End-of-year sales are often even better than events like Black Friday/Cyber Monday. This is when brands need to unload all the goodies from throughout the year to make room for 2021’s newest products. This is the perfect time to pick up items you’ve had your eye on, especially from holiday collections—at a major discount. The M.A.C. sale at Nordstrom is one you’ll want to check out, especially if you loved the sparkly holiday collection as much as we did.

One of the best things about M.A.C.’s holiday line is that it’s really not holiday-focused. There are eyeliner, highlighter, lipstick and eyeshadow shades that will look amazing all-year-round, but especially through the winter months. Pick up affordable kits at up to 40 percent off, which gives you multiple products for less than $30. M.A.C. makeup is rarely that well priced.

Still, if you’re not in the mood for festive packaging, Nordstrom is also discounting every day M.A.C. favorites, including select matte lipstick shades, lip pencils and more for 40 percent off. You can’t go wrong with these. So, whether you’re picking up a last-minute gift or treating yourself (you deserve it!), shop some of our favorites, 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. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

M.A.C.

MAC Fireworked Wow Factor Eye Kit

Get In Extreme Dimension 3D Black Lash Mascara in 3D Black, two Extra Dimension Eyeshadows and Technakohl Liner in Graphblack all for less than $30.

M.A.C.

MAC Frosted Firework Grand Spectacle Eyeshadow Palette

This limited-editon palette includes 25 shades in regular and Dazzleshadow formulas.

Nordstrom.

MAC Frosted Firework Extra Dimension Foil Eyeshadow

Or pick up three gorgeous eyeshadow shades with a foil finish.

Nordstrom.

MAC Frosted Firework Lipstick

Choose from two limited-edition shades with this pink festive packaging—at 40 percent off!

M.A.C.

MAC Flashing Ice Extra Dimension Skinfinish

This chic palette includes three firework-embossed Extra Dimension Skinfinish highlighters in light or medium-deep shades.

I grew up with a Mom that pulled out all the stops for the holidays. Our entire house was decorated inside and out from the weekend before Thanksgiving to the weekend after New Year’s. Our house looked like a Hallmark Christmas card. 

When my Mom and Dad could no longer bring in the cheer and go all out with the decorations, my sister took over and her house became the winter wonderland.

Later, when my parents couldn’t travel and had moved to an apartment, I became the resident elf under my mother’s watchful eye when she was well enough and able to point out the precise position of the decorations.

Holidays Change as Health Declines

I tried to make the Holidays perfect for my parents as their health declined. Not only did my sis and I try to recreate the decorations, we tried to duplicate the festivities and add to the memories of Holidays past.

In short, we tried to make the holidays bigger and better than ever for our family. As my parents’ health declined, and we began to really lose my Mom to dementia, I think we were driven even more to create award-winning Holidays.

Given that this time of year can create stressful energy around trying to make everything look and feel wonderful, as a caregiver to my parents I became almost desperate to make sure it was the happiest of times.

I felt the spotlight was on me to make it all happen flawlessly. In short, I wanted it all to be perfect and to please and impress everyone in my family.

Don’t Try to Be the Perfect Caregiver

In reality, I know that trying to be perfect causes pressure, anxiety and exhaustion. I was already overwhelmed with caring for my parents and this need to be perfect was threatening to bring me down.

There are many antidotes to caregiver burnout during the holidays such as good sleep, healthy eating, mini breaks and reaching out for help from friends and family. The most effective and compassionate thing I did for myself during one of these Holiday sprints was to stop trying so hard.

My parents were safe and warm and happy with the small things. What difference did it make if the wreath was crooked and the gifts were gift cards I bought during a CVS run for prescriptions?

There was love in the room and joy in the fact that we were all still together. No amount of decorations, lights, wrapping paper or tinsel can duplicate the simple act of caring for those dearest to you. After all, love is the most important gift of all.

Enjoy the Simple Blessings

Enjoy the blessings of togetherness and the true expression of this season: love, joy and peace. If you want to have perfect Holidays, remember that it’s not about the display of joy but the true experience of it.

Take the time to look around you and truly see that nothing is more perfect than when love is in the air. Everyone may not remember the decorations or gifts, but they will remember how you made them feel.

