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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!

Do Your Makeup Faster – and Get Great Results – with These Makeup Artist Tips

Do Your Makeup Faster – and Get Great Results – with These Makeup Artist Tips

Two days ago I had an 8:00 a.m. Zoom call and – because I overslept – I had only 50 minutes to shower, wash my hair, get dressed, and apply my makeup. Just thinking about this situation raises my stress level! It was a down-to-the-wire race to make it in front of my computer screen by 8:00, but I did it.

And the reason made it on time was due to the makeup products I chose to use that helped me apply my makeup really quickly. So today I’ll share with you my top picks for the best makeup products to grab from your makeup drawer when you’re up against the clock.

Brow Products That Apply Quickly

One of the makeup products that can take our sparser, whiter or greyer brows from bordering on invisible to beautifully visible brows that frame our eyes is Elf’s Wow Brow. Thankfully, it’s one of the least expensive at $5.00, and it’s also one of the quickest and easiest products to apply.

This product not only adds color and definition to our brows – but also adds volume and helps our brows look fuller. I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve repurchased this product because I simply won’t be without it. In fact, I have two of the four shades it comes in – Neutral Brown and Deep Brown, but it also comes in Taupe and Brunette. I like to start with a light color and then add a slightly deeper color. This helps me avoid getting my brows too dark and heavy looking.

But there’s also a new kid on the block that I want to mention which is extremely impressive. It’s the Tinted Brow Gel from the drugstore brand Versed which comes in three shades. This is more expensive at $13.99, but it applies beautifully and looks very natural.

Best Products for the Eyes

I personally like to spend the most time on my eyes since this is the area where I have experienced the most changes. Applying at least some eye makeup can often make one of the biggest differences for those of us with mature skin.

Eyelids

Very few of us don’t have some kind of discoloration on our eyelids, so I first like to quickly swipe on an eye primer. I particularly love Makeup by Mario’s Prep and Set eye primer that comes in a small compact with two cream shades and a powder. But stick applicators can often help us apply makeup more quickly, so if you prefer an eye primer that comes in a handy stick applicator, one of the best is Sigma’s Eyeshadow Base either in the matte color “Ignite” which has more of a yellow undertone, or “Persuade” which has a pink undertone.

Eyeshadow

I normally use a small powder eyeshadow palette like Natasha Denona’s Mini Sculpt Eyeshadow Palette or the “I Love You a Latte” palette from Elf, but for a quicker application, eyeshadow sticks are a great choice.

When choosing an eyeshadow stick, it’s good to remember that they’re not all created equal nor are they a good choice for our eyelids. That’s because we want an eyeshadow stick that’s creamy and doesn’t tug or pull our delicate eyelid skin.

The eyeshadow sticks I love are from the clean beauty brand Doll 10. They glide on like a dream and come in a wide range of 16 colors. They ‘re super creamy, ultra-precise, and water-resistant gel eye crayons that give the pigment payoff of a liquid and the control of a pencil.

Since my eyes are hooded and small, I’ll use the matte light shade called “Gratitude” all over my lid to make my eyes look bigger and the light brown shade “I Am” in and above my crease. There’s also a darker matte shade called “Confidence” which is a lovely deeper neutral.

Mascara

I’ll pick up some of that darkest matte brown shade with a small brush and use it as my eyeliner. Next, I’ll curl my lashes and apply my Versed Mascara.

Be sure to check out Elise’s YouTube channel which specifically focuses on makeup tips, techniques, and product reviews for those of us 50+. Don’t forget to subscribe!

Most Helpful Products for Evening Out Our Skin Tone

Rather than using foundation to cover up the redness and discoloration on my face, I’m going to mix my Natasha Denona Hy Glam Concealer with one small pump of my Saie Beauty Glowy Super Gel in the shade “Starglow.”

By using a thinned concealer rather than foundation I’m eliminating the two separate steps of applying foundation and concealer. I’m ALSO getting great coverage from the concealer – and I’m adding some glow to my skin in the process.

And if you’d prefer to have less glow, you can always mix a drop of moisturizer with the concealer rather than a product like the Saie Beauty Glowy Super Gel.

Best Quick-to-Apply Blush Products

Now, onto blush. I’ll use my Versed Stick Blush in the shade “Bloom” which is a rosy mauve. There are four other shades as well. I’m going to tap my brush directly into the blush and then apply. And if I want to add a little more glow to the top of my cheekbones, I’ll use this same brush to tap into the Versed Highlighter stick. I love the shade “Baroque” – which is a silver champagne, but there’s also a warm copper shade called “Simmer” and a cool rose gold shade called “Polished.”

Lip Products That Are Quick and Easy

And we’ll finish off with lips. If you don’t have an issue with lipstick migrating into fine lines around your mouth, you may not have to use a lip liner. But since I do, I’ll apply my lip liner first. Then I’ll apply a matte lipstick from Catrice that also helps prevent my lipstick from migrating.

On top I’ll apply one of the Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Stix which I’ve come to love. This is a shimmer shade called “Flamingo Fling.” I love having an easy stick applicator to apply my gloss and the new shimmer shades are gorgeous.

