If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, STYLECASTER may receive an affiliate commission.

Serena Williams stepped out on the court Monday night quite literally sparking in her final U.S. Open appearance. Her Nike dress was encrusted with diamonds so it would only make sense her hair would be sparkling, too, right? And it was. Her hairstylist, Nikki Nelms, put actual Swarovski crystals in Williams’ hair and the result was breathtaking.

Williams’ 4-year-old daughter, Olympia, wore a matching outfit to cheer her mom on from the stands. Her tiny Nike dress matched her mom’s “embellished bodice and tutu skirt inspired by the night sky above center court in Flushing, NY,” per Williams on Instagram. In a press release and on social media, Nike announced: “Serena worked with our design team on a final tournament look that would keep her feeling comfortable and confident. Her custom NikeCourt Flare 2s are just as brilliant as her. With diamond-encrusted swooshes and @serenawilliamsjewelry deubrés on the laces that read ‘mama’ and ‘queen.’”

Source: Instagram

The ‘fits are not the only ways mom and daughter matched. Although Williams wore crystals in her full hair for this match, she often wears her hair in braids. In 1999,  Williams won her first US Open wearing braids with white beads. Is it a coincidence that’s exactly how Olympia was wearing her hair in the stands? We doubt it. What a sweet tribute to her mom, who just happens to be one of the greatest athletes ever.

Jean Catuffe/Getty Images.

Williams didn’t just look great — she played great, too. According to CNN (listen, we’re not sports people over here), Williams opened singles play with a 6-3, 6-3 victory over Danka Kovinić in the first round of the US Open. On Wednesday, she’ll open doubles play with her sister Venus, as well as face Anett Kontaveit of Estonia in the singles round of 64, for their first career meeting. We’re not 100 percent sure what any of that means but we’ll absolutely be watching Williams make history.

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, STYLECASTER may receive an affiliate commission.

Have you ever fallen in love with a beauty product but found it’s only available as part of a larger set or during certain times of year? That’s what happened when Mikayla Nogueira because obsessed with Briogeo’s Vegan Apple Honey Deep Conditioning Hair Mask for Dry + Damaged Hair. She’s not the only one. Fans love the cute teddy bear-shaped packaging and ultra-hydrating formula. But you weren’t able to shop it on its own — until now.

Well, there’s good news and bad news. The good news is it’s available to shop today. The bad news? Once it’s gone, it’s gone forever. The brand says it’s releasing this mask one last time. “My absolute favorite hair mask is back and I could not be more excited!” Nogueira said in a statement. “I’m literally obsessed with this Briogeo Apple Honey Deep Conditioning Hair Mask. When I found out that they were releasing it for the last time ever, I had to get this adorable honey bear to my fans. It makes my hair feel super soft, super shiny and extremely healthy. I can’t wait for everyone to try this Briogeo hair mask!”

Briogeo.

Nogueira’s love for this hair mask is totally authentic. She told us last year how she went out and bought the mask when she was struggling with hotel water whole traveling. Now, she’s freaking out that her face is on the bottle! For this final launch, she’s partnering with the brand and her image will be across Sephora stores.

So, why is this cute mask so special? It contains some seriously conditioning and nourishing ingredients. There’s vegan apple honey complex to combat dryness, rosehip oil to help control frizz and algae extract to nourish and strengthen strands and scalp.

Source: Instagram

Since this is the final drop of the Vegan Apple Honey Deep Conditioning Hair Mask, we expect it to sell out quickly. Head over to Sephora to grab yours and softer hair is in your future.

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, STYLECASTER may receive an affiliate commission.

Believe it or not, there’s no better place to discover your next skincare hero than on Amazon. The retailer carries a surplus of under-the-radar formulas that have the ability to transform your skin concerns without breaking the bank. Whether your regimen is in need of a hydrating face oil, a brightening eye cream or a wrinkle-correcting cream, you’re bound to find just what you need—and often on sale. Take the Kleem Organics Advanced Corrective Moisturizer; the top-seller is down to $27 right now ahead of Labor Day weekend.

