I’m
a glass half full kind of person. I truly believe that in a few months the coronavirus
chaos will be behind us and something else will have taken its place.

My
intention is not to make light of this epidemic, but I will not allow myself to
be at the mercy of the bloodthirsty media either. We can live in fear or we can
travel through it. Which will you choose? And yes, it is a choice.

I
like to say, “Fear of death is a waste of time. It will take me when and where
it chooses. Until then, it will have to chase me as I intend to run very fast.”

Media Mayhem

Media
hype should be taken with a grain of salt. It is important to be informed, but
don’t fall prey to the news media’s bloodlust for ratings.

Last
year’s coverage of Australia’s fires showed a continent in flames. In actual fact,
only 3% of the entire continent experienced fires and most regions were where
tourists do not visit. This resulted in discouraging tourism and devastating
small, local businesses.

Positive Due Diligence

Aside from the obvious measures of physical safety, below are four ideas to keep your journeys of discovery front and centre and on track!

Choose Unaffected Destinations

Rearrange
your adventures and choose the one that makes you feel the most comfortable for
2020/21. Why not explore closer to home?

If
you live in the US or Canada, hike the Zion and Bryce Canyons, Utah, or British
Columbia’s Purcell Mountains. Head south to warm climates such as Fiji,
Australia, Anguilla or St Lucia. All great choices. Safe destinations are
everywhere!

Go Small Scale

Consider
staying away from super-sized ships, resorts catering to the multitudes, and
big bus tours. Take a journey to a destination that is not trending. Uncrowded
and off-season can be a good thing.

Don’t Shirk from Travel

Go
ahead and book your future travel!
Ask your Travel Advisor to book you on a trip where your deposit is refundable
and to monitor those cancellation deadlines. Travel Advisors are professionals
who receive daily updates on situations worldwide, so it’s wise to have one.

Rely on Good Travel Insurance

Buy
cancel for any reason insurance (CFAR). If you think travel protection is
expensive, just wait until you lose the cost of your entire holiday.

A Bit of Good News for You

My
work is with boutique suppliers, i.e., small ships, yachts, country inns, boutique
resorts, and tour operators. To date, none of my preferred suppliers have
experienced coronavirus related issues and have taken necessary precautions to
keep it that way. Many have even relaxed their cancellation policies and final
payment due dates for guests.

That’s
it! Keep on traveling!

Have you traveled with boutique outfitters and suppliers? Are you
familiar with the services of professional Travel Advisors? Do you travel off
season or to unlikely destinations? Let’s have a conversation!

It feels like every day a new skincare “must-have” comes around promising a clear, firm face. It can be tough to tell fact from fiction. But when it comes to peptides, we now know dermatologists and other experts love the stuff. So, we rounded up some of the best peptide serum for smoothing fine lines and increasing collagen. Note: there’s absolutely nothing wrong with aging and the term “anti-aging” is a little offensive, TBH. But just because we’re not ashamed of having wrinkles doesn’t mean we don’t want to have our best skin ever.

Peptides or polypeptides, help your skin by telling it to produce more collagen. It’s like lying to your skin that you’re younger than you actually are. That’s crucial because after age 35, collagen production starts to slow down. Chemically, peptides are strings of amino acids that are often called the “building blocks” of your skin. Not only can they help smooth fine lines and wrinkles, but they can also protect against environmental damage from free radicals.

The most effective peptides are ones that you don’t rinse off your face, such as moisturizer, eye cream or serum. When the peptide trend first hit, prices were pretty steep. But now there are much more affordable, even drugstore, brands creating similar products, just with maybe less strength than you’d get from your a luxe brand. And there’s nothing wrong with that. Below, our favorites to get you started on your new peptide journey. Here’s to healthy-looking skin in 2020.

Bliss.

Bliss Bright Idea Vitamin C + Tri-Peptide Serum

With both collagen and vitamin C, this serum is a two-for-one.

