My Galápagos Islands Eco Adventure

by Sonia Lovett | Aug 22, 2018 | Travel

The Galapagos Islands, A UNESCO world Heritage Site; brings Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution to life.

This has always been on my bucket list. I have been fascinated by Darwin’s work on evolution and have looked forward to walking amongst dramatic landscapes, primeval Iguanas, and Blue Footed Boobies. Amazingly, this remote site consisting of Islands and archipelagoes was formed millions of years ago by volcanic eruptions and has been relatively untouched by man.

The greater number of the animals you will see in the Galápagos Islands are found nowhere else. Think about that….. This is the one place where animals have adapted and evolved with little or no predators and which defined the therory of natural selection and evolution which Charles Darwin presented in 1859.

Blue Footed Boobies

Though great conditions for exploring abound yearlong, the best times to visit the islands is from December through June. The weather ranges between the 70’s and 80’s and the snorkeling and hiking are great.

Landing in Quito, at an altitude of 9,350 ft, might be daunting; but we were not affected by the altitude at all. The capital of Ecuador is surrounded by snowcapped mountains just a few miles from the equator. This is where, in the 18th century a multinational expedition located at zero degrees latitude established an accurate measurement of the earths size for the first time. The city is filled with such history.

Quito, Equador

My hubby, eyes closed and all!

The magnificent Spanish colonial architecture and Baroque style churches mixed with a lively street life makes the city a great place to explore. Stay at Casa Gangotena if you can. If not at least take yourself to dinner there.

After a six hundred mile flight off the coast you will arrive in Baltra and embark on your ship. With naturalists to guide you and evening educational speakers, I can’t think of a better way to be guided through this experience.

The Gardens at Hotel Casa Gangotena

I was prepared for all the islands to be arid and desolate. Our first island Fernandina was just that. The slopes of the La Cumbre Volcano are like a lunar landscape but you are rewarded by the largest concentration of wildlife in the Galapagos. Between flightless cormorants Sea Lions , marine iguanas , pelicans and the smallest penguins on earth, the island does not disappoint.

Off of Isabella Island we came face to face with an Orca Whale. Enough said! Well there is more. Fleets of dolphins jumping by the hundreds and on land the most beautiful birds and largest land iguanas in the world .

Orca Whale, Galapagos Islands

Giant Tort

Santa Cruz is home to the Charles Darwin Research Center. Don’t miss it. The Giant Tortoises can be seen at a conservatory called Primicias as well. The countryside is lush there are farms and ranches and the local food is wonderful. We visited a farm called Fortiz. . BTU I saw some nice jewelry stores in town and a few boutique hotels The beaches are pristine and you can swim amongst colorful reef fish, marine iguanas and lava gulls.

We kayaked the islands amongst mangroves with sea lions napping on limbs and playful babies swimming up curiously as we paddled by. We snorkeled above feeding turtles as the smallest penguins on earth rocket by under us. We watched the delicate finches in the trees using twigs as eating utensils and we almost tripped over the hundreds of black iguanas as they disappeared into the black lava rock by the sea. We observed the largest tortoises in the world and the smallest crabs in the ocean. We saw a lake with pink flamingos and walked by a coral reef stranded 20 feet above the waters’ surface by a volcano.

Sleepy Sea Lions

Go Now! It was an experience I will never forget and would do again in a heartbeat. There is a reason why we protect our eco systems: the diversity, outstanding beauty and fleeting nature of it all reminds us of the wonders of our planet and our responsibility to not abuse it. Go forth and adventure!

The End of An Era: The September Issue

by Sonia Lovett | Aug 18, 2018 | Fashion

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Challenging times are ahead for the glossy magazines that I loved so dearly growing up. I got an email from my best friend and fellow stylist on Monday: Re: The September Issue is DEAD. Can this be true? And if so, what does that even mean?

September marks the beginning of Fall. Transitioning from the sheer nakedness of summer into layers and textures. Summer is over, school and work commence as we finish off the year as strong as we started it. For the fashion industry, and those who follow it, The September issue has been the Bible. It is loaded with the freshest in Fall fashion showcased and beautifully curated by the masterminds behind what is “IN”. The editors.

Growing up I would plaster my walls with beautiful spreads from W and Vogue. It was the first time that I had seen clothes and fashion used in a way that really spoke to me. These images were an expression and an extension of the creators vision and I couldn’t get enough of them. Imagination was stretched and fantasy was born within me. It was in these pages that I developed my craft as a stylist.

