Category: Health/Wellness

Pivot Points – Knowing When to Make the Turn

by amy155, posted in Finances/Entrepreneurship, Health/Wellness, Relationships

 

 

I love this mug I got from the former “O” store in Chicago.  I love drinking coffee from it and thinking about my “what’s next”.  Life’s journey certainly hasn’t been a straight line.  People look at me and think, “She’s got it made.  What a success!”

If they only knew.

This Harvard MBA and marketing executive has had to weather MANY storms–the Weather Channel ain’t got nothing on me!  Divorces. Lawsuits. Layoffs. Foreclosure. Bankruptcy.  Uh-Huh.  Didn’t know all that, did-ja?  But I’m still standing.  Still smiling.  This mug says is best.  “Use what you have to run toward your best.”  That’s all anyone can do.  The key is–don’t get stuck.

I read.  A lot.  I’ve read about how when setbacks happen, the best way to get over them is to outgrow them.

Outgrow rejection.  Outgrow heartbreak.  That job that didn’t work out.  That lover that broke your heart.  Be someone that would NOT want to be in that job or with that person because you have GROWN into something better, bigger and stronger.  In this way, you can be sure that a life changing event does not have to stop your life.   It change just change your direction.  It can help you PIVOT.

Pivot Points are there to to show you when to make the turns that can help you grow, and growth sometime hurts.  The term “growing pains” isn’t a fallacy.  In physiological terms, muscles and bones actually hurt as they go through growth spurts.  I remember, don’t you?

And, JE-SUS!  When your heart gets broken, when you lose that job, when your business doesn’t gain the heights you thought it would, when the ride or die friend doesn’t ride anymore….you think life is over.  Well, IT ISN’T, unless you decide it is.  What you are facing is a Pivot Point.  Which way will you go?  Forward, Backward or Stuck?

I choose Forward.  And most times, I don’t know what that means.  I only know that if I keep putting one foot in front of the other, through tears, through fear, through …PISSOFF-ITY (that’s my new word for being mad!), I will see a light at the end of the tunnel.  Sometimes, you can’t see the light, unless you see the darkness first.  Because if you don’t see darkness, the light seems frivolous, not worth pursuing, not pragmatic, not practical, not SAFE.

Well.  That’s when Faith steps in. And as Stormie Norman says, God gives you just enough light for the step you’re on.  And guess what else?  YOU are the light at the end of the tunnel.

One of the biggest “AH-HA” moments of Pivot Points is knowing when to turn to YOU! 

Stop giving away your power to someone else to solve your problems. To find solutions.  To make a way.  Seek advice, yes.  Decide for you, NO!!!  You’ve done it before.  You can do it again.  I get it.  Sometimes you are just TIRED.  You want someone else to take over for a minute so you can rest.  Then that minute turns into a week, the week into a month, a month into a year.  Next thing you know, your power is reduced, and you start feeling like you aren’t a BadAss anymore.

Well, Welcome back to BADASS LAND, Dorothy!  Click your heels, three times.  You were already Home.  Time to pivot back to YOU.

What I’ve found is that when you keep moving forward, keep pivoting and making the turn toward a better direction, major surprises are in store!  I am SOOO excited to begin teaching marketing at Loyola University!  Got great advice to seek it out, and I decided to reach out about it months ago, just put it OUT THERE.  And through a long time relationship with a friend who already was teaching there, we became re-connected, and I invested time to explore possibilities.  Was it worth it.  YES!  How did I know?  Even though I wasn’t paid to audit her class, I was EXCITED.  I loved being back in the classroom with students.   Had a ball.  Market-TING is my THING!!  So, I kept moving toward it.  Then when I got the call about an opening to teach with only two weeks to prepare, it was an easy YES.

So, here’s the the deal as I see it.  Life will show you road signs: turn left, right, stop, slow down, speed up.  But the most important thing is:  KEEP IT MOVING.  If you come up to a stop sign, do like you do when you drive…stop, look both ways, but then MOVE ON THROUGH!!

I could keep this post going forever…but I won’t.  You get my drift.

