Checklist: Prepare Your Home For an Elderly Parent

Sandwich Generation

It’s a fact, as we get older so do our parents, and along with our aging parents can come some problems. I recently did a book review on siblings and caring for aging parents. More and more Baby Boomers are facing tough choices with our aging parents regarding their living arrangements.  Some adult children choose to send our parent(s) to a nursing home or assisted living facility where they’ll get around the clock care; others decide to hire help that can come to the parents’ home; while still others may decide to bring the parent to live with them.

My independent grandmother lived alone in senior citizen housing until she was 95.  As her conservator, I arranged for her to have certain medical alert systems in place.  For example, a service checked in on her every day by phone.  My grandmother also  had a medical alert button that she wore around her neck in the event she fell.

Alternatively, my late mother-in-law lived for many years with my husband’s sister.  As mom grew older, adaptations were made in the house so that she could remain ambulatory.

If you’re considering tucking your parent under your own roof, and that parent is disabled, there’s many things you need to do to prepare your home for their safety.  This isn’t an exhaustive list, but rather a starting point in helping you figure out just what you need to do in order to make your home ready.

With a clipboard in hand, take a tour of your house from the front entrance to all interior spaces and take notes.

Entrance -
Check to see if the walkway is even for ease of walking, that the steps are not too steep, and that the handrail is adequate.  Does the door open easily and is the whole area well lit?  If your parent is in a wheelchair, the walkway needs to be wide enough to accommodate it and you may need to install a ramp.

Kitchen -
Take a look at the electrical outlets and make sure there are several within easy reach.  Keep dishes and utensils within easy reach too.  Pull-out shelves in the bottom cabinetry make for easier access.  Buy small appliances that are made for people with arthritis as they are easier to use.  Are all the bigger appliances accessible?  Can your parent reach the microwave and the controls on the oven?  A fire extinguisher is a must for the kitchen, whether your parent is living with you or not.

Bath -
Make sure your water heater is not set too high as this could cause potential scalding. A single lever faucet may be a better choice to allow them control over the water temperature.  You should install grab bars around the toilet area and shower/tub.  Consider adding a seat in the shower as well.  Put a non-stick surface in the shower/tub and make sure the bathroom flooring won’t get slick and slippery when wet.  Everything they need should be within easy reach.  If your parent is in a wheelchair, create knee space under the sink and insulate the hot water pipe to prevent burns.  Have a nightlight that turns on automatically at night.

Bedroom -
You can install grab bars wherever they are needed.  Consider getting a hospital-type bed if they need some help getting to a sitting position.  Make sure there is adequate lighting and no exposed cords or drapery to trip on. Are the bedroom and closet doors easy to open?  Keep the path to the bathroom well lit and clear of stuff at night.

The decision to have your parent move into your house isn’t an easy one.  Take the time to make your home as accommodating by researching medical alert products and as safe as you can before you lay out the welcome mat.

Copyright 2010 Moomette’s Magnificents – All Rights Reserved

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They’re Your Parents, Too! Caring For Aging Parents: Book Review & Giveaway

Sibling Rumble

How Sibilings Can Survive Their Parents’ Aging Without Driving Each Other Crazy

By 2030, there will be a record 71 million Americans aged 65 and older and the majority will need some sort of long-term care, according to The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Several years ago I considered myself a member of what was referred to as the “sandwich generation.” Esteemed members are those who are parents of young children, yet are facing the responsibility of being caretakers for their aging parents. 

In my case, I became the caretaker of my elderly grandmother, who lived to be 101.  Yes, I come from a family with very strong genes.  My grandmother, born in 1901,  was the oldest of 9 children, and just about outlived them all.

My grandmother, who never spent a day in the hospital in her life, was quite independent, living alone in a senior citizen apartment until she was 95.  A good life, and natural aging caught up with her, and I had to apply to the probate court for conservatorship. Eventually she was admitted to a convalescent home nearby.

I recently had the opportunity to review an informative book by Francine Russo, “They’re Your Parents, Too! How Siblings Can Survive Their Parents’ Aging Without Driving Each Other Crazy” (Bantam Books, New York)

Francine Russo is a widely recognized journalist known for her alertness to developing trends, especially in her own boomer generation.  For nearly a decade Russo covered the boomer beat for Time magazine.  She brings a rich personal history to her writing as a daughter, sister, wife, widow, mother of two, and stepmother of three.  She has a Ph.D in English and lives in Manhattan.

