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While you’re not supposed to wash your hair everyday, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t stock up on hair care products — think hair growth serums, sprays, and shampoos. For the next several days, shoppers can stock up bottles of their favorite beauty products at stellar prices, like the Rene Furterer Forticea Energizing Shampoo that’s 25 percent off during the brand’s Friends and Family sale.

Made from guarana extract, this vegan shampoo is designed to energize the scalp and improve hair strength leaving you with visibly improved strands. Not only will it strengthen hair from root to tip, but also leave your hair soft and smooth so you can say goodbye to knotted and broken ends for easy drying and styling. It’s also formulated with essential oils of orange, lavender, and rosemary which help purify the scalp and promote microcirculation when massaged into the scalp. 

Amazon

For best results, apply to damp hair in the shower and leave in for one to three minutes and then thoroughly rinse out. Need more convincing? Reviewers rave about the product’s ability to stimulate hair growth and prevent hair loss. One five-star reviewer said this paraben-free shampoo “really works” and is very “kind to the scalp.” While another fan of the product says it’s “great to give fullness and vitality to fine hair.” 

Normally, this dermatologist-tested shampoo is $34, so we’d recommend stocking up for the months to come while the price tag has dropped down to just $25.50.

Madison LeCroy’s Green Zip Up Jacket on Her Instastories

Southern Charm 2023 Instagram Fashion

Madison LeCroy is the queen of good Amazon finds. And her green zip up jacket is just another example of that. I’m a huge supporter in cute workout clothes because I think when you feel good in the clothes it makes the workout feel better too. But if shopping is the only cardio you plan on doing today well then work your way to the link and Style Stealers below for a good sesh.

Sincerely Stylish,

Jess

Click Here to Shop Her Jacket on Amazon

Photo + Info: @madison.lecroy

Originally posted at: Madison LeCroy’s Green Zip Up Jacket

Kristin Cavallari’s Floral Corset Top on Her Instastories

Kristin Cavallari 2023 Instagram Fashion

It’s been a hot minute since we’ve done a KCav look, but here we are sharing her lookin’ hot in her floral corset top. Now I know this may be a bit triggering for us winter folk because heat is the furthest thing from us currently (as I look at snow outside my door). But this top could look cute under a blazer or some sort of jacket! Which means in about 3-5 business days we can be happy to look out our door and see a Style Stealer of this top at it (even if there is still snow too).

Sincerely Stylish,

Jess

Click Here to Shop Her V. Chapman Top

Photo Credit: @kristincavallari

Originally posted at: Kristin Cavallari’s Floral Corset Top

As we ring in a fresh year, there’s no better time to start planning your 2023 getaway – the earlier the better! Planning a mid-year getaway now is guaranteed to take the edge off any busy schedule. The following locations draw visitors year-round, meaning you can plan your trip in any season.

Whether you’re looking for historic gems, outdoor attractions, or even a more environmentally conscious way to travel, consider these international destinations when brainstorming your next adventure.

The Azores

If you’ve been thinking about a European getaway but are looking for something off the beaten path, a stay on The Azores may be the extra flair you’ve had in mind. These Portuguese islands are about 1,000 miles away from mainland Europe, and can be reached from Lisbon in about two and a half hours.

You’ll have to book a flight from the Portuguese capital to Sao Miguel, the Azores’ largest island. Its’ capital, Ponta Delgada, is a great starting point for your tour – you might even decide to spend the entire trip in and around the city.

Sao Miguel is known for its abundance of outdoor wonders, including peaceful crater lakes, beaches, and vegetation-rich hiking trails. Be sure to venture to different regions of the island, as each part holds its own claims to fame.

Parque Terra Nostra, located in Furnas on the eastern half of the island, is a must stop. Enjoy the park’s rich foliage and hot springs before moving on to the scenic beaches at Povoacao.

If you’d prefer to stay closer to Ponta Delgada, be sure to devote a day or two to Lagoa do Fogo, a tranquil lake and hiking destination. A little to the north of the lake you’ll find Centro de Interpretacao Ambiental da Caldeira, a nature preserve offering more hot springs, walking paths and a waterfall.

If you have the opportunity, be sure to experience other islands within the Azores, as each has a distinct personality. Water expeditions to watch for sea life or dive off the islands’ famously enchanting coastlines are another great way to experience all the Azores have to offer, whether by land or sea.

Wales

If you’re considering planning a trip to London but aren’t crazy about the crowds, why not venture slightly south and slow things down with a visit to Wales? With breezy coastlines, medieval castles, and rugged mountain slopes, Wales sets the mood any time of the year. Its natural attractions, like Snowdonia National Park, are especially stunning when awash with autumn hues.

