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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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Kyle Richards’ Navy Sports Bra and Leggings

Kyle Richards’ Navy Sports Bra and Leggings / Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Season 15 Episode 13 Fashion

Leave it to Kyle Richards to be active on a vacation, but I can’t say I blame her because those outdoor Italian views are stellar. Of course I am glad we did get to see her jogging last night on #RHOBH because now we get another fit ‘fit to shop which is this navy ensemble with her sports bra and leggings, obvi. And since it’s fully stocked means you should run to shop it below. 

Sincerely Stylish,

Jess


Kyle Richards' Navy Sports Bra and Leggings

Style Stealers

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Originally posted at: Kyle Richards’ Navy Sports Bra and Leggings

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!

Kyle Richards’ Navy Sports Bra and Leggings

Kyle Richards’ Navy Sports Bra and Leggings / Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Season 15 Episode 13 Fashion

Leave it to Kyle Richards to be active on a vacation, but I can’t say I blame her because those outdoor Italian views are stellar. Of course I am glad we did get to see her jogging last night on #RHOBH because now we get another fit ‘fit to shop which is this navy ensemble with her sports bra and leggings, obvi. And since it’s fully stocked means you should run to shop it below. 

Sincerely Stylish,

Jess


Kyle Richards' Navy Sports Bra and Leggings

Style Stealers

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window.__stp.init();
}
}(document, ‘script’, ‘shopthepost-script’);


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Originally posted at: Kyle Richards’ Navy Sports Bra and Leggings

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How to Turn Down the Noise in Your Life

How to Turn Down the Noise in Your Life

When we look around this big, beautiful world we live in, it can seem a little overwhelming – especially right now. Wars, conflicts, poverty, crime, economic crisis – sometimes it seems that life is not the blissful one we grew up in.

And yet, in many ways, it still is. The sun rises and sets every day, the stars still twinkle in the sky each night. Fresh grass still smells as sweet as ever, and the sound of children playing in the playground always warms my heart. 

Of course, it is not perfect, but I doubt it ever was. It is just in this social media/news filled life we find ourselves in, we hear so much more than we ever did.

How to Quiet Your Mind

There are many things I do to make my mind feel a little calmer. A walk along the beach is always my first choice. Listening to the sounds of the waves, feeling the water splash over my feet, and knowing that for millennia the same thing has been happening, each and every day.

Nature is also a fabulous remedy for an overactive mind. Walking barefoot through the grass, listening to the birds sing, planting seeds in the garden and, even hugging trees, all help me to feel grounded and connected. Nature is wiser and more experienced than any of us, so I am happy to follow her lead and rejoice in the seasons, and everything she provides for us.

I find history, and knowing all that has gone before, very humbling. We have had wars, pandemics, plagues, invasions, economic collapse – and yet we are still here. I am fortunate to live in a gorgeous 400-year-old cottage, and I often think how difficult it must have been for people living in rural communities centuries ago. My cottage is beside a church, and there is a little gravestone marking the death of 70 villagers from the plague… I count my blessing often.

Take a Step Back

When something happens that upsets or worries us, it is easy to react straight away. Sometimes what is needed is a small step back, a little time, and the understanding that things may not be as they seem. Most things sort themselves out if we let them.

Life gives us many things to deal with, and most of us do a fantastic job managing them. Somehow we find the right words, do the right thing, make enough money, create a beautiful home, bring up a family, support our friends. It is a lot for one person!

And all the while we are learning, growing and, hopefully, building ourselves a happy and fulfilled life. Now we are older, wiser, and maybe even a little kinder to ourselves. We have loved, laughed and cried. We overcame countless obstacles, made our peace with others, and grieved over those we have lost. We are all part of the circle of life.

Be Thankful

Every morning I wake up thankful, and grateful, for what has been in my life. For those I have mourned, would I rather they had not been in my life to save me from pain? Of course not. I will take the pain a thousand-fold.

Each difficulty I overcame has taught me something, and I have become stronger, braver and more capable than I ever imagined. Age gives us the wonderful gift or wisdom, more precious than any amount of gold.

