https://www.thingsiswearby.com/blog daily 0.75 2026-04-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69b09b93b49a51207c600a6c/d446f71f-fbbd-4930-9064-507d9a10636f/IMG_3336.JPG https://www.thingsiswearby.com/blog/my-morning-retirement-routine-and-everything-i-swear-by-to-start-the-day-right monthly 0.5 2026-04-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69b09b93b49a51207c600a6c/f442c99b-e171-493e-be94-fb7f5109d17a/IMG_3745.jpg Blog - My Morning Retirement Routine — And Everything I Swear By to Start the Day Right - Make it stand out Sandra and her goldendoodle Willow on a morning walk at sunrise in Port Washington, Wisconsin https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69b09b93b49a51207c600a6c/c7d056ea-8e36-4939-82fe-12fb34f60cec/IMG_3767.JPG Blog - My Morning Retirement Routine — And Everything I Swear By to Start the Day Right - Willow's Morning Walk The very first thing I do every single morning — before anything — is take Willow out. She's a goldendoodle and she does not let me forget it. Honestly though, I don't want her to. That walk is just as much for me as it is for her. There's something about stepping outside before the world gets loud that sets the tone for everything that follows. In Wisconsin the mornings can be cold, crisp, and sometimes downright brutal — but we go anyway. I've learned that the days I want to skip it the most are usually the days I need it the most. We walk the same path every morning, — our quiet neighborhood a little open field if Willow gets lucky — and I use that time to clear my head before the day starts. No agenda, no to-do list. Just me, my dog, and whatever the sky looks like that morning. (Spoiler: it's usually stunning.) Everything I use on our walks is linked below — all things I actually own and use every single day. A good leash — I've tried so many and finally found one I love. Comfortable in my hand, sturdy, the right length. Harness — so much better than a collar for Willow's neck and gives me more control Walking shoes — supportive and comfortable, non-negotiable AirPods — sometimes I listen to music, sometimes I just enjoy the quiet A warm layer — in Wisconsin you dress in layers or you suffer https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69b09b93b49a51207c600a6c/adc36ad0-cd26-400e-a9b0-c2274e9a90ad/IMG_3786.PNG Blog - My Morning Retirement Routine — And Everything I Swear By to Start the Day Right - My CrossFit Shoes I've tried a lot of athletic shoes over the years — occupational hazard of owning a gym for two decades. When it comes to CrossFit, I keep it simple. My Nikes are my go-to. What I didn't mention is that I have spondylolisthesis — a spinal condition that means the wrong shoes can make a really bad day even worse. Finding the right support and stability matters more than it used to. These Nikes have been a genuine game changer for me. I move better in them, I feel more stable, and I leave the gym feeling strong instead of wrecked. If you deal with any kind of back or spine issues and you're still showing up and moving your body — I see you. The right gear matters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69b09b93b49a51207c600a6c/320c3d9f-68ea-4378-9457-d5a513df249a/IMG_3662.JPG Blog - My Morning Retirement Routine — And Everything I Swear By to Start the Day Right - My Protein Smoothie Later in the day — usually after CrossFit when my body is ready for it — I make a smoothie with Ryse protein powder in chocolate. It's smooth, not chalky, and it actually tastes good which after years of trying protein powders is saying something. I just throw it in the blender and it keeps me fueled and satisfied without feeling heavy. I've tried a lot of protein powders over the years. This one I keep coming back to. Linked below if you want to try it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69b09b93b49a51207c600a6c/a481ac85-e271-4159-9163-e344e5e0d364/IMG_3783.PNG Blog - My Morning Retirement Routine — And Everything I Swear By to Start the Day Right - This New Chapter I spent 22 years putting my mornings into a gym, into members, into everyone else's health and strength. I wouldn't trade a single day of it. But there is something really powerful about being on the other side now — about being the one who gets to show up for herself. Here's what I know for sure: staying active didn't just change my body. It changed everything. My energy, my mindset, my confidence. CrossFit challenges me in ways I didn't expect and keeps me stronger than I've ever been. And doing it on my own terms, in this new chapter, hits different. I