beauty at any age
by Debbi DiMaggio
about the author Debbi DiMaggio is a passionate Realtor, Mother, Wife, Philanthropist, Author and Producer who divides her time between the Bay Area and LA. Meeting new people, learning new things, and helping others is what ignites her. 2
beauty at any age Dedicated to my mother-in-law, Carolyn Betta, who has always lived her life to its fullest, exploring the world and her mind, trying new activities and making friends wherever she goes. 3
& dedicated to my children, Bianca and Chase who keep me young and allow me to follow, and hang out with them wherever they go. And to my husband Adam, who continues to support me through all my non-stop movement, ideas and escapades.
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find your inspiration My inspiration stems from personal life experiences and watching others live their lives, just like my mother-in-law, Carolyn Betta among many others, including friends, neighbors and celebrities. Do not think you can't live a fabulous life, too, because I am here to inspire and tell you that you can. No matter if you are a millionaire, or still in the process of becoming one. Many suggestions in this book do not cost a dime, just your time, energy and effort.
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beauty at any age debbi’s favorite ways to stay vibrant, beautiful & youthful
TIME OUT | Block out time for yourself so you can look and feel your best.
WORK OUT | Move your body.
FIND the FUEL that suits YOU | Listen to your body.
CONSULT AN EXPERT | We don’t need to know everything, we just need to identify the person who is the expert in the thing we are seeking.
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get physical Getting physical is just as important for our mind, spirit and soul as it is for our body. Walk - Bike - Hike - Run Try Cycling, Tennis, Golf or Boxing or Pilates, Yoga or Dance Hire a personal trainer, partner up with a friend or keep track on an App. My personal workout obsession is spinning, whether at a live SoulCycle class, at home on our Peloton, or running on the treadmill at my club in Beverly Hills. 7
fuel that suits you Whether you cook or not, eat out or eat in. Make wise choices and follow a diet that fits your body type. Gluten-Free, Paleo, Keto, Raw, Juice Vegan, Pescatarian, Lo-Fat, Lo-Carb. Try a few different diets, and see how you feel.
I eat what I like so I don't feel deprived. I also know how I will feel when I eat something that doesn't agree, so listen to your body. If I eat sugar, I skyrocket then crash. It's not a feeling I enjoy so it's a bit easier for me to say, no. A creature of habit, I tend to eat the same things over and over again. Whatever works best for you. Get Moving No question exercise helps us deal with all that life throws at us mentally, spiritually and of course physically. Before you eat, move your feet. I just love that saying. It’s the tagline for the Piedmont Turkey Trot, definitely on point. Exercise cannot be overlooked to keep our mind, body and soul intact and always improving. 8
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Try intermittent fasting, juicing or a cleanse fast, these are great ways to get an immunity boost, lose weight, detox your body and/or let it rest. With so many products on the market today you don’t have to spend time juicing and making the concoctions yourself. Just Add Water Whether fasting or not you should drink 8-8 ounce glasses of water a day. I like to add -Apple Cider Vinegar -Lemon Juice or -Cucumber ( sometimes I sprinkle in a dash or two of turmeric ) Wellness Shots, Juices & Cleansing Drinks I am on the move quite a bit; in airports, hotels and in between homes and climates. I can find what I need at most airports, juice stores, grocery stores and health stores. A few of my favorites: Ginger Shots, Turmeric or a mix of Ginger, Turmeric,
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Lemon Juice, Wheatgrass, Vegetable Juices, the list goes on. Intermittent Fasting Intermittent fasting is an eating style where you eat within a specific time period, and fast the rest of the time. Though intermittent fasting is an effective way to lose weight, it's less a diet and more a lifestyle choice.
The 16/8 method: Also called the Leangains protocol, it involves skipping breakfast and restricting your daily eating period to 8 hours, such as 1–9 p.m. Then you fast for 16 hours in between. Eat-Stop-Eat: This involves fasting for 24 hours, once or twice a week, for example by not eating from dinner one day until dinner the next day.
intermittent fasting Eat-Stop-Eat: This involves fasting for 24 hours, once or twice a week, for example by not eating from dinner one day until dinner the next day. The 5:2 diet: With this methods, you consume only 500– 600 calories on two non-consecutive days of the week, but eat normally the other 5 days, By reducing your calorie intake, all of these methods should cause weight loss as long as you don't compensate by eating much more during the eating periods. Many people find the 16/8 method to be the simplest, most sustainable and easiest to stick to. It’s also the most popular. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/intermittent-fastingguide Colonics* is another way to jump start your diet or wellness program. I’ve done it a few times. It’s especially useful after traveling. *Consult your doctor.