Pivot Points.  Knowing When To Make The Turn.  The benefits are huge: Build Resilience.  Ignite Reinvention.  Embrace Resurrection in all its many forms. Jesus taught us all how to rise from the dead.  Keep the Faith, Trust Yourself, Just Pivot and Make the Turn.

That’s what Sizzling is all about.

Tell me about your Pivot Points!!  I Want to KNOW!!!

Hugs and Love,

Amy

 

 

 

The Benefits of Vitamin D – Get Outside!!

by amy155, posted in Beauty/Appearance/Style, Health/Wellness

Get Outside!

Yikes!!! It’s the middle of August already.  Where has the summer gone??

You know I have been and will STAY on my soapbox about getting in exercise.  30 minutes of something 5 days a week.  Well, here in Chicago, we gotta make hay while the sun shines, because before you know it, Mother Nature will be putting on her shades and winter will be here.

Think it’s all about having fun in the sun?  I’m all for the picnics, concerts, and laying on the beach for sure.  But one of the best reasons to get outside is to get some Vitamin D.  This natural nutrient from the sun is one of the best fighters against aging, diseases like diabetes, cancer and dementia, depression, bone weakness and so much more.  Get it from the sun, from key foods and from supplements, but just be sure to get some!  Here’s more detail on why.  Take a look at this informational link:

https://www.everydayhealth.com/vitamin-d/vitamin-d-health-benefits-what-it-can-cant-your-body/

Vitamin D is no cure all.  Nothing is.  But, as I come across tips to highlight, I have to share them, because it doesn’t take as much as it seems to stay healthy.  Awareness is key.  As Mother Maya always says, “When you know better, you can do better!”

Back to my pic above…

As you are out and about getting your sun on, be careful out there!  It gets crowded on the streets and lakefront as folks are definitely trying to get their walk, run and biking in!!  On beautiful days like we’ve been having lately, it’s such a blessing to relish them.  So I just move over and smile.

Keep on Sizzling!

Hugs,

Amy

 

Exercise can lift your Spirits, lift your Thoughts, lift your Butt!

by amy155, posted in Beauty/Appearance/Style, Health/Wellness

As Nike says, JUST DO IT!

I can’t tell you how much working out can help you FEEL better.  It really does lift your spirits and your thoughts.  When you put on your favorite song, rock to the rhythm and move to the beat outside or on equipment, boy, what a feeling of power, of joy, of gratitude that the body can move!  And when you dead lift, like I’m getting ready to do in the photo, it does lift your Butt, LOL!

While I’m preaching to the choir to some, for others, it may seem like a challenge to consistently get it in.  But I’m here to tell you…it needs to be non-negotiable.  This past 12 months, so many good people have left us from cancer, heart attacks, high blood pressure, diabetes, stress, you name it…all diseases that can be slowed down by exercise.  It has been documented:

https://medlineplus.gov/benefitsofexercise.html

And, exercise is not just good for our physical health.  It’s good for our mental health as well.  Working through the loss of my Mom has been tough.  But working out has helped tremendously.  Exercise helps with depression, anxiety, sleep, resilience and so much more:

The Mental Health Benefits of Exercise

Now, I’m not a boot camp kinda girl.  I like to push hard, but not so hard that I don’t want to come back the next day.  Fitness competitions aren’t for me!  (True confessions…I DID think about it, though!)  After looking into what it would take, I decided that world just wasn’t my cup of tea.  Geez, the food regimen was crazy!!  Hey, I do like a glass of wine, a martini or a margarita on the weekends, IJS!  Now my goal is 30 minutes a day of some form of exercise 5 days a week.  I can do that.  It’s on my calendar.  This is for ME.  I want to live to be at least 90 years old and 100 would be DOPE!  Why not?  Combining regular exercise, watching what you eat, drinking more water doesn’t have to be a chore.  In coming posts, I’ll share some delicious recipes I’ve been collecting and trying.  And, it’s summer!  The Farmer’s Markets are full of the best fruits and vegetables.   Cucumbers fresh from the farm last two weeks!!  Amazing.

It’s all in your perspective.  The mind is powerful.  But you tell it what to think.  Tell your mind to keep it MOVING.   Exercise is good for the body mind and soul as noted.  I’m a witness!

Let me hear from YOU!  What are you doing to keep it moving?  What are you doing to lift your Spirits, Thoughts and BUTT?