In the book, Russo draws on her own experiences as well as those of dozens of families, healthcare works and assisted living experts to get to the heart of the matter:  what it costs – financially, physically and emotionally – to become your parents’ caregiver.

My daughter is currently a Marketing Director for an assisted living facility here in Connecticut and deals on a daily basis with the tribulations of adult children making life-altering decisions such as those described by Russo. Always close to her great-grandmother, as a teen she was quite aware of the tremendous pressure I was under.  I think this experience has aided in her success as a Director of the facility.

In the book, Russo addresses:

• Communicating more constructively to escape the “anger/built gridlock”

• How to reach consensus when siblings disagree about their parents needs:  overcoming denial and “distrusting the messanger.”

• How sibilings can be in it “together,” even long-distance, when one is doing almost all of the caregiving.

My brother lives out of state and caught up in his own career.  Although we consulted on what course of treatment was best for my grandmother, the bulk of the  responsibility fell on me –  a parent of two teenagers at the time, who also worked full-time.

Caring for dependent elderly parents or grandparents can be one of the most isolating experiences most people ever have to face. Becoming a carer can sometimes be rewarding, but it’s hardly ever easy. It can be a very lonely life, and friends can start to disappear when you’re not so readily available for evenings out, etc. Even those who stay the course can find it hard to listen to the things you feel the need to talk about, and you’re likely to find their conversation very trivial compared to what you’re dealing with.

The author touches on topics that siblings of aging parents need to know that it’s essential that primary caregivers get some time off. This is absolutely vital, and not likely to be offered unless you make a point of saying that you need it. It’s no reflection on your abilities as a carer, or your love for the person that you’re caring for, but you need to take at least some care of yourself if you’re going to take effective care of anybody else.

Caring for someone can very tiring, both physically and emotionally, so you need to be able to recharge your batteries as often as you can, in order to avoid falling victim to depression yourself.

You have a life, as well, and the right to some enjoyment.

The author further discusses opportunities for reconciliation even when sibiling tensions still simmer after parents die, while reinventing the family and sustaining the family connection into the future.

I highly recommend this book, and suggest that if you’re currently in a position with aging relatives, to read it and circulate it to your family members.  Oftentimes it’s easier to make a subliminal point rather than have a face-to-face confrontation over responsibilities.

I’m going to make certain that my own adult children read it.

ISBN: 978-0-553-80699-1
Pages: 286
MSRP: $26

Moomette’s Magnificents  is hosting a Giveaway Contest! For a chance to win, there will be one (1) winner of the book DO IT OR AGE QUICKLY: 60-Second Practices to Live Better, Stronger, and Longer by personal wellness trainer and martial artist JB Berns.

Please include a way of contacting you. Should you be the contest winner, this information may be shared with the contest sponsor in order to send your prize.

Main Rule:   (remember if this rule is not followed then no others will count)
a) Sign up for my free Newsletter Updates to my blog through my e-mail Feedblitz link (on the top of my right column or let me know if you already are, in a separate comment) AND

b) Share whether you or someone you know will be or has ever experienced the responsibility of caring for aging relatives and how you or they were affected by it.

This contest will run until March 8, 2010 at 11:00 pm.

For Additional Entries, check out my Contest Entry Rules.

Copyright 2010 Moomette’s Magnificents – All Rights Reserved

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Family Vacation Plans – Create A Medical Travel Kit

Over Air and Sea

Be Prepared When You Travel

Many of my friends are retired now, and have become snowbirds traveling south for the winter – to Florida, or on Caribbean cruises.

Not to be left out is the younger set – young families heading to Disney or skiing trips for February Vacation and college students getting ready to travel on the traditional coming-of-age pilgrimage of Spring Break.  Many college students opt for a semester abroad.  The travel bug strikes all age groups and generations.

The last thing on your mind when you’re getting ready to travel is the idea of getting together a medical travel kit.  You have enough on your mind already, right?  But being prepared with a medical kit on your travels could mean the difference between a good time and an unplanned side trip to a medical facility or emergency room.  Believe me, if you’ve read about my vacation to Bermuda, you’ll know what I’m talking about!

