The Road To 50
I turned 50 yesterday! As I shared last week, I tend to not make a big fuss over my actual birthday. Birthdays feel like they come with the same pressure to “have some fun, darn it!” as New Year’s Eve, so I shy away from big plans. But that doesn’t mean I don’t want to honor the occasion. 50 is a big deal! So I’ve been thoroughly enjoying a comfortable and cozy celebration with a few friends who flew in for the occasion, along with my husband who readily admits his love of hanging out with the girls (for his social science “research,” I suppose). For birthdays in the past, I’ve felt like waking up in a nice hotel surrounded by a beautiful setting or getting dressed and dolled up to go out for a long and decadent meal, but not this birthday. I’ve celebrated the approach to 50 since turning 49!
Over the last year I’ve been fortunate enough to have visited Morocco, Paris, Florence, Milan, London, NYC, Atlanta, Palm Springs, Knoxville, Rhode Island and Greenwood Lake. And if you count all the purchases I’ve made, well, I’ve been rather generous in treating myself to birthday gifts along the way. And the big one is yet to come: a new car which should arrive at the end of this month. So I’m pleased as punch to have a low-key birthday weekend with some loved ones. And cake. More specifically, pumpkin layer cake with cream cheese frosting and a caramel glaze that my friend Lara made for us. Wish I could serve all of you a slice!
For today’s blog, I thought I’d share a year in reflection – a brief summary of a few lessons, highlights and favorites I’ve had over the last year. And I’ll finish it off with what I intend to focus on, what I hope to accomplish, in my first year of the 50’s. Let’s dive in:
The Craziest Thing I Did
Speaking of diving, the craziest thing I did: Skydiving! It’s good to get out of your comfort zone once in a while. And folks? I assure you there’s no comfort in jumping out of an airplane! I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the free fall before the parachute opened. It was exhilarating, a feeling like no other! But would I like to do that many times a year? No, thank you.
What I Learned About Myself
The importance of travel. It fills me up and having done quite a bit over the last year, reminds me how essential it is to my soul. It’s always a bit uncomfortable and jarring to find yourself in foreign surroundings. But after experiencing different cultures, learning more about history, exploring new sights, marveling at architecture, and hearing different languages spoken and getting past all the differences, what stands out the most are the similarities in humankind.
We all care deeply about the same things, the same things make us smile, the same things make us sad and what I loved most is how proud people are to share their culture and community. It’s a beautiful thing.
The Best Meal I've Had
It would have to be at Chez L’Ami Louis in Paris where our order of fries was the size of a mountain – and they were magnifique! Also, the Cote d’Boeuf and other dishes just kept coming out. We almost needed a bigger table. It was a bit embarrassing, I must admit, as my husband and I ended up with enough food for eight people. Instead of blaming it on a mood for gluttony, could we agree to say it must have been due to the language barrier? Thank you for being so gracious.
New Practice(s)
Fitness, strength, flexibility, working out with a trainer and changing the way I eat. No big deal. Ok, it IS a big deal. It’s everything, actually, and I touch on more of that towards the end of this blog.
But over the last couple of years, I’ve started to feel frail which is unsettling. I want to change that; I want to feel strong. I’m now less than two months in and I already feel better – both physically and mentally.
Most Grateful For
Outside of my friends and family, this one is easy: that life’s twists and turns has ultimately led me here, doing what I love, and getting to do it with you. Thank you for joining me on this journey and being part of this great community.
I could share so much more (!) but I will say that I enjoyed the process of looking back and taking note of high points over the year. I may do this every year. Now looking ahead…
What I'd Like To Accomplish In My 50's (and beyond)
The overarching theme is really about staying positive and continuing on my health and fitness journey. I think it gets harder as we age. Thanks menopause. Thanks gravity. 😊 But I feel that achieving a level of success there sets us up to overcome life’s challenges and positions us to appreciate the present moment. For some, prioritizing a healthy lifestyle and continually showcasing discipline is second nature. For others (I’m raising my hand here), it’s not so easy. Many of you seemed to resonate with a recent video where I shared my lifelong struggles. Thank you for all the comments! Isn’t it nice to feel reassured we aren’t alone? I appreciate you sharing yourself with us.
