Heather Gay’s Pink Jumpsuit & Clutch

Real Housewives of Salt Lake City Season 3 Episode 11

Going into this episode of the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, I can barely remember who is fighting with who! And then, just when I thought it couldn’t get more confusing, all of the ladies put blonde wigs on for a super random Marilyn Monroe party! I could barely tell who was who, but you’d better believe I’d recognize Heather Gay’s pink terry clutch anywhere. And while you won’t be getting your hands on her jumpsuit, if you love the bag, you can get that shipped to you Express, just in time for Christmas.

The Realest Housewife,

Big Blonde Hair

Click Here to Shop her Bottega Veneta Clutch in Pink or Purple

Click Here for a Fab Amazon Style Stealer

Click Here to See her Express Jumpsuit

Originally posted at: Heather Gay’s Pink Jumpsuit & Clutch

2023 is upon us. The New Year brings to our minds personalized thoughts, especially the ones about turning over a new leaf. We are determined to be resolute in our new resolutions. I think it is far wiser to take time to revel in positivity and to look within yourself and value the “you in you.”

A Plan for You to Consider

The word fierce was never a part of my vocabulary. So, some years back, when I was chosen by Chicago Woman Magazine as one of Chicago’s 50 Fierce Women Over 50, I was given an assignment. I had to write about why I was a fierce woman over 50.

Pondering and Pondering

I pondered and pondered over the meaning of the word ‘fierce’ in relation to me: a wife, grandmother, girlfriend, writer, daughter; a woman who wears many hats. I was not a fierce wife or grandmother. I was not a fierce daughter, girlfriend or writer.

Truly, I spent hours thinking about the subject. I looked up the definition of ‘fierce’ in the dictionary. I asked girlfriends their thoughts about the meaning of the word over lunch.

I asked my husband, “Why am I fierce?” His answer was, “You’re not.” From the definition in the dictionary, to my friends’ and ultimate concierge’s comments, it seemed the word held a negative meaning. I was lost.

I remember taking an entire weekend thinking about my topic and asking myself, “Why am I fierce? How am I fierce? Have my many years of living created a ‘positive fierceness’ in me?”

An Epiphany, a Sudden Revelation

After hours of frustration, I had an epiphany – a moment of sudden revelation, an insight. Everyone seemed to be thinking of the word ‘fierce’ as bearing negative meaning when actually, it can be very positive.

I tossed out of my mind the negative definition of ‘fierce’ I had found in the dictionary. I tossed out of my mind my girlfriends’ negative thoughts about the word fierce and my husband’s words, “You are anything but fierce.” I realized I am a very fierce woman in so many positive ways, and it took me five minutes to type out my take on Why I Am a Fierce Woman over 50.

My Poem

I am fierce because, above all else, I am a visible and relevant woman.

I am fierce because as a woman, my femininity is my greatest asset.

I am fierce because my word is my bond.

I am fierce because I give back.

I am fierce because everything I do is with purpose, and often with passion.

I am fierce because I am passionate, through my writing on honeygood.com, about helping tens of thousands of women (nearly 150,000 followers) learn to lead magical lives after 50.

I am fierce because I use my power in a soft manner.

I am fierce because I am loyal.

I am fierce because I see life as a series of challenges, not problems.

I am fierce because I walk on the sunny side of the street.

I am fierce because my top priority is my husband and my family.

I am fierce because I am worldly.

I am fierce because I know inner beauty surpasses outer beauty.

And most importantly, I am fierce because I am grateful.

Instead of looking to change who you are, revel in and feel fierce about who you are. You have climbed so many mountains, learned so many lessons and experienced so many pleasures, so this is my advice:

Take a bubble bath. Crack open a bottle of champagne, light some candles around the tub, and as you soak in the bubbles, raise your glass and toast yourself into 2023 with a big smile on your face. Then say out loud, “I am FIERCE.”

What now?