Until next time, Sizzle On!

Hugs,

Amy

OWN YOUR SIZZLE!

by amy155, posted in Beauty/Appearance/Style, Finances/Entrepreneurship, Health/Wellness, Relationships

SA60 T Shirt and Cap Final

Hey Everyone!  How have you been?  I’ve missed you!  As many of you know, I’m getting my footing back after losing my Mom and want to thank you again for all the support and love.  It’s so important to have people around you who understand the journey, know your heart and accept you even when things get a bit crazy.    So never let anyone dim your sparkle–OWN YOUR SIZZLE always.  Move forward toward the light.  I am!

And, I have some great news to share!  So many of you are really liking the concept of Sizzling After 60 (SA60) that I have developed a SA60 T Shirt and Baseball Cap!  I want you to be PROUD that you Sizzle!

I wore these samples recently and was AMAZED and gratified at the response!  Women and men loved it.  Why?  Because we have so much to offer as we move into our sixth season of wisdom.  If we take care of ourselves, our health, our wellness, our finances, our relationships, our careers, our businesses, our spirituality, our style…WE WILL SIZZLE ON!!! 

That’s what I want for all of YOU!

So…doing a bit of research.  I need to know if you would like me to get T-shirts and Caps so you can purchase them.  If you’d like to have a shirt or a cap, the ONLY way to get one is to send me your email, and your size.  This way, I will know what to order, and I will keep you posted when they are ready to ship.  Please be patient with me as I get this new way to be SIZZLING AFTER 60 going!  Send me your email address, note what you want and your size to this link:

contact@sizzlingafter60.com.

I can’t wait to hear from YOU!!

Hugs,

Amy

Stress Does Not Sizzle. It Fries.

by amy155, posted in Health/Wellness, Relationships

Hi Everyone!  Thanks so much for being patient with me and my postings.  Hope you like the new logo for Sizzling After 60!

This has been a challenging time…Mother’s Day was both wonderful and challenging.  My kids were just terrific.  Yet, as you can imagine, I missed my Mom terribly.  It was my first without her.  And I so miss my dear friend Emmett Vaughn who left us last week after a fierce battle with cancer.

Losing those you love can change the foundation of your life as you know it.  Through death or through just needing to move on, loss hurts and requires healing.

But life doesn’t stop.  Things need to get done!  To quote Nikki Woods, “Sometimes you gotta be a beast, even when you’re tired.” And that can be STRESSFUL!

For example, it is stressful coming to grips with grief as I’ve also had to settle affairs.  Clearing out and selling our family home of 50 years has been so very hard.  My Mom and I found this home together, and my parents lovingly cared for it.  They were so proud of what they had lovingly built and shared together in that home.  I am the designated person responsible for settling things for my family, and whew!  Talk about stressful!#51-Mom & Dad House flowers

So what to do?  Well, I have a few suggestions about dealing with Stress that have helped me.  It is CRITICAL to get a handle on Stress.  Not only will Stress fry you–it can kill you.

Here’s how that came home for me.   I recently activated the Heart Alert on my Apple Watch, http://www.apple.com, to monitor if/when my heart rate was too high.  I forgot about that benefit of the watch because I exercise regularly, so I didn’t think there was a problem.

Well, I was WRONG!  The alert went off when I was LYING DOWN after a hectic week, and I was shocked.  I could see through the tracker that my heart rate was going up and down, and the resting rate was too high.  According to statistics, your resting heart rate needs to be between 80-90 BPM (beats per minute).  Mine was over 100.

This stopped me in my tracks.  I came face-to-face with the reality that if I didn’t slow the stress down, it could and would be dangerous.

