So in the Know November | What I Learned & Loved

When you’re an empty nester, you want to keep learning and growing! From the latest trends to the latest hot topics, it’s important to stay informed! That’s why, every month I share the things I’ve learned and the fun finds that made my life sweeter, easier, or just a bit more fun. From health and beauty advice and cozy style picks to smart home solutions and cheerful holiday treats, these are the treasures I couldn’t wait to pass along to you!

What I’m Learning

Life moves pretty fast, and you gotta keep up! I’m spilling the tea on the good scoop I learned this month.

What NOT to Do When You Get Sick

Feeling under the weather? Before you dive into another day of coughing, sneezing, or dragging through the couch, check out THIS eye-opening article that explains the #1 mistake many adults over 60 make when they get sick — and why it matters for your immune system and recovery.

Why You Look Better Some Days Than Others

Ever noticed that some days your face and your makeup look better than others? I do! It can be hard to know why. Makeup artist Elise Marquam-Jahns recently shared eight reasons why:

1. Lack of Sleep – Aside from those dark circles, our skin produces collagen while we sleep, so less sleep=less collagen (which is responsible for plumpness). Sleep or no sleep, I love my Current Red Light face and neck mask to help my skin build collagen. (SUZY10 for 10% off.)
2. Dirty Makeup Brushes – We all know dirty brushes are unhygienic, but they also don’t spread product as well. Clean your brushes! (I use THIS.)
3. Not Exfoliating – Smooth, even-textured skin can help keep makeup from looking cakey. I swear by THESE for gentle exfoliation.
4. Peach Fuzz – Some people have more peach fuzz than others! I don’t have much, but every week or so I use the Flawless Touch Facial Hair Remover on those dark moustache hairs.
5. Not Pampering the Skin – Try a facial mask that gives your skin some extra love. I like THIS one.
6. Not Swapping Makeup for the Seasons – It’s probably apparent that winter skin is drier skin. In cooler weather, swap your moisturizer and other products for more hydrating options.
7. Food Choices – Things like alcohol, sugar, salt, and refined carbs cause everything from puffiness to oxidative damage and inflammation.
8. Using Too Much Product – Even if you have dry skin, you don’t have to goop on your moisturizer! Add less, but let it absorb before applying your makeup.

To read more, check out the full article by Elise Marquam-Jahns, which initially appeared on the Kuel Life website.

Three Hot Style Trends to Jump On

Have you seen these trends popping up everywhere?

1. Bows – From earrings and tees to cardigans and sweaters, look for bows and more bows!
2. Teddy Bears – Everyone is hopping on the Ralph Lauren teddy bear sweater trend! From tees and fleece hoodies to PJs and socks, there are so many cute styles out there. Love the look, but not the price tag? Check out THESE darling Target teddy bear dupes and this one on Amazon!
3. Horses – Anything equestrian is trending, and we’re seeing horses on everything from blouses and sweaters, to sweater vests and even socks.

What I’m Loving

1. Luvamia Two-Piece Lounge Set

This soft, easy two-piece lounge set feels amazingly similar to Barefoot Dreams CozyChic loungewear—but for a fraction of the price! It washes beautifully, feels luxe without the splurge, and is perfect for slow mornings, errand days, or cozy evenings on the sofa. Such a darling under-$40 gift for daughters, daughters-in-law, or girlfriends who love that dreamy, cloud-soft feel.

2. Clean & Clear Oil-Absorbing Sheets

These classic oil-blotting sheets are magic for shine control without disturbing your makeup—ideal for our midlife skin that prefers a fresh, natural glow over a dry, crepey powdery build-up. I cut them into smaller pieces and gently blot underneath my eyes after applying concealer to keep mascara from smudging (a total game changer!). Slim enough to tuck into any handbag, they’re a must-have for holiday parties, travel, and everyday touch-ups. Break up this set of 5 (60 sheets each) and stuff the stocking of all the ladies in your family!

3. Gold Metal Christmas Tree Card & Photo Holder

My daughter-in-law turned me on to this elegant gold tabletop Christmas tree card holder. You can use it to display Christmas cards, photos, Scripture cards, or keepsakes throughout the season. I love that it has a nativity scene at the top! It adds height, sparkle, and meaning wherever you place it—and makes a thoughtful under-$25 hostess gift. (See all of our Host & Hostess gift recommendations HERE.)

