Month: January 2025

Complete with pools, views, and pickleball courts.

Many baby boomers today have pets. We share our lives with pets for many reasons. They’re great company. They bring us comfort and joy, and they offer unconditional love and so much more. So, naturally, when it’s time to buy a place to live, looking for a pet-friendly home is a must for pet parents.

Pet-Friendly Real Estate Agent

Finding a great pet-friendly real estate agent in the area you’re looking to buy a home in is a really important consideration.

Someone who knows the communities as well as the pet restrictions will save you a lot of time and frustration – frustration of spending hours going through online portals only to find missing or incorrect information when it comes to pets.

It will also save you the frustration of going with a real estate agent who is your aunt’s cousin or your friend’s child but hasn’t a clue when it comes to knowing pet restrictions in different communities.

It may make a world of difference where you ultimately may end up buying a home.

Type of Home

Next, consider the type of home and possibly, community, you’re looking for.

Are you thinking of buying a condo? Single family house? A townhouse or possibly a villa?

Do you want an active adult 55+ community or an all-age community?

Lots of things to think about!

Pet Restrictions

Whatever type of home you decide on, make sure the building, community or subdivision is pet-friendly to your pets.

Many condos and communities have pet restrictions including size, weight limits, breed restrictions, number and type of pets you may own. These restrictions and rules can change at times.

Some cities and/or counties have pet restrictions, too. Find out what they are before you fall in love with a house.

Condos tend to be the most restrictive when it comes to pets. Will your furry friend be allowed to live there? Will you be allowed to walk your dog through the lobby to go outside, or will you have to use the basement, side entrance or garage to exit?

Do they have rules regarding vaccinations? This may be problematic if you have older dogs or you titer your dogs. Make sure to see a copy of the pet restrictions in writing prior to any deal.

Single family homes, townhouses and villas within communities may also have pet restrictions, but they’re usually easier than condos.

Regardless, if cats and dogs, or even birds or reptiles, are a part of your life, you must be aware of what’s allowed and what isn’t.

Fenced Yard

Do you want a yard for your dog? Must it be fenced? Check if the community allows fences; some do, some do not.

Can your pet do stairs? Can you do stairs? After all, we’re not as young as we used to be! If not, consider a single-story or ranch-type home. In some parts of the country, this is known as a villa.

Flooring

Flooring can always be changed, but if you just want to move in, check what type of flooring they have. You may want only tile, especially if you live in warm weather, or hardwood, if you live in colder climates.

Pet accidents can easily be cleaned up with tile. Scratches in hardwood can be removed. All things to think about.

Compromises

When it comes to pets and housing, I always say there are compromises. One may be flooring. And that may be okay if the house checks the rest of the boxes for you.

I personally have found that when it comes to pets, there are always compromises. Like the time I went to buy a condo at the beach only to be told they accept one dog up to 60 pounds. I said, “Great, I have two dogs with a total weight of 16 pounds,” at which time the building manager told me I could not move there! Crazy pet restrictions, but what could I do!?

Other Things to Look For

Are there veterinarians, pet hospitals, dog parks, dog beaches and pet stores near the home you’re looking at? Whatever is important to you and your furry friend is what you need to look for.

If you want to take your dog to doggie daycare, is there one nearby? If your dog loves to swim, is there a dog beach nearby?

Living with pets is a joy I wouldn’t trade for anything. But there are things to consider when contemplating a move. Don’t just jump; do the work!

You don’t want to buy a home only to find out the building or community welcomes you but not your furry friend.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Are you a baby boomer with pets? Are you planning a move in the near future? Do you have any questions that might help make your home purchase easier? Let’s talk about it! 

Picture this: You’re strolling through a quaint village, the scent of lavender drifting through the air as laughter and chatter from a nearby café fill your ears. There’s no ticking clock urging you to rush. Instead, you’re lost in the moment, soaking in the magic of simply being there. Doesn’t that sound wonderful?

This is the heart of slow travel. It’s not just about visiting new places – it’s about embracing freedom, uncovering what truly matters, and rediscovering yourself along the way.

Why Choose Slow Travel?

Let’s face it: modern travel can often feel like a sprint. Checking off landmarks, cramming itineraries, and snapping photos for social media can leave you feeling more exhausted than enriched. Slow travel flips the script. It’s about diving deep into a destination – whether that means wandering through a bustling market, sharing a story with a stranger, or watching the waves lap at the shore.

For those who have spent years juggling work, family, and endless to-do lists, slow travel offers something profoundly liberating. It’s an invitation to travel on your own terms, explore your curiosity, and savor moments that truly matter.

