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
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
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!
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!
With Memorial Day right around the corner, it is time to start thinking about getting your wardrobe ready for the upcoming summer season. The first step is to shop your closet for Summer fashion finds and then hit the stores for these must-have trends.
Shop Your Closet First
When you shop your closet for summer fashion first, before spending money on trends, it can be beneficial for several reasons. First, it helps you save money and avoid unnecessary purchases. By taking a closer look at what you already own, you may discover hidden gems that you forgot about or pieces that can be repurposed or restyled to create a new look. This can help you avoid buying similar items that you already have in your closet.
Second, shopping your closet encourages sustainability and reduces waste. The fashion industry is one of the largest polluters in the world, and by choosing to reuse what you already own, you can reduce your environmental impact. According to a report by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, extending the life of a garment by just nine months can reduce its environmental impact by 20-30%.
Finally, shopping your closet can inspire creativity and help you develop your personal style. By experimenting with different combinations of clothing and accessories, you can create unique and personalized outfits that reflect your personality and taste.
Lavender Love
Lavender is definitely the color of Summer 2023, and it was everywhere at the mall. Zara had some great pieces in lavender, including flowy dresses and chic blouses. I also saw lavender at other stores, and it was often paired with black for a sophisticated look. For something a little more fun play with complementary colors on the color wheel, in this case, orange is the right choice for an unexpected color combination. If you’re not sure how to wear lavender, try incorporating it into your accessories, like a lavender purse or scarf.
Cargo pants with utility pockets were another trend that I saw everywhere. These pants are both stylish and practical, and they come in a variety of fabrics and styles. I particularly loved the silky, flowy cargo pants that were on display at several stores. They had sleek pockets that didn’t add bulk to the pants, making them easy to wear and style. Pairing cargo pants with a tighter top will keep things from getting too overwhelming and your figure won’t get lost in the volume of the pant leg.
Maxi skirts are also trending for summer 2023. They’re a great way to dress up or down your look, depending on your mood and the occasion. Maxi skirts are easy to wear, versatile, and come in many different styles. Consider proportions and fabric weight: Denim maxi skirts can feel a bit heavy so choose one that is an A-line or cut on the bias.
The bohemian style is always a popular trend, and this summer is no exception. I’m seeing lots of flowy dresses, oversized hats, and statement jewelry. This eclectic mix of different influences, from romantic to free-spirited and carefree, can be seen on the runways this season. We’re seeing lots of texture in fringe and prints this season! To make this trend work for Summer 2023, try pairing a bohemian dress with cargo pants and utility pockets for a modern twist.
Above all, learn how to develop your signature style because fashion trends are constantly changing and can be fleeting. What’s in today may be out tomorrow, and if you’re always chasing the latest trend, you may end up with a closet full of clothes that you don’t love or wear. Developing a signature style that is unique to you allows you to express your personality and creativity, and it can help you feel confident and comfortable in your own skin.
When you develop your signature style, you’re not just following the latest trends, but rather creating a look that is uniquely yours. This can involve combining different styles, experimenting with different colors and textures, and finding pieces that flatter your body type and suit your lifestyle. By doing this, you’re not only creating a look that is unique to you, but you’re also creating a wardrobe that is versatile and timeless.
Another benefit of developing your signature style is that it can save you time and money in the long run. Instead of constantly buying new clothes to keep up with the latest trends, you can invest in high-quality pieces that you love and that will last for years. This can help you build a wardrobe that is both stylish and sustainable.
Summer 2023 is shaping up to be a fun and fashionable season, with lots of exciting trends to try. From lavender to cargo pants with utility pockets, there’s something for everyone. So why not try incorporating some of these trends into your wardrobe and see where they take you? With a little creativity, you’ll be turning heads wherever you go. When you shop your closet for Summer fashion first, before spending money on trends, you will create a smart and sustainable approach to fashion. It can help you save money, reduce waste, and develop your personal style. For more summer fashion inspiration, check out our blog post here!
Mothers play a critical role in our lives, providing us with love, support, and guidance throughout our childhood and beyond. They often make significant sacrifices to ensure our well-being and happiness, and Mother’s Day is a chance to recognize and appreciate those efforts. This year, why not give your mom something memorable? We’ve got some memorable Mother’s Day gifting ideas that are sure to make your mom smile!
