SO in the KNOW | What I’m Learning & Loving in March 2025

Happy Spring, my friends! Warmer days are on the way (and already teasing us in some parts of the country!) and we officially have another hour of daylight to enjoy. Bob and I love taking walks after dinner once the days get longer. My thoughts are headed toward all things warm weather! Are yours?

As we move into spring, all things seem fresh and new. Do you feel motivated to move, learn and grow? I hope so! When you’re an empty nester, your life opens up and you have time to expand your horizons. We all know those people who seem to have gotten “stuck” and stopped learning and growing. I don’t want that to be you! That’s why, every month I share what I’m learning & loving in my empty nest.

Whether it’s about the trending nail colors of the season, being the best parent to your adult kids, or learning all about inner vs. outer beauty, I’m here to encourage your heart and equip you to thrive in this season of life.

As always, click any of the pink text links or images you see for more information.

What I’m Loving

Are you a curious person? I am! I’m always up to learn something new, and when I do, I love to share it with you! Here’s some of the good stuff on my radar this month.

Favorite Beauty Tool

I’ve raved about this gentle heated eyelash curler for years. I love that it makes my lashes stand at attention and opens my eyes right up. I thought I’d make a video to show you exactly how it works! ⬇️

Grande Lash Lift Heated Eyelash Curler

Coffee Can Help You Live Longer?

A recent study conducted by the European Heart Journal, researchers found that drinking a cup of fresh brew in the morning can help you live longer, but later in the day, the longevity effects were not as potent. The researchers found that those who consumed coffee in the morning were 16% less likely to die of any cause and 31% less likely to die of heart disease. “Our findings indicate that it’s not just whether you drink coffee or how much you drink, but the time of day when you drink coffee that’s important,” said Dr. Lu Qi, who led the research.

Inspiring app

Have you heard of the FREE Bible Inspirations app? An Empty Nest Blessed follower recommended this app in a comment on my New Year’s post, 10 Small Steps for Big Change. She said, “I’d like to recommend the Inspirations app for ladies wanting to add daily scripture to their routine because it’s an effortless format. Every day it provides a Bible verse, reflection question for those who want to ponder or maybe journal about it, plus a short but sweet devotion.” I love this recommendation and am so grateful to her for sharing it with us! You set it to come to right to your phone at a specific time every day, and reading it just takes a minute or two. I’ve really been enjoying it! You can download the app for your iPhone HERE and from the Google Play store for Samsung phones HERE.

Are Your Supplements Certified?

According to a 2023 survey by the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), 74% of U.S. adults take dietary supplements. But supplements are a tricky thing! Because the US Food and Drug Administration doesn’t regulate dietary supplements as drugs, it provides no guarantee of efficacy or safety — or assurance that the product’s contents are even true to the labeling. So, what can you do to ensure that your supplements contain the ingredients they say they do?

Check the supplement packaging for a seal from an independent testing group like the non-profit US Pharmacopeia, which sets the most widely accepted standards for dietary supplements. To find a list of USP-verified supplements, click HERE. To see the supplements that I take, click HERE.

Attention Puzzle Lovers

Love the feeling of snapping that last puzzle piece into place? 🧩✨ If you’re a puzzle lover, you will adore Completing the Puzzle! This subscription service delivers gorgeous, high-quality puzzles straight to your door—so you always have a fresh challenge waiting. No more repeating the same puzzles or running out of options!

Each month, you’ll receive a stunning new puzzle. When you’re done, send it back and get your next one. It’s a genius way to keep your puzzle rotation fresh without cluttering your shelves. (And if you fall in love with a puzzle? You can keep it!) Click HERE for more information.

What I’m Loving

1. Eyelet Dress

Y’all know I love it when something looks WAY more expensive than it is! This sweet eyelet dress is well-priced and ships FREE with Prime! It comes in several colors and the quality is good. I ordered it in green and it fit TTS. I was so pleased with the quality! It’s perfect for a beach getaway or hot summer evenings on the patio. Pair with everything from flip flops to sneakers to wedges. Click HERE to learn more!

2. Base Thinner

How many foundations have you thrown out? You know the ones—too matte, too thick, too dry for your midlife skin. Instead of wasting another bottle, try this foundation fortifier that boosts the radiance of any liquid or cream formula. It uses vegan crushed pearls to create instant luminosity, and it’s packed with skin-loving vitamins B12, C & E. You can use it alone for a natural, radiant glow, or add it to your favorite foundation for flawless, glowing skin. I love this product! Game-changer! Want to learn more? Click HERE.

3. Favorite Self-Tanner

Several times a week this season of the year, I get emails and DMs asking me what self-tanner I use!

I like THIS one if I need a quick bronze-up, but for everyday use, these CLEAN BEAUTY drops, give the most natural results! They’re customizable bronzing drops that you mix with your favorite everyday lotion. They’re designed to brighten dull skin, minimize the look of dark spots, and even out your skin tone—while delivering a radiant glow that lasts up to 5 days. The bonus? They’re also infused with Caffeine, Baobab, and Oat Extract, to help visibly tighten, brighten, and deeply hydrate, so yourskin looks as good as it feels. (Linking via Amazon, because it’s sold out at Sephora.)

Here’s how it works: Mix 6-12 drops into your favorite moisturizer, apply to clean skin. Don’t forget to wash your hands afterwards! These drops are a concentrate, so you always need to mix with your favorite moisturizer before applying!