Responsible travelers should always consider keeping a well-stocked medical traveling kit —whether you’re taking a short hiking trip on your favorite trail or an exotic vacation abroad. A medical travel kit doesn’t have to be bulky and heavy:  all you need is some organizing magic, a checklist to make sure everything is stocked inside, and the discipline to keep it in your travel bag at all times.

When traveling abroad, always remember that some of the medication you take may not be available in other countries. Before traveling to another country, always remember to ask your doctor about any medical substitutes for your medication (in case you run out).  If it’s a prescription, make sure you refill your prescription before you go and that you’ll have enough to cover the entire trip.

Consider packing these items when you’re traveling:

• Travel medication and breathing devices. This typically includes medication for motion sickness, and Portable Oxygen Concentrators.

• Allergy medication. If you are prone to allergic reactions, then antihistamine is a must-have in your medical kit, especially as you may encounter food or other things that irritate you. Keep a couple of antihistamine tablets (or your preferred allergy medication) with you when you travel. You may also want to pack some anti-allergy topical medicine (like Calamine lotion).

• Digestive medication. Let’s face it – one of the best things about traveling abroad includes sampling the local cuisine. In line with this challenge, you should keep in mind the food you ingest may not sit well in your stomach.  So pack a trusted digestive medication. Keep a handful of oral hydration solutions and loperamide (anti-diarrheal) just in case diarrhea strikes.   I actually gave some to my oldest daughter to keep on hand when she and her friends went to Cancun, and she thanked me afterwards!  You may also want to keep antacids for when your stomach acid acts up, and a laxative for those uncomfortable constipated days. You may also want to ask your doctor for medication that can help with nausea and vomiting.

• Sleep is vital, and if you short yourself on it, you can never really make it up.  The older we get, the more trouble our bodies have recovering from sleeplessness and other conditions.  So get at least seven hours of sleep every night, and feel better– Many people have developed sleeping problems and rely on aids such as CPAP Machines and CPAP Masks.

• Sunblock. A bottle of SPF 15-30 sunblock should be enough to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

As all mothers and any good Girl Scout or Boy Scout knows – Be Prepared!

photo credit: A.K. Photography

Copyright 2010 Moomette’s Magnificents – All Rights Reserved

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It’s My SITS Day! Welcome to Moomettes Magnificents!

The Secret Is In the Sauce

The Secret To Success Is Support

Hi Everybody!  I’m so excited as today is my special SITS Day!

What perfect timing for a celebration as this past weekend was also my BIRTHDAY!  It’s great to celebrate with all my SITStas!

If you aren’t familiar with SITS – It’s a great group of gals from who believe that The Secret Is In Support by leaving comments on each other’s blogs and you can find out more at The Secret Is In the Sauce.

What’s a party without cake?  Since I have a recipe blog also at Moomettesgram’s Favorite Recipes, I’ve baked my favorite cake to share with you!

If you haven’t met me before, I’m Cindi, and also known around the blogosphere as “Moomettesgram.” You can find out more about my quirks on my Nav bar under 101 Random Things About Me.

I’m a Baby Boomer (+ one more year older now!) and I write offering tips about working from home.  I also offer Product Reviews and Giveaways from the perspective of a Baby Boomer Grandmom from New England, who’s “Been Around the Block.” I also like to share scenic photography pictures of New England on my Wordless Wednesday memes.

You’ll see I’ve been married for over 35 years.  I have 2 grown daughters – both college grads.  The oldest is married and a Marketing Director, and my youngest is currently in grad school studying Therapeutic Pediatric Disabilities.  I have two grandkiddos that I often speak about – ‘Lil Moomette who’ll be 4 this year, and Slugger who will be two.

Since this is my special day, I’d like to share some favorite posts.

Earlier last summer I did a 4-part series which was sort of a chronicle of “this is my life” – from when I was in my teens up until the kids arrived, at Woodstock: Part 1 – Talking About My Generation.

Another favorite was my fateful vacation trip to Bermuda.  We don’t get to travel too much and won a trip to Bermuda through a raffle when my oldest daughter played Lacrosse in college.  You can find out why I ended up with a souvenir Tetanus Shot Certificate for my scrapbook at Gas Crunch: Bermuda + Boomers + Scooters = A Souvenir Tetanus Shot.