have spondylolisthesis. I'm in my 60s. And I'm deadlifting. Movement is medicine. Strength is a choice. And I'm just getting started. If you're in a new chapter too — whether you're newly retired, rediscovering yourself, or just finally putting yourself first — I hope this gives you a little push. You don't have to slow down. You just have to show up. This is my morning. I hope it inspires yours. ☀️ https://www.thingsiswearby.com/blog/best-puzzle-accessories-adults monthly 0.5 2026-03-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69b09b93b49a51207c600a6c/301d98d8-75e8-41d9-a451-ed53325fa297/IMG_3459+2.JPG Blog - Why Puzzling Became My Favorite Way to Unwind — And Everything I Swear By for Puzzling - Buffalo Games — End of Day by Abraham Hunter This was one of my early favorites and it completely set the standard for what I look for in a puzzle. Abraham Hunter's artwork is breathtaking — a red barn glowing in the last light of a stunning sunset, wildflowers along the water's edge, that gorgeous pink and orange sky. But this puzzle means more to me than just a beautiful image. I grew up on a farm. And the moment I opened this puzzle and saw that red barn, that sunset, that peaceful countryside scene — it took me right back. Back to my childhood, back to my Mom and Dad, back to a simpler time that lives in my heart. I could feel it the moment I started sorting the pieces. That's the magic of a great puzzle image. It doesn't just give you something pretty to look at — it gives you something to FEEL. And I felt everything with this one. I can still remember sitting at my table with this one completely lost in it for hours. This is exactly why I puzzle — to get lost in something beautiful and peaceful and come out feeling restored and connected to the people and places I love most. Buffalo Games quality is outstanding as always and the reference poster is perfection. Shop Buffalo Games End of Day on Amazon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69b09b93b49a51207c600a6c/67c0c808-082f-434f-853e-56f890dcb06a/IMG_3677.JPG Blog - Why Puzzling Became My Favorite Way to Unwind — And Everything I Swear By for Puzzling - Large Puzzle Sorting Trays Okay I have to be honest — sorting is actually my FAVORITE part of puzzling. I know that might sound strange but hear me out. The better I sort before I start the easier and more enjoyable the whole puzzle becomes. Sorting almost becomes its own little game for me. Shop Puzzle Sorting Trays on Amazon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69b09b93b49a51207c600a6c/9f34fcf6-bb9e-4aff-9f4c-c8eef571afe9/IMG_3146.JPG Blog - Why Puzzling Became My Favorite Way to Unwind — And Everything I Swear By for Puzzling - Buffalo Games — Aimee Stewart's Northern Lights This is my absolute favorite puzzle I've done so far and I don't think anything will top it for a long time. A cozy reading room, a cat curled up by the window, the most breathtaking aurora borealis filling the night sky outside — it's the kind of image that makes you happy just looking at it for hours. This is exactly the type of puzzle I love — rich colors, incredible detail, a scene that feels warm and magical and inspiring all at once. Every time I sat down to work on this one I genuinely didn't want to stop. Buffalo Games quality is as good as always — beautiful pieces, perfect fit and of course the reference poster I can't live without. If you only buy one puzzle this year make it this one. I mean it. Shop Buffalo Games Northern Lights on Amazon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69b09b93b49a51207c600a6c/f0a8817d-2f77-4557-a419-5465f09636cf/IMG_3678.jpg Blog - Why Puzzling Became My Favorite Way to Unwind — And Everything I Swear By for Puzzling - Coobe Felt Puzzle Board for 1000 Pieces My original puzzle board is no longer available on Amazon — but I loved it so much I went looking for the best replacement to recommend to you. A felt puzzle board is absolutely essential if you don't have a dedicated puzzle table. This Coobe board is sized perfectly for 1000 piece puzzles, lightweight enough to carry easily to another room, and comes with a cover to protect your puzzle when you're not working on it. No more worrying about bumping the table or losing pieces when you need to move it! It's one of the best puzzle investments you can make — I promise you won't regret it. Shop Coobe Felt Puzzle Board on Amazon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69b09b93b49a51207c600a6c/6d96e0f7-b14e-48ce-9db0-186617a0feee/IMG_3680.jpg Blog - Why Puzzling Became My Favorite Way to Unwind — And