We often think of big changes when it comes to improving our lives, but small changes can be just as powerful. Whether you’re feeling stuck or just want to take your life up a notch, small tweaks can make a world of difference. Let’s look at the power of small changes in your life and how you can start making those changes today.
Start with the Small Stuff
Personally, if I don’t start with a clean slate, I can’t move forward. With Spring now on its way it’s time to get out of under our inevitable winter clutter and into a breath of fresh air! Before anything else, I like to create a list of all the little things. Tasks that seem insignificant but still linger at the back of your mind. For me, this starts in my closet.
I can’t update my wardrobe without a clean slate. Every year I thoroughly edit my winter wardrobe, which for me is the hardest part as I am always trying to keep something that might come in handy later. Does that happen to you?
Then I go through and hand wash all my cashmere and silk before I put it away. It would be easier to send it to the cleaners but that is not as good for your delicates and honestly, it just feels good to do!
Here are some of the items that help me do that:
Woolite
A drying rack
A good steamer
Storage boxes
Make Room for the Good Stuff
As you might know by now there is a new member on our team which I have been calling our #ResidentStylist. The first time she came into my closet was decades ago, and she gave me some direct, but sage advice.
She said, “Mother if you don’t want to look like sh*t, don’t put your sloppy clothes at the front of your closet.” With that said, she took my daily cotton tanks and sweats and moved them out of my direct reach.
Instead every day I’d see my silky camis and comfortable but stylish pants front and center. She was the first to introduce me to the leather bomber jacket combined with dressier clothes. That was a long time ago and is worn by many today.
Keep Your Closet Organized
Some of the items that come in handy to “Style your Closet” you might already have. I am in a smaller place now and these are some of the things that are coming in handy.
Slimline hangers are a must for my closet, they’re perfectly slender yet they’re also strong and durable. But best of all they allow you to hang your clothes together as close as possible, which frees up more space. Another one of my favorite closet space savers is pant hangers with hooks. Pants can be quite bulky, so this storage solution is particularly helpful.
I’ve also been using clear acrylic drawers that are stackable. They’re relatively inexpensive and the see-through acrylic is a big time saver and keeps everything looking uniform.
For scarves and belts storage I have been using acrylic filing boxes. Not only are they functional but they also keep items, that might otherwise look cluttered, organized, and easily accessible.
Bags, clutches, and wallets can be difficult to keep organized, but I have found that using filing separators is quite practical. It’s a great way to display the bags while also keeping them neat and organized and not falling over when you pull one out for the night.
I have found that it is important to keep my jewelry organized because otherwise it’s easy to lose or it ends up in an unsolvable tangled mess. I love using the velvet neck busts for my necklaces but some other helpful organizers I have been using are acrylic drawers and trays for all my odds and ends.
Small changes like these can set you up to be more organized and lead to making more intentional decisions. Plus, when you explore the power of small changes in your life, you have time for more important things like spending time with family and friends.
If you’re looking for styling ideas, then you’ll find plenty of inspiration on Instagram, regardless of your age. My goal there is to show you how to bring a contemporary edge to your style without looking out of place for our age. You can follow me here!
If you find that you’re often caught wondering what to wear, snap a pic of an outfit that inspires you. Or take a picture of an outfit that you’re wearing to keep in mind for next time. There’s no shame in exploring your style through the examples of others.
Make Room for New Habits
It doesn’t matter how big or small these habits are—what matters is that they help bring joy into your life and add value.
Maybe you want to read for 30 minutes every day or start taking an online yoga class twice a week. Maybe you want to go on a retreat but are too reserved to put yourself first. This is an ingrained habit we should break from time to time. Empower yourself. It will give you the energy you need to help others.
Be Open to Change
One of the most important things about making small changes is being open and flexible. Don’t be afraid to try something new! If something doesn’t work out, don’t give up—just adjust accordingly and keep going forward until you’ve found what works best for you. After all, we’re all unique creatures with different needs and desires; why not embrace that?
In the end, the power of making small changes in your life is exhilarating! By taking care of those nagging little tasks first, then focusing on healthier habits and trying new things, who knows what amazing opportunities could come knocking at your door? For me, it was an entirely new life in fashion after 65!
Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and let yourself explore new possibilities; after all, sometimes the smallest change makes all the difference in the world!
Dressing in neutrals is a timeless fashion trend that never goes out of style and is one of the most versatile approaches to styling your look.
Dressing in Neutrals from Zara
Are you tired of bright colors, prints, and loud patterns? Ready to elevate your wardrobe with some neutral-toned pieces that will keep you looking fashionable but still provide a timeless elegance? If so, now is the time to begin dressing in neutrals. Neutral colors are sophisticated and can be paired easily with nearly everything.
For example, this wonderful head-to-toe neutral outfit from Zara is perfect for transitioning into Spring. The soft beige skirt and matching top are the ideal blend of Spring chic and soft warmth, and the classic cotton coat is the perfect addition on those chillier days.
One of the best things about wearing neutral colors is that they can be used to create elegant or casual looks seamlessly. Making this style especially perfect for women over 50 who are looking for easy yet stylish fashion solutions!
If you’re over 50 and you’re wondering how to show off your personal style, there is a simple solution. Try wearing simple accessories or layering some favorite pieces with varying textures. This will help give you stylish, personalized looks without breaking the bank.
Adding Accessories to a Neutral Outfit
One of my favorite ways to elevate a neutral outfit is by adding some chic statement accessories. It’s the easiest way to tie your outfit together and add a level of interest that makes the look seem more intentional. For example, a statement bag, shoe, belt, or necklace are small touches that can make a big difference to your stylish neutral look.
For this beige outfit, a gold necklace and matching earrings from Zara were the perfect addition. I especially love how the gold draws the eye and thankfully, they’re also quite affordable!
Although dressing in neutrals can be tricky for some people, it can be as simple as throwing on a few simple favorites and adding some nice accessories. Above all, don’t forget that fashion can be fun, don’t take it too seriously and try out some new combinations.
If you’re looking for some chic neutral outfits this Spring then check out all of my Zara favorites! For some Summer neutral options, take a look at my blog post here. Happy shopping!
Make this Valentine’s Day edit the reason you rekindle your connections with your partner, your family, your friends, or yourself.
Valentine’s Day Edit
There are many expectations that come along with this holiday. But instead of just expecting, this is what I do…
Buy Flowers
To give our home a happy lift, I like to buy us flowers. Thankfully, I have a husband that loves them. Here are some tips on making them last longer:
Use a clean vase
Keep leaves out of the water, stems only below the water line
Use a sharp knife or scissors to re-cut each stem right before it goes into the vase
Keep them away from heat and direct sunlight, and move them to a cool room overnight.
Replace the water every few days
Change it up
Do the unexpected. I know it can be a stretch, but doing something out of the ordinary works like magic. Go to a different restaurant, serve a special meal, or book a room. Anything that will remove you from your regular atmosphere and expose you to a new one.
Bake Something Sweet
Baking is a great way to treat your loved ones with something that you’ve made with your own two hands. Plus, it’s delicious. They’ll love it and you’ll get to enjoy it as well.
Here is my favorite, super simple cake recipe even I can’t do wrong:
Cake
4 oz. butter
4 oz. bittersweet chocolate
3 whole eggs
1/8 cup sugar
1/4 cup cake flour
Directions
melt butter and chocolate together
whisk eggs and sugar together
whisk melted chocolate mixture into egg and sugar mixture
whisk in cake flour
Pour cake mixture into the pan
bake 350 degrees for 10 minutes until outside of the cake is set and center is still soft
For some fun toppings you can try: strawberries, whipped cream, cocoa nib, rainbow sprinkles, caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, candied rose petals, raspberries, blackberries, marshmallows
Treat Yourself
Along with taking care of your basic needs, don’t forget to treat yourself now and then. Drink the bubbly, eat the chocolate, take the plunge, or go to a spa!
Feeling sexy over 60 and beyond is all about attitude and state of mind. It’s an important and healthy part of our life that often gets ignored. Even something as simple as taking a bath or reading a novel can make you feel sexy. Find what makes you feel your best, and make sure to mix it in with your day-to-day activities.