Mother and I love to go on adventures and have fun together. A great way to give your mother a memorable Mother’s Day is by inviting her to a tea party or brunch in her honor. Make it a special day and get the whole family involved! The more people you have in on the fun, the better!
Be creative when planning this event because it will make things more memorable for everyone involved. If you’re planning on hosting a tea party this Mother’s Day, make sure to include a selection of finger sandwiches! Assorted sweet and savory pastries (eclairs, cookies) -Fresh fruit (strawberries and grapes are great options), and of course… TEA! My mothers love to set a table so don’t forget the tablescape and linens! I was so inspired after finding this blog article: 25 Tea Party Ideas for a Fun Grown-Up Tea Party on the Spruce. I curated an Amazon list full of Tea Party must-haves for a one-stop shop for this Mother’s Day experience!
Accessorize your Mothers Day Tablescape with the ease of Amazon! I’ve linked all of my favorite accessories to add an extra element of “wow” to your Mother’s Day table on our Amazon storefront.
Fun Tea Cups ~ Tea Pot ~ Small Vases ~ Candle Holders ~ 3 Tiered Cake Stand ~ Cloth Napkins
Special Delivery
The day of honoring all mothers in the United States began with one woman, Anna Jarvis. Anna Jarvis held a memorial for her mother in West Virginia in 1908, considered the first Mother’s Day celebration, and became an official U.S. holiday in 1914. White carnations were handed out during the first Mother’s Day memorials because they were Anna Jarvis’ favorite flowers! Like Anna Jarvis, my favorite way to honor my mom and let her know that I am thinking of her is to surprise her with a bouquet of her favorite flowers! She loves fresh flowers and enjoys playing around with her arrangements.
That’s why we love the experience of The Bouquet Box. It is the first-of-its-kind, DIY-curated floral arrangement that gives you step-by-step instructions on creating beautiful arrangements at home. If your mom loves to create beautiful arrangements this gift box is for her!
Memorable Gifts: Jewelry, Framed Memories
Sonia in her favorite Julie Vos Jewelry that she wears daily.
If your mom is the type who loves to wear jewelry, a memorable Mother’s Day gifting idea might be a piece from her favorite designer. A favorite jewelry line at our house is Julie Vos. Their statement pieces are perfect for daily wear and the quality is exceptional.
A framed photo of the two of you could also be an excellent choice if you want to remember the good times together. Capturing a special moment in time and presenting it beautifully and meaningfully is so thoughtful and personal. Seeing this moment preserved in a frame can bring joy and happiness to your mother every time she looks at it. I love this beautiful mother-of-pearl frame from Neiman Marcus. So many great options are available at all price ranges and styles depending on what suits you best.
Honoring Mothers who have Passed
I would be remiss to not include a thoughtful idea to honor those mothers who have passed. My Grandmother passed on over 10 years ago and I know that not a day goes by that my mother doesn’t think of her or hear her voice in her head. This Mother’s Day might I suggest honoring those mothers who have passed on by committing a random act of kindness? It’s a beautiful way to pay respect to your mother, and also make someone else’s day. Give back to the community in some way, whether it be volunteering, donating to a cause that is close to your heart, or picking up a stranger’s tab. It’s a great way to brighten your day.
Mother’s Day is a day of celebration and gratitude for all the things your mother has done for you. Acknowledging and celebrating the people who have made our lives so wonderful is important. I am blessed to be able to spend so much time with my mom right now. What a gift! After all, what mom really wants for Mother’s Day is quality time with You! I hope these memorable Mother’s Day gifting ideas will help inspire you when you are honoring your Mother on May 14th. For more Mother’s Day inspiration check out last year’s post on Creating A ‘Choccuterie’ Board! Enjoy!
Cinco de Mayo is just around the corner, and it’s time to start thinking about how you’re going to celebrate! This is the perfect time of year to truly experience the flavors of Mexico! Whether you’re planning to hit up a local restaurant for some delicious Mexican cuisine or host a party of your own, you should keep a few things in mind.
Firstly, what are you going to wear? This festive occasion is all about bright colors, prints, and flowy silhouettes. In this post, we’ll share some fashion tips to help you look your best on Cinco de Mayo. Secondly, where are you going to eat? Dallas is home to many amazing Mexican restaurants and taco joints, and we’ll highlight some of our favorites. Finally, no Cinco de Mayo celebration is complete without a delicious margarita! We’ll share a recipe for a spicy mango margarita that’s sure to impress your guests. So, let’s get started!