The way that we receive information has evolved drastically. We live in the digital age where everything is available to us in an instant and on our phones. There is no need to wait until September to see what’s happening for Fall. After all, we saw everything on the runway in February! If knowledge is power then the editors of these publications have nothing on us. There is no surprise and reveal when your favorite celebrity influencer is live-streaming the preview from the front row.

With the onset of fast fashion and even faster celebrity influence, can anyone catch up and stay there? Is the patriarchy of the magazine editor over? And if so, are we at the mercy of the celebrity du jour? At what point do we start finding inspiration outside of what someone else dictates to us and find it within ourselves?

We’d like to hear from you. What drives your creative fires? Are they in the pages of a magazine, or in your Instagram feed? How do you remain an Individual in a Social Media driven world?

25 Positive Affirmations to Share with Your Younger Self

by Sonia Lovett | Aug 15, 2018 | Wellness

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Inspiring self-worth in our children is a mothers manifest destiny. The road of life is filled with unexpected twists and turns. This trip doesn’t come with a road map, it’s all word of mouth! It is our duty to share with our children these fundamental truths that can empower them to find their own true path. Please share your thoughts with your loved ones and we would love to hear from you too.

Inspired by a Facebook post, author unknown.

“Travel light, live light, spread the light, be the light.”

-Yogi Bhajan

• It’s okay to cry when you’re hurt. It’s also okay to smash (some) things; but, wash your face, clean your mess, and get up off the floor when you’re done. You don’t belong down there.

Happiness is not a permanent state. Wholeness is. Don’t confuse these.

Be less sugar, more spice, and only as nice as you’re able to without compromising yourself.

Can’t isn’t a word.

If you’re going to curse, be clever. If you’re going to curse in public, know your audience.

Seek out the

people and places

that resonate with your

soul.

5-second rule. It’s just dirt.

There are worse things in a fast food cheeseburger.

Just because you can,

doesn’t mean you should.

Hold your heroes to a high standard.

Never

lie

to

yourself.

If you can’t smile with your eyes, don’t smile. Insincerity is nothing to aspire to.

Wish on stars and dandelions, then get to work to make them happen.

Your body.

your rules.

If you have an opinion, you better know why.

Ask for what you want. The worst thing they can say is no.

Fall in love often. Particularly with ideas, art, music, literature, food and far-off places.

Say Please, Thank You, and Pardon Me, whenever the situation warrants it.

Reserve “I’m sorry” for when you truly are.

Say what you mean and mean what you say.

Question everything, except your own intuition.

You have enough. You are enough.

You are amazing! Don’t let anyone ever make you feel you are not. If someone does….walk away. You deserve better.

No matter where you are, you can always come home.

Be happy and remember your roots, family is EVERYTHING.

No one will ever love

you more than I do.

Remember to follow your own advice and give yourself the hardest rule: Learn to let go and forgive. -Sat Nam

Inspired Posts from IG land

5 Investment Pieces Every Woman Should Have

by Sonia Lovett | Aug 11, 2018 | Fashion

What’s better than a good deal? A good investment!

Here at Style Beyond Age, we love to keep our money where we can see it: In our closet! There’s nothing quite like treating yourself to a well earned (and researched) Splurge! Whether it’s an iconic handbag or watch that you can pass down for generations or a beautiful pair of sunglasses that make you feel like a million bucks. The quality of one of these classic investment pieces can transcend seasons and trends. Start saving your pennies and doing your research ladies! Here are my top 5 Key pieces every woman should own.

The Iconic Handbag

Even if big ticket items are not your thing, I am sure that you have lusted after one of these Iconic Handbags. When it comes to investing in a luxury bag be sure that it is something you really love and educate yourself on which ones will retain their value like the Hermes Birkin which is estimated to go up in value by double in the next ten years!

Chose Classics that can be styled and appreciated in many ways.

Often times these bags get better with age so don’t shy away from retailors like the Real Real for gently used and pre-owned luxury items.