I wish the happiest and healthiest of Holidays to you and your family! Much love.

If you are a caregiver how are you making this holiday season special for the ones you love? Please share your tips in the comments below.

Kelly Dodd’s Gold Aviator Sunglasses in Lake Arrowhead

Real Housewives of Orange County Season 15 Episode 11 Fashion

As it turns out Kelly Dodd is actually not the first housewife to wear the gold aviator sunglasses we see her wearing in Lake Arrowhead on this week’s episode of RHOC considering we previously reported on them being worn by Kyle Richards a few years ago in Mexico. Just going to show that these babies work just as well for embarking upon a little lot of adventure as they do for simply laying out at a resort.*

Fashionably,

Faryn

* Like Kyle (and Gina), we’ll take the latter.

Also Seen on Kyle Richards:

Click Here to Shop Her Dior Sunglasses

Click Here to Shop Them in Pink

Photo #1: @KyleRichards18

Originally posted at: Kelly Dodd’s Gold Aviator Sunglasses

We’ve been in this pandemic now for close to a year, which means if you’re single, you’ve probably been alone every night binging on Neflix. That can start feeling pretty lonely, right?

You’d love someone to share the long nights with, but you’re not sure just how to do that in a pandemic where full and partial lockdowns are happening everywhere. You might even think finding love in these times is impossible. I disagree!

Pandemic Dating?

I think you still can date but not in the conventional way you’re used to. We all need to do social distancing and wear masks to stay safe during these uncertain times. But that doesn’t mean you have to give up on your dream of finding the right man to share your heart and life with.

You can still go online to meet men. Remember, online dating sites have the largest number of registered single men, and men – just like you – are tired of being alone and want to meet a wonderful woman to share their life with.

Go Virtual!

So how do you make this work? Well, here’s the secret for finding love during a pandemic. You want to virtually date. What does this mean? You meet a man you like online and the two of you schedule a virtual date.

The options are many. You can do a coffee meet and greet where you meet on Face Time (Apple), Google Duo (Android), Skype or What’s App. You both bring your favorite coffee or tea to your best home space and then log in to meet.

By the way it’s a good conversation starter to discuss what you’re drinking as you get to know each other virtually.

Or you do a virtual Happy Hour with your favorite glass of wine. Both of these options are better than a phone call because you get to see each other. This is a great way to see each other’s body language cues.

A Different Kind of Start

If you like each other and decide to do it again, this is an opportunity to get to know someone on a whole different level than you would have in the past. You get to build a friendship first without throwing the chemistry element in too quickly.

Meeting Outside

When you’re ready to meet, you want to discuss where each of you goes everyday so you know the exposure you’ve both had.

If it’s not too cold, you can meet at a park or take a walk with masks on. And if you’re in warmer weather, you might be able to share a picnic outside staying 6 feet apart. If you like each other and want to take it to the next step without masks and social distancing, you can both get tested so you both feel safe.

Love Has Not Taken a Break

So many of my clients have found love during this time, and they are really happy. I believe that people are yearning for connection and that has made it easier to skip so much of the game playing that happened in the past.

My best advice is to give it a try. Just stay safe and have fun. You might find love with a good man, or you might find a great male friend to share virtual or real time with and who could brighten your day. How fun would that be?

What is your experience with dating in the past? Have phone calls worked for you? Do you think virtual meet-ups are better? Have you had a virtual coffee date? How did it go? Please share with our community!

Each year, Medicare benefits, i.e., terms of coverage, change, and for the most part, the costs increase. But Medicare isn’t the only option that sees changes. Medicare Advantage plans and Part D drug plans have coverage changes too.

In 2021, Medicare expands telehealth and transitions to a value-based healthcare system. Medicare Advantage plans begin accepting End-Stage Renal Disease patients, and many policies offer coverage for long-term care.

Yet, these are only some of the ways Medicare is evolving. Below we’ll dive further into how benefits and costs for Medicare are changing in 2021.

Understanding Changes Coming to Original Medicare: Parts A and B

It seems like once you memorize the cost of Medicare, those prices increase. Keeping up with these changes can be like taming a beast: seemingly impossible. Thankfully, every year, Medicare sends out the “Medicare and You” handbook that lists all the benefit and cost changes coming for the new year.