So, here are three key things I’m doing:

  1. Exercising.  Exercise not only helps the body, it heals the mind and the spirit.  It’s well documented that exercise releases hormones that can calm you.  According to Johns Hopkins, http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org, exercise reduces the stress hormones that can put an extra burden on the heart.  It works like a beta blocker to slow the heart rate and lower blood pressure.  I can’t tell you how immediate the relief is on my stress level once I go to the gym, do some yoga at home or walk/bike the lakefront.  While I am now into deadlifting weights at the gym, I also just took a totally fun hula-hoop exercise class.  Sounds easy, right?  NOT.  Wore me out!  And Denise E. Williams, the class leader will be 65 next month!  We jammed to jazz and hooped for an hour.  Check her out at http://www.holistichoop.net.  Hula Hoop class

2.  Meditating.  Wooo-Saaa.  Exercise is great, but I needed more.  I have been so busy that I had let meditation, this important stress reliever, slide.  I came back to sitting and deeply breathing for 15 minutes first thing in the morning while my  thoughts come and go.  So good to let worries glide on past.  It is amazing how meditating can change your perspective, clear your head and soothe your spirit.

3. Connecting.  A friend posted that STRESS = Someone Trying to Repair Every Situation Solo.  How true!  We need each other, and connecting with good friends and worshiping with others in prayer at church has been so affirming–God is in control!  I know–at times of stress, it can feel good to head under the covers or binge watch Netflix.  But for me, reaching out to others has been a balm in Gilead.  Checking on others and having them check on you is life-saving.  People matter.  Here I am with my Pastor, Charles Jenkins and my pew partner, the lovely Ms. Eunice Little (90 years and sizzling!) on Sunday.Pastor and Eunice

So, don’t keep running the race at all costs.  It can be too high a price to pay.  Listen to your body.  It’s trying to tell you something.  What works for you to keep Stress at bay?  Let’s share those ideas to keep our Sizzle!

Hugs,

Amy

 

 

 

Step Into His Will – With Just Enough Light for the Step You’re On

by amy155, posted in Health/Wellness, Relationships, Uncategorized

As we approach Easter Sunday, I’ve been reflecting…

Sometimes I don’t know which direction to take.  Sometimes, the road looks hard.  Sometimes, I want to just curl up with the remote and surf Netflix.

I’m sure Tiger Woods felt that way over these last ten years.  But he didn’t give up, and look where he is now.

While the road is long and winding, I realize that God’s not done with me yet.  I still have much to do, much to say, much to contribute.  It’s good to take time for reflection and to recharge.  That’s why instead of posting every week, I now post about twice a month.  You see, before you sizzle, sometimes you need to simmer.  Time to exercise, be with friends, family, nature…a good book, music.  Not just work, work, work.

We all have those moments when life seems complicated and our purpose seems unsure as the things we want take so long to manifest.  As good messengers of the Word can help teach us, if we can just relax and Step Into His Will, all will be OK.

Yet, that’s hard to do for us Type-A types!  We like having our hands on the steering wheel.  Knowing what’s around the corner.  Being about the business of being busy.  Our minds can be totally consumed by trying to FIGURE IT OUT.  Yeah, that’s the ticket!  No, not really.

Now, I’m all for strategic planning.  It’s helpful to know the terrain of your purpose so you can develop the proper tools to harvest the wheat.  At the same time, to sit in “What-If-Ville” too long isn’t a good move either.  I learned at Harvard Business School how to do a decision tree.  If you make this decision, where will that decision branch lead you?  And the next one and the next?

Well, sometimes, the decision branch won’t lead you anywhere because the branch hasn’t had time to grow.  The question then becomes, are you still inspired to water the tree?  Good.  Do so.  Or, perhaps that particular branch may have to die so that the branch you need can grow stronger.  Have faith that God’s will is strong enough to get you to your goals, even when you can’t see the finish line ahead of you.  As Dr. King often said, “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”  Stormie Omartian said it another way…God gives you “Just Enough Light for the Step You’re On.”

We have to have the courage to take those steps.  To let what needs to grow, grow and what needs to die, die.  The beauty of it all is, we don’t have to do it all ourselves.  Christ died for us, so we could be free and forgiven to live our best lives.  Let’s vow to keep walking forward toward His vision for us.  Slowly and surely.  And never walk backward.  I think that’s what Tiger Woods did.  And that’s what I’m going to do.  How about you?

Tiger - Walk Slowly not Backwards

Happy Easter Everyone!

Hugs,

Amy

Drink Your Water in a Martini Glass

by amy155, posted in Health/Wellness

As warm weather approaches, many of us are focusing more intently on our health and work out routines.  Summer is coming!  I know I’m making a real effort to eat right and work out consistently.   Also, drinking more water is key.

