I never fail to be informed, inspired and interested after reading my favorite bloggers each week. Here’s today’s batch …this time, chock-full of helpful Boomer advice.

Meryl Baer of Beach Boomer Bulletin spent the past year in comfy clothes, no makeup – why apply makeup when wearing a mask outside the house? and easy-care hair. But sometimes events require a different kind of attire. An upcoming family event, small by pre-Covid standards but requiring ‘dress up’ clothes, led to a search and discovery venture, described in this week’s post, Dressing Up for an Occasion.

In 2020, reported losses to romance scams reached a record $304 million, up about 50 percent from 2019, says Rita R. Robison, Consumer and Personal Finance Journalist. For an individual, that was about $2,500. Among the tips to avoid romance scams is never to send money or gifts to someone you haven’t met in person – even if they send you money first.

Stress or too much stress can have a negative impact on your body.  Jennifer, of Unfold and Begin, notes that stress activates the fight or flight response in your body.  Great if you’re in danger.  Not so great if the stresses of modern life-horrible jobs, traffic jams, fighting with your spouse, isolation during a pandemic-are causing a constant strain on your body.  She offers up some suggestions and a game plan to handle the effects of stress and the stressors in your life.

You spend much of your life thinking something’s wrong. You’re alone a lot, usually with your nose in a book or daydreaming. But then someone puts a label on it, and everything falls into place. You’re an introvert. You’re wired differently. And even better, you realize this trait comes with some great benefits. Laurie Stone of Musings, Rants & Scribbles knows this feeling all too well…

Although this isn’t a fun topic, mass shootings are back in the news again. Rebecca Olkowski, with BabyBoomster.com, attended an event a few years ago and the featured speaker was a Los Angeles Fire Department Captain. She gave us tips on what to do if you get caught in the middle of an active shooter situation. You may not think it will ever happen to you, and let’s pray it won’t, but it’s important to be informed.

In “But I Might Need It Someday!” Tom at Sightings Over Sixty realizes just how difficult it is to declutter and downsize. He has some suggestions . . . and wonders if you can offer some solutions as well.  (Note from Carol: I relate!)

As for me, I’m just excited to open my candlemaking studio again this month, but just until April 27. My garden is in full bloom and I’ve been harvesting the petals I use, along with pretty crystals and stones and of course, wonderful fragrance. Learn more here.