I really didn’t want to turn 40. I don’t know why, but I didn’t. I didn’t want to do anything big to celebrate, I didn’t want the attention. But, I did have a lovely birthday and the next day, it was actually a relief. Nothing changed, I was fine, I was still me. Ever since my 40th birthday, I started thinking more about my clothes, hair and makeup. Not in how other people saw me, but more about how I saw myself. I felt like things had changed. No idea why at the end of the day age is just a number. I am lucky I keep as healthy as I do with having a kidney disease, I know that. I have three amazing kids, a wonderful husband, a job that I like most of the time and my blog. But, I wanted to feel like me again. Do you know what I mean?
I wanted my life to be bright and colourful, like this ceiling I came across last week. How fabulous would that be in your living room? Life goals? I do wear a lot of black, but I wanted to add colour. I see Aria and she wears every colour in the rainbow and why not. I love my long black boots, that won’t change. I love my red winter coat, so I treated myself to a mac for the spring and summer. I got the one below. Can you believe I got it from a Groupon Deal?
What do you think? While I was at it I got my hair cut much shorter. Everyone seemed to like it. I am still getting used to it, but it is healthier. Your hair does seem to be a little more brittle and drier as you get older I’ve found. Any tips?
I have a bright yellow top which I love. What do you think? I’m getting there with the colours. It’s not an everyday thing, but it’s slipping in there. My makeup hasn’t changed for years, I am still Bare Minerals biggest fan and I don’t think I will ever switch. I wear the compact pro and it takes less than to minutes to put on. When you have little time to get ready, you have to make every second count. Mums, you know what I mean? I did change my face routine to no longer use a face wash type item to be wipes and Nip Fab’s Dragon Blood wipes and moisturiser. They have certainly made a difference to the potential rosacea that was starting to show on my nose especially. I don’t spend a lot of money on myself, I look for bargains like the Groupon one and buy when things are on offer. It makes me feel less guilty, when I know I shouldn’t really.
Sometimes you need to treat yourself to the pretty things and eat a bit healthier. I just love this bottle of wine, from Aldi of all places. Perfect for an outdoor BBQ. And you can even use it as a flower vase once you’ve drunk it. Waste not want not!
I think one of the biggest steps I’ve made since turning 40 is that I treated myself to a Writing Retreat. Book Bound. That is what I bought with my birthday money. It was incredible and completely out of my comfort zone. A, I’m not a big traveller and it was the other side of the country and B, I still don’t call myself a writer. I did get loads out of it and to just get accepted was a big step. You have to apply and they don’t take everyone. I even pitched to agents. I’ve still got some work to do, but it was a start. I will blog about this separately, so watch this space. I think it’s important for the kids to see me following my dreams, that isn’t just about getting a job. I just need to get it done now. Any extra hours in the day going?
What hasn’t changed, is my love of writing, a pretty sky, a pretty blossom and my love for my family. They are everything to me. I think the older I get the more I worry about not being here like we all do. Especially as I lost my Dad at a relatively young age. But, do you know what, we can’t predict the future. We make our lives now and should live our lives the best we can. As long as my family is happy and healthy then that’s all that matters. I am going to work on my writing and hope my dad is looking down and proud.
On the hair and clothing, any tips for me? If have recently turned 40 or it’s coming up, how are you feeling about it?
Gail says
11th June 2018 at 3:12 pmLovely post Susan, and happy belated birthday. I like the Liz Earle hair range. Can’t wait to hear more about your writing retreat xx
Sarah says
12th June 2018 at 8:58 amBelated happy birthday Susan! You’re looking fab at forty and age is just a number so try not to stress about it. It’s my turn next year but so far I’m not worried, I guess that might change as the day gets closer but I don’t really feel 39 yet (in my head I swear I’m in my 20s LOL) so I doubt it’ll bother me much.
Frances says
12th June 2018 at 9:10 amHi Susan, lovely post. You young thing. I remember when I was 40… A long time ago- it’s a nice age. Old enough to be a bit less guilty and a lot more indulgent, if that’s what you fancy. But, all the changes you’ve touched on are to the exterior. Inside you’re still a woman with a heart who loves her family, works hard and is a giver. That’s the real beauty. It shines through whatever colour you wear. That said, I’m off to join Groupon!That red coat is a keeper! 😅xxx
Notmyyearoff says
14th June 2018 at 7:25 amLove this post. I am having a massive panic about turning 40. I’m not sure why, I know nothing is going to change but i keep questioning what I’ve achieved by now and if I should have done more. It’s a very weird feeling isn’t it?
Sarah MumofThree World says
15th June 2018 at 6:54 pmLove this! So glad you’re happy being 40. Age really is just a number and you look fabulous. Nobody would guess you were 40. I used to wear a lot of colour, but for the last five years or so my wardrobe has gone much more black and grey! I usually have some colourful shoes on though! Glad the book retreat went well and look forward to reading more about it.
We did the maths on my husband’s (45th) birthday the other day and we think his dad died at 45. That has scared me. I think I’ll be happy when he turns 46. x
Sarah MumofThree World says
15th June 2018 at 6:59 pmLove this! I’m glad you’re embracing being 40. Age really is nothing but a number. You look fabulous, nobody would guess you were 40. I used to wear a lot of colour, but over the last five or six years I’ve started wearing a lot more black and grey, although I usually have coloured shoes on!
We did the maths on my husband’s (45th) birthday the other day and realised his dad died at 45. That did scare me a bit. I think I’ll be glad when he turns 46.
Amanda Blackburn says
3rd July 2018 at 8:16 pmWhat a lovely post! I love your hair it’s perfect and you don’t need any tips you look lovely as you are. I’m looking forward to hearing about your book retreat. Let’s hope you don’t go crazy like me in a few years lol 😂 I was happy being 40, didn’t hit me till I was 43.
Joy - Pinkoddy says
8th August 2018 at 10:55 pmSo glad you are enjoying your 40s – me too!
I have decided like I am worth more now – I don’t know why. The hair thing I have started actually spending more money on it (when before I would think it is better spent on the boys). I use more expensive shampoo and conditioner and def getting it cut more often.
Emma MacDonald says
13th October 2018 at 3:05 pmI felt the same about turning 30. When you go up into the next decade it seems like such a big leap. I’ve got no fashion sense so I can’t really give you any tips but I saw a fascinating article about olive oil on Honest Mum’s blog which I’d recommend reading. My husband says I look grannyish if I wear a cardi but scruffy if I wear a hoody, so basically I can’t be warm if I want to look young?
You are right about life being short and it’s so important to live for now. And I would definitely consider you a writer, you should have some more faith in yourself. xx