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

If you’re like me, you can almost taste summer! We just got back from a cruise to the Lesser Antilles and the British Virgin Islands, and it got me all fired up for summer! See my Empty Nesters Guide to Cruising HERE and follow our cruise day by day by clicking the round CRUISE highlight button on my Instagram Profile page. (Be sure to click the “FOLLOW” button while you’re there!) See all of my cruise outfits HERE and all of my Amazon Cruise Must-Haves HERE.

April’s SO in the KNOW is all about getting you ready to get out there for summer! From fresh beauty finds (currently on sale!) and a darling summer dress to health and wellness helpers, I’m helping you prep for the warmer months with confidence and sass! And along the way, of course, I’m giving you lots of great info that you can share with friends and family. (Because sharing Empty Nest Blessed is the kindest thing you can do for me!)

Let’s get you SO in the KNOW, shall we?

What I’m Learning

Lots of good health info this month and a fun Amazon fashion find for grandmas!

The Best Times to Eat (and How Much)

It turns out that certain times to eat are better than others!

1. When you eat may actually matter more than how often you eat, with earlier meals supporting better metabolic health.
2. There’s strong evidence that front-loading your calories, think a bigger breakfast and lunch and lighter evenings, works especially well as insulin sensitivity naturally decreases with age.
3. A simple approach, like a 13- to 14-hour overnight fast, can offer real health benefits, and it’s often much easier to stick with than more extreme fasting routines.

Read the full article HERE.

Fave Recent Amazon Find

Ever heard of Sofia Richie (Grainge)? She’s the daughter of Lionel Ritchie, famous for her hilarious fish-out-of-water show The Simple Life (2003-2007) with BFF Paris Hilton. Since then, she’s made a name for herself as a women’s and children’s fashion designer, and I love her designs. Recently, she partnered with Amazon Essentials to offer a range of affordable, high-quality designs. They look WAY more expensive than they are! From cozy women’s PJs, to baby bubbles, toddler dresses, toddler boys shirts and short sets, and even darling children’s raincoats, this is a collection worth checking out. (Especially if you’re a grandmother who loves to buy for her grandbabies!) I bought THIS adorable coat for my 3-year-old granddaughter at Christmas, and it looks SO high-end! Check out the entire collection HERE.

Eight Things a Longevity Expert Does Every Day

Dr. Eric Topal (age 71), longevity expert, cardiologist, and author of the book Super Agers: An Evidence-Based Approach to Longevity, does five things every day to stay healthy:

1. He eats an anti-inflammatory diet, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, olive oil, poultry and seafood. He’s big on blueberries, yogurt, and walnuts as well as low-sugar granola, almonds, and salads with carrots, tomatoes, and various greens. He’s not a proponent of red meat and hasn’t had it in about 45 years.
2. He stays up to date on vaccines, citing a 2025 report that shows the shingles vaccine lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease and dementia in those over 50.
3. He avoids ultra-processed foods as well as excess salt, sugar, artificial sweeteners and other additives.
4. He doesn’t take any supplements because he’s “waiting for the data to prove that they’re helpful.” He says the “evidence is just not there.”
5. He says exercise is his biggest daily priority, calling it the “single most effective medical intervention known.” He works out five days a week at home, doing a rigorous 30-minute indoor bike ride, and also adds planks, sit-ups, balance training, jumping rope, kettlebells, dumbbells, and resistance bands. He says he doesn’t aim for perfection and is not trying to “get to the next level.” He’s found what works for him, and he sticks with it faithfully.
6. He prioritizes sleep. “The data on the importance of sleep is so striking,” he says. He uses an Oura Ring (Beth & I are both big fans!) to help him track his sleep quality, aiming to maximize time in deep sleep.
7. He spends time in nature. He says the evidence shows how beneficial time outside can be. They include better sleep, reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, improved cognitive function, enhanced immunity, reduced stress, reduced depression, and lower blood pressure.
8. He stays connected with friends and family. Research conclusively links social isolation and loneliness to dementia and heart disease. He says it matters who you hang out with, though, with negative relationships accelerating aging and inflammation.

Check out Dr. Topal’s book Super Agers: An Evidence-Based Approach to Longevity HERE. I loved it, and it made a real difference in the choices I made on a daily basis!

What I’m Loving

1. Universally Flattering Under $30 Dress

This is one of those rare dresses that just works on everyone. The fit is incredibly flattering, the fabric drapes beautifully, and at under $30, it almost feels like a mistake in the best way! I already own it in three colors (because once you find a good thing…), and even Beth grabbed one too. It’s the kind of easy, throw-on-and-go dress that makes you feel pulled together with zero effort. Truly, a must-have for summer!

Beth wore this dress when vacationing in Cabo! And Randy wanted to make sure we mentioned his outfit 😀Short Sleeve Perfect Length Button Down Shirt | Columbia Shorts

2. Natural GLP-1 Boost

This product has been getting a lot of buzz lately, and after hearing such strong feedback from friends I trust, even though I haven’t tried it, I had to share it with you. SeroVital Slim Sips are designed to naturally boost GLP-1—the hormone tied to appetite and metabolism—helping curb cravings, support weight management, and provide steady, long-lasting energy. With ingredients like yerba maté, coffee bean, and antioxidants from 19 sources—and no added sugar or artificial ingredients—it’s an easy, mix-in-your-water option if you’re looking for a simple way to support your metabolism throughout the day.

3. Chic Jumpsuit

If you love the look of a jumpsuit but hate the usual hassle, this one is such a smart upgrade. It has a relaxed, wide-leg fit in a soft, stretchy fabric that’s breathable, lightweight, and incredibly comfortable, with a sporty mockneck and subtle striped detail that give it a current feel. The best part? It’s designed to make bathroom breaks easy (finally!) and has pockets, working for everything from travel days to casual outings—one of those pieces that looks pulled together but feels like loungewear.