Lastly, even though I’m a Baby Boomer, in my mind I still like to think I can walk into Victoria’s Secret and think I’ll look good in some of the things they sell.  Find out what really happens when someone my age walks into such a store – Lingerie:  Or What Do You Do With This Stuff?  A Baby Boomer Dilemma.

I hope you’ll also check out my Work-At-Home Tips section, along with my product reviews and general Humor and Curmudgeon commentary under “Veranda Chit Chat.” I also welcome people to Guest Post, and you can find all my current Guest Posts, Blogging Resource and Social Media informational tips on my sidebar under “Must Reads.”

Thanks for stopping by and helping me celebrate my SITs Day and Birthday Week!  (Yes, I’m beyond birthDAYS and make a whole week’s celebration out of it!)  You can follow me on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Stumble Upon on my sidebar!

I look forward to meeting everyone and hope you’ll become regular visitors!

Copyright 2010 Moomette’s Magnificents – All Rights Reserved

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If You’re Single Again This Year – Try Cyberspace Online Dating

Starting All Over Again

Social Networking

There’s been quite a bit of discussion lately with the new tv shows that are out, and the gossip magazines talking about “cougars” and younger men, older women. Whoever said that finding love and dating whether you’re in your 30’s,mid-life or a Baby Boomer is unheard of? I have two sister-in-laws who became widows at an early age.  One remarried within 3 years, and the second sister-in-law is now in a relationship.

Looking for love and companionship isn’t something that goes away simply because you aren’t a spring chicken any longer. Whether it’s getting back on track to finding a new, passionate relationship, or simply wanting some companionship, there’s no reason for you to shy away from the idea of dating again. Despite this, getting back into the dating scene at an older age may initially feel quite awkward. Here’s a few of the top single dating tips that I’ve compiled that’ll help you get back into the scene.

Give Online Dating a Chance.

Some people refuse the idea of looking for love in cyberspace. When we were out to dinner one night, one of my sister-in-law’s told me how she had given it a try, and discussed the ups and downs of her WiFi experiences.

It may be because of the fact that they are not used to the technology, or simply because the whole idea isn’t something they’re comfortable with. Today, the Internet provides social networking websites that cater to online older or senior dating and these are definitely a great place to start. To begin, try looking for online sites that your friends may have used,  trust and feel “at home” with. Once you’ve browsed around a bit and are familiar with how the site works, don’t be afraid to start making new connections.

Remember That First Dates Are Hardy Ever Perfect.

In order to spare yourself from possible disappointment or frustration, try not to expect too much from your first date. Take this occasion as a chance to meet someone new, and take things from there — you may want to see each other again, or you may want to keep moving forward in search of someone you have more of a spark with.

Lunch is Great Way to Start.

You may want to have your first date in a less pressured atmosphere. Instead of going out to dinner, ask your date if he or she prefers to have the date over lunch, or maybe even breakfast or brunch. These meals tend to be much more relaxed, and actually less expensive, especially if you’re going “dutch.”

Avoid Movie Dates.

Try avoiding movie dates, or any activity that doesn’t require much talking. You won’t be able to get to know each other if your attention is focused elsewhere. Try doing something that requires you to talk so that you can begin learning more about one another. Pick an activity that you’ll both enjoy – maybe take in a comedy show and see if you laugh at the same thing!

Don’t Compare Dates

Don’t compare your date with your previous relationships and/or exes as this is definitely not healthy.  Imagine, meeting someone new might bring a whole new meaning to your life, and if the stars and planets are aligned quite right, you just might find yourself looking for a titanium wedding ring.

Although dating may not be the same as it was when you were in your teens, as a 30-something or mid-lifer it may initially seem like such a daunting task, but you’ll soon see that dating is both fun and fulfilling. So, when setting off on a date, make sure you leave the doubt and fear at home and, instead, approach older dating as the beginning of an exciting new chapter in your life.

If you do find that you’ve found “the one”, Valentine’s Day is around the corner and you may want to head over to Heavy Crown Jewelry.  They’re a leading Tungsten & Titanium ring provider with many beautiful styles and designs. You can purchase your tungsten carbide wedding ring from them and they’ll guarantee your satisfaction – at least with the ring!

