So in the Know | What I’m Learning & Loving in my Empty Nest in July

One of the things I love about the empty nest is that no two months look exactly alike! Some are wonderfully quiet, while others are packed with projects, travel, work, and time with people you love. This month definitely fell into the second category! I spent a day modeling for a local Dallas business, where I picked up lots of makeup tips from Tina the Makeup Artist (who does the makeup for Kelli and Judy on Netflix’s America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders), made lots of decisions for our new home, escaped to Park City for a long weekend with dear friends, and answered lots of questions from parents entering the empty nest. Those conversations reminded me how many parents are looking for encouragement and practical guidance during this transition, which is exactly why I wrote Empty Nest Blessed: 60 Days to Finding Joy in the Empty Nest.

As always, click any pink links or collage for more information or to shop.

This month’s edition is filled with some of the things I’ve been learning and loving along the way. I hope you discover something that makes life a little easier, a little more beautiful, or simply makes you smile. As always, click any item in the collages or any pink link for more information or to shop.

What I’m Learning

One of my favorite things about putting together SO in the KNOW is sharing those little discoveries that make me think, “That’s good to know!” Here are a few interesting things I learned this month that I thought were worth passing along.

Free Trees! Yes, Really!

Did you know you can get 10 free trees for your yard? 🌳 The Arbor Day Foundation will send you 10 native tree seedlings selected specifically for your area when you complete a short survey and make a small donation (typically $5 or $10) to support their tree-planting mission.

Here’s how it works:

1. Visit the Arbor Day Foundation Survey page
2. Enter your zip code.
3. Answer a few quick questions.
4. Make your donation.
5. Provide your shipping information. Your seedlings, usually 6 to 12 inches tall, will arrive at the ideal planting time for your region, ready to plant and enjoy.

A Tiny Upgrade That Pays You Back

If you’ve been in your home for years, there’s a good chance you’re still using the original showerhead. Swapping it for a WaterSense-certified model is easy; most people can install it in just a few minutes.

Even if your household is smaller these days, you’ll still save water and money. The EPA estimates the average family saves about 2,700 gallons of water and around $70 a year by making the switch. HERE’S an affordable Amazon option if you’re ready for one of the easiest home upgrades you’ll ever make.

If I were replacing my showerhead today, this is the one I’d order. The Moen Engage Magnetix handheld showerhead is WaterSense certified, so it uses less water without sacrificing pressure. It features six spray settings, a flexible hose, and a magnetic dock that snaps the showerhead back into place with almost no effort. It’s also designed for easy DIY installation, making it a simple upgrade that can give your bathroom a more modern, spa-like feel in just a few minutes.

My “Makeup Lesson”

As I mentioned in the intro, earlier this month I modeled for a local Dallas business, where I had the privilege of having my makeup done by the renowned Tina the Makeup Artist. She does the makeup for Kelli Finglass, Director of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, and Judy Trammell, the team’s Head Choreographer, on Netflix’s America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.

I had the BEST time with Tina and absolutely peppered her with questions! She generously explained every product she used and why she chose it. I especially loved her philosophy that it doesn’t matter whether a product is expensive or inexpensive. She’s simply looking for what works. Amen, sister! I snapped lots of photos, filled my phone with notes, and, naturally, came home and ordered almost everything! 😂 I’m sharing several of her recommendations below.

What I’m Loving

This month’s favorites are a fun mix! Some came from chatting with an incredibly talented makeup artist, others were inspired by our home remodel, and a few are simply products that have made life a little easier lately. I hope you discover a new favorite or two!

1. Crop Faux Leather Jacket (From the NSale!)

Despite what you might think, I’m super-picky about what I purchase in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! This year, I fell hard for this crop jacket. The ruffle trim and of-the-moment cropped length stole my heart, and the great price sealed the deal! Click through HERE for a close-up view of the detailing!

2. Dual-Sided Cream Contour Stick

Tina used this dual-ended contour stick on me during my modeling shoot, and I immediately understood why she likes it! One end adds soft definition, while the other highlights, making it easy to create natural-looking dimension without a lot of fuss. The creamy formula blends beautifully, doesn’t feel greasy, and lasts all day. Whether you’re new to contouring or just want a quick, foolproof option, this little stick makes it surprisingly easy. Click HERE to see the available shades. She blended it all in with these two angled brushes, using the larger brush for the larger areas and the smaller brush for the smaller areas.

3. Retinol Hand Cream

I’ve been using this overnight hand treatment for about a year, and it’s become a staple on my nightstand. I love that it contains retinol to help improve the appearance of aging hands, yet it’s gentle enough that it doesn’t irritate my skin. The pretty airless pump dispenses just the right amount every time, so there’s no waste, and I wake up to softer hands, healthier-looking cuticles, and stronger nails. It’s definitely improved the way my hands look. It worked slowly, but surely, fading age spots and reducing wrinkles. Now I just buy the refill pods!

4. Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder

Tina used this finishing powder on me during my modeling shoot, and I was amazed at how beautifully it blurred my skin without looking heavy or cakey. It helps minimize shine, softens the look of pores and fine lines, and leaves behind a smooth, soft-focus finish that still looks like real skin. You can dust it over foundation to set your makeup or keep it in your purse for quick touch-ups throughout the day.

5. Chocolate Brown Sneakers

If you read my post on the fall trends from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, you know espresso brown is going to be one of the biggest colors of the season. These affordable retro-inspired sneakers are an easy way to add the trend to your wardrobe without spending a fortune. They’re comfortable right out of the box, have a cushioned insole, and look just as cute with jeans as they do with dresses and skirts.

6. Quick-Dry Makeup Setting Spray

L’Oreal Paris Setting Spray | Personalized Grandma Necklace | Beautiful-Quality Amazon Dress

Tina introduced me to this setting spray during my modeling shoot, and I was blown away! Unlike other setting sprays that leave my face soaking wet, this ultra-fine mist from L’Oreal Paris goes on almost dry and sets in about three seconds. It helps keep your makeup looking fresh all day without feeling sticky or heavy, making it perfect for hot summer days, special occasions, or anytime you want your makeup to stay put.

7. Flirty Feet Exfoliating Spray

If your feet could use a little TLC, this affordable foot spray delivers salon-worthy results at home in just a few minutes. Simply spray it onto clean, dry feet, gently rub away the dead skin, and rinse. It’s incredibly satisfying (!) to use and leaves my feet feeling noticeably softer and smoother. With more than 50 applications per bottle, it’s an easy, budget-friendly way to keep your feet sandal-ready all season long.

8. Toothbrush Wall Chargers

If you have an Oral-B electric toothbrush, you’ve probably noticed two things: it seems to take forever to charge, and it’s almost impossible to keep standing up while it does! This direct plug-in charger solves the second problem beautifully by keeping your toothbrush upright and off your countertop while it charges. Since it comes in a two-pack, Bob and I each have one. Be sure to get the right one for your specific toothbrush model! For Sonicare electric toothbrushes, click HERE.

9. Waterproof Gel Eye Pencil

Tina is a big fan of the “tight line” technique, where you apply eyeliner to your upper waterline and between the roots of your lashes instead of above them. It looks natural, and creates the illusion of naturally darker, thicker, fuller lashes without an obvious line of eyeliner. This waterproof pencil was her favorite for the technique because it glides on smoothly and stays put all day. I wear contacts, and it didn’t budge and bother them like I was afraid it would! This one is a winner.

10. The Style Advantage: I Say What HR Can’t by Elisa Ellis

I highly recommend this book by my friend, corporate stylist Elisa Ellis (@stylishcurvygirl on Instagram). While it’s packed with practical advice for professionals who want to strengthen their personal brand, I think it’s also incredibly valuable for empty nesters as we navigate changing bodies, evolving lifestyles, and wardrobes that need to reflect this new season of life. Elisa shares practical, confidence-building strategies for creating a wardrobe that truly works for you. It would also make a thoughtful gift for a daughter who’s just beginning her career or looking to grow professionally.

11. Arm Sculpting Compound

I love wearing sleeveless dresses, so I’m always on the lookout for products that help my upper arms look their best. (Let’s be honest…those upper arms can be so tricky! 😊) This lightweight serum is designed to visibly firm, smooth, and improve the appearance of crepey skin while supporting elasticity and collagen. I apply it regularly to my upper arms, and you can even use it on the backs of your hands or anywhere you’d like firmer-looking skin.

12. Classy Trash Can Liners (aka Doilies!)

Okay, this one is a little silly, but it’s one of those tiny upgrades that makes me smile every day! A friend of mine lines the bottoms of her bathroom waste baskets with pretty paper doilies, and I thought it was the cutest idea. I already had some on hand for serving cakes and cookies, so I came home and copied her immediately! It’s an inexpensive little touch that makes even a trash can feel a bit more polished.

13. Gingham PJs

I’m always on the lookout for cute, modest pajamas that I feel comfortable wearing around family when we’re traveling or sharing a vacation house. These darling gingham PJs come in lots of fun colors and make me feel so girly! I’ll be honest, they felt a little crisp right out of the package, but after a couple of washes they softened up beautifully. And let’s be real…our twenty-something daughters would probably wear these out to brunch, but I’m happily keeping mine as house-only pajamas! 😄

I hope you discovered something new this month! If you end up trying any of these products, tips, or ideas, I’d love to hear what you think. Here’s to making the empty nest a little easier, a little more beautiful, and a little more joyful. Until next month!