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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.

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A Greek Odyssey…. Maybe Not Quite, But a Fabulous Week on Crete

A Greek Odyssey…. Maybe Not Quite, But a Fabulous Week on Crete

To be honest it was a joy to leave a very wet and rainy England behind – even though it meant leaving my gorgeous 300-year-old cottage, that I spent the summer decorating and turning into my beautiful home. After a couple of years travelling all over the world, I had enjoyed sleeping in my own comfy bed for a few months.

But the itchiness in my feet kept needing to be scratched. I found myself booking overnight hotel stays by the coast, or an Airbnb in a beautiful town. Finally, I made up my mind and took off on my first foreign trip since giving up full time solo travel. My destination? Crete.

A Fabulous Welcome

I arrived at the apartment just after midnight. Everyone had gone to bed except a Greek adonis barman (complete with hairy chest and gold medallion), who welcomed me with a huge smile and showed me to my room.

After a very comfortable night, I woke to the sight of a stunning turquoise sea, which always makes me happy. A quick shower, bikini on and a little sunscreen (it was 28C), and I had my first look around the small but beautiful complex.

The people who run the apartments had built the complex themselves and personally welcome everyone. Within 30 minutes, George, the owner, was whisking me and another guest, to drop us off in the local town. Now that’s what I call VIP service!

My Own Shirley Valentine Moment

Sitting by the beach in a little taverna, sipping a cool drink and watching the world go by, it was easy to see why Shirley Valentine escaped her humdrum life to move to Greece. Crete is truly beautiful with stunning mountains as backdrop, olive groves, warm blue seas and a welcome to match.

It has a wonderful eclectic mix of people from all over the world, and charming, charismatic natives. I had been a little worried my non-existent Greek would be a problem, but many people speak English. With Zorba the Greek playing in the background, I could honestly imagine myself spending the rest of my life in this beautiful slice of heaven!

A Short Cruise

With the warm blue waters so inviting, I decided to go on a cruise for a couple of hours. The boat slowly sailed out of the tiny port, along the coast, past a couple getting married, a nudist beach (the captain pointed it out, but we were close enough to see for ourselves!) and others swimming into a cave. As we pulled into a little bay, I surprised myself by being brave and jumping from the boat and swimming to the shore.

Back on board we were treated to a delicious BBQ lunch, followed by chilled wine and delicious slices of melon. The music making it difficult not to dance, Greek style, of course!

Great Company

Back at the apartment, days were spent lying by the pool, evenings chatting with the owners and other guests, and learning a little history about this gorgeous part of the world. Although there were only a few guests there, I was the only one who hadn’t been before, some of them have been returning for almost 20 years.

The apartments were closing for the winter (it was still 28C!) so there were only a handful of rooms occupied, and we often sat together. As always, it is the people I meet that make my travels so wonderful, and there was no exception here. Everyone was lovely and many hugs were exchanged upon my departure. Some of my new friends even walked down to wave me off in my taxi, even though it was nearly 11.00 pm.

A Little Greek Magic

It is difficult to be on this beautiful island and not be captured by its spell. The sights, the sounds, the smells, the people will stay with me forever. As Shirley Valentine said, “I used to be The Mother. I used to be The Wife. But now I’m Shirley Valentine again.” Finding yourself is easy when you are surrounded by beauty, warmed by sunshine, and maybe even a little chilled by the local drink.

Also read, Guide to the Best Greek Islands for Over 60s.

Join the Conversation:

Have you ever thought about moving abroad? Is there a place you go to find yourself? Do you get itchy feet when you don’t travel for some time?

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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!

A Greek Odyssey…. Maybe Not Quite, But a Fabulous Week on Crete

A Greek Odyssey…. Maybe Not Quite, But a Fabulous Week on Crete

To be honest it was a joy to leave a very wet and rainy England behind – even though it meant leaving my gorgeous 300-year-old cottage, that I spent the summer decorating and turning into my beautiful home. After a couple of years travelling all over the world, I had enjoyed sleeping in my own comfy bed for a few months.

But the itchiness in my feet kept needing to be scratched. I found myself booking overnight hotel stays by the coast, or an Airbnb in a beautiful town. Finally, I made up my mind and took off on my first foreign trip since giving up full time solo travel. My destination? Crete.

A Fabulous Welcome

I arrived at the apartment just after midnight. Everyone had gone to bed except a Greek adonis barman (complete with hairy chest and gold medallion), who welcomed me with a huge smile and showed me to my room.