So my birthday wish for this coming year is to acknowledge that some of the best things I can do for myself might be hard – BUT I’m going to do it anyway. I want to live a life with no regrets. That’s both a simple and lofty goal, but one worth pursuing. I look forward to welcoming every birthday and celebrating “this thing called life.” And I look forward to doing it with you.
Comments
Great looks … I’ve always loved the button down and tie look and these look so fresh.
My daughter has been a health weight loss journey and it’s been so hard for her, but , this time she hasn’t given up. I’m so proud. She lost 33 and needs to loose more. She eats these meals.Stir fry , Fahitas (sane ans you pretty much) etc. she can’t have dairy so she subs for it!! Way to go. Cooking at home can be fun, for her, she ate out alot. So , it’s rewarding now for her !! Way to go Michele. Proud of you
Aloha Michele, I whole heartedly agree with you and Lyst on naming Loewe top brand for this past three months!! Don’t you have a brown Loewe roll bag too, which I think is my absolute fave!!
It’s thanks to you Michele I now crave Loewe – such a mix of quality, wit materials. I’m leaning towards a Flamenco for the beauty of the leather and my anagram beanie is my favorite winter possession.
Wow!!! This is amazing. I just discovered that you had a blog Michele I’m so inspired by this; I have birthday this month but have procrastinated about doing things for myself and others to bring back balance and happiness into my life. I’m looking forward to your reading your blog.
Thanks so much Sheila!
How cool is this? I’ve been following you for years and I’ve never actually noticed this!! I mean, I absolutely knew you had a blog, but I did not know you were doing up updates like this. Really glad I saw the post and followed the link. I really enjoyed seeing these updates.
Thank you Cara! Thanks so much for reading the post! xoxo
Love, love, love this! Thank you for sharing your goals and progress. How very exciting to see progress in so many areas of your life. And yes, 12/10 for bucket list travel! About meals, a cookbook that makes meal planning as simple as it gets is called Clean Simple Eats. Such good food and amazing variety. My fav is Summer, but they are all amazing. I’m looking forward to more of your updates. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you so much for taking the time to read the post! I’ll look into Clean Simple Eats! xoxo
Would love a list of your favourite brushes for each step.
Fave Liquid Foundation Brush natural hairs
Fav eye blending brush
Etc…
Reading this post reminded me to take a little stretch break and look out the window to give my eyes a break from the computer screen! Reviewed my own reading list for the year as well. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Ashley! Taking breaks is so important and you’ve just reminded me to do the same! xoxo
I love this Michele! Not only are you honest and forthcoming,in the end you are soooo inspiring. I love this rating system and the writing down of real concise goals. Now that I have left my high intense Luxury retail job I can get on this program! I’m 64 and ready to learn, explore and give myself time to contemplate and live a more evolved mindset. Part of that for me has been my daily meditation ritual in the morning. For 30 minutes I sit still with a combine breathing Gua sha and eye exercise routine. I know it’s not the ordinary “meditation” mode but I’ve made it my own. It has really made a difference. I try not to look ahead at results but relish in the present state. This for me keeps me present though I know can be counter intuitive to the “goal” situation. It’s a balance. Sending you much inspo to reaching that pull-up! No pressure BUT!…I know you’re gonna do iT! xo Madelyn
Thank you so much Madelyn! Your message means so much to me ❤️
There is water bottle called hydrate spark that works with an app that lights up at the base of the bottle when it is time to drink water. It will keep track of your goal with the app.
Wow!! I’ll check that out. Thank you!
Hi Michele!! Love this post as I love most things having to do with Sephora 😉 I also really enjoy reading about makeup techniques you employ in the spring time. I made quite the Sephora purchases for the sale last night @midnight—one of which is the benefit brow wax, but the tinted version! Apparently it’s new, fyi. Have a great wknd🥰🥰
Michele, I love your site and all of the products that you share with us on YT. I wish that I could find some of the ballet flats in wide. Thanks for being so special.
