Twice a year, Bath & Body Works pulls out all the stops and discounts holiday and everyday favorites up to 75 percent off, which new discounts throughout the week. The Bath & Body Works Semi-Annual sale for holiday 2020 is no different—actually, it might be even better. We’ve got the details on all the goods so you can game-plan your shopping trip.

Of course, deals will be online as well as in-store so if you feel safer shopping from your couch, you can still stock up on Bath & Body Works favorites. Now’s the chance to score the beloved holiday fragrances before they’re gone (until next year), as well as throwbacks including Secret Wonderland, Honeysuckle and Sensual Amber brought back just for this sale. Christmas body care will be just $4.95 and select Christmas 3-Wick Candles will be $11.95.

Source: Instagram

For the best of the best deals, you’ll want to dig for those 75 percent off products. These include body care, candles, hand soaps and tons of non-holiday items you’ll want to use all-year round. You’ll even be able to find some best-selling fall body scare scents and ones you haven’t smelled for months. It’s basically like a rummage sale where you never know exactly what you’ll find.

The sale begins Saturday, December 26. If you’re shopping in store, don’t forget your face mask and hand sanitizer and maybe even consider going on off hours to avoid the crowds. Or, there’s always delivery! As much as we want to shop and treat ourselves this year (we deserve it), we also have to stay safe too. Set your iCal and get ready to get your haul on. Then, have big New Year zoom with friends to share exactly what you got.

“How do I start this journey of self-care and self-love, after spending a life focused on others?”

This comment was on a recent article of mine for Sixty and Me and resonated so much that I promised to respond. So many women reach this age and are suddenly widowed or divorced (by choice or not). Or moved to a new place late in life.

When we arrive at the magical Six-Oh, many things have shifted. Empty nests, sometimes empty beds, offspring and grands scattered to the four winds, often friends have passed, and some friendships pass into memory.

This article is for those of you who have indicated that you have no clue who you are, nor where you fit, and what on earth to do with that, now that your role as family matron/caregiver/banker (okay, that never stops) has come to and end. Or appears to.

The Transformation Begins

If you chose to marry, have kids, and raise a family, your middle years might have been so jammed and crammed that you ached for a little “me” time.

How swiftly all that gets forgotten when suddenly, circumstances collaborate to hand you that very thing: alone time.

Perhaps a little too much of it.

It can feel as though you’ve been set out on a empty ocean, in a craft you have no clue how to skipper.

Of course you’re scared.

But at the same time, this transition into the most extraordinary years of our lives is full of magic. It begins with where we focus.

In any journey, you and I have to push off from the dock. Usually, we can come home.

When we age, and we enter the time of greatest transition, there is no returning to those familiar spaces. The signposts change or disappear altogether. This is why it takes such courage to move forward.

Which means, if we are going to go journeying, we have to untie from the dock and push off.

You Are Already the Skipper

The disorientation that happens at first is the compulsion to take care of. Usually, anyone but ourselves. Without kids or grands or hubby or sister or the business, suddenly we can feel adrift, because it feels as though nobody needs us.

Someone does indeed need you. That person looks back at you from the mirror every single morning. It can feel a bit terrifying when you realize that all that time you wanted for you, now you have it. How on earth to fill it? Especially if you buy the societal message that to take care of ourselves is selfish?

Well, if we don’t, kindly, who will?

By this I mean, if you and I don’t tend to our exercise, diet, societal, and emotional needs, nobody else will. Sure, we might date or marry someone. Ultimately, it is our obligation to take care of ourselves, particularly if you and I have allowed ourselves to slip a bit while caring far too much for others and putting critical self-care to the side.

Where on earth do you start? First, assume you already know everything you need to know. You do. You’ve spent your first six-plus decades learning those skills. Now put them to work.

Moving into Your New Future

This year I left my home in Colorado after 50 years and moved to Eugene. The move itself was the culmination of a thousand big and small things. Giving things way, donating, selling. If you’ve ever managed a big move, you know how it goes.

Same thing here. Think of it as uncluttering you.

If you use the advice from an article by Psychology Today as a guide, these steps will serve you well:

Determine What Things You Value the Most About Your Life

Rather than ask what everyone else wants to eat, what do YOU want to eat? What do YOU want to watch or read or listen to? Where do YOU want to travel when it’s safe to do so?

Decide What Commitments Are Most Important to You

First, to yourself, then, in descending order, determine what to commit to: your dog, cat, kids (maybe in that order) …?

Assess the Way You Use Your Time

What a terrific opportunity to ask what you want to do with your time. Just… YOU. Including nothing.

Get Rid of Clutter in Every Area of Your Life

This goes for old values, old ideas, attitudes, angers and irritations, and attachments and bad habits that are not useful to you. Clutter in your mind, heart, and soul. Stories about you and your value that badly need rewriting or outright deleting. Your value isn’t being decided by your (husband, family, church, etc.).

