another *b* list...

this one being inspired by a special issue of people magazine, that i glanced through while at the orthodontist's office a few weeks ago. i'm not writing this from a standpoint of a self appointed expert....i feel more like a pioneer among my friends. they are either much younger, or possibly less superficial than i, and don't really care! i just like to share what i've figured out works for me, as i enter each new season of life. i love reading when others share too...so don't hesitate to share your tips and secrets! i hate to beg for comments, but lately it's been a little sparse! maybe i'm just not posting things of interest? i see lots of people reading though!

*b* list of beauty as you age:

1. inner beauty is real. i know this is cliche, but that doesn't mean it's not so. since i have gotten into photography, i think this statement has become even more real and true for me. i can see this so much more clearly. it's difficult to photograph someone who is lacking inner beauty....their eyes tell the story. fortunately, i can only think of one experience that this was a real issue. typically, i seem to attract clients who have that inner beauty ; ) empty eyes, no matter how superficially beautiful the person seems, don't lie. your eyes truly are the windows to your soul. inner peace, joy and contentment show. if you really want to know how a person is doing, look them in the eye. i think that's why i find older women so fascinating to photograph....so many times, their wisdom, sparkle, and beauty are so apparent in their eyes. they are done playing games. it's real.
2. be ready to change things up. according to an article i skimmed in people, (and i believe it's true), as we hit each season of life, the things that worked when we were 20 (or whatever younger season), aren't necessarily going to work now. i've changed almost everything...from hairstyle to makeup to how i dress. i have seen many people get stuck in an era, when they felt their best, and they can't move on. you know, how the 80's were for some! time to move on!
3. less is more. i remember when i was in my 20s, reading about how, as women age, they should be wearing less makeup, not more. so true. more makeup, just accentuates what you don't want accentuated! recently, someone asked me if i wore eye makeup? at first, i was a little offended...but then, i thought, "maybe it's not such a bad thing, that they're asking?"
4. use makeup brushes. don't laugh. some women may need to read this! as we age, using a brush for foundation is really important. it covers our imperfections (wrinkles!) more efficiently and gives a more finished look.
5. don't skip skincare steps. cleanse, exfoliate, tone and moisturize. don't skip any of these steps! i mentioned in a blog post recently what a difference exfoliating has made in my aging skin....i use philosophy's microdelivery wash every morning and then aveda's face bar in the evening. the microdelivery wash has made a huge difference in my skin! huge! i used to peel and flake all the time (sorry if that is gross!) and now, my skin is much more smooth and clear. i also use 3 different moisturizers...one for my eye area, one around my lips and another overall. it takes seconds.
6. keep up your haircolor. that doesn't mean that i think everyone should color their hair. but if you do, keep it up. i've noticed the older i get, the more often this is needed. i feel so much better when i keep it up. when i was younger, i could get away with having it done much less often. now, it's much more priority.
7. facial hair. ha! a reality of getting older. be watchful and get rid of it! eek. also, i can't believe the difference it makes when i keep my brows under control. i just have them waxed every time i go to the salon for my hair. the way your brows *frame* your eyes, can make or break you! i never tweezed my brows when i was young. i thought brooke shields looked good, so why not me? ha! now i know how much better i look with nicely controlled brows.
8. nails. because of the work i do with paint, glue and paper, i don't get manicures. i should, but i don't. i do however, use my nail buffing block. it gives me shiny, smooth nails, even if they aren't polished. i do get regular pedicures in the summer. right now, i need one badly! ugh!
9. your undergarments. alright, i hesitate to mention this, yet again, but i have to! undergarments. you must make them a priority! a really great fitted bra is vital as you age! VITAL! if i sound superficial, i'm sorry, but this is important stuff for women to know! no one told me! not until i looked BAD! and if you are dressing in a form-fitting outfit, get yourself some spanx....and if they're too pricey, buy the knockoffs at target. 
10. don't feel guilty about taking a little time for yourself.  don't forget about you. if you are so busy taking care of everyone else and ignoring your own care, you will eventually end up either burned out, or resentful, or both. you will be a better, more beautiful person, if you take a little time to refresh yourself. take a walk, get a pedicure, spend time with friends who make you glad you're alive, read a book, whatever makes you feel refreshed!
11. remember your body is a temple. moderation being key here. eat right, get your rest, and get some exercise. it's not that i don't eat junk food. i do...i just don't exist on junk food. i eat a little here and there.
12. most important of all: live with grace, humility, a clear conscience, gratitude, purpose and joy. cheesy, whatever. i believe it to be truth. i mess up all the time, but if i don't have goals and ideals to live by, i will flounder. i know, because i used to live without these things. i thought that if i was striving, trying to be good enough(not believing in God's grace), faking it, looking for "things" that would fulfill me, but never did... i was a mess. being at peace with the Lord, living with purpose, according to biblical principles, based on God's saving grace has given me more worth and peace than i've ever had before...more depth too. as much as a person's outward appearance starts to decline, the importance of having some depth becomes even more apparent. i hope to age gracefully, so that i become better and not bitter. i want to have the depth that my gram had...and now i see in my mom and aunts. a beauty that is much more multi-faceted and true, than just what you see on the surface.

i'd love to know your thoughts and tips!

i do have some photos to share of a beautiful family! tom and i have known mike since he was in our church's youth group! look at him now!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mike has done alright! they bought this cool, spacious log home on a gorgeous plot of ground in the country. so happy for them!

i think i've shared enough for one day! God bless each of you!

