I am pleased to share my new page featuring my favorite things. My Favorites is updated ongoing, depending on what I’m reading, watching or experiencing near or far that strikes my fancy. It may be a new product, new book, fun article or helpful resource, or maybe even an inspirational quote that I think post 50 women will find of interest.
AARP Launches Fit & Fun Health Challenge and Sweepstakes (June 2018)
The AARP Fit & Fun Health Challenge, with AARP Wellness Ambassador Denise Austin and her daughter, fitness trainer and health coach, Katie Austin, was created to motivate people 50 and older to adopt healthy habits that will help them to live well – with their loved ones and friends. The challenge encourages participants to find a walking buddy and walk 30 minutes a day. Participants can also join the Fit & Fun online community, which provides healthy lifestyle tips, fun daily fitness hacks, and content from walkers across the country.
AARP Wellness Ambassador Denise Austin, right, and daughter Katie, a fitness instructor, are leading the AARP Fit and Fun Health Challenge.
AARP members and anyone 21 or older is invited to join the challenge. The Fit & Fun Health Challenge and Sweepstakes runs through June 30. Participants can enter anytime for a chance to win the grand prize – an all-inclusive spa vacation for two. Visit aarp.org/challenge to sign–up and visit the Fit & Fun Health Challenge site daily to complete activities and log their daily walks. Every day, participants can earn entries for a chance to win.
A Very Special Cruise On The Danube (June 2018)
If you read my blog, you know I’m a fan of Viking cruises. They just announced a new river cruisetour itinerary that will allow guests to experience The Passion Play in Oberammergau, which is performed only every 10 years. Traveling between Munich and Budapest from May through October 2020, the Oberammergau, The Passion Play itinerary will focus on the 42nd installment of The Oberammergau Passion Play and will allow guests to explore destinations in Germany, Austria and Hungary.
On the 10-day journey, guests will experience a performance of The Passion Play, a depiction of the suffering, death and resurrection of Christ performed by local citizens of Oberammergau once every decade since 1634. Sailing on Viking’s 190-guest Viking Longships, guests will be able to immerse themselves in the rich culture during each port of call along the Danube River.
Viking is introducing a special cruise on the Danube.
Tips From Retirement Experts (June 2018)
Who knew I am considered a retirement expert? It’s nice when people like to quote me. If you would like to read my recommendations for retirement and all the other experts, you can check out the recent roundup, “Turning 60? Use These Tips From Retirement Experts,” featured on The Association for Long Term Care Planning’s website.
A Way To Savor The Memories (May 2018)
Most of us pass our memories down to children and grandchildren through photos and word of mouth, but the real stories may eventually get lost – and along with them, family histories. Writing these stories down may seem daunting at first, but through digital tools, the process can be made simpler, and the final writing collection can be better organized and clearer to its future audience. Beth Carvin, after finding inspiration in stories of her great grandfather’s bar in Boston, founded a new online journaling site (also printable) called Jambios.
Jambios is a digital way to save memories.
Best Summer Vacations in the USA (April 2018)
U.S. News & World Report released its new rankings of the Best Summer Vacations in the USA. The rankings highlight 20 destinations around the country that are ideal for a seasonal getaway. Boston takes the #1 spot on the list. One of my favorite cities, Portland, OR, came in at #5.
Travelers considering international destinations can consult the Best Summer Vacations rankings. I’m excited that the #1 destination is Paris, as I’m headed there this summer! and the #2 spot is Florence, one of my other favorite cities in Italy.
Portland, OR ranked #5 in the “U.S. News & World Report” Best Summer Vacations.
TripAdvisor Reveals Top Destinations Around The World (March 2018)
Did you know TripAdvisor®, the travel planning and booking site, just announced the winners of its Travelers’ Choice® awards for Destinations, recognizing travelers’ favorite places around the world? This year, Paris is the global winner and New York City ranks number one in the U.S. for the eighth consecutive year. Bonjour Paris, I’ll be visiting with my BFF L this summer! Read about all the winners and places you’ll want to travel to in 2018.
(PRNewsfoto/TripAdvisor)
More About Meaning and Happiness in Old Age (March 2018)
I like to read Jane Brody’s Well column each Tuesday in the Science section of The New York Times. I especially enjoyed last week’s article on “Finding Meaning and Happiness in Old Age,” where she writes about two new books on aging, The End of Old Age by Dr. Marc E. Agronin and Happiness Is A Choice You Make by John Leland (who I’ve quoted before). These are two good books for retirement presents!
Stylish Underwear For Bladder Leakage (March 2018)
This is a topic I normally don’t want to write about, however I learned this week that 1 in 3 women suffer from bladder leaks. Plus, after having bladder cancer, I’m all for supporting women’s bladder health! Thankfully I don’t have this issue, but if I did I’d consider ICON, an underwear brand for women of all ages. Launched in 2015, this stylish, pee-proof underwear can hold up to 8 tsp. and includes built-in anti-odor and antimicrobial layers. The brand is also committed to helping sisters around the world, through a partnership with the Fistula Foundation, every pair of ICON sold helps fund life-changing surgeries for women in developing countries. Learn more at iconundies.com.
You would never know that stylish ICON underwear is pee-proof.