Buy: Bright Idea Vitamin C + Tri-Peptide Serum $24.99

Dr. Jart+.

Dr. Jart+ Peptidin Radiance Serum

An “eight-peptide complex” and peach flower extract make this serum an ultra-skin brightener.

Dr. Roebuck’s.

Dr. Roebuck’s Ningaloo Copper Peptide Firming Serum

With the addition of plant-based hyaluronic acid, this serum helps skin retain moisture.

Elemis.

Elemis Peptide4 Antioxidant Hydra-Serum

A blend of Lotus flower milk, Saffron flower and Indian gooseberry leaves skin looking smooth.

Buy: Peptide4 Antioxidant Hydra-Serum $72

Olay.

Olay Skin B3 + Peptides Wrinkle Correction Serum

The addition of vitamin B3 (niacinamide) helps even skin tone.

Peter Thomas Roth.

Peter Thomas Roth PRO Strength Retinoid Peptide Serum

A whopping 10 percent Granactive retinoid and 5 percent hexapeptide complex make for a more intense anti-aging treatment.

StriVectin.

StriVectin Peptight Tightening & Brightening Face Serum

Hexapeptides and vitamin C-rich Australian Kakadu plum extract brighten skin.

Buy: Peptight Tightening & Brightening Face Serum $99

The Inkey List.

The Inkey List Collagen Booster Firming Peptide Serum

This ultra-affordable serum is a favorite for the way it plumps skin and events out texture issues.

The Ordinary.

The Ordinary Buffet + Copper Peptides 1%

If you love the brand’s OG Buffet, you’ll go crazy for this upgraded version with copper peptides to improve skin health.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

What is your
purpose in life? The answer is elusive for most of us, especially as it is
prone to change depending on many factors, age being just one of them.

How we relate to others and that for which we feel passionately can change as we do, and over time we may find we need to move on to other things.

For many
of us, careers, time spent at a job, or caring for family once filled our days
and gave us a sense of fulfillment. But what happens when we move on beyond
careers, caring for children, and those things that mattered so much?

It’s Not All About Freedom

We can be
left in a state of disconnect, feeling ambiguous, perhaps noncommittal. At
first, we may covet our free time and be reluctant to take on any
responsibilities or commit ourselves too deeply.

We may
feel a need for unscheduled time and a strong dose of freedom. That’s common
and healthy after suspending our desires for so long.

But not
much into my freedom I noticed a hole in my life, an emptiness that all the
lunching out with girlfriends, physical workouts, and weekends away couldn’t
fill. I was unsettled, off center, and soon became bored with leisure time as a
way of life.

I sought
out a volunteer position mentoring women in business and that commitment eventually
led to a stint on a nonprofit board. I felt once again useful and gratified. I
could easily identify my purpose. I was meant to use my experience and
knowledge to serve others, specifically women.

I would guess my story is not unique and many other women have found an undeniable need for purpose at this stage. But how do we go about finding a volunteer commitment that is right for us? Here are some simple steps to help guide you.

How to Set Your Priorities

Consider
these questions to assess what you need and want.

Group of Interest

Do you
care most about children, animals, the environment, food security, or another
area of service?

Local or Not?

Are you
able to travel to another city, or do you need your volunteer’s position to be
conveniently located in your neighborhood?

Useful Skills

What do
you have to offer? Make a list of your background, your skill set, and your
expertise.

Limitations

Do you
have physical limitations that need to be considered, such as, no heavy
lifting, standing for long periods, etc.?

Making Service Fun

What do
you enjoy doing, and can you blend your favorite leisure activity with being of
service? For example, if you enjoy gardening, is there a community garden that
needs your help?

Remember
to be honest with yourself. Acknowledge that, if your needs are met, your volunteer
commitment will be far more enjoyable, fulfilling, and successful. If you would
like to meet new and interesting people, then look beyond your social group. If
you enjoy travel seek out a stint with an international group.