The fast-acting cream has over 9,000 five-star ratings from Amazon shoppers for many reasons, one of which is how quickly it shows signs of improvement on aging skin. “‘I’m 66 [years old] and, though I’ve always looked younger than my years, my skin is lately belying that history,” wrote one fan. “I was expecting to wait three weeks before seeing any improvements, but I saw an improvement in texture overnight and I’m only using the cream, not the serum.”

Courtesy of Amazon

Its firming and lifting properties are credited to a handful of elasticity-boosting ingredients: retinol, hyaluronic acid and vitamin E. Altogether they stimulate collagen production on sagging, aging skin, and smooth over the appearance of deepening wrinkles. That’s not all—additional vitamins and antioxidants reduce the look of dullness, age spots, uneven skin tone and bumpy texture, leaving the complexion soft and glowing with every application, sans a sticky or greasy residue. 

Another compared its results to that of a miracle: “I now feel confident enough to go out in public without foundation. It has totally changed my skin, getting rid of the dark circles under my eyes and evening out the overall tone of my face. I’ve already noticed a change in the elasticity of my face and it visibly looks tighter, especially the little lines around my eyes,” they commented.

Even more have noticed additional benefits, such as faded acne scars, less dark circles around their eyes, and minimzed sun damage. One person even claimed they could ‘feel their skin tightening’ after every application.

“I’m 53 [years old] and have significant wrinkles and sun damage from baking in the sun in my teens and 20s,” shared another. “I started using the Kleem moisturizer together with the Kleem Vitamin C serum and Kleem eye cream and can’t believe my eyes two weeks later. My wrinkles literally look like their fading and my skin looks so much more even toned and healthy. I’m seriously blown away at how well this brand is working for me.

Don’t miss your chance to get the best-selling retinol cream while it’s on sale. While you’re at it, scoop up the brand’s additional hero products, including the above mentioned vitamin C serum and firming eye cream, both of which are down to $17 each.

My husband passed away three years ago and learning to live alone at 74, for the first time in my life, was a daunting task. Besides dealing with the deafening silence and loneliness, my biggest fears were getting sick or losing my mobility. How would I cope? Who would take care of me?

I tried my best to push those thoughts away. I was active, ate well and did my yoga every day. Why was I worried? I thought back to the many challenges I’d faced in my life and reassured myself that I had the courage to take on anything that came my way. Heck, I’d come through the pandemic and that was a master class in living alone.

Then a few months ago, I tore the meniscus in my right knee and couldn’t walk. Suddenly I was facing my worst nightmare. My doctor told me all I needed was ice and patience to heal, and that was that. I was just an old lady with a sore knee, and he sent me on my way.

Reality Sets In

A friend took me home, and there I sat in a rented wheelchair, unable to take care of myself. I was frightened and began experiencing crippling panic attacks that left me confused, shaking and breathless. I considered myself a strong woman, so what was happening to me?

My family could only do so much; they all had busy lives. I couldn’t even shower alone and was too embarrassed to let them help me with that. Terrified of feeling so vulnerable, I reluctantly realized I needed help. The personal support offered free through our health care system in Canada wasn’t enough. I had to hire private home care.

I contacted the company I’d used occasionally for my husband, and they responded quickly. For several weeks, I had a revolving door of wonderful caregivers who were helpful in my daily routines.

Just having someone there helped to calm my panic attacks. They provided good conversation and pleasant company when I needed it. I am truly grateful to these human beings who care for others as a profession. It is a calling to be admired.

Eventually, as I began to heal, moving from a wheelchair to a walker to a cane, my anxiety subsided, and I ended my need for support. I learned a lot through the process and was shocked at the pile of bills I’d accumulated. Since I’d only ever used the one home care company, I decided to do some research in the event I ever needed to do this again. It was an eye-opening exercise.

