Author: HairWeavings Editorial Team

It’s summertime in North America, which means it’s getting hotter by the day. As the temperatures outside rise, is your love life sizzling or fizzling?

As much as we all want that special someone to flip the switch on our hot meter, we must first be willing to flip the script on the narrative we were sold on romance.

That’s right, ladies, contrary to what we were led to believe, turning up the heat on your love life starts with you.

More specifically, it begins within you.

This is the first of a new six-part series on “The Art of Self-Love After 60.” In this series, we will focus on ways to stimulate love, bliss, happiness, and pleasure on our own terms.

Lost in a Vast Wilderness

Since childhood, our generation has been fed unrealistic stories about love and what constitutes romance.

These stories began as fairytales where damsels in distress were saved by their knight in shining armor. As we got older, we were exposed to teenage summer love flings with a dance-worthy soundtrack.

By the time we were in our 20s, we were on our own when it came to navigating the rigid, murky world of adult lovemaking.

Despite feeling we were on our own, isn’t it ironic how many women of our generation relied on others to make us feel loved, wanted, and sexually stimulated?

Could it be that on some level we were all lost in the vast wilderness of adulthood because we counted on everyone other than ourselves to define what love and pleasure meant to us?

Rewrite the Book of Love

There is nothing wrong with desiring love and pleasure from another person. But when we are raised to believe this is the only way to pleasure and fulfillment, we unconsciously separate ourselves from our inner power.

This disconnect opens us up to all sorts of disappointments, especially later in life when our spouses may have passed away and potential suitors are unappealing.

In these new ways of living and being, we are left to ask, now what?

I get it, not everyone 60 and over desires a romantic relationship, let alone thinks about sexual pleasure as you may have once did.

But what if you are like millions of women over 60 who still do?

If you are still operating under the outdated premise of romance and lovemaking from a bygone era, what do you do and where do you turn for answers in today’s world?

The opening lyrics to the 1957 hit song, by the Monotones titled, “The Book of Love” go like this:

“I wonder, wonder who, who-oo-ooh, who
(Who wrote the Book of Love)
Tell me, tell me, tell me
Oh, who wrote the Book of Love
I’ve got to know the answer.”

This song speaks of a mythical book that would provide the long-sought-after answers about love. Is there such a book? If there is, we can all agree the author(s) didn’t consult women. At least not women of our generation.

It’s our turn to rewrite the narrative on love. And who better to do this than you!?

7 Steps to Spice It Up on Your Terms

If you are seeking to turn up the heat on your love life, whether you are in a relationship or not, here are seven steps to spice things up on your own terms:

Self-Reflection and Self-Awareness

What three things make you feel loved, beautiful, and turned on? How can you apply them in your life?

Seek Out New Experiences

Arrange a date to places you haven’t been, with an existing partner (or potential partner) and even by yourself. Also, explore new ways to enjoy an intimate night, especially by yourself.

Rediscover Touch

Reflect on what kind of touch (a massage, holding hands, cuddling, hugs, and self-pleasure) makes you feel most loved, pleased, and connected. Incorporate more of that touch into your life.

Communicate Desires and Needs

What are some things you wish your partner knew about your desires? Journal these desires. If you are in a relationship, have a conversation about it with your partner.

Experiment with Change

What subtle changes you can introduce in the bedroom, either by yourself or with a partner? Examples include new lingerie, romantic music, extended foreplay, or reading romantic literature together.

Attend Workshops or Counseling

What area of your love life do you want guidance or new ideas on? Consider attending a related workshop, online course, or counseling session with a professional.

Engage in Physical Activity You Enjoy

Taking a bath, dancing, walking, Tantra, daily meditation, or even yoga, whatever activity it is be sure it stimulates feelings of bliss, relaxation, confidence, and pleasure.

The keys to unlocking a vibrant love life at any age are communication, mutual respect, and the willingness to experiment and evolve. As you go through these seven steps, I encourage you to add in your own to better suit you and your lifestyle as you turn up the heat on your love life.