Hi Michele! I love these fragrances for spring! I wanted to mention some recent finds that I’ve been enjoying. Vyrao Sun Rae is lovely, and each bottle contains a crystal that promotes the intent of the fragrance. They’re all nice, but Sun Rae is my favorite, and promotes joy and happiness. These are not powerhouse fragrances as far as longevity, but very enjoyable. I also tried Yuzu by Jo Malone, really fresh lemon scent – my husband was very complementary. It might layer well with grapefruit and is an excellent choice for spring/summer. Thank you for your hard work and great content!
Recipes are the one place I can really contribute! I’ve had a lot of success with the recipes on the site Fit Men Cook. If you’re OK with spicy (I add way less harissa than is in the recipe), these harissa meatballs are so easy and pack a ton of flavor. https://fitmencook.com/recipes/harissa-meatballs/
I’m curious about the Masterclass on personal style and look forward to you maybe sharing what you learn. I’ve been doing some deep diving on this topic the past couple of months as my weight loss finally settles and I feel ready to “invest” in my clothes again.
Thank you! Love spicy food! Good luck with your weight loss <3
Remember TO CELEBRATE THE SMALL WINS, OR ANY WIN !! where have I heard that before ? 😉🫶🏻love these letters , blogs , etc. it brings the month all together in a like bestie talk ! I like that. As you number your goals , keep the win higher ! Kisses
I love the ballet flats. I am hoping that I can find something in my size. I have very skinny feet and it’s hard to find shoes at all. But miracles do happen!! Thank you for all the travel vlogs. It is a great way for a non-traveler to see the world. It was beautiful and exciting. Can’t wait to see where you are going next. Hugs for Miss Butters!!
Michele, I appreciate these suggestions. I typically have some sort of lounge membership and a bunch of credit cards, but have balked at the $700 annual fee too. If I traveled these days the way I used to, I am sure it would be well worth it. Still, I do like to travel comfortably — I was never one of those youth hostel types. My standard hotels were the Ritz, George v, Excelsior, Hassler, Claridge, etc., so I truly like the way you do things. I hate to suffer and would rather stay home than travel too frugally. I am taking notes all the time from your blogs and vlogs as I think our esthetic is similar. Thanks again for all of it. 😊💖
Thank you Liz! I’m taking not of your list. xoxo
Thank you for an inspiring content, as always ❤️ I was curious about the purpose of the Masterclass. What does it mean? Studies?
Thank you! Masterclass is a website where you can sign up to have access to a classes taught by very successful people in the field.
I gushed in the youtube comments but will continue here – the foundation is a dream and pushed all my others aside. I’m 72, dry skin and very (very) fair yet I was able to find a shade that gives my skin life snd is flawless no matter how ling my day is. I also love the cleanser -it makes my skin look and feel so good which I’ve never said about a cleanser. I can’t wait for your reviews of the rest of the skincare.
I ordered the foundation this week! I’m 45, normal skin with a shiny t-zone. Fingers crossed! I don’t shop foundation frequently but couldn’t resist a new Prada product!!
Such lovely words and very well said. I can hear your love for the collection and Pharrell through your words. I also like the “damoflage”. As the daughter of a former military member, it brings back some good memories.
Love what you chose!
Did you see that LV & Pharrell have invited an indigenous person to collaborate with them for a collection? I’m sorry, their name has slipped my mind. I’m so excited to see what they come up with.
What a wonderful essay Michele — your joy in the video in your new Pharrell’s is so well matched by the discussion of his influence and genius Thank you!
That show was it in Honk Kong. Wow. And then the drones at the end. Holy cool. I would love a piece of it. Sadly I can’t , but I’ll live thru you. I love it. Saw some pieces I would love to own. Even a trunk purse
I am looking to get into murder mysteries since my goal is to read for fun again. What murder mystery books or series do you recommend for a newbie?
If you’re interested in a Victorian era series, my favorite is from Charles Finch which are the Charles Lenox mysteries.
Hola Michele!! Feliz inicio de año!! Love your vlog!! Thank you for the nice and interesting 2023 videos, news and recommendations!! Wish you the best for this 2024!! Love and hugs from Austria!! Gracias!!!
