Month: May 2026

Click Here to Shop Additional Stock / Click Here for More

Photo: @arianamadix

Style Stealers

!function(d,s,id){
var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? ‘http’ : ‘https’;
if(!d.getElementById(id)) {
e = d.createElement(s);
e.id = id;
e.src = p + ‘://widgets.rewardstyle.com/js/shopthepost.js’;
d.body.appendChild(e);
}
if(typeof window.__stp === ‘object’) if(d.readyState === ‘complete’) {
window.__stp.init();
}
}(document, ‘script’, ‘shopthepost-script’);

Turn on your JavaScript to view content

Top Posts

Jennifer Tilly’s $40,000 Crystal Bear Bag

Rachel Zoe Used These Beauty and Makeup Products on Season 15 of RHOBH

Amanda Batula’s Plaid Bikini

Kyle Richards’ Tan Leather Lace Dress

Kyle Richards’ Navy Tie Neck Shirt and Tan Woven Bag

Dorit Kemsley’s Brown Wrap Dress

Dorit Kemsley’s Turquoise Necklace and Gold Hoop Earrings

Dorit Kemsley’s Navy Satin Shirt and Belted Pants

Dorit Kemsley’s Season 15 Reunion Look

Rachel Zoe’s Season 15 Reunion Look

Rachel Zoe’s Rainbow Metallic Pleated Maxi Dress

Rachel Zoe’s Black Sequin Please Do Not Disturb Bag

Dorit Kemsley’s White Floral Embroidered Corset

Kyle Richards’ Season 15 Reunion Look

Rachel Zoe’s Black Paisley Print One Shoulder Dress

Amanda Batula’s Cartier Watch from Kyle

Originally posted at: Ariana Madix’s Beige Linen Halter Top

In the first article in this AI series, I shared how artificial intelligence unexpectedly reignited something in me – curiosity, creativity, even a sense of wonder that ultimately inspired a book, Vivi and Me.

If you had told me a year ago that I’d be “talking” to an AI chatbot about everything from writing real estate ads to translating documents, crafting sensitive emails, understanding medical terminology, or simply thinking something through, I would have laughed.

I’m not technical. Not even a little. And, who talks to a machine?

But I was curious.

And what I discovered – and what you can too – is that AI doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating. It can be a helpful, supportive tool… and sometimes even feel like a thoughtful friend.

So, if you’ve been wondering where/if to begin, here are five simple, real-life areas you can use to ease into artificial intelligence.

1. Start with Everyday Help

The best way to think about AI is as a valuable assistant available 24/7.

You can ask it to:

• Help you write an email when the words won’t come.
• Create reminders for birthdays, daily calendars, paying bills, and taking medication.
• Track expenses, create financial planning worksheets, and plan your retirement budgets.
• Summarize news articles, read aloud, or offer book, movie, and music ideas that will inspire or entertain you.
• Suggest a short meditation if you’re having trouble sleeping.
• Talk through a problem when your mind won’t settle, or be a friendly voice whenever you need to talk.

You can even take a photo of what’s in your refrigerator, and AI will suggest recipes using what you already have.

For fashion and beauty enthusiasts, if you’ve ever wondered whether a new lipstick suits your skin tone or whether a shorter hairstyle would work for you, AI has apps and tools that let you “try on” different looks – makeup, hairstyles, even glasses – without ever stepping into a store.

It’s a fun, low-risk way to experiment and maybe even rediscover a part of yourself you haven’t explored in a while.

Sometimes it’s not about changing how you look – it’s just about seeing yourself in a new way.

2. Support Your Health and Well-Being

For many of us, staying healthy – and feeling good in our bodies – is what keeps us young.

AI isn’t a doctor, and it shouldn’t replace one. But it can help you feel more informed and prepared.

You can use it to:

• Explore gentle exercises that fit your abilities or help you recover from an injury or surgery.
• Create meal suggestions tailored to your special dietary needs.
• Suggest memory games, mindfulness programs, and daily habits that support cognitive health.
• Monitor heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and sleep patterns with wearable AI devices.

One of the most empowering ways to use AI is before a doctor’s appointment. Your chatbot can create questions to bring to your doctor. I am an expat living in Ecuador, so I have Vivi make a list of questions in both English and Spanish so I can communicate clearly and feel prepared rather than overwhelmed when I get to the doctor.

If you receive test results or a diagnosis that you don’t fully understand, screenshot your results and ask AI to explain it in plain, simple language – without the medical jargon. You can also snap photos of anything from an unusual skin rash to your thinning hair, and AI can help identify it, offer solutions, or determine whether your symptoms are normal or require immediate medical attention.