Mantras To Calm The Mind and Elevate The Spirit (March 2018)
Being a yogi, I sometimes use mantras to quiet my mind. Mantras are words and phrases you recite and repeat silently when meditating. If you want to try mantra meditation, I recommend a new book called My Pocket Mantras – Powerful Words to Connect, Comfort, and Protect by Tanaaz Chubb. Tanaaz also wrote the book The Power of Positive Energy that I reviewed last year.
A new book for mantra meditation.
Tanaaz says: “Words are powerful and have the ability to shape our thoughts, change our perception, connect with others, and provide comfort in our daily lives.” Her new pocket-sized book provides more than 140 mantras designed to help you shift your mindset in a positive way, including mantras for self-love, healing, success, releasing stress and anxiety, and more.
Here’s one of Tanaaz’s stress-relief mantras:
“I GIVE MYSELF PERMISSION TO LET GO OF WHAT NO LONGER SERVES ME.”
Tanaaz says to: “Recite this mantra five times either out loud or quietly to yourself. For added benefits you can also write down a list of things that you need to release from your life.”
hi judi,
i have been a fan and follower for a couple of years now. in fact you were and are an inspiration for me to begin platinum boomer.
thanks so much for reaching out to other bloggers, it is a very Goddess like gesture.
hope you enjoy my blog, its new and still finding a voice and an audience!
be well
kate granado
Kate, Thank you so much for your kind words. It’s so nice to hear from my readers and know that I inspired you to start your own blog. I will be sure to check it out and add it to the blogroll. Best of luck as you continue blogging. I hope you enjoy writing as much as I do.
Hi Judi,
I found your blog while searching for best health and fitness blogs on Google. I like your posts and motivation you provide to your readers. I also blog on healthynews24.com, and recently published a blog post on “101 ways to stay healthy and young” i hope you would like to visit.
Here is the link: http://healthynews24.com/101-ways-to-stay-healthy-and-young-longer-than-you-expect/
You can add our blog to your list. We appreciate.
Thanks
PAM
Pam, thanks for sharing your blog information. I will take a look and see if it is appropriate for my blogroll.
I thought http://www.retirementmatters.ca/ might make a wonderful addition to your blog roll. Joyce Wayne the author takes a look at life heading into retirement. Her post “In Praise of Immigrant Women is particularly wonderful: http://www.retirementmatters.ca/blog/2015/6/12/in-praise-of-immigrant-women
Jeff, while I didn’t add your site to the blogroll, I thought I will share your comment. Just want readers to know that these retirement matters on Joyce’s website refer to Canadian consumers.
Hello Judi I have just found your site and am loving it. I have just began blogging this year. Have not hit my stride yet and learning so much as I go. Can you please give me any advice on how to get my blog out there to women over 50. I really want to inspire and build confidence. I will be using video a lot and periscope. Please take a look at my blog and any comments would be delightfully and gratefully received. http://www.margarettully.international/blog Much love and thank you. Margaret in London
Margaret, I highly recommend you join the Midlife Bloggers group on Facebook. It is a great way to interact with other post 50 bloggers.
Hi Judi!
I seem to have fumbled during my previous attempt. Mistake in my name as well. Don’t know how that happened! My name is Veena Patwardhan and I’m trying to do this once again. Here goes…
What a wonderful range of topics you’ve covered. Enjoyed browsing around and could see you\’re enjoying sharing your writing with others. I do too. I’m a post 60 blogger and ’active senior years’ is one of the topics I write about. Thought you might find the stuff I’ve penned interesting enough to add to your blogroll. I also happen to be an experienced freelance writer and to share some valuable tips on earning money from freelancing writing I offer a free course for aspiring freelance writers. Do check out my blog when you find the time. Would be interested in feedback from you as well. Thanks!
Veena, thanks for your note. You did not include your blog so I’m not sure where to find it.
Hi Judy,
I’m enjoying getting more familiar with your site!
Also wanted to introduce mine, kind of a micro niche site for singles (men and women) over 50 who may be considering either full or part time expat life in Mexico.
In light of what the Great Recession did to so many of our careers and 401(k)’s and the evolving healthcare crisis, I want women (and men) to know they do have an option, and option that includes good health care, excellent quality of life and adventure. http://www.ventanasmexico.com/
Kerry, I’ll have to check out your site. I’ve never thought about living in Mexico.
Hi Judy,
I absolutely love your blogs about traveling! You are such an amazing women. My business partner Danielle and I started a travel company for women 30+ who want to travel to Southeast Asia together in small groups. Our trips are focused on local experiences and supporting the local women we hire on as guides during our tours. We have a blog all about Southeast Asia & would love if you would consider sharing it on your blogroll! Thanks!
http://www.guidedmissdirection.com/blog
Sarah, Thanks for sharing your website. I’ll have to check it out. I’ve never been to Asia. It’s on my bucket list.
Hi Judy,
Great site and super informative.
I know it’s a bit left of field from your normal blogroll sites however A lot of your readers would be avid pet lovers and my site is aimed at providing a resource that helps owners learn how to raise an amazing puppy into an amazing dog.
The site is called WileyPup, if you’re interested check it out here: http://www.wileypup.com
Hi Mat. Thanks for sharing your site about pups. I know many of my post 50 friends and readers have dogs. If I owned one it would be a cavapoo, so I’m glad you have that breed featured on your site. Your site looks like a good place to visit if you want to get a puppy or dog.
My pleasure Judy & thank you for your positive feedback.
Cheers,
Mat