Everything I Swear By for Puzzling - She Knew What She Was Doing My Mom knew what she was doing all those years. Just look at that smile — that's the smile of someone who just put the last piece in place. I understand it now more than ever. Every time I sit down at my puzzle table I feel her right there with me. If you've been thinking about trying puzzling — this is your sign. Start with a beautiful image, get yourself some good sorting trays, and lose yourself for a few hours. I promise you won't regret it. https://www.thingsiswearby.com/blog/crossfit-over-60-gym-bag-essentials-women monthly 0.5 2026-03-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69b09b93b49a51207c600a6c/702df653-e08e-4d5b-b5d1-ad4ff6169519/IMG_3658.PNG Blog - Why I Do CrossFit 4x a Week at 60 — And What's In My Gym Bag - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69b09b93b49a51207c600a6c/94d01458-6872-4e29-94c4-79061112ed30/nike.png Blog - Why I Do CrossFit 4x a Week at 60 — And What's In My Gym Bag - Nike Women's Free Metcon 6 I'll be honest — Nike would not have been my first pick. I tried them years ago for CrossFit and didn't love them, so I moved on and spent a long time searching for the right shoe. I tried a lot of brands over the years looking for something that would work for both CrossFit and my spondylolisthesis. Then a friend told me to try the Free Metcon 6 and I figured why not. I was completely surprised. I loved them. What won me over was the width and the arch support. At 60+ with spondy those two things are non negotiable for me. I need a shoe that supports my spine from the ground up and the Metcon delivers that in a way I wasn't expecting from Nike. The wide toe box gives me stability during lifts and the flexibility in the forefoot makes it comfortable for everything from box jumps to running. After 22 years of owning a gym I've worn every kind of athletic shoe imaginable — and this one earns a spot in my gym bag every single time. Sometimes a friend's recommendation changes everything! If you have spondylolisthesis and you're struggling to find the right CrossFit shoe — try these. I think you'll be as surprised as I was. Shop Nike Free Metcon 6 on Amazon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69b09b93b49a51207c600a6c/d49e65ba-2740-4623-829a-9aba352fc0e4/IMG_3655.JPG Blog - Why I Do CrossFit 4x a Week at 60 — And What's In My Gym Bag - Bear Complex Gymnastic Hand Grips If you do CrossFit you know what happens to your hands without grips — bar work tears them up fast. The Bear Complex grips have been a game changer for me. I use the two finger hold and find it the most comfortable and secure fit for my hands. The carbon grip material is incredible — it really locks onto the bar for pull ups, toes to bar and bar muscle ups in a way that gives me so much confidence on the bar. I'm not thinking about my grip slipping — I'm just focused on the movement. They protect my hands during all bar work without getting in the way or feeling bulky. They're secure, comfortable and have held up really well through heavy use. The carbon grip texture makes a noticeable difference especially on harder movements like bar muscle ups where you need every advantage you can get. Once you start using good grips you'll never go back. These are permanently in my gym bag. Shop Bear Complex Grips on Amazon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69b09b93b49a51207c600a6c/b24826b8-d4af-47e2-ac9d-db9aba704d7e/IMG_3656.JPG Blog - Why I Do CrossFit 4x a Week at 60 — And What's In My Gym Bag - Owala FreeSip Insulated Water Bottle — 32oz Hydration during a CrossFit workout is non negotiable and this water bottle is the one I reach for every single time. The FreeSip straw makes it easy to drink without stopping what I'm doing, it keeps my water cold the entire workout, and 32oz is the perfect size for a morning session. It's also just really well made. BPA free, leak proof, and the Surfs Edge color is beautiful. I've tried a lot of water bottles over the years — this is the one that finally stuck. Shop Owala FreeSip on Amazon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69b09b93b49a51207c600a6c/320c3d9f-68ea-4378-9457-d5a513df249a/IMG_3662.JPG Blog - Why I Do CrossFit 4x a Week at 60 — And What's In My Gym Bag - RYSE Loaded Protein Powder Post workout nutrition is non negotiable for me — especially at 60 with spondylolisthesis. My muscles need to recover well so I can show up again in two days and do it all over again. I've tried a lot of protein powders over the years and RYSE Loaded Protein is the one I keep coming back