Spend More Time with the People That Matter to You

First, yourself. What a time to get to know the rhythm and flow of your thoughts and emotions. How you change during the day. How you prefer to sleep (or stay up all night). Then, if you’re starting anew, what kinds of folks do you want in your world?

Make Time to Be Alone

If you are alone, be fully present. Enjoy the sweet silences, the quiet, birdsong, waves, distant chatter, wind chimes. Explore the textures of quiet. Remember when this was something you yearned for. And now you have it.

I would add this: You are worth feeding well, exercising with love, and giving yourself a brand new way to keep yourself happily preoccupied, as well as surrounded by good friends. Those are the four primary pillars of aging vibrantly.

Let the dock disappear. Concentrate on that beckoning horizon. You might find yourself happily tossing that emotional ballast so that the wind can fill your sails.

This is your time.

I hope you enjoy the sweet breezes in your hair, the sun on your skin, and the smile creasing your cheeks.

What have you learned as you’ve settled into your 60s and beyond? What tips and tools can you offer those who are recently single, newly moved, and in need of a little guidance? How has faith in yourself helped you along the way? Please share with the rest of us.

New Year’s Eve has long been the best excuse to go over the top—whether we’re talking about champagne consumption, unapologetically flashy sequin dresses, over-the-top metallic makeup, and getting to partake in some glitzy NYE-themed nail trends. While New Years Even is probably going to look a little bit different this year thanks to the pandemic and strict social distancing protocols still in place in much of the country, that doesn’t mean we have to forgo all of our favorite end-of-the-year celebration traditions altogether—and that absolutely includes our beauty get-up. Whether you’ll be toasting farewell to 2020 over the festive Zoom party or hosting a small (and safe) get-together at home, why not take the time to indulge in some NYE-themed nail looks to celebrate the incoming of 2021 (and, finally, the end of a decidedly very turbulent 2020.)

Whether you’re into elaborate nail art decals, glitter-heavy manis, or this season’s velvet nail trend, there are plenty of ways to get a little festive with your NYE manicure right from the comfort of your own home. From ridiculously easy ready-to-wear press-on nails to sparkly hues, there’s no shortage of holiday-ready options to decorate your nails to ring in the new year. To help get you in the spirit for the upcoming holiday, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite polishes, press-on’s and nail art decor to help you get the nail look of your holiday dreams without stepping foot in the salon this year.

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.

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Courtesy of PopSockets.

PopSockets Nails & PopGrip Finally 2021

This two-in-one PopSockets nail kit is a serious 2020 mood. The set comes with a festive PopGrip and press-on nail sets emblazoned with “finally 2021.” This low maintenance set is perfect for last-minute manis at home.

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A post shared by Wizaz.pl (@wizazpl)

Courtesy of Essie.

Essie ExprEssie Quick Dry Nail Color in “Now or Never”

Black nail color is the perfect canvas for festive, NYE-ready glitter and nail art—and of course, it also looks great worn alone as it too. This quick-drying formula is perfect for a quick mani or touching up small chips.

Buy: Essie Quick Dry Nail Color $8.97

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A post shared by Dashing Diva (@dashingdiva_usa)

Courtesy of Dashing Diva.

Dashing Diva Snowshoe Glitter Gel Strips

If you love a minimalist mani upgraded with glitter and jewel-like embellishments but hate the mess and are avoiding the nail salon for safety reasons, these foolproof manicure gel strips will not let you down.

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A post shared by Tiffany Abbigaile Beauty (@tiffanyabbigailebeauty)

Courtesy of Butter London.

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A post shared by The Holy Nail (@theholynailuk)

Courtesy of Naildrobe.

Naildrobe New Years’ Eve Nail Decals

These salon-quality stick-on nail decals give any basic monochrome mani an instant festive makeover without the mess or hassle.

Buy: Naildrobe NYE Nail Decals $8.99

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A post shared by N I C O L E D A O (@mintynicole)

Courtesy of Olive & June.

Olive & June Nail Polish in “Cosmic”

This newly launched shimmer shade is the perfect subtle yet celebratory hue for NYE festivities. The mellow metallic hue mimics the sprtiz and bubble of champagne, but doesn’t scream holiday either.

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A post shared by AMY LE • LA NAIL ARTIST (@amyle.nails)

Courtesy of Lliyhh.

Velvet Flocking Powder Nail Art Polish

One of 2020’s biggest holiday nail trends is textural, velvet-like manicures. You can master the look at home with these easy-to-use dipping powders, and choose the color of your choice to match either your outfit or your mood.

Buy: Velvet Flocking Powder Nail Art Polish $4.59

Twice a year, Bath & Body Works pulls out all the stops and discounts holiday and everyday favorites up to 75 percent off, which new discounts throughout the week. The Bath & Body Works Semi-Annual sale for holiday 2020 is no different—actually, it might be even better. We’ve got the details on all the goods so you can game-plan your shopping trip.