Please join me in the video where I will share additional insights along with seven journal prompts to help you integrate what you are learning.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

How do you turn up the heat on your love life? Do you communicate well with your partner? What do you feel is lacking in your love life and why is that?ac

Impatience is a classic toxic money mindset that tells us attractive lies. Impatience can lead to impulsive decisions that can have a negative impact on your financial health in the future. This article will discuss how to overcome impatience and make better financial decisions.

Here’s what impatience can sound like:

• “I just need to stick to a budget.
• “I expected myself to be further along by this point in my life.”
• “This debt is killing me; I just need to pay it off.”

Sure, impatience can look like it’s helping you take action, stay productive, take things seriously, or stay focused. And that’s a pretty good sales pitch.

Unfortunately, decisions made from a place of impatience are by definition quick, reactive, and deeply emotional.

It’s important to recognize that impatience indicates an unmet need. And while everyone is different, typically the unmet need that drives impatience is the need for progress. We long for progress because it’s hope that wherever we are in our lives, it is temporary.

Crisis and trauma add fuel to the fire of this unmet need, compelling us to make even faster decisions, not all of which will be good for the future versions of ourselves.

Impatience Tells Us We Don’t Have Any Other Choice

The survival-obsessed part of our brains, the amygdala, does not appreciate it when someone or something removes choices from us. Even if that someone is our own selves!

A removal or reduction of choice feels like we’re cornered. And we will react to that removal or reduction of choice quickly, and without much thought. These reactions are made without the permission of our executive function, and typically (but not always) are not good long-term decisions in our modern world.

The result of these not-so-good long-term decisions? Why it’s a greater expectation of making “good” choices and a lack of patience in ourselves when we don’t.

Those short-term focused decisions can eventually feed a sense of failure, which will likely only increase a sense of urgency and impatience.

Impatience Feeds Failure into Our Decision Making

We have long memories for our own failures. This isn’t a bug in our brains; it’s a feature. Being able to gather data and look for patterns from the past does help us make better decisions in the future, but not if that data is mixed with shame, judgment, and failure.

Failure blinds us.

Rather than being able to gather information, assess possible choices and use patterns and data from our past to make decisions, we judge ourselves.

So What Can You Do to Counteract Impatience and Its Impact on Your Decision Making?

You can practice grace for yourself.

Asking my financial coaching clients to practice grace for themselves is the hardest thing I can possibly ask of them.

The purpose of practicing grace for yourself is to learn how to trust yourself. Only by learning to trust yourself can you get long-term positive behavior change without force or restriction.

Self-acceptance and grace also help further lift the fog that comes along with the urgency and panic that drives impatience.

Grace doesn’t mean an abdication of all responsibilities, of course; it just means acceptance of past decisions. Giving ourselves grace means we can begin to trust ourselves, be resilient, and make better long-term choices.

Grace Is Also a Practice in Slowness

With slowness comes intentional decision making and typically better (read future-focused) decision making. Rather than making choices from that quick, reactionary, gut-clenching place that impatience drives us to, we get the chance to make choices with our heads on a swivel.

Giving ourselves grace is not always easy, especially if there is a history of self-criticism, but is a critical way to begin healing your own financial trauma.

Here’s how I teach my clients the first few steps of practicing grace for themselves.

Story Time!

I’d like you to imagine a scientist out in the wild, they’ve got their pith helmet and their khaki clothes and their little notebook and all that. Let’s assume this is a good and ethical scientist.

Our scientist is observing a wild animal. Would they be trying to change the wild animal’s behavior?

Not if they’re a good scientist.

The scientist would just be observing and taking notes, right?

So let’s say the scientist has observed long enough and thinks they understand the wild animal’s “normal” behavior. And then the scientist watches the wild animal deviate away from that normal. Would the scientist try to correct the animal’s behavior?

Probably not. But why wouldn’t the scientist try to correct the animal’s behavior?

Well, maybe the scientist was wrong about what is normal for the animal. Maybe this behavior is not something the scientist has had the opportunity to observe yet.

Maybe the scientist might get curious and ask more questions, but they are probably not going to correct the animal’s behavior.

