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Why You Should Commit to the Carry-On and Tips for Making it Easy

Why You Should Commit to the Carry-On and Tips for Making it Easy

The world is divided into two different kinds of people: overpackers and underpackers. If you fall into the first category, don’t turn away yet! Give me a few minutes to try and convince you that there is a better way to travel.

As you might already suspect, I am an underpacker. My measure of a packing fail: Coming home with even one thing in my suitcase that I did not need, use or wear during my trip. I do fail sometimes, but not often anymore.

Here’s how to pack lighter – all lessons I learned the hard way.

Start with an Attitude Change

It helps that I don’t really care how I look. I don’t mean I would travel in ripped or dirty clothes. But I don’t need to be the glammed up center of attention. In fact, when you’re traveling, the more you can blend in, the better. You’re less likely to be targeted by pickpockets and local scammers.

Spend a little time researching what the locals wear and try to pack like that. This is the lesson I learned when I wore my electric blue winter coat to Romania, a former Soviet block country where there were two colors of winter coat: grey and black.

So if you simply must be a fashion plate, try to pare down the clothes to a capsule wardrobe of items you can mix and match and pieces that will do double duty.

Use a Packing List

These printable packing lists will give you a feel for the things you’ll need. If the list includes something you don’t think you’ll need, don’t pack it. If there is something missing, make a note on the printed sheet so you don’t forget it.

Check the Weather Forecast

I make this recommendation because I live in Chicago. We like to say, “If you don’t like the weather, wait 10 minutes.” Here, the calendar might say May, but the thermometer might say March. Or July.

So check the forecast for your destination. It will tell you whether to pack a raincoat, sunhat, shorts, or sweaters.

Start Packing Early

If you have a spare bed, room, couch or some other spot to hold the things you want to pack, start a week early and put everything on the bed that you think you might want on your trip.

Then walk away.

Come back the next day and look it over. Is there anything missing? Is there anything you think you might not need on the trip? Make adjustments accordingly.

Then walk away.

Come back the next day with the intention of making choices. If you have two pairs of pants on the bed, take away one pair. If you have four shirts, take away two. And so on, until you have cut in half the things on the bed.

Then walk away.

The next day, it’s time to pack. Start with the pieces of clothing you absolutely MUST have with you.

If you run out of suitcase before you run out of clothes to pack, you get to make a choice: Leave something else behind or pay $40 or more to check a bag.

Buy Packing Cubes

I resisted buying this travel essential for years. Now I can’t believe I ever traveled without them.

Packing cubes are flexible pouches with a brilliant zipper system. You pack them with the clothes you want to take, and zip them shut. Then – this is the brilliant part – you zip a second zipper to compress the insides flat. (Think of it like your expandable suitcase, when you open that second zipper, it gives you an extra inch or two of suitcase space. When you zip it shut, everything inside is compressed.)

As a bonus, the clothes you lay inside the packing cube are much more likely to stay wrinkle free. I don’t know why. But it’s true.

Stick with One Basic Color

When I head to a Caribbean resort, that color will be white. But most of the time, it’s black – black pants, a black skirt, a black dress. Then I add color in the tops I will wear with the pants and skirt. Finally, I pack a few scarves and funky costume jewelry to dress everything up or down and add more color.

Wear the Heavy Stuff on the Plane

There are plenty of TikTokers and travel hacker influencers who will tell you to wear layers and layers on the plane to save suitcase space. Or to pack a pillowcase with your stuff and pretend it’s a pillow, not a suitcase, so it doesn’t count as a carryon.

While that might be useful info for travelers on uber-budget airlines that charge for anything that doesn’t fit under your seat, you really don’t have to go that crazy. Just use a little common sense.

If, for example, you’re flying from Florida to Colorado, you know you’ll need your winter coat, hat, gloves, hiking boots and heavy jeans. Wear the jeans and hiking boots on the plane, stuff the hat and gloves in the coat pockets and carry the coat on the plane rather than packing it in a suitcase.

I do this anyway because I’m always chilly on a plane. I’m always surprised when I see someone boarding a flight in shorts and flip flops. I would be blue by the time I landed!

