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

It’s January, and in most parts of the country right now, it’s COLD! We had snow ❄️in Dallas this week, which sent everyone into a frenzy! If you’re like me, you’re taking a deep breath after the busyness of the holidays and taking a fresh look at life–from your wellness to your wardrobe (and everything in between) right now!

We’re planning to downsize this year, so we’re starting to work on cleaning out and freshening up our home and thinking about where to move. We’ll stay in the area, but we’re ready to simplify! 🏡 It’s a season of change, for sure!

That said, I’ve learned a lot in my empty nest recently, and I’m excited to share it with you today. Here’s what I’m learning and loving in my empty nest lately. As always, click any pink text link or any of the collages for more information or to shop.

What I’m Learning

BMI Calculator

Determine your healthy weight using this handy online tool from AARP! How healthy is your weight? Doctors use BMI and other health indicators to assess your current health status and potential health risks. People with higher BMIs are more likely to develop chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and heart disease. This handy tool can tell you in broad terms if you’re underweight, a healthy weight, overweight, or obese based on your body mass index. Click HERE.

Luggage Tags: Dos & Don’ts

Did you know that in 2023, delayed bags made up 77 percent of all mishandled bags? Here’s what you can do:

• Attach a tag with your name, email, and phone number. International travelers should also include the address of their hotel or destination for easier redirection. If you’re using a written tag, consider slipping a temporary address card over your permanent one.
• Before check-in, snap a photo of your luggage and tags as proof in case of loss or damage. Avoid adding your home address to luggage tags—it’s unnecessary for airline contact and could leave your home vulnerable while you’re away.
• Opt for tags with security flaps or smart tags that store your info electronically. Track your bags with a smart tracker like Apple’s AirTag for extra peace of mind.

Do You Get Motion Sick?

I’ve had issues with motion sickness since I was little. Sadly, it is seriously interfering with my ability to use my cell phone in the car!📲 (Alert the authorities!🤣) Seriously, though, if you know anything about motion sickness, you know it happens when what your eyes see doesn’t match what your body feels. 

Thankfully, the latest iPhone update (for iOS 18 and iPad OS 18) has added a feature that adds animated dots to the edges of your phone screen to reflect your vehicle’s movement in real-time. This reduces the sensory confusion that leads to motion sickness! 🙌 Here’s how to enable it:

1. Double-check that your phone is updated with the iOS 18 update. (Settings>General>Software Update) If it’s not, then install it! If it is, then proceed with the next steps.
2. Open Settings
3. Tap Accessibility
4. Tap Motion
5. Tap Show Vehicle Motion Cues
6. Choose Automatic to activate the feature automatically when the iPhone detects vehicle motion.

Free Things You Can Do to Make You Healthier

I hope you checked out my recent post on 10 Small Steps for Big Change? You don’t have to make sweeping resolutions that are too hard to continue. Just take a few small steps in the right direction! It doesn’t have to cost a lot. Here are just a few things that are good for you that don’t cost anything at all.

• Going on a walk
• Minimizing screen time before bed
• Drinking less alcohol (will actually save money)
• Eating less (also a money-saver)
• Sleep more
• Spend time with friends

You’ve got this!

What I’m Loving

1. Heart Cropped Puffer

I love Valentine-themed clothing—in fact, we’ll be sharing lots with you next week—and when I saw this darling gingham puffer, I audibly gasped! I love that it can be worn with an all-black column (top and pants) underneath, which you probably already have in your wardrobe! Of course, I ordered it in red gingham instead of black because I’m a little extra that way! 🤣❤️ It fits TTS, and the drawstring waistband makes it customizable and gives it shape! SO cute, y’all!

2. Cool Mist Humidifier

If the dry winter air has you waking up in the mornings with a dry mouth, a scratchy throat, and super-dry lips and skin, this cool mist humidifier can help! I’ve owned it for 3 years now, and I use it year-round! (A/C can dry out the air too!) In fact, recently, I recommended it to Beth, and she noticed a difference after the first night!

3. Shoe Washing Bag

Game-changer! This machine-washing shoe bag is the fix for your dirty sneakers! I cannot tell you what a difference it made on my white Asics! (Yes, I should have taken a before/after photo. Forgot. Sorry!) Thanks to the plastic shoe trees you insert prior to washing, your shoes won’t lose their shape, and the soft chenille shoe bag gently scrubs your them clean. Watch the how-to video HERE. So good!

4. Affordable Lash/Brow Serum

Lash serums really do help with lash (and brow) growth, but it’s hard to know which one is best, and they’re all so expensive. Enter The Ordinary, a skincare brand that puts science and transparency front and center. Their mission is to “democratize skincare by providing quality, effective products at honest prices.” Their products are made from simple formulations that are clinically tested, vegan, cruelty-free, fragrance-free, and essential oil-free. Their skincare products are ingredient-focused, and they provide science-based information about them. Most of their skincare products are under $20! I’ve been using several of their products and have been really impressed! This lash & brow serum is just one of them! You can check out other products and learn more about the brand HERE.