I love that you made a goal on ONE pull up. Those are the goals I like. I never spend on myself really for “nicer” things. I can’t go and buy luxury purses or clothes which I would love. Just can’t happen. Sadly. But , I will be spending on skincare. La mer (my wish list) and a nice pair of shoes or boots. Those will be my luxury items. As for goals. Mine is plainly “MOVE” my body. Just walk ! Thank you for a wonderful 2023 (and past ) can’t wait for 2024. Also that vlog of your trip. So fun Xo
Always such a treat to see your newsletter and blog appear, especially as we start the year. Your choice to make wellbeing a priority is helping me stay on track for my journey — now if I could just get better at updating my hobonichi!
Happy New Year!
Thank you so much Christina – HNY!!
Hello Michele and Happy 2024! I am subscribed to your YouYube, IG and newsletter! I love everything that you are about and embody! =-) Here’s to an amazing year of the 50s to you. Would you be able to share the name of your trainer?
Hi! Yes – his handle is @truehulkfitness on Instagram, where you can contact him. And his name is Nathan. Thank you!
I saw that bag and I knew it would be one you would love. I also saw a blazer and the jacket. It’s funny. I know you and when I saw her release. I’m like. “Yup Michele “ 😊😊💋
Ha! You know me so well, Louise! xoxo
Hi Michele! Your Mishmas series is always so much fun. You may have forgotten the wonderful coffee advent calendars. Where you woke up to a different, delicious cup of coffee every morning! 😀☕️
OK a coffee advent calendar has been selected!! I’ll post about it on my YouTube community tab soon! xoxo thx for your feedback!
OK looking into a coffee advent calendar! 😀 Thanks so much for the feedback! xoxo
Hi Michele!!! Please please don’t let us without the coffee calendar!!! The mishmas vlogs are my best YouTube time in December for take a time and relax with my cup of coffee and enjoying with you like a friends 😉
OK a coffee advent calendar has been selected!! I’ll post about it on my YouTube community tab soon! xoxo thx for your feedback!
OK you’re the second person to comment about the coffee calendar! I’ll have to look into one now!
Dr. Jart+ Beauty Balm….. how many times have you told us it was your favorite!!! So why did it take me so long to finally try it!!!! I got my hands on a bottle during this Sephora sale and OMG!!! I LOVE IT!!! Thank You!!
Did you try the Haus Labs new eye shadow palettes?? Also, what happened to the coffee advent calendar!?!?
OK a coffee advent calendar has been selected!! I’ll post about it on my YouTube community tab soon! xoxo thx for your feedback!
Ohh I’m so happy you love it!! It’s just so special! I haven’t tried much for the new Haus Labs line, so I have to get on it. And I’ve passed up on the coffee advent calendar because I realized I like my certain bean (sumatra) and like starting my day with that one! xoxo
Hi Michele! Lovely blog post. I really enjoyed it because I adore this time of year! I love the tradition of you drinking a hot cup of coffee (with your Xmas bear!) & opening advent calendars. I look forward to it & like you said, just adds a little special cheer to my day :)One other calendar if you’re into K-beauty/J-beauty is from Stylevana!! That would be something different & fun.
I shopped the Sephora sale, probably buying too much, but oh well. I got Natasha Denona’s Xenon palette, Huda’s Grunge palette, some nice highlighters by Charlotte Tilbury, Tom Ford & Bare Minerals & a few other goodies I won’t bore you with, lol. Have a great wknd & can’t wait for mishmas♥️
Thanks Molly! I’ll check out that K-Beauty calendar – that would be different! And sounds like you had fun during the Sephora sale <3 love it! xoxo
Hi dear Michele!! I love your favorites palette eyeshadows! I used the eye quard cream shadows from Tom Ford and I love them!! Definitely I want to get the Cle de Peau quard eye shadows! The colors are so nice and I saw your video on YouTube about them and you look so pretty!! Thank you for the article!! I really enjoy reading and watching your blog posts and videos on YouTube! You inspire me in many ways! Gracias!! ❣️ Best greetings from Austria 🇦🇹🇲🇽
Thank you so much Claudia!
