This is typically the busiest, craziest time of year for most of us. So, I don’t want to pile on one more thing you have to do. But, December is actually an ideal time to take care of all the things you only do once a year. And, hey, you can start a new tradition of pulling out this checklist every December and getting a head start on the new year!

If you’re going to be home between Christmas and New Years, and the guests have left you alone, this is the best time to take care of some of these to-do items. I thought I would share my to-do list with you. I’d love to hear about what YOUR list looks like — please leave a comment at the bottom of this post!

My end-of-year list centers around simplifying, streamlining, and clarifying for the coming year. What didn’t get done that really shouldn’t be put off for another year? What has gotten disorganized and scattered that would benefit from a good tidying up? What can you do to take better care of yourself? What can you do to give yourself a fresh, clean slate to begin a new year?

But, before I list all the things I am going to do between Christmas and New Year, I wanted to say thank you to everyone who reads my posts, tries to leave a comment (I think I’ve solved the mystery of why no one can leave a comment), and tells me they look forward to my weekly blog articles. Wow! I’m so grateful you’re reading my articles and I really hope they bring you inspiration, joy, and confidence. So, thank you…

My End-Of-Year To Do List:

#1: Clean Makeup Brushes

Yes, you’re supposed to clean your brushes. More than once a year. But, if once a year is all you can muster, I’m good with that. I’d suggest cleaning them after you’ve had an illness — particularly a cold or flu — but that just seems so obvious. Cleaning your eye shadow, blush, and other brushes every couple months is ideal. Simply fill a small bowl with warm soapy water and swish the brushes in the water, removing all the residue, and then rinse them with cool water and lay on paper towels to dry. Simple. You’ll love how fluffy they become! And they’ll last longer if you clean them regularly.

#2: Make Yearly Medical Checkup Appointments

Women over 50 who are healthy and take good care of themselves have a natural beauty and glow that no amount of makeup can replace. I’m a big believer in preventative medicine — eating healthy foods, exercising and moving your body in whatever way feels good, and getting ample sleep. And then there’s western medicine’s ability to peer inside and let us know what’s going on. So, once a year, I get out my calendar and start making my yearly (or bi-annual) appointments for things such as mammogram, cervical screening, bone density, vision, hearing, dental, foot  health (update your orthotics), colonoscopy, and anything else you check periodically. I’m not a doctor so I can’t tell you how often these tests should be performed, but you can ask your doctor. I think some of these things just get overlooked and then all of a sudden you wonder, gee, how long has it been since I had a bone density test? Health is the one thing that when you lose it, becomes a life-changer…

#3: Update Lingerie

Here’s one that also gets overlooked — your brassieres! They get saggy, baggy, the elastic stretches, cups gape, and, they just aren’t lifting the “girls” like they’re supposed to. So, at least once a year, take everything out of your lingerie drawer and give them a once-over. Are the bras still in good working order? Is the elastic still strong? What about those panties? Are they looking frayed and loose? Is the lace torn? Do the same for your socks, tights, pantyhose, and camisoles (are the colors faded, stretched out?). Then, make a list and go lingerie shopping.

Here’s some news for you: I’ve secured Linda, The Bra Lady, from Manhattan, New York, to talk about lingerie in a webinar next year! I’m so excited! I’ve been following Linda for years, and she’s THE EXPERT about anything lingerie, https://www.lindasonline.com/. Stay tuned for details in January.

#4: Organize Closet

You knew I’d have this on my list! As a stylist, I probably do this more often than most women, because I somehow inherit lots of clothing that requires constant sorting. If you make it a habit to go through your closet at the end of the year around this time, you’ll be able to clean out summer/spring clothes you didn’t wear that year, and you can take an inventory of sweaters, boots, scarves, gloves, jackets, hats to make sure you’re prepared for the cold winter months ahead. I love the after-Xmas sales for adding any winter items you’re missing (if Santa didn’t put them under the tree!).

Here are some outfit ideas that I know are just waiting to be discovered in YOUR closet. This is one of our best-dressed Facebook Group members, Margaret, wearing everyday outfits that show off her confident, stylish personality!

#5: Clean Out Refrigerator

I have this on my end-of-year list because it’s tied to the concept of simplifying and streamlining. The refrigerator seems to be a place of collections. Collections that grow over time! Have you looked in the back of your refrigerator in the last year? If you’re like me, you’ve got a few sauces, condiments, and jars of who knows what hidden in the bad of your refrigerator. You’d be amazed at how quickly you amass things you never eat.

#6 – Make A Commitment To Myself

What is it that you said you would do this year that you never got around to doing? Just do it! How can you make a commitment to love yourself more, take better care of yourself — inside and out, and be kinder to yourself? You deserve to be loved and nurtured and stylishly confident! What commitment are you willing to make for next year? My commitment for 2018 is to dress as young as I feel and keep my fashion style playful and sexy. Never ever say, “Is this too young looking for me to wear?” If it feels good, wear it! And, no more saving your good clothes for some day. Today is the some day you’ve been waiting for!

Happy Holidays & Happy New Year!