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body + skincare To keep looking and feeling your best don’t skimp on your skincare routine from head to toe — body, face, neck and hands. Hands and neck are oftentimes overlooked. You’d be surprised what a little botox can do to improve your look. Sunscreen is another important habit to incorporate into your routine. 12
On The Surface: Cleanse, Exfoliate, Moisturize - Repeat Take care of your face, hair, skin and body. And don't forget your feet, hands and elbows. Book a facial every six weeks just as you book a haircut. Routine maintenance is just as important for you as your car. Once in a while book an exfoliation treatment, body wrap or hot stone massage. Your body will thank you. My beauty routine is my hobby. Each week I fly to LA. As soon as I land I book my appointments on my phone through an app and my facial by text message.I usually have my facial pre booked, but inevitably have a change request. If I don’t have a facial that week I book an appointment at Skin Laundry. Let’s Go A Little Deeper Skin Laundry is a 15 minute laser treatment. If you have an important appointment, date or gala to attend, it 13
just takes 15 minutes. As soon as you are done you look great, have a glow and can get right back to your day. It’s a great maintenance routine. The Skin Laundry Boutiques were opened by a female entrepreneur from Hong Kong. Let’s go even deeper. Everyone has an opinion about cosmetic surgery. It’s up to you to decide what’s best for you. Personally, I have always preached that I will fight age all the way!
Beneath The Surface - No Judgement Here Improve your looks. If you're so inclined. It’s no one’s business what you do. If plastic surgery or other selfimprovement makes you feel better, then do it. Botox, filler, a facelift, whatever makes you feel your best. Botox and filler, LED + vampire facials, are a part of my maintenance regiment.
debbi’s favorites Here are a few of my favorite places to unwind. Keep up with me on Instagram to follow my journey and experiences whichever city I am visiting. 14
korean spas No matter if I am traveling or at home, I can always find a way to unwind. For me that is treating my body to a purifying detoxification afternoon at one of my favorite Korean spas. They are inexpensive and absolutely relaxing. For a list of #DebbisFavorites go to @contained_beauty on Instagram or refer to the back of this book.
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cryotherapy Freeze yourself, two minutes at a time with the cooling treatment, known as cryotherapy. It’s not so easy. If you can stand it the benefits are very healing from helping with inflammation, headaches, sore muscles and mood disorders. I prefer the Cryo Facials and spot treatments. It’s much easier to endure the spot treatments than standing naked in a small freezing capsule with nothing but a hat, socks, mittens and a towel. Cryotherapy by definition: The theory for whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) is that by immersing the body in extremely cold air for several minutes, you could receive a number of health benefits. The individual will stand in an enclosed chamber or a small enclosure that surrounds their body but has an opening for their head at the top. The enclosure will drop to between negative 200–300°F. They’ll stay in the ultra-low temperature air for between two and four minutes.
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3 quick fixes When it comes to my mind, body and soul maintenance routine here are my Top 3: 1. Calm App Upon waking in the morning or going to sleep at night I use my Calm App. I enjoy the sounds in the morning from ocean waves to chirping birds or a motivational talk. As I’m going to sleep I enjoy listening to a good night story. 2. FAR Infrared Slimming Suit, Anti Cellulite and Weight Loss Body Wrap is a product I purchased for in home daily use when I can’t get a steam in at the club. Why detox? Our bodies need to detox in order to eliminate elements that are not good for us, so that our systems can function optimally. When you sweat using FAR infrared technology, you enhance your body’s ability to free itself from toxic chemicals, pathogens, and heavy metals by cleansing from the inside out. Details in back of book. 3. Yoga or Stretching Improving your flexibility by yoga poses or simple stretching exercises is not only good for you but it feels amazing. I use the foam roller to stretch out my back every day. 17
preventative care You Are What You Eat, Foods That Heal Choose FOODS that cure. Many apps, videos and articles are written to assist you to choose foods that cure and foods that are good for us. Tracking your intake is one of the best ways to stay on track. LOSE IT App is a great way to keep on target. It tracks water intake, exercise and the foods you ingest. One of the best ways to keep you accountable. IV Therapy A little pick me up. IV Treatments - The treatments offered will make you feel better. Whether you need a burst of B12 or Vitamin C; you’re recovering from the flu or a hangover. The IV Doctor makes house calls. That’s how I had my first treatment. You can now find vitamin therapy treatments in clinics, lounges and therapy centers.