Copyright 2010 Moomette’s Magnificents – All Rights Reserved

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Life in New England – Does That Mean I Need a Live Christmas Tree?

Real Simple

Turning a New Leaf

What have we done?

Here I am, the blogging Baby Boomer Grandmom from New England.  NEW ENGLAND!

Land of four seasons – Spring, Summer, Fall and … Winter!

Winter – which in most people’s minds, means, snow, cold, more snow, more cold; ice, more snow and ice, slush ….  and real Christmas Trees!  You get the picture.

Having been married for over 35 years, nine of which were sans kids – we’ve always had a r.e.a.l. tree.  Right – REAL, as in not artificial.  Nope, not us.

Hubster and I had been trudging through the woods (and Christmas Tree farms) here in Connecticut, in all kinds of weather (see above, and add rain) to cut down (with a saw), a real – live – Christmas tree.

Over the years, we’ve had some that barely fit through the door.  Actually, the first year we were married and in an apartment (where no live trees were allowed), we ever so silently dragged our real.live.tree up the stairs and through the hallway and set it up in our living room.  Until, oh, maybe February?

When it was dry as a bone, we then opened the living room window and shoved it out from the 2nd floor to the ground, where it landed – not a needle on it!

So what makes this year different than all those others?

Now that the kiddos are grown and launched, I am simplifying my life and wanted an artificial tree.  Mostly because they come pre-lighted, and I don’t want the hassle of having to string the lights by myself since nobody else will help me.

We drove for about 5 hours looking everywhere – Walmart, Home Depot, Lowes, Home Depot again, and gave up trying to find one that looked like a real.live.tree.  Not to be one to give up, I finally called brother-in-law (he & sister-in-law with the straight out of  Martha Stewart Living beautifully decorated home) and asked where they got their tree.

So off to Vinnys we went.  They had such a beautiful selection and even the Hubster is happy!  Only thing missing was the real.live.tree smell.  Nothing that a Mistletoe Yankee Candle couldn’t fix.

And of course, to go with my beautiful tree – I found the most gorgeous vintage Battenburg Lace white Christmas tree skirt on eBay!

So here it is, in all it’s splendor, and my very favorite Christmas ornaments adorning it for the very first time.

Do you have a real.live.tree or have you gone the artificial route? Link up here!

Copyright 2010 Moomette’s Magnificents – All Rights Reserved

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Sleep Solutions to Look Younger and Feel Better

Healthy Lifestyle

You don’t have to go to a spa or under the knife for cosmetic surgery or spend money on botox treatments in order to look ten years younger. Instead, make a few lifestyle changes and start treating yourself with a little TLC and you will be amazed at the results. Things such as sleep, diet, exercise and more play a huge role in your appearance.

Being extra tired during the winter months is actually quite normal.  We desire to sleep more in winter because we get less light and serotonin and more melatonin.  Sleeping too much produces abnormal levels of melatonin.  The more we sleep, the more we want to sleep because of the increase in this neurotransmitter.

Getting the proper amount of comfortable sleep is a sure-fire way to not only look younger, but to feel great as well. While you sleep, cells go through a repair process and your body releases the hormone melatonin. This hormone has very positive effects on the skin. The result is radiant and youthful looking skin, fewer lines and less puffiness around the eyes.  Even when traveling, I often bring along some performance bedding, such as a travel pillow, so that I can rest comfortably on a long trip.

My husband and I, both baby boomers, have been married for over 30 years.  While I can’t turn back time and look like the young bride I once was, I at least try to dissuade time from taking it’s toll by taking care of myself.   This holiday season I’m looking into purchasing new eco friendly bedding which would include a new mattress and pillows.   I have a solid cherry Statton 4-poster bedroom set.  On each finial there’s a pineapple, which is the New England symbol of friendship.   Since we spend approximately 8 hours out of our days sleeping, of course, I’m also interested in all the amenities that would make my bedroom a special sanctuary. The hottest trend right now are designer bamboo bed sheets.

To find out more tips on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle and sleep better visit Zia Sleep.

So do yourself a favor and get your zzz’s!

Copyright 2010 Moomette’s Magnificents – All Rights Reserved

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Second Careers – Further Your Education with a Master of Arts in Teaching Degree Online from USC

Study At Home

Exploring Career Choices

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of USC. All opinions are 100% mine.

