Have you ever had the urge to enter the wilderness with a backpack, but dismissed it as an impossibly silly dream, because you felt too old and out of shape? I am here to tell you that you can do it! You don’t need to be young, thin, athletic or tough. Here is my story.

One day, as an already aging woman, I woke up and felt the desire to immerse myself in the woods. To walk as far as I wanted, then to go to sleep and wake up and walk again. Vaguely, I knew this vision had a name and it was called backpacking.

Backpacking Is for Anyone

I am a 66-year-old Jewish psychologist, five feet tall and overweight. I was raised in the city, I hated gym class, and our family vacations involved staying in nice hotels. I always loved the outdoors, had a small garden and took walks in the neighborhood. But this powerful urge was like a call of the wild.

I wanted to be in secret, hidden spots, 5 or 10 or 20 miles from a road; places not available to mere mortal hikers or car-campers.

But wasn’t backpacking for lean young men who carried massively heavy packs into the mountains? I just wanted to walk and sleep among the gentle woods and lakes of Michigan, carrying tea fixings and a good book.

What’s Needed for a Wilderness Experience

So, like everything else in my life – from pregnancy to being a therapist – I researched. I learned that it was possible to have a wilderness experience if you could carry 25 pounds on your back.

Thanks to modern technology you don’t have to carry a metal fold-out stove, army mess kit or heavy sleeping bag – there are lighter options.

As an out-of-shape older woman, my starting point was clear – could my senior body, with its occasional aching knees, back and neck, carry 25 pounds?

Nervously, feeling like an imposter, I drove to REI and bought a backpack – a special, symbolic, exciting event for me. Then came the moment of truth. I loaded it with 10 pounds of books and tried walking a mile.

I thought I was going to collapse. My shoulders and feet were killing me. Determined, I decided to be scientific about it and hoped in time I could build muscle. I scaled back to eight pounds for half a mile. Then I made a chart, and slowly, over three months, I built up to five miles carrying 25 pounds!

Camping Is the Ultimate in Self-Sufficiency

I thought endlessly about how I would furnish my backpack. To me, it’s like a doll house – all mine and the ultimate in self-sufficiency. I found the cutest, tiny stove, with miniature pots.

Then I added:

• A lightweight sleeping bag that felt like a cloud.
• Extra clothes that served as a pillow.
• A one-pound cushy sleeping pad that magically inflated itself.
• A gossamer silken orange hammock.
• And the best, my four-pound one-person tent, a sanctuary for only me and my backpack.

On a hot August day, I left home and my doubting teenagers, and set off alone for my first backpack trip.

I hiked eight miles that day and stopped every mile or two. I brewed tea on the trail and read my new paperback. I even took off my boots and dangled my feet in a stream. I managed to doze off for a little bit, enchanted by the magical forest sounds.

I didn’t really care where I ended up, but I did get to a beautiful pristine lake with no one around. I set up my tent and made it all cozy inside, then cooked beans and rice for dinner.

Hiking Like a Hobbit

Years later, this is still the way I backpack. I hike slowly, luxuriously, like a hobbit not a soldier. If I come upon a beautiful creek five minutes from my starting point, I take off my shoes and wade and dream.

I nosh on yummy things I don’t allow myself at home, like my homemade trail mix of granola, cashews, and m-and-m’s. I always take popcorn. Sometimes in the summer I leave the cooking supplies at home and eat rice cakes with peanut butter and jelly, paring my pack weight down to a blissful 20 pounds!

In 16 years of solo backpacking, I have never had an injury or a scare.

Really, why do I do it? So that I can do whatever I want: Read a book cover to cover, uninterrupted. Write to my heart’s content. Spend the day in the hammock. Do nothing. Lie staring at the sky for hours, until the stars come out.

Fall asleep under the stars if I feel like it, outside of my tent, snuggled in my sleeping bag. Become a part of the woods, so the birds and squirrels circle fearlessly around me. Let go of time, and worries, and other people’s needs. Just me and the forest.

Do you love to hike or go camping? What does backpacking mean to you? What is your usual hiking preparation? How often do you go backpacking solo? Please share any tips that our more hesitant sisters would find useful.

I don’t know about you but I find most days, it’s pretty challenging to get ready. My life has changed so drastically in the past year and without seeing friends and family, I don’t have a ton of motivation to put makeup on. And if I do, it’s just a little mascara because of wearing masks. Sometimes it feels like, what’s the point? But there is a point. I love makeup and creating looks with new products from buzzy, up-and-coming brands. That’s why this weekend, I decided to do a review of Halsey’s About-Face makeup line. And spoiler alert: it’s good.