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meditation Meditation is a practice where an individual uses a technique — such as mindfulness, or focusing the mind on a particular object, thought, or activity — to train attention and awareness, and achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm and stable state. Meditation is an approach to training the mind, similar to the way that fitness is an approach to training the body. “In Buddhist tradition, the word ‘meditation’ is equivalent to a word like ‘sports' in the US.” 19
The very thought of the word MEDITATION used to put me into a tailspin. The very thought of meditating gave me anxiety. I can’t say I am an expert on meditation or am consistent, yet, I am a work in progress. I was at the airport when this book caught my eye. Airports are one of the places I like to peruse the book racks. It’s usually when I am headed out on a long vacation. 10% Happier was just that book. I had no idea what it was about or who the author was. As I delved into the book I realized it was about one man’s journey towards meditation and his attempt to relax. I could totally relate. I looked into the author and discovered he was a news anchor. As you might imagine he was a hard worker and had a tough time tuning out, relaxing and being present. From New York, he journeyed to Marin, one of the most renowned places known for health and wellness. Reading his book made me anxious, just as did the word MEDITATION. What I learned was that I was not alone in my thinking. Over the years I have become less anxious and as recommended, take 20
baby steps and don’t berate yourself for a wandering mind. I also found the CALM App is a great way to keep me on point, whether it is the soothing music, sounds of the sea, ocean waves or rain drops, the brief meditation sessions or the sleep stories. If you have your phone, download the app and begin today. Attending a class is the next step. Thus far I have experienced two studios and a variety of practices and methods. Unplug in West
Hollywood and Berkeley Meditation in both Berkeley and Beverly Hills each have their own unique environment and style. I’ll let you choose which suits you best. Take Note: Be patient with yourself. It’s not easy; and you can become easily frustrated, but don’t. Simply allow yourself the time to learn— how to become patient and present in the moment.
gratitude practice Gratitude is the best medicine. It heals your mind, your body and your spirit. And attracts more things to be grateful for. A gratitude practice is a positive way to start your morning and/or complete your day. My gratitude practice started with a little red book now I have multiple books throughout multiple rooms and handbags in each home. It’s also a practice that I use to calm me when I’m feeling overwhelmed or anxious. I highly recommend it. And lastly it’s a great tool to help manifest your goals. What you put out into the universe ultimately comes back. So be sure you’re pushing out positive vibes. 21
mindfullness Mindfulness through Movement Whether that’s a walk on the beach, swimming slowly in a pool, riding a bike on a path (away from cars and other traffic), or taking an easy hike through nature. This sort of movement or exercise is more for the mind and spirit. When I’m at the beach I don’t sit or lay out, I move slowly kicking the sand between my toes and testing the water as the ocean flows in and back out. One of my favorite places to find alone time is early in the morning or just before dinner. I may be moving but I’m relaxing while my imagination explores thoughts and ideas that can’t happen while at work or home, or in a crowded cafe. My absolute favorite place is riding my bike in Nantucket or the Hamptons with so many beautiful homes and beaches, quiet lanes and pathways that makes this sort of exercise a possibility— free of highways and busy walkways — and nothing to interrupt my thoughts. The clean white sandy beaches early morning or after the sun worshipers are long gone… is the time I explore mindfulness through movement. I see and feel it now. Close your eyes and listen. You can also download the Calm app to assist.
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mind your mind Stimulate your brain, expand your mind. Exercise your mind like we do our bodies. Card games, crossword puzzles, dominoes are all a great way to move the matter in your mind. Reading is also a great way to virtually travel while working out your brain.
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community & connection It is important to find community and connection within our communities. Community allows us to support one another, interact, share experiences and our modern life struggles. Having this open bond with others is what builds valuable relationships, and gives us a deeper sense of belonging. Communities are also rich in resources. Your strengths may be someone else's weaknesses and vice versa. Where do you find community? 24
It is so important for us as human beings to be connected, to be a part of a group. I do enjoy being alone from time to time, but I am fortunate enough to have a husband and family, so I always have loved ones around me. However, it is still important and enjoyable to connect with communities or groups of people who share similar interests outside of your family. My mother in law is the best example of this. When she was in her late 60's she relocated from Marin to Walnut Creek crossing over a bridge and through a tunnel, leaving a life, and friends as she knew it. She moved into a 55 and older community where she made new friends, and joined many groups from the train club to the ukulele club. She also took up golf and played in tournaments. It was a great way for her to connect with her son, my husband, and her granddaughter and grandson, rather than just going out to lunch. Our communities and cities are filled with organizations and groups where we can find community— covering a variety of interests. Take a class, join a charity, or volunteer for a day, sign up for a Meet 25
Up group, or take lessons — may that be golf, tennis, bowling, art, writing or a foreign language. Don’t isolate yourself. Explore the possibilities. Begin today, so when you do get up in age you have a hobby or interests. I have an elderly client who lost her husband and best friend. She used to travel frequently with groups but now
that she is older and cannot travel as often she finds herself bored and alone. Sometimes I can get her to visit me during my Sunday Open House’s. It is a good way to get her out of the house and interacting with others, and it doesn't take too much effort. I have two other clients who do the same. You too might find a way to encourage those you know in this situation to explore the possibilities.
make yourself a priority Rest and self care are so important. When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from the overflow. You cannot serve from an empty vessel. Eleanor Brown
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