Keep in
mind, we all have more to offer than perhaps we initially expect. Try to keep
an open mind, look beyond your comfort zone so your time and efforts benefit
others, but also offer you a new endeavor that is stimulating and engaging.

Making the Connection

Use a variety of resources to find where you belong. Visit your local volunteer center, ask friends, neighbors, and acquaintances for a recommendation, and search online.

Look to nationally
respected organizations that may have branches in your area but also consider
grassroots groups who may be more welcoming, close knit, and in greater need.

Be sure to
have an honest discussion with the volunteer coordinator about what you’re
looking for, your level of commitment, and what is expected from a volunteer.
If it doesn’t feel right, don’t be afraid to thank them and move on. They want
to make a suitable match just as you do.

Groups Looking for Senior Volunteers

Many
groups are looking especially for volunteers aged 55+.

Senior Corps

Senior
Corps is a network of national service programs for Americans 55 years
and older, made up of three primary programs that each take a different
approach to improving lives and fostering civic engagement.

Senior
Corps volunteers commit their time to address critical community needs including
academic tutoring and mentoring, elderly care, disaster relief support, and
more.

AMAVA

AMAVA offers a “flexible, socially engaging
experience.” With AMAVA you can find a flexible job, sign up for a unique
experience, or volunteer. Their team can help you find that purpose you’ve been
looking for – in your local community and beyond.

Consider Traveling as Part of a Volunteer Commitment

Volunteering
for an international organization can be an exciting experience, and there are
many organizations looking for mature volunteers.

Be sure to
vet the organization, ask to speak with alumni of the programs to get their
recommendations and choose carefully to ensure the opportunity is well suited
for you.

The whole
idea is to share what you know, what you’ve learned over the years for the
benefit of someone else. If you can do that while exploring new places – even better.

If you
want to volunteer
abroad, there are many opportunities to integrate volunteerism with
travel. Leyla Giray Alyanak of Women on
the Road presents a great article to help women consider what might be the
best opportunity and whether they’re ready for international service.

There are
plenty of opportunities and lots of need. Take the first step and make a
connection. You will be glad you did. I promise.

What does freedom look like when you’re over 50? Can you get tired (or bored!) of having too much free time? What would you rather do? Do you volunteer? How often? For what organization? Please share with the community!

Kristin Cavallari’s Orange Tweed Jacket in Italy

Season 3 Episode 9 Very Cavallari Fashion

I adore Kristin Cavallari’s orange tweed jacket in Italy. It reminds me of a vintage style tweed jacket that I used to see in my great grandma’s closet. I used to play dress up in her clothes and I remember I felt so powerful in the structure of the tweed material. Like I was a rich and famous actress that could’t be bothered, or a HBIC of some big firm on Wall Street. Though you don’t need to be a famous HBIC like Kristin or my 5 year old self to wear tweed. You can wear it for whatever you may be doing whether it’s in the office or out on the town. Especially in a color like this orange, it adds a nice pop.

Even though Kristin’s jacket is sold out and I can’t get my hands on it, it was a sweet reminder of my childhood and a look at Style Stealers I can put in my closet. Then who knows maybe one day my future great grandchild will find it, put it on, and aspire to be a writer for an amazing fashion website such as BBH.

Sincerely Stylish,

Jess

Click Here To See Her See by Chloe Orange Tweed Jacket

Click Here for Info on her Ivory Two Piece Set

Photo Credit: @kristincavallari

Originally posted at: Kristin Cavallari’s Orange Tweed Jacket

Most people want to
age in the home they have. According to AARP, three out of four people 50-plus
want to stay in their homes and communities as they age but just 59 percent
anticipate they will be able to do so.

The key to aging in
place is making your home safe and accessible while you are still young and
healthy to tackle the job. Part of that process has to do with decluttering and
downsizing your possessions. But where do you start?