Now that you are relaxed and in good spirits, write yourself a message beginning with these four words: “I am fierce because…”

And then tuck your message in a place for only your eyes to see, or hang it on your refrigerator door to remind yourself just how wonderful and marvelous you are. I wish you a very happy New Year, darlings.

Please help out Sixty and Me by taking our short survey.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Would you call yourself a fierce woman? Why? Finish the sentence, “I am fierce because__________.” Please join the conversation below!

There are now countless ways to live a sustainable and eco-friendly life, and most of us are aware and easily apply some of these things to our daily lives. Things like recycling, reusing, and repurposing have practically become second nature to a lot of us. People are consuming less, and industries are using fewer virgin materials to produce their products.

The apparel industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world. The introduction of fast fashion has frighteningly raised the level of over-consumerism worldwide and filled up landfills with disposable garments at an alarming rate.

Read 10 BEST SUSTAINABLE FASHION BRANDS.

And 10 Best Sustainable Footwear Brands for Older Women

As you begin to expand and explore the ways you can change your consumer habits, your closet is one of the biggest ones to tackle. Thankfully, it is possible to consume less and repurpose your used clothing while still looking good!

Brands that buy back your used clothing.

1. Patagonia – Worn Wear
2. Eileen Fisher – Renew
3. Lululemon – Like New
4. Levi’s – Secondhand
5. REI – Re/Supply
6. The North Face – Clothes the Loop
7. Madewell – Madewell Forever

Thrift shopping, trading, and reselling have become very trendy over the past few years. My 25-year-old daughter and her friends almost exclusively shop at second-hand stores. Not by necessity, but by a conscious decision to consume less, live as sustainably as possible, and also by the curiosity to explore unique vintage fashion finds. They get giddy exchanging their latest finds with each other and enjoy putting together creative outfits.

There is a new trend that is quickly gaining popularity among brands and designers – buyback/trade-in programs. They take back your pre-loved used clothing (their brand) in exchange for credit on your future purchases.

It’s never been easier to live a sustainable lifestyle!

Of course, you won’t get rich trading your used clothing back to their original retailers. Typically, you’ll get shopping credits to use on your next purchase. But to be honest, the simple act of helping to keep clothing out of landfills and living more sustainably is rewarding enough for me!

Brands That Buy Your Used Clothing

Each brand has different rules for trading and swapping clothing items. Click the link I added to each brand to find out how to proceed with their individual trading program.

Patagonia

Outdoor apparel giant Patagonia is a pioneer in the buyback and used shop programs. If you have an old Patagonia item that is just sitting around and in good condition, Worn Wear will give you credit towards your next purchase on a used or new garment.

“One of the most responsible things we can do as a company is make high-quality stuff that lasts for years, so you don’t have to buy more of it. Buying used extends a garment’s life by about two years, which drastically reduces both our reliance on virgin resources and our generation of waste.”

—Patagonia

Eileen Fisher

Eileen Fisher RENEW will take your pre-loved Eileen Fisher items back and give you credit towards your future purchases.

“We’re taking our clothes back – over 1.5 million pieces since 2009 – to be resold, donated or remade into new designs. It’s all part of our vision for a future without waste.”

—Eileen Fisher

Lululemon

Yoga wear iconic label Lululemon has a shop called Lululemon Like New that offers to trade in your used goods and in return offer credits towards your next new or used Lululemon items.

“We’re taking steps towards a circular ecosystem. When you trade in with Like New or buy refreshed products, you’re helping accelerate our sustainability initiatives. 100% of Lululemon Like New profits will go towards lessening our environmental impact.”

—Lululemon

Levi’s

Denim giant Levi’s also has a second-hand shop where you can trade in your used Levi’s denim items for gift cards that you can use in the stores or online; new or used.

“If everybody bought one used item this year, instead of buying new, it would save 449 million pounds of waste.* With Levi’s® SecondHand, we’re inviting you to join us in a more sustainable future.”

—Levi’s

REI

Outdoor gear supplier REI lets you swap your pre-loved items at REI Re/Supply for gift cards to use on your next purchases. Being a COOP, a membership is required to trade and buy used gear and clothing.