Finding Deeper Meaning Through Slow Travel

Slow travel is not just about where you go – it’s about how you engage. Imagine learning to make pasta from a nonna in Italy or writing reflections under an ancient olive tree in Greece. These experiences ground you in the present while opening doors to self-discovery.

Reflect on your journey. Jot down your thoughts, sketch a scene that moved you, or snap a candid photo. These mementos are not just for sharing; they’re for remembering how a place and its people left a mark on your soul.

Most importantly, slow travel rekindles wonder. It reminds you that life is brimming with possibility. It’s not about age or stage – it’s about staying curious and open to the world around you.

How to Make Slow Travel Work for You

Slow travel isn’t about being aimless; it’s about being intentional. Here’s how to get started:

Plan with Flexibility in Mind

Pick destinations known for their laid-back charm – think Provence, Tuscany, or Kyoto. But don’t over-plan. Leave space in your itinerary for those serendipitous moments: stumbling upon a hidden gem of a café, following a local’s recommendation, or getting wonderfully lost in a cobblestone maze. Some of the best adventures happen when you let the day unfold naturally.

Pack Light, Travel Smart

Keep it simple. Versatile, mix-and-match clothing in neutral tones can save you time and space. A lightweight suitcase or backpack makes moving around a breeze. Don’t forget essentials like a refillable water bottle, a small first-aid kit, and a journal to capture your memories.

Stay Healthy and Comfortable

Your body is your travel companion, so treat it well. Comfortable walking shoes are non-negotiable. Stay hydrated, nourish yourself with wholesome food, and don’t underestimate the value of a good night’s sleep. And yes, schedule downtime – sometimes doing nothing is the most rejuvenating part of a trip.

Connect with Locals

This is where the magic happens. Join a cooking class, take part in a cultural workshop, or simply strike up a conversation at a local market. Platforms like Airbnb Experiences or Meetup can help you find unique activities that go beyond the typical tourist fare. These connections create memories that no postcard or souvenir ever could.

Be Present – Truly Present

Forget the itinerary. Forget the clock. Focus on the sights, sounds, and sensations around you. Maybe it’s the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting from a bakery. Maybe it’s the warmth of the sun on your face as you sit by the water. These small, fleeting moments are what make slow travel unforgettable.

What about Challenges?

Travel is not without its hurdles, but slow travel helps you navigate them with grace.

Traveling Solo

Traveling solo as a woman can be an incredibly empowering experience, and choosing destinations known for their safety can enhance your journey. Here are some of the safest destinations for solo female travelers:

• Iceland: Renowned for its low crime rates and friendly locals, Iceland consistently ranks as one of the safest countries globally.
• Japan: Cities like Tokyo are celebrated for their safety, cleanliness, and efficient public transportation, making them ideal for solo exploration.
• Portugal: With its welcoming atmosphere and vibrant culture, Portugal offers a safe environment for solo travelers to explore cities like Lisbon and Porto.
• New Zealand: Known for its stunning landscapes and low crime rates, New Zealand provides a secure setting for solo adventures.
• Canada: Cities such as Vancouver are praised for their safety and diverse cultural experiences, making them attractive destinations for solo female travelers.

Worried About Language Barriers

Apps like Google Translate are lifesavers. And a few local phrases can go a long way – “hello,” “thank you,” and “delicious” are always a good start.

Feeling Overwhelmed by Long Distances

Start small. A weekend getaway to a nearby town can offer the same sense of renewal as a trip abroad.

Embracing the Emotional Journey

Slow travel is not just a vacation; it is a homecoming – to yourself. It’s a chance to shed the layers of expectation and embrace the person you have grown into.

Think about it: when was the last time you let a sunset linger, let a conversation flow without glancing at your phone, or felt utterly free to follow your whims? These moments are not just travel memories – they’re life lessons wrapped in adventure.

Your next chapter awaits – one step, one experience, and one unforgettable moment at a time. Let the journey – and yourself – unfold.

Your Turn:

When was the last time you truly slowed down and let life unfold? How might travel look different if you focused on depth rather than distance? What’s one place you have always dreamed of exploring, not for its sights, but for its soul?

It’s January, and your wallet is cringing. Your wallet, let’s call her Dorothy, was singing and dancing in an ugly holiday sweater, eating pecan pie, sipping eggnog with slightly too much rum, and suddenly, WHAM! Everything came to a screeching halt. Dorothy, overwhelmed and passed out in the middle of the holiday glitter, did a little barf and decided that it was time to zip-up and spend less.

Mournfully, you stare at Dorothy. It was such fun. Then you look at your meager makeup collection and wonder how and where to shop for products catering to mature skin that don’t cause Dorothy to hurl again.

I have answers.