I’ve found that finding an attractive vessel for my water helps me drink more.  I have a bright turquoise thermal water bottle I take with me everywhere.  The color is one I can’t miss in my tote bag, and it feels fashionable when I pull it out to take some sips.

But I tried something new recently, when I wanted a cocktail at home.  Instead of going for it, getting out the gin, vermouth and olives for a tempting Gin Martini, I poured filtered water into a martini glass, added a lime wedge and started sipping.

Guess what?  It felt great, and I didn’t miss the real martini at all.  The fancy glass changed my perspective.

Isn’t that how life works?  A different thing, person, book, coincidence or situation can change your perspective about things.  In fact, my pastor says that God speaks to you through people, situations and His Word.  This is so very true!  How often have we gone down a road of thought only to see things very differently through the variety of lenses that become available to us?

As I sipped my water, I lit a candle, played some jazz and just had a wonderful few moments of peace and solitude.  The water was cleansing, and the martini glass had me feeling like I had treated myself.  Indeed I had–to my own health!  This was a very easy way to enhance my self-care regimen–something I take very seriously.  Instead of chastising myself about drinking more water, I found a way to make that important activity more engaging and positive.

Try it sometime!  Make drinking your water special.  It’s so vital for our health, and our perspectives on life are vital, too.  Doing the same thing in a different way, seeing people and situations in a differently can open our eyes to possibilities that are hidden, waiting for us to find them and explore the options that many times are right in front of us.

Don’t save your good glasses only for special occasions.  Use them regularly.  Because YOU are special!  Using your special things “just because” can shift your perspective immediately, and I believe this can make you feel differently and enhance how you see your world.

Sip On Sizzlers!

Hugs,

Amy

Create your Own History

by amy155, posted in Finances/Entrepreneurship, Health/Wellness, Relationships

Amy - SA60 - Create Your Own History

You are doing it whether you realize it or not.

We are in Women’s History Month now, and because of the recent loss of my Mom, I reflect often on the lessons, wisdom and joy she gave me.  In doing so, I also recognize that like many women, she created history.  It wasn’t widely celebrated in the media, but it’s historic nonetheless.  She was a renaissance woman as many women are today–reinventing ourselves as our careers, families, communities as the world evolves.  We create history in our spheres of influence.  That is important to realize!  We all know of someone who touched our lives either long ago or recently that changed our trajectory.  We all know or have ourselves changed paths after seeing what someone else has done, and thought–“Hey, I can do that too!”  Many life changes have improved situations for countless others.  When you change a job, start a business, write a book or article that is thought provoking, volunteer in your community…you are putting your imprint on history.

Often, we tend to step back and not look at the value we create with our actions, big and small.  I didn’t always focus on that.  But as time inevitably marches on, I have embrace the mindset of somehow creating value everyday, even if it is just with a smile.  Every day we can ask ourselves: what are we doing to create value in our families, careers, and communities?  Each one can reach one, and create history.

So often, we compare ourselves to more known people–celebrities, politicians, entrepreneurs who have done incredible things that have changed the world.  We think-“Wow, what I’m doing can’t match or top that!”  Well, if it possibly can, great–but I submit it doesn’t have to.  The question is, what are you doing with YOUR gift to change lives or a life?  We cannot have the mentality of just “Looking Out for Number 1.”  That was a popular book some years ago, and lots of people bought into that philosophy, more often  tuning into their favorite radio station, WIFM–“What’s In it For Me.”  Doing so may feel good for the moment, yet can also lead to feelings of isolation from the collective needs of us as humans.

The world today needs everyones talent and best thinking.  Seismic change is happening so fast, it’s hard to keep up!  Yet, it is indeed possible to not only keep up but move the needle forward with a mindset that says, “I matter.  What I can do matters.  Every Day.”

It truly doesn’t take much.  Pass on that article. Or write it and pass it on.  Make that phone call.  Paint that picture.  Shoot that shot.  Try something new and share the results to inspire others.  It’s amazing the things that can make a difference and motivate others, who may then indeed change the world.

So, as we celebrate Women in March, go out there and create YOUR OWN HISTORY.  Own it and don’t forget to pass it on!

