Your Daily Dose Of Midlife
Wisdom and Wrinkles
From HarassedMom to Wise Woman
Join me as I share the laughs, tears, and unexpected wisdom that come with embracing this next chapter. Because while my wrinkles might be multiplying, so are the reasons to smile.
My Musings
Weekly Wisdoms #26
Holy guacamole! That week was craaaaazy. Nothing big happened but a lot of little things and it felt like the week was on fast forward and slow motion all at the same time. It was our first full week with our new routine and David was away so it was a wild ride. Glimmers (Glimmers…
Life Lately #1
When I started HarassedMom it was to document our life, I did eventually veer off course but I am glad I wrote so many posts about the mundane bits of life. I now have a collection of stories and milestones and more about Cameron that have now become even more treasured. It has made me…
Lessons from Hiking: Progress
I skipped my regular group walk yesterday as I had a event to go to and the times clashed. Instead I walked with David early on Sunday morning. We were going to go to our normal spot but when we arrived there was an event happening so we had to pivot. In hindsight I am…
Link Party
Wisdoms and Wrinkles Link Party #15
A new month and exactly 3 months of posting my link party! Time flies when you are writing, right? So truth be told I wasn’t sure anyone would join my party initially but then you all showed up and I am so grateful. I am loving reading everyone’s blogs and slowly growing a little community…
Wisdoms and Wrinkles Link Party #14
A new month and exactly 3 months of posting my link party! Time flies when you are writing, right? So truth be told I wasn’t sure anyone would join my party initially but then you all showed up and I am so grateful. I am loving reading everyone’s blogs and slowly growing a little community…
Wisdoms and Wrinkles Link Party #13
A new month and exactly 3 months of posting my link party! Time flies when you are writing, right? So truth be told I wasn’t sure anyone would join my party initially but then you all showed up and I am so grateful. I am loving reading everyone’s blogs and slowly growing a little community…
Wisdoms and Wrinkles Link Party #12
A new month and exactly 2 months of posting my link party! Time flies when you are writing, right? So truth be told I wasn’t sure anyone would join my party initially but then you all showed up and I am so grateful. Now that we have a little gang going one, I am going…
Wisdoms and Wrinkles Link Party #11
A new month and exactly 2 months of posting my link party! Time flies when you are writing, right? So truth be told I wasn’t sure anyone would join my party initially but then you all showed up and I am so grateful. Now that we have a little gang going one, I am going…
Wisdoms and Wrinkles Link Party #10
A new month and exactly 2 months of posting my link party! Time flies when you are writing, right? So truth be told I wasn’t sure anyone would join my party initially but then you all showed up and I am so grateful. Now that we have a little gang going one, I am going…
Crafts
Scrapbooking: This is Me
I have albums and albums of scrapbooking pages for my kids. I am, of course, in some of the images but I have no pages of just me. At Hobby-X earlier this month I found this pack called This is Me from Simple Stories. I eventually had time this weekend to get some pages done…
Scrapbooking: Yum! Ice Cream
This set from Bella Blvd – Panda & Popsicles was another Hobby-X find and I am loving it. Initially I had another photo of Emma in mind but was struggling to find it, when I saw these I knew it was the perfect set to use. This photo was taken about 8/9 years ago at…
Cricut Project: Easter Wreath
We don’t decorate for Easter. I have tried a few times over the years but it has never stuck. We do celebrate Easter – in the heathen way – eating lots of chocolate while enjoying the 4 day weekend. We have, however, started changing up our door decor. What better excuse to buy more Cricut…
Cricut Project: DIY Glass Mug (for Newbies)
I have had my Cricut Joy for a while now. I LOVE my little machine but it did take me a while to figure her out. There is a lot online – videos and written tutorials but I still struggled to just get the basics right. So this series is for Cricut Joy newbies like…
My Favourite Cricut Projects
I have had my Cricut Joy for a while now but it has taken me a few months to get confident enough to try more complex things. But I am having lots of fun now with it. These are a few of my favourites this year. I made this cute little giraffe glass mug as…
Cricut Project: Personalised Craft Box
This project was so simple but came out so well. We bought a utility box with little compartments in, in South Africa you can get them at Crazy Plastics in a range of different sizes. We filled each little compartment with stickers, scrapbooking embellishments, washi tape etc. And then we personalised it. Emma’s friend likes…
All Things Menopause
The One About the Diet Pill
I am very embarrassed to share this story for a few reasons. I wasn’t actually even going to share it but there are some lessons to be learnt so I here we go. I have shared quite a bit about my struggles over the last few years with my weight. It all started about 4…
Doing Hard Things
A while ago I posted about a hiking group Eve and I wanted to join. They have hikes every weekend but the dates and venues weren’t working out for us. Then they posted one for this past Sunday. I was hesitant because I knew Eve wouldn’t be able to make it and it was about…
My CUP (does not) runneth over!
I am not one of those women who embrace their periods. I hate it! I have had it for 30 years and I still absolutely hate those 3-5 days a month. I have been very lucky in that I have it easy – I am regular, when I do have cramps they are short lived…
Beyond the Bloat: Your No-Nonsense Guide to Fiber During Perimenopause
Let’s talk about something that might make you roll your eyes – fibre. I know, I know, not the sexiest topic, but trust me, this