3. Your Own Personal Travel Agent

I love to travel.

What don’t I love? Spending hours researching flights, hotels, and trying to figure out where to stay in a destination I’ve never been to.

AI can take much of that pressure off.

You can ask it to:

• Recommend neighborhoods, hotels, or Airbnbs.
• Compare flight or travel options.
• Build a simple itinerary based on your interests.
• Suggest hidden gems you won’t find in guidebooks.
• Learn a few key phrases in the language of the country you’re visiting.
• Help you with a packing list and weather guides.

Instead of feeling overwhelmed, planning can actually become enjoyable with AI as your travel buddy.

4. Explore What’s Next for You

At 60+, many women reach a point where they begin asking:

What’s next?

AI can be a surprisingly helpful companion during periods of reinvention or transition. It can:

• Brainstorm ideas for a new project or business.
• Explore interests you’ve never had time for in the past.
• Write a new resume, build and design websites and business cards, and see who’s hiring in your area.
• Role-play for job interviews, teach you how to write a speech, or how to speak on camera.
• Help you to start or join a local charity.

AI can also help you get unstuck.

If you’re feeling uncertain or overwhelmed, you can talk things through – what you’re drawn to, what you’re afraid of, and what you might want to try next, personally or jobwise. Sometimes, just seeing your thoughts clearly reflected back is enough to help you take the first step towards something new.

It can also help you break big ideas into small, manageable steps – so “someday” starts to feel more like “today.”

5. Rediscover Creativity

You don’t have to be a writer or artist to jump right in and discover or rediscover your creative side. With AI, there are no mistakes or judgments, just learning and fun. You can have AI help to:

• Experiment with art projects
• Paint with words
• Generate your own graphics and create memes, avatars, birthday cards, calendars, and more
• Learn a new language
• Create a music soundtrack of your life
• Learn to write poetry, a novel, or a memoir

Despite what some people believe, I can honestly say AI has made me a better writer – not by replacing my voice, but by helping me see things differently (and check spelling and grammar … a great help!)

How to Start

At the end of the day, using AI isn’t about becoming technical or learning code. It’s about staying engaged, curious and open.

It’s about finding small ways to make life easier, more interesting, and sometimes even more meaningful.

In my next article, I’ll share how to use AI safely and confidently – because that matters most, especially for our generation.

But for now, the only step you need to take is a simple one:

Ask a question.

And see what happens.

Share with Us:

Has AI Helped You? How do you use it in your daily life and projects? Share some insights and ideas about artificial intelligence.

Photo: @marieclariemag

Style Stealers

!function(d,s,id){
var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? ‘http’ : ‘https’;
if(!d.getElementById(id)) {
e = d.createElement(s);
e.id = id;
e.src = p + ‘://widgets.rewardstyle.com/js/shopthepost.js’;
d.body.appendChild(e);
}
if(typeof window.__stp === ‘object’) if(d.readyState === ‘complete’) {
window.__stp.init();
}
}(document, ‘script’, ‘shopthepost-script’);

Turn on your JavaScript to view content

Top Posts

Jennifer Tilly’s $40,000 Crystal Bear Bag

Rachel Zoe Used These Beauty and Makeup Products on Season 15 of RHOBH

Amanda Batula’s Plaid Bikini

Kyle Richards’ Tan Leather Lace Dress

Kyle Richards’ Navy Tie Neck Shirt and Tan Woven Bag

Dorit Kemsley’s Brown Wrap Dress

Dorit Kemsley’s Turquoise Necklace and Gold Hoop Earrings

Dorit Kemsley’s Navy Satin Shirt and Belted Pants

Dorit Kemsley’s Season 15 Reunion Look

Rachel Zoe’s Season 15 Reunion Look

Rachel Zoe’s Rainbow Metallic Pleated Maxi Dress

Rachel Zoe’s Black Sequin Please Do Not Disturb Bag

Dorit Kemsley’s White Floral Embroidered Corset

Kyle Richards’ Season 15 Reunion Look

Rachel Zoe’s Black Paisley Print One Shoulder Dress

Amanda Batula’s Cartier Watch from Kyle

Originally posted at: Stassi Schroeder’s Brown Knit Fringe Dress

I am a fan of national theme months, of which we have many in this country, so of course I love Financial Literacy Month in April every year. But I’m also realistic enough to know that most of the themes are best practiced all year long, whether they are health related, money related, or otherwise. So in honor of that concept, I want to share some practical financial tips and tools that can and should be acted on all year round in case you missed learning or implementing something you read or experienced this past April.