Sure, putting contacts in and doing my hair was a bit of a struggle but once I got started, it was really nice to feel like myself again. The only problem was choosing which products to try first. Halsey’s About-Face brand is huge. There are matte lipsticks, lip pencils, eyeshadow sticks, liquid and powder highlighter, eye paints, lip gloss and so much more. And that’s just in the first drop! She is not messing around.

I was quickly drawn to the bold colors of the Shadowsticks, especially the Creature shade (a matte Robin’s egg blue).

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. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

I decided to create a look around this bright blue eyeliner. I grabbed the Oxide shade (a matte white) to anchor the blue and get a little creative, as well as the Matte Fix Lip Pencil in Pink in the Morning, Paint-It Matte Lip Color in Ask Nicely (a matte pale pink) and Light Lock Lip Gloss in Such Great Heights.

I don’t know if because I’ve been watching Euphoria but as I started on the eyeliner, I found myself making little clouds on the sides of my eyes. These shadow sticks are very pigmented and smooth so it’s easy to draw-on any design. They were made to be played with so when you try them, have some fun with colors and designs. I also wanted to play with textures so I added a bit of gloss to the pink matte lip.

Source: Instagram

Even though all I did was make a video and take some selfies, I had a better night than if I would have just been watching Netflix. Sure, I’ll have many of those nights, too, but it’s good to switch it up a bit. I’m pleasantly surprised at how great Halsey’s products are, from the fun shades to the comfortable textures and stay-put formulas. They feel professional but not boring. It’s the perfect mix.

And it seems she has no plans on slowing down anytime soon. The brand just launched its Anti-Valentine’s Day collection with new lip liner shades and even an ultra-black lipstick. Anti-Vday Paint-It Matte Lip Color in Night Sight ($22 at About-Face) is that inky shade you’ve been looking for for Galentine’s Day and any other time you want to add some edge to your look.

Is there anything better than getting your hair cut and/or colored, leaving the salon and feeling like a supermodel? No, we don’t think there is. But because of the current climate, seeing your hairstylist might not be as easy and getting your split ends cut off or your roots done might just be a quick in-and-out appointment without all the fun. That’s one reason why we’re so obsessed with actors and influencers who switch up their look on a dime. We’re jealous, sure, but it’s also aspirational AF. So, we’re rounding up the best celebrity hair makeovers of 2021 as they come so you can drool with us.

Though, it’s not just about drooling over these looks. Saving this page and referring back to it at the hair salon can help you decide if curtain bangs or a bob is right for you. Hairstylists actually love when you show them photos because they can get a real feel of the vibe you’re looking for and can adjust the look into something that suits your wants and needs. This goes for color, too. Did you ask for balayage when you really meant a shadow root? It’s easier to just give examples of what you want.

Some of these celebrity looks aren’t permanent. Stars love to play around with wigs, extensions and faux bangs. But there’s nothing wrong with that. Real or faux, we’re taking inspo from our favorites to figure out our next look for 2021 and beyond.

Source: Instagram

Katy Perry

Why not start with one of the biggest hair chameleons? Though she’s been ultra-blonde for a while, we can’t help but miss a brunette Katy Perry. It’s classically chic and fits her personality. So, when we saw these photos of backstage at Jimmy Kimmel Live, we were so excited to see the long brown hair. But it seems it’s a wig and she’s already back to blonde.

Over the years, I have discovered there are certain pieces of common sense that apply to our weight and overall health.

Whether we want to lose or gain weight, we cannot ignore these facts. That is, unless we want to bury our heads in the sand, or we have discovered the secret to Eternal Youth and still have the body we had when we were 18!

The Two Major Weight Experiences

As we advance in years, we experience two major events that have to do with body weight. One is loss of hormones which leads to thickening around the waist, growth of beard and/or mustache, changes in the hair, etc.

The other one is slowing metabolism, which includes all of the above and adds larger feet, tiredness, a bigger bust, dry skin, and more. In other words, there are some things we cannot change because they will happen anyway, and it becomes a question of degree.

Christmas and General Celebrations

You may not be thinking about Christmas right now – and in fact we hope you aren’t – but you know what will happen when it arrives. The same thing that happens when you have a birthday or an anniversary or a celebration of any kind. The table is loaded with food!

If you go to the gym regularly, it usually gets abandoned, and, for whatever reason, you’re eating habits may change on the special day and continue that way afterward.

Here are eight small things to remember that will help you combat food overload.

