2.15.2012

Being a Better You: Tips for Aging Gracefully

Looking back, 25 was a great year for me, full of fun and major life changes.  As the years have passed by, the grey hairs have appeared in ever greater force, and my metabolism has ground to what feels like a halt.  Morgan over at la chapstick fanatique is turning 25 in a few weeks and is featuring pieces on being a better you on Wednesdays this month. I'm linked up over there but here are a few of the things I do to make sure I look and feel as young as possible.
Warrior Dash 2011
Exercise:  When I'm not training for marathons, I workout 4-5 times a week because I love the way it makes me feel. If you are new to exercise, find a way to love it and keep with it.  More than ever before there are a multitude of different types of exercise out there.  Kickboxing, zumba, step aerobics and running are my favorite activities.  I love racing, partly because I have so many friends who love to race with me.  If you can convince a pal to join you in your exercise pursuits you will not only be accountable to someone but will have someone to dress like a freak and run through mud with laugh and joke with and to push/be pushed by.

My ballerina manicure from a few months ago.
Treat Yourself:  As women, we do not do nearly enough of this because we always are doing a thousand other things for others.  When you can, find ways to be good to yourself.  For example, on weekends, I love to do facial masks, deep hair conditioners and other treatments while I do laundry/dishes/vacuuming.  I usually do my own nails but I also treat myself to a mani/pedi at least once a month just for a fun outing.  Whatever you do, find a spare hour or two in your week to unwind and give your body to a special treat.  If you need some fun, natural masks/skin treatments check out Lindsay's blog at Delighted Momma, she has a whole bunch.

My 29th birthday - in blue of course.
Style: The fashion we got away with as younger gals generally do not look as good as we age.  Be cognizant of your best assets and play to them.  If your best assets at 30 are different than they were at 22, that's OK but make sure your wardrobe is representative of that. Also, know what hues are best suited to your coloring and wear them as much as possible. I wear a lot of blue because it makes my eyes pop. As we age, investing in classic pieces and amazing basics is a great way to build a strong wardrobe for life.  Spend less on trendy items, see my $3 fascinator above.

My brother and I poorly serenading the guests to Kokomo at his wedding 
Last but certainly NOT least: Know how to have as much fun at fill-in-the-blank years old as you did in your youth.  I had so much fun in my 20s its hard to imagine that the fun will end now that I'm in a new decade.  As cliche as it is, age is only a number.  Have fun, laugh lots and remember that your smile will always be your best accessory.  Pop over to Morgan's blog for more tips about being a better you!  Now I want to know, what do you do to make you the best you can be?

8 comments:

Angelyn @ Everyday Desserts said...

Welll, no matter your age, I think you always look beautiful!! :)

everlightly said...

great advice ! cute nails

<3
pia

www.everlightly.blogspot.com

Van @ The Clothes We Wear said...

I share your sentiments, Cara! I'm approaching mid 30's and every year that I get older, I make smarter decisions and have more confidence in myself. I've always been a kid at heart and that has come out even more since my son arrived! Thanks for posting this.

The Everything List said...

thanks so much for linking up!! i love the tip about treating yourself. i can't wait to see what people come up with for next week.

http://lachapstickfanatique.blogspot.com

Nakiya said...

I loved these tips! I have decided I need to paint my nails more, not only is that a fun treat, they also look atrocious :)

AllThingsYummy said...

Great post. I think I'll give myself a mani/pedi tonight.

Sage said...

My 20s were good and bad, but I'm really finding my true self in my 30s. I feel more confident and I'm less likely to put up with rude people now.

I love the karaoke picture!

A Very Sweet Blog said...

These are excellent tips! As you mature, your tastes definitely do change. And you have to do more.
http://www.averysweetblog.com/

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