So don’t shy away from the world, it is still a beautiful place. Limit the amount of time you expose yourself to news (bad news sells faster than good!). Savour your days… smile more, laugh often, make new friends, learn something new. Make your own world a lovely place to be. 🙂

Join the conversation:

Do you feel life is overwhelming at times? How do you bring calmness into your life? Where is your go to happy place?

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A Simple 10-Minute Video That Helps Relieve Back Stiffness After 60

A Simple 10-Minute Video That Helps Relieve Back Stiffness After 60

If you wake up with a stiff, achy back, you are not alone. As a certified Pilates instructor for the past 10 years, I can tell you that back stiffness is a common complaint I hear from women over 60 – and it makes complete sense. Our bodies change. Our lifestyles shift. And somewhere along the way, the back starts sending signals we can no longer ignore. In this article, I’ll share why that stiffness happens – and a simple way to start helping your back feel better.

The instinct most of us follow is to stretch it out. We reach for our toes, twist side to side, and hope that a few minutes of stretching will release the tension. Sometimes stretching does help for a little while. But if the stiffness keeps coming back, there is a good chance stretching is not actually solving the problem.

The Real Reason Your Back Keeps Feeling Tight

What surprises many of the women I work with is this: a tight back is often a sign that the core isn’t supporting the spine as well as it could. The result? The muscles along your back compensate. They grip. They brace. They stay “on” all the time, which is exhausting for them. That chronic tension is what you feel as stiffness.

This is especially common for women over 60. Hormonal changes, years of sitting, and a natural loss of muscle mass can all leave the core under-recruited – which means the back ends up doing all the work it was never designed to do on its own.

Stretching a muscle that is already overworked can offer relief, but it rarely changes the underlying pattern. What the body needs is to learn how to share the load again.

Core Strength Is Not What You Think It Is

When I say “core strengthening,” I’m not talking about endless ab crunches. The muscles that support your spine are actually deep and subtle. They respond best to slow, controlled movement and gentle activation rather than hard, repetitive exercises.

In Pilates, we call this working from the inside out. Before we add more weights or resistance, we find the support underneath. Over time, that support becomes automatic – and the back finally gets to relax.

A 10-Minute Mat Routine to Start Today

I put together a short, gentle mat-based tutorial specifically designed for women experiencing back stiffness. No equipment needed – just a mat and about 10 minutes of your time. The movements are slow and intentional, and every single one is appropriate for beginners or anyone coming back after a break.

We work through gentle spinal mobility, deep core activation, and a few key stabilizing exercises that help retrain the relationship between your core and your back. Do this routine 2-3 times over the next 2 weeks and let me know if you notice a difference.

Watch the free tutorial below:

Small Shifts, Big Difference

You do not need to overhaul your fitness routine or push through discomfort to feel better in your body. What you need is the right kind of work – targeted, intelligent, and kind to your joints. Ten minutes a few times a week can genuinely shift how your back feels, not just in the moment, but over time.

Your body is not broken. It is simply asking for a different kind of support. And once you give it that, you might be surprised just how good you can feel.

Questions for You:

Do you incorporate core exercises into your routine? What is your main goal with your physical health right now? What is stopping you from achieving that goal (consistency, accountability, motivation etc.)?

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Rachel Zoe’s Hairspray

Rachel Zoe’s Hairspray / Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Season 15 Episode 13 Fashion

When I tell you any time I see a makeup or beauty product that Rachel Zoe is wearing I CANNOT resist the urge to shop it. You just know she has tried it all and only uses the best of the best. Which is why I was thrilled to see a recognizable hairspray bottle silhouette at the end of last night’s episode from a brand of Housewives-loved haircare products. Because even when life is stressful you know Rachel’s signature long waves always stay in place.

Best in Blonde,

Amanda


Rachel Zoe's Hairspray




Originally posted at: Rachel Zoe’s Hairspray

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Kyle Richards’ Brown Gradient Sunglasses in Italy

Kyle Richards’ Brown Gradient Sunglasses in Italy / Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Season 15 Episode 13 Fashion

Kyle Richards’ knows fashion. It appears she also knows that you want to look cute on a run but you don’t want to wear your most pricey sunglasses in the event the may fall off. And the Amazon pair she opted for on her run in Italy are the perfect pair that accomplish style, safety and savings. But at this point the only running you need to do is down below to score them before they’re gone.

