Did you know that by the time we reach age 50 the average person has taken enough steps to equal walking around the entire world three times? No wonder our feet are tired! After all these years of faithful service, our feet need extra love and care. Check out these 7 tips to maintain healthy, happy feet.

Indulge in a Relaxing Foot Soak

Simply add 1/2 cup Epsom salt or a few drops of essential oils to a gallon of warm water. Soak your feet for 10-15 minutes, then dry gently with a fluffy towel. Be sure to dry especially well between your toes.

Pamper Your Skin

As we age, the skin on our feet becomes thinner and drier. After a shower or bath, treat your feet to a massage with your favorite lotion or cream. Avoid leaving lotion between your toes as this can promote the growth of fungal infections.

For rough patches, try an exfoliating foot scrub. You can also apply a thick lubricating cream at bedtime, then sleep with cotton socks on your feet. If you wear sandals, remember to use sunscreen on the tops of your feet.

Take Good Care of Your Nails

Keep toenails trimmed so the edges are even with the tips of the toes. Nails become drier and more brittle as we age, so they’re usually easier to trim after softening in a foot soak. Trim straight across to help prevent ingrown toenails.

Wear the Correct Shoes

Years of fashionable high heels and pointy-toed shoes eventually catch up with us. The result can be corns, bunions, curled toes or other painful problems. Now is the time to look for shoes that provide comfort and good support.

As we get older, our feet become wider and a bit longer, so double-check your size before buying new shoes. It’s also a good idea to shop for shoes in the evening as our feet tend to swell a bit as the day goes on.

Keep an Eye on Your Feet

Examine your feet regularly and look for changes such as blisters, cracks, growths or signs of a fungal infection, i.e., rash, itching, peeling skin or thickened/yellowed toenails. A small hand mirror is helpful to see your feet from all angles.

Contact your medical provider if you see signs of infection or slow healing. If you have diabetes, poor circulation or other medical conditions affecting your feet, you may require a special foot care routine. Please consult with your medical provider.

Enjoy Your Exercise Routine

As we age, our feet continue to benefit from exercise to maintain strength, flexibility and good circulation. Strong feet also promote proper balance that helps prevent falls.

The bones and joints in our feet are more prone to injury as we grow older. Keep up your exercise habit, but consider adjusting your routine to include lower-impact exercises.

Never Ignore Pain

Despite all we’ve put our feet through over the years, they shouldn’t need to hurt. Sore feet aren’t a normal part of aging.

Women tend to ignore foot pain and hope it goes away on its own. However, delaying medical care often makes treatment more difficult. If you’re experiencing foot pain, see your primary medical provider, a podiatrist or a physical therapist.

What do you do to look after the health of your feet? Please share any tips in the comments section below.

This is the time of year that I take out my magazines, gather my markers and glue, and begin to think about what I want in the New Year. For at least 5 years, I’ve been hosting a Vision Board Party for four or five of my girlfriends, though this year we will hold our party by Zoom.

My Vision Board Parties

Women love to create stuff, and creating a visual dream is fun. We gather to chat, eat snacks, and create a sketchy visual of what we would like to see happen in the year ahead. Magazines are destroyed with pictures snipped out, plus we end up with a mess all over the dining room table.

After about two hours, we share our individual tag board view of the next year with each other. It’s fun, and most importantly, it’s about living by intent.

Possibly, we end up creating our future around our dreams, instead of bumping along, without a thought of what we’d hope for happening, facing life and circumstances that just fall on us.

Oh, we have many ups and downs that are not on the vision board, and there’s no way we could have seen those coming! But the time put into actually thinking on purpose about a dream, is well worth it.

There Was a Time…

Eight years ago, I sat alone on January 1. At that point in my life, my kids were busy, my friends were few, and I lived alone. That year, my vision tagboard had pictures of friends, job wishes, a desired annual salary amount, and a beautiful red Mazda Miata convertible. Hey, why not?

I felt strangely empowered when it was done and hung it in my walk-in closet where I viewed it often. I found that giving thought to what I would LIKE to happen, lifted my spirits. Not only that, when something came about in that year that even slightly resembled what was on the tagboard, I got excited.

Vision Board of 2015

You’ll see in this Vision Board of 2015, a great shot of the beach and the homes surrounding it. There are also representations of a business I wanted to create (Courage Daily Life Coaching), a romantic relationship, and some form of money which meant to me that money was not a problem. These were my heart’s desires in 2015. Yours are probably different, and why not figure them out now?

Some dreams are small and some are wildly large and even seem silly! Having some of each is just fine, right? As the saying goes, “dreams are free.”

Open to Possibilities

I’m definitely not saying that everything you put on a piece of tagboard will happen. But I am here to tell you that so many of my 2015 visuals have.