History and architecture lovers will be excited to take in structures like Caerphilly Castle, which works well with an outing to nearby Brecon Beacons National Park. The imposing waterfront castle dates back to the 13th century.

If you’re spending time in the capital city of Cardiff, be sure to make your way to Tintern Abbey, also built in the 13th century. Intricate arches and an idyllic setting make the abbey a must-stop.

Back in the capital, take a day to explore the famed Cardiff Castle and Llandaff Cathedral before strolling through Bute Park and brainstorming dinner at one of the city’s diverse eateries.

If you had your heart set on London as well, combine both capital cities and make it the trip of a lifetime. The train journey between the cities takes about two hours via the Great Western Railway.

Zanzibar

For a beach-filled getaway that subverts expectations, consider exploring the small Indian Ocean island archipelago of Zanzibar. Located a two-hour ferry ride off the coast of Tanzania, Zanzibar’s main island is known as Unguja. Home to Zanzibar city, which will likely be your home base, the island offers plenty to fill your schedule.

In the city itself, be sure to devote some time to strolling the historic quarter of Stone Town. The district is an inspiring example of Zanzibar’s identity as a cultural and economic crossroads – Arabic, African and European influences meld to form Stone Town’s eclectic personality.

Overlooking the ocean, the quarter is home to a number of lodging options, local eateries, museums, souvenir shopping and historic icons like the Forte Arabo, a vendor-rich 17th century fort open to visitors.

When you’re ready to venture outside of the city, booking a trip to tour the island’s natural wonders is worth the effort. Start with Jozani Forest National Park, which is known for its red colobus monkey population and mangrove forests.

Cheetah’s Rock Animal Rescue Center, located on the island’s west coast, is another unforgettable experience on the island. Your entrance fee will contribute to the center’s rescue goals, and you will have the chance to view and learn about the diverse group of animals the facility takes care of.

When it comes to soaking in the sun, plan a trip to Jambiani, Pongwe, or Nungwi Beach for water activities and much needed time to yourself. Getting the right guide to accompany you to destinations outside of the city can make or break your experience, so be sure to do as much research as possible before finalizing your itinerary.

Poland

When it comes to underestimated European destinations, Poland is definitely on the list. While rich in natural attractions, historic curiosities and nightlife, the country may not be the first that comes to mind when you think of the quintessential European experience.

However, making it your gateway to Eastern Europe can expose you to unique cultural influences, a tumultuous history, new cuisine and contribute to much needed tourism revenue. The country is relatively small, so dividing your time between two or three of its largest cities is the best way to organize your trip.

Flying into Warsaw, you’ll want to devote a few days to exploring the capital. Rebuilt after the Second World War, the city’s history is written across its streets and structures – institutions like the Warsaw Uprising Museum, the National Museum and the memorable Neon Museum are all worthwhile pit stops.

In between sampling Polish dishes and souvenir shopping at local businesses, spend some time enjoying the banks of the Wisła River, which runs through the heart of the city.

From Warsaw, travel south to Kraków, where the city’s Old Town alone can keep you busy for a few days. The district’s historic streets, homes and plazas offer idyllic photo opportunities, unique gifts, and, of course, delicious bites. The Wawel Royal Castle is one of the country’s most cherished historic sites – a daylong visit to the castle grounds will be one of your best memories from Kraków.

The Wisła also runs through this city, and kicking back with a drink on a floating barge or other venue along the river is the perfect way to end a busy day.

If you have time to add a third city to your list, don’t miss Gdańsk, located on the country’s Baltic Coast. From the city’s famous shipyards to its comprehensive World War Two Museum, there is no shortage of history to soak in. The windswept coastline is beautiful in all seasons, as is the charming Old Town district.

Whatever your hopes may be for 2023, the unique destinations listed above are sure to put a new spin on the year – and remind you of the possibilities.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What travel plans do you have for 2023? Have you booked any locations yet? What is most important to you when visiting a new culture? I would love to hear. Share in the comments.

I believe we all know the importance of getting regular cardiorespiratory exercise and resistance (weight) training throughout our lifespan. That doing so will help reduce our risk for cardiovascular disease, hormonal based cancers, certain musculoskeletal conditions, and provide for a life with more vigor – the ability to go and do.

And certainly, there are the “other” associated psychological and emotional benefits. Simply stated, the human body was meant to be worked for it to perform properly.

However, I am often asked if older folks (60 and over) really need to stretch. They will ask, “Do I need to stretch all my major muscle groups, or how should I go about stretching now that I am older?”

The Principles of Stretching

To properly address the reasons for stretching throughout the entire lifespan, we need to understand some important related stretching principles.

