I am constantly jotting down the little things that I want to share, tidbits that I wish I’d known when I was “younger” or that make me laugh as I take another trip around the sun. In no particular order, the lessons learned and advice/suggestions from a middle-aged gal, right in the prime of her life! This list will continually grow, so stay tuned.

• I’ll start with the best thing my Dad ever told me when we were out having beers one time. I was laughing about being in a sweatshirt with all these over-dressed women in the bar (we were at C.B. & Potts for heaven’s sake!), and he said “if you feel like the prettiest woman in the room, you are and that’s what other men see.” He’s right, your attitude will set the tone for how others perceive you.
• Don’t over-tweeze your eyebrows, ladies (or men!). They quit growing back as you get older, and soon you’ll be penciling them back in.
• If you put on a black shirt before brushing your teeth, it’s almost guaranteed you’ll be changing shirts from the fall out.
• Likewise with white shirts…guaranteed to catch salsa every time (especially if you’re at a restaurant with other people).
• Use face lotion day and night, and that daytime lotion should have SPF. Your skin can’t be replaced, and I guarantee you’ll add wrinkles and spots as you get older. Apply that lotion to face, neck and décolleté (the lower neck area), you’ll thank me later.
• Carry nail glue when you travel, even if you don’t get your nails done. You never know when something will need just a little bit of glue and it takes next to no space in your bag.
• NEVER cut off a semi-driver, it’s just bad form and there’s no reason for it, and they can’t stop quickly
• Go for that walk…you’ll feel better, your dog will feel better, and it gives you a chance to clear the cobwebs and clutter from your mind.
• Menopause…blech. We as women talk about a lot of things from boobs to make-up tricks, but we never talk about the down and dirty subject of aging female body parts. Do it! Talk to your Mom about what she went through, talk to your tribe about what they have been through or their thoughts on menopause and talk to your doctor. The fact is, if you’re lucky you’ll age and reach this milestone and it is different for EVERY SINGLE ONE OF US. For me, it’s periods after just a weeks gap from the last one, for others it’s hot flashes, lack of sleep, mood swings, and so much more. Ask questions, it’s your body and your life.