Think Layers, Not Bulk

Thin layers are always the right answer, no matter where you are. Even a Caribbean vacation requires preparing for chilly evenings or overly air-conditioned restaurants. Layers are the answer to staying warm and packing light.

Make the Best Use of Your Under-Seat Bag

Finally, remember that you get not one, but two things to carry onto the plane – a bag that goes into the overhead and a smaller bag that fits under the seat in front of you.

Don’t waste the space in that second bag!

My go-to is a roomy backpack because I travel with a lot of electronics – laptop, Kindle, phone, ear buds and all of the cords and accessories they require. But those only take up two zippered compartments. That leaves two more compartments for other things – makeup bag, an extra pair of shoes, etc.

The other thing that works for me is a big striped bag that is super flexible. I can cram a lot into it and still stuff it under the seat. The downside of that is it is heavy to carry, unlike my backpack which easily distributes the weight across my shoulders.

Practice, Practice, Practice

I know. This isn’t easy. Especially if you’ve always been an overpacker. But practice will make perfect. Try it on your next quick weekend trip. That will give you a chance to see how it feels to only pack what you’ll need for 2-3 days, how much you like being able to lift that light carry-on bag and how happy you are not worrying about whether your suitcase will show up at the other end of your flight.

Just remember to pack one more thing: a credit card. That way, if you find you truly can’t live without something for a few days, you can head to the store to buy it.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Are you an overpacker or an underpacker? What’s your favorite packing hack? Share with us in the comment section below.

Skin Care

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How to Make Your Own Essential Oil Blend for Mature Skin (Recipe)

A Basic Essential Oil Blend for Everyday Mature Skin Care

With all the wonderful natural facial serums on the market today, it can be a little overwhelming choosing the correct formula with safe, non-toxic ingredients, all at a reasonable price. The good news is that it’s easy and fun to make a quality product on your own using the miracle of nature – essential oils. 

When I started working with skincare formulas in 2003, one of the first products I was excited about making was an essential oil-based facial serum. My skin needs were changing, and a moisturizing oil made perfect sense for dry, maturing skin.

I decided to work with four wonderful healthy aging essential oils I had discovered: Lavender, Frankincense, Rose Geranium, and Carrot Seed.

The natural and highly effective nature of essential oils makes them perfect for skincare. When blended for their various properties and used with a carrier oil that matches your skin type, you can create a serum tailor-made for your skin.

What Are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are the essence of plants. Hidden away in many parts of the plant, like the flowers, seeds, and roots, they are very potent chemical compounds. They can give the plant its scent, protect it from harsh conditions, and help with pollination.

The benefits of essential oils on humans are diverse and amazing. Lavender flower oil, for example, contains compounds that help soothe skin irritation and redness, while the scent reduces feelings of anxiety and stress.

The beautiful Rose essential oil is hydrating to the skin and sometimes used to treat scarring, while the scent is known to help lift depression. 

There are many essential oils to choose from for specific skincare needs. I have used a myriad of different combinations but keep coming back to the tried and true blend from my very first serum.

The four essential oils used are the workhorses of skincare for mature skin, as well as being wonderfully uplifting for mind, body, and spirit. 

The Base Oil Blend Formula

Here’s what you’ll need:

Bottle

1 oz. amber dropper bottle. You can find those in pharmacies or online.

Base (Carrier) Oil

As a base, you can use one of the oils below or a combination of several that meet your skin’s needs:

  • Jojoba oil is my base oil of choice. It’s incredible for most skin types: it’s extremely gentle and non-irritating for sensitive skin, moisturizing for dry skin, balancing for oily skin, ideal for combination skin, and offers a barrier of protection from environmental stressors. It also helps skin glow as it delivers deep hydration.
  • Rosehip oil smooths the skin’s texture and calms redness and irritation.
  • Argan oil contains high levels of vitamin E and absorbs thoroughly into the skin leaving little oily residue.
  • Avocado oil is effective at treating age spots and sun damage, as well as helping to soothe inflammatory conditions such as blemishes and eczema.
  • Olive oil is a heavier oil and the perfect choice if your skin needs a mega-dose of hydration. Just be aware that olive oil takes longer to absorb and leaves the skin with an oily feeling. This may be desirable for extremely dry, red, itchy skin.