Static Stretching

There are different types of stretching used for different purposes. Static stretching, where you move into the stretch position slowly and hold the position for 10 to 30 seconds, is used for the purpose of lengthening the muscle over time (called elongation) for increased flexibility and joint range of motion.

Dynamic Stretching

Dynamic stretching, where you move your limbs back and forth rhythmically through the range of motion is more appropriate for the purpose of preparing the body muscles for increased activity. In other words, this type of stretching is appropriate for pre-game warm up to enhance athletic performance and reduce the risk for injury.

However, dynamic stretching can also be used as a good “warm up” for static stretching because the movement of the limbs generates heat as a byproduct of muscle contraction, warming the muscles, making them more pliable and ready to be elongated.

What to Stretch

You need not stretch all major muscle groups, only those that, if they lose flexibility, place you at risk for certain pathological musculoskeletal conditions or are associated with increased pain.

Four Important Reasons Why We Really Should Stretch in Our Later Years

To Maintain Mobility

The primary reason why we lose our flexibility and therefore our mobility is due to a reduction in our movement as we grow older. Older folks fatigue quicker as our ability to generate ATP (the energy currency of the body) diminishes as we age.

This all too often leads to less movement and activity, and we significantly reduce the movement of our limbs through a good range of motion. It is not due to some physiological changes in our muscles simply due to the aging process.

Greater mobility allows us to engage in a wider variety of activities. To a great extent, the things we have enjoyed doing all our lives should still be available to us as we maintain our mobility.

To Reduce Joint and Muscle/Fascial Pain

Our joints are moved by the muscles that cross over and act upon them. These muscles cross the joints on all sides and there must be a proper balance in strength between the muscles on opposite sides of the joint. This is referred to as the agonist–antagonist muscle strength ratio.

When this proper ratio exists, the muscles work together to keep the joint stable and to maintain the normal properly balanced pressures that exist on the articulating surfaces of the bones that form the joint.

If this ratio is lost, then abnormal pressures are placed on certain parts of the joint surfaces (cartilage) and this produces pain. It can also cause or accelerate the cartilage breakdown contributing to the development or exacerbation of arthritis.

Further, the fascia that surrounds muscles or are part of a joint’s soft tissue structure, become shortened. Consequently, if a person with this condition does move through a greater range of motion than that which they have become accustomed, this stretches the fascia and causes pain. And, of course, the pain causes most folks to avoid that movement, and the cycle continues.

Reduce the Risk of Associated Musculoskeletal Issues

Let’s look at some of the more common musculoskeletal issues and their potential problems that people may develop because of losing flexibility in select muscle groups.

A Kyphotic Posture with Associated Rounded Shoulders and a Forward Head

This poor posture position increases the risk of developing shoulder rotator cuff impingement and tendinitis issues, both of which are painful and may dramatically affect use. Tight muscles: pectorals, scapular elevators, suboccipital muscle group.

A Lordotic Posture with Anterior Pelvic Tilt and Increased Low Back Curvature

This poor posture position increases the risk of developing low back pain. Tight muscles: hip flexors, low back extensors.

Tight Hamstring Muscles

Because these muscles if tight, reduce the amount of hip flexion that can occur, and if a person is bending a lot at the hip, then more than is normal range of motion must occur at the low back instead at the hip and can compromise normal movement.

Tight Calves

When we sleep, our ankles naturally move into a plantarflexed position, or the foot drops downward. This increases the likelihood that the calf muscles become tight, and this is one of the major causes of why a person may develop plantar fasciitis.

To Reduce the Risk of Falls

If our joints become restricted in their ability to move freely through a normal or good range of motion, then our ability to react to an event that produces a loss of balance could be impaired, and a fall might be the consequence. To us in the 60+ age category, we are especially at risk for fracture to our femur bone (hip fracture) and the consequences of this traumatic injury.

A Few Concluding Comments Specific to Stretching

• Always perform a general warm-up prior to stretching, especially of the muscles you plan to stretch. Contracting those muscles as part of the warm-up (see information on dynamic stretching in the early part of this article) will produce heat and better prepare them to be stretched.
• Stretch a muscle or muscle group only to the point of discomfort, not pain.
• Hold each new stretch position (gradually moving further through the range of motion with each succeeding set) for between 10 and 30 seconds.
• Try to stretch at least two non-consecutive days per week, with three or more days of stretching helping you arrive at your range of motion goal sooner.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Are you experiencing pain at some joints or are you experiencing discomfort associated with postural deviations from normal? Have you planned stretching for increased range of motion into your goals for 2023? If you are experiencing joint pain, give stretching a shot and see if the pain is reduced or if it goes away.