As we approach Christmas and the final days of the year, I always find myself slowing down a bit and taking inventory of the small things that helped me get through the season. December is beautiful and full, but it comes with its own emotional weight, busy schedules, and deeper layers of life. And every year, I am reminded that it is rarely the big routines or dramatic changes that help me feel my best. It is the tiny moments that support my energy, my confidence, and my peace of mind.

The holidays are one of my favorite times of year, but they also tend to fill up quickly. Between gatherings, travel, cooking, hosting, and trying to keep up with everyday life, it is easy to feel like December moves faster than any other month. Over the years, especially in my forties and now my fifties, I have learned that taking care of myself during this season makes everything feel more joyful and a lot less overwhelming. My goal is never perfection. It is simply to support my energy, my digestion, my skin, and my peace of mind so I can actually enjoy the season instead of rushing through it.

The holidays always feel a little magical to me. The coziness, the gatherings, the sparkle in the air. And even though life gets busy this time of year, I have learned that the way I approach beauty can make such a difference in how I feel.

If you knew me as a teenager in the 80s, you would laugh. Blue eyeshadow, heavy eyeliner, big hair, and the boldest looks I could create. Later, when I worked with Tyra Beauty, I wore more makeup again because it was part of the fun of the job. I loved trying new looks, including the smoky eye I still play with now and then.

Winter is here which means my skin needs a little extra love. As soon as the air gets colder I feel it right away. The dryness, the tightness, and honestly the dullness can creep in fast if I am not paying attention.

At 54 I have learned that glowing skin in the winter is not about doing more. It is about doing what actually works. I spent years washing my face with soap and not even taking my makeup off, and now here I am with a routine that truly supports my skin through every season.

The holidays always remind me how good it feels to give back, not just with gifts but with purpose. It is a time to pause, reflect, and think about the impact we can make on others simply through the choices we make every day.

I was never, ever a skincare girl. For years I washed my face with plain soap and called it good. I never got facials, never stuck to a routine, and I used to fall asleep in my makeup more nights than I can count. Just ask my friend Paula, it used to make her so mad! lol

Eventually, I graduated to makeup wipes, but that still wasn’t a real skincare routine. That all changed when I hit my 50s. My skin started telling me it needed more…. more hydration, more care, and more consistency.

The holidays always sound magical, don’t they? Sparkling lights, festive gatherings, cozy nights in. But behind the magic can come a whole lot of stress, late nights, sugar, travel, and busier schedules that can take a real toll on our skin and digestion.

I’ve learned that when my body feels off, my skin is the first to show it. So, as we move through the season, I treat my wellness and beauty as one. Glowing skin starts with balance, both inside and out.

Here are a few ways I’m protecting my skin and my gut from holiday stress this year.

Maybe your skin feels drier than usual, or those fine lines seem to appear overnight. Or maybe your products just don’t seem to be giving you that healthy glow anymore.

That’s because your skin changes — with time, hormones, lifestyle, and even the seasons.
And what worked in your 30s or 40s might not be what your skin needs today.

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that beauty isn’t just about what we see in the mirror. It’s about how we feel when we look at ourselves.

I used to rush through my skincare routine, thinking it was all about results: fewer wrinkles, tighter skin, less puffiness. But over time, I’ve learned that when I slow down and see those few minutes as a gift, as a thank-you to my body for carrying me through another day everything changes.

This month, with gratitude at the center of the season, I’m sharing five simple beauty rituals that help me connect more deeply to my body, my skin, and my sense of calm.

After turning 50, I noticed something subtle but real…. My skin just didn’t bounce back the way it used to. My neck felt a little softer, my jawline less defined, and those fine lines around my eyes were starting to stick around, especially when I smiled (which I’ll never stop doing).

If you’re like me, you’ve probably noticed your skin doesn’t respond quite the same way it used to. What worked in your 30s and 40s may suddenly feel too harsh or simply ineffective. That’s not a bad thing, it’s just your skin evolving along with you.

Are you feeling stuck, disconnected, or overwhelmed by the demands of life? Are you constantly chasing goals and achievements, yet finding yourself longing for a deeper sense of fulfillment? If so, you're not alone. Many of us are caught up in the fast-paced world, leaving little room to truly connect with ourselves and tap into our inner potential. In this blog post, we'll explore the transformative practice of somatic healing and how it can help you unlock your authentic self, fostering holistic well-being and self-discovery.

Welcome back to another captivating episode of The Beautiful Bag Podcast! I'm LeeAnne Hayden, your host, and today we're delving into a topic that resonates with us all – confidence. In this blog post, we'll explore the insightful conversation from our recent podcast episode, where we discussed how to build, nurture, and harness the power of confidence in our lives.

My friend, self-care is not a luxury but a necessity when it comes to maintaining and boosting your confidence. It's time to prioritize your well-being and make self-care a non-negotiable part of your life. By engaging in activities that rejuvenate and energize you, you'll create a solid foundation for confidence to thrive. So, let's explore the transformative power of self-care.

The last seven years of my life have been a rollercoaster, grappling with the challenges of both Breast Implant Illness (BII) and living with an ostomy. In the midst of this difficult journey, one practice has been a constant source of rejuvenation and resilience - yoga. The transformative power of yoga has not only contributed to my physical recovery but has also played a significant role in improving my mental and emotional well-being. In this blog post, I will share how the holistic practice of yoga has been instrumental in my healing journey, providing a sanctuary of hope and positivity.

In today's fast-paced world, it's all too easy to rush through meals without truly savoring the experience. Mindful eating offers a simple yet powerful way to reconnect with our food, fostering a deeper appreciation for the nourishment it provides and enhancing our overall well-being. By cultivating awareness during meals, we can transform the way we eat, finding joy and contentment in each bite. In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of mindful eating and share six practical tips to help you embrace this mindful approach to your meals.

In our quest for better health, it's easy to get tangled up in a web of nutrition myths. These misconceptions can derail our wellness journeys, preventing us from reaching our optimal health. This is especially true for individuals facing unique health challenges, such as living with an ostomy or dealing with the symptoms of Breast Implant Illness (BII). Proper nutrition can play a pivotal role in managing these conditions and improving overall quality of life. This article aims to debunk some common nutrition myths, providing reliable, evidence-based nutrition information that can be particularly helpful for ostomates and those suffering from BII.

Today, I want to give a special shout out to all the girls like me who are working hard on loving their bodies. It's a tough journey, fraught with societal expectations, the pressure of media, and self-doubt. It takes a lot of strength and courage to navigate this path, but we're doing it. I am so proud of us.

In a world consumed by societal beauty standards and unrealistic body ideals, cultivating a positive body image has become essential for personal well-being. Embracing self-acceptance and developing a healthy relationship with our bodies can significantly impact our mental and physical health. In this blog, we will explore the power of positive body image and provide practical tips to help you build self-acceptance.

As the sun shines bright and the temperatures rise, summer is the perfect time to savor the vibrant flavors of seasonal produce. Whether you're an ostomate with specific dietary considerations or someone who values holistic nutrition, finding recipes that are both delicious and nourishing can be a delightful challenge. Fear not, for we've curated two delightful summer recipes that cater to a range of dietary needs and will tantalize your taste buds. Let's dive into these mouthwatering creations that are not only suitable for ostomates but also embrace the principles of holistic nutrition.