Lifestyle

Though fiction novels can make us laugh and bring us to tears, perhaps no literary genre is as powerful as the autobiography. Narrating the stories of their own lives, autobiographical writers have the opportunity to depict the human experience in its most authentic form. Are you in the mood to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes? Pick up one of these timeless autobiographies to begin an unforgettable literary journey. 1.) Night - Elie Wiesel Perhaps no piece of writing so plainly captures the horrors of the Holocaust as well as Elie Wiesel’s autobiography Night. Shi... more ...

Visiting a German Christmas market is an unforgettable experience. Those who have the opportunity to travel to Deutschland during the holiday season can visit one of the hundreds of markets located around the country. In cities like Nuremberg, locals and international guests alike peruse stands selling snacks and handcrafted goods. Visitors are often found sipping on spiced mulled wine and munching on juicy sausages and sweet, gingerbread-like Lebkuchen. Is your budget too tight or schedule too packed to visit Germany this winter? Don’t despair! The ever-growing popularity of German... more ...

With Black Friday and the subsequent holiday shopping season just around the corner, the time for generating holiday gift ideas is already upon us. Though some people are easy to shop for, most of us find it difficult to track down the “perfect present” for everyone on our list. Does your gift-giving mind go blank when you think of your sister, neighbor, boss, or son? If so, these simple tips just might spark some new ideas!  Do Your Research In the past, many of us purchased gifts based on the off-hand remarks we remembered others making. Today, due in large pa... more ...

With the holiday season rapidly approaching, November is the perfect month to turn inwards and reflect upon the many blessings we have in our lives. Studies have shown that those who take the time to be thankful sleep better, have stronger immune systems, and feel more energized on a daily basis. Don’t limit your expressions of thanks to just the holiday season, though! Follow these simple suggestions to begin integrating gratitude and generosity into your daily life.  Be present, loving and respectful in your daily interactions with others.  Gratitude doesn&rsqu... more ...

This month, aspiring writers from around the world will be participating in National Novel Writing Month. Often abbreviated as NaNoWriMo, this fun writing event, which runs for the duration of November, challenges wannabe-authors to write 50,000 words in 30 days or less. Participation is open for all and free of charge. If you’ve always wanted to put that one story in your head on paper, now is the time to do so! It’s not too late to get started. Whether you’d like to write a science-fiction novel or your own autobiography, NaNoWriMo offers just the right amoun... more ...

When your grandfather told long-winded stories about his youth, were you the sole family member who actually listened? If so, you might be the perfect candidate for recording your family history! Genealogy, the study of family lineage and history, was once used primarily to distinguish royal blood lines from those of the masses. Today, many individuals have taken up genealogy as a hobby, tracking down everything from historical records to personal belongings in a quest to discover more about their origins. The advent of the internet and the digitalization of historical records has made th... more ...

Confidence and self-assuredness often grow with age. As we enter our 50s, 60s, 70s, and beyond, it is valuable to assess whether or not our inner well-being is being conveyed by our fashion choices. Don’t settle for outfits that make you feel frumpy and invisible! By following these simple fashion tips, you can enhance your presence and allow the “real you” to shine through.  For Women Dressing well after 50 can be a delicate balancing act. Consider sorting through older pieces in your wardrobe to figure out which items are dated, out-of-style, or age-inap... more ...

Did you know that most Senior Olympic athletes only began exercising or training on a regular basis after hitting middle age? Studies have shown that the “fitness age” of the average Senior Olympian is more than 20 years lower than his or her biological age! Don’t let your body fall into disrepair after hitting the big 5-0! Despite the challenges that come with aging, becoming physically fit is an admirable, achievable aim. Let the stories of these impressive senior athletes inspire you to achieve your own personal fitness goals.  D. Paul Miller D. Paul Mi... more ...

The modern era is one of great political, social, and cultural upheaval. With so much going on in the world, many of us feel overwhelmed by the apparent hopelessness of remedying these widespread problems and injustices. Instead of turning a blind eye to these pressing issues, however, it is important to confront them head-on. Regardless of your age, health, or wealth, you can find a way to get involved in activism. Getting started is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps to become a budding activist! Find a cause and educate yourself. There are thousands upon thousa... more ...

Planning a fun, family-friendly outing can quickly become a costly undertaking. Between paying for transportation, entertainment, and restaurant meals, it’s all too easy to overshoot your initial budget. Instead of opting for a fancy evening out, choose to spend a free or low-cost day of fun with your adult children or grandchildren. Take a step back and enjoy the simple things in life with these fun and free family pastimes!  Design Your Own Walking Tour  Get outside and explore your local community! Whether you live in a bustling city or a sleepy suburb, there ... more ...