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8 common mistakes that spoil holidays

<p>Some people are so quick to forget they’re actually on holidays. From a bad attitude to trying to make everyone happy it's easy how quickly a holiday can turn into a horror story. Nip these mistakes in the bud and you can be sure you'll enjoy your break.</p> <p><strong>1. Packing a bad attitude</strong></p> <p>From jetlag to language barriers, lost luggage, food sickness and price gouging, elements of travelling that can be tough. But don't let this affect their mood. Remember, travel is supposed to be an experience that challenges you.</p> <p><strong>2. Being cheap</strong></p> <p>Sometimes it makes sense to scrimp, but ultimately you have to remember that you’re on holiday. If you’re going to save a few hours by taking a cab you should book it. Miserliness can waste time, inject bad attitudes and breed resentment.</p> <p><strong>3. Trying to cram everything in</strong></p> <p>It’s impossible to see everything in the world and sometimes over planning means you’re restricted to a tight schedule. Scrutinise your itinerary and make sure you only dedicate time to the things you really want to see.</p> <p><strong>4. Obsessing over your smartphone</strong>  </p> <p>These handy little devices have made many of the process of travel much more convenient, but they also take away some of the wonder of going abroad. So don’t be afraid to pocket the iPhone every now and then and take a little bit of time to smell the roses.</p> <p><strong>5. Not eating local</strong></p> <p>Sure, there’s something to be said for the convenience of a Starbucks on the other side of the world that sells the same thing as the one on your road, but when you’re abroad take the time to sample local foods and drinks.</p> <p><strong>6. Only talking about yourself</strong></p> <p>The great thing about travel is the opportunity to meet people on the other side of the world, but if you’re only talking about yourself you’re not going to learn anything. Make sure you take time to ask questions, lean in and learn.</p> <p><strong>7. Going too wild</strong></p> <p>You only live once, but sometimes people who are travelling take this mantra way too far and push the boundaries beyond what makes sense. Do as much as you can when you’re overseas, but by the same token don't go too wild and exercise your best decision making.</p> <p><strong>8. Making everyone else happy</strong></p> <p>This is the easiest way to ruin a holiday. While it's nice to make everyone on your holiday as happy as possible, in the end of the day you're the one who purchased your plane ticket, so make sure the experience is what you want it to be.</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Sour note spoils Hilary Swank’s double delight

<p>Hilary Swank has delighted fans around the world by announcing the birth of her “miracle” twins. </p> <p>The 48-year-old actress took to her social media with an image of herself at sunset, a baby - a boy and a girl - cradled in each arm, overlooking the water. Or, as Hilary called it in her caption, “pure heaven”. </p> <p>“It wasn’t easy. But boy (and girl!) was it worth it,” she wrote, before wishing her 1.5 million  followers a happy Easter. </p> <p>Hilary shares her happy new additions with entrepreneur Philip Schneider, who she married in 2018. The two have made no secret of their desire to expand their family, with Hilary opening up multiple times in interviews over the years, most recently to <em>Good Morning America</em> in late 2022 while publicly revealing her pregnancy. </p> <p>"This is something that I've been wanting for a long time,” she said, “and my next thing is I'm gonna be a mum. And not just of one, but of two. I can't believe it. It's so nice to be able to talk about it and share it."</p> <p>And as she told <em>Extra</em>, also in 2022, the timing hadn’t previously been correct, with the actress focussed on her career and unable to find the right relationship. According to Hilary, “all the elements needed to come together and be right” for motherhood. </p> <p>“It’s just something I thought about even as a young girl,” she added. “It’s something that was on my mind, so it’s nice to be here and just be pregnant."</p> <p>In 2020, Hilary spoke to <em>The Daily Mail </em>about how she felt she was “very maternal”, and shared her belief that not having children did not have the power to render someone - like herself at that point - unable to be maternal. </p> <p>"I’ve heard a lot of women say that they’ve been told, 'oh, you’re kind of a failure,'” she said. “Or, you know, 'didn’t you come here to procreate?’. There are so many different ways to procreate!</p> <p>“Any type of mothering, any type of nurturing, is being a mother.”</p> <p>Now that Hilary has taken her own nurturing to the next level, after months of sharing the various milestones and moments in her pregnancy journey with her supporters, she has been met with an outpouring of love and celebration from friends, fans, and family. </p> <p>“Aaaaahhhh!!!!! Congratulations,” wrote an excited Viola Davis. </p> <p>“So happy to see you turkeys soaking up the sea, the sun and the salt air! Love you. Welcome to planet earth little ones. Hope you have a lovely stay here,” gushed actor Misha Collins. </p> <p>“Congratulations!!!!!!!!! God bless!” declared actress Lindsay Lohan, who had recently shared that she was also expecting her first child. </p> <p>However, not all were on board with Hilary’s joy, with some mean-spirited souls taking issue with the actress’s move into motherhood at 48. </p> <p>“When she is my age, those kids will be fourteen. Ack. Why? I don't understand people,” one complained. </p> <p>“And I don’t understand people that leave comments like this one!” a fed up supporter shot back, while another opted for a humble facepalming emoji. </p> <p>“These kids are going to be well cared for and well loved,” another pointed out. “What’s not to understand and celebrate??”</p> <p>“It's not your place to understand! She's waited her entire life to have these babies, it's nobody's business at what age she wanted to have them or was actually to have them either!!” said one more passionate fan, before they added the most important piece of advice the troll would be receiving, “just be happy for her or just shut up.”</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Spoil the mums in your life with these luxe skincare gifts