4. Mag-Safe Compatible Magnetic Phone Grip w/Kickstand

I’ll admit, it was a little pricier than I wish it was, but this Mag-Safe Compatible magnetic phone grip has been such a fabulous find! It comes in lots of colors and fun patterns, and the silicone strap on the back makes it convenient to hold comfortably. I love that you can use it as a kickstand as well to watch videos, read, or FaceTime with kids! The phone grip snaps on and off easily so you can wireless charge with Mag-Safe. I love mine!

5. The Ordinary GF 15% Solution

Have you heard about the use of growth factors in skincare? They stimulate cell repair, collagen production, and skin regeneration, helping to reduce signs of aging and improve overall skin health. This 15% growth factor serum supports aging skin by minimizing visible damage and promoting skin regeneration for a revitalized appearance. It helps repair and minimize visible skin damage, firms skin for a plumper, more lifted appearance reduces visible wrinkle length and depth, and provides instant all-day hydration and a stronger skin barrier.

I especially like this product, because it’s from The Ordinary, a science-driven skincare brand known for high-quality, affordable products and transparency. With straightforward formulas featuring potent actives like retinol and niacinamide, they let you customize your routine. You can learn more about this brand that’s disrupting skincare HERE.

6. Curly Organza Laces

It’s no secret that bows are everywhere this season, and when Beth and I stumbled upon these darling Organza Laces, we got all swoony! They’re inexpensive, and such a sweet way to add a touch of femininity to your everyday city sneakers! (BTW, we gave you the full lowdown on the everyday city sneaker trend in THIS post, which was a part of our comprehensive Spring & Summer Style Guide.) Check out the color options for these organza laces HERE.

7. Candle Warmer

Buh-bye smokey candles! This pretty candle warmer uses a 50 watt GU10 halogen heating bulb to melt the scented wax inside the candle jar, letting out the fragrance without any smoke. It has a handy timer so you can choose 2, 4, or 8 hour warming times. It has four brightness levels—the brighter the light, the more heat the bulb emits. The height from the base to the lampshade is adjustable, from 3.8 inches to 5.6 inches, so it can hold jar candles up to 6″ tall. I love the pretty wooden base!

8. Faux Orchid

Target does it again! AT 19in H x 12in W x 12in D and just $20, this pretty faux orchid is a perfect addition to your spring decor! Target’s Threshold line is a wonderful, affordable source for faux plants, and I think this orchid is the prettiest! Want more blooms? Check out this luxe orchid for just $30!

9. The Next Conversation by Jefferson Fisher

If you follow articulate attorney Jefferson Fisher on Instagram, you’re familiar with his practical, helpful advice for all of your crucial conversations. From how to speak to narcissists to how to tell when someone is lying (and tons more), this book will give you actionable strategies and even actual phrases to use when you’re in a challenging communication situation. Highly recommend!

10. Chicken Shredder

I try to include a fun kitchen gadget every SO in the KNOW, and this is a really practical one! This chicken breast shredder has me feeding Bob like a king! 🤴🏻 I’m serving up everything from chicken noodle soup 🍲to chicken tacos 🌮 in a flash, and it’s super easy! I cook the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, so they’re juicy and tender, and then I shred them with this handy dandy shredder. I love that it’s just 6.5″ wide, so it doesn’t take up too much space in a drawer. It’s BPA-free, has a non-slip base, and it’s heat-resistant. Wash it right in the dishwasher!

11. Magnesium Bath Flakes

Most people are deficient in magnesium, and these bath flakes are made with pure Zechstein Magnesium Chloride (the most bioavailable kind), making them WAY more effective at delivering magnesium than plain old epsom salt. Just add these to a warm bath and soak for 20 minutes to get the benefits. I always get the best night of sleep after using these in my bath! 

12. SUPERGOOP Unseen Sunscreen

My favorite facial sunscreen is new and improved! Formerly SPF 30, it’s now SPF 50! It’s invisible, weightless, scentless and non-irritating, plus it can double as a primer. I use it after moistuizer and under my foundation every single day! It’s easy to reapply during the day right on top of your foundation. Just add a fresh pop of blush tint on top and no one will ever know!

13. Adjustable Weighted Walking Belt

By now you’ve heard about the osteoporosis-fighting craze among midlife women—weighted walking vests or belts. I jumped on board a few months ago, and I’m amazed at how much stronger I’ve gradually gotten over the past few months! They increase workout intensity, improve cardiovascular fitness, strength, and endurance, while also enhancing bone density.  The added weight forces your body to work harder, leading to a higher heart rate and increased calorie expenditure compared to regular walking.

I started with this weighted vest, but it fatigued and irritated my neck and shoulders, so a month ago, I switched to this weighted belt, and it’s perfect for me. You add the weight gradually—like 1/2 lb. a week or every two weeks. I’ve started using mine for squats and lunges too! It’s machine washable. (Remove the weights!)

14. Hype Girl File Folders

Hey, I’ll take all of the hype girls I can get in my life! The other day I needed some simple file folders to keep a few of the projects I’m working on separate and organized. When I found these cute motivating file folders on Amazon, I ordered them right up! “Life is tough, but so are you! Dream Hard, Work Harder! Be Your Own Kind of Beautiful!” These would make a great gift—split them between yourself and your daughter or your BFF!

I hope you feel SO in the KNOW after reading today’s post! You can take another look at every product I mentioned in this post below. Click on any image for more information!