All At-Home Care Is Not Created Equal

I found that each company had their own policies, pricing and procedures, and these differed widely. It literally pays to know this before hiring a home care service to help ensure that it best fits your needs and your budget. There is more to know than just the basic information like:

• How do they do background checks?
• Are caregivers bonded/insured?
• How long have they been in business?

6 Questions That Could Save You Money

#1: What Are the Hourly Fees, and Do They Have Discounts for 24-Hour Care?

The hourly rates can range significantly from company to company. Confirm the level of expertise you are getting to ensure your needs will be met. Some companies offer a discounted rate if you need to hire round the clock care.

#2: Is There a Minimum Number of Hours/Days per Week You Need to Book?

Some require as little as one or two hours at a time with no minimum days per week, while others make the client book as many as 20 hours per week. This can have a significant impact on costs incurred for hours that are not necessarily needed.

#3: What Are the Policies for Cancellations and Changes to the Schedule?

This can also vary anywhere from a few hours to several days. The company I used needed a full week! It can be difficult to predict how the patient will be that far in advance. Getting locked into a schedule can be a costly mistake.

#4: Does the Company Offer Live-In Home Care?

If 24-hour care is necessary, it might be less expensive to look into companies that offer a live-in home care service. Not all do. That means clients are charged a lesser rate to have someone to live with the patient. The rates are cheaper because the caregivers are living in your home, eating your food and using your utilities etc.

#5: Are Caregivers Allowed to Take Clients in Their Cars for Appointments?

While most companies cover their caregivers with the required insurance to take patients to appointments, some do not. That means clients incur the added expense of hiring taxis, UBER etc., to get out for a drive or go to appointments. Those that do offer this service add mileage to the client’s bill.

#6: Do They Take Credit Cards for Payment and If So, Do They Charge a Fee?

Most will take payments by cheque or Interact bank transfer. But in the case of a larger bill, Interact can have confusing limits, which complicates things. Paying by credit card is the easiest method. Some companies charge clients a processing fee, which can add significantly to the balance.

Ask for What You Need

All trained caregivers know how to make tea and toast. But in my case, some of the younger, newly trained support workers had no idea how to manage basic things like meal prep without my supervision.

One young lady didn’t know how to use a dishwasher – she’d never used one. Another put food in freezer bags without taking the air out – my freezer was filled with little bags that looked like balloons. They were all lovely and doing their best, but I was paying for help, not to sit on my walker and give lessons in Kitchen Management 101.

I found it was best to ask the company for older, more experienced personnel during the day, while the younger ones could cover shifts in the evening and overnight. That worked out well.

Hiring private at-home care is a costly endeavour. It pays to know the right questions to ask when choosing the company. I wish I’d known all of this before I made my call to the only company I knew. I could have saved thousands of dollars in unnecessary fees.

Taking Charge of the Healing Process

My recovery has been bumpy, because of compounding health issues, like my lupus condition. But I’m getting there and for that I’m grateful.Our traditional medical systems are often overloaded and can only do so much. It’s more important than ever to advocate for ourselves or for loved ones who cannot do so.

Sometimes a holistic approach to healing both mind and body can be most beneficial. It certainly was with me. There are many forms of alternate therapies that can help us to heal from the inside out, and have a profound effect on our overall wellness. Some insurance companies cover the cost of these treatments, so it’s best to check it out.

I’m thankful for the support I received from the more non-traditional therapies I used over the past few months – like homeopathy, osteopathy, acupuncture and clinical hypnosis. All of these practitioners were instrumental in helping me manage my chronic pain and emotional distress.

One size does not fit all when it comes to our health. When one thing doesn’t work, we owe it to ourselves to find something that does.

Final Word

Living alone and temporarily losing my mobility and independence was traumatic. At 77 years old, I may not ever physically recover fully to the way I was before this happened to me. My body seems slower to heal with each passing year.

Coming to terms with my new reality is a daily challenge, as it is with so many seniors. I don’t have to like it, but I accept where I am, and I’m grateful for everything life has given me. This is just another opportunity to summon my inner warrior and be the best I can be, one day at a time.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Have you had to deal with loss of independence? What was the cause? How did you deal with it? Did you hire a care professional? What tips can you share when choosing a care provider?