to. What sets it apart for me is the MCT oil — most protein powders don't have it and I really notice the difference in how I feel and recover. It also never upsets my stomach which has been an issue with other brands in the past. My post workout shake is honestly something I look forward to every single morning after CrossFit. I blend it with Fairlife milk, a frozen banana, frozen strawberries and ice. It tastes like a milkshake — I am not exaggerating. The milk chocolate flavor is incredible but honestly every flavor I've tried has been delicious. Right now I'm rotating between cinnamon and vanilla and I love them both. 25 grams of protein, 140 calories, MCT oil, and it tastes amazing. This one is a permanent fixture in my kitchen. Shop RYSE Loaded Protein on Amazon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69b09b93b49a51207c600a6c/35743435-f474-4e46-b1cf-e797ba8c7af8/IMG_3651.JPG Blog - Why I Do CrossFit 4x a Week at 60 — And What's In My Gym Bag - The Bigger Picture I'm 60, I'm retired, and I'm in some of the best shape of my life. CrossFit on my own schedule, walks every morning with Willow, and the right tools to support my body — that's the formula that works for me. If you have spondylolisthesis and you're wondering if you can still work out hard — the answer is yes. Get strong. Build those muscles. Protect your spine from the inside out. It changed my life and it can change yours too. https://www.thingsiswearby.com/blog/best-dog-walking-gear-goldendoodle-essentials monthly 0.5 2026-03-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69b09b93b49a51207c600a6c/89608eda-4526-42b4-97bb-08b933eea924/IMG_3605.JPG Blog - 5 Things I Swear By for Our Morning Walks with Willow - Make it stand out Willow leading the way on our morning walk https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69b09b93b49a51207c600a6c/d83140af-04f1-4cfc-b9dc-dc0a1b703fbe/shoes.png Blog - 5 Things I Swear By for Our Morning Walks with Willow - Brooks Women's Launch 12 Neutral Running Shoe I have spondylolisthesis — a spinal condition that makes finding the right shoe absolutely critical for me. For a long time I struggled to find something that would let me walk comfortably and pain free. The Brooks Launch 12 changed that for me completely. After 22 years of owning a gym I've worn a lot of athletic shoes, and the Brooks Launch 12 is genuinely one of the best I've ever put on my feet. They're lightweight enough that I forget I'm wearing them, but supportive enough for longer walks on pavement and uneven ground. I cannot say enough about these shoes — they took my daily walks from something I had to push through to something I genuinely look forward to. It took me a long time to find a shoe that would do that for me. If you're dealing with back, hip, or knee issues and struggling to find the right shoe — please try these. And if you're going to walk every single day — which I highly recommend — invest in a great shoe. Your feet, knees, and back will thank you. Shop Brooks Women's Launch 12 on Amazon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69b09b93b49a51207c600a6c/2219964b-4691-4cee-87cb-c551c03cf042/harness.png Blog - 5 Things I Swear By for Our Morning Walks with Willow - BARKBAY No-Pull Dog Harness This harness has been a game changer for our walks. Willow is a goldendoodle with a lot of enthusiasm, and the front clip on the BARKBAY harness gives me so much more control without being uncomfortable for her. One of my favorite features is the handle on top. When we encounter other dogs in the neighborhood and Willow gets overly excited, I can grab that handle instantly and control her easily without any struggle. It gives me so much peace of mind on our morning walks. And Willow? She loves it. It is never a struggle to put on her — she practically walks into it herself because she knows it means walk time is coming! It's easy to put on, adjustable, and has held up beautifully through daily use. If your dog pulls or gets excited around other dogs and squirrels (Willow has opinions about both ), a good harness makes the whole walk more enjoyable for everyone. Shop BARKBAY Harness on Amazon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69b09b93b49a51207c600a6c/8130b913-911d-43fd-8359-741a457c4318/preview.webp Blog - 5 Things I Swear By for Our Morning Walks with Willow - KIRUNDO Oversized Fleece Pullover Sweatshirt This sweatshirt has become my go-to for our early morning walks. Here in Wisconsin at the tail end of winter the mornings aren't terribly freezing anymore, but there's still a chill in the air that needs