Love to hear what Fall palettes you’ve been loving, Michele! I’ve recently subscribed to your blog posts and am really enjoying them :). I agree with you about the Natasha Denona I Need A Nude palette. It’s perfect for daily use or for going out at night!! Really quick ? I have regarding makeup is if you had to choose between Prada foundation & the new Shiseido one, which are you choosing & why?! Xoxo
I haven’t tried the Prada one yet!
Wow! Your 49th year on this earth was amazing. Congratulations on turning 50. Hope you’re blessed with many, many more healthy years.
Thank you so much Maria!
Fifty is a milestone. I saw it as my entry into true adulthood and it was a bit scary. But, I am on the other side of it now and, like you, my goal is to keep fit, stay optimistic, and be a joy to my friends and family. Happy Birthday, Michele. Thank you for being, well, you!
Thank you Liz! xoxo
“I want to live a life with no regrets. That’s both a simple and lofty goal, but one worth pursuing.” This is so well said. I enjoyed reading your birthday blog. So many things restarted with me. Thank you.
Thanks so much Janna!
Happiest belated bday, Michele! I certainly second both the method and intentions of celebration. I so enjoy hearing from you here and on YouTube. And I was moved by your discussion there about how relationships, big and small, are what matters. Thank you!
Thank you so much Julie!
Great review! If it was in my budget I would grab it. It’s a gorgeous bag with personality. ~ Charli
Thanks Charli!
This bag went to the top of my wish list as soon as I got the email from Loewe. It’s definitely a new classic. I am of the quiet luxury type. My row bags get the most use and my summer Loewe bag. Squeeze is just what I’ve been looking for.
<3 <3 <3
I love how you show cases the basic or pieces that can be really worn with anything. I miss FALL COLORS , dressing with warm jackets and boots. Living in Az , well if goes from desert, to barely green. It really gets cold at night. But the back north east ? girl in me gets excited for fall (Michigan) love xo Louise
Thanks Louise!!
I’ve worn the same perfume since college —Guerlain, L’Heure Bleue. Nothing else smells like me.
How wonderful! Thank you Susan <3
Catching a whiff of a perfume can send me deep into my memory banks. I love perfume and my collection has grown exponentially over the past 3 or 4 years. At last count I was pushing 80. My latest is Tutu by Gritti which is much more floral than what I normally gravitate towards. It reminds me of Amazing Grace which I wore many many years ago except Tutu is much more sophisticated. I’m a sucker for a gourmand fragrance. Amber and vanilla anything will call my name. Some of my favorite perfumes to wear of late are Coffee Addict by Theodoros Kalotinis, Vicious Cacao by Maison Tahite, Bake by Akro, Nuit et Confidences by Goutal, Apple Brandy and Love Don’t be Shy Eau Fraiche by Killian and L’Interdit Rouge by Givenchy. As I look at this list, I’m sitting here thinking about so many more that I love. Hard to choose favorites! This is a wonderful topic. Thank you.
Thank you so much for all these fragrances I have to check out now! Amazing Brenda! xoxo
What a lovely and welcome topic. I too have a perfume “wardrobe”, but not 75! Mine is closer to 40. For years I wore Houbigant’s Chantilly. My dad was a perfumer, so we had blotters with all kinds of scents all over our house. My mother wore Joy and left me a few bottles that I now treasure. I love Bal a Versailles and Charles Blair of Paris, but I am a Guerlain girl and own a dozen of those that I rotate now. I still wear Chantilly from time to time. I am intrigued by that Sicilian Leather and would like to try it. I am also going to try Izia la Nuit, just love the name. Thanks for this, Michele. I think you are closer to genius than madness, LOL.
Thanks Liz! Wow, that’s amazing that your dad was a perfumer. You must have a very sophisticated scent palette! I definitely have to dabble more into Guerlain.
