Author: HairWeavings Editorial Team

The CVS Epic Beauty Event Is Back & Includes Even More Wellness Products on Sale

There’s nothing more annoying than going to one store thinking you’ll get everything you need, only to have to hit two other places because the first didn’t have it all. Luckily, the CVS Epic Beauty Event features self-care, wellness, skin care, hair care and cosmetics. From August 29 through September 25, you can score ExtraBucks Rewards, as well as Hot Offers each week on cosmetics (the offers change weekly). Shop everything you need for practically any situation, from a house party with the girls (including new makeup) to a post-spin class refresh.

Not only are there four long weeks of sales with rotating options, but you can score even more ExtraBucks the more you buy. Spend $40 on select beauty and wellness products and get $15 in CVS ExtraBucks Rewards. Spend $30 on select beauty and wellness products and get $10 ExtraBucks Rewards. So, whether it’s nail polish for a DIY manicure or new vitamins, the CVS Epic Beauty Event has got you covered both in-store and online.

There are hundreds of items on sale each week but we got you started with some of our faves, below.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. CVS is a STYLECASTER sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

Week 1: August 29-September 4

shea moisture curl

CVS.

SheaMoisture Coco Shea Curl Glam Sulfate Free Conditioner for Frizz-Prone Hair

This sulfate- and silicone-free conditioner can be used as a cleansing conditioner and/or dry hair treatment for curls so it’s basically a two-in-one.

Flamingo Razor

Flamingo Women’s 5-blade Razor with Replacement Blade Cartridge

Ashley Graham’s favorite razor features a flexible hinge that glides over knees and curves, helping you get the closest shave ever without nicks. Choose from either the Taro or Rose color options to match your bathroom aesthetic. And don’t forget the shave gel!

cvs body wash

CVS.

Beauty 360 Sensitive Skin Body Wash

This hypoallergenic body wash is unscented and soap-free — perfect for those with sensitive skin. And even though it’s gentle, it still makes a creamy lather that gives you a deep cleanse.

L'Oreal Paris Bambi Instant Volume Oversized Eye Washable Mascara

CVS.

L’Oreal Paris Bambi Instant Volume Oversized Eye Washable Mascara

For bold, look-at-me-lashes, this lifting and curling mascara is exactly what you’re looking for. The mix of long and short bristles separates each lash for tons of length and definition.

Neutrogena Stubborn Marks PM Treatment with Retinol SA

CVS.

Neutrogena Stubborn Marks PM Treatment with Retinol SA

Post-acne marks are no match for this nighttime treatment infused with Retinol SA, a stabilized form of vitamin A.

Olly Glowing Skin, 50CT

CVS.

Olly Glowing Skin, 50CT

Support hydrated, youthful-looking skin with these hyaluronic acid, collagen and sea buckthorn gummies.

Week 2: September 5-11

Olay Cleansing & Nourishing Body Wash with Vitamin B3 and Hyaluronic Acid

CVS.

Olay Cleansing & Nourishing Body Wash with Vitamin B3 and Hyaluronic Acid

Why can’t skincare ingredients be in your body products, too? They can with this ultra-nourishing body wash infused with hyaluronic acid to really lock in moisture.

Miss Jessie's Jelly Soft Curls

CVS.

Miss Jessie’s Jelly Soft Curls

Get ultra-soft, touchable curls with this leave-in styling gel. And there’s no petroleum or sulfates — you know Miss Jessie’s cares about the health of your hair, too.

covergirl lash blast wterproof

CoverGirl.

CoverGirl Lash Blast Clean Waterproof Mascara

CoverGirl just launched a waterproof version of its best-selling clean mascara. Hint: we love it.

Nature's Bounty Advanced Hair, Skin & Nails Jelly Beans with Biotin, 80 CT

CVS.

Nature’s Bounty Advanced Hair, Skin & Nails Jelly Beans with Biotin, 80 CT

These yummy jelly beans contain 6,000 mcg of biotin to support hair, skin and nails, as well as keratin and vitamins A, C and E.

 

Week 3: September 12-18

maybelline fit me

CVS.

Maybelline Fit Me Tinted Moisturizer Natural Coverage Face Makeup

The brand’s Fit Me foundation line is a best-seller so it only makes sense a hydrating tinted moisturizer would be up next. This one lets your skin breathe while still covering any imperfections.

GSQ by GLAMSQUAD Gold Half Moon Claw Clip

CVS.