<p dir="ltr">With Mother’s Day almost upon us, it can be tricky to find a gift that won’t feel like a last-minute choice.</p> <p dir="ltr">Here’s where skincare and beauty products come in.</p> <p dir="ltr">Though they might seem quite personal and hard to buy for someone else, skincare products and even makeup can be something your giftee both wants and needs - and you don’t need to break the bank to do it.</p> <p dir="ltr">So, without further ado, here are some top beauty products that are sure to be a hit with the mums in your life, ranked by priciness.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>$10-$50</strong></p> <p><strong><span id="docs-internal-guid-369fbe41-7fff-bbd9-6d88-8675cef6a156"></span></strong></p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Velvet Lip Duo from KIND Collective (RRP $9.95)</strong></p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/05/lip-duo.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Supplied</em></p> <p dir="ltr">A pop of colour that’s also kind to your skin, the <a href="https://www.thekindcollectiveaustralia.com/collections/lips/products/velvet-lip-duo" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Velvet Lip Duo</a> is a perfect gift for mums to turn to for their next night out or special event.</p> <p dir="ltr">The duo - which comes in two shades - includes a Velvet Matte Liquid Lip Wand and Lip Liner packed with moisturising shea butter, without parabens sodium laureth sulphate (SLES), so those with sensitive skin can breathe easy.</p> <p dir="ltr">You can order the Velvet Lip Duo online here.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-770291cb-7fff-d8e2-d202-fb3add715871"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Miracle Glo Skin Serum from KIND Collective (RRP $19.95)</strong></p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/05/kind-serum.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Supplied</em></p> <p dir="ltr">Another one from The KIND Collective, this top-seller includes hyaluronic acid as its hero ingredient and works as a moisturising serum, primer and highlighter to give you glowing, smooth skin.</p> <p dir="ltr">Like its lippie counterpart, the <a href="https://www.thekindcollectiveaustralia.com/products/miracle-glo-skin-serum-with-hyaluronic-acid" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Miracle Glo Skin Serum</a> also comes in two shades: a pink-hued Pearl (Glow) for those with fairer skin, and the warmer-hued Gold Blush for medium to deep skin tones. </p> <p dir="ltr">The serum is available to order online <a href="https://www.thekindcollectiveaustralia.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-9ea11052-7fff-f4c4-b367-d9fec260b438"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>No7 Radiance+ 15% Vitamin C Serum (RRP $20.99)</strong></p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/05/no7-serum.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: @no7uk</em></p> <p dir="ltr">The star of No 7’s Radiance+ range, the <a href="https://www.priceline.com.au/brand/no7/no7-radiance-15-vitamin-c-serum-25-ml" target="_blank" rel="noopener">15% Vitamin C Serum</a> promises to visibly reduce pigmentation and the appearance of uneven skin tone, thanks to its stable form of Vitamin C.</p> <p dir="ltr">After trialling the serum for just over a week, <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/beauty-style/the-secret-ingredient-to-radiant-skin" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>OverSixty</em>’s Senior Content Editor said</a> she could already see the difference in her skin’s glow, brightness and radiance.</p> <p dir="ltr">You can find the 15% Vitamin C Serum (along with the rest of the No 7 Radiance+) at your local <a href="https://www.priceline.com.au/search/?q=No7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Priceline</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>$50-$100</strong></p> <p dir="ltr"><strong><span id="docs-internal-guid-dacbaf3d-7fff-10ff-3a05-ab2f6daecdd4"></span></strong></p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Replenish Beauty Set from Edible Beauty (RRP $76)</strong></p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/05/replenish-beauty.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Edible Beauty Australia</em></p> <p dir="ltr">Give the gift of relaxing sleep with Edible Beauty’s Replenish Beauty Set, complete with the &amp; Sleeping Beauty Purifying Mousse sleep mask and a satin eye mask.</p> <p dir="ltr">The clay sleep mask promises to decrease the size of pores and help balance and replenish skin if applied before bed two to three times a week. Meanwhile the luxurious satin eye mask will be gentle on the eyes while you get your beauty sleep.</p> <p dir="ltr">The <a href="https://ediblebeautyaustralia.com/collections/gifts-under-80/products/replenish-beauty-set" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Replenish Beauty Set</a> is available online from <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/beauty-style/5-benefits-of-using-natural-deodorant" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Edible Beauty</a> and in-store, with <a href="https://ediblebeautyaustralia.com/pages/stockists#nsw" target="_blank" rel="noopener">stockists</a> including Mr Vitamins and David Jones.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>$100+</strong></p> <p dir="ltr"><strong><span id="docs-internal-guid-e324a5ba-7fff-29c8-beff-7025c03b972c"></span></strong></p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>The Happy Skin Collection by Lisa Curry (RRP $225)</strong></p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/05/happy-skin.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Supplied</em></p> <p dir="ltr">The former Olympian’s range of skincare, <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/beauty-style/lisa-curry-launches-new-skincare-line" target="_blank" rel="noopener">launched earlier this year</a>, includes an Antioxidant Cleanser, Exfoliant Mask, Collagen Boosting Serum, and an Antioxidant Hydrating Cream and promises to revive and condense any busy mum’s skincare routine into just four steps.</p> <p dir="ltr">The <a href="https://happyhealthyyou.com.au/collections/happy-skin-by-lisa-curry" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Happy Skin Collection Pack</a>, available online, also comes with Curry’s Optimal Skin Guide, which includes steps for caring for skin and nutritional recipes.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Honourable mentions</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Though we could go on and on when it comes to recommending skincare products, all good things must come to an end. Honourable mentions - and equally luxe choices - include the KIND Collective’s <a href="https://www.thekindcollectiveaustralia.com/products/natural-mineral-foundation-powder-with-spf-15-and-blue-light-protection" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Natural Mineral Foundation Powder</a> available in six shades ($29.95) and <a href="https://www.thekindcollectiveaustralia.com/collections/nails/products/travel-essentials-brush-set" target="_blank" rel="noopener">On The Go Brush Set</a> (RRP $19.95), and <a href="https://www.priceline.com.au/brand/no7/no7-radiance-eye-masks-3g-5-pack" target="_blank" rel="noopener">No.7’s Eye Masks</a> (RRP $11.99).</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-33a80721-7fff-4c50-93be-5dc91ef2f8d2"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