I absolutely enjoy different fragrances in different seasons. Each winter i look forward to Grand Soir by MFK, it’s so spicy and tobacco, just perfect for cold weather, my knitwear smells of it! It’s too much in summer when i’m living in white flower fragrances or my beautiful Another 13 from Le Labo. I love having many different ones to choose from and always feel like it’s finishing my outfit and matching a mood for my day ❤️
Oh I just got a sample of Grand Soir and I LOVE IT!! It’s so warm and made me think of winter too!And I’ll have to try Another 13. Thank you for the recommendations!
It’s funny, from someone that can never buy anything ..this is more , to me, do I buy it because I want everyone to think I have money ? Or would I buy this if I could ..I don’t see this fitting in really to either. If I were to buy, it would only be for the LOVE of the product. Now since I don’t own a lot of designer brands , would I be in any of these categories? Interesting tho for sure. I do love the way they categorize the two tho. If I were to be able to afford luxury , it’s not to say “hey i bought this so I’m fancy” or “ i can afford it “ it’s for the love of how it’s made, how it feels on, or if it’s something I love to see Quiet luxury isn’t like a label for me. Interesting read tho. Would these be for cars we drive as well? ? I see the difference tho for sure Great read for sure. Thank you
Thank you always for your thoughtful comments, Louise! xoxo
Loved this article! I can’t agree with you more. 😘🩷
Thanks Mona!!
I do definitely tend toward quiet luxury — although I will still occasionally make the “concert t-shirt” type of purchase, something that blatantly yells, “I was there!” I would say that I take quiet luxury one step further, though. I tend to prefer luxury that will last. I’ll spend money on a pair of shoes that will last for years, rather than fresh flowers. When I buy luxury makeup, it’s almost always in classic colors (mostly neutrals) and applications.
Thank you for sharing your insights!
My style is gravitating more towards quiet luxury. Not necessarily luxury bags or shoes (although I do own a couple) but enjoying the expensive hand soap and candles, those little luxuries that only I know. I want to enjoy them for me, not just for others to see. xoxo
Thanks Dee – I love choosing and selecting special little luxuries to spoil ourselves!
I tried your method of application and it worked wonderfully! I have dark under eye circles etc so was pleasantly surprised when I tried the Peau de Rose shade on my fair skin! Love it.
These products look wonderful on you. The colors and tones are a perfect match to your complexion.
My skin is so much more textured (read: large pores) than yours appears in the closeup top of page, I’ve forever been leery of all highlighters, as they exaggerate the pores without fail. But this looks lovely on your already-beautiful skin, Michele!
I ordered the Peau de Rose and am looking forward to it. Your trip to Italy was lovely and I am now considering adding at least Milan and Venice to my trip to France next year. I like the variety in your YT vlogs, Michele. And the fact that you cover luxury items that most people do not. While I can’t buy every luxury item I want, I do purchase some strategically on a regular basis and appreciate seeing them on a real person.
Thank you so much Liz!
I’m also loving the WA Liquid Loaded, mine in the shade Peau de Peche. I did a comparison with the new Chanel Skin Enhancer. Also lovely but I find the WA does a better job of highlighting and natural look appearance. Its such a lovely product.
Thanks Dee!
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Great suggestions! I used to dislike the rose scent when I was younger but as I mature, I’ve started to appreciate it more and more. I’m down for it!
Xoxo
Thank you Dee!
Enjoyed this so much, along with the brand trip to NYC.
Thanks so much Julie!
Michele, your blog has helped me so much. Thank you. I am going through a traumatic experience right now, and your suggestions are resonating with me in a comforting way. I am enjoying your blog posts and hope to hear more life content. Again, thank you! One step at a time!
Thank you for the article. It is very inspirational.
I don’t know what to journal. I literally live such a boring life due to my chronic illness and chronic pain that I don’t know what to journal about. I don’t want to journal about my chronic conditions because that’s depressing to me. I literally just stopped writing here and looked up How To Journal lol. It actually was helpful, there are journal prompts. I do have goals, it’s just hard because of how I feel changes day to day and I can’t count on myself to feel physically well enough to do something each day that I get frustrated and depressed. It’s a lot for me to just do the dishes, take a shower, etc much less do something extra like start a YouTube channel or post more on ig. I’m lucky though, my husband is very supportive and he said just try to post once a week. And that’s what I’m going to try to do.