Don’t Let Menopause Steal Your Romance
If you’re a woman that is navigating menopause and still trying to keep the romance alive, you’re not alone! Some of my favorite products, which I have found very helpful, come from Pure Dharma and Womaness.
Pure Dharma Recharge Activated Salt Soak is a great way to elevate a regular bath and it’s infused with pure plant extracts that help to soften and brighten your skin. I have also been enjoying the Glow CBD Activated Oil Serum. The formula consists of stem cells and Vitamin C that brighten and tighten the skin which also leaves you with a luminous glow.
Menopause can be a confusing time . With all the changes we go through sometimes it’s hard to navigate romance. Do you find that to be true?
Between dwindling hormones aches and pains and worries in general it can be a confusing time.
If truth were to be told, women seem to have a higher libido at this time, but it seems taboo. I know that if you’re in your 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s, you were probably trained to ignore it.
Thankfully we are now shedding some light on the issue. Between #hormonetherapy and companies like @mywomaness we can start feeling good about our sexuality again, or for the first time.
What do you think? Let’s empower ourselves!
Dress it Up or Down
If you’ve got some exciting dinner plans then by all means, find that outfit you’ve been waiting to wear and dress it up. I love this all-pink ensemble for Valentine’s date night. Or if you’re going to stay in or have some low-key plans, toss on a pair of jeans and a cute top and keep it comfy.
That’s it for this year’s Valentine’s day edit. Don’t forget to always treat yourself as well as the people you love. Check out last year’s post for more fun ways to celebrate, and have a wonderful Valentine’s day!
Has your hair texture and volume changed in your 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, and beyond? Enter the Meaningful Beauty hair product line by Cindy Crawford!
As we age, natural processes such as genetics and hormone change can lead to thinning hair. Between dullness, dehydration, breakage, and brittleness it seems like a never-ending battle. But just because that might be happening to you, does not mean that you have to accept a lifetime of thinning strands – there are some great ways for us to get thicker fuller hair even at this stage in life!
In this blog post, I’ll dive into the actionable steps one can take to get thicker, fuller heads of hair despite the common challenges we all have. It’s all thanks to Meaningful Beauty.
Meaningful Beauty Products
With a scalp treatment, shampoo, conditioner, and styling protector, the science of hair care has advanced tremendously and Meaningful Beauty products are on the cutting edge.
The Meaningful Beauty 3-step Age-Proof Hair Care System includes a shampoo and conditioner that are gentle on your hair and a restorative scalp treatment that encourages a healthy environment for healthier, shinier hair. The line is formulated with the brand’s proprietary melon leaf stem cell technology that started it all…, Meaningful Beauty system is a game changer!
The hero of this set, the Meaningful Beauty Scalp Treatment, I use nightly. It includes vitamin H, castor oil, peptides, a plant-based alternative to keratin, and a natural wheat protein to keep your hair thicker-looking, stronger, and full of volume.
It’s a four-in-one primer that detangles, conditions, smooths, and protects the hair from heat. Vegetable proteins strengthen the hair and conditioning agents add shine.
My hair is what gives me the most confidence. When I have fluffy, bouncy hair I know my day is going to be just fine. I don’t have to be well-styled or even wear makeup, my hair is what sets the tone. Do you feel that way? To get that I have been using the scalp treatment to great advantage, which also nourishes hair follicles and replenishes vital amino acids to moisturize and revitalize the scalp.
To sum up, do yourself a favor and try the incredible Age-Proof Hair Care System from Meaningful Beauty. Now my hair is healthier, thicker, and shinier than ever! It makes my day.
Also, it has encouraged me to grow my hair a bit longer, past my shoulders actually. I’m thrilled!
If you’re looking for an exotic and affordable vacation destination, look no further than Costa Rica! This beautiful country is close to home but offers a world of new experiences.
Travel to Costa Rica
I have traveled to Costa Rica on several occasions and wanted my husband to see this wonderful country as well. Flying to Costa Rica from Dallas was so easy. We flew direct to San Jose the capital of Costa Rica in 3 1/2 hours on American Airlines. The airport was beautiful and modern and customs was a breeze. The people greeted us with great smiles and that feeling of warmth from the people in Costa Rica continued throughout our 10-day trip.