 

GSQ by GLAMSQUAD Gold Half Moon Claw Clip

Claw clips are back and more fashionable than ever. This one bumps up any casual outfit with ease.

essie color

CVS.

Essie Nail Polish

Perfect-for-summer shades including Ice Cream and Shout (above) and Air Spun Fun (a pale pink) are on sale at just the right time.

L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 2.5% Hyaluronic Acid + Caffeine Eye Serum

CVS.

L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 2.5% Hyaluronic Acid + Caffeine Eye Serum

This hydrating eye serum contains pure hyaluronic acid and pure caffeine to plump, brighten and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Gaiam hip bands

CVS.

Gaiam Restore Hip Bands

This set of two fabric bands can help you increase your mobility in your legs, hips, glutes and thighs, as well as build muscle. There are two levels of resistance as well as an exercise guide.

Week 4: September 19-25

Sun Bum 3-in-1 Leave In

CVS.

Sun Bum 3-in-1 Leave In

Detangle, condition and protect hair with this 3-in-1 leave-in conditioner. It contains a blend of coconut oil, banana and sunflower seed oil to help control frizz and prevent split ends.

revlon eye so fierce

CVS.

Revlon So Fierce! Chrome Ink Liquid Eyeliner

Your nighttime glam is pretty much set with this chromatic liquid eyeliner. Available in three shades, the formula easily glides on and provides full color payoff in just one swipe.

roc retinol

CVS.

RoC Retinol Correxion Capsules Anti-Aging Night Retinol Face Serum

Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with RoC’s retinol-infused serum. Each capsule is sealed for optimal retinol freshness.

Hydrant water supplement.

CVS.

Hydrant HYDRATE Blood Orange, 12 CT

Boost your hydration with a blend of essential electrolytes and real fruit juice powder.

STYLECASTER | Ashley Benson Interview

Read More

The CVS Epic Beauty Event Is Back & Includes Even More Wellness Products on Sale

There’s nothing more annoying than going to one store thinking you’ll get everything you need, only to have to hit two other places because the first didn’t have it all. Luckily, the CVS Epic Beauty Event features self-care, wellness, skin care, hair care and cosmetics. From August 29 through September 25, you can score ExtraBucks Rewards, as well as Hot Offers each week on cosmetics (the offers change weekly). Shop everything you need for practically any situation, from a house party with the girls (including new makeup) to a post-spin class refresh.

Not only are there four long weeks of sales with rotating options, but you can score even more ExtraBucks the more you buy. Spend $40 on select beauty and wellness products and get $15 in CVS ExtraBucks Rewards. Spend $30 on select beauty and wellness products and get $10 ExtraBucks Rewards. So, whether it’s nail polish for a DIY manicure or new vitamins, the CVS Epic Beauty Event has got you covered both in-store and online.

There are hundreds of items on sale each week but we got you started with some of our faves, below.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. CVS is a STYLECASTER sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

Week 1: August 29-September 4

shea moisture curl

CVS.

SheaMoisture Coco Shea Curl Glam Sulfate Free Conditioner for Frizz-Prone Hair

This sulfate- and silicone-free conditioner can be used as a cleansing conditioner and/or dry hair treatment for curls so it’s basically a two-in-one.

Flamingo Razor

Flamingo Women’s 5-blade Razor with Replacement Blade Cartridge

Ashley Graham’s favorite razor features a flexible hinge that glides over knees and curves, helping you get the closest shave ever without nicks. Choose from either the Taro or Rose color options to match your bathroom aesthetic. And don’t forget the shave gel!

cvs body wash

CVS.

Beauty 360 Sensitive Skin Body Wash

This hypoallergenic body wash is unscented and soap-free — perfect for those with sensitive skin. And even though it’s gentle, it still makes a creamy lather that gives you a deep cleanse.

L'Oreal Paris Bambi Instant Volume Oversized Eye Washable Mascara

CVS.

L’Oreal Paris Bambi Instant Volume Oversized Eye Washable Mascara

For bold, look-at-me-lashes, this lifting and curling mascara is exactly what you’re looking for. The mix of long and short bristles separates each lash for tons of length and definition.

Neutrogena Stubborn Marks PM Treatment with Retinol SA

CVS.

Neutrogena Stubborn Marks PM Treatment with Retinol SA

Post-acne marks are no match for this nighttime treatment infused with Retinol SA, a stabilized form of vitamin A.

Olly Glowing Skin, 50CT

CVS.