What to Wear for Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo is a festive holiday so you’ll want to dress accordingly. To get in the spirit of things, try wearing bright colors and prints. Think embroidery on your blouse or skirt and flowers printed on your pants. You can also go for flowy silhouettes like maxi dresses or skirts with flowing fabric that will make you feel light as air! When getting dressed for Cinco de Mayo, there are a few key elements to look for in your closet to create a festive and stylish outfit.
Embroidery and prints
When it comes to fashion, Mexican embroidery and prints are iconic and instantly recognizable. Look for pieces with intricate embroidery, such as blouses, dresses, or skirts. You can also incorporate traditional Mexican prints, such as the colorful zigzag pattern of the serape.
Bright colors
Cinco de Mayo is all about celebrating Mexican culture and heritage, so incorporate bold and bright colors into your outfit. Look for pieces in shades of red, green, yellow, pink, and blue. We love this dress from the Brazilian company Farm Rio. Their line checks all of the boxes when it comes to the bold and happy vibes of Latin America!
Flowy silhouettes
Flowy and loose-fitting clothing is a staple in Mexican fashion. You’ll want to opt for loose tops or dresses in breathable fabrics like cotton or linen to stay cool and comfortable. For more fashion inspiration check out our blog post here!
Accessories
When it comes to accessories, there are so many options available: statement necklaces in bright colors; bracelets made from colorful beads; earrings with dangling charms–you get the idea! If you’re looking for something more subtle than jewelry but still want an accessory that makes a statement (like me), then why not try some brightly colored shoes? I love my red heels because they’re fun but still neutral enough that they go well with any outfit in my closet.
Cinco de Mayo Specials and Celebrations in DFW
Dallas is overflowing with excellent Mexican food options! Experience the flavors of Mexico from Taco joints to authentic Mexican restaurants to Tex-Mex eateries! Dallas has endless options for delicious Mexican food to enjoy this Cinco de Mayo. Whether you’re looking for Mexican food with a twist or just want to enjoy the classics, Dallas has a restaurant that will satisfy your craving. Below I’ve listed some Dallas hotspots that are celebrating Cinco de Mayo with some great specials.
Te Deseo ~ Starting at 12 pm on Friday, May 5th, guests can enjoy $8 margaritas, $5 paleta shots, margarita and beer specials, and a build your own Osadia tequila margarita bar. Te Deseo will open for lunch to enjoy a special edition lunch menu featuring arrachera fajitas, snapper, churros and more! Starting at 3 pm, the restaurant will have their regular dinner menu available with the continuation of celebración drink specials. ~ Stay later to enjoy a cocktail paired with beautiful city views on the Terraza, which opens at 10 pm. Come dance the night away with DJ AVIIGLOW! Reservations are recommended and can be made at Tedeseo.com. 214-646-1314.
Happiest Hour ~ Enjoy Cinco de Mayo at Happiest Hour on Friday, May 5! Don’t miss out on celebrating at Dallas’ largest patio bar and lounge with live entertainment, $8 margaritas and Tequila Bottle Specials. 972-528-0067.
Poco Fiasco ~ Celebrate “Poco de Mayo” at Poco Fiasco running on Friday, May 5 & Saturday, May 6. “The Vaquero” (Spanish for a herder or cattle) features HWD Beef cheeks, cilantro pesto, queso fresco, white onion and fresh cilantro. The specialty pizza will be $21 (12 inch)/ $24 (16 inch)/ $26 (18 inch). 214-894-7626.
Tacodeli ~ The “farm to taco” concept has refreshing margaritas on the menu made with 100% blue agave tequila, the best quality tequila on the market, perfect for sipping on while enjoying tacos on Cinco de Mayo! Margaritas can be enjoyed for dine-in or ordered to-go in 16 oz., half gallon or gallon sizes. Located in West Dallas – 214-760-1930; Walnut Hill – 214-206-8980; Park & Preston – 972-200-5101; Parkwood – 214-997-6047.
HG Sply Co. ~ The location on Greenville Ave. will celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a fiesta on the rooftop featuring drink specials on Modelo, Don Julio and more starting at 3 pm. Also, drink sampling will begin at 3 pm. A live DJ will amp up the energy from 5 pm – close and a mariachi band will serenade the crowd from 7:30 – 8:30 pm. 469-334-0895.