Essential Oils

  • Lavender essential oil is very versatile and healing. It helps reduce inflammation, kill bacteria, and clear pores. Its scent is also calming and soothing.
  • Frankincense essential oil helps to tone and strengthen mature skin in addition to fighting bacteria and balancing oil production.
  • Rose Geranium essential oil helps tighten the skin by reducing the appearance of fine lines, helps reduce inflammation and fight redness, and offers anti-bacterial benefits to help fight the occasional breakout. The scent is also known to be soothing and balancing.
  • Carrot seed oil is a fantastic essential oil for combination skin. It helps even the skin tone while reducing inflammation and increasing water retention.

The Recipe

Let’s start with a simple recipe:

  • 1 oz. Jojoba oil (or carrier oil of your choice)
  • 10 drops Lavender
  • 10 drops Frankincense
  • 10 drops Rose Geranium
  • 10 drops Carrot seed oil 

Place the essential oil drops in the amber dropper bottle then fill with Jojoba/carrier oil. It’s that simple!

Applying Your Homemade Serum

Use this serum morning and evening as part of your regular skincare routine. Serums work best when applied after cleansing your face. You can cleanse with Coconut Oil or a mixture of oils for enhanced hydration (we will cover this in the next article) or use your regular facial cleanser.

Essential oils will not interfere in any way with your normal skincare products.

Keep in mind that the serum is concentrated. Use only a pea-sized amount, work it into your fingertips, and apply evenly over the face without tugging or pulling.

If your skin feels tacky, reduce the amount on the next application. Your skin should feel soft, not oily. Follow with your regular moisturizer if you like. 

Making your own facial serum is fun and rewarding! I look forward to hearing your thoughts and ideas on essential oils and making personalized serums and skincare.

What facial serum do you use? Have you made one yourself? What is your favorite essential oil for skin care? Please share your thoughts with our community!

6 Best Women’s E-bikes for Over 70s Under $1000

6 Best Women's E-bike for Over 70s Under $1000

Finding the right e-bike can be a game-changer, especially for women over 70 looking to stay active, explore the outdoors, or run errands with ease. 

E-bikes provide pedal assistance, which makes cycling less strenuous and more enjoyable, especially on hilly terrains or longer distances. The good news is that you don’t have to break the bank to get a reliable and comfortable e-bike. 

Here’s a look at six of the best women’s e-bikes under $1000 that are perfect for seniors.

  1. Jasion EB7 2.0 Electric Bike – Best Foldable E-bike Under $1000 
  2. Nakto CLASSIC 2 Electric Bicycle – Best Vintage Look E-bike Under $1000
  3. Sailnovo 14″ Mini Electric Bicycle – Most Affordable E-bike Under $1000 

Keep reading to discover our complete list of women’s e-bikes under $1000 – including the best rough terrain e-bike and the best step-through e-bike under $1000 for over 70s.

Women’s E-Bikes for Over 70s

Best Foldable E-bike Under $1000 – Jasion EB7 2.0 Electric Bike

Jasion EB7 2.0 Electric Bike

The Jasion EB7 2.0 Electric Bike is an adaptable and compact folding e-bike designed for comfort and convenience. It features a 500W motor and a 48V 10Ah lithium battery, providing a top speed of 20 mph and a range of up to 20-40 miles, depending on the mode. The bike is equipped with 20″ puncture-resistant tires and a front suspension fork to ensure a smooth ride on various terrains. Its foldable frame makes it easy to store or transport, and the step-through design is ideal for seniors who prefer a low step-over height.

Features: 

  • 500W motor
  • 48V 10Ah battery
  • 20″ tires
  • Foldable frame
  • Front suspension
  • Dual disc brakes.

Best Vintage Look E-bike Under $1000 – Nakto CLASSIC 2 Electric Bicycle

Nakto CLASSIC 2 Electric Bicycle

The Nakto Classic Electric Bike offers a timeless design and a comfortable ride, ideal for women over 70 who want a blend of style and functionality. With a 250W brushless motor and a 36V 10Ah removable lithium battery, the Nakto Classic provides a range of up to 30 miles per charge. Its step-through frame makes it easy to get on and off, and the wide saddle and swept-back handlebars ensure a comfortable, upright riding position. It also includes a front basket and a rear cargo rack, adding practicality for carrying groceries or other essentials.