Olly Glowing Skin, 50CT

Support hydrated, youthful-looking skin with these hyaluronic acid, collagen and sea buckthorn gummies.

Week 2: September 5-11

Olay Cleansing & Nourishing Body Wash with Vitamin B3 and Hyaluronic Acid

CVS.

Olay Cleansing & Nourishing Body Wash with Vitamin B3 and Hyaluronic Acid

Why can’t skincare ingredients be in your body products, too? They can with this ultra-nourishing body wash infused with hyaluronic acid to really lock in moisture.

Miss Jessie's Jelly Soft Curls

CVS.

Miss Jessie’s Jelly Soft Curls

Get ultra-soft, touchable curls with this leave-in styling gel. And there’s no petroleum or sulfates — you know Miss Jessie’s cares about the health of your hair, too.

covergirl lash blast wterproof

CoverGirl.

CoverGirl Lash Blast Clean Waterproof Mascara

CoverGirl just launched a waterproof version of its best-selling clean mascara. Hint: we love it.

Nature's Bounty Advanced Hair, Skin & Nails Jelly Beans with Biotin, 80 CT

CVS.

Nature’s Bounty Advanced Hair, Skin & Nails Jelly Beans with Biotin, 80 CT

These yummy jelly beans contain 6,000 mcg of biotin to support hair, skin and nails, as well as keratin and vitamins A, C and E.

 

Week 3: September 12-18

maybelline fit me

CVS.

Maybelline Fit Me Tinted Moisturizer Natural Coverage Face Makeup

The brand’s Fit Me foundation line is a best-seller so it only makes sense a hydrating tinted moisturizer would be up next. This one lets your skin breathe while still covering any imperfections.

GSQ by GLAMSQUAD Gold Half Moon Claw Clip

CVS.

 

GSQ by GLAMSQUAD Gold Half Moon Claw Clip

Claw clips are back and more fashionable than ever. This one bumps up any casual outfit with ease.

essie color

CVS.

Essie Nail Polish

Perfect-for-summer shades including Ice Cream and Shout (above) and Air Spun Fun (a pale pink) are on sale at just the right time.

L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 2.5% Hyaluronic Acid + Caffeine Eye Serum

CVS.

L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 2.5% Hyaluronic Acid + Caffeine Eye Serum

This hydrating eye serum contains pure hyaluronic acid and pure caffeine to plump, brighten and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Gaiam hip bands

CVS.

Gaiam Restore Hip Bands

This set of two fabric bands can help you increase your mobility in your legs, hips, glutes and thighs, as well as build muscle. There are two levels of resistance as well as an exercise guide.

Week 4: September 19-25

Sun Bum 3-in-1 Leave In

CVS.

Sun Bum 3-in-1 Leave In

Detangle, condition and protect hair with this 3-in-1 leave-in conditioner. It contains a blend of coconut oil, banana and sunflower seed oil to help control frizz and prevent split ends.

revlon eye so fierce

CVS.

Revlon So Fierce! Chrome Ink Liquid Eyeliner

Your nighttime glam is pretty much set with this chromatic liquid eyeliner. Available in three shades, the formula easily glides on and provides full color payoff in just one swipe.

roc retinol

CVS.

RoC Retinol Correxion Capsules Anti-Aging Night Retinol Face Serum

Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with RoC’s retinol-infused serum. Each capsule is sealed for optimal retinol freshness.

Hydrant water supplement.

CVS.

Hydrant HYDRATE Blood Orange, 12 CT

Boost your hydration with a blend of essential electrolytes and real fruit juice powder.

STYLECASTER | Ashley Benson Interview

Read More

The CVS Epic Beauty Event Is Back & Includes Even More Wellness Products on Sale

There’s nothing more annoying than going to one store thinking you’ll get everything you need, only to have to hit two other places because the first didn’t have it all. Luckily, the CVS Epic Beauty Event features self-care, wellness, skin care, hair care and cosmetics. From August 29 through September 25, you can score ExtraBucks Rewards, as well as Hot Offers each week on cosmetics (the offers change weekly). Shop everything you need for practically any situation, from a house party with the girls (including new makeup) to a post-spin class refresh.

Not only are there four long weeks of sales with rotating options, but you can score even more ExtraBucks the more you buy. Spend $40 on select beauty and wellness products and get $15 in CVS ExtraBucks Rewards. Spend $30 on select beauty and wellness products and get $10 ExtraBucks Rewards. So, whether it’s nail polish for a DIY manicure or new vitamins, the CVS Epic Beauty Event has got you covered both in-store and online.

