The New Face of 60

Highlights of our favorite European Christmas Markets.

ok.....it was sort of a dare ......

Let me just get right down to it...I am crazy about this book! It's on my 4 Must-Reads for this Summer if you saw the blog this week you'll recognize the title.

Darren Hardy has managed to write a book so simple, so actionable, so clear that I cannot believe I am just now reading it. This is the stuff we all learned as kiddos and forget now and then.....your Nana and Gampie would have shared these basic tools with you while sharing they had to walk uphill in snow BOTH ways to school when they were young!

The Compound Effect is based on 6 principles laced with quotes from the likes of Jim Rohn, This book was featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today as a Bestseller. But Darren Hardy is not just an author. He was actually the former publisher of SUCCESS magazine for 10 years before he moved on. He’s also known for being mentored by Jim Rohn (one of my favorite authors of all time!). 

Hardy talks about how people’s biggest achievements will depend on the small things they do daily. That’s because small daily choices, even though they seem not to matter, will compound over time. It’s about the idea that small consistent actions over time will always beat big, fast results. Therefore, we shouldn’t chase big killer gains or make dramatic changes. We should instead start small, build a habit and wait for the Compound Effect to kick in.

The Compound Effect reviews many examples, case studies and real life stories. By doing this, Hardy drills in the fact that The Compound Effect is always working. You can’t really switch it off. Whether you’re making good choices, bad choices or no choice at all, over time each choice will compound. So the only question is whether you want The Compound Effect to work for you or against you. So if you want to become successful, live a fulfilled and healthy life or want to have a better relationship, you need to start small, start now and do it daily.

There are sooooo many little nuggets of wisdom in this book I cannot do it justice in one blog. So, I will share his THREE part homework and leave you to it....whatever you are working on these days in your life. No pressure. Just begin!

Darren Hardy Action Plan:

* WRITE DOWN YOUR NUMBER 1 GOAL FOR 2019: This can be improving your health or relationships or scaling your business for growth. Doesn't matter. Choose one and write it down. Keep it someplace you can see it every.single.day.* WRITE DOWN "WHY" THIS GOAL IS IMPORTANT NOW: Again, it's whatever you want the goal to be...what made you want to do this now as opposed to 5 years from now or earlier in life? The "why" is your ultimate motivator.* WRITE DOWN 3 HABITS YOU'D LIKE TO TAKE ACTION ON: If you want to improve your health, what three things can you do to make small changes and feel better. If you are coping with sleep challenges, you could start turning the TV off 2 hours prior to bedtime and relax with a good book or music. Whatever it is...do it now!

I hope this book will be as riveting and useful for you as it was for me. This evening, I'm giving it to one of the kids. It's THAT good!

Let me know if you write your goals down already. Which parts of this book were most impactful for you? What new things are you doing to create the lifestyle you really want to live?

#agingbackwards,

THEN THERE WAS THAT QUICK LESSON OVER MOZAMBIQUE....EEEEEKKKKK!

At this point, we've all had enough time out there in this great big world to know our strengths and weaknesses, right? Well, it turns out that we all seem to suffer from the same nagging thing .....FEAR. Well, maybe it's a bit broader than that .... there may be fear you need and fear you don't need. Could be that some of that "fear" is just a set of excuses. Things we create that make us feel better about putting our dreams away .... no need to stretch if it's just going to fail, right?

There is a great quote by Franklin Roosevelt that says: " While fear can serve us, it can also limit us." Followed up by: "All we have to fear is fear itself" How many times in recent years has fear kept you from doing something you REALLY wanted to do? How can we "feel the fear" and step up anyway?

There are a few actionable tools you can use to move forward and put fear into proper perspective.