Features:

  • 250W motor
  • 36V 10Ah removable battery
  • Step-through frame
  • Front basket
  • Rear cargo rack

Best Step Through E-bike Under $1000 – Ecotric 20″ Starfish Portable and Folding Electric Bike

Ecotric 20" Starfish Portable and Folding Electric Bike

The Ecotric UL Certified Starfish 20-Inch Portable Folding Electric Bike is a compact and highly portable e-bike, perfect for seniors who need a reliable bike that is easy to store and transport. Its foldable design allows for convenient storage in small spaces or transport in a car. The 350W motor and 36V 10Ah battery provide a range of up to 36 miles per charge, making it suitable for both short commutes and longer rides. With a low-step frame and comfortable seat, it’s designed with senior riders in mind.

Features: 

  • 350W motor
  • 36V 10Ah battery
  • Foldable frame
  • UL certification
  • Front and rear disc brakes

Most Affordable E-bike Under $1000 – Sailnovo 14″ Mini Electric Bicycle

Sailnovo 14" Mini Electric Bicycle

The Sailnovo 14″ Mini Electric Bicycle is a compact, lightweight e-bike perfect for shorter rides and easy storage. It features a 350W motor and a 36V 10.4Ah battery, allowing you to ride up to 28 miles on a single charge. With its small wheels and folding design, it’s an excellent choice for seniors living in apartments or those who want a bike that’s easy to manage and store.

Features:

  • 350W motor
  • 36V 10.4Ah battery
  • Foldable design
  • Front and rear disc brakes
  • LED headlight.

Best Rough Terrain E-bike Under $1000 – Heybike Mars 2.0 Electric Bike

Heybike Mars 2.0 Electric Bike

The Heybike Mars 2.0 Electric Bike is an excellent option for those looking for a durable, foldable e-bike with extra power. Equipped with a 500W motor and a 48V 12.5Ah battery, this bike can handle a variety of terrains and offers a range of up to 37 miles on pure electric mode or 48 miles with pedal-assist. The Mars 2.0 features 20″ x 4″ fat tires and front suspension, providing stability and a smooth ride on rough roads. Its foldable design makes it convenient for storage and transport, making it a great choice for seniors who need versatility in their e-bike.

Features: 

  • 500W motor
  • 48V 12.5Ah battery
  • Foldable frame
  • 20″ x 4″ fat tires
  • Front suspension.

Best Looking E-bike Under $1000 – XP Lite 2.0 Lavender Haze eBike

XP Lite 2.0 Lavender Haze eBike

The XP Lite 2.0 Lavender Haze eBike is a stylish and lightweight e-bike designed for easy city commuting and leisure riding. With its sleek frame and eye-catching lavender color, this e-bike is perfect for women over 70  looking for both functionality and style. It is equipped with a 300W brushless motor and a 48V 7.8Ah lithium battery, providing a range of up to 20-40 miles per charge, depending on the level of pedal assistance. The XP Lite 2.0 offers a comfortable ride with its ergonomic seat, adjustable handlebar, and puncture-resistant 20″ tires.

Features: 

  • 300W motor
  • 48V 7.8Ah battery
  • 20″ puncture-resistant tires
  • Adjustable handlebar

Choosing the Right E-Bike for You

When choosing an e-bike, consider factors such as frame design, motor power, battery range, and additional features like storage baskets or lights. Ensure that the bike is comfortable, stable, and easy to mount and dismount. Always test the e-bike, if possible, to ensure it meets your specific needs and preferences.

Finding the right e-bike for women over 70 doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. The options listed above provide a great balance of affordability, comfort, and functionality, ensuring that you can enjoy the benefits of cycling well into your golden years without breaking the bank. 

Read 10 Alternative Vehicles for Older Women.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you own an e-bike? Are you looking at purchasing one? Which one is your favorite? Tell us about it in the comments below. 

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