So you are ready to buy or build a home that fits your retirement needs, but which is the better choice? Is buying an existing home the cheaper, least stressful choice or is building a new home the most efficient and satisfying choice?

Personal Needs or Compromise?

The choice to buy or build truly depends on the person, the location and the time frame needed to have a home complete. I often encourage home buyers to consider building a new home instead of buying an existing one to help insure they will be getting the home for their individual needs. Most often, however, homebuyers opt for the quick fix, so to speak, and will settle for a home that may not meet their needs.

Pros and Cons of Building a New Home

So, let’s look at the basic pros and cons of building a new home.

The Pro

Building a new home will allow you to choose the size, style/décor, special needs and location.

The Con

Building a new home is a process will take months from beginning to end to complete and can be stressful due to the many decisions to be made.

Does Building a New Home Cost More Than Purchasing an Existing Home?

That is a question you can easily get answered by getting bid estimates on building a new home on your lot or a lot you plan to purchase, and the estimate may surprise you. Buying an existing home and attempting to convert it to your needs can often exceed the cost of building a new home at your lot.

The response I get the most when I suggest building a new home is, “We can’t do something like that,” or “I can’t handle the stress,” or “I am too old to build.” I understand that building from scratch (so to speak) is much like baking from scratch; it can take a little more time, sometimes doesn’t turn out exactly like we want it, and it can be stressful!

But think of the bright side: Much like baking from scratch, when we get finished, how proud we are of our dish and the satisfaction we get from being an integral part of its creation!

Building homes can be stressful, and they don’t always turn out like you want them to, but taking the leap and building a home of your choice could possibly be the best decision you have ever made.

My husband and I built a new home just months before our marriage. Sounds crazy, huh? We got married the day after the home was completed in our empty home courtyard and moved into the home the following day.

Was building our new home stressful? At times, yes, but the reward of having a home where we selected the lot and we designed and created the floorplan was worth the time and effort. We, today, often refer to the building of our new home as our pre-marital counseling period as it took cooperation, understanding and acceptance that everything would not turn out perfect.

A sweet older gentleman sub-contractor that we met during the beginning of our construction, and later again close to the completion of construction, looked up at us from his wide brimmed hat, smiled and said these profound words of wisdom, “Well, the house is coming along and it looks like ya’ll are still together, that’s a good sign.”

How to Know What Is Best for You

The key to determining the best choice for you is to compare one or more existing homes that closely match your needs and to take some time to get estimates for building a home that meets your needs. The time to get estimates to build may not be as time consuming as you think.

Simply contact several reliable licensed builders in your area, and they can guide you through the costs (including loan costs) from start to finish. If you have recently witnessed a new home being built from start to finish, you may want to contact that builder for an estimate.

Many builders have lots available to build on or they will take a look at any lot you may already have or may be considering to build on. It is wise to get at least three estimates, if possible, to get a fair true idea of the cost of building. The estimates are typically free.

Whether you are buying or building, it is up to you to determine what offers the best alternative. Finding the home that fits is always worth the extra effort to compare existing homes versus building a new one.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Are you considering building a new home? Have you built a new home and are happy about the choice? Have you built a new home and regretted the choice? Have you purchased an existing home that fully meets your needs or is acceptable?

Real Girlfriends In Paris Season 1 Episode 5 Fashion

After watching this show for a few weeks I am just obsessed with these girlfriends’ expensive taste. Both in fashion and (according to Margaux and Adje’s tasting sesh) food too. Sure it’s no caviar on a baked potato Kathy Hilton style, but still fabulous nonetheless. The outfits this ep are delicious and the Style Stealers that we rounded up of them are ready to be added to your baguette.

Sincerely Stylish,

Jess

*Additional Looks Will Be Added After RGIP Airs!

Margaux Lignel’s ‘He Loves Me’ Sweater

Click Here to See Her Chinti & Parker Sweater

Shop Style Stealers:

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Margaux Lignel’s Red Purse

Click Here to Shop Her Prada Bag

Shop Style Stealers:

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Kasey Margo’s Off The Shoulder Confessional Top

Click Here to See Her Lulus Top

Shop Style Stealers:

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Margaux Lingel’s Pink Feather Confessional Dress

Click Here to Shop Her Cult Gaia Dress

Click Here to Shop Additional Stock

Click Here to Shop More Stock

Shop Style Stealers:

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Originally posted at: Real Girlfriends In Paris Season 1 Episode 5 Fashion

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If you’ve ever wanted to cover the imperfections on your body the same way you do your face—whether it be age spots, acne or redness—makeup exists specifically for that purpose. If you’re getting ready for a big event, have had a crop of breakouts appear, or are seeking to even out your skin tone, options like Westmore Beauty’s Body Coverage Perfector have your back covered—quite literally.

