Despite the benefits of steamers, be aware that some fabrics are better for steamers usage, while others
still require ironing. A few fabrics suitable for steaming are:

1. Silk: this delicate fabric can be easily damaged by the direct heat of an iron. Steamers provide a gentle way to remove wrinkles from silk garments without risking damage.
   
2. Wool: is more prone to distortion with the direct heat of an iron. A steamer is a safe option for removing wrinkles from wood clothing while preserving the fabric.
3. Chiffon, Organza and Lace are also delicate fabrics often better suited for steamers.
4. Knit fabrics, like jerseys and sweaters, are less likely to loose their shape or suffer from shine caused by the direct heat of an iron.
5. Dry clean only: fabrics with this label can often be safely steamed to refresh and remove wrinkles without the need for ironing.

Its is recommended to always check the care labels on your clothing for specific recommendations, and test a small area before using either an iron or a steamer on a new fabric or garment.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle is the best way to promote overall well-being and create positive habits. Here are five steps to help you and your family embrace  healthier eating habits in your daily lives:

1. Set clear goals:
 Start by discussing personal goals as a family and how food impacts your overall health. It is crucial to raise awareness and get buy-ins. Encourage each family member to contribute to their expectations and create clear and achievable goals that everyone can work towards together. Tip: write it down on a board or anywhere everyone can see it.

2. Evaluate eating and drinking habits:
Look at your pantry and refrigerator and observe what you find there. Aim to have many fresh veggies, lean meats, fruit, and other minimally processed foods. Colorful fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, promoting overall health. Avoid too much over-processed foods. 

4. Homemade meals:
Eating at home is healthier and saves you money in the long-term.
See: Tips to Healthy Eating on a Budget.

​Explore fun ideas to present fruits and veggies for kids. I'm a huge fan of @foodbites Instagram page. Sine Siemkowicz shows a creative way of playing with food, enchanting kids and adults. 

Are you not a chef? That is no problem; there are plenty of resources to learn how to make simple, fast, healthy meals. Some of my faves are : 

• ​​Boston University Sargent Choice Nutrition Center
  
• Sammymontgoms
  
• Olena Osipov​
  
• Kara Lydon​

Maintaining a healthy weight and overall well-being is essential for women over 40. However, it can be a challenge for some women due to slower metabolism,  hormonal changes, stress, and even the so-called Perimenopause - that stage of pre-menopause that usually happens around this age group. 

As I'm in my 40s, I decided to do some research to find out what specialists consider the four healthy habits that can help prevent weight gain and promote overall health for women over 40. Let's have a look:

1. Portion Control in a Balanced Diet:
Focus on a well-balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Prefer low calorie fruits  such as kiwi, melon, or berries for example. They are rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants and less sugary than other fruits.

Pay attention to portion sizes to avoid overeating. Remember the 20 min rule, the time that your body takes to sign fullness. If you eat fast, chances are that  you will be also eating more than you need.

Limit excessive amounts of high-calorie beverages. Prefer water, ginger tea, green tea, or black tea. Delicious, full of antioxidants and also help boost your metabolism, reducing inflammation and promoting well-being.

Reduce processed foods and sugary snacks. Some healthy snack options are: natural or Greek yogurt with flax seeds or chia seeds, mixed nuts in small portions, berries, dark chocolate, edamame, carrots and celery sticks with hummus, olives,  unbuttered popcorn, grapes and dates, and crunch chickpeas. EatingWell is one of my favorite webpages to look for easy healthy snacks.

2. Exercise in Moderation
Keeping moving at all ages is the general rule; however, as your body starts changing, it is essential to maintain a balanced fitness routine. If you like cardio, do it in moderation and aligned with strength and resistant exercises to boost your results:
Cardiovascular Exercise:

• Aerobic activities like walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, and dancing help improve cardiovascular health, burn calories, and boost energy levels. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week.

Strength Training:

• Building and maintaining muscle mass becomes increasingly important with age, as it can help with metabolism, bone health, and overall strength.
• Incorporate resistance training exercises using dumbbells, resistance bands, or body weight to work all major muscle groups.

Flexibility and Balance Exercises:

• Include activities like yoga and Pilates to improve flexibility, balance, and posture. These can also help prevent injury and reduce the risk of falls.

Core Strengthening:

• A strong core can help support the spine and improve posture. Include exercises like planks, bridges, and stability ball workouts in your routine.

3. Get Sufficient Sleep:
Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Poor sleep can disrupt hormonal balance and increase cravings for high-calorie, unhealthy foods. If you are experiencing trouble sleeping consult your doctor and ask about some natural sleeping aids such as Melatonin, Cherry Extract,  Magnesium, and Chamomile.

4. Stress Management:
Practice stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, yoga, or mindfulness to prevent emotional eating and the release of stress-related hormones that can lead to weight gain.