You Are Unique

If you go to a gym (or have signed up to an online do-it-at-home program) and the 21-year-old girl with the 21-year-old body instructs you to do something, it doesn’t mean the exercise is right for you. Understand your limitations which are there for a reason.

You may not have exercised for a while, so take it easy when you start. You may have arthritis which is worse some days than others. You’re a big girl now and can decide what is right for you and what isn’t. The 21-year-old may sulk, but that’s not your problem.

Weight Loss Is Not Always a Good Thing

If you’re sacrificing your health to shed weight, the loss can be dangerous. Remember, a drop on the scales doesn’t necessarily equal fat loss. Your weight is a terrible way to measure your size.

Throw the bathroom scales out of the window. The only thing they’re measuring correctly is how bad you feel. Use photos and measurements to track your progress and keep an eye on your stats. You will see real results and feel terrific about yourself!

Health Is a Lifestyle

If you choose to undertake a body transformation program, don’t forget that what gets you started may not be the one that will keep you going.

You cannot limit a healthy lifestyle to a 30-day d.i.e.t. Instead, consider easing into a healthy lifestyle with sensible eating and perhaps yoga to keep you supple, stretched, and energised!

Sleep

Why do we forget the importance of sleep? Easily as important as the food you eat and the exercise you do, a good night’s sleep can improve your health mentally, physically, and emotionally.

If you don’t sleep well, there are many tips that can help you get a good night’s sleep. Try magnesium or valerian, natural and designed to help you get a healthy eight hours of slumber.

Stop Cutting Calories

Cutting calories will only slow your metabolism, lower your energy levels, and increase your appetite! Cutting back on food volume is the sensible way to go. If necessary, use smaller plates. It will make a huge difference.

Take Your Weight Less Seriously

Having an anxiety attack over what to eat or a missed training session is doing you more harm than good. If planning food for the week is too tiresome a chore, follow a plan with menu options.

If you don’t lose those 10 kilos in the first 6 weeks, ask yourself how long it took you to gain those 10 kilos to begin with!

Slow Down

Achieving your health goals will never happen quickly. There will be no instant gratification on this one and yes, you will have setbacks and plateaus. But you know that even slow progress is progress.

Start Thinking in Outcomes

A ‘naughty’ meal or a missed yoga class will not destroy your health. Feeling like a failure for eating Chocolate or Chocolate Chip Ice Cream will. Guilt is a dangerous emotion. Never feel guilty, just enjoy your treats while you can!

How do you keep tabs on your size if there is too much celebration happening in your life? We love to hear about the exercise and eating habits of others, so please, share yours with us.

Whether for a job interview, your college psychology 101 class, or just to virtually check your compatibility with a new Hinge match, chances are you’ve taken the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI®) personality inventory at some point or another, but have you ever used the infamous questionnaire to help determine the hue of your next manicure? Well, there’s a first time for everything, y’all and you’re about to find out the best nail color to rock next based on your MBTI personality.

In case you have no idea what I’m talking about, allow me to explain. The Myers-Briggs questionnaire is essentially a multiple-choice-style self-report that assesses the ways you think, perceive, process emotions, work with others, etc. based on a series of questions aiming to ascribe a set of traits through the following four personality dichotomies: introversion or extraversion, sensing or intuition, thinking or feeling, judging or perceiving. There are sixteen different types total — each based on a stereotype originally outlined by Swiss psychologist Carl Jung — including INFJ, the “Counsellor,” ENFJ, the “Giver,” and ISFJ, the “Defender.”

Never taken the Myers-Briggs personality test for yourself? The official MBTI test does cost money, but a quick Google search will give you plenty of similar alternatives you can take online for free if you prefer. Regardless of its accuracy and reliability (both of which have been widely disputed), I think most of us can agree taking these introspective personality tests is a fun way to get to know yourself a little better — or at least to feel somewhat understood. Ahead, we’ve picked out the best nail color to complement each personality type (and to elevate your next mani with some personalized flair).

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. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

Courtesy of Essie.

INTJ — Independent, Organized, Confident

This ultra-shiny, wine-hued polish appeals to the INTJ’s fuss-free mentality, while still being striking and versatile enough to match any winter outfit.

Buy: essie Nail Polish, Glossy Shine Finish, Bordeaux, 0.46 fl. oz. $6.99

Courtesy of Orly.

INTP — Logical, Innovative, Insightful

Orly’s “Ethereal Plane” suits the INTP because it’s neutral enough to feel practical, but the subtle iridescence complements this type’s curious side.

Courtesy of Static Nails.