If you can’t stand the thought of going to work one more day, it might be time for a change.  If you hate everything about your current job, a total change in career may be in order.  While this thought might scare you (or feel like a relief to admit), changing careers might be exactly what you need.

There’s  many reasons why people, especially baby boomers who have worked in a specific field for years and years, decide a second career change in is in order now.

• Don’t like it, never liked it, went into it because of parental or family pressure.

• Current and upcoming technology is making the position obsolete.

• Liked the job when single, but too time-consuming now with a young family.

• No room for advancement; the glass ceiling has been hit.

• There’s discord between personal ethics and business ethics.

• Doesn’t pay enough to support a desired lifestyle.

When thinking about a career change, don’t rush into a new job just because you see there’s an opening.  Take your time investigating options and deciding what you want your next career to be in.  Learn about yourself – what you like, what skills you have, and what kind of temperament you have.  Do some self-assessment or take an assessment test.

Unless you already know absolutely what field you’d like to work in, do some research on the possibilities.  Start a list of potential career choices.  Then dive deep into each one and find out what the job tasks are and what training and/or skills are necessary.  You should be able to narrow your list down the more information you discover.

It’s also important to know what’s  going on in the different fields.  Are there cutbacks and problems? Or is it a growing field that just received federal funding?  Is the field going in a direction that meshes with your personal beliefs?  What’s the pay range?  Spread your information-gathering net a bit wider.

Next you should determine what you have to have in the way of training and education.  It may be in a related field where your skills transfer nicely.  For example, a Financial Officer’s duties when working for a hospital may be almost the same as a Financial Officer’s duties when working for a car dealership.  If you’re jumping into a totally new line of work, find out exactly what kind of training or accreditation you will need.

There’s  plenty of program information available to you if you know where to look.

The USC Rossier School of Education’s MAT@USC offers current educators and aspiring teachers the prestige of earning a Master of Arts in Teaching degree from an elite research university with the convenience and flexibility of studying online.

You’ll be able to experience the benefits of:

• Highly interactive online learning combined with field-based experiences

• Groundbreaking tuition reimbursement program

• Accelerated program you can complete in as little as 12 months

• Full USC student status and benefits, participation in commencement ceremonies and free lifetime Alumni Association memberships

If you’re an experienced professional looking for a career change, an example of a degree that you can obtain is a Master of Arts in Teaching degree from an internationally renowned research institution with a 100-year history of educating teachers.

The USC Rossier School of Education has been ranked #22 in the United States, and #9 among all private universities by US News and World Report.

I’m a big advocate of online education as I obtained my B.S. when I was in my 40s and online education was in its infancy.  The benefits of online education are many.  I was able to continue my studies at home while working full-time and taking care of my young children and home obligations.

Copyright 2010 Moomette’s Magnificents – All Rights Reserved

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Resolve To Stay Healthy and Live Longer

Stay In Shape

Plan Your 2010 New Years Resolutions Now

You may not be aware, but your health as you age is something you can control.

Whether you’re a new mom, in mid-life, or a Baby Boomer, there are several things that healthy people have in common, and they’re things that you can include in your life.

You don’t have to feel like you’re at the mercy of your life or your genes; you just have to take a little time to treat yourself correctly, and you’ll experience much better health as you get older.  Here’s a look at a few things you can do to improve your chances of staying healthy and living longer.

Maintain A Healthy Weight
For most of us, this means paying attention to our weight and keeping it in a normal range.  It’s hard to do, especially after having a baby, or for each year you celebrate a birthday.   It’s statistically better to be a little bit heavier than it is to diet and regain that weight.  That doesn’t mean you should feel okay about carrying a lot of fat – it’s hard on your joints and can contribute to some health problems.  But a weight where you feel healthy and energized is more important than a number on a scale.

Exercise Frequently
Try to exercise half an hour a day, as many days out of the week as you can. The more you exercise, the better off you’ll be. I’ve recently looked into treating myself to a new pair of Skechers Shape Up Shoes to motivate myself!

Weight lifting can be particularly beneficial for women, because it can prevent osteoporosis by building bone density.  Don’t worry about bulking up – it’s almost impossible without hormone and protein supplements.  Do something you enjoy, and exercise won’t be a chore.  You’ll stay more mobile for a longer time, and feel a lot better.  People who are physically fit also suffer fewer debilitating injuries and heal up faster.