Additionally, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian to develop a personalized plan that takes into consideration your specific health needs and any potential age-related changes. They can provide guidance and support to help you maintain a healthy weight and overall well-being.

Aging is a natural process, but there are several lifestyle choices and practices that can help women over 40 maintain a healthy and youthful appearance. Here are a few anti-aging tips:

1. Maintain a Healthy Diet

• Eat a Balanced Diet: focus on a diet rich in protein, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats. These foods provide essential nutrients and antioxidants that can help protect your skin collagen and overall health.
  
• Stay Hydrated: drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and maintain its elasticity.

2. Exercise Regularly

• Engage in Physical Activity: regular exercise can help improve muscle tone, boost metabolism, and enhance overall well-being. Aim for a mix of strength-training, low cardiovascular, and flexibility exercises.
• Focus on Bone Health: include weight-bearing exercises like walking, jogging, or resistance training to help maintain bone density, which tends to decrease with age.

3. Adopt a Skin Care Routine

• Protect: use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily to shield your skin from UV radiation, which can accelerate skin aging and increase the risk of skin cancer. Even if you are sitting indoor near a window or in front of a computer screen.
• Moisturize: apply a good-quality moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and reduce the appearance of fine and wrinkles.
• Anti-aging products: consider using specific products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, retinoids, and antioxidants. Consult with a dermatologist for recommendations tailored to your skin type and special needs.
• Collagen Peptides: Do you know your body starts reducing collagen production after 40s? As a result, we see an increase in wrinkles and skin elasticity loss. Ask your doctor about collagen supplements to boost it and improve the appearance of aging skin.

4. Stress Management

• Manage Stress: chronic stress can contribute to premature aging. Engage in stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or hobbies you enjoy like gardening or listening calm songs, for example.
  
• Get Enough Sleep: aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night to allow your body to repair and regenerate. Having trouble sleeping? Avoid having dinner or eating heavy foods after 9 p.m, try drinking a cup of chamomile or lavender tea (no caffeinated). Some people benefit  using melatonin supplements once in a while. Consult your doctor for a tailored approach.
  

5. Regular Health Check-ups

• Screening: schedule regular health check-ups and screenings as recommended by your healthcare provider. Early detection and prevention of health issues can help you age more gracefully.
• Hormone health: ask your doctor about hormone levels, especially if you are experiencing symptoms of hormonal imbalance, as these can affect your overall well-being and appearance.
  

 
Remember that aging is a natural part of life, and no one can stop the aging process However, these tips can help you age gracefully and maintain your overall health and vitality as you enter your 40s and beyond. Always consult with your healthcare and skincare professionals for personalized advice based on your specific needs and goals.

Interested in more tips, I recommend the book: "Goddesses Never Age: The Secret Prescription for  Radiance, Vitality, and Well-Being" by Christiane Northrup, M.D.

Think outside of the box when buying school supplies. There are many cute and reusable alternatives to embrace a sustainable back-to-school. Choosing eco-friendly products is a significant step toward building a sustainable future and leaving a healthier planet for future generations. Check out some cool ideas below based on our experience -  this article contains affiliate links.

 1. Sustainable Backpacks:
Multifunctional Lightweight Shoulder Bag Daypack
THE NORTH FACE Jester made of Recycled Polyester
Targus 15-16" Zero Waste Backpack

2. Eco-friendly Lunch Bags
​BKLYN Neoprene lunch bag 
Eco-Bags products Organic Cotton Lunch Bag (2 pack)
ArderLive Stackable lunch bento box in a reusable bag

Plastic Free July is a global movement that  encourages communities to reduce plastic consumption and find alternatives to replace single-use plastics:
Here are a few ideas to embrace it:

Say NO to Single-use Plastic
​Reduce the consumption of unnecessary plastic cutlery;
use stainless steel, bamboo, or wooden spoons - choose
​ biodegradable disposable options.

​Carry your own Bag
​Choose eco-friendly jute or cotton
Reusable bags are multipurpose, washable,
and minimize waste stream.

​Choose Plastic Free Options​
​Avoid plastic packaging which ends up in landfills.
Buy loose products, use reusable bags or beewax food wraps, Bring your own container.

​Switch to Reusable Alternatives
​Use cloth or silicone lids instead of plastic cling film
Shift disposable razors for a safety razor with replaceable blades.
Carry a reusable bottle, coffee mug, and silicone straws.

Suggestions based on my own experience. Showcasing affiliated links - earns commissions

How to start decluttering?
Decluttering can be overwhelming, especially
if you have a lot of stuff. Here are a few tips:

• Start in small areas
• Pick one area a day
• Remove unused stuff
• Separate in three boxes:

 Items to trash, donate and sell

• Clean and organize the rest
• ​Check home organizers for help
• Take a break and enjoy it