Thank you for listening <3 xo Charli
Wow Michele! I feel inspired now to start exercising. I used to always take exercise in school. When I moved to the US I took Physical Ed and realized most girls didn’t. I was kind of shocked. I don’t smoke anymore either! But I don’t like running on Rt.66. This Covid made me gain way too much. Moreover, I love to read. Thus the weight gain. Am not sure where to begin. If I had my way I’d have a private instructor. Hah! Any suggestions are always welcome. Thanks Michele.
It’s been in my wishlist for the past few weeks. It’s so unique and practical at the same time. I like how it doesn’t have the brand showing up everywhere, it’s more subtle. So beautiful ♥️
❤️ ❤️ ❤️
I love the highlighter. Its smooth and soft, not chalky or glittery. Looks natural too. Just lovely! My favorite is Moonlit (it’s the only one I’ve tried lol); I think it’s the best for my skin tone. Thank you for your review and comparisons. ♥️
Thanks so much Dee!
I went to the outdoor market at Bryant Park while I was in NY during November. I found a store that sold the most amazing candle. Twelve Nights by Fifth&Madison has become my favorite holiday candle. My new addiction for holidays.
Sounds wonderful – thank you for sharing Ellen!
Wow, I want to be at your house for Christmas. Just to meet you, and family.
Along, with the sensory overload! 😊😊❣️
I love candles too! I prefer fresher scents rather than holiday ones (some scents give me a migraine). Regardless, candles do change your mood, and the room’s atmosphere. Thank you for sharing your favorites for this season 🙂
Thanks Dee! -Michele
I’m glad you had a wonderful trip, Michele. Thank you for sharing it with all of us. I am also really enjoying your new website. I feel like we get to see another facet of you through your written posts. You’re the cool older sister I wish I had. I hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!
The trip looks and sounds fabulous. Did you go with a tour? Any suggestions or contacts for booking?
You look great and like you are having a wonderful time! Thanks so much for sharing.
I am so behind on your videos but I cannot wait to get caught up on Morocco! What an amazing trip and I really appreciate hearing what brings you comfort and joy upon returning home. There is nothing like home. Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your mom, husband, and Miss Butters! I cannot wait to check out your spreadsheet!
Thank you for sharing these amazing pictures. And your words of travel ! I’m excited you have come back. A comfort to me, and I know we haven’t met , but still getting excited for your posts, tik toks, etc. HAPPY THSNKSGIVING to you all. My Miss MONA (beagle) gives her best to Miss FUZZY BUTTERS. I also spend time with my 93 old mom , my daughter, my man and some some family. I have 10 other brothers and sisters. 🤨🤨😜they all live around. They are 4 here in Az looking forward to your posts ! Thanks Michele
What a lovely meditation on the joys of travel and of home. Thank you Michele for all you share with us. And thanks for the spreadsheet and the amazing discount!
I’m grateful for YOU, Michele, along with my other blessings. I think it’s so valuable that you remind us of that practice and part of what draws me to your vlog, in particular, is your honesty. May we all experience good health, passion and thankfulness!
So good to see you Michele! You look great on a camel!! Thanks so much for sharing your adventure(s) and thanks for the great spreadsheet. You always go the extra mile. Now I am off to look at your store sale! Love, Annette (Armonk, NY)
So enjoyed this post and also your candid vlog posts (been watching old ones)! Thanks
Quick note: link broken….when you click on the tom ford eyeshadow quad, the chanel lipstick link pops up.
Thank you so much!!
What a truly gorgeous site – such perfect design and calm look mixed with content that has your unique voice.
LOVING your new blog. Congratulations!!
Fabulous! Such a beautiful blog! Congratulations Michele! x Charli
I am so very excited for you ! I love the new logo , and I’m so excited for this sweatshirt. It’s so you ! Congratulations. Love you and I am so proud of you. Xo long time follower xo
This is just like you beautiful, sophisticated and fun.
Best wishes
Hi. Where can I see more photos of the shirt would love to purchase one
Thank you