* FIND SOMETHING SCARIER... I know lots of people who are paralyzed by the thought of public speaking. Or, maybe it's selling or putting yourself out there in a vulnerable way. Find something that is even scarier to you and use it. Maybe you don't want to disappoint your boss or, your children or spouse. Use others stories to show you that things could ALWAYS be worse. Then, just do it! (Thanks Nike)* ON THE PORCH TEST ... According to Judy in Fear is My Homeboy, another way to push past fear is to find out what it’s going to cost you.    You need to find your why:   Why is pushing past your fear a MUST not just a SHOULD?   I've often utilized the "On the Porch in a chair test" to see if it’s worth it. Imagine yourself as 90 years old, sitting in your rocking chair, and you didn’t do whatever it is where fear is holding you back.  If it doesn’t bother you, then don’t do it.   But, if you feel like you missed out, and you regret not doing it, then go for it. Again, can you live with sitting out?* MAKE A CHANGE ... I think we've all heard about our "fight or flight" hormone Cortisol. If you find you feel paralyzed by something....make a physical change which will alter your thought process. Fear is a physical thing. Change your situation and slay fear....go for a walk or run and listen to your favorite "power" music. Go to the gym and lift weights. Talk to someone you trust to help you see how you are holding back.

Don't stay stuck ... take action...change things up and move forward. Be brave ... you'll be glad you did.

Soar,

MY TRUSTY IPAD FOR TRAVEL!

I LOVE to read. Reading in my family has always been something restful and fun. I remember a couple of years ago my mother, two daughters and myself BLITZED through the "then hot" HUNGER GAMES! We spent hours on the phone....via chat and even emailing our latest thoughts on whether or not we could survive the "games". And, of course, who would be Katniss......Great memories!

So, each year when Summer rolls around and I have a teeny bit of time in the late afternoon (providing I am not golfing...) I like to catch up on the ever-growing list of books waiting patiently to be opened. By the way, thanks to everyone who sent in their fave Summer reads in May...I am getting to them one at a time:) Appreciate you!

To that end, I'd love to share 4 of my current favorites with you just in case you are hunting for something new:

THE SHOE DOG by Phil Knight / I could NOT put this book down! I've given it to EVERYONE for EVERY occasion for the past two years. Read it if you've not had the chance. It will forever change your ideas about Nike and business!

EDUCATED by Tara Westover / I am amazed by this woman's sheer will and discipline. Tara did not see the inside of a classroom until she was 17! She ends up in Cambridge ....AREN'T WOMEN AMAZING!!!!???? I am blown away by this story and I know you will be too. Read it NOW.

THE COMPOUND EFFECT by Darren Hardy / Just wading into this one and LOVE,LOVE,LOVE it for it's practical and actionable tips. I am hoping to use some of the wisdom in this book on my grand kiddo Kendall.

THE NAKED MIND by Annie Grace / WOW! I was referred to this book by a dear friend who had decided to make this Summer her "detox" season. It's a great read and education for anyone who partakes of the cocktail occasionally or consistently. I was so shocked by the effects this magic elixir has on our bodies AND our brains. No judgement here.....just saying it's an amazing read.

Curl up on the porch swing and enjoy.....let me know which one you chose and what you thought!

Keep reading ......keep learning!

Polaris Lounge & Bubbles

We all know just how stressful getting ready for travel (or travel) can be. It should be your "fun" time...your downtime, a chance to leave behind the normal stresses of work and home (dogs, errands, family, neighbors...the other 9000 things you do daily).

Unfortunately, we sometimes find ourselves needing a vacation from the travel. I wanted to share a few of the things I've learned from our travel life.