Part A: Inpatient Care Cost Increases

The majority of seniors qualify for premium-free Part A. But, for those that pay for Part A, it costs up to $471 in 2021. If you pay Medicare taxes for 30-39 quarters, the standard Part A premium is increasing to $259.

The deductibles and coinsurance increase for 2021 are as follows:

• $1,484 deductible for each benefit period.
• The coinsurance for days 61-90 is increasing to $371 each day per benefit period.
• The coinsurance for days 90 and beyond will increase to $742 per day for each benefit period.

Tip: Medigap plans can cover these deductibles and coinsurances so that you don’t need to stress about these large numbers.

Part B: Outpatient Care Cost Increases and Benefits Expand

Medicare begins to cover 12 acupuncture visits within 90 days for chronic lower back pain. And they cover eight more sessions if there is an improvement.

Telehealth services are virtual doctor visits. Medicare will cover virtual visits for services that would typically occur in a doctors’ office. Care could include psychotherapy, consultations, and more.

The Part B premium varies depending on income. People with a higher income will pay an income-related monthly adjustment amount. Those with a low income may have a lower premium. But the standard monthly Part B premium is increasing slightly to $148.50. Also, the annual deductible is rising to $203.

Covid is still impacting coverage going into 2021. When a vaccine is made available, Part B must cover it under the CARES act. Medicare will cover it with no cost-sharing responsibility to you.

Part C: Medicare Advantage Benefits Change

For a long time, those with End-Stage Renal Disease couldn’t reap the benefits of Medicare Advantage plans. Well, now that’s all changing. As of 2021, Part C plans will cover those with ESRD.

As for cost changes, Medicare Advantage premiums are down to an average of $21 a month. This is the lowest premium amount since 2007. Also, you can expect to see more options available, even in rural areas.

While premiums are lower, the maximum out-of-pocket limits will be as high as $7,550 for in-network services and $11,300 for out of network care.

Part D: Prescription Drugs Costs and Benefits Change

Lower out-of-pocket costs for insulin has to be one of the best Medicare changes in 2021. Patients that participate in the “Part D Senior Savings Model” could save hundreds of dollars annually.

Now, the standard Part D deductible is rising to $445 in 2021. But some higher premium plans boast a $0 deductible. The donut hole is officially closed; both brand name and generic medications only cost 25% during the coverage gap.

How Is Medicare Transforming in 2021?

Medicare has been working on patients over paperwork for years now. By changing the way provider reimbursement occurs, care goes from “volume-based” to “value-based.”

Previously, doctors would receive compensation each time they would evaluate you, whether or not you become healthier. Now, doctors will get bonuses when they make you healthy instead of how often they see you. The goal? Well, they want lower-cost healthcare that is more efficient.

Why Are There Annual Changes to Medicare?

The cost of health care rises each year. To keep up with inflation, Medicare raises its prices. Also, Medicare finds ways to add benefits to the program, much like we discussed above.

What Is the Best Medicare Plan for 2021?

For the most part, the best Medicare plan depends on your needs. Most people will find that Medigap and Medicare go great together. But some beneficiaries will enjoy Part C coverage. The best plan for you is the one that brings you the most value.

Can I Still Make Plan Changes for 2021 Coverage?

The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period takes place from January 1 – March 31 each year. You must have Medicare Advantage to make any changes during this time.

During this period, you can:

• Disenroll from your Medicare Advantage plan to enroll in a new Part C plan.
• Switch back to Medicare and enroll in Part D.
• Switch from Medicare Advantage to Medigap and Part D.

Critical Takeaways for Medicare in 2021

While prices continue to increase, so do benefits. Medicare is always changing to accommodate the needs of seniors better. When Covid initially began, telehealth expansion became necessary. And when the vaccine is available, coverage will be ready too.

No matter the circumstances, Medicare adapts to suit your needs better, even if it requires a higher premium or deductible.

Are you on Medicare? Which Medicare changes for 2021 will you benefit from? Have you used telehealth since Covid started? Do you think it’s better when doctors charge per visit or per quality of service? Please share your thoughts, expectations, and questions!