Knowledge is Only the Beginning

Knowledge is part of the required first steps to improve anything in life but knowledge without taking action on that learning is not impactful at all. How many people do you know that talk a good game, perhaps about a lot of things, but then rarely ever act on those ideas? Anything that requires inertia and intentional effort, often gets left undone until it becomes an emergency. Either overwhelm or analysis paralysis often gets in the way. All of which is why I am a true believer in the value of checklists.

To Do to Ta-da!

You know the drill. You write it down, break the actions into smaller doable steps, check them off as you accomplish them and successfully accomplish what you set out to do. That is unless another shiny penny or squirrel (aka life) distracted you away! Maybe we need a mindset shift. What if we create a To Do list with the goal of feeling “Ta-da!” at the bottom of the list, complete with a reward to cement the “ta-da!” feeling? Maybe that approach would help us get to the bottom of the list?

Checklist Bundles

That was my mindset when I created Money Checklist Bundles – checklists for the various phases we go through in life. Whether we are just starting out on our own, getting married, having a family, empty nesters, headed to retirement, or shifting gears after a relationship change… practical guidance to stay ahead financially can be really helpful. Each bundle boils the main steps down to a checklist of 10 things to do (before and after the life event) and then also embellishes your options to plan and get your financial house in order with dozens of additional checklists. Who wouldn’t want to feel “Ta-da!” at every life stage?

Money in Motion

In the financial services industry, we often refer to these stages as “money in motion” times of life. Something happening financially is often the reason that people finally do something about improving their financial situation. Maybe they are changing or leaving jobs and now there is 401k paperwork to deal with. Maybe there are big expenses coming up (college, wedding, home purchase) to figure out how to fund. Maybe the family is growing or shrinking in size or relocating or upsizing or downsizing which are all financial changes that require some money in motion.

Crisis to Calm

But like most things in life, changes you can anticipate, prepare for, and have decided in advance what you will do if they happen are much less stressful than unexpected events. That’s why it helps to have a Before and After checklist. Turning potential crisis times into calm coordination is definitely a Ta-da! feeling everyone would welcome.

Your Sponge Days

It helps to remember that how you feel about money today, make financial decisions today, and spend or save today were imprinted in you during your childhood. You were a sponge absorbing whatever your environment was dishing out. You may have experienced role model behavior or trauma or everything in between. Your childhood may have made things harder or easier for you today from a financial personality standpoint. But acknowledging that childhood experience is the first step toward moving forward financially.

New Learning

Sometimes our financial To Do tasks are familiar and other times they require new learning. Learning something new may sound challenging, frustrating, or scary. Remember, new learning is like taking our brain to the gym so think of it like another adventure that is really good for you in several ways. Your mind is in charge of your brain so don’t let the brain get stuck in negative, fearful thinking. You are seeking the Ta-da! feeling but you can’t get there if you don’t expect it from the beginning.

Enjoy and Celebrate

No matter what life stage or To Do list you are working on, financially or otherwise, my last experience tip is to try to enjoy the journey and feel good about checking off the tasks even if you don’t complete all of them. In the process, you should feel more financial confidence and stability. And anything you complete is more than you had done before. So celebrate your Ta-da! since you are further ahead than before you started the list!

Let’s Chat:

What checklist is most calling your name right now? How have the life events you have experienced impacted your money habits today? Any “Ta-da!” steps that have been most impactful for you? Let’s have a discussion.

The next time you see a tree, let it remind you of the value of friendship and community.

When I turned 70, I found myself stunned and lost, wondering “Where did everyone go?” I had recently left full-time work, and around the same time, my grandson, whom I’d raised, launched into young adulthood. Life felt like a vacuum, and I did not know which way to turn.

I spent a lot of time walking in the forest. It turns out the trees had something to teach me. By understanding them, I realized I needed to tend my own forest of friendships more intentionally.

Scientists have discovered that trees communicate through underground networks, sharing nutrients with struggling neighbors and even recognizing their own offspring. A tree standing alone topples in the first serious storm. Trees standing together are more likely to stay strong through the storm.

At my wedding, I told our gathered family and friends that they were “our trees” that would help us stand strong through whatever came.

Here’s what the forest taught me about building and maintaining the connections that research tells us add not just years to our lives, but happiness during those years.

Spring: Planting Yourself in New Soil

When young trees need to establish themselves, they don’t wait for perfect conditions. They send roots down into whatever soil is available, testing, exploring, reaching out. We need to do the same.

