That’s Dame McGrath, to you. In the Queen’s New Year 2021 Honours List, Queen Elizabeth II awarded Pat McGrath, D.B.E. Dame of the British Empire for services to the Fashion and Beauty Industry and Diversity. She’s the first makeup artist to ever achieve the recognition. How cool is that?

“I am truly delighted and humbled to be given this wonderful honor,” McGrath said in a statement. “My mother’s obsession with beauty and fashion ignited my passion for this amazing industry and I feel blessed to have the privilege of working with some of the most extraordinary people throughout my career.”

According to Vogue UK, McGrath has always credited her mother for her love of style. “She trained me, basically, to do the shows, right there… look at the pattern, check the fabrics, look for the make-up – and begin,” she told Vogue back in 2007. Earlier in 2003, she told Time magazine that her mom was “always mixing up colors because there wasn’t anything out there for black skin.”

In a new Instagram post, McGrath thanked everyone in her life who made this award possible—including her mother. “I want to thank all of the amazing people in my life – my mother Jean McGrath, my family, friends, colleagues and you, my fellow Beauty Lovers, who contributed to this award,” she wrote. 

Source: Instagram

“When I first launched my brand, PAT McGRATH LABS, it was designed to inspire self-expression and individuality,” she continued. “I dedicate this honour in tribute to Makeup Artists everywhere, I adore each and every one of you.”

Feeling inspired? Us too! Head over to Sephora to shop Pat McGrath Labs to celebrate.

If you are looking at hairstyles for older women, you have three basic choices – short, medium, or long. When I arranged an interview with professional hairdresser Denise McAdam about medium length hairstyles for women our age I was really excited.

For most of my life, I have had medium length hair. During this time, I have found myself swinging back and forth between wanting to grow it out or cut it all off.

Maybe it’s just me, but it seems like medium length hair is one of the harder lengths to deal with. What do you think?

What Makes Denise McAdam So Special?

Apart from the fact that Denise is a wonderful woman with fantastic energy, there are many reasons to think that she is exactly the right person to help us delve into this topic.

In the U.K., Denise is something of a celebrity. For the last 40 years, she has worked with some of the most glamorous women on this planet, including celebrities and royalty. These are women who could choose anyone to cut and style their hair. They work with Denise because she has the skills, personality, and experience to make them shine. Now, we can all benefit from her wisdom.

I hope that you enjoy my interview with Denise on the topic of medium length hairstyles for older women. 

Why Is Medium Length Hair Appealing to Many Women?

Here are more examples of medium length hairstyles for older women – because, let’s face it, we aren’t all movie stars.

Do you have naturally white hair? Medium length white hair can be quite attractive when cut and styled correctly.

Proud of your salt & pepper hair? You earned it! Don’t let anyone tell you that you should keep your hair short when it starts to turn grey/white.

Slicked back medium-length hair can look quite sophisticated. We love this look!

Get a cut for your medium length hair that can be styled easily and even air-dried if you wish. A no-fuss layered shoulder-length style is perfect for the wash-and-go days.

How about a slick shoulder-length bob? It’s perfect if you have thick hair.

Medium-length hair with the perfect blowout looks great on older women.

Do you like bangs? Go for it. They look great with a shoulder-length layered hairstyle.

Love your curls? You should! This style is perfect to let your curls loose and showcase your face beautifully.

Unlike short cuts, Denise explains that medium length hairstyles can require a little extra time and maintenance. The good news is that, once you pick a style, medium hair can give you plenty of versatility.

Medium length hair is also practical. You can grab it, pull it back in a ponytail, and head off to the gym. Personally, I prefer using a scrunchie to keep my hair under control during Pilates.

In addition, medium length hairstyles provide a number of opportunities to accessorize with beautiful earrings, hair accessories, barrettes, and other hair decorations.

Finally, hair of this length can give you a little extra height and volume. It’s a great option for women who want to pull their hair up into a chignon or bun.