Not unlike body foundation, the formula instantly conceals a variety of concerns while leaving behind an illuminated, second-skin finish—have your pick from seven different shades to closely match your natural tone. Best of all, it’s been clinically shown to be waterproof, transfer-resistant to clothing, sweat-resistant and last for up to 24 hours when applied to exfoliated, clean skin. Anything from tattoos to stretch marks to spider veins can be erased within seconds of application thanks to the formula’s Tri-Effects Technology, which brings full coverage and a radiant appearance to the skin. 

Westmore Beauty

 Body Coverage Perfector

The brand recommends following its specific directions to ensure the makeup stays on all day. Apply the Body Coverage Perfector to clean, dry and oil-free skin (the brand offers its own exfoliator), using either your hands or a brush to blend it into areas of concern. Let the product dry down for at least 10 minutes in between layers. When finished, buff away any excess product until it no longer comes off on a towel, tissue or mitt before touching sheets or clothing. 

While you could certainly rely on your regular face foundation to get the job done, the Westmore Beauty bestseller brings more to the table than you’d expect. It earned high remarks from shoppers who swear by its results, whether it be the product staying on while they’re “sweating at work,” or having the ability to make them feel “more comfortable in their own skin.”

RELATED: Reviewers Say This Anti-Hair Loss Set Makes a Difference ‘After Just One Wash’—& It’s Down to $25

“Well I must say I am impressed..used on my legs which have some varicose veins and blotches here and there,” wrote one reviewer. “The Westmore body [perfector] evened out these problem areas and left my legs feeling and looking smooth and evenly colored naturally.”

“I have fine spider veins and sun spots on my legs. I decided to try Westmore and was totally amazed at how well it worked at hiding these things,” raved another. “Makes your legs look years younger. Highly recommend.”

Skip that extra layer of clothing and opt for Westmore Beauty’s Body Coverage Perfector instead. Shop it alongside other hero products from the brand, too. 

Westmore Beauty

60-Second Eye Effects Gel

Photo: Westmore Beauty.

Two Times The Lash Mascara

If we haven’t already, we need to make sure we’ve had “the talk” with our children by the time we reach retirement. This does not refer to the infamous sex talk we have with our children during their pre-teen stage, but about our end-of-life planning and final wishes. Both talks can be difficult, but for different reasons.

Some of us find the early sex talk embarrassing, while the end-of-life talk is difficult because we generally don’t like to think about our own death. We give our children the sex talk because we want them to be informed and make appropriate decisions.

That reasoning works for the end-of-life discussion, as well. Don’t put off educating your children on all there is to know about you. The more they know, the better the chances are that your final wishes will be realized.

Listed below are some of the basic topics to be discussed with your adult children during “the talk.”

Personal Information

Your children should know your basic personal information, such as date and place of birth, how many marriages, to whom and when, number of children with their dates of birth (and death, if applicable) from all marriages and your parents’ full names (including maiden name), their dates of birth and death. This information is usually required for completing a death certificate.

Assets, Liabilities, and Locations

The list of assets should include vehicles, boats, RVs, real estate, bank and investment accounts, pensions and IRAs, and physical assets, such as cash on hand, jewelry, and collectibles.

Your children should also be informed of any debt you may owe, like mortgages, loans, and credit card balances. Be sure to advise your children of the location for all assets and liabilities.

Business Interests

If you have an interest in any business, advise your children about your percentage ownership, any other owners or shareholders, and who to contact in the event of your death or incapacitation.

Insurance

Advise your children not only of any life insurance policies, but also of your primary health coverage, supplemental health insurance, cancer policies, prescription, disability, and long-term care insurance.

If you become incapacitated or have a long hospitalization prior to your death, this will be valuable information for your children. Again, it goes without saying that the location of the policies is necessary information.

Trusts, Wills, POAs, and Other Legal Documents

Be sure to discuss your will and where it is located, along with any trusts, durable power of attorney, medical power of attorney or living will, and other legal documents that you may have that would be needed upon your death or incapacitation.

Passwords

Your children will need passwords to obtain some of the documents already mentioned, as well as to close any social media accounts after your passing.

Memberships

Do you belong to any organizations that you would want mentioned in an obituary? Be sure to tell your adult children about any memberships so they can be noted in the obituary, but also so they can be contacted upon your death.

Professional Advisors

Give your children the names, addresses and phone numbers of attorneys, tax professionals, investment managers, business partners and clergy so they can contact them for advice, if needed.