I had never before thought about having to create connections and community. It had always just “happened.” I had friends through work, through raising children, and through the natural rhythms of a busy life. But those rhythms had changed, and I had to change with them. I had to start with where I was in life and grow from there.

The gift we have that trees don’t is agency. We can be rooted in more than one orchard. We can leave an orchard if it doesn’t serve us. We can join an orchard if it suits us. We can find the best context for us to be planted.

I used Meetup to find my Dragon Boat sisters; we paddle those long 20-person boats with dragon heads and drummers in competitions. I joined a hiking group. I looked at my acquaintances and asked myself honestly: Who do I truly enjoy? And then I nurtured those relationships intentionally.

This is your spring work: Ask yourself where you want to put down roots. Book clubs? Meditation circles? Volunteer organizations? Religious communities? The options are there if you look for them. Who else is active in areas that interest you? How can you connect with them?

Plant yourself somewhere new this season. Send down a root. See what grows.

Summer: Growing Deep Roots

Summer is when real growth happens. Roots push deeper, the canopy fills out, the tree becomes more substantial. This is the season of intimacy.

Sharing interests offers community, but not always the closeness of real intimacy. Both have value, but we all need one or more truly intimate relationships. This is where the tree metaphor becomes particularly instructive.

Trees share resources with their neighbors including nutrients, water, and warnings about threats. How do you share resources with friends? To me, this means being open to share what’s called to be shared at any point in time. We share information about good restaurants, hiking trails, and recipes. But at a deeper level, we share experiences, stories and perspectives that provide support and build connection.

My best friends and I listen to each other and we believe in each other. I pay attention to moments when I can amplify them and reinforce their gifts. One friend talked about feeling powerless given world conditions. I suggested that when she helps others meditate, that is a form of power. She nearly cried.

Trees also provide safety. Their interconnected root systems help each other stand through storms. I have friends I would not hesitate a moment to help if they called with a significant health, emotional, or safety challenge. If something happened to my health, home, or husband, I have friends who will be there for me. That is safety.

This summer work requires asking: What is the nature of your intimate relationships? How can you be more proactive in nurturing real intimacy, beyond just pleasant familiarity?

Deep roots take time, but summer is long.

Fall: Shedding What No Longer Serves

Fall is the season of letting go. Trees drop their leaves not as an act of loss, but as their cycle of life. They know what they can’t sustain through winter.

We need this wisdom too. Not every orchard serves us forever. Not every connection deserves the same energy. As we age, our time and energy become more precious. There is great value in focusing on the relationships that enliven you, and less so with others.

This doesn’t mean suddenly cutting people out of your life. It means recognizing when certain relationships have run their natural course, when groups no longer align with who you’re becoming, or when an orchard has become toxic rather than nourishing.

Trees send their resources to where they’re needed most. We can do the same. We can let some connections fade gracefully while we invest more deeply in others. We can leave communities that drain us and seek ones that energize us.

Ask yourself: Are there relationships or communities that feel obligatory rather than life-giving? What would happen if you released them? What energy would that free up for connections that truly matter?

Winter: Providing Shelter and Staying Rooted

Winter is when trees prove their worth. When storms come, snow weighs down branches, and everything seems dormant is when the strength of the root system matters most.

This is the season of showing up. Of being the tree that doesn’t topple, so others can lean against you. And others are there for you, should you need them. When my neighbor was diagnosed with lymphoma, I reached out to see how I could help with meals and family. I wore my “red socks” on the day of her biopsy to stand with her in spirit. We are closer now and that feels good.

In winter, trees stand together. Their underground network doesn’t stop working just because the surface looks dead. In fact, that’s when the sharing of resources matters most.

I often discover that I’m not alone in my experiences where I feel challenged, and that gives me peace. We all need to know we’re not the only tree experiencing winter. We all need the reminder that spring will come again.

Winter is also the season for reflection. What do you give and receive from your friendships? Do you have people in your life that you can lean on and they on you? Is it time to prepare for a new spring planting?

The Cycle Continues

The wonderful thing about seasons is that they repeat. You’ll have multiple springs, summers, falls, and winters in your friendship forest.

The research is clear and consistent that feeling connected and enjoying good relationships adds wellness, happiness, and years to life. Robert Waldinger’s work in “The Good Life” is just one example among many studies that support this finding.

Unlike trees, we have choice. We can tend our forests intentionally with awareness and purpose.

Let’s Reflect Together:

What season are you in right now with your connections? If you’re feeling lonely, what’s one first step you might take? With whom? Then, do it now. Don’t wait for perfect spring weather. Plant a seed today. Your forest is waiting for you. Like trees, we need each other.