* Don't wait until the last minute to pack. I know it's tempting....it couldn't take thaaatttt long, right? You will either end up forgetting something or taking way too much. I am not the best at this but, am getting better (is there a support group for this????) The Good Doctor on the other hand is usually finished packing a couple of days before we leave! Annoying, right?* Leave yourself plenty of time at the airport. This is especially true if you do not have TSA Pre. No, you don't have to give yourself 2 - 3 hours but plan so you do not have to rush to the boarding gate. You can apply for TSA Pre here: https://www.tsa.gov/precheck* Insure that all of your documents will be valid for the duration of the trip. Any necessary Visas need to be obtained at least 3-4 weeks prior to departure. Do not forget that many countries require that a passport be valid for 6 months after the intended departure from the country. Many countries will NOT honor a passport that expires within 6 months of your trip! * If at all possible, have Lounge access. This can be a lifesaver when you experience mechanical and weather delays. Usually, international business class tickets will give you lounge access. You can also obtain lounge access with certain branded credit cards. Priority Pass has lounges worldwide - you can join here https://www.prioritypass.com/ . We are fortunate to be United Club lifetime members and have Star Alliance Gold status which gives us access to Star Alliance Lounges when we fly Internationally.* Do not overpack. Can you see my nose growing over here??!! I almost ALWAYS do it and am sorry..... These bags get cumbersome after a while, particularly getting on and off trains. Trust me on this - you will not use / need all of the clothes you have crammed into that orca-sized suitcase.* Do not overbook yourself. This is particularly true if this is your first International trip. You may not know how you will react to jet lag (and, yes....it's a thing). Prioritize the sights you want to visit and factor travel time from your hotel AND possible lines at the more popular destinations. Hopefully, you will get an opportunity to return if you miss something! NOTE: I want to be perfectly honest here....this is something we've had a LOT of "discussions" over...The Good Doctor loves to pack 9 things into our 8 hour travel day.....I often felt frazzled by the non-stop activity and late arrival at some stops. Nowadays, we compromise and see things in a much more relaxed way. * When visiting a place for the first time, consider setting up a "meet and greet" when you arrive (we've done this in different countries utilizing our Concierge at the hotel). Yes, the public transportation in less expensive but, if you do not know the area you may find yourself doing a lot of unnecessary walking dragging luggage. Much less stress to find out EXACTLY what the distance is from airport to hotel and arrange for an Uber or car service in advance. As someone who has wheeled her way through the cobblestone streets of Cinque Terre, I know the value of knowing the terrain FIRST!* Remember that this trip is supposed to be fun AND restful! Understand that not everything will go as planned and there will be some unexpected challenges. Take a deep breath and do what you can!

The idea of saving a few bucks and snagging a "deal" is just too delicious! I don't know anyone who doesn't love it. Travel is NO exception and there are always savings to be found if you know where to look. Let's start with a few easy peasy ideas with respect to travel in general and then move into some specifics.

First, join any and all frequent flyer and "stay" programs of airlines that you use and hotels where you may stay. The vast majority of programs are free to join. Just being a general member will get you some benefits particularly with the hotels. For example, as a Hyatt member, you get breakfast at every Hyatt Place Hotel (if you read about our Summer Road Trip, you know about this part of the chain:) As a frequent flyer member you will get advanced boarding ahead of non-members ....think about the overhead bins here...

Second, consider signing up for credit cards that will earn points and miles. Many have signing bonuses that can garner free flights or rooms. Often airlines cards will come with perks like free bags or preferred seating. Some cards will allow you to earn points that are transferable among a number of airlines and hotel properties. Most importantly, never sign up for any card that will place you in financial jeopardy. Seek advice from your financial institution if you need input.

THE POLARIS LOUNGE for Champagne

All airlines run specials and flash sales with very little notice and limited sign up availability. In the vast majority of cases, there will also be limited seats available at the sale prices. These will also be primarily coach seats. However, many of the foreign airlines, particularly, the middle eastern carriers (Emirates, Ethiad and Qatar) have business and first class sales on a regular basis. Singapore airlines also runs business class sales at least two times a year! Sign up on the individual airline websites. Another great place to look for premium class sales is on www.flyertalk.com.... go to the miles and points forums and click on Premium Fare Deals.

Luxury hotels often have specials on their website. Think outside the box at hotels like those of the Peninsula, Mandarin Oriental and Shangri La groups. Hotels that participate in the Virtuoso and American Express Fine Hotel and Resorts Programs offer an especially good deal. By booking through these programs, you will receive a breakfast upgrade (based on availability) late check out and a welcoming gift which is often a $100 credit toward food / beverage or spa! You can find and book Virtuoso Hotels at www.classictravel.com. Many credit cards such as Chase Sapphire Reserve also have hotel programs associated with them.

If you are a Costco member, they have an online travel program which often has Luxury Hotel bargains. Recently, Costco (I would have never guessed if I hadn't seen this while actually in the store!) was offering the following:

Maui: The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua Limited - Time Package / Luxury Oceanfront Resort / $500 Resort Credit / Stay 5/Pay 4, Full-size Rental Car & Daily Buffet Breakfast.

ROSANNA'S TIPS:

* Whenever available, we book using Virtuoso benefits ...look here FIRST. Ask for Lance.....he has been the architect of many of our WOW trips...* We both belong to United and Alaska Frequent Flier programs. United just because of it's great partner programs - Emirates and Cathay Pacific - Yippee!* We belong to Marriott, Hyatt, Hilton and Mandarin Oriental Hotel programs. Join NOW! It takes 5 minutes.....* When flying internationally, whether in Business or First Class, take advantage of the Lounges. Some are just spectacular!