See you soon Sizzlers!

Hugs,

Amy

 

 

 

 

Saluting Debbie Allen – and the Power of Asking for What you Want

by amy155, posted in Beauty/Appearance/Style, Finances/Entrepreneurship, Health/Wellness, Relationships

As we celebrate Black History Month, I’m honored to salute a woman who is truly Sizzling After 60 and has been making history for a LOOOONNG time, Debbie Allen.  This new article in Elle Magazine says it all–“Debbie Will Determine”:

https://www.elle.com/culture/a26360352/debbie-allen-greys-anatomy-interview/?fbclid=IwAR2-L8OA90xoksXqvazS_exvtkbTMKyezYYxrlwjr7WUgAdUDgiph68O7-M

Debbie Allen - Emily Shur for Elle

Photo by Emily Shur for Elle

Debbie has been a trailblazer for years.  Her supreme talent, incredible vision, infectious energy, indomitable tenacity and commitment to excellence and Black culture have kept me as a fan.  Like many, I’ve watched her many works on the screen.  I first met Debbie in person when she launched the premiere of her movie Amistad at the newly opened and Black-owned ICE Theater in Chicago in 1997.  It took her 20 YEARS to get that awesome and Oscar-nominated movie made, and she overcame huge roadblocks to become an executive producer.  I’ll never forget the pride I felt hearing her speak about her journey to get it done.

But then–I had the chance to actually work with Debbie when we were both Trustees of Howard University at the same time.  And, I’m proud to say that we are both alums.

As soon as Debbie got on the Trustee Board, she started thinking of ways to use artistic creativity to help Howard.  At the time, Founder’s Library was in dire need of funds for repairs.  So she suggested holding a fundraiser for Founder’s Library, and I happily signed up to be on the committee.

Needless to say…we had a BLAST!  Debbie recruited her sister, Phylicia Rashad (another Howard alum), Tariji P. Henson, her daughter Vivian Allen and others to perform.  The evening at the newly refurbished Howard Theater was a stellar success.  But what endeared me to Debbie was how she worked—the word NO was just not in her vocabulary.

To see her operate, was re-affirming.  It re-affirmed the fact that we can be game changers at any age.  We just have to decide to continue to be so.  The only one stopping us from doing great things at any age is US.

The Founder’s Library Committee had to find donors, secure venues, plan a show, sell tickets, get publicity, engage the school administration, all in an effort to do something new and untried.  And it was not only hard work, but it was exhilarating, because we were not only all on-purpose, but working under Debbie’s leadership was powerfully motivating.  I can only imagine what it must be like to be on set with her on Grey’s Anatomy!

Shonda Rhimes speaks in the Elle article about how they met at Debbie Allen’s Dance Academy where she took her daughter for lessons.  Shonda was impressed that Debbie was actually there–not jut lending her name.  And that’s Debbie.  When she’s involved, she’s THERE all the way.  This “being there” philosophy is a lesson for anyone seeking to move others, to lead others.  Shonda saw it, and knew she wanted it from Debbie as a director and now executive producer of Grey’s Anatomy.  When your team, your crew, your family, your investors and your community see that you are truly THERE with them, the energy that’s generated can move mountains, and when applied to obstacles, that collective energy can make the naysayers of your dreams fade away, or at minimum, become more open to hearing your point of view.

Importantly, Debbie shares his bit of advice when seeking to live your dreams:  When you want something, ASK for it!!  In her own words, she says, “Guuurl, if you want something, you need to make sure people know it! Say yes. Say yes loudly. And don’t let anybody misunderstand the longing of your heart.”  Make sure, Debbie says, that people KNOW what passions rule your heart.  My late mother also shared this philosophy and taught it to me and others.  It is so important!

President Obama thanked God for Debbie Allen when he was at a Hollywood fundraiser  in 2014.  I totally join him in doing so.  She is a blessing to us all.

See you soon.

Hugs,

Amy

Get Your Glow On! Skin Care and Inner Care

by amy155, posted in Beauty/Appearance/Style, Health/Wellness

With the ACTUAL temperatures in Chicago currently at -20 below and a wind chill of -50 below, it’s a good time to take a look at your skin care regimen.  We don’t want our faces to crack, no matter what the weather!