There are hundreds of items on sale each week but we got you started with some of our faves, below.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. CVS is a STYLECASTER sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

Week 1: August 29-September 4

shea moisture curl

CVS.

SheaMoisture Coco Shea Curl Glam Sulfate Free Conditioner for Frizz-Prone Hair

This sulfate- and silicone-free conditioner can be used as a cleansing conditioner and/or dry hair treatment for curls so it’s basically a two-in-one.

Flamingo Razor

Flamingo Women’s 5-blade Razor with Replacement Blade Cartridge

Ashley Graham’s favorite razor features a flexible hinge that glides over knees and curves, helping you get the closest shave ever without nicks. Choose from either the Taro or Rose color options to match your bathroom aesthetic. And don’t forget the shave gel!

cvs body wash

CVS.

Beauty 360 Sensitive Skin Body Wash

This hypoallergenic body wash is unscented and soap-free — perfect for those with sensitive skin. And even though it’s gentle, it still makes a creamy lather that gives you a deep cleanse.

L'Oreal Paris Bambi Instant Volume Oversized Eye Washable Mascara

CVS.

L’Oreal Paris Bambi Instant Volume Oversized Eye Washable Mascara

For bold, look-at-me-lashes, this lifting and curling mascara is exactly what you’re looking for. The mix of long and short bristles separates each lash for tons of length and definition.

Neutrogena Stubborn Marks PM Treatment with Retinol SA

CVS.

Neutrogena Stubborn Marks PM Treatment with Retinol SA

Post-acne marks are no match for this nighttime treatment infused with Retinol SA, a stabilized form of vitamin A.

Olly Glowing Skin, 50CT

CVS.

Olly Glowing Skin, 50CT

Support hydrated, youthful-looking skin with these hyaluronic acid, collagen and sea buckthorn gummies.

Week 2: September 5-11

Olay Cleansing & Nourishing Body Wash with Vitamin B3 and Hyaluronic Acid

CVS.

Olay Cleansing & Nourishing Body Wash with Vitamin B3 and Hyaluronic Acid

Why can’t skincare ingredients be in your body products, too? They can with this ultra-nourishing body wash infused with hyaluronic acid to really lock in moisture.

Miss Jessie's Jelly Soft Curls

CVS.

Miss Jessie’s Jelly Soft Curls

Get ultra-soft, touchable curls with this leave-in styling gel. And there’s no petroleum or sulfates — you know Miss Jessie’s cares about the health of your hair, too.

covergirl lash blast wterproof

CoverGirl.

CoverGirl Lash Blast Clean Waterproof Mascara

CoverGirl just launched a waterproof version of its best-selling clean mascara. Hint: we love it.

Nature's Bounty Advanced Hair, Skin & Nails Jelly Beans with Biotin, 80 CT

CVS.

Nature’s Bounty Advanced Hair, Skin & Nails Jelly Beans with Biotin, 80 CT

These yummy jelly beans contain 6,000 mcg of biotin to support hair, skin and nails, as well as keratin and vitamins A, C and E.

 

Week 3: September 12-18

maybelline fit me

CVS.

Maybelline Fit Me Tinted Moisturizer Natural Coverage Face Makeup

The brand’s Fit Me foundation line is a best-seller so it only makes sense a hydrating tinted moisturizer would be up next. This one lets your skin breathe while still covering any imperfections.

GSQ by GLAMSQUAD Gold Half Moon Claw Clip

CVS.

 

GSQ by GLAMSQUAD Gold Half Moon Claw Clip

Claw clips are back and more fashionable than ever. This one bumps up any casual outfit with ease.

essie color

CVS.

Essie Nail Polish

Perfect-for-summer shades including Ice Cream and Shout (above) and Air Spun Fun (a pale pink) are on sale at just the right time.

L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 2.5% Hyaluronic Acid + Caffeine Eye Serum

CVS.

L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 2.5% Hyaluronic Acid + Caffeine Eye Serum

This hydrating eye serum contains pure hyaluronic acid and pure caffeine to plump, brighten and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Gaiam hip bands

CVS.

Gaiam Restore Hip Bands

This set of two fabric bands can help you increase your mobility in your legs, hips, glutes and thighs, as well as build muscle. There are two levels of resistance as well as an exercise guide.

Week 4: September 19-25

Sun Bum 3-in-1 Leave In

CVS.