Comments

[Lynn]

Great post Becky....love all your things on your list! Great shots again, gorgeous family!

[becca]

Inner beauty is SO important! The most outwardly-beautiful people in the world also have a kind spirit. I firmly believe this.

xoxo.

[Debra]

Great list! And as always, beautiful photographs. May God's blessings surround you today!

[Lisa]

Very good post Becky! Being 33, I feel like I am on the cusp, I have to color my hair more and I can't lose those extra 5 pounds as easy as I used to, these are all good tips...You're the best! Lisa

[Sarah]

Thanks Becky once again for your thoughts. Every time I read your blog I feel like you hit the nail right on the head. You are always so inspiring. I think your age makes you so much more beautiful to me. I'm just realizing how GREAT aging truley is, and yes, I'm only 30, but I have learned so much in just the last 5 years...I'm like bring on the years, it's all starting to make sense. I love your *b* lists, so keep em coming!!

Sarah

[erin yamabe]

oh, how i wish you lived closer, so we could hire you to shoot our family!
happy wednesday!

[Monica]

I love reading all of your entries~ you always say the thing I need to hear. As a 41 year old, I am learning to embrace the beauty within me, and accept myself more each day. I am going to print this out so I can go back and read it more often~ thank you for being such a beautiful person, inside and out~

[Tina]

Living in a house full of guys it is very important to me to not only be the mom, but be the example of what kind of person they should want to be with in the future. Sometimes it works, sometimes not...there is definitely a lot of laughing...and honestly every once in awhile I need to remond myself that I am in fact, a girl. I love the days I get to have my hair done and find new underclothes :) I think it helps to reevaluate where I am going and what I am doing in my life.

[Jennie]

Becky,
You are the soul behind so many women. Your thoughts, beliefs, moments you share, they are what makes you "YOU". I thank God that our paths crossed. I received another GREAT checkup and it brings tears to my eyes and a endless smile to my face. I LOVE LIFE, MY HUSBAND, CHILDREN and everything inbetween. Happy Hump Day!!!

[kim]

here I thought I was doing good by just being freshly showered. :)

[amber's mom]

you only have to keep up your haircolor IF you have hair...chemo's funny like that.

[Laura B]

you are such a blessing to so many people. thank you, thank you.

[laura shelton]

enjoy your b' lists so much becky! i'm in my 50's and looking forward to the day "the barn doesn't require any further painting" it will just be weathered to a beautiful patina!
*note for amber's mom
after i finished chemo....it was a momentous occasion when i had my first "bad hair day!" yay!

[Linda]

I am 52 and I follow just about every single one of your tips. They help, i would add though, EXERCISE, it makes you feel young.

[Linda]

my bad...you did!!! my dementia is at it again...LOL...Love the list .

[kristin young]

aw, becky! love the "b" list! hey, i am a little closer to you now that we just moved to indiana! (i still miss my cali scrappy girls) AND since we are renting for a year, i was thinking about how i could decorate without breaking the bank---LOVE the chalkboard in the kitchen! (and the verse, of course). went out to hobby lobby and painted me one today for my kitchen! you have the bestest ideas...hugs and heard yal had fun without me at cha (ha ha)...kristin young

[kris]

Becky, your list is so on the money. I don't have time for the exercise right now and I know that means that I need to scale down because I don't feel the same without it! Oh, and the Philosophy Microdelivery is the best stuff evahhh. I love it. My skin is so much softer and glowing since I started using it. I actually mix it in with the Philosophy Purity and I use it on my neck, chest and my arms when the cold weather dries me out. People always remark on my skin being so healthy looking - and I live in Alaska!

[Suezi Gurzi]

Love Love Love the *b* list. So right on target! Words to live by...FOR SURE!

[Nina]

Even though I don't share the opinion about faith and even though I am just in my early 20s I have to say: Very wise words. I love how you called a spade a spade, very good advice.
BTW your blog is great, you are such a talented woman!
Many Greetings from Germany
Nina

[Guylaine]

a little hello from Quebec, Canada to tell you that your blog is beautiful
love your work!

[Ranjini]

Becky, thank you for this beautiful and inspiring post. You said exactly what I needed to hear!
Ranjini