Read this from Dr. Axe and had to share! Get yours today...

I love the simplicity of this graphic. I think we just get buried these days with all of the "eating plans" and supplements on the market. It can be confusing and frustrating to try and do the "right" thing for your body. This cuts right through the "noise" and gives us some simple and concise ways to generate the "feel good" hormone.

WHICH OF THESE HAVE YOU TRIED? DOES ONE WORK BETTER THAN ANOTHER FOR YOU?

HAVE THE BEST DAY,

Happy Skier......NO line at 10??!!!!! How often does that happen!

Yes, YOU. You are a warrior. With maybe just a titch (isn't that a great word/descriptive?) of Goddess mixed in. Embrace it. Roll around in it.......

I was watching a show the other night (hands up for all of the Netflix addicts) and heard the GREATEST line from one of the actresses. Her BFF had been diagnosed with breast cancer....her next decision was devastating.....and her bestie of a dozen years reminded her of all of those things we women tend to take for granted. Creating life and birthing it....name two men (heck, name ONE) who could accomplish this feat. She was a single mom to a small child AND held down a full-time job. How many of you do that without even giving it a second thought? It's got to be done, right? She served meals to the less fortunate once a week at a shelter. When we are asking ourselves??? And, she had a side-hustle going on so she could better educate her daughter when the time came.

International Conference in Belgrade, Serbia

Over the years, I've had the good fortune to meet all kinds of women from every possible walk of life. They all have one thing in common. STRENGTH. FOCUS. SELFLESSNESS. BRILLIANCE. Each and every one of them faced numerous challenges, struggles and some tears. But, through it all they persevered.....heck, they slayed it!

I think sometimes we, as women, get caught up in societal pressure......what we SHOULD look like, SHOULD weigh, SHOULD feel like, SHOULD raise our children like......well, here is the truth. You are exactly where you should be right now. You are stunning. You are capable. You DO matter. You are enough. PERIOD. There it is my friend.

So tonight after everyone is asleep and you finally get to slip into bed......give yourself a hug and know you are amazing. You have gifts no one else has.....appreciate those and get out there and do whatever it is you want to do! And, SMILE while you are doing it!

I'd love to hear about your side hustle or challenge you are dealing with today.....please share you story below. Have a fabulous day and rock your world!

EPISODE 10 - WARRIOR BABES

Sleigh Ride up to Zack's Cabin for dinner with Courtney

The change of seasons can be incredibly stressful on your skin, especially when going from warmer summer months to cold, windy drier winters. This transition almost always makes your skin look dull and older than it really is, but it can also spur flare-ups of skin conditions such as acne and eczema. One of the biggest mistakes people make with the change of seasons is they continue with their "usual" skin care routine, if they are even sticking to one in the first place. The good news is that there are simple changes you can make to fight the stress of cold weather.

Colder temperatures mean a drop in humidity (I sleep with a humidifier in my room both in Denver and Vail during the winter) taking moisture not only out of the air, but also out of your skin. While staples like a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water are crucial for healthy skin, making a few skincare changes and adopting a handful of new habits can help manage the discomfort of Dry Skin Season and keep your skin feeling silky smooth year round. Here’s my quick hit of easy skin care tips for cold weather:

1. EAT WHATS IN SEASON.

The best high-antioxidant fruits and vegetables in their peak season right now. My favorites are cranberries, blueberries, pumpkin, pomegranate and squash. These foods will help feed your skin from the inside out and keep it looking plump and moist.

If stubborn dry skin is causing extreme discomfort, seek out professional advice.  A dermatologist can examine your skin and create a customized skin care routine. In certain cases, extremely dry skin can be an indicator of a larger medical issue, such as diabetes or an under active thyroid. Work with a health care professional to determine a more specified treatment plan.

2. DON'T CRANK UP THE HEAT.

I am the WORST at this.....the minute I have a little chill I run to the thermastat and set it at "tropical". Turning up the heat indoors seems like a natural response to chilly winter weather, but raising the thermostat indoors dries the air, and skin out even more. The result is dry, flaky skin that is itchy and uncomfortable. Unless of course, you were a smart cookie and put in a home humidifier when you went through your last hot, dry winter. Something to consider with your next improvement.

