Author: HairWeavings Editorial Team

Give them a gift they actually won’t return.

When you plan your selfcare habits and routines, they become sacred elements of your life. If you don’t look after you, that is a sign of disrespecting yourself, and we’ve all been there through some of life’s challenges. Keeping it simple when adding change to your life is the golden rule for success.

My Suggestion?

Choose two days of the week to implement some new selfcare habits. You can always build on that foundation as you progress. I’ve been working on my habits for the past year and a half, and all I can say is I am a work in progress, and I am loving the journey.

I focus on Monday and Thursday most because those days work best for my lifestyle.

Below are some simple selfcare habits and beauty rituals I have incorporated into my week to keep me feeling and looking my best. I work in the beauty industry, and I am usually busy on Fridays and Saturdays so these routines help me feel like I am not missing out on fun and keep me grounded so I can pack as much enjoyment into my days as possible. 

I try not to put too much pressure on myself with strict habits every day, but I try to maintain Mondays and Thursdays religiously. When I miss these habits on those days my week falls apart pretty quickly. So below is a peek into my two most important days and why these rituals work for me. You may choose Sunday and Wednesday, the important thing to remember is to recognize what changes (habits or rituals) would bring you the most satisfaction and happiness.

Monday 

Monday morning, I rise early, somewhere between 5am and 7am, which gives me time to fit in my leisure habits. It took a long time to move my morning rise to 5am, but it’s paying off. I get to concentrate on my day ahead with my journal and a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee, watching the sun rise. 

Then I move on to cleaning my house so it is literally sparkling when I am done, then I can go into the week calm and confident. After cleaning, I go for a walk. When I return home, I take a bath or shower, put on a face masque, hair masque and do a quick manicure focusing on pushing back my cuticles, shaping and buffing my nails. I always apply a nail strengthener and shiny top coat. I stay away from colour as it looks bad when chipped. Then I apply minimal makeup and go about my day.

I love green smoothies, so I usually make one of these and take it with me while running errands. My Green Goddess Smoothie recipe is delicious and easy to make.

Green Goddess Recipe

• ½ cup ice
• ½ cup almond milk or water
• 1 cup organic spinach
• ½ organic banana
• ½ cup organic frozen strawberries
• 1 scoop vega unsweetened pea protein powder
• ¼ cup coconut milk
• Teaspoon of Moringa powder 

Put all ingredients in a blender and blend thoroughly.

I like using a mini blender so I can just change the top on the container and take it with me. It saves time and is an easy way to have something nutritious on the run. 

Monday is my day off, so I try to get everything completed on my to do list before 3pm. I always try to make sure I can get home and cook a delicious meal and relax for the evening. I love to cook, and I always feel better when I plan and sometimes prepare my meals ahead of time. 

One little trick to get you into habits is creating a reminder to do something, like laying out your workout clothes the night before. It is a little trigger to gently nudge me to actually go for that walk.

Thursday 

Thursday is always a long day for me. It’s usually late evening before I arrive home, so there’s not time for cooking. We usually have Turkey Nachos and Chardonnay; sounds weird, but we love this simple casual meal. 

Herbal tea is great to help me relax after a busy day. I make a Beauty Tea that is made from adaptogenic plants (Labrador Tea and Lingonberry) in Newfoundland, and it also contains Organic Blue Peaflower. I love to enjoy a cup of this tea while in my bath.

This is also the time when I cleanse my face and apply my Blueberry Bliss Sugar Scrub head to toe, wash and condition my hair and then it’s time to do my face ritual. I like to use a serum and eye cream and lip balm then I apply a sleep masque.

I love sleep masques! If you don’t have a sleep masque, use your night cream instead. You can put this on and leave it for the night (awesome after a busy day). Then it’s couch time with my hubby. We enjoy watching the news or a movie. It’s our little ritual to spend time together before bed a few times a week.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What little habits and rituals have you created that add to your happiness? I’d love to hear about them if you want to share.

Is there trouble in paradise for the former first family?

Moving takes planning but with pets, it takes extra planning. Your pets will sense something is up. Having a plan in place will help to ease the stress and make a smoother transition for all.

Moving Is Stressful

Moving to a new home is exciting, but for women over 60 it can be a stressful time. Especially if you have pets. Your pets are in tune to you. They sense your moods, your ups and downs. And most of all, they know when the moving boxes and suitcases come out!  Moving with pets makes the process a bit more complicated.

You’ve looked for and bought a pet-friendly home in a new city. You’ve done your due diligence and checked the pet restrictions and local laws.  Now you’re all set and getting ready to go.

Trip to the Vet

Plan a trip to the vet. Make sure your pets’ vaccinations are up to date, especially rabies. Get a copy of your pet’s medical records and enough medication they may need for the trip and the immediate future. You can usually have their records emailed to you, on a flash drive, or on disc.

Ask your vet for a recommendation for a vet in the city you’re moving to. You might get lucky, and they may just know one! Update your pet’s ID tags and microchip records. This is vitally important if your pet should get out!

Carrier for Each Pet

Put together a carrier for each pet. Bring along an old tee shirt or article of clothing that has your scent. Put it in the carrier or in with your pet’s bedding. It will help to calm them.

Pack a bag for your pets. Make sure you have enough food, water, treats, medications, leashes, familiar toys, beds and blankets, potty bags, pee pads, etc. for your pets for several days, if not more. You want to be prepared in case the movers get held up, or something else causes a delay getting your things to your new home for a few days.

Moving Day

Try to keep pets as calm as possible on moving day. They will know something is going on. This includes leaving your old home and arriving at your new home. Perhaps your furry friends can spend a few hours with a relative or friend while the moving truck is being packed. If not, confine them to one area.

Make sure your pets are wearing their tags with your contact information. You don’t want anyone getting out. Same thing when you arrive – make sure your pets are safe as your furniture is being unloaded. If they can stay with a friend, in daycare or in the car with you, that should be fine.

Welcome to Your New Home

Once your furniture and belongings are brought into your new home, make sure to set up a new space for your furkids. You want your pets to have a sense of familiarity and start to feel comfortable in their new surroundings. Put their old, familiar beds, blankets and toys into this area. They need a place to feel safe and at home.

Having their own beds, blankets, crates, toys, and whatever you use for them – and having you there – will be a big help in getting your pets settled in their new home!

Welcome home!

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Are you a woman over 60 with pets? Are you planning a move in the near future? Do you have any questions that might help make your move easier? Let’s talk about it!

The Cambridges might be growing.