Beauty & Style

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Why spoiling your grandchildren isn’t always a bad thing

<p>Bratty, demanding, impatient, rude – it is a truth universally acknowledged that no one likes a spoiled child. So why do so many grandparents gleefully admit to “spoiling” their grandchildren? Surely they remember the difficulties of parenting a young child. At this point, it’s important to remember that there’s a difference between surprising children with gifts and treats, and indulging bad behaviour with rewards – though the former can evolve into the latter over time.</p> <p>Let’s take a look at ways you can “spoil” your grandchildren without spoiling them.</p> <p><strong>Spoil with gifts</strong></p> <p>We get such joy from being able to buy things that will make our grandchildren happy. While it’s not something you should do all the time, buying surprise gifts for your grandkids will bring a smile to their face. If you’re worried about the kinds of toys they might be playing with, or what their parents will say about that, visit an educational toy shop or a games store. The salespeople there are usually full of excellent suggestions of out-of-the-box gift ideas for young children. If it’s a gift they have never seen before, it will make it more special and memorable.</p> <p><strong>Spoil with time</strong></p> <p>Not all gifts have to be physical. Spending quality time with your grandchildren can be a treat for everyone involved. Not only will their parents appreciate a little time to themselves, your grandchildren will love having the undivided attention of another grown-up. Next time you’re babysitting, or out to lunch with the family, make a point of having a conversation just with your grandchild. Or help them write a story. Have them help you bake cupcakes or biscuits. Teach them a game of cards. Make the moment special and unique and your grandchild will feel truly spoiled.</p> <p><strong>Spoil with experiences</strong></p> <p>Do you remember those times when an adult in your life took you somewhere amazing for a morning, an afternoon, or even an entire day? Get creative and think of fun experiences your grandchildren might love. Research the best local parks and take them to one they’ve never visited. Or take them to a nearby town for a picnic lunch. Making your grandchild the star of the day will help them feel appreciated and loved.</p> <p><strong>Spoil with treats</strong></p> <p>If you’re spending an afternoon with your grandchild, and you want to treat them because they’ve been so good, consider spoiling them with an over-the-top sweet treat. In this case, it’s about buying them something they’ll remember for years to come – that fancy-looking dessert, perhaps? This is something you should only do with complete awareness of your grandchild’s dietary requirements.</p> <p><strong>Spoil with permission</strong></p> <p>When you want to spoil your grandchildren, you should try to do so in keeping with the wishes of their parents. If you’re told that a child has been naughty at home for a while, then buying them a special treat may not be the best idea – that’s when legitimate spoiling happens.</p> <p>Are you a grandparent who spoils? What are your favourite treats to share with your grandchildren?</p>

Family & Pets