Dive Coastal Cuisine ~ Cheers to Cinco de Mayo with Dive’s margaritas including the Hibiscus Margarita – Partida Blanco tequila, lime juice and Bauchant; Classic or Frozen Margarita – Partida Reposado tequila, Cointreau, fresh lime juice and salt rim; and the Poolside Paloma – Avion Silver Tequila, agave nectar, and Q grapefruit soda. 214-891-1700.
Spicy Mango Margarita Recipe
It wouldn’t be Cinco de Mayo without a margarita! Here’s a recipe for a delicious and spicy mango margarita:
Ingredients:
2 oz Tequila
1 oz Lime juice
1 oz Mango puree
1 oz Cointreau
1/2 Jalapeno pepper
Salt
Ice
Mango and jalapeno slices for garnish
In order to truly experience the flavors of Mexico you need some Tequila! When it comes to quality tequila we love Casa Maestri not only for their smooth taste but their festive bottle!
So mix all ingredients together in a pitcher and add ice cubes. Then pour into glasses with salted rims if desired, or serve on the rocks in a salt-rimmed glass. Finally, you can garnish with jalapeno & lime slices if desired! Cheers!
Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and celebrate! So, wear what makes you feel comfortable and confident, experience the flavors of Mexico, and enjoy the festivities.
A capsule wardrobe is important because it maximizes the number of looks you can create with a highly curated collection of clothing and accessories that are meant to be easily interchangeable. By having a capsule wardrobe, you can save time, money, and energy by shopping only once a season. Plus, it helps you avoid spending money on frivolous items that can add up quickly. Not only does having a capsule wardrobe help you define and understand your style more, but it also alleviates the stress that comes with adapting to changing weather, social events, and seasonal trends. So read on below for some of our favorites from our Zara spring capsule wardrobe 2023!
The Elements of a capsule wardrobe
The concept of a capsule wardrobe is simple: it’s a set of items you can mix and match to create different looks. The key elements you should invest in as you build your capsule wardrobe start with a great-fitting pair of jeans, a chic carryall, a practical flat, the perfect blazer, and a button-up blouse. This concept is based on the idea that having fewer pieces allows for more flexibility and creativity when putting together outfits. Some of the chicest people that I know have a dialed-in and edited capsule wardrobe. Basically, having fewer options to play with will encourage you to get more creative with the special pieces that you do have.
The key elements of a capsule wardrobe are pieces of clothing and accessories that can be easily mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits for different occasions.
Playing with the seasons while working within a capsule wardrobe can be fun and easy.
Add some color:
Spring is all about bright and vibrant colors. Incorporate some colorful pieces into your capsule wardrobes such as a bright floral dress or a pastel-colored blouse. I am personally loving my hot pink jeans as my new spring staple from Zara. Or, switch up your everyday blazer with a pastel one to incorporate some spring into your basic capsule collection. Plus, adding in some pops of color via accessories is also an easy way to update.
Light layers:
As the weather warms up, you may need to shed some of your heavier layers. For example, lightweight pieces such as a denim jacket or a cardigan can be easily layered over other items. We really love the denim blazer, it is super versatile and will last you through the Fall.
Swap out boots for sandals:
As the weather gets warmer, swap out your boots for a comfortable sandal or a fun sneaker in a spring color story. This will add a touch of lightness to your outfits and make them more seasonally appropriate.
Bring in some prints:
Spring is the perfect time to experiment with prints such as floral or polka dots. Look for pieces that have a small print or a subtle pattern that can be easily paired with other items in your wardrobe. Also, adding a pretty print blouse can effortlessly Spring-ify any capsule wardrobe.
Accessorize:
Spring is the perfect time to add some fun accessories to your wardrobes such as a colorful scarf or a statement necklace. These items can add a pop of color or texture to your outfits without taking up too much space.
Remember, the key to incorporating the spring season into your capsule wardrobe is to keep it simple. Try to choose items that can be easily mixed and matched with other pieces in your wardrobe. I’ve added all of my Zara recommendations to update your capsule wardrobe for Spring in our shared Favorites Album on the Zara site. You can access our favorites by following this link ZARA SPRING CAPSULE WARDROBE and signing into your account to access my picks!
Thanks for checking out our favorites from our Zara Spring Capsule Wardrobe 2023! Let us know how you’ve refreshed for Spring. Sign up for our newsletter for a chance to be featured on the blog.
What’s your Spring Story?
Let us know!
For more of our favorite Spring fashion favorites, check out our blog post here!