I own a tiny vacation condo on the beach. I’m devoted to my life coaching business, and I have LOVE in my life. Courage is my daily life’s buzz word. The sporty red car will have to continue to be on my 2021 vision board, as it has been for six years now!

This year, why not do this fun creative project? As we leave 2020 behind and begin a new year, what would YOU like to see happen in your life? We all wish for a cure for Covid-19, we want to feel happy, we want friends.

Why not think deeper on the things you want? In other words, get specific. Then find a picture to visually represent it. Here are a few tips:

• Dream about what you’d like to happen in 2021 – and be specific.
• Find pictures or phrases that represent those dreams.
• Put them together in a collage.
• Then place the tagboard where you will see it often.
• When you look at it, pause, and see yourself in the pictures. Close your eyes and imagine the feeling of those experiences. Hold on to the thought, feeling, and experience for a few minutes.
• At the end of the year, review. Just for fun! Then make a new one for the year ahead.

Have fun! Blessings to you in 2021.

Are you a visual person? Have you created a visual board to help you envision your dreams and goals better? Has visualization helped you accomplish more? Please share your experiences and help us with tips that have worked for you!

Sure, at-home fitness has always been a thing—especially for those who work from home or simply don’t have the extra hours in the day to make the commute back and forth—but it’s never been as prevalent as today. Given that many gyms, fitness studios, and exercise classes are still shut down—and may stay that way for the foreseeable future— virtual fitness and at-home workouts have never been more in demand. For cycling and spin aficionados, the premium Peloton bike has been a game-changer over the course of the last year, allowing loyal converts to the $2K+bike to get the same in-class experience from the comfort of their own homes.

Unlike basic exercise bikes, the Peloton is engineered with a laundry list of upgrades that help keep you accountable, motivated, and frankly, sane during an unprecedented time in history where we’re forced to forgo the gym altogether. From live streaming functionality to 24/7 access to deluxe virtual fitness classes, and a super-advanced touch-screen that allows you to stream your favorite content and music, there’s plenty of reasons that justify the indoor bike’s steep price tag.

Fortunately, if you’re just not quite ready to shell out a month’s worth of rent to elevated your at-home workout setup, there are a slew of comparable alternatives to the Peloton bike at much more palatable price points. The Echelon Connect cycling bikes are perhaps the most well-known Peloton dupe, and while it’s still about a grand, it’s nearly half the price of the original. Plus, Echelon also offers financing payment options, making the investment just $22 a month (that’s much less than a gym membership!).

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.

Courtesy of Echelon.

Echelon Connect EX-1 LE

Like the Peloton bike range, the Echelon Connect series (the original and least expensive model of four different machines available from the line is linked above), offers the same in-studio experience at home, offering a range of on-demand classes with skilled instructors for high-intensity workout sessions, as well as soothing meditation and yoga options. Of course, the Echelon range also offers a slew of other benefits, allowing you to track your progress, sync your bike to your other fitness and wellness apps, and they offer community memberships to help keep you engaged and motivated with the help of fellow cyclers (virtually, of course.).

Similar to the O.G. luxury spinning bike, this model is also equipped with got an adjustable, 180-degrees console, SPD-compatible pedals, dumbbell holders for the back of the bike, and ergonomic handlebars for extra comfort as you ride. To make the most of the bike’s advanced features, Eheclon also offers a 30-day free trial for their Echelon Fit membership, granting you access to live fitness anytime and all of the machine’s content—from flexibility to cardio and of course, cycling. If you’re looking for a solid cycling bike, but aren’t interested in the on-demand features, we’ve rounded a few additional alternatives under $500 below.

Courtesy of Yosuda.

YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Stationary Bike

Featuring a crystal-clear LCD monitor to track your stats (heart rate, calories burned, distance, and speed) while you ride, this affordable indoor cycling bike also allows for customizable fit and resistance levels. It’s also designed with a cushioned, extra comfy seat to help minimize wobbling and prevent injury.

Buy: Yosuda Indoor Cycling Bike $349.99

Courtesy of Cyclee.

Cyclee Indoor Exercise Bike

Engineered with a fitness-tracking LCD panel to monitor your performance and keep your motivation in check, this super sturdy yet stable cycling bike is perfect for smaller spaces. It’s designed with wheels on its legs, which allows you to easily store it when not in use.

Buy: Cyclee Exercise Bike $379.99

Courtesy of Pyhigh.

PYHIGH Stationary Bicycle

This budget-friendly indoor bike features several of the same design elements as the original Peloton bikes, including an anti-loosing grade belt, reinforced steel petals, and a bi-directional flywheel for enhanced performance and ease of use.

Buy: Pyhigh Stationary Bike $409

Do you have too much stuff? Do you feel like your possessions own you, and not the other way around? There’s something so liberating about cleaning out those overstuffed closets, cupboards, and storage spaces! And what better time than now?

We have some real-life role models for you, to inspire you and motivate you to start the new year right by decluttering your home.