4. Oura Ring

Okay, I get it now… I’ve officially become one of those people who talks about her Oura Ring 4, and I’m not even sorry! haha It tracks over 50 health metrics—everything from sleep and activity to stress and heart health—and the insights are honestly fascinating. It’s lightweight, comfortable enough to wear 24/7, and the battery lasts up to 8 days, so you can just live your life while it quietly gathers the data. I’ve learned so much about how my body responds to things like sleep, movement, and even stress, and it’s helping me make better, more intentional choices without overthinking. This has been a game-changer for me.

5. Top-Rated Air Purifier

This is the exact air purifier we use at home—and loved it enough to add one to our loft in Waco too. The Blueair Blue Pure 511i Max quietly cleans the air in small spaces (like bedrooms and home offices) in surprisingly little time, capturing 99.97% of particles like dust, pollen, smoke, and pet dander. I especially love that it’s whisper-quiet for sleeping and automatically adjusts based on air quality, so you don’t have to think about it. And with more research pointing to the connection between clean air and better overall health—including studies suggesting HEPA filters may even help lower blood pressure—it just feels like a really smart thing to have in your home.

Read the research HERE.

6. Cute Comfort Sandals

I held out on the chunky sandal trend for as long as I could… but these completely changed my mind. The soft pink is so pretty, and the design is actually incredibly flattering thanks to that diagonal strap across the foot. What really surprised me, though, is how comfortable they are—the cork footbed gives great support, the adjustable straps help you get a perfect fit, and the sole feels stable and secure for all-day wear. They’re that rare mix of cute and practical, which makes them easy to keep reaching for.

7. Innovative Candle

This is one of those ideas that makes you stop and say, “wait… that’s so smart!” Foton candle pearls let you turn any container into a custom candle—just pour in the wax beads, add a wick, and light it. They only melt around the wick (so they’re easy to refresh and even self-extinguish if tipped), which makes them as practical as they are pretty. I’m especially loving the Bougie Berry scent right now—it’s that perfect blend of fresh strawberries and blueberries with a soft, creamy note —and the deep navy color adds a rich, cozy touch to any space. It’s also such a thoughtful, unique gift idea for Mother’s Day—something she likely doesn’t already have, but will absolutely love.

8. Anti-Hot Flash Setting Spray

Okay, this is one of those “where has this been all my life?” products! This anti-hot flash setting spray is designed to keep your makeup in place for up to 18 hours—even through heat, humidity, and those moments. The ultra-fine mist dries down to a soft, velvety finish that feels light (never tight), which is especially nice on mature skin. And the results are impressive—nearly every woman in testing said it kept their makeup looking fresh and prevented smudging… which means less checking the mirror and more just going about your day feeling put together. I love it!

9. Sensitive Lash Serum

If you’ve ever tried a lash serum and immediately regretted it because of eye burning and stinging … this one is a completely different experience. (Hooray!) It’s made for sensitive eyes, with soothing ingredients like chamomile and green tea, but still does the work thanks to a peptide complex that helps lashes look longer and fuller. I also love that it skips the harsher ingredients that tend to cause irritation, so you’re not dealing with redness while trying to grow your lashes—which, let’s be honest, defeats the whole purpose!

10. Illuminated, Tinted Eye Cream

If your under-eyes have been looking a little tired lately, this illuminated, tinted eye cream is such a good little helper. It hydrates with hyaluronic acid, helps reduce puffiness with caffeine, and has soft peachy pigments that instantly brighten and cancel out that blue-ish darkness. The finish is really natural and glowy—not heavy or makeup-y—so you can wear it on its own or under concealer and just look more awake and refreshed.

11. Fun Summer Read

If you’re in the mood for a fun, feel-good summer read, this brand-new clean romance by Becca Kinzer—one of my very favorite authors—is such a good one to escape into. It’s set around a charming bed and breakfast just outside Nashville, with all the cozy small-town vibes, and weaves together themes of resilience, adoption, sisterhood, and those complicated family dynamics we all recognize. It’s also genuinely hilarious, with the best opposites-attract chemistry and that second-chance, fresh-start feel that makes it hard to put down.

12. Screen Cleaner Spray

If you’re as tired as I am of those little screen cleaning cloths that just smear everything around, you’re going to love this. It actually removes fingerprints, dust, and grime and leaves your screens clear and streak-free—not cloudy. I use it on everything from my phone to my laptop to our TVs, and I love that it’s gentle, non-toxic, and safe to use around the house. It comes with the spray and a good microfiber cloth, so you have everything you need in one simple kit.

13. Overbed Desk

We have these overbed desks, and I’m telling you… we use them all the time. The height adjusts with one hand (no bending, no fussing), and it rolls exactly where you want it, then tucks right out of the way. I use mine for laptop time, reading, and yes… the occasional in-bed snack situation! It’s sturdy, the size is just right, and it doesn’t feel bulky or in the way. It’s one of those things that just makes life a little easier—and a little more fun.

14. My Book – NOW in Paperback!

It still feels a little surreal to say this… my book is finally out in paperback—and thanks to you, it’s a bestseller! I’m so grateful I can hardly stand it, y’all! This under-$20 paperback version is perfect for book clubs, Bible studies, and it’s especially ideal for church, university, and local bookstores. And if you’re looking for a gift, thefull-color hardback is actually $5 less on my website than on Amazon, making it a pretty and happy little option for gifting. However you choose to read it (or gift it!), I hope it’s an encouragement to you, lifts you up, and blesses you right where you are in this season.

Do you feel SO in the KNOW? I love knowing the scoop, don’t you? And then spilling the tea to you is so much fun for me! Let me know in the comments what you learned and loved in today’s post, okay!