“We’re a community of 21 million making a different kind of outdoor company. Built by members, not investors. Accountable to each other, not shareholders. Together, we’re sharing, exploring and protecting the places we love, for today and every day.”

—REI

The North Face

The North Face Clothes the Loop program will take your gently used apparel and footwear at one of their stores or outlets and give you a $10 reward toward your next purchase of $100 or more at The North Face.

“Clothes the Loop stems from our commitment to reduce the environmental impact of our products at all stages of their life cycle, including extending the life of apparel and footwear to keep it out of landfills. Since we started Clothes the Loop, people have brought in more than 95,000 pounds of clothing and footwear to The North Face US stores for reuse and recycling.”

—The North Face

Madewell

Madewell introduced Madewell Forever and encourages shoppers to reuse, recirculate, and repeat their clothing. Ship your gently used items for free and get shopping credits.

“When you give your clothes a second life, you reduce their environmental impact by 82%.”

—Madewell

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you shop second-hand? Have you traded-in clothing items before? Tell us what you think about these initiatives. Will you be trading in your pre-loved goods? Tell us about it in the comments below.

Are you a caregiver for an aging parent? While seniors in their 70s, 80s and 90s are being encouraged more than ever to stay active, get out and enjoy life, the stark reality is that many experience stress and anxiety over health, financial and independence issues.

If you’re looking for a mood booster for your aging mom or dad, don’t miss these 5 creative ideas:

Accessorize

When mobility problems have your loved one struggling with frustration and anxiety over having to use a wheelchair or walker, don’t ignore the problem – embrace it.

Mobility issues for older adults range from simple weakness when standing and walking, to loss of balance and inability to stand or move at all without support.

Instead of simply trying to soothe a parent who is bummed about having to use a mobility aid, help them make the most of it by enhancing said device.

This might include painting their walker, decorating their cane or strapping helpful bags or cup holders to their wheelchair. The best bag for your wheelchair will easily fit on the side or back of the chair and offer multiple pockets for carrying items like a phone, pen, keys, etc.

Walk Outside

Ruminating on the negative is almost unavoidable, especially if you are battling a chronic illness or struggling with mobility, hearing or vision loss.

A 2015 study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that walking in nature can have a positive effect on mental wellbeing.

Participants who spent time walking through a natural environment versus an urban one reported lower tendencies to brood on negative thoughts and even measured reduced neural activity in regions of the brain linked to mental illness.

If your loved one can’t walk, take them out in a wheelchair and push them around their neighborhood or the green space by where they live. For a special outing, time meandering around a botanical garden or arboretum could also effectively bolster their spirits.

Create

Few activities let you create something beautiful and focus on positive, reinforcing thoughts quite like art-making.

Artistic activities ranging from painting to sculpting, origami, knitting, even coloring can offer your aging parent a daily dose of positivity, and give them something purposeful and creative to focus on.

A 2016 pilot study revealed that just 45 minutes of art-making resulted in lowered cortisol (stress hormone) levels in participants.

Additional anecdotal evidence has shown that adult coloring specifically has the potential to reduce stress levels and serve as a type of moving meditation for older adults.

Volunteer

Too often seniors feel stripped of their sense of purpose or self-worth when they lose key markers of independence – like being able to drive, living on their own or getting around without a mobility aid. One way to combat that ‘loss’ is to revive a sense of meaning in their lives through helping others.

Volunteering not only boosts spirits and lowers risk for high blood pressure, but it can give your aging parent a project or goal that they can work towards completing, knowing that their efforts are making a difference in someone else’s life.

Volunteering at a food bank or animal shelter may not be feasible for your older mom or dad. However, there is a multitude of other service ideas for older adults with or without mobility issues.

These might include tutoring, mentoring, cooking a meal or treat for a neighbor in need, consulting for a nonprofit, volunteering at the hospital or helping with Meals on Wheels.

Mindfulness Activities

More and more seniors are taking to activities like yoga and tai chi for exercise and practice in mindfulness. Why?