After the glamor of the holidays, it’s all about minimalism and budget, so let’s crash that party and sip something hot and lovely (sans rum). Today, we are joined by Tamara, a good friend of mine here in Ecuador who is asking the same questions about minimalism! Let’s do it.

Dorothy’s Budget Foundation

I love a good, well-priced product. It doesn’t matter what it is. For example, I’m sitting in a coffee shop that has fabulous bread pudding. One piece costs $2.50 (Ecuador is cheaper than the west), and I want to take the whole cake home. My good sense intervenes though and tells me I don’t need it because, you know, it’s January, and I’ve had enough sugar to float me for a few months. But, I digress.

Getting a reliable, affordable foundation is key, but without a moisturizer, foundation is useless. Most of the time, foundation looks bad not because it’s necessarily an inferior product, but because your skin is dehydrated or dry.

On Tamara, I tossed on some Finlay + Green moisturizer for post-menopausal skin and her face drank it up and glowed as thank you. Next, I applied E.L.F Soft Glam Satin Foundation, a budget friendly foundation that most of you can wear and look great. Two great products at great prices. Dorothy smiles.

Beautiful Brows, Beautiful Budget

Brows are an easy fix. Not to be trite, but in January, when your pants don’t fit and you (sadly) take down the decorations, it’s nice to know your brows look good. It’s the little things.

That being said, in the video, I reached for an eyebrow pencil and gel both in Silver Queen and in a flash made Tamara’s brows look perky and cute. Isn’t it good to have at least one perky thing on your body? Plus, these products stay on, look natural, and are reasonably priced. If you need thicker brows, then try a brow growth serum. All three can be found in a bundle purchase from PrimePrometics which saves you cash. Beautiful brows, beautiful budget.

Slide and Glide with Dorothy

In Sweden, if you “slide in on a shrimp sandwich” it means your wallet is bigger than anyone else’s because shrimp is considered a luxury. Our wallet is not really sliding on anything right now, so the question is, how can you slide and glide without spending too much?

Enter a water resistant, glides on like butter even if your lids are crinkly, eyeliner for mature skin. To flatter Tamara’s amazing silver hair, I decided to use the shade Mocha on the top and Smokey on the bottom, and then blend for a chic, minimalist makeup look. For eyeliner bundles, go here.

After that, I used a cream shadow called Nebula to give her eyes a lift with a little bit of sparkle. Cream shadows tend to stay put, not crease, and blend out easily. I love them. Plus, I am inherently lazy and using just one color all over my lid is deeply satisfying. All in all, her eye makeup took me about five minutes to apply and I used three products. That’s way faster and cheaper than your holiday decorations.

Blush with a Bang

Blush is like eggnog, yummy and easily overdone. To avoid these pitfalls, pick a bright shade that goes with your shirt, skin color, and lipstick choice, and blend it from the apple of your cheek and up into your brow bone.

In fact, I would go so far as to say put on too much, and then use your fingers to wipe a little off. That way, you get just the right amount. On Tamara, I used a fun cream coral shade that didn’t compete with her eye makeup or drown out her lipstick, but rather flattered the whole look.

A note on budget. Everyone wants a dupe from the drugstore on their favorite overpriced items. I feel you, honey. I spend way too much on cosmetics and have no excuse for my behaviour. That being said, I have found it more cost effective to shop strategically.

Get only what you need, watch the impulse purchases, and buy affordable quality. For example, I would rather buy two lipsticks that I love and wear all the time than 10 that I forget about. That’s me, but you do you.

Dorothy and the Peachy Pout

Warm toned blush and lipstick is in for winter, but be careful, don’t just run out and buy what screams your name. In fact, Dorothy (your wallet) wants you to take a breath and search your makeup drawer for what you already have. One trick I employ with great fervor is to use the same lipstick with a different lip liner. If I use a darker liner, it automatically deepens the lipstick, or if I switch liners to a warmer shade, the lipstick softens and lightens.

On Tamara, I used Giving Guava by E.L.F. It’s a bundle purchase that comes with a lipstick, gloss, and liner, but I darkened the liner to make it have more pow. Dorothy just danced a jig.

Love in January

January is typically cold, barren, and a little boring if I’m being honest. Your wallet is lonely, your house is back to its regular not so interesting self, and minimalist makeup rules the day. Why not do a massive sorting out of your makeup drawer and get that one item you need to pull together a happy new year look?

You don’t have to spend a lot, and you can pull out the pile of glitter from Christmas and lay on top of it for kicks and giggles. Stay playful, beautiful, and focused on a bright 2025.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What does your minimalist makeup look like? Is your wallet happy with you this January? Are you happy with yourself and your Christmas spending?

What’s going on with the Biebers?