SO in the KNOW | What I’m Learning & Loving in my Empty Nest

Summer is here, and I’m writing this from our beach condo in Sanibel Island, Florida! We’re here with family, and loving every minute!

One of our favorite things to do is vacation with our adult kids and their spouses—it’s always a sweet time of connection, laughter, and memory-making. Over the years, we’ve come up with two simple vacation “rules” that help keep things fun and stress-free for everyone.

Rule #1: No one is allowed to comment on how much luggage anyone brings. (That one might have been inspired by me… a proud overpacker who just likes options! 😂)

Rule #2: Everyone gets to vacation in their own way—no judgment allowed. Some of us like to stay busy with activities, while others are happiest lounging in a beach chair with a good book (what I’m reading right now!). Whatever fills your tank is exactly what you should be doing!

One thing I love to do (whether I’m on vacation or not), is to share what I’m learning and loving in my empty nest with you! Read on for all the scoop!

What I’m Learning

3 Supplements You Need After 50

According to a recent article by the health experts at AARP, most of us in midlife can get the nutrients we need simply by eating a healthy, well-balanced diet. But if you’re wondering whether you’re truly hitting the nutritional mark (and who hasn’t had that thought?), you should know that there are a few supplements that are especially important for women in this season of life: calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12. That’s right—just three! But don’t let their small number fool you—they pack a powerful punch when it comes to supporting your health and well-being.

• Calcium – 1,200 milligrams (mg) per day for women 51 and older
• Vitamin D – 600 international units (IU) per day for adults 19 to 70 years old
• Vitamin B12 – 2.4 mcg per day 

I take Nature Made supplements, because they’ve been tested and the ingredients have been verified by United States Pharmacopeia (USP). They’ve also undergone potency and manufacturing process testing and oversight. (USP sets official standards for dietary supplements. To learn more, visit www.uspverified.org.)

Trending Travel Destinations

According to empty nester travel expert Shannon Leyerle, of Vacations by Shannon, the vacations her clients are asking for the most right now are (in order):

1. Portugal
2. Germany
3. Italy
4. Cancun
5. Thailand

Are you headed to one of those destinations this summer? Leave me a comment and let me know about your summer travel plans, okay?

Amazon Deep Dive

As an Amazon Influencer, I get my own Amazon Storefront, as well as access to a lot of insider Amazon information! We all know the prices on Amazon are great, but did you know that there are ways within Amazon so save even more?

• For Amazon’s affordable, everyday in-house brand, featuring wardrobe staples for the whole family, AND for your home, shop Amazon Essentials. Check out the new Amazon Essentials collaboration with model and social media personality (not to mention, daughter of Lionel Ritchie), Sofia Grainge. See it HERE. Look at THIS sweet cardi and THESE slip-on loafers for littles. Both look like designer and are under $20!
• To find 24-hour discounts on a wide variety of products, ranging from electronics and clothing to home goods and beauty items, shop Amazon Daily Deals.
• To find time-sensitive deals offering Amazon’s biggest discounts, shop Amazon Lightning Deals.
• To find brand new, overstocked items at discounted prices, shop the Amazon Outlet.
• To save without promo codes & loyalty cards, shop Amazon Coupons.
• For expertly refurbished products at great prices, shop Amazon Refurbished Products.
• For quality pre-owned, used, and open box products, shop Amazon Resale.

What I’m Loving

1. Viral 2-Piece Set

This cozy two-piece lounge set has gone viral! Why? It’s the perfect blend of comfort and style—ideal for relaxing at home or running quick errands. The soft fabric and flattering fit make it a go-to for casual days in the empty nest. I already own it in this neutral tan as well as always-chic black! It’s available in 15 colors, and a must-have for travel or effortless everyday chic. Bonus: it’s Amazon Prime eligible!

2. Custom Nameplate Necklace

Hey, Gigi! Hey, Mimi! Hey, Lolly! Hey, Lovey! Whatever your grandma name, this sweet custom nameplace necklace is about to become your new everyday favorite piece of jewelry! (Mine says LouLou!) For me, it’s been a meaningful way to keep my grands close to my heart. It layers perfectly with my other necklace favorites.

3. Stripe Palm Hat

Talbots Stripe Palm Hat (30% off right now) | UNTUCKit Floral Cotton Short Sleeve Dress (Use ENBSUZY20 for 20% off) | Baublebar Pearl Collar Necklace

A pretty sun hat is a sunny-day essential for women over 50! If you’re like me and you love a little flair with your sun protection, this might just be the hat for you! While most sun hats have basic black bands, this one with it’s bright pastel banding looks darling with summer dresses. (After all, sun hats aren’t just for the beach!) It’s lightweight, packable, and totally chic! Adjust for a custom fit inside the brim with an easy velcro strap. (I have a tiny head, and, once I sized it, it fit perfectly!)

