So in the Know January | What I Learned & Loved This Month

I think after the holidays, I always think life is going to slow down — I also think it’s going to immediately be spring, and the weather will warm up! Newsflash! Neither of those happened!

When you become an emtpy nester, the last thing you should do is to stop learning & growing! Not on my watch, baby! I’m here to help you find joy and purpose in the empty nest season of life, and I’ll do my best to bless, inspire, and encourage you along the way! Today, I’m sharing what I’ve learned — and the products I’ve loved — in my empty nest this month? Let’s get you SO in the KNOW, my friends!

As always, click the pink text links or any image (including the collages above & below) for more information.

What I’m Learning

We Like FREE

The government is giving out FREE Covid tests again this winter. To snag four FREE tests per household, go to covidtests.gov.

Explosive Hair News!

Have you heard the rumors? It’s true! The big ’90s blowout is back! Blowout hair tutorials are blowing up all over social media! The hallmarks of the include:

• Copious volume at the roots
• Body without defined curl
• No true part
• An air of effortlessness

I’m so not sure I’m ready for this, but if you are, here’s what the experts say to do:

1. Prep hair with a leave-in conditioner like Crown Affair for smoothing & heat protection.
2. Layer on a thickening spray or mousse like Living Proof Full Thickening Mousse.
3. Use fingers to dry hair, focusing on roots.
4. Divide hair into sections and use a brush-dryer like the Dyson Airwrap or Revlon One-Step Volumizer. Pull hair upward while drying to create volume.
5. Seal the deal with a flexible hair spray like COLOR WOW Cult Favorite Firm + Flexible Hairspray.

Spring Style Influences

Not sure if you’re a fan, but if you like fashion, you should know the two streaming shows having a significant influence on fashion.

Yellowstone

Western wear is having a moment! Yellowstone, and the Yellowstone origin stories 1883 and 1923, are big influencers in men’s fashion right now! (See THIS article in the Wall Street Journal.) Think Levi’s, denim work shirts, Carhartt jackets, Carhartt vests, and cowboy boots.

Emily in Paris

The fashion in the TV show “Emily in Paris” is heavily influenced by classic French style, including designer brands such as Chanel, Dior, and Louis Vuitton. The character of Emily, played by Lily Collins, has a modern and youthful take on traditional French fashion, giving the show its unique style.

Everything Amazon

If you’re looking for Valentine’s decor, gift ideas, or outfits, be sure you check out my Empty Nesters Guide to Valentine’s Day here on ENB. If you’re all about Amazon, see below!

• To see the Empty Nest Blessed Amazon Valentine’s Day Gift Guide (featuring Amazon decor, gifts, and outfits), click HERE.
• To see Amazon’s Valentine’s Day Collection click HERE.
• To see Amazon-owned Shopbop’s Valentine’s Day Edit, click HERE.
  

What I’m Gifting For Valentine’s Day

I shopped at Joy Creative Shop for Valentine’s Day gifts for my daughter, my daughter-in-law, and my daughter-in-law to be! Here’s what I got: I bought two sets of THIS set-of-two heart notepads, and I ordered THESE personalized Multi Heart Red Valentine’s Stickers. Then I bought THESE pink bubble mailers to send the gifts.

What I’m Loving

1.  Simple Modern 40 oz. Tumbler 

As I told you in my recent post about the best-selling products from LTK influencers for 2022, I like this Simple Modern 40 oz. Tumbler BETTER than my trendy of-the-moment Stanley tumbler. It’s lighter-weight, leak-resistant, and $20 less! I’ve found that having a 40 oz. tumbler with me all day really has made me drink more! I’m much better hydrated now!

2.  18K Gold Pavé Nameplate Necklace 

Amazon Puff Sleeve Tee (Good quality! See all of the colors HERE.) | “S” Diamond Initial Pendant Necklace (Also in white gold.) | Script 18K Gold Pavé CZ Nameplate Necklace (Block letters also available.)

Now that I’m a LouLou, I want to proclaim it to the world! I found this nameplate necklace and promptly gifted it to myself! 😂 You can select either an uppercase block or lowercase script font. (Mine is script.) The chain is sweet and dainty, and the CZs add just the right amount of sparkle! Choose from either 18K gold plated sterling silver or sterling silver.