The Realest Housewife,

Big Blonde Hair


Kyle Richards' Brown Gradient Sunglasses in Italy




Originally posted at: Kyle Richards’ Brown Gradient Sunglasses in Italy

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When the World Feels Heavy: How Women Over 60 Can Move from Numbness to Inner Steadiness

When the World Feels Heavy: How Women Over 60 Can Move from Numbness to Inner Steadiness

We have lived through decades of change.

We have witnessed wars, social revolutions, economic shifts, technological transformation. We have raised families, built careers, supported partners, cared for aging parents. We have navigated personal loss and global uncertainty before.

And yet, something about this moment feels different.

The Pace of Information Is Relentless

News of war, aggression, climate crisis, and political instability arrives instantly and repeatedly. For many women in this stage of life, the weight of it can feel deeply personal – especially when thinking about children, grandchildren, and the world they will inherit.

At first, there may be worry. Then sadness. Sometimes anger.

But over time, many notice something else: numbness.

It becomes easier to turn off the news. To scroll past suffering. To say, “There’s nothing I can do.” A quiet fatigue sets in – not because we do not care, but because caring feels exhausting.

Numbness Is a Survival Mechanism

This reaction is not indifference. It is the nervous system protecting itself.

When the body perceives ongoing threat without resolution, it shifts into survival patterns. Some women experience heightened anxiety – difficulty sleeping, restlessness, irritability. Others feel flat, detached, or unusually tired. This is the freeze response – a biological shutdown designed to conserve energy when overwhelm feels too great.

After decades of responsibility and often putting others first, many women’s nervous systems are already sensitized to stress. Years of caregiving and high functioning can leave the body accustomed to being “on alert.” When global uncertainty adds another layer of strain, the system may simply say, “Enough.”

Numbness can feel safer than heartbreak.

But when emotional shutdown becomes chronic, it dulls more than fear. It can also dull joy, connection, and vitality. It narrows life at a stage that can otherwise be rich with wisdom, reflection, and meaningful engagement.

Breathing Can Help Us Cope Better than Numbness

The good news is this: the nervous system can recalibrate at any age.

One of the most accessible ways to support it is through breath.

Breathing is both automatic and intentional. And when practiced consciously, it sends a powerful signal of safety to the body. Slow, gentle, diaphragmatic breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system – the body’s calming response. It reduces stress hormones, steadies the heart rate, and softens muscular tension.

For women over 60, breathwork can be especially supportive. Hormonal changes, life transitions, retirement, grief, and shifting identity can all influence nervous system balance. Breath becomes a simple, portable anchor.

It does not require physical strain. It does not demand perfection. It simply asks for presence.

With steady breathing, emotions that were suppressed can begin to move gently. Grief can be acknowledged without overwhelming the system. Compassion can be felt without collapsing into despair. Breath creates space – and in that space, clarity returns.

From Clarity Comes Choice

Women in this stage of life carry immense lived wisdom. When regulated and grounded, they are uniquely positioned to model steadiness for younger generations. To respond thoughtfully instead of reactively. To remain open-hearted without burning out.

The world does not need older women to withdraw in exhaustion. It needs their perspective, their compassion, and their calm strength.

And that begins internally.

A few minutes each day of intentional breathing can restore balance. Inhale slowly through the nose. Exhale gently through the mouth. Allow the body to soften. Let the nervous system remember what safety feels like.

From that place, engagement becomes possible again – whether through conversation, community involvement, creative expression, or simply being a steady presence for family.

In uncertain times, inner steadiness is a quiet form of leadership.

If you are feeling emotionally fatigued or disconnected, begin with one conscious breath. And then another.

To learn more about how breathwork supports nervous system balance and emotional resilience at every stage of life, visit www.drhannalind.com.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you feel engaged with the world, or do you consciously disengage? Have you allowed numbness to creep in because you simply don’t know what you could do?

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