If you aren’t ready to implement these plans now, try to make it a New Year’s Resolution for 2010.

Copyright 2010 Moomette’s Magnificents – All Rights Reserved

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Care for your Skin With Southern Magnolia Minerals – Review and Giveaway

Aromatherapy

Hand and Body Care

The older we get, the more our skin starts to show its age. However, there are ways to combat this. If you’re willing to take a few healthy lifestyle steps now, you’ll look a lot better when you get older. Let’s take a look at some of the things we can do to prevent our skin from sagging and looking unhealthy as we get older.

We need to keep in mind that aging is a normal process, and that skin will sag to some degree as we get older. This is because it loses elasticity over time, and gravity begins to take its toll. The areas around the eyes and mouth begin to develop deeper lines, and over time the entire face can begin to sag. More blemishes are also a common experience for many people as they get older. This can cause many people to resort to cosmetic surgery, creams, as well as trying other types of methods to try to get rid of the appearance of age. Some of these methods work and some don’t, but it’s better to prevent the problem in the first place.

Look for natural moisturizing methods when you can. Something as simple as vitamin E oil or coconut oil can be just as effective as expensive moisturizing products. Avoid excessive use of cosmetics which contain all kinds of ingredients that can eventually cause problems with your skin. To stay looking fresh and natural, it’s a good idea to spend as much time that way as you can. That doesn’t mean you have to go without makeup entirely, of course. Just take the time to learn about cosmetic ingredients on your own, and know what you’re putting on your skin.

I recently had the opportunity to try All Natural Organic Anti-Aging Green Tea Aloe Lotion, as well as Women’s Aromatherapy Hormone Balance Synergy Body Spray by Southern Magnolia Minerals.

The All Natural Organic Anti-Aging Green Tea Aloe Lotion is available in a 4 fl oz in a treatment pump.  I use it right after the shower as well as throughout the day in order to retain moisture.  It has a very light, pleasant Green Tea fragrance.  I especially like that it also contains Aloe.

It’s nice to give yourself some at-home spa treatment on occasion!  After all, even as a Baby Boomer, it seems I’m still on-call it seems to helping my family out, even though they’re launched!

At night, I like to apply the New Women’s Aromatherapy Hormone Balance Synergy Body Spray.  It comes in a 10 ml spray bottle with overcap.  The scents of Jasmine, Rose, and Neroli are just a few of the essential oils in this balancing spray that trigger the brain to help activate positive changes to emotional well being and transform the female cycle and moods of any AND every age group of women.

Southern Magnolia Mineral Makeup products contains NO oils, perfumes, dyes, talc, bismuth so they are gentle and non-irritating even for sensitive skin. Its like no other makeup on earth! You can spend more money, but you can’t get better makeup than Southern Magnolia Minerals.

By paying attention to these factors and your overall health,  you’ll be sure that you’ll look your best, even as you get older. No matter who you are or what your age may be, by keeping yourself in good health and away from environmental factors that accelerate aging, you’ll be taking steps that will help you look better.

Why resort to gimmicks, when simple healthy living and a few quality skin care products are all you really need to look younger, longer?

This holiday season, put products from Southern Magnolia Minerals on your Wish List for yourself, or someone you care about!

For More Information Visit: Southern Magnolia Minerals

Thanks to Southern Magnolia Minerals, Moomette’s Magnificents  is hosting a Giveaway Contest! For a chance to win, there will be one (1) winner of a makeup bag filled with  surprises that include makeup, skincare, accessories, brushes – Retail Value $150!

Please include a way of contacting you. Should you be the contest winner, this information may be shared with the contest sponsor in order to send your prize.

Main Rule:   (remember if this rule is not followed then no others will count)
a) Sign up for my free Newsletter Updates to my blog through my e-mail Feedblitz link (on the top of my right column or let me know if you already are, in a separate comment) AND

b) Visit Southern Magnolia Minerals and leave a comment about what you like best about their site and another product you’d like to try.

This contest will run until November 19, 2009 at 11:00 pm. EDT

For Additional Entries, check out my Contest Entry Rules.

Copyright 2010 Moomette’s Magnificents – All Rights Reserved

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