Things I Actually Recommend
The honest stuff I use and I’d share with my mates, as a forty-something, slightly unhinged mum navigating midlife, teenagers, hormones and a brain that is at it’s own rave.
Because no-one has the time for Bullsh*t!
I get asked a lot what’s actually helping me as a forty-two year old millennial menopausal mum, who is; parenting teenagers, juggling the mental load, struggles with sleep and keeping my hormones less wild.
So i’m sharing the things I genuinely do use here, without pretending I’ve got my life figured out! No miracle cures, no bullsh*t, no trends, just stuff I buy time and time again to make me feel vaguely human.
Written like I’m texting my mates, because who’s got the time for a thousand words before you tell me the product?
Honesty Note:
Some but not all of the links on this page are affiliate links inc. Amazon associate. This means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
However I’ll never recommend anything I wouldn’t buy myself or tell a friend about over a cuppa.
Menopause & Midlife
When the hormones and body start doing weird things without asking permission, it can feel overwhelming and we go seeking the shelves. Please don’t be fooled by ‘menopause marketing’, research for your own body/needs and give things time to see if you notice an improvement! Here’s my top choices to get you started:
Nutrition Geeks Magnesium 3 in 1 Complex (Amazon Link)
Serving you this for sleep, hot flushes and feeling more energised. I didn’t believe it myself at first, but Magnesium is the ‘Goat’ of supplements.
Facial Hair Trimmer by Ifanzetech (Amazon Link)
Chin hairs and face fuzz be gone. Possibly the best stocking filler ever…shhh don’t tell my husband, he still thinks i’m pissed at him for insinuating I have a beard. Well I don’t now!
NATURDAO Plus DAO Enzyme (Amazon Link)
WTF is that you ask? Without the science chat - decreasing Estrogen can cause histamine chaos, think sudden allergies or ‘Why can’t I drink the wine anymore?” This keeps my digestive system in check, symptoms decreased and a must for Hayfever girlies.
WillPowders Bovine Collagen Powder
The No.1 Q, everyone asks me…”which Collagen?” This Improves my skin, hair and joint pain. No weird taste, mixes into smoothies/food and it doesn’t give me ‘collagen bloat’.
No bullsh*t, I can honestly say this is one of the best things I’ve ever been gifted, I LOVE it. Temperature regulating, Bamboo fibres, looks great and makes me feel super comfy when tackling night sweats
Purology Shampoo & Conditioner (Amazon Link)
More healthy hair on my head and less on my chin please! It’s sulphate free, a little goes a long way and I’ve been using it for years. The End.
Yes, I’m gonna say it…”Dry Vaginas!”. Keeps mine less parched, helping with dryness to atrophy and although i’ve included the link you can request this from your GP on Prescription!
My Book! My Menopause, My Journal, My Rules
I‘m proud of it, so I’m shouting about it! Packed full of info, tips, laughs and rages - all so you don’t feel so alone. And if you were my mate, I’d say why haven’t you bought a copy yet?!
Making My Mind Feel Less Unhinged
Mix hormonal changes, Anxiety, ADHD, raising teens and work stress… arrrrgh! Here are some things that keep my husband alive and me out of prison!
OLESILK Silk Sleep Mask (Amazon Link)
Wrapping this beaut around my sensory overloaded head and i’m soothed into sleep. Also helps when migraines kick off but doesn’t stop snoring partners…sorry!
Thousands of meditations, music, soundscapes, talks and courses, from two minutes to hours. It’s free, with options to pay specific creatives. My daily go to, especially for sleep and focus.
Bullet Journals
I’m not exaggerating, journalling saved me! No wrong or right way…just spill the beans. The Papier Bullet Journal is my fav, their designs, the quality, the personalisation, I’m in love. But if you want something less pricey to start, i’ve used the EMSHOI A5 Notebook Dotted Journal (Amazon link) , beautiful colours, quality pages, boom!
Keeping Teenagers Alive!
Stuff that’s helping me keep the teenagers less feral, fuelled and functional being neuro-spicy.
Revision Flash Cards (Amazon Link)
Is it even GCSE season if these aren’t all over their floor? Helping mine organise their notes, memory and because these are held together with rings, there’s slightly less mess.
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder (Amazon Link)
My gym going, rugby pumping, 20 chickens a week teen loves this. says it tastes great, keeps him energised, fuelled, helping ‘the gains’. I get mine through Amazon as it’s the cheapest I’ve found.
Sivio Sherpa Fleece Weighted Blanket (Amazon Link)
A game changer for my autistic teen, who struggles with sleep but also wants something that balances sensory and the aesthetic of her uni halls!
Shizzle I’m Currently Obsessed With…
Just the stuff I love or am currently hyper-fixating over; brands, nostalgic finds, or a things that are making me smile right now…
BAG OF SHITE/SHIT TOTE - By House of Neon
I adore this bag. Mine’s leopard and orange but you can choose and personalise. There’s not a time I don’t get asked where this is from when I’m out and I love the ethos of the girls that run this brand.
Erborian BB Cream With Ginseng (Amazon Link)
Having a teen girl, I had no choice but to bring Korean skincare into my home, but wow this product. Makes my skin feel and look healthy, feels like silk and a little goes a long way. I wear shade Nude.
Heather Shimmer Lipstick by Rimmel
Shut the front door…it’s back! Not me in my mirror re-living the 90’s with this classic. Now all I need is a poster of Damon Albarn to kiss!
Capturing my heart, having lost our nephew aged 14yrs to suicide, this website was founded by Ben West, in memory of his little brother Sam, who took his own life in 2018. Thousands of teenagers are dying of suicide, but this is a place where they can visit in the moment, to read a letter, written by a stranger. Those words might just allow them to take a moment in their thoughts - a moment to choose to stay.
I’ve written my letter, it’s really just a note from the heart to reach another…I urge you to go and visit and do the same.
So for now that’s it…and if you’ve got this far I applaud you!
Over and out
V x