Final Wishes

Let your children know if you want a funeral, visitation, memorial service, burial or cremation, and any other details that are important to you for your final good-bye.

This is a lot of information that must be conveyed. To make this discussion easier, prepare all this information and file it in one place for your adult children.

What Do You Want to Know About Me?

It wasn’t until after my parents and grandparents had passed away that I got interested in genealogy and wished I had asked questions while they were alive. Give your children the opportunity to ask questions about you.

The entire end of life discussion may be a bit overwhelming for them and, therefore, they may not have questions of you at that time. If that’s the case, and you were one who did not share much about your life, use this time to tell them something about you that they may not know. It may inspire them to ask questions and want to know more.

What If You Are Estranged from Your Adult Children?

If you don’t have a good relationship with your children, or are totally estranged, you still need to discuss the above information with someone. Tell a trusted friend, relative or professional the information that will make your final good-bye an easy one.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Have you talked with your adult children about what you want to happen to your assets, information and funeral after you die? If you have informed your children of your end of life decisions, how did the discussion go? If you do not have a good relationship, or are estranged from your children, have you passed on your final wishes, financial and personal information to a trusted individual? Please share in the comments below!

It seems like yesterday I was singing these songs to my own daughter. Heck, it seems like yesterday I was learning them. And now it’s time to teach them to my children’s children.

For me, it’s for my great nieces and nephews, as I am sans grandchildren (hope springs eternal), and it’s never too early to prepare. Baby carriage styles, bottles, pacifier designs may change, but the songs that we love and know are the songs we want to teach and enjoy with our offspring.

We sing with our children to bond and help them grow. Even now, when I sing to a little one, they become fixated on my face. They quickly start smiling and bopping to the melody.

And if I have done my job right, when I finish, they look at me wide-eyed and say: “Again. Again. Again!” first with motions and then with their words. It’s priceless.

When my daughter was a newbie, I would rush home and head right out to the Children’s Museum sing-a-long around our corner (ahh city life). The truth is, I enjoyed it more than my daughter, but those were memory making times, and she knows all the words and always sings along.

Here is my no-fail list which meets all the criteria for perfect grandparent sing-along bonding with the little ones. The best news is that you can find all these classics and the associated movements on YouTube. Watch and don’t hesitate to improvise and make them your own.

The Itsy-Bitsy Spider

Clearly a classic, although I still don’t know what it really means, is Itsy-Bitsy Spider. I do know that if you change up and improvise a bit on the hand motions, the other adults would all weigh in on how to do it properly, and it really does become a family event.

Going to Kentucky, Going to the Fair

A little more of an obscure song but so fun is Going to Kentucky, Going to the Fair, and it’s worth the effort. Since it includes geography, Kentucky and the word Senorita, it starts the conversation about other places, people and things and introduces foreign words.

Most importantly, it has the cutest little twisting and rumble motions.

She’ll Be Coming ‘Round the Mountain

Chronicling the trip of a cowgirl bringing her horses home, She’ll Be Coming ‘Round the Mountain is equally calming and uplifting.

The words are so much amusing to belt out loud. And the best part is, you can add new verses relating to your world and family’s inside jokes. It’s even more entertaining when you make up your own hand motions.

Puff the Magic Dragon

How many things in life can you count on like Puff the Magic Dragon? Always magical, always mystical, always worth the long time it takes to sing it right. This song never disappoints.

It brings you back to a time when all is right with the world and there are endless possibilities. Who doesn’t want to give their little ones hope and possibilities? Sing this one often. It you can’t remember all the words, just hum and it will still be great.

Home, Home on the Range

Home, Home on the Range is a true lullaby. Rocking softly, you will also feel the urge to nod off while singing. Also works well just humming along. It will calm whatever ails you.

Given how busy and complicated life gets, with technology driving our daily routines, this song harkens back to an easier, simpler life, when home was where the family and heart were all the time.

The Other Day I Saw a Bear

The classic repeat song The Other Day I Saw a Bear not only demonstrates who the alpha is (hint, hint, that’s you grandparent) as it sets a tone for a partnership. If they don’t repeat, the song does not work.

From This Valley

I come from a long line of city folk and yet From This Valley, a cowboy lullaby, has always resonated with me. My daughter hates this song, but I love it. It’s out of character for my Mom, and I well with tears when she sings it, or I hear it. It’s a keeper and reminds your grandchild that they are loved and worthy just for smiling.

Use this list to get started and go belt one out. Sing out loud and sing out strong! Talk to your families, siblings and parents, and make your own list of family favorites.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you have a favorite kid’s song? How often do you sing it? Who do you sing it to? Add to our list here and tell us what moves you when you sing to those grandkids.