Birkin 35 Smooth Satchel Bag, Black Pre-Owned $15,000

Chanel 2.55 Vintage $3,800

Ralph Lauren Soft Ricky Pre-Owned $1,025

Christian Dior 2017 Large Lady Dior Pre-Owned $3,400

Louis Vuitton Epi Marly MM Pre-Owned $1,725

The Shoe

Shoes are hands down my favorite thing to shop for! I love how they can literally and physically elevate your outfit instantly. And despite what size jeans I am wearing at the time I can always fit into my favorite pair of shoes! Your shoes are one of the first thing that gets noticed when you walk into a room so step out on the right foot! Be sure to take them for a test drive before you buy! Take your time when you’re in the shoe salon and make sure you can WALK in them! I also recomend to take your new shoes to your shoe guy immediately and get a slip resistant pad on the bottoms before you go out on the town!

Christian Louboutin So Kate 120 Suede $725

Chanel Tweed Espadrilles $725

Saint Laurent Tribute Suede Platform Sandal $995

Valentino Rockstud T-Strap Pump $995

Jimmy Choo Anouk Suede Pump $650

The Coat

Another fabulous investment that will withstand the test of time is a great coat.

Look for quality: Check the labels and fabric content. Polyester will not keep you warm in the winter!
If at first you don’t succeed, try try again! It may take a few tries to find the right coat fit for you. Don’t get discouraged and don’t make any rushed purcahes!
Have enough room under the coat for your layers. Seems obvious but you’d be supprised how many designers forget this rule!

Burberry Double-Breasted Cashmere Trench Coat $2,895

Moncler Belted Quilted Shell Jacket $1,200

Belstaff Biker Jacket $1,500

Ralph Lauren Buffy Wool-Silk Tuxedo Jacket $2,650

Chanel Vintage Boucle Tweed Jacket $2,537

The Sunglasses

I know, I know! You’re probably rolling your eyes at this! Quality shades get a bad wrap. Who wants to spend the money on something you’re just going to throw in your purse? YOU DO. There is nothing like teaching responsibility, how to care and value your well-earned items than owning a pair of high end shades!

Saint Laurent Loulou Heart Sunglasses $498

Dior Inspired Cat Eye Sunglasses $750

Celine Black Square Sunglasses $400

Gucci Black Round Sunglasses $350

Saint Laurent Aviator Sunglasses $371

The Watch

Buying yourself a beautiful quality timepiece is anything but instant gratification! Like investing in a luxury car, the resale value of fine watches depends on the make and model.

It is said that purchasing a vintage or previously owned watch is the best bang for your buck when you are purchasing a timepiece.

These vintage pieces continuously increase in value while some newer styles may depreciate upon leaving the jeweler. Here are the names in timepieces that you should look for.

Vacheron Constantin $488,828

Tag Heuer Carrera $3,045

Rolex Day Date Masterpiece $75,075

Cartier Must Tank Watch Vintage $1,432

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We could go on and on with this extravagant list but regardless of your budget , do your research and purchase the best quality you can afford and you will only have to buy it once.

Hiking Over 50

by Sonia Lovett | Aug 8, 2018 | Wellness

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I have always loved the Wild.

Being out in nature; be it on the lake or in the mountains, is where I am able to feel grounded and at peace. Since moving to Montana, I have taken up nature exploration more than I was able to in West Texas. Montana is a land bursting with wonders that must be experienced. Between it’s National Parks and natural beauty there is a trail for experienced hikers and novices alike. There is very little else that gets you as closely in touch with nature and yourself as a hike in the woods. If you are in one of our National Parks or in your own back yard, the sights and sounds bring you back into peace.

Hiking is one of the greatest things that you can do for your mental and physical health.

Getting out there doesn’t require much in gear or expertise either. As a matter of fact you can take up this hobby with nothing more than the willingness to do so. And maybe a snack or two! Although “going on a hike” can sound a little daunting, it doesn’t have to be. It can be as simple as a jaunt around the neighborhood, exploring the “back 40” or a hike with your girlfriends on a nature trail.

Basically any time you are walking out in nature is a hike!

Lake McDonald, Glacier National Park

Be prepared before you go though. Pack a light knapsack before you head down the road less traveled with these easy essentials:

water
trail mix
your favorite sunblock
a powered up cell phone
camera
and don’t forget the bear spray!

Visiting a National Park; whether hiking or by car, is a transportive experience.

At the end of the day, you come to realize and appreciate that all you ever really needed was the connection with family and friends in nature.

Styled By Serena:

If you’re going to go out and explore the trails you might as well look good doing it! It’s my personal (and professional) opinion that if you treat yourself to new exercise gear you are more than likely to show off those new sneakers or sports bra while you exercise!! Check out these looks and let me know what you think!

Wildflowers off the beaten path