5. LED Light Up Gel Heart Candle

Looking for a unique and well-priced Valentine’s gift? Check out this fun light-up gel candle! It features a 14-hour burn time and a gel design with LED lights that make it glow beautifully when lit. This is such a fun gift for an adult kid or sister, or BFF! It comes in a Sugared Watermelon scent with a light-up heart ❤️ or a Strawberry Shortcake scent with light-up lips👄!

6. Rechargeable Electric Laundry Detergent Dispenser

True confessions…I love to do laundry! There’s just something about putting it in dirty and getting it out clean, sweet-smelling, and fresh! I find it so satisfying! Anyone else? The one part I don’t like? The messiness of pouring the liquid detergent in. It always seems to spill on either my hand or the bottle as I try to get the top back on.

When I saw this genius rechargeable electric laundry detergent dispenser, I immediately added it to my cart. It comes with a charging cord, a cup, and a dispenser stand to put the cup on. You attach it to your detergent bottle and touch the button corresponding to the size of the load you’re doing. Then voilà! The perfect amount of detergent is dispensed mess-free! Brilliant!

7. “Mocha Mousse” Nail Polish

By now, I’m sure you’ve heard that Mocha Mousse is Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2025. That means you’ll start seeing this color everywhere! Think clothing, housewares, beauty, and more. (We’re working on a post about how to wear it, so look for that in the coming weeks!) I think it’s a fresh, chic neutral to pair with any color you can imagine! Not sure about it? Wanna try it out? Check out THIS nail polish from Essie and THIS one from OPI.🤎 Both dry in about a minute, so you can polish and go!💅

8. Necklace Jewelry Roll

You probably already own a travel jewelry case you love (code SUZY10 for 10% off). You might even own a travel bracelet case you love. (I own both!) But if you’re like me, necklaces can be a real problem when you travel. The last thing I want to do when I arrive at my destination is sit and untangle my necklaces, but it almost always happens.🙄 When I found this necklace jewelry roll, I did a little happy dance! If you’re traveling this spring or summer, now’s the time to get ready and update your travel accessories!

9. Silicone Muffin Pan

When baking cupcakes for our family’s annual birthday party for Jesus, I realized my muffin tins were a big ole’ mess. I went to Walmart, planning to get an aluminum replacement, but when I stumbled upon this silicone muffin pan, I snatched it up immediately! Because it’s silicone, there’s no need to use paper muffin cups, and clean-up is a breeze right in the sink. I’m obsessed with the entire line. (I may or may not have already purchased THESE pink heart-shaped muffin pans for Valentine’s!)

10. 101 Ways to Say Thank You

Sometimes, just saying “thank you” doesn’t seem adequate! My friend Steph, owner of Joy Creative Shop (and thank you note writer extraordinaire), turned me on to this book, and I love it. It’s filled with practical, creative advice (and even a Thank You Thesaurus full of superlatives and fresh ways to express gratitude!) to help you craft the perfect thank you note (or email or text). This one’s a keeper, y’all, and would make a great gift for yourself or a bride-to-be.

11. Couch/Bed Cupholder Tray

If you like to keep your drinks and snacks close when you watch your shows, this waterproof, no-slip, no-spill cup and snack holder for your couch or bed is a lifesaver! (I’m giving this to Bob for Valentine’s Day because we love to watch TV in bed!) It has spots for your remote, canned drinks, snacks, and even a mug! It’s also got a 360° rotatable stand where you can attach your phone 📱 or tablet. So cool, right?

12. Striped Shirtdress

Anyone already thinking of spring fashion? If you’re heading to a tropical 🌴climate this spring, you live in Arizona (!), or you just love the warm weather like I do, you’re probably already thinking of sun and spring fashion! When I stumbled upon this darling shirtdress, I immediately ordered it in green (it also comes in purple)! A shirtdress is universally flattering! It’s easy to dress up or down and perfect for everything from a day at the zoo with the grandkids (with sneakers) to a Board or business meeting (with ballet flats, wedges, or kitten heels).

I hope you feel SO in the KNOW after reading this post! I love putting together this post for you, and I know it’s one of your favorites, too! If you found it helpful and you love ENB, would you consider sharing Empty Nest Blessed with your friends and family? It’s truly the nicest compliment you can give me! Since Google started sharing AI answers to questions instead of links to brands or blogs, Content Creators like me have seen a dramatic drop in traffic. Your support means the world to me, and it’s more important than ever!

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Coming next week, we’re all about Valentine’s Day, with lots of styles, gifts, and even a post about how to keep flirting in the empty nest! ❌⭕❌⭕