Of course, deals will be online as well as in-store so if you feel safer shopping from your couch, you can still stock up on Bath & Body Works favorites. Now’s the chance to score the beloved holiday fragrances before they’re gone (until next year), as well as throwbacks including Secret Wonderland, Honeysuckle and Sensual Amber brought back just for this sale. Christmas body care will be just $4.95 and select Christmas 3-Wick Candles will be $11.95.

Source: Instagram

For the best of the best deals, you’ll want to dig for those 75 percent off products. These include body care, candles, hand soaps and tons of non-holiday items you’ll want to use all-year round. You’ll even be able to find some best-selling fall body scare scents and ones you haven’t smelled for months. It’s basically like a rummage sale where you never know exactly what you’ll find.

The sale begins Saturday, December 26. If you’re shopping in store, don’t forget your face mask and hand sanitizer and maybe even consider going on off hours to avoid the crowds. Or, there’s always delivery! As much as we want to shop and treat ourselves this year (we deserve it), we also have to stay safe too. Set your iCal and get ready to get your haul on. Then, have big New Year zoom with friends to share exactly what you got.

Why does New Year’s Eve evoke such strong feelings in people? It was the best of times, it was the worst of times – thanks for the insight, Charles Dickens. The real question is: how do I bulletproof myself either way?

I’m all about turning annoying situations into amazing experiences. New Year’s Eve is at the top of that list. The societal importance attached to this evening makes it annoying, while I want amazing.

Follow my 30-minute formula to set yourself up for happiness, success, and peace on the most overrated night of the year.

Don’t Try (1 Minute)

The adage holds true. The harder you try, the harder you fall. So, don’t try. At our age, what will be, will be. Take it as it comes. Whatever happens, New Year’s Eve does not define you, the year ahead, your relationships, or your life’s significance.

If you are alone, revel in it. At a small party? Talk to everyone. And if you’re somewhere in-between, don’t sweat it. Just breathe in and out each moment and be thankful when your head hits the pillow to go to sleep.

Wear One Amazing Thing (2 Minutes)

Wear one amazing thing at New Year’s Eve. It could be a statement necklace, sexy underwear, outrageous shoes, or your itsy-bitsy polka-dotted bikini. For me, it’s my Heidi Daus necklace with my pajamas. There is only one rule: You must love it. If other people notice, that’s nice. If they don’t, so what?

This is not what-you-should-do kind of advice, nor am I trying to make you wear that expensive pair of pants that never fit right.

This is all about the item you look at lovingly and yet it stays in its wrapper. The item that makes you sigh and say, “Someday.” Today is that day. Your happiness is that special occasion, especially at home in your pajamas. The litmus test? It must make you radiate.

Make Amends (5 minutes)

Amends is another word that elicits a strong response. In 12-step programs it falls at the ominous ninth step which changes everything. The concept behind amends is owning up to your responsibility, right or wrong, and saying you are sorry.

I should note that this does not have to be a direct amends. If you stole something, make an anonymous donation on-line to a charity. You can sign-up to volunteer in honor of someone if they are no longer with us.

Or, you can write a letter and burn it. You can send a text or an email and say: “Sorry for anything I did to hurt you in the past and Happy New Year.” Just let go of a remorse that has stayed with you by setting it right.

Have a Plan for New Year’s Day (2 Minutes)

While it’s always fun to ‘wing it’ and see where the moment takes you, bulletproofing needs a plan. A simple plan works best: get out of the house for a cup of coffee, go to the gym, take a walk, binge watch a Netflix series. Having one item accomplished sets a tone. I said it, I did it.

Choose One Achievable Resolution (3 minutes)

Don’t panic about having a New Year’s resolution – you can steal mine and drink more! I’ve used it for about 10 years now, and it’s like a magic charm. I didn’t specify wine, vodka, or water. And you know what? Either way I can do it. Mischief managed, I set myself up for success.

Pen the State of You (7 Minutes)

Take seven minutes – it’s helpful to use a timer to track yourself – and write down your hopes, dreams, and fears. You’ll be surprised when you start repeating yourself at the four-minute mark.

Do it anyway. Use it as a baseline for the year ahead – to remember where you started and to get rid of the noise in your head.

Tackle One Item on Your to Do List (10 Minutes)

The dreaded to do list we write each year consists of nothing more than the things we need to write down because we hate doing them so much we choose to forget them.

Just do one. The hack is that when you do it, it loses its power and stops zapping your time. Write that thank you note, clean your sock draw, put your bills on auto-pay, just take the action and stop thinking about it.

What’s Next?

This entire list can be done in 30 minutes. Start the new year with a plan, clear mind and promises you have already kept.

Love and joy for the New Year and all year long.

What is the amazing thing you will wear on New Year’s Eve, and will it include pajamas? What is your achievable resolution? How much time did it take you to complete these 7 action items? Please share in the comments below!