Now, the scientist sees the animal eat something gross. Is the scientist going to write in their notes, “Oh my god, this animal is so disgusting, I can’t believe it just ate all of that rotten, moldy elephant poop!!!”?

Again, not likely. The scientist would just observe and take notes. Date, time, how much elephant poop, etc.

The scientist has three jobs. The first is just to observe, just gather information, right? The second job is to look for patterns. Humans are almost too good at pattern recognition. And the third job the scientist has is to come up with a hypothesis and then a test or experiment to check that hypothesis.

So how does telling the story of the wild animal and the scientist help people give themselves grace?

You Are Both the Wild Animal AND the Scientist

Any time you’re observing your own behavior, I’d like you to try not to change your behavior. Intentionally changing (correcting) our behavior while we’re observing means we get back messy data.

After you practice observing your own behavior without judging, you’ll just naturally begin to notice patterns… this part I don’t have to teach.

Some of those patterns you’ll want to reinforce, and some you’ll want to interrupt, and to do that, you’ll need an experiment.

Experimenting on yourself means you need to evaluate the interruption, trial, or experiment, NOT yourself. By evaluating the systems you use, not yourself, you can adapt and evolve your systems much faster and more efficiently.

As long as the interruption is small and neutral, it will help. The interruption cannot in any way be a punishment. You do not need punishment to gain awareness.

Punishment Kills Grace

In the case study above, I’m asking my client to practice self-awareness without judgment. By doing so, she is also practicing grace for herself.

Awareness without judgment (grace) means we get a little break from the pressure and urgency that stokes impatience.

Let’s Think About It:

Do you often feel impatience when making financial decisions? What presses you to move fast? How would your financial decision-making change if you practiced just 20% more grace for yourself than you do now?

Photo: @alexiae_says

Originally posted at: Alexia Echevarria’s White Lace Midi Dress

A white tee is a timeless wardrobe staple that never goes out of style. Versatile, classic, and effortlessly chic, the right white tee can be dressed up or down for any occasion. 

Whether you’re looking for a fitted silhouette, a relaxed fit, or something with a little extra detail, here are the 12 best white tees for ladies that deserve a spot in your closet.

1. Everlane The Organic Cotton Crew – Everlane’s Organic Cotton Crew is the epitome of simplicity and sustainability. 
2. Madewell Whisper Cotton V-Neck Tee – For those who prefer a V-neck style, the Madewell Whisper Cotton Tee is a must-have. 
3. Uniqlo U Crew Neck Short-Sleeve T-Shirt – Uniqlo’s U Crew Neck Tee, designed by Christophe Lemaire, is a standout for its quality and affordability. 
4. J.Crew Slim Perfect T-Shirt – The J.Crew Slim Perfect Tee lives up to its name with a tailored fit that accentuates your shape without clinging.
5. Hanes Women’s Nano T-Shirt – Hanes is known for its comfort basics, and the Nano T-Shirt is no exception. This affordable tee offers a lightweight, breathable fabric with a semi-fitted cut that flatters the body.

Keep reading to discover our complete list of white t-shirts for women.

White T-Shirts for Women

A white tee is an essential piece in any wardrobe, offering endless styling possibilities. Whether you prefer a fitted style, a relaxed fit, or something in between, these 10 options provide a variety of choices to suit your personal style. Invest in a few of these high-quality tees to ensure you always have the perfect base for any outfit.

Everlane The Organic Cotton Crew

Everlane’s Organic Cotton Crew is the epitome of simplicity and sustainability. Made from 100% organic cotton, this tee offers a soft, lightweight feel and a flattering fit that skims the body without being too tight. It’s perfect for pairing with jeans, skirts, or layering under blazers.

Madewell Whisper Cotton V-Neck Tee

For those who prefer a V-neck style, the Madewell Whisper Cotton Tee is a must-have. Its ultra-soft cotton fabric and relaxed fit make it ideal for everyday wear. The slightly slouchy silhouette adds a touch of casual elegance to any outfit.