How many times have you found yourself feeling weighed down with an unexpected life crisis that involved your health, finances, relationships, and even the state of the world?

What if I said a life crisis can be avoided, stress relieved, and the overall quality of your life improved by slowing down an overly active life?

In my previous article and video for Sixty and Me, I referenced two specific patterns in the lives of women and men over 60 that lead to a life crisis and how this is directly related to avoiding unpacking your emotional baggage.

1. Resistance to change
2. An overly active life

Since we already covered what resistance to change is, in this fourth article of a four-part series on “Unpacking Your Emotional Baggage After 60,” we will look at what an overly active life means in relation to a life crisis and your emotional baggage.

Overly Active Life

When a life crisis crashes into your world, it jars you out of your normal routine, and often places you in fight or flight mode. While these experiences appear to come out of nowhere, the warning signs for them are everywhere.

These signs are often muted by an overly active life.

Even if you are not consciously aware of them, you surely feel their weight. That is because these signs are directly related to the increasing burden of the contents in your metaphorical suitcase.

So, how do you get out ahead of a life crisis before it happens?

Slow down the incessant chatter of your inner critic by slowing down an overly active life. For this is how you also unpack your emotional baggage.

I Found Out the Hard Way

An active lifestyle is essential to our overall well-being, especially for those of us over 60.

Yet, in a society that raised us to believe outer activity equals inner peace, it can be difficult to process what is occurring in your inner world if you are constantly on the go.

This is especially true when life appears to be going smoothly on the outside. In these instances, the signs of a potential crisis are ignored, as is the mounting stress of resisting change.

For even when life is going well, the immutable law of change is ever present. To ignore this is to create the space for unnecessary crises to emerge. Like many in our generation, I found this out the hard way.

Running on Autopilot

When I first went through the process of consciously unpacking my emotional baggage several decades ago, what amazed me was how I forgot about the stress of my emotional baggage when my life was sunny and running smoothly.

In those moments, I didn’t pay attention to how much I was resisting change, let alone what contents of my emotional baggage required unpacking. As a result, I ignored the signs of an oncoming life crisis.

This temporarily placed me in the hospital.

Yet, as I look back on those experiences, I did feel the weight of the contents in my emotional baggage. Convinced I did not have the time to unpack them and believing my constant flurry of activity would solve everything, I was running on autopilot.

The way this looked for me is rather than listen to the voice of my authentic self, and slow down, I was taking advice from my inner critic. This meant my life was speeding up and becoming more frantic.

How did I slow things down and get a handle on what was truly going on in my life?

I took full responsibility for my emotional state.

Your Emotional State

Taking responsibility for your emotional state is about identifying the root cause of what creates these painfully repetitive experiences in your life. This is where unpacking the contents of your emotional baggage helps you get out ahead of a life crisis.

But if you are engaged in constant activity on the surface level of life, you will unconsciously push yourself to the point of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion.

This is precisely where a life crisis shows up, forcing you to open your emotional baggage.

What If Unpacking Our Emotional Baggage Didn’t Need to Be Preceded by a Life Crisis?

To answer this question, I went back to my journal. Rather than write about what I did not like about these experiences, I began to write out the breakthroughs, lessons, and gifts I was gleaning from my most troublesome life crises.

In the companion video for this article, I share additional insights and guide you through the same process I have used to reframe my perception of a life crisis.

In the meantime, here are three journal prompts to help you further integrate what you have learned in this article.

1. How often have you found yourself listening to your inner critic in times of a life crisis and being steered away from the contents in your emotional baggage?
2. What does your inner critic say to you and how does it manipulate your experiences with your emotional baggage?
3. What recent or previous life crisis did you feel the weight of but did not address early on because you were distracted with an overly active life? Identify which contents (beliefs) stored in your emotional baggage played a role in this experience.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you find yourself looking for activity instead of looking to slow down? Has outer activity veiled your struggle with your emotional baggage?