a good layer. What I love about this one is that it's cozy enough to keep me warm but not so heavy that I overheat — and trust me, with Willow leading the charge our walks are by no means slow! I wear a light layer underneath and this sweatshirt on top and it's the perfect combination. I stay comfortable the entire walk. It's also oversized which I love — easy to move in, easy to throw on, and honestly just really comfortable. At only $12.99 it's one of the best deals on Amazon right now. Shop KIRUNDO Sweatshirt on Amazon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69b09b93b49a51207c600a6c/bf371e20-b8de-4f59-b279-ea0dbd4117a8/IMG_3603.JPG Blog - 5 Things I Swear By for Our Morning Walks with Willow - A Hands-Free Routine One thing I've learned is to keep our walk routine simple. Same time every morning, same general route, same gear. Willow thrives on it — honestly she probably has our route memorized better than I do. Routine is good for dogs and it turns out it's really good for newly retired humans too. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69b09b93b49a51207c600a6c/7c53efac-67e2-40e4-b87f-24667c1eb832/Every+morning+starts+with+Willow.+%F0%9F%90%BE.png Blog - 5 Things I Swear By for Our Morning Walks with Willow - Showing Up Every Day This one sounds simple but it's the most important. The days I don't feel like going are usually the days I come back feeling the best. Willow makes it easy — she's not going to let me skip. And honestly? I'm grateful for that. There's something about a morning walk that sets the whole day up right. Fresh air, movement, a happy dog, and a little quiet time before everything else starts. I wouldn't trade it. https://www.thingsiswearby.com/home daily 1.0 2026-03-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69b09b93b49a51207c600a6c/43e6e03b-5ed3-4854-b4c7-5ac840ee937c/IMG_3453.JPG https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69b09b93b49a51207c600a6c/083613e2-63a4-4cff-8c22-b1212415de79/Cozy+winter+reading+nook+puzzle.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69b09b93b49a51207c600a6c/93a11068-3519-4032-96fa-e1d36a917d42/IMG_3455.JPG https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69b09b93b49a51207c600a6c/022d788f-5996-46ab-b858-6e1f01c9e37a/715npefZQxL._AC_SY695_.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69b09b93b49a51207c600a6c/f59b8391-dd4b-4c43-b56c-a598d0a650bd/81bpAjUKWIL._AC_SX679_.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69b09b93b49a51207c600a6c/6d4194b8-06ad-4bf4-a9f0-7b7e6d454df9/91HYeymxj8L._AC_SL1500_.jpg https://www.thingsiswearby.com/puzzlesilove daily 0.75 2026-03-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69b09b93b49a51207c600a6c/df461fb2-cb47-401e-acaf-a840a514d472/81TTotiy2mL._AC_SL1500_.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69b09b93b49a51207c600a6c/4f14d73a-5538-4109-ac43-0076df1de022/71W4uWiROlL._AC_SL1262_.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69b09b93b49a51207c600a6c/478d1187-c360-481e-8679-4bb9b6cc4c41/71qv4LO-WdL._AC_SL1261_.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69b09b93b49a51207c600a6c/8f4611bc-6874-47e1-ba2a-22f832555927/71fp%2BEgeAYL._AC_SL1500_.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69b09b93b49a51207c600a6c/65cd7874-32f9-4f0c-840e-211c03f16f1b/71D%2BBLbYqEL._AC_SX679_.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69b09b93b49a51207c600a6c/4ea89180-2e10-4302-af4e-eef7800a201b/71LtCrD6oPL._AC_SL1500_.jpg https://www.thingsiswearby.com/fintessandcrossfitfavorites daily 0.75 2026-03-16 https://www.thingsiswearby.com/gardenandhome daily 0.75 2026-03-11 https://www.thingsiswearby.com/willowsfavorites daily 0.75 2026-03-11 https://www.thingsiswearby.com/wellnessfavorites daily 0.75 2026-03-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69b09b93b49a51207c600a6c/86a4bfe9-3d3b-4fba-be7d-6b6467dad167/71f8Q7ZJSxL._AC_SL1500_.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69b09b93b49a51207c600a6c/441d687a-a6ea-4229-9e87-0e7abebf04c3/810d-AA%2B9AL._AC_SL1500_.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69b09b93b49a51207c600a6c/e6a2eb67-7b35-4f60-aa12-b915cc20d28f/13f796fe828e5e4e5547efcb817e0dce.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69b09b93b49a51207c600a6c/2bb07246-b30e-428b-baf8-2637a5eb62b6/71ao80PHY9L._AC_SL1500_.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69b09b93b49a51207c600a6c/91fa82d2-92fb-4682-83d0-c7a69c152fdd/61aeKywOE0L._AC_SL1500_.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69b09b93b49a51207c600a6c/8234e094-d364-49be-a339-d36d79cce849/51389bfrPpL._AC_.jpg