After a very comfortable night, I woke to the sight of a stunning turquoise sea, which always makes me happy. A quick shower, bikini on and a little sunscreen (it was 28C), and I had my first look around the small but beautiful complex.

The people who run the apartments had built the complex themselves and personally welcome everyone. Within 30 minutes, George, the owner, was whisking me and another guest, to drop us off in the local town. Now that’s what I call VIP service!

My Own Shirley Valentine Moment

Sitting by the beach in a little taverna, sipping a cool drink and watching the world go by, it was easy to see why Shirley Valentine escaped her humdrum life to move to Greece. Crete is truly beautiful with stunning mountains as backdrop, olive groves, warm blue seas and a welcome to match.

It has a wonderful eclectic mix of people from all over the world, and charming, charismatic natives. I had been a little worried my non-existent Greek would be a problem, but many people speak English. With Zorba the Greek playing in the background, I could honestly imagine myself spending the rest of my life in this beautiful slice of heaven!

A Short Cruise

With the warm blue waters so inviting, I decided to go on a cruise for a couple of hours. The boat slowly sailed out of the tiny port, along the coast, past a couple getting married, a nudist beach (the captain pointed it out, but we were close enough to see for ourselves!) and others swimming into a cave. As we pulled into a little bay, I surprised myself by being brave and jumping from the boat and swimming to the shore.

Back on board we were treated to a delicious BBQ lunch, followed by chilled wine and delicious slices of melon. The music making it difficult not to dance, Greek style, of course!

Great Company

Back at the apartment, days were spent lying by the pool, evenings chatting with the owners and other guests, and learning a little history about this gorgeous part of the world. Although there were only a few guests there, I was the only one who hadn’t been before, some of them have been returning for almost 20 years.

The apartments were closing for the winter (it was still 28C!) so there were only a handful of rooms occupied, and we often sat together. As always, it is the people I meet that make my travels so wonderful, and there was no exception here. Everyone was lovely and many hugs were exchanged upon my departure. Some of my new friends even walked down to wave me off in my taxi, even though it was nearly 11.00 pm.

A Little Greek Magic

It is difficult to be on this beautiful island and not be captured by its spell. The sights, the sounds, the smells, the people will stay with me forever. As Shirley Valentine said, “I used to be The Mother. I used to be The Wife. But now I’m Shirley Valentine again.” Finding yourself is easy when you are surrounded by beauty, warmed by sunshine, and maybe even a little chilled by the local drink.

Also read, Guide to the Best Greek Islands for Over 60s.

Join the Conversation:

Have you ever thought about moving abroad? Is there a place you go to find yourself? Do you get itchy feet when you don’t travel for some time?

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Healing Through Pain: Embracing the Beauty of Kintsugi

Healing Through Pain Embracing the Beauty of Kintsugi

I recently read an article from the December 2023 issue of The AARP Magazine which resonated with me. It’s titled “Bedazzled and Uplifted” by Jan Tuckwood. (You can find it here if you have a subscription, but if you don’t, an illustration is available here.) She writes, “Pain is a product of living.” This phrase sparked reflection on the shared human experience of emotional pain.

Transformation Through Emotional Pain

Life inevitably brings pain, and for many, it’s through emotional agony that we undergo profound transformation. Tuckwood further states:

“Our hearts are destined to crack – a million hairline fractures and a few big crevasses. It’s impossible to avoid and delusional to deny it.”

This echoes my own journey. My marriage ended after many years – a shock to me, though my then-husband had envisioned it for decades. Navigating the emotional pain and necessary changes felt overwhelming. Yet, today, I can look back without the sting of hurt. Instead, healing has filled those voids with invaluable lessons.

The pottery picture above illustrates the Japanese art of Kintsugi. This practice repairs broken pottery with gold, creating pieces that are often more beautiful than before their fractures. According to Wikipedia, Kintsugi treats breakage and repair as integral to an object’s history rather than flaws to hide.

Recovering from a Shattering Event

Does this resonate with you? We all experience events that leave us broken – some create gaping wounds, while others leave mere scars or memories. So how do we transform these breaks into beauty?

Here are some steps I took that I thought would heal the pain but didn’t. Learning from them led me toward recovery.

Running Away… Doesn’t Help

I relocated to a new town with a new partner, hoping for a fresh start. Instead, I found more heartache. It wasn’t until I faced my pain head-on that I began to heal. I allowed myself to feel the hurt, to truly break, and only then could I begin to piece my life back together.