Uniqlo U Crew Neck Short-Sleeve T-Shirt

Uniqlo’s U Crew Neck Tee, designed by Christophe Lemaire, is a standout for its quality and affordability. The sturdy cotton fabric and structured design give it a polished look that’s perfect for both casual and semi-formal settings. It’s a versatile piece that works well on its own or layered under jackets.

J.Crew Slim Perfect T-Shirt

The J.Crew Slim Perfect Tee lives up to its name with a tailored fit that accentuates your shape without clinging. Made from soft, breathable cotton, it’s an excellent choice for those who like their tees to have a bit of structure. It pairs beautifully with high-waisted jeans or skirts.

Hanes Women’s Nano T-Shirt

Hanes is known for its comfort basics, and the Nano T-Shirt is no exception. This affordable tee offers a lightweight, breathable fabric with a semi-fitted cut that flatters the body. It’s a fantastic option for layering or wearing on its own for a simple, clean look.

Z Supply Classic Crew T-Shirt

Z Supply’s Classic Crew Tee combines a relaxed fit with a soft, worn-in feel. The slightly longer length and loose cut make it perfect for tucking into jeans or wearing over leggings. It’s a perfect everyday option that you’ll reach for time and time again.

Frank & Eileen THEO Perfect Tee

The Frank & Eileen THEO Perfect Tee is a luxurious, 100% cotton white tee designed with meticulous attention to detail. It offers a soft, breathable feel with a slightly textured finish and features a relaxed fit that drapes beautifully. Ethically produced in a family-owned factory, this tee combines comfort, quality, and style.

Gap Modern V-Neck T-Shirt

Gap’s Modern V-Neck T-Shirt is a great blend of affordability and quality. The soft, stretchy fabric and flattering V-neck design make it a versatile option for any wardrobe. It’s an easy go-to for casual days or as a layering piece under sweaters and jackets.

Splendid Abbie Crewneck Tee

The Splendid Abbie Crewneck Tee is made from a super-soft blend of modal and cotton for ultimate comfort. This tee features a classic crew neckline and a relaxed fit, making it perfect for layering or wearing on its own. Its lightweight fabric ensures breathability, while the subtle drape adds a touch of elegance to any casual outfit. Ideal for everyday wear, the Abbie Crewneck Tee effortlessly combines simplicity and sophistication. 

Everlane The Air Oversized Crew

Another hit from Everlane, the Air Oversized Crew is perfect for those who love a relaxed fit. Made from a lightweight, breathable fabric, it’s ideal for warm weather or for layering over tanks and camis. The oversized silhouette gives it a modern, effortless look.

Also read, 6 WHITE MUST-HAVES FOR YOUR SUMMER WARDROBE.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you wear white T-shirts? What are your favorite brands? Do you like to order your white T-shirts online? Tell us about it in the comments below. 

Traveling isn’t just about seeing new places; it’s about experiencing the essence of destinations with rich tapestries of history and culture.

Unearthing Ancient Wonders

Women over 60, with a wealth of life experience and a profound appreciation for history, will find these ancient sites utterly captivating.

The Acropolis, Greece

Standing majestically over Athens, the Acropolis is a monumental testament to ancient Greek civilization. The Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena, is the crown jewel of this sacred rock. Besides the Parthenon, you can explore the Erechtheion with its distinctive Caryatids, and the Temple of Athena Nike.

Walking through these ancient ruins feels like stepping back into classical antiquity, where democracy and philosophy flourished. A visit to the Acropolis Museum provides additional context and exhibits that enrich the experience.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

An awe-inspiring complex of temples, Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world. Originally a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu, it transitioned to a Buddhist site by the end of the 12th century. Its grandiosity is reflected in the central tower surrounded by four smaller towers, with intricate carvings and bas-reliefs depicting mythological scenes.

Sunrise at Angkor Wat is a magical experience, and a guided tour can unravel the mysteries of this UNESCO World Heritage site, including lesser-known gems like Ta Prohm, where massive trees intertwine with the ruins, and Bayon, renowned for its enigmatic smiling faces.

The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

The iconic Pyramids of Giza are among the most recognizable ancient structures. Built as monumental tombs for pharaohs Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, these structures have stood the test of time. The Sphinx, with its lion’s body and human head, guards this ancient necropolis.

