Am I emotional because my nest is empty and my parents are aging, or is it the perimenopause? Pretty sure it’s C, all of the above. But, thankfully, I’ve found some things to keep me smiling, remind me that there’s more joy ahead of me, and help me appreciate that while my late forties have ushered in hot flashes I’ve also discovered a new version of me that I’m excited to get to know! Whether you’re in this middle phase of life with me or not, I think you might find some things on this love list that you might want to try or already love as well! And I hope you’ll hang with me to the end of this post for a little heart to heart.
So, let’s get into it.
1. The Best $8 Tee
I know, I know, if you follow me on Instagram, I’m sure you’re tired of hearing me rave about these $8 tees, but they are seriously the BEST! This boxy tee is 100% cotton, the perfect length, and washes beautifully. I discovered these last year, and the fitted tee rivals JCrew! All I know is at this phase of life I need cool, breathable fabrics, and with two kids in college, I don’t want to pay an arm and a leg for a t-shirt, you know?!
2. Lume Deodorant – AKA The Only Natural Deodorant That Works All Day
I feel like I’ve tried them all. But Lume is the only baking-soda-free natural deodorant that works all day. Perimenopause had me thinking maybe I needed to give up natural deodorant and go back to antiperspirant, but this stuff really does work!
3. A Little Laundry Room Lamp
I’m a big fan of romanticizing the mundane these days. And while I’ve always loved a little kitchen lamp, I’ve recently discovered the pure joy of having a little lamp light moment in the laundry room. Highly recommend!
4. This Trio of Body Lotions
Listen, if I have any regrets in the personal care department now that I’ve reached my late forties, I’d say it’s not caring enough about my body skin. Unfortunately, pampering my body skin now isn’t just about creating a good self care routine, it’s a necessity! My legs get SO dry and itchy now. Just me? Thankfully, these lotions really help to keep my skin feeling and looking pretty great.
- This Trader Joe’s Firming Body Butter has glycolic acid in it, which I love because I’ve found that good exfoliation is so key to keeping my skin from feeling dry or itchy! I love how thick and luxurious this feels, but because it does have a chemical exfoliant in it I only use this at night.
- Same for this Retinol Body Lotion from Versed that layered over the TJ’s Butter leaves my skin feeling nourished, silky smooth, and itch free.
- Last but definitely not least, this baby lotion from Pipette is an AMAZING daily body lotion. Not greasy at all, leaves skin feeling soft and comfortable, and has a faint sweet scent that isn’t overwhelming. I’m not saying you need it. But you probably do. 😉
5. These Under $5 Mixed Metal Earrings
I’m super into mixed metal jewelry right now, and I couldn’t resist these classic knot earrings. Would you believe they’re $3.88?!
6. Wednesdays with Steven Conklin…..and His Sister, I Guess 😉 Plus the Fisher Boys
I just can’t put my finger on exactly what it is that has me, a grown almost 47 year old woman, excitedly anticipating each new episode like an 8 year old on Christmas Eve, but I LOVE The Summer I Turned Pretty. And season 3 has me fully locked in to this teen/young adult love triangle that I initially only started watching as a way to bond with my college kids. I think the author/ show runner, Jenny Han, purposefully sprinkles Gen X/Millenial songs and references to pull us in, so I’m not even looking to justify my slight obsession any longer. And while I’m absolutely Team Conrad, Steven is my favorite character! If you’ve somehow missed this show because you think it’s for the youngs, add it to your watch list.
7. The Most Flattering Wide Leg Jeans That Aren’t a Million Dollars
I feel like such a granny so often these days, but I’m honestly astonished at how expensive denim is now. And while I do think investing in a great pair of jeans is worthwhile, especially if you live in them (like I do), when it comes to trends, I like to live on the cheaper chicken side of the aisle. (Please appreciate my Father of the Bride reference here.) Anyhow, these wide leg jeans are great! I wasn’t sure I’d ever find a pair of wide legs that I like, but these fit like a dream! And they’re so comfortable, I’d wear them on a plane. Which, as I’m sure you know, is saying a lot.
PS – I’m 5’3″ and bought my regular size but did have to cut the hem. Hope a raw hem stays current forever!
8. Still, Well Always Really, On My Leopard Game
Speaking of that granny life, I was a like a moth to a flame when I saw these leopard clogs. They jumped in my cart so fast, and I feel like they’re giving granny with a rock and roll vibe. Which I totally dig. 😉
9. Still In Love With Oliveda
Beautycounter may be back, but I’m sticking with my Oliveda lineup. This trio is just so good!
