Surviving my 50's

Secret Weapons for looking and feeling younger

Ladies, can we talk about menopause for a second? You know, that magical time of life when our bodies decide to play "guess what’s happening next!" Will it be hot flashes? Mood swings? A sudden craving for carbs at 2 a.m.? We’ve all been there. I hit my 50s like, "Oh, I got this, It won't be any different then 49," but menopause had other plans. Turns out, this phase isn’t just about night sweats, brain fog and gaining 40 pounds—it’s about figuring out how to feel human, beautiful, sane, again. So, let me tell you about my year of experimentation, where I tried everything from castor oil to red light therapy to wrangle this thing called menopause.

My Story - The Good, The Bad, The U.G.L.Y

I turned 50 in March of 2020. Pandemic birthday aside, things seemed pretty normal. I had a regular cycle (thanks, birth control!), but I decided it was time to get off the pill. After all, I’d been on it for years and figured my body could use a break. Turns out, birth control can mask the fact that menopause is lurking, waiting for the moment you stop taking those little pills. After some tests, I found out I was already postmenopausal. No warning, no slow fade, just full-on, surprise menopause. Fun, right?

And if that wasn’t enough, in October 2020, I lost my mother. It was like life decided to hit me with a double whammy: emotional rollercoaster on one side, and a body that didn’t feel like mine anymore on the other. Between the grief, the hormonal chaos, and a few health issues, I spiraled. Neuropathy in my legs/feet, extreme inflammation, weight gain, aging, sadness, depression—you name it, I felt it. I gained 50 pounds and honestly felt like I was sinking. I wasn’t myself, and I wasn’t sure if I’d ever be again.

Today, I stumbled across a picture taken exactly one year ago. And let me tell you, I almost didn’t recognize myself. I looked old. The wrinkles, the tired eyes—I mean, who was that?  Soon after this picture is when I had a moment—a wake-up call. It was like I suddenly realized, Wait a minute, no one’s coming to save me. I have to take control. It was as if I walked through this cloud of fog and finally saw the light. I started doing research and then eventually started making small changes, not all at once, and not all of them intentional—just little tweaks to my daily routine, movement, nourishment, and skincare. 

This picture, representing where I started, next to a picture of me just last week, sparked a lot of emotion for me, and encouraged me to share my story, because I know there are many of you out there experiencing some, or all of the obstacles I have over the last few years; Getting old is not for sissies! 

I share because:

1) I want you to know you are not alone!  I see you. I feel you. I know you. I love you.

2) If I share some of the small changes I made over time, maybe they will help you in your journey! 

So, Here are the things I have incorporated, or attempt to incorporate on a regular basis! I am not perfect, and I do not do these religiously, but overtime, they have made big changes for me!  I provided links about each of the items at the bottom of this page in case you are intrigued!

Movement: From Couch Potato to, Well, Moving Potato

Let’s get real—when menopause hit, my idea of movement was the occasional walk on the beach. And by "occasional," I mean rare. I was in pain, tired, and the last thing I wanted to do was exercise. Moving hurt, so I just didn’t. Can anyone else relate?

But here’s the thing: the more I didn’t move, the worse I felt. So, I decided to make some small changes. Michael and I started taking classes at the gym, even boxing together (and yes, it’s as fun as it sounds). Little by little, I began to move more. It wasn’t about running marathons or lifting heavy weights—it was about getting my body to do something, anything.

Recently, I realized that starting my day with movement actually makes a difference in how the rest of the day goes. So, I set up a schedule, and now I wake up a few minutes earlier to get on my walking pad  every morning. It’s a great way to wake up, get the blood flowing, and kickstart the day. In the afternoons, I take a FITON class, PVOLVE Class (have you heard of this? It is amazing!)  or use my Oculus headset for some VR workouts—boxing or Supernatural sessions are my go-tos. And let’s not forget my trusty vibration plate.

Now, if you haven’t tried a vibration plate,  let me tell you—it’s like a massage and workout combined. The science-y explanation is that it helps with circulation, muscle activation, and lymphatic drainage. But for me, it’s just a great way to shake out the cobwebs, especially on days when I don’t feel like doing much else. It’s like tricking your body into thinking it's working out, while you're mostly just standing there! And honestly, it feels pretty amazing.

It’s not a perfect routine, but I’ve found that moving a little bit every day makes me feel better and, dare I say it, younger.

Red Light Therapy: My Secret Weapon for Glowing Skin (and Productivity)

Red-Light Therapy is my new skincare obsession. Now, let’s get technical for a second (just a second, I promise). Red light therapy works by using specific wavelengths of light to penetrate the skin and promote healing and collagen production. Red light is great for reducing wrinkles, green light helps even out skin tone, and blue light is like a bouncer for acne, kicking it out before it can throw a party on your face.

I use two red light gadgets: the mask and the wand. The mask is perfect for full-face treatment—I wear it while wrapped in my infrared sauna blanket once a week. Which if funny, because I am terrified of Masks, but it works! Yes, my husband laughs at me, and I look a little silly, but hey, it’s working! The infrared sauna blanket is my detox go-to. It’s like a regular sauna but way more convenient because I can use it at home and it makes me sweat out all the toxins while lying down (which is basically my ideal way to exercise). It also helps with inflammation, muscle recovery, and just makes me feel better.