I always make sure to wear the most comfortable clothes while I travel. These amazing stretch pants by Lysse are a favorite of mine. Plus, when it’s paired with this Athleta Urbanite shirt, it’s perfection.
Whenever I take a flight to a foreign country I make sure I have a driver waiting to take us to our hotel. Even in the chaos of everybody landing, we met up with our local driver easily. It’s a great opportunity to get to know the area and the driver is more than willing to show off their country.
I must say it was great to be speaking Spanish again even though most people there can speak English. Going through the city with its well-kept roads and homes was a treat. Also, you can use the US dollar! Everything is billed that way and there is no problem with the rate of exchange. I use my American Express card which has never failed me.
First Stop in Costa Rica
For our first night on our vacation to Costa Rica, I chose a small hotel up in the hills overlooking the city. The Alta Hotel was peaceful and beautiful and it had the feeling of a large home that had been converted into a hotel.
Alta La Paloma is quiet with a lovely pool and a great restaurant. The room rate was very affordable and the people staying there were mostly European. Plus, it was child friendly.
The next day we were leaving on the 4-hour drive through the central part of the country to go to the Arenal Volcano area. I don’t sit in a car well so thankfully I discovered a better way.
Flying to the Arenal Volcano
We returned to the airport but this time to fly on a small National airline called Sansa. We flew up to Fortuna, the main destination for anyone looking for a jungle adventure in the volcanic range.
It’s also so much better to see the countryside via a small plane. Best of all, it was very affordable, both financially and time-wise.
Though I had been to the Arenal volcano when it was still erupting, it was very quiet and undeveloped at that time. It still is but there are several beautiful high-end properties and I chose the Nayara Resort.
To say it was luxurious might be an understatement. With three separate but contiguous properties, anyone you choose will be amazing. Nayara gardens, Nayara Springs ( adults only) and the Tented camp are all amazing.
Set within the beautifully preserved jungle Nayara Springs resorts is an eco-conscious property that can teach us all how it’s done well. As a matter of fact, all of Costa Rica is that way. They revere nature, their resources, and their animals.
Our suite at Nayara Springs was absolutely stunning. I could’ve stayed for weeks in this incredible oasis.
Zipline Adventure in Costa Rica
Our big adventure there besides the fantastic dining, my hot springs-fed private pool, and the incredible service, was the zip line. Which was not for the faint of heart, even though people of all ages were there. This amazing experience had seven platforms and a fantastic jungle to fly through. It was a great adventure, so definitely look into it before you leave.
There is so much to do in this area. There will be something for everyone! From great adventures to Spa Days and yoga retreats, you will never want for more.
We drove across the country to the Pacific coast, a three-hour drive. With a bonus stop to see the large alligators in the river. Can you believe these were the small ones?!
VRBO homes can be found on the pacific coast. We stayed in one near the Playa Negra and they are great. This one had a swimming pool and was so close to the beach. It couldn’t be a better way to get to know the country.
One thing I love about traveling is going to the drugstores so beautifully kept and well done. Typically I buy my Retin-A while I’m abroad. This area had a fantastic supermarket with everything fresh and fantastic prices.
The big adventure here was a 4 hours ATV ride through the jungle to the waterfall complete with a lovely lunch at a local restaurant in the mountains. Gorgeous beaches quaint little bars well behaved dogs and wonderful waves were all part of the experience there.
My daughter discovered a wonderful little hotel on the beach that had a yoga class so we even managed to do yoga by the beach. This hotel was gorgeous, quaint, and so well-kept. Although a beautiful and small property, Encantada still offers everything you might want for a quiet stay on a pristine beach.
As Our trip comes to a close we are back at our hotel in San Jose. The Alta La Paloma has such a lovely view of the city, it’s bittersweet to be leaving.
My vacation to Costa Rica was the perfect location for some much-needed relaxing. I highly recommend this location for your next adventure! Or for more travel inspiration, check out my blog about my trip to Taos, New Mexico. Plus, for more vacation reels check out my Instagram. Happy travels!