4. BaubleBar Thalia Necklace

This gorgeous chain-link necklace—think a modern, horsebit-inspired style—is one of the biggest jewelry trends this year, making it an effortless way to refresh your accessories without a big investment. It adds instant polish to sweaters and dresses, feels lightweight despite its bold look, and layers beautifully with your other everyday necklaces. Such a fun “treat yourself” piece and a fabulous gift for anyone who loves to stay on-trend.

5. Little ELF Gift-Wrap Cutter

If wrapping paper wrestles with you every December, this clever cutter will change everything! It slides smoothly along the roll for clean, straight lines (no more jagged edges!) and makes wrapping faster and more efficient. I love an organized gift-wrapping zone, and this is a big help every year.

6. Tory Burch Icon Stud Earrings

These signature stud earrings add timeless elegance with their classic gold design that goes with absolutely everything. They’re beautifully made, never too heavy, and the kind of forever-piece that makes a perfect Christmas gift for daughters, moms, or best friends. (Which is why they’re an ENB Holiday Gift Guide best-seller every year!) Buy them at Tory Burch HERE or at Nordstrom for $20 less HERE!

7. Grief & Grace by Leslie Thompson

The holidays can feel especially heavy when you’re missing someone you love, and this beautiful book offers gentle comfort right when it’s needed most. Author Leslie Thompson blends heartfelt storytelling with faith-filled encouragement, creating a companion that feels tender, honest, and full of hope. It’s a meaningful, thoughtful gift for a friend or family member walking through a difficult season of grief.

8. Spode Christmas Tree Latte Mug

I like big mugs, and I cannot lie!😂Yep! I own this festive latte mug and absolutely love it! The tall shape holds a whopping 22 ounces—perfect for those extra sips of caffeine we all seem to need to power through the holiday season—and the iconic Spode Christmas Tree pattern adds instant cheer to your morning routine. It’s a wonderful collectible gift and such a fun way to make your December mornings feel a little brighter.

9. Leopard Print Leather Belt

This chic leopard-print leather belt adds just the right amount of personality to jeans, dresses, or tunics, and the best part? Animal print is a true classic that works in every season and never goes out of style. It’s a sleek, easy accessory that instantly elevates your look—and a fun, affordable gift for any fashion-loving friend. Not sure what size they are, THIS animal print scarf is a great option too!

10. VENO Wreath Storage Containers (Set of 4, 30″)

I own these sturdy storage containers and use them to hold décor—including wreaths—for every season. They keep everything clean, protected, and completely dust-free while in storage, so your greenery, ribbons, and embellishments stay looking fresh year after year. It’s such a smart, streamlined solution for organizing all your seasonal décor.

11. Portable Cool-Mist Humidifier

I take this tiny cool-mist humidifier with me every time I travel—it’s small, but it’s a total workhorse. No more waking up in hotel rooms with dry eyes, scratchy throats, or parched skin! It’s quiet, easy to pack, and adds just the right amount of moisture to make any space feel more comfortable during the dry winter months.

12. Very Merry Matchup by Becca Kinzer (Kindle Edition)

If you love a lighthearted Christmas romance, this sweet, witty holiday novel is such a cozy pick for December. Becca Kinzer is my favorite clean rom-com author, and she always nails that feel-good mix of charm, laughs, and heart. The Kindle version makes it an easy, instant download—perfect for curling up with something cheerful just for you this season.

13. Waterproof Dishwashing Gloves

These adorable waterproof gloves make kitchen clean-up so much more pleasant—and protect your skin from holiday-season dishwashing overload. They’re flexible, durable, and come in the cutest patterns, making a fun and useful under-$15 stocking stuffer.

14. JW PEI Hana Mini Tote

If you’re still looking for the ideal fall/winter handbag at an affordable price, the search is over! This chic mini tote is lightweight, vegan, and surprisingly roomy, with a sleek silhouette that works beautifully with everything from casual everyday outfits to dressier holiday looks. It’s stylish, practical, and such a great way to elevate your wardrobe without overspending.

I hope you feel SO in the KNOW going into the holiday season! Sharing the things I’m discovering and loving always feels like chatting with you over coffee! Did you learn something today? Did you find something new to try? Let me know in the comments if you learned something new or you plan to try any of my recommendations, okay?