3. IT'S NOT JUST FOR CHEST COLDS.

To remedy a dry home, bring in a humidifier and set humidity level between 45% and 55% to infuse the air with enough moisture for you skin to reap the benefits.

4. TAKE QUICK WARM (NOT HOT) SHOWERS.

Again, I am the worst at "quick" "warm" showers or baths regardless of the time of year. Nothing better in my world than soaking in a "lobster" hot bubble bath with ice cold Bubbles!!! Whose with me here? A long hot shower may feel heavenly on cold mornings, but it strips out the water and natural oils in your skin, thus drying it out. Limit showers to 15-minutes or less, using warm water, rather than hot hot water. Just know I am NOT taking this advice.......no judgement if you chose to join me!

5. GET RID OF THE HORSE SOAP.

Deodorant and antibacterial soaps are especially harsh on your skin, compromising your skin’s natural moisture. Instead, opt for gentle soaps and cleansers like this one. This one is super gentle and smells SO good in warm water. It's addictive.

6. THE MULTI-TASKER.

After showering, blot excess water off your body, instead of roughly rubbing your skin with a towel.

One of the most asked questions by our followers is "what kind of diet do you follow?" I have to admit I've been on every kind of eating program there is......each new "diet" sounds fabulous and I just know I will look like Giselle in a day or two by following it. However, what I am learning these days is that eating REAL foods and moving more is the key to feeling great and having mental clarity (JK.....there is NO mental clarity, right?!) My daughter, Ashley was hysterical in clueing me into the fact that DIET has the word "die" in it.......enough said!

Post-Run in Boston at The Eliot Hotel

So, today I thought we would give some super healthy eating tips for glamorous gals over 25:) See how I totally went around that "older" thing?!!!

As we grow wise (did it again!), one of the most important factor to our overall health is our diet. We are what we eat, and the foods and combinations we choose are totally in our control.

Making good food choices is especially true for women over 60, who have unique nutritional needs. We need to be sure that we nourish our bones, keep our hearts healthy and watch our blood pressure and weight.

Healthy living begins with the right attitude, and so a healthy, alert brain needs to be nourished as well. Add to that the basic principles of sourcing local and eating fresh, smart and economically, and we will create strong bodies and minds that will allow us to be able to do all the things we have waited all our lives to do.

Think about being able to travel, play with your grandkids, dance, learn, volunteer and simply live a full and active life after 60! I'm aiming for 112......keep ya posted!

Nut Butter Snacks. Sweet and salty cravings can be curbed with a tablespoon of natural nut butter spread over half an apple. You’ll get the benefits of both protein and fiber with only about 150 calories. Or, spread your nut butter on GG Fiber Crackers....double win...protein and lots of fiber. Keeps you fuller longer! The Raisin and Honey ones are my addiction!

Fish Oil. According to WebMD, Omega 3 fatty acids found in fish are essential to brain development and function, especially as we move through our sixties and beyond. Apparently, these amazing healthy fats may lower the risk of stroke and dementia, slow down mental decline, and enhance memory. What are we waiting for? Grill Fish NOW:)

Pistachios. Switch out the chips for some unsalted pistachios to potentially raise your HDL (good kind) cholesterol. A study conducted by the Department of Integrated Biosciences at Penn State has shown that eating just 1.5 – 3 ounces (57-85 grams) daily for four weeks can have a positive effect. Also a great choice, Almonds.....keep RAW almonds in a container for emergency snacking....yes.....it's real!

Vitamin E. In “Brain Foods That Help You Concentrate,” WebMD, maintains that the Vitamin E antioxidant has been associated with lessening cognitive decline as we age. Eating just an ounce (28 grams) a day of nuts and dark chocolate will give you the vitamin E you need without excess calories you don’t need. It's all about making healthy choices. It takes a little bit of time to get used to alternatives but, so worth the healthy benefits.

Consumer REAL Food. Did you know that it’s sometimes better to eat a real cookie than those low-fat or low-calorie snack packs filled with preservatives and artificial flavorings and ingredients? When you say it like that, it just makes sense. Whole food takes your intestines longer to process, so you feel fuller longer.