Withdrawing from Others… Isolates You More

In times of confusion and hurt, I often isolate myself. While this feels safe, it risks losing friendships and support. I encourage reaching out, perhaps to a therapist who can provide unbiased support. Finding the right therapist can be like discovering gold; they help mend your brokenness, allowing you to reconnect with loved ones without placing the burden of fixing you on them.

Rushing into New Relationships… Is Even More Messy

In my search for healing, I quickly jumped into another relationship, which only deepened my pain. It took years of being single before I was ready to love again. Rushing can blind us to neon warning signs and add new fractures to our already broken hearts.

Just like in Kintsugi, our heartbreaks can be transformed through the lessons we learn. The repaired self is often more beautiful and stronger than before.

There’s a wealth of resources available to help navigate emotional pain. An article titled “How to Deal with Emotional Pain: 8 Ways to Support Yourself” offers excellent strategies for healing. Additionally, your health insurance can connect you with therapists who specialize in the areas where you seek support.

Our painful breaks and eventual repairs result in resilience and strength. This beautiful pottery symbolizes you, and me.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What emotional pain has led you to major life transitions? How have you dealt with it? Did you make a chain a mistakes to get to where you are today?

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Stop Wasting Money! 5 Effective Strategies to Reduce the Temptation to Overbuy Online

Stop Wasting Money! 5 Effective Strategies to Reduce the Temptation to Overbuy Online

Do you find yourself mindlessly shopping online? If so, you’re not alone. This has become a growing concern for consumers of all ages.

An Interesting Statistic

The average American consumer spends over $1,000 per year on impulse online purchases, making at least six impulse buys per month.

Online shopping has become an integral part of our daily lives across all generations. With just a few clicks, you can have almost anything you want or need delivered to your door the next day.

No wonder this huge temptation has led to online shopping becoming such a prevalent issue in this digital age.

Why Is It So Hard to Resist the Allure of Excessive Online Shopping?

Easy Access

The truth is the convenience and easy access of online shopping can be a slippery slope that comes with a cost. At any time of day or night, one click can lead to another and then another. Before you know it, you’ve spent more money than you intended. This leads not just to overspending, but also to overbuying and an accumulation of unnecessary items.

As fun as it might be to see an Amazon package on your doorstep, the constant influx of packages can also lead to guilt, buyer’s remorse, and even marital disputes.

Emotional Triggers

Impulse online shopping is frequently triggered by our emotions:

  • Fear of missing out on a good deal
  • Boredom, loneliness, anger, or stress
  • Social influence or the desire to fit in

It’s easy to get triggered when mindlessly shopping on the internet and social media. In a weak moment, you click “buy now.”

Targeted Ads

Targeted ads are another major culprit when it comes to online shopping temptation. Advertisers use sophisticated algorithms to target our specific interests and demographics, encouraging us to click the “buy now” button.

To make matters worse, social media influencers and celebrities often promote products, making us feel like we need to have them, too.

If you struggle to resist the allure of targeted ads and want to overcome the temptation to overspend on impulse online purchases, these five effective strategies will help you regain control so you can confidently shop online for only what you truly need or want.

5 Effective Strategies to Overcome Online Impulse Buying

Set a Budget

The first critical step to combat online shopping temptation is to set a budget and stick to it.

Track Your Spending

Use apps like Mint or Personal Capital to track spending and stay on top of your finances. These easy-to-use apps will help you stay on track.

Emotional Awareness

Recognize and acknowledge your emotional triggers. Are you mindlessly shopping online because you’re stressed, bored, or lonely? Identifying these patterns can help you address the underlying issues, allowing you to find healthier coping mechanisms such as exercise.

Use Online Tools

Use browser extensions like uBlock Origin or News Feed Eradicator. These tools help block targeted ads, making it less likely for you to be tempted.

Practice Intentional Spending

One of the most powerful tools to overcome online shopping urges is the satisfaction you feel when you save money by being mindful about what you’re purchasing and how much you’re spending.

It feels great to know you are in control, resisting temptation, and making conscious decisions to spend your money wisely.

Overcoming online shopping temptation requires awareness, intentionality, and strategy. By acknowledging emotional triggers, setting a budget, and using apps to track your spending, you can regain control over your online shopping habits.

Getting Started

Recall a time when you resisted the urge to buy something online. Write it down as a reminder.

It’s not easy, but keep reminding yourself how confident it made you feel to manage temptation – and keep doing that!

Also read, What’s the Deal with Shopping Anyway?

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Have you fallen victim to the impulse buying trend? What have you recently purchased that you don’t really need? Why do you think you bought it? If you have overcome any online shopping temptations, please share your tips with the community!

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