An Additional Time Saving Option

Of course, another time-saving option would be to use your lipstick as your blush. To help your lipstick glide on more easily as your blush, simply mix in a little moisturizer with your lipstick on the back of your hand and then apply it as your blush.

One Other Area to Consider

The only other makeup product I’d add – if I had time – would be my under-eye corrector and concealer. If the under-eye area is a major concern for you, you might want to spend a little extra time there.

If you’re looking for additional ways to apply your makeup more quickly, you might want to see how I transform my face in less than 8 minutes using all drugstore makeup products in this video.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Are there makeup products you use that help you apply your makeup more quickly? If so, please share them with us. And if you use any specific makeup application techniques that help you apply your makeup faster, please also share those with us as well.

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What Tech Knowledge Do You Really Need to Successfully Date Online After 60?

What Tech Knowledge Do You Really Need to Successfully Date Online After 60

Jenny, a 67-year-old client from my group, came to me feeling both excited and completely overwhelmed. She was ready to find love again, but the idea of navigating online dating – and all the technology that came with it – felt intimidating.

“I haven’t dated in decades,” she told me, “and now I’m supposed to swipe, upload, and message like a teenager?”

Sound familiar?

If you’re a woman over 60 and thinking about dating online, it’s totally normal to wonder: Do I need to be tech-savvy to actually meet someone?

The truth is: you don’t need to be a tech expert. But a little confidence with the basics can go a long way in helping you feel more in control – and more successful – on your path to love.

So, if the tech part has been holding you back, you’re not alone and you’re more capable than you might think.

And these 6 simple tips will help you feel more confident (not overwhelmed) about dating online.

Tip #1: You Don’t Have to Know It All – Just Enough

You don’t need to master every app or tool. But knowing how to:

  • Send and check email
  • Use a web browser to log into dating sites like Match or Our Time
  • Download an app like Bumble
  • Take and upload photos
  • Save and manage passwords

can make the whole process easier and more empowering.

Many of my clients have picked up these skills as they went. One woman told me, “I didn’t grow up with this stuff, but I’m doing it – and it feels good.”

Tip #2: Choose the Right Platform for You

My clients have had success with:

  • Match – Men are more serious about finding relationships, and you can use it on your browser or in an app on your phone.
  • Bumble – It has plenty of men in their 50s and 60s, and women get to make the first move.

Check out our list at The Top 5 Best Dating Sites for Seniors.

Tip #3: Know How to Create and Update Your Profile

This is your chance to show who you are – and you don’t need to overcomplicate it.

Make sure you can:

  • Upload 2–5 recent photos (including a smiling headshot and one full-body image).
  • Write a short, friendly bio that reflects who you are and what you’re looking for.
  • Update your profile as your preferences or goals evolve.

If it’s easier, write your profile on your computer first then copy and paste it into the app later.

Your profile doesn’t need to be perfect. Just honest, warm, and true to you.

Tip #4: Messaging Isn’t Complicated (Really!)

You don’t have to be clever or polished. The best connections come from genuine, kind conversations.

You’ll want to know how to:

  • Read and respond to messages.
  • Ask simple questions to get to know someone.
  • Block or report anyone who feels off.

You’re in charge of who you engage with and who you don’t.

Tip #5: Spotting Red Flags Is Part of the Process

Online safety is part of online dating. It helps to know how to:

  • Watch for red flags like someone rushing to move off the app.
  • Protect your personal info (never share your address or finances).
  • Use blocking and reporting features when needed.

If something feels off, trust your gut.

Tip #6: Video or Phone Chats Are Optional

I encourage my clients to meet for a casual coffee sooner rather than later. It’s the best way to find out if there’s a real connection – otherwise you could end up wasting time on endless messages and phone calls with the wrong person. Something that can happen if you spend too much time talking before you meet.

Still, some women feel better easing in with a quick phone or video chat. If that’s you, here’s what to know:

  • Use Zoom, FaceTime, or the app’s video feature.
  • Find a quiet spot with good lighting.
  • Keep it short and don’t try and vet someone using technology – get to the meet and greet to figure that out.

You don’t have to use the phone or video but it’s there if it helps you feel more confident.

Need a Little Extra Help?

You don’t have to figure this out alone. If you’re feeling stuck, try one of these:

  • Ask your adult children or grandkids to walk you through it – they often love helping!
  • Reach out to a tech-savvy friend.
  • Check out free library or community center classes.
  • Search YouTube for simple how-to videos (like “how to set up a dating profile on Match or Bumble”).

You don’t have to figure this out alone. That’s why I created an amazing group program that’s helped women over 50 find real, lasting love – often when they thought it might be too late.

Jenny was one of them. Not long ago, she felt just as overwhelmed and uncertain as you might feel right now. But with the right support, she took it one step at a time – and today, she’s in a wonderful relationship with a man who truly cherishes her.

Her story is just one example of what’s possible when you have the right support – and I’d love to offer that to you, too.

If you’re curious whether my program might be a fit, just email me at Lisa@findaqualityman.com, and we can set up a time to talk and explore what’s possible for you.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What dating apps have you used? Were they easy or difficult to navigate? Do you feel confident using technology to look for dates?

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