How Can You Take Care of Your Medium Length Hairstyle?

Denise reminds us that, regardless of length, medium length hairstyles require a great cut. This hair length also tends to require more attention in terms of products.

For example, after washing, Denise recommends using a volume mouse, hair spray, or serum to give it a bit of ZOOOSHH. In terms of specific products, Denise suggests serums from John Frieda or Percy and Reid.

She reminds us that hair oils can cause our hair to dry out, so, be careful. That said, Percy and Reed Volumising No Oil for Fine Hair is still one of her favorite oils. Also, Denise suggests that “dressing creams” are coming back and recommends Osmo Thickening Cream.

What I love about Denise is that, even though she has been working in the hair business for 40 years, she still keeps up on the latest trends. She takes an innovative approach to helping women of any age look their best. I hope that you enjoyed our conversation!

Do you have medium length hair? How would you describe your hairstyle? Do you have any additional questions for Denise? Please join the conversation.

Twice a year, Bath & Body Works pulls out all the stops and discounts holiday and everyday favorites up to 75 percent off, which new discounts throughout the week. The Bath & Body Works Semi-Annual sale for holiday 2020 is no different—actually, it might be even better. We’ve got the details on all the goods so you can game-plan your shopping trip.

Of course, deals will be online as well as in-store so if you feel safer shopping from your couch, you can still stock up on Bath & Body Works favorites. Now’s the chance to score the beloved holiday fragrances before they’re gone (until next year), as well as throwbacks including Secret Wonderland, Honeysuckle and Sensual Amber brought back just for this sale. Christmas body care will be just $4.95 and select Christmas 3-Wick Candles will be $11.95.

Source: Instagram

For the best of the best deals, you’ll want to dig for those 75 percent off products. These include body care, candles, hand soaps and tons of non-holiday items you’ll want to use all-year round. You’ll even be able to find some best-selling fall body scare scents and ones you haven’t smelled for months. It’s basically like a rummage sale where you never know exactly what you’ll find.

The sale begins Saturday, December 26. If you’re shopping in store, don’t forget your face mask and hand sanitizer and maybe even consider going on off hours to avoid the crowds. Or, there’s always delivery! As much as we want to shop and treat ourselves this year (we deserve it), we also have to stay safe too. Set your iCal and get ready to get your haul on. Then, have big New Year zoom with friends to share exactly what you got.

I’ve been journaling since the age of 10, when my mother gave me a journal to help me cope with the death of my grandmother, who’d been my caretaker.

Little did I realize that my mother’s seemingly simple gesture would set the stage for my life as a writer. While I no longer have the journal, my closet is filled with boxes of completed ones that I’ve kept over the years.

When to Journal?

I’ve turned to journaling during happy times, but more often during challenging times, to help me navigate my journey and attain healing and transformation. Writing has helped me make sense of what I was going through. Plus, the journal “listened” to me without judgment.

Many writers and great thinkers have written and spoken about the idea that from all bad comes good, and without the mud there is no lotus… and there is wisdom in those words.

Writer Hermann Hesse said it like this: “I have always believed, and I still believe, that whatever good or bad fortune may come our way, we can always give it meaning and transform it into something of value.” 

Through journaling, one can delve into those feelings that at first seem to come from a negative place, and then, through writing about them, see the beauty in the seeming misfortune.

A Transformative Experience

For example, living through a pandemic has been transformative to all of us. We’ve had to deal with personal, professional, and global shifts in our way of thinking, acting, and doing. And, during the past 10 months, there’s something that each one of us has learned about ourselves, others, and the universe.

Maybe you realized that the person you lived with is impossible to live with, or you developed deeper gratitude for your partner. Perhaps this year you learned what is really important in life.

And on a more mundane level, maybe you learned how to connect via Zoom and recognize how powerful video chatting can be. By journaling, you can explore these types of emotions and revelations in a positive way.