The Red-Light Therapy wand (see below), on the other hand, is my fidget stick. I use it throughout the day—especially during work meetings when I don’t have to be on camera. While I’m pretending to pay attention to spreadsheets, I’m zapping my face & neck with Red-Light Therapy. The wand is more targeted than the mask, perfect for spot treatments on areas that need extra love, like those stubborn fine lines. It's basically multitasking at its finest—meetings and wrinkle reduction in one fell swoop.

I try to use the mask and sauna blanket combo once a week for an intense glow-up, but the wand? That little beauty is my constant companion. You’d be surprised how easy it is to sneak in some skincare while staying productive.

Routines and Supplements: My Morning Cocktail

No, it is not tequila :) Let me start by saying, if you had told me a year ago that I’d be the woman who wakes up and sips on lemon water like I’m Gwyneth Paltrow, I would’ve laughed. But here we are. First thing in the morning, I chug my warm lemon water like it’s a magic elixir (because it kind of is). Hydration, metabolism boost, digestive help—it does all the things. And throughout the day, you’ll find me clutching my bottle of lemon water like it’s the Holy Grail.

Next up: collagen (I use this one). I add bovine collagen to my coffee every morning because apparently, this is what we do when we’re serious about anti-aging. Bovine collagen is rich in Types I, II, and III collagen, which help with skin elasticity, joint health, and overall glow. Honestly, it’s like drinking youth (without the weird magic spell). My skin is plumper, my nails are stronger, and I swear my hair’s getting thicker. Plus, it doesn’t mess with the taste of my coffee, which, let’s be real, is the most important part.

Now, I get fancy with my coffee. I throw in a mix of turmeric, black pepper, cinnamon, and ginger—a spice blend that makes me feel like I’m a wizard whipping up a potion. This blend is amazing for reducing inflammation, boosting immunity, and revving up your metabolism. I’ve got a full blog on the benefits of these ingredients, but trust me, it’s the ultimate superfood combo for keeping your body young and your insides happy.

Speaking of supplements, let’s talk about the heavy hitters. First, there’s the hormone balancing drops. These little drops of magic keep my metabolism going and my mood in check. They’re part of the Slenderiix system I take, and I swear they’ve helped me lose 15 pounds—not that I’m mad about that! What’s even better? The reduction of inflammation and how much better I feel. It’s like my body is thanking me.

The Noni antioxidant(see below)sachets I take every morning? That’s my immune system’s bodyguard. These sachets are packed with powerful antioxidants that support overall health, boost energy, and keep my immune system in top shape. They also work wonders for joint health, mobility, and, let’s be honest, my mood. It’s like drinking a tropical vacation every morning, minus the awkward tan lines.

Then there’s Renew (see below), which I take every night before bed. This is my anti-aging secret weapon. It helps my body naturally produce more HGH (Human Growth Hormone), which supports everything from deeper sleep (yes, please!) to youthful skin and hair. We’re talking better sleep, improved mood, and a boost in energy. Plus, it promotes lean muscle and helps keep the pounds off. What’s not to love?

Kicking Chemicals to the Curb: My Clean Skincare and Household Overhaul

Listen, if you had told me a few years ago that I’d become the kind of person who makes her own face cleanser and slathers tallow on her skin, I’d have told you to get out of town. But hey, here we are, in a world where our skincare products are practically mini chemistry sets. Once I learned about all the chemicals sneaking into my makeup, skincare, and even household products, I went full Marie Kondo on them—except instead of asking what “sparks joy,” I was more like, “Is this slowly poisoning me?”

I have changed out A LOT of products - including household to all my makeup, but that is a Full story for another time. The Two items that I use now, have made the biggest impact on my skin and the way I look and feel.

My homemade serum. —a mix of castor oil with lavender, frankincense, and a few other goodies, CLICK HERE TO GET THIS RECIPE. It’s the ultimate moisturizing and anti-aging potion, and it’s 100% chemical-free. There’s something so empowering about knowing exactly what’s going on my skin. Castor oil is amazing for hydration and promoting collagen production, while lavender and frankincense add a soothing, healing touch.

But the true star of my clean beauty routine? Tallow. Yes, I slather beef fat on my face, and it’s glorious. Mixed with lavender essential oil, tallow has become my go-to moisturizer. It’s packed with vitamins A, D, E, and K, and it’s remarkably close to the composition of our skin, making it incredibly nourishing. My skin has never felt softer or more radiant, and I’m basically glowing from the inside out.

Diet: Small Changes for the win!

Diet isn’t about perfection—it’s about making small, manageable changes. For me, cutting down on carbs and processed foods has made a huge difference in reducing inflammation and boosting energy. I focus on high-protein meals, like those in my 7-Day Free Meal Guide and recipes on my site, and I’m not perfect—we still enjoy wings and wine (weird combo, I know), but it’s all about balance.

Yes, I still drink, but I’ve switched to tequila for its cleaner, low-sugar benefits. I also practice intermittent fasting during the week, skipping breakfast to keep inflammation down and energy up. My husband's favorite quote: "Everything in moderation, including moderation!" One Day at a time!

Conclusion: Menopause? Bring It On!

So here we are, ladies—menopause may be inevitable, but it doesn’t have to be miserable. By embracing natural skincare, balancing hormones, and staying active, I’ve not only survived menopause, but I’m thriving through it. And trust me, if I can do it, so can you!

Here’s to glowing skin, balanced moods, and never letting menopause get the best of us. Cheers to looking and feeling fabulous—no matter our age!