In addition to offering low-impact fitness that is adaptable and effective at strengthening muscles, bones and flexibility, yoga and tai chi cultivate a sense of mindfulness through meditation, deep breathing and foundational principles of kindness, peace and self-awareness.

Getting started with yoga or tai chi has never been easier. Many senior centers conduct regular classes, and boutique studios are picking up on the trend, offering more and more sessions tailored specifically to senior needs – i.e., chair yoga, senior yoga, etc.

Help your mom or dad find a class they can attend – or you can both attend together – and start a new weekly habit.

Additional activities for improving your loved one’s mood and outlook include listening to music, exercising and helping them make a little extra cash selling gently used goods they’ve collected over the years.

If you have a moment, please help us make Sixty and Me better and fill out our end-of-year survey.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What do you do to improve your aging parent’s spirits? What activities can you take part in with your aging parent that bring both of you joy? Please share in the comments below.

I’m always sure the grass is greener on the other side. The person sitting next to me got the bigger portion. My friend learned about investing, while I didn’t. The girls in high school knew how to get a prom date. People stay happily married. Everyone else knows something I don’t.

This is totally not true, although it often feels that way. Peeling back the onion, the hardest lesson for me was learning everything in its own time. And I am a turtle. Slow and steady. Now I actively work to embrace my turtleness, instead of aspiring to be the gazelle.

It came as no surprise to me – on a particularly gut wrenching day when the leaves were just at peak – when I got to the pool to do laps and clear my head (lesson in action), that the woman in the next lane was gliding speedily past me.

How annoying that she was going so much faster than I was! With my head down, looking at that blue solid line on the pool bottom, I murmured in the water: “This is not a competition, in my own time, not my concern that she’s faster than me.” Acceptance came to me. And then I saw the fins.

The lesson began. How can I use this to build me up, to empower me, to drive my success and what I want to achieve? With three easy steps, I changed my outlook and propelled my workout success. And when I say easy, I mean easy. Try these three steps:

Appreciate Just Showing Up

Laughing out loud underwater, I had to stop my crawl to gasp for air. Fins! Fins propelling her, gliding her faster, making her body long and lean. She had help. Everyone has their own secrets and strengths.

Under the water, we can’t always see how hard someone is pedaling. Especially when they make it look easy. Suddenly, I felt bold, brave and triumphant for just getting into the water. For just showing up without fins.

Talk to Someone, Anyone!

I couldn’t keep my new realization to myself. No phone, no pen, just Peggy, the life guard on duty. On my next lap, I asked Peggy to remember the word “fins.” Upon finishing my laps, still excited by my new awareness, I shared the story. After laughing, she gave me a lesson.

Actually, it turns out fins give you more aerobic boost and help you to burn more fat. When used in sprints, they are an excellent aerobic tool. She instructed me on how to time the sprints for maximum benefits.

What if I hadn’t talked to Peggy that day? Now she is in my corner and continues to give me great advice for just showing up.

Find Your Symbol and Live the Lesson

The fins had a purpose. Peggy knew something I didn’t and was able to teach me. The miracle was that I was happy to learn. This was a surprise for me! Instead of being annoyed, I was amazed.

Working hard to stay in my own lane literally got me what I wanted – to know what another knew, to learn the secret that propels them to their triumphs. Propel, all in the water theme, means to push, force or drive, usually forward. To show me how a symbol is a powerful reminder towards reaching a goal.

What’s Next?

You have to figure out your next step for yourself. Find your own fins. What speaks to you? What will propel you to stay on track to reach your goals?

It may be that ‘hot pink’ sweater or a simple bracelet that you can gaze at that reminds you of what you set out to do. It may be a morning mantra. And when you find it, grip it with all your might. My fins arrived in three days. I haven’t missed a swim workout yet.

Want to help us improve Sixty and Me? Please fill out our short end-of-year survey!

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Where can you use a metaphorical pair of fins in your life? What do you want to conquer? What do the fins represent to you? Please join the conversation!