Sun Bum 3-in-1 Leave In

Detangle, condition and protect hair with this 3-in-1 leave-in conditioner. It contains a blend of coconut oil, banana and sunflower seed oil to help control frizz and prevent split ends.

revlon eye so fierce

CVS.

Revlon So Fierce! Chrome Ink Liquid Eyeliner

Your nighttime glam is pretty much set with this chromatic liquid eyeliner. Available in three shades, the formula easily glides on and provides full color payoff in just one swipe.

roc retinol

CVS.

RoC Retinol Correxion Capsules Anti-Aging Night Retinol Face Serum

Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with RoC’s retinol-infused serum. Each capsule is sealed for optimal retinol freshness.

Hydrant water supplement.

CVS.

Hydrant HYDRATE Blood Orange, 12 CT

Boost your hydration with a blend of essential electrolytes and real fruit juice powder.

STYLECASTER | Ashley Benson Interview

Read More

4 Reasons Why More Women Over 50 Are Getting Divorced

Women-Over-50-Are-Getting-Divorced

Did you know that more than 50% of marriages fail when couples reach their 50s and 60s? That is a staggering number and is on the rise!

Why are we seeing more divorce now? First of all, we are living longer. Women are asking themselves if their marriage in its current state is worth spending their next 25–30 years with their spouse.

When a woman has just enough emotional space to do a life review, she begins to ask serious questions about what is important to her. Life events can trigger questions of staying or leaving. Perhaps the children have left home or there’s been an affair.

Lack of Emotional Connection

A critical reason for women wanting out of their marriage is they’re no longer feeling an emotional connection to their spouse. They may have developed routine patterns of relating and behaving. They get up to go to work, come home and do it all again.

On weekends, they have been active in their children’s lives or they have separate interests. Instead of spouses now turning toward each other, they turn away. This is a real crisis point for a marriage.

Poor Communication

Communication is the key to feeling connected. Through their years of extensive research, marriage experts John and Julie Gottman have discovered that success in a marriage is not found in what interests you share but in how you communicate with each other.

For example, if one of you plays golf and the other is new to the game, criticism always turns the newbie away. It creates a wedge between couples.

Feelings Expressed from a Distance

Over time, unhealthy patterns of relating close down people’s hearts. Most conversations are reports and little feeling is communicated. Couples go silent, fight fiercely or knit-pick each other. When you lock into patterns of automatic conversation, you are doing the “dance of distance.”

The important point is how feelings are expressed. Sometimes, you are too afraid to speak your true feelings for fear of rejection or judgment.

Do you ever really feel listened to? How well do you listen to your partner? Are you already thinking of what you will say in response before your spouse has finished? Do you just totally block him out?

It can be really frightening to be vulnerable, authentic and come from your heart. Relationships require you to take risks for closeness. To be successful in this regard, it requires that you go inward to reflect what you really feel.

The Relationship Not Meeting Your Needs

The bottom line in any relationship is that you must meet your needs. Only you are responsible for your happiness in life.

You have to be accountable to yourself. You must define who you are whether you decide to stay or leave. This is a life transition which involves risk, including how you are going to show up.

Here are some questions for your reflection regarding your space in the marriage:

  • Where do you hide in your relationship?
  • What are your fears?
  • What risks do you feel about speaking openly?
  • What does your inner knower tell you?
  • What would you like to see differently in your relationship?
  • What is your commitment to action?

The bottom line is, never compromise the spirit of who you are. Your life is your journey and one you must honor.

Have you experienced this divorce journey and what have you learned? If you could go back, what would you do differently? Please share your thoughts and observations below.

Read More

8 Ways to Get Organized for Life and Death

Get-Organized-for-Life-and-Death

Recently, a client was telling me she’d had some bad health news. Thankfully, on further tests and following check-ups the news wasn’t so bad, but it began a conversation on what she had learned.

We discussed the possible situation of having to undergo further treatment. We talked about what she should do to ensure that she was comfortable, not just with her legal affairs, but also that her wishes would be honoured if she was unable to advocate for herself.

That’s an interesting place to be – at an age when disease and death feels closer, and yet we feel as if we have decades to live.

Death is the ultimate leveller. It comes to us all. We will all die someday, but how we die is up to us. I want to be like that cartoon lady with the martini glass skidding into the abyss, having lived my life the way I want!

Keep Moving

Scientists have said that most of our well known 20th century diseases are man-made. So, heart disease, diabetes, some cancers and most of the chronic respiratory diseases we see today can be prevented through diet and exercise.