- F81 – The perfect blend of exfoliating acids that is potent but not overpowering. Yes to a healthy glow! (Still use it every other night.)
- F06 – This mega antioxidant serum is perfect for any and all skin!
- F59 – The serum that got me hooked on Oliveda. Many people call this Botox in a bottle….which we all know is laughable. BUT it has helped me to continue pushing off starting Botox, so it does seem to be working some kind of magic. It’s pricey, but well worth it, in my opinion. I only use it on my forehead and around my eyes at night and one bottle lasts between 3 to 4 months. (I became a consultant to get the discount. Feel free to email me at Carmel@ourfifthhouse.com if you have any questions about that!)
10. Switched to This Under $7 Face Wash And No Regrets
I’m all about saving on skincare where you can, and products that get washed down the drain (cleansers, masks, and scrubs) are where I prefer to “cut corners”. But honestly, I’ve used the fancy cleansers too, and I’d put this Simple Facial Wash gel up against any of them. I use it with my beloved reusable wash cloths, and it gets all of my makeup, even my eye makeup, and sunscreen off beautifully. It leaves my skin feeling clean and refreshed but never tight. It’s just $6.49, and it lasts for 4 months! I was using VaniCream, which I also really like, but this is half the price.
11. The Best New to Me Makeup Product I’ve Bought in the Last Year
Y’all, this Kosas powder is AMAZING! It’s a setting powder that somehow sweeps away shine but adds the most beautiful glow to your skin. I don’t understand how it works, but it’s the perfect final touch. Seriously, chef’s kiss! And from the picture above you can clearly see how much I love it.
12. My Grown-Up Caboodle
This cosmetic case I’ve shared before, but as a mom with two college kids I’ve found myself reaching for it a lot more. It holds all my toiletries for a road trip. And the wipeable vinyl lining has helped it to stay looking practically brand new even after years of use. I’m thinking of getting my daughter one for Christmas this year. But I honestly think all of the ladies in my life would love one! My green is no longer available, but there are four other great color options.
13. Ruffle Socks
I may be in my old lady era, but I’m also into ruffle socks. What can I say? They make me smile. And I feel like I need more smiling in my life right now.
14. Kristin Ess Working Texture Spray
I used Oribe’s Dry Texturing Spray for years, but when I discovered that this Kristin Ess Working Texture Spray is a fraction of the price and is just as good I didn’t think twice about ditching Oribe! Are you also tired of spending $52 for a hair product?! Because this Kristin Ess is just $14.99!
15. A Fragrance I Love and The Perfect Warm, Brick Red Lipstick
Not sure how I’ve just discovered Dime Beauty, but I love this fragrance! Feels like the perfect fall scent, but I’ll likely wear it year round as I consider myself an autumn. 😉 I think the travel size is perfect! And I’m thrilled to have finally found a matte lipstick I love! This one glides on, stays on, and doesn’t make my lips feel dry. As a red lipstick enthusiast, I think this brick red, Vermillion, is perfect. But there are a bunch of other shades.
16. Thinking About What’s Next
I’ve realized something about myself in this season. New chapters feel a little scary. Sounds crazy coming from someone who has spent her adult life moving to a new city, often a new state, sometimes site unseen, every few years. But there is just something about this particular season of life…..my boy is a college senior (like how did college fly by so fast?!) and my parents….respecting the privacy of loved ones has always been important to me, so I won’t elaborate. But I’m turning 47 next month, and I’m not the only one getting older.
Anyhow, I know the future isn’t promised. And I’ve regularly encouraged my community here to marinate on the idea that childhood is temporary.
I don’t long for the past. Truly, I don’t.
But the future….
For the first time since I graduated from college, the next steps, the path ahead isn’t all laid out for me. And normally….the girl I was would feel excited about that, but…
the woman I am today feels…..
trepidation?
anxious?
I’m not sure.
I walk into my kids’ bedrooms, and I wonder how long I leave them the way they are. How long will they want to come home to their teenage bedroom?
Do we stay in this four bedroom house?
For how long?
I don’t know. I guess, I’ve added “thinking about what’s next” to this love list, because while I am feeling all the emotions, hope and excitement are also in the mix. And as a forty-something mom of two college kids it feels good to be hopeful and excited….even if those feelings are mixed with anxiety, grief, and well, if I’m being all the way honest, a little fear.
Mostly, I just wanted you to know. Because I think it’s all normal. This midlife stuff isn’t easy. We’ve climbed a mountain, and the view is pretty great. We can see how far we’ve come, and we’re grateful. But now?
We have to figure out where we’re going next.
Reader Interactions