Begin Writing

January 1 marks the beginning of National Journal Writing Month, a perfect time to pick up your journal and write. Perhaps you already have a favorite journal, but if you’re on the lookout for one, please check out mine, called Writing for Bliss: A Companion Journal, which was released not too long ago.

Think of your journal as your refuge, your companion, your sanctuary, and the container for your thoughts. It’s the place to celebrate the amazing you, whether things are running smoothly or you’re going through a rough patch.

My lined journal models the famous Moleskin journals used by well-published writers over the centuries. It has writing prompts to help you along, and there are also some blank pages at the back for random musings.

Consider writing about what you’ve learned about yourself during the past year, and how you and your loved ones have changed and grown.

New Year, New Expectations

Most of us alive on this planet now are thrilled to ring in the New Year, as 2020 was almost too much to bear. Never did we think we’d live through a pandemic and all the ramifications it has presented, including compromised physical, mental, and emotional issues and challenging financial situations, to list just a few.

Events change us, and the events that transform us the most can be pivotal and life-changing – so stop what you’re doing and journal about them!

Do you think journaling is powerful? Have you kept a journal for some part of your life? Did you find it helpful? Would you make journaling your New Year’s resolution? Please share with us!

Smart devices in your home can help with every aspect of daily life, provide security, comfort, and convenience. Generally, all you need to set up most devices is a power source and Wi-Fi connection. A little guidance helps, which is what this article is meant to do!

You can start with one or two devices and then add on once you feel more comfortable. Here are some of the more popular smart tech options that are the easiest.

Speakers

Smart speakers like Amazon’s Echo and Dot or Google’s Nest Products allow you to get news, weather, and play music using voice commands. Also, it becomes the hub to control all home automation. Typically, these speakers are the first thing to purchase.

As an aside, a smart speaker is a great tool to contact a family member that doesn’t answer a cell phone or landline phone. It can be set up to “drop-in” to verify they are well. It can also be used to dial emergency services.

Thermostats

A smart thermostat is another simple tool that can connect to many existing HVAC systems quickly and easily. You can control temperature settings as needed from your phone while at home or on the go. Usually, installation takes no more than 15-30 minutes following the device’s instructions.

Lights

There are a few different ways to turn your existing “dumb” lights into smart lights: bulbs, plugs, and switches.

Smart light bulbs simply replace regular light bulbs while smart plugs connect to an existing outlet to control any connected device. If you are handier, you can install a smart switch, but only if you have electrical knowledge.

All of these options allow you to control lights using your voice or an app. You can also set schedules for when you are home, waking up, or going to sleep. They provide an added security level both by activating lights when you are not present or upon your arrival, so it isn’t dark and you don’t trip over furniture.

Smart plugs can be used beyond just lights. You can schedule appliances plugged into the outlet to be turned on or off.

Locks

Smart locks replace your house keys. A smartphone or a multiple-digit code is used to unlock doors. Newer locks allow for key use for the non-techie people in your household, as well as codes and the app. These devices also allow for creating permanent and temporary users and access schedules for specific days and times.

Vacuums

Robot vacuums are almost too good to be true. They can automate vacuuming the floors, whether hardwood, tile, or carpet. These robot vacuums can be activated with an app as needed, or you can set an ongoing schedule, so you don’t have to think about it. They have a limited capacity for dirt storage but still are very useful.

The list of smart home technology keeps growing. Some that we haven’t covered but are frequently used include: security systems, window shades, and faucets. There is no end to what you can automate and control with a touch in an app or a simple voice command.

In our household, we have smart speakers in several rooms. Lights, thermostats, and the security system are all controlled through an app or with voice commands. My non-techie husband is using most of these options.

I have lighting schedules set up, as well as automated arming of the alarm. I love using the speaker for news, cooking, music, as well as controlling smart devices. Using your voice to activate functionality is a game-changer.

Are you using any smart devices in your home? If so, which ones? If you have more than one, which one did you purchase first and why was that your choice? Do you have a smart speaker? If so, what are you using it for? What is next on your list to try? Please share your smart tech faves!