout.

A study published in the journal Sleep found that after 1 week of aerobic exercise training (30 minutes per day), older adults had improvements in sleep efficiency (the percentage of time spent sleeping) and increased sleep duration compared to those who didn’t do any exercise at all. Another study showed that older adults who participated in vigorous physical activity for 2 months reported fewer symptoms related to insomnia than those who didn’t participate in any type of physical activity over this period.

Regular exercise can boost your self-esteem, making you feel more confident, positive and happy overall

Style beyond age working out on a balance ball

Regular exercise can boost your self-esteem, making you feel more confident, positive, and happy overall. You’ll be able to do things you never thought possible before. It’s a great way to gain confidence in yourself and build on skills that may have been lacking in the past.

Exercise also has been shown to reduce stress levels by releasing endorphins (the “feel good” hormones). This can help keep you calm under pressure so that when something stressful happens at work or home, you won’t be as affected by it as someone who doesn’t exercise regularly would be

It’s never too late to start exercising!

Regular Exercise Can Help You Age Gracefully with a trainer

It’s never too late to start exercising! The benefits of regular exercise are numerous, and they extend across all ages. If you’re thinking about starting a workout routine now or in the future, here are some reasons why it’s an excellent choice:

You will feel better and look better. Regular exercise helps improve muscle tone and strength, which makes for a more toned physique overall. It also reduces body fat (and increases lean muscle mass), so that your clothes fit better–and if they don’t? Well then maybe it’s time to buy new ones! Plus, working out releases endorphins in your brain that make you happy and relaxed.
You’ll have more energy throughout the day–and probably throughout the night too! Studies show that people who exercise regularly sleep faster than those who don’t get enough physical activity during their waking hours; this means less tossing and turning before finally falling asleep at night (or perhaps even sleeping through until morning). In addition to boosting energy levels during waking hours, studies show that older adults who engage in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity five times per week not only feel less fatigued but also experience improvements in cognitive function. Such as memory recall ability among others like alertness/attention span too! This means no more getting lost while driving somewhere new because we forgot where we were going!

Regular exercise is a great way to help you age gracefully. It can boost your mood, keep your heart healthy and strong, keep your bones healthy and flexible, make you sleep better at night, and give you more self-esteem. It’s one of the many ways that I maintain my vitality in my 7th decade, which you can read more about here! But there are so many benefits of exercising regularly that it’s never too late to start!