Don’t Hold Onto Someone Else’s Blessing

The question Jeanie Jacobson always asks when helping her friends organize and declutter is: “Are you holding onto someone else’s blessing?” It changed one friend’s perspective.

The idea of holding onto someone else’s blessing had her gleefully cleaning out her house. “I’d never seen anyone part so willingly with so many useful goods,” Jeanie said of her friend.

When you hold onto something too long, because “it might fit again” one day or you might “need it one day,” you’re depriving someone else of that useful item right now. So, gather up those things you don’t need and put them right in the car. That way you’ll be forced to drive them someplace to donate them!

You’ll feel great because the joy of less is real! Those extra possessions exact a toll on your psyche and weighs you down.

Your Memories Live in Your Head, Not in Your Possessions

Amelia Hollingsworth was packing up to move into a much smaller house. She was having a hard time letting go of pieces like the kitchen table where the family had spent so much time or the porch rockers where she’d nursed her babies. So much of the furniture held special memories for her, but she didn’t have room for it in the new place.

Then her mother put it all in perspective. “The stuff isn’t the memories,” she said. “And you don’t have to worry about losing the memories when you leave your stuff behind. Those you take with you.” And she was right. Your memories go with you, and you don’t even have to use bubble wrap!

Take That Downsizing All the Way to Your Car

How many of us are still driving around huge sedans or SUVs even though we don’t need to haul that much stuff anymore? That was the case for Geneva Cobb Iijima when she became a widow and decided to move into a two-bedroom cottage. It was perfect – a bedroom for her and another she could use as an office and a guest room. There was a garage too.

Geneva sorted through her belongings, making those standard piles of Keep, Donate, Trash, and Sell. That all went well. But then she realized her big SUV wouldn’t fit in her new garage.

Out went the big SUV and in came a cute little red sports car. This widow realized that age is just a number, and it’s never too late to mix it up and try new things.

Find Creative Ways to Make That Stuff Go Away

In another decluttering story, Patricia Lorenz’s friend, Diane, was marrying the new love of her life. They had two households to combine, plus all the treasures from Diane’s mother, who had died recently. This led to a basement packed with wonderful items the new couple didn’t want.

What did they do? Diane’s friends threw her a bridal shower and came and wrapped up all the things she didn’t want. And then Diane gave those beautiful packages to everyone who came to her wedding, as take-home gifts. And, of course, she asked her guests not to bring gifts.

Patricia says, “And so it was that everyone who witnessed the joining of two hearts left with a gift, and a newly married couple went home to a nice empty basement.”

Final Tips for Decluttering Your Home

• Find a thrift shop or charities that will accept your donations.
• Imagine the joy of the person who will benefit from your donations.
• Do your decluttering in tiny pieces – one drawer or one shelf at a time.
• Put your unwanted items out in the trash or in your car right away.

Do you feel weighed down by your possessions? Have you decluttered your home, or even one closet? How did it feel? What techniques have worked for you? Please share your decluttering successes – and your failures – with us!

Never before have we so desperately needed a new year and a new start. Even though things might not change right away, we’re hoping for a better year than the last. And any celebration is a good celebration. How about a fresh makeup collection? M.A.C.’s Lunar New Year 2021 line is bold and bright, as expected from the brand. We can always count on M.A.C. to slay Lunar New Year every time and this year is no different.

The limited-edition collection always has the best packaging, which makes these basically collectables. This year is all about Pop Art, with best-selling eye, lip and face shades in the bright packaging, plus exclusive Powder Kiss Lipstick hues.

“This collection is everything you need to get ready to give good face and give way to the Lunar New Year,” said Regan Rabanal, M.A.C. Senior Manager of Makeup Artistry, Asia Pacific, in a statement. “The collectible, fish-embossed highlighter 
is a standout in the uber-popular shade, Double-Gleam, to keep you glowing 
from day to night.”

Get ready to celebrate and grab the collection, below. Shop from now until January 6 and score a freebie (Fix+ Balance, Gently Off Wipes + Micellar Water or Amplified Lipstick in Dubonnet) with orders of more than $50.

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.

M.A.C.

Powder Blush Duo: Good Health, Great Wealth

With peachy pink and red-orange hues.

M.A.C.

Eyeshadow X 9: Sea Of Plenty

Shades include Honey Lust (a bronze-y peach), Expensive Pink: (a duochrome pink) and Soft Brown (a golden, peachy brown).

M.A.C.

Powder Kiss Lipstick

In Luck be a Lady (a brown-red) and Healthy, Wealthy and Thriving (a true red).

M.A.C.

Extra Dimension Skinfinish

In Double Gleam (a beige that breaks silver). 

M.A.C.

Versicolour Varnish Cream

In shades including Ruby Woo (a blue-red) and No Interruptions (a deep burgundy).