3. Fleece Lined Tights

I bought these fleece lined tights right before we went up to Virginia in mid-December to see our daughter perform at King’s Dominion. It was all outdoors, and it was SO cold! (And y’all know how much I love that! 🙄) These tights were just the layer I needed under my silk long underwear, under my fleece-lined leggings, under my massive down coat! 😂Guess what? I was toasty warm for hours in 30-40 degree weather! Amazing!

4. Floral Print Crewneck Sweater

If your heart is feeling springy, but the temps where you live are still firmly saying winter, I want you to know that most of us are in the same boat! I think this darling floral print sweater is a great solution! It comes in multiple colors (see them all HERE) and washes well. It fits TTS.

5. Face Wash Wristbands

Now, this is genius! These face wash wristbands keep water from running down your arms and puddling on the floor when you’re washing your face. (Anybody else as messy as I am with the nightly face washing?🙋‍♀️😬) They’re under $10, highly absorbent, and can also be used as hair scrunchies! I throw mine in the washing machine every couple of days! They come in a set of four, so keep a set or two for yourself and share a set with your daughter or bestie! #brilliant

6. Living Proof Thickening Mousse

Got thinning hair? It’s normal with aging! I use Rogaine Foam every morning because hair loss is hereditary in my family. Then I follow it with this mousse at the roots for body and volume. This mousse has a cult following, and it’s no wonder! It’s super lightweight but holds like nobody’s business! Also, the hold isn’t crunchy; it’s flexible. Don’t use too much, though, or it can get sticky.

7. Serum Infused Lash Primer 

Use this tinted amplifying lash primer to lengthen, thicken, and darken lashes. Since it’s tinted, you can use it on its own or follow up with your favorite mascara (THIS is my current favorite .) for the lushest lashes you’ve ever seen.

8. Estranged: Finding Hope When Your Family Falls Apart by Julie Plagens

In this honest book, mom blogger Julie Plagens shares how she and her husband walked away from her family of origin to find healing after a life-altering health diagnosis. She tells the amazing story of how God restored her family after seven years of estrangement through a series of miracles and divine intervention. If you’re facing significant family struggles, this book will encourage you. Want a preview? Listen to Julie share part of her story on THIS podcast or read more about it on her website.

9. Moisturizing Transfer-Proof Matte Lipstick

This flower-powered worth-it splurge is so weightless you’ll forget you’re wearing it! The matte color lasts through coffees and kisses (I tried it!) yet feels comfy, thanks to the hydrating peony extract.

10. Cerave Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Everyone knows the importance of Hyaluronic Acid. It helps skin stretch and flex and reduces skin wrinkles and lines. It attracts and binds to water molecules and increases the water content of the skin, which helps the skin retain its natural moisture. This lightweight, hydrating drugstore brand serum has a gel texture. In addition to HA, it contains three essential ceramides and Vit B. I apply it to slightly damp skin and let it absorb before applying moisturizer and eye cream. At Amazon for $15.54, at Walmart for $18.28, and at Target for $18.89.

11. 150-Pack Round Lace Paper Doilies 

This inexpensive 150-pack of various sizes (6.5″, 8.5″, and 10.5″) of round paper doilies is something I think everyone who hosts needs to have on hand! I use them under food, cakes, and even at the bottom of my powder room wastebasket for a little touch of pretty! To see how I used these at a recent special event, check out THIS post.

12. Miracle Moisture Spray Leave-In Hair Conditioner

With the lack of moisture in the air in the winter, sometimes my curly hair can get dry and brittle! This award-winning paraben-free, phthalates-free leave-in conditioner to the rescue! I spray the fine mist on my damp hair just before diffusing with my blow dryer. It’s lightweight and adds moisture and shine, and touchability.

13. Vegan Leather Tissue Box Cover

This well-priced Vegan Leather Tissue Box Cover is so chic and comes in 13 colors to fit any decor. I just ordered one for Bob’s study! What a deal.

After reading this post, I hope you feel SO much more in the KNOW! I love putting it together for you! What popped up on your radar screen in January? Please share it with our little community in the comments below.

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