It’s quiet here this morning. Tom went back to work and Emma left late yesterday afternoon. I am back to my usual routine of editing, keeping the house up, cooking meals and shooting. It’s the life!

I know the *b* lists have been shaky lately…hit or miss really, but I think after 5 years I am starting to feel redundant. So, as I edit this week, I will be re-evaluating whether to keep them up or not. I may just change up the lists. I still do LOVE lists.

Today’s *b* list is in addition to a few others I’ve done about products and routines that I think work for women over 40. Some may work for men too : ) If you’re younger, you might want to print this off and save it. I wish I had known how much things change as we age.

*b* list of self-care over 40

• moisturize. I remember my Gram using Jergens cream many times a day. I still love the smell of that stuff. As a young adult, I never had dry skin, so I think it took a while to hit me as I got older, that my skin was getting dry (sort of like when you lose or gain weight, but it takes a while for your head to comprehend it?) Anyway, I have tried SO many moisturizers over the past few years. Because I not only have dry skin now, but I also have sensitive skin, I can’t use just any cream or lotion. I mentioned a while ago here that I was using coconut oil and I have to say it again, because it is making a huge difference for me. On my skin after my shower and even on my hair and face before bed. It’s a little odd to have all this oil on my head when I crawl into bed, but I just cover my pillow with a bath towel and it seems to be fine. Wake up in the morning, shower and have soft skin and hair. I love coconut oil! I love that it doesn’t have weird chemicals in it and it smells good.
• exercise. I’ve done all sorts of exercise over the years. I taught aerobics and weight training for women in the 80s and 90s, I ran as a kid and now I’m running again…and this fall, I’m thinking of taking a Body Pump class(with Brooke and Beth) or maybe working with a trainer? I know I need to step it up. I probably won’t run forever, but for now, I’m enjoying it…but I want more.
• continue to challenge oneself. This one is easy for me, because of the business I’m in. If I don’t keep learning the new editing and shooting techniques, I won’t be able to continue in this business. I do notice that there are quite a few people who seem to choose to just settle in and continue to do what they’ve always done. I don’t think that’s a good way to stay vibrant. I want to continue to learn always. In fact I have an upcoming list based on what I want to learn.
• update undergarments. Okay, I know I’ve sounded off on this many times, but I feel so strongly about this, I have to say it again! Make sure you are investing in good quality bras and make sure you are fitted by a qualified professional. This is important ladies! AND, I have to mention the other undergarments that really make a difference-Spanx. Even if one is thin, as we age, we aren’t as smooth as we once were. I see this as especially important when attending a formal event. If you are going to spend the money on a cocktail dress or evening gown, please wear the proper undergarments!
• attitude. You are probably going to think I am being overly dramatic about this one. But I find that as I take photos of adults, many of us have a permanent frown or habitual wrinkled forehead. I think it may even be more common with men. Whatever the case, make sure that you practice relaxing your facial expressions. I am very aware of this, but I still see candid photos of myself with this haggard look on my face and I think it’s all about relaxing and just being happy! The older we get the more we need to smile to avoid this haggard look!  Just my 2 cents!
• Be at peace. “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone”. Romans 12:18. For me, this is key. Peace and serenity do wonders for the countenance and the inner being. I think peace leads to better health and even beauty.

I have so many recent session peeks to share…I’m tempted to share more than one session a day, but that wouldn’t be fair. So look for many updates here on the blog this week!

Meet Bryant. Here’s a laidback, truly good guy. His mom is a gem too.

Cool jawline. I think he has such a cool look!

Last shot and it’s one of my faves. Bryant was so easy to work with and I think he even found the experience fairly painless : )

God bless your day!