Having Stuff vs Hoarding

International OCD Foundation research shows that one in 20 people are hoarders. There is even a term for this condition – Diogenes syndrome – characterized by self-neglect, squalor, social withdrawal, apathy, compulsive hoarding of garbage or animals, plus lack of shame.

Certainly, aging and health issues contribute to this phenomenon. The Centers for Disease Control label hoarding an epidemic, and the World Health Organization has assembled an international task force to attack it. So, for most of us, we should be able to distinguish a clutter situation versus a hoarding one.

Clutter Sneaks Up on You

My good friend
Dorothy Breininger, a.k.a., “Dorothy The Organizer”, known to millions
as the fearless-yet-endearing problem solver on the Emmy-nominated TV show on
A&E, Hoarders, tells me there are three stages of clutter.

In our youth, we
establish our identity by acquiring not just things but relationships. When we
get to our age, it becomes about managing our stuff, our kids’ stuff, and our
parents’ stuff.

And, finally, if you
are wise enough to get there, you reach the sharing stage, where you share your
wisdom with others and you give back by, in part, giving away.

It’s an Emotional Process

Dorothy tells me you
cannot make your parents happy during this process, so get comfortable with
being uncomfortable. That goes the same for you if you are the one
decluttering. If you are the caregiver, set limitations for yourself in the
amount of time you will devote to this task.

And, don’t expect
praise.

The most important
skill we need is the ability to listen. Listen to mom and dad’s ideas. Take a
notebook and go from room to room to understand how they feel about the things
in those rooms. Prioritize your projects by first grouping like things with
like things.

For example, gather
up all the photo albums, the CD and DVDs, etc. Each becomes a zone or
collection. Pick the easiest zone or collection to start your organizing. For
example, memorabilia might be the hardest so save it for last.

Five-Point Value System

Dorothy uses a five-point
value system where you keep anything that is rated a four or five. So, let’s
say you have all of the china in one place and there is a dish, that one dish,
that is so sentimental, you cannot bear to give it away. That’s a five. That is
a precious dish.

Now all other dishes
have to stack up against this one (pardon the pun!). If it’s not a four or
five, it goes. It also helps to understand that part of the rating comes from
the item’s sentimental value, utility, and aesthetics.

Don’t Be Frozen, Let It Go

Now let’s talk about
an article I read about a couple that was using a technique called the Swedish
art of Death Cleaning.

According to Margareta Magnusson, author of The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Make Your Loved Ones’ Lives Easier and Your Own Life More Pleasant, this is “a permanent form of organization that makes your everyday life run more smoothly.”

Essentially, this
approach involves getting rid of your stuff as you end middle age. The
contention is that it will make you happier, less stressed, and help you deal
with your own mortality.

It provides a
reminder that things can’t last forever, and practically, it helps ease the
burden of family members who have to handle your estate later. So why wait
until then?

Karen and Fritz Mulhauser had fun with it.
Living in DC, they held a downsizing party based on the idea of death cleaning.
They sent out invitations and served food and all day long, they gave stuff
away.

Besides having a
party, you can sell things online or in a garage sale. Donate to charity. Deal
with sentimental items that you can’t keep by taking a picture of them, writing
a description, and storing it on a Cloud solution.

You can make
downsizing fun. I think of Chevy Chase in the attic in the movie Christmas
Vacation wearing a mishmash of old clothes he gathered to stay warm. Try out
old clothes, costumes, and sports memorabilia.

Get help from a
sibling, children, or from a professional. We’ve written about senior move managers in the past and you can also
find estate sale professionals that can help you before the fact!

Of course, you want
to talk to your kids about the things they would like to have as well. You may
find more and more that they want less and less of it.

Would you classify
yourself as a hoarder? Do you collect stuff or has clutter crept up on you? Are
you ready for Swedish death cleaning? What are you doing to declutter and
organize to make your life easier and safer? Please share your thoughts and
let’s have a conversation!