ISTJ — Analytical, Sincere, Reserved

This creamy, off-white hue is anything but a basic nude — the soft vanilla color is universally-flattering on every skin tone and the formula is infused with nail-strengthening antioxidants so it appeals to this type’s logical side

Courtesy of Nail INC.

ISFJ — Caring, Dependable, Meticulous

You can always count on a medium-hot pink shade when it comes to manicures, making this chic hue perfect for the reliable and warm ISFJ.

Buy: Nails Inc Nail Pure Polish, Regents Park $15

ISFP — Artistic, Adventurous, Charming

This personality type loves to explore, socialize, and create. ISFP personalities tend to have a sunny outlook (you know, the glass half full type), making this bright yellow shade a solid match for these natural creatives.

Buy: ella+mila Nail Polish, Me Collection – Wheels on the Bus $7.61

Courtesy of Cirque Colors.

INFP — Poetic, Altruistic, Empathetic

This warm terracotta brown color gives me major romantic vibes, perfect for showcasing the INFP’s poetic side. This stylish hue is also trending in fashion ATM, making it an apt fit for this forward-thinking type.

Buy: Cirque Colors Crème Nail Polish – 0.37 fl. oz. (11 ml) – Vegan, Cruelty-Free, Non-Toxic Formula (Bowery) $12.50

ISTP — Action-Oriented, Quiet, Daring

ISTP types are often described as quiet types, but that doesn’t mean these adventure-seeking personalities are afraid to take risks — in fact, they actively seek them out. This gel polish is crack-resistant to accommodate their action-packed lifestyles and the multi-toned shimmer shade makes a statement so they don’t have to.

Buy: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish, 669 Let’s Get Digital , Pack of 1 $7.49

Courtesy of Zoya.

INFJ — Thoughtful, Mysterious, Intuitive

This personality type often comes across as ultra-mysterious (and at times, straight-up secretive) to others, making this creamy green shade a match made in heaven for this ever-alluring personality type.

Buy: ZOYA Nail Polish, Danica, 0.5 fl. oz. $10

Courtesy of Olive & June.

ENTJ — Bold, Imaginative, Organized

“Fierce and Loving” is the perfect pastel hue for this independent and dream-loving type. The bold lilac-pink hue is whimsical without looking juvenile.

Courtesy of O.P.I.

ENTP — Inventive, Inquisitive, Strategic

The intellectual and infinitely curious ENTP will appreciate this nuanced green-blue hue and the punny polish name.

Buy: OPI Nail Polish, Nail Lacquer, Alpaca My Bags, 0.5 Fl Oz $10.50

ENFP — Compassionate, Creative, Playful

This fun-loving type isn’t afraid to experiment and shine — whether we’re talking about a new idea or her nails. This glitter-infused holographic formula captures the ENFP’s spirited demeanor like a charm.

Buy: ILNP MEGA Holographic Nail Polish $10

Courtesy of Butter London.

ENFJ — Idealistic, Charismatic, Supportive

These natural-born leaders love to communicate — and that includes expressing themselves with their look. This deep navy nail polish is chic and refined without being traditional or expected.

Buy: butter LONDON Brolly Patent Shine 10X Nail Lacquer, 0.4 fl. oz. $18

Courtesy of Dermelect.

ESFP — Energetic, Spontaneous, Practical

This sky-blue nail lacquer speaks to the ESFP’s fun-loving side, while the peptide-infused formula wins over this type for its nail-enhancing ingredients.

Courtesy of Essie.

ESTJ — Logical, Assertive, Outgoing

A classic, candy apple red is a solid match for the attention-loving ESTJ. This bold, ultra-glossy polish is timeless, which speaks to their logical side, but the warmer undertone feels distinctive and fresh.

Buy: essie Nail Polish, Glossy Shine Red, Forever Yummy, 0.46 Ounce $8.97

Courtesy of Deborah Lippmann.

ESFJ — Loyal, Sensitive, Tactful

In between a sky blue and light dove grey, this subtle yet distinguishing shade pairs well with the ESFJ’s soft side, while the muted tone is practical enough to match any mood, occasion, and outfit.

Courtesy of Smith & Cult.

ESTP — Perceptive, Experimental, Straight-Forward

The ESTP isn’t afraid of going for a bold look and they love to play with new products to switch things up from time to time. With that being said, they also appreciate luxury and creativity, which is why this tangerine-inspired polish (and the elevated packaging) is a stellar choice.

Buy: Smith & Cult Nail Polish, Tang Bang, 0.5 Fl Oz $18