Enjoy a guided tour to uncover the complexities of pyramid construction, the significance of hieroglyphics, and the fascinating history of ancient Egypt. A camel ride around the area provides a unique and immersive experience.

The Colosseum, Italy

Rome’s Colosseum is an enduring symbol of the grandeur and might of the Roman Empire. This ancient amphitheater, where gladiators once battled, stands as a remarkable architectural and historical monument. The Colosseum could hold up to 80,000 spectators and featured a complex underground network of tunnels. Walking tours provide compelling narratives of its storied past, while night tours offer a different and hauntingly beautiful perspective.

Petra, Jordan

Known as the “Rose City” for its pink sandstone cliffs, Petra is an ancient city carved out of rock. This UNESCO World Heritage site was once a thriving Nabataean trading hub. The Treasury (Al-Khazneh) is perhaps its most famous structure, thanks to its grand façade.

Wandering through the ancient pathways, you’ll find the Monastery (Ad Deir), the Roman-style theatre, and countless tombs and dwellings that reveal the city’s history and culture. A guided hike offers breathtaking views and the chance to understand more deeply about this mysterious city.

Ephesus, Turkey

One of the most complete Greco-Roman cities, Ephesus offers stunning ruins that include the Library of Celsus, which once held over 12,000 scrolls, and the Grand Theater, capable of seating 25,000 people. The Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, though now in ruins, signifies the historical importance of this ancient city. Strolling through its ancient streets provides a sense of life in a bustling ancient metropolis, complete with public baths, terraced houses, and marketplaces.

Stonehenge, England

The prehistoric stone circle of Stonehenge has mystified historians and archaeologists for centuries. Comprising massive stones arranged in a circular layout, its purpose remains a topic of debate, adding to its allure.

Some theories suggest it was used as a burial ground, while others believe it served astronomical purposes. Visitors can marvel at this enigmatic structure and explore its surrounding landscape. Nearby, the visitor center provides exhibits and artifacts to give further context.

Chichen Itza, Mexico

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Chichen Itza is renowned for the Pyramid of Kukulkan (El Castillo). This ancient Mayan city thrived between 600 AD and 1200 AD. The pyramid is astronomically aligned to showcase shadow displays during the equinoxes.

Other notable sites within Chichen Itza include the Great Ball Court, Temple of the Warriors, and the Sacred Cenote, a natural limestone sinkhole used for ceremonial purposes. A guided tour enriches the visit by explaining the Mayan calendar, mythology, and architectural ingenuity.

Tikal, Guatemala

Hidden within the Guatemalan rainforest, Tikal is one of the largest archaeological sites of the ancient Mayan civilization. Its towering temples and royal palaces stand as a testament to its grandeur. Temple IV, the tallest pre-Columbian structure in the Americas, offers a panoramic view of the jungle canopy.

The site also includes smaller temples, residential complexes, and a spacious plaza. A guided tour reveals the historical significance of Tikal, its role as a powerful city-state, and its eventual decline.

Machu Picchu, Peru

Nestled high in the Andes Mountains, Machu Picchu is an Incan citadel that dates back to the 15th century. Its architecture, featuring over 150 buildings ranging from baths and houses to temples and sanctuaries, is a testament to the ingenuity of the Inca civilization.

The Intihuatana stone, the Temple of the Sun, and the Room of the Three Windows are some of the iconic structures awaiting your exploration. Guided tours offer in-depth insights into the historical significance and rediscovery of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Marvel at the misty mountain scenery as llamas graze peacefully among the ruins.

Time to Embrace History

As we traverse these ancient sites, we not only witness architectural grandeur but also connect with the stories, achievements, and legacies of civilizations long past. These destinations offer a profound sense of wonder and understanding, perfect for those who cherish history and culture.

Further read, 15 OF THE BEST UNESCO DESTINATIONS FOR WOMEN OVER 50.

Visit UNESCO’s full list of Heritage Sites.

I Would Love to Hear Your Thoughts:

What Ancient Wonders have you visited? Which ones are on your list? Have you planned a trip to an ancient site you’d like to explore?