I’m often asked about my skin, what I use/do to keep it glowing.  These shots are 25 years apart–1993 on the right and 2018 on the left.  Neither pics have filters.  While makeup does help (concealer anyone?), you want your skin to shine through.  Happy to share what’s worked for me, and hope my tips are helpful to you.skin shots 1990-2018

First, drink lots of WATER.  I know you’ve heard this before, but it really works to flush out toxins that can show up on your skin.

Next, find PRODUCTS suited for your skin type.  Some folks swear by bar soaps like Dove, and say Vaseline is great for moisture.  Others like me, prefer a line of products developed to work together.  For several years, I used Meaningful Beauty by Cindy Crawford, http://www.meaningfulbeauty.com.  I was such a fan, they featured me on their infomercial for over a year!  The shot below is from the monitor when we filmed the infomercial in 2013.

skin shot mb 2013

That was fun, but most importantly, the products are very good.  One of the best in her line is the Intensive Triple Exfoliating Treatment.  It’s a peel, scrub and detox treatment all in one, and resurfaces your skin.  Also, the Ultra Lifting ad Filling Treatment for the neck is fabulous.  Really works on those lines and crepey skin.

skin shot - mb cindy crawford

However, for some, it’s important to change up your products as there are many new technological product improvements happening all the time.  I love going to ULTA Beauty, http://www.ulta.com because you can see what’s new in both prestige and moderately priced lines.  Also, like your exercise routine, you may need to switch things up to keep getting the results you want.

With that in mind, I changed up my skin care products last year to Mary Kay Time Wise 3D, http://www.marykay.com.  I had used Mary Kay years before, but this new line is truly awesome.  That’s what I am using in the 2018 photo.  For my Combination skin type, the line includes an Exfoliating Cleanser, Day and Night Moisturizers and an Eye Cream.  They have separate product lines for Normal to Dry Skin types.  Like Meaningful Beauty, Time Wise is state-of-the-art for Anti-Aging.  And, it is less expensive!

skin shot - mary kay time wise

Here are more tips no matter what products you use on your skin.

First, ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS take off your makeup before going to bed.  No matter how tired you are.  Your skin needs to breathe.  I call it “Taking the Day off” my face.  It feels sooo good–kinda like taking off your bra when you get home, LOL!  For taking off eye makeup, which I do first, I use plain old Baby Oil and a cotton pad.  Works as well as Eye Remover products.  Next, I use Exfoliating Towelettes by Equate–Walmart’s private label skin care line.  Best ever, and really a great value!

skin shots - wm towelettes

Next tip: MOISTURIZE, MOISTURIZE, MOISTURIZE!  No matter what type of skin you have, it is vital to keep it moisturized with creams that contain SPF ingredients to protect from the your skin from the sun.  Saw on Oprah a 70-year-old woman with flawless skin who put on moisturizer to get mail from her mailbox!  And don’t forget your neck and hands.  Often those areas are neglected, and they show age quite readily.  Seriously.  I keep hand cream with me at all times, and use it throughout the day and right before bed.  There are several good neck creams out in addition to Cindy Crawford’s.  Moisturize daily after cleansing and nightly before bed.

More:  EXFOLIATE!  As often as your skin will allow.  Getting the dead skin cells off definitely lets you glow.  Skin brushes can be great, but be careful not to overuse.  If you can cleanse your face in the shower, it’s easy to add a scrub to your cleanser and do both at once (a tip from my daughter, Angelica!).  This goes for your body also (another Angelica tip:  use exfoliating gloves in the shower for the body).  I find this also makes it easy to check for suspicious lumps on a regular basis.

Additional Skin Savers:  MASKS.  Pull those impurities right out and relax at the same time.  Once a week is good.  And VITAMINS/SUPPLEMENTS can help too–Omega 3-6-9 and collagen capsules are favs of mine.

So…that’s what I do.  Your skin can be glowing for years with a good regimen and products that work for you.  Just be sure your mind and spirit use good rejuvenating regimens also, so your glow will also come from within!

These are my tips…what are yours?

See you next week.

Hugs,

Amy