Moreover, the exercise does not have to be strenuous! 30 minutes of walking five or six times a week is sufficient for a healthy life.

We should also take responsibility for our mental health. Our perspective on aging, as well as how we value and enjoy our elder years, may be one of the healthiest ways we can age well.

Eat Healthy and Avoid Stress

Scientists also suggest we look at what we put into our mouths. Junk food is death food! We understand the dangers of smoking and excessive alcohol. There are also great benefits to skin health when you eliminate or reduce both habits.

But how do we avoid stress? I would argue that some of the stress we suffer comes from our own mindset – we imagine the worst thing that could happen, rather than how we will manage the issue that is causing us to worry.

Sometimes we need help in learning how to ease or manage stress. Whether it is meditation classes, yoga or therapy, we need to pick what suits each of us.

Be Curious, Be Your Own Health Detective

If you have high blood pressure, rather than just taking pills, look at how you might reduce it naturally. This can be done through stress reduction and increasing your fruit and vegetable intake. The latter is the solution I use which has eliminated my need for medication.

Look at your chemical exposure as well – do you dry-clean your clothes? Perhaps try handwashing instead, or at least, when they come home, hang them outside for a few hours.

Use the speaker on your mobile or a hands-free set, rather than holding it to your head. Check your drinking water and install a filter if it tests positive for carcinogens or hormone disrupters.

Dr. Micheal Greger, author of How Not to Die, believes that all – or the majority – of modern day diseases can be prevented through adopting a plant-based diet. I’ve taken his advice to heart, switching to what is probably a 95% plant-based diet.

All these changes will not prevent me from dying, we can’t escape the inevitable. However, I’m determined to be the healthiest dead person I can be!

And, I want to ensure that when I do go, my affairs are in order. This way, my kids – hopefully while they mourn my loss – will know that I have done everything to make things easier for them: from who gets what, to how I want my life to be celebrated.

In my previous life in the non-profit world, I got to see how not being organized at death can impact those we leave behind.

One of the things I have done to prevent such a situation is have all my papers neatly organized in one place. The box also contains my birth certificate, passport if I am home, Social Insurance (Identity Card) and other important documents I need while living. My kids know where they are, and that should make things a little easier on them when I’m gone.

Write a Will

I’m updating my will and am considering who should be my executor now that my kids have grown.

Should it be a good friend, my lawyer or a financial institution – be sure to research and understand the pros and cons of each, including the financial costs associated with having a professional oversee the distribution of your estate.

Consider a Living Will

An advance healthcare directive outlines what I want to happen to me if I become ill and am unable to communicate my health wishes.

It specifically addresses medical possibilities, such as whether I want artificial respiration, nutrition or water withheld. It can also state whether I wish to spend my last days at home or in a care facility.

Write a Power of Attorney

There are two types of Power of Attorney (POA), one for healthcare and one for finances. A POA for healthcare allows someone else to make my healthcare decisions, but they must be seen to be acting in my best interest.

A POA for finances gives an individual the power to conduct financial transactions on my behalf – I can also state how much leeway they have in their ability to conduct these transactions.

Note Any Special Requests

If you have any special requests, they can be documented separately, or you can include them in your will. These usually have to do with burial wishes.

How would you like your remains to be disposed of? For instance, I wish to be cremated, and a plaque put up in the local cemetery. Perhaps you wish to be buried – have you purchased a plot? Your heirs must know where it is and must have the receipt of your purchase.

What if you want to be cremated? Where would you like your ashes sprinkled?

A local funeral home now offers bio-bags that are then put into beautifully illustrated paper boxes. These boxes can be buried or put into the ocean where both the bags and boxes break down and feed the earth. Part of the changes I’m making to my will are to have one of these when I go!

Write Letters

In addition to any kind of insurance policy, have you written letters to those remaining? Over the years, I have written letters to my children. I store them in my legal box.

How do you want to leave your affairs? If you don’t have a will, what will happen to your assets?

In my province, if I leave no will, the government is responsible for the disposition of my assets and how they will be dispersed. Many countries have a death tax, so think about how this might affect the gifts you leave your heirs.

Most of us don’t want to think about death, but sometimes it’s important to speak and think about those things that make us uncomfortable. When we do, we can ensure that our wishes are respected and followed.

Do you feel that you are more aware of your mortality now than you were in other stages of your life? Does this realization make you want to make positive changes in your life while you still can? Why or why not? Please share your journey to organizing your affairs in preparation for the end of life.

Read More