4. Treva Bug Fan

Say goodbye to pesky flies at your next outdoor gathering with this genius battery-operated Treva Bug Fan. Safe and chemical-free, it works by using holographic blades (they’re plastic and can’t hurt you) to create a gentle breeze that keeps bugs at bay while you dine or relax al fresco. Bob and I take it every time we dine outdoors, and people constantly stop us to ask about it. Did you see it feaured last week on Good Morning America?

5. Beach Towel Chair Clips

Keep your towel in place (and off the sand!) with these strong beach towel clips! They’re perfect for securing your towel to your chair on windy beach days. Practical, lightweight, portable, and totally handy for travel or poolside lounging! These are going to be featured on my upcoming “Beach Essentials” post! I LOVE ‘EM!

6. Raffia Shell Ornament Slides

Step into vacation mode with these adorable raffia slide sandals from Target, featuring sweet seashell embellishments. Lightweight and beachy, they’re perfect for your summer getaway or to bring a little coastal charm to everyday outfits. Comfort meets cute—at a great price!

7. Kajal Longwear Mascara

Long a fan of Maybelline Lash Sensational mascara, I was getting pretty sick of it drying out in a month or so. This longwear Kajal mascara from Laura Geller has been a game-changer for my lashes—adding volume, lift, and definition without clumping or smudging. It’s water-resistant and perfect for all-day wear, even in hot, humid weather (or at the beach!). Comes off with your favorite night time cleanser (linking to mine!).

8. Protec(tint) Daily SPF Tint SPF 50 Sunscreen Skin Tint

This tinted sunscreen from SUPERGOOP! offers SPF 50 protection and a natural-looking glow, all in one multitasking formula. It’s what I wear when I’m at the beach! Lightweight and non-greasy, it’s  formulated with 83% skincare ingredients, so it’s perfect for women who want skincare and coverage in a single step. Need help finding your shade? Click HERE for a handy chart.

9. Sojos Polarized Sunglasses

It’s tough to find polarized sunglasses for a good price! Usually you have to go to brands like Maui Jim or Ray-Ban (or even higher end brands) to find them. But these budget-friendly and fabulous Sojos polarized sunglasses combine timeless style with full UV protection, making them ideal for sensitive eyes and all of your sunny adventures. And if they break, you’re not out big money. I think these flattering frames suit all face shapes, but if you want to browse their other styles, click HERE.

10. Summer Shell Purse

This whimsical shell-shaped beaded handbag has gone absolutely VIRAL on both Instagram and TikTok. The original version is $109, but this identical dupe on Amazon is a lot less! It’s a sparkly little stunner! With its pearly finish and sequin detail, it’s the perfect accessory for summer weddings, dinner dates, or coastal vacations. Fun, feminine, and fabulous, and it looks a lot more expensive than it is!

11. Allday Dry Mouth Spray

I struggle with dry mouth at night! I used to use Biotene, but felt like the effects didn’t last long and I was waking up with an even drier mouth than before I used it. My dentist said that unfortunately, Biotene is alcohol-based, so it actually dries your mouth out more as the alcohol evaporates. He recommended Allday Mouth Spray and it’s been a game changer for me! It’s non-acidic, alcohol-free, and formulated with xylitol for gentle, long-lasting moisture. If you struggle with dry mouth, like me, it’s SO worth trying, my friend!

12. Big Dumb Eyes: Stories From A Simpler Mind by Nate Bargatze

Looking for a great Father’s Day gift? If you love clean comedy with heart, Nate Bargatze’s Big Dumb Eyes is a great choice! By all accounts, this laugh-out-loud memoir delivers hilarious stories and relatable life reflections, from one of today’s most beloved comedians. I just ordered this book for Bob!

13. Portable Folding Clothes Hangers

These clever folding hangers are one of my travel must-haves (See all of them HERE.)! They’re compact yet sturdy, and they unfold to hold everything from delicate tops to heavier garments. Whether you’re traveling for a long period of time (we’re in Florida for 3 weeks!), or you’re just a chronic overpacker 🙋🏻‍♀️, you’ll love these portable hangers!

14. Tummy Control Slimming Ruched Swimsuit

Amazon Ruched Tummy Control Swimsuit (45 color/print options!) | Marleylilly Monogrammed Seersucker Tote Bag | Marleylilly Monogrammed Trucker Hat

It’s Amazon’s #1 selling swimsuit for a reason! This tummy control swimsuit flatters every figure, thanks to the ruched design and supportive top. It’s ideal for active beach days or lounging in style. It’s a best-seller for a reason!

I hope you feel SO in the KNOW! I love sharing my favorite finds with you. What was your favorite info or product today? I’d love to know! Leave me a comment and let me know, okay? Also, if you’ve got a favorite product or some good scoop I need to know, drop it in the comments too, okay?

Finally, be sure you’re following me on Instagram and Facebook for some behind-the-scenes fun from our Florida vacation! And if you really want the insider info on what I’m up to, subscribe to my newsletter! Every Friday I share things like the Bible verse that has meant a lot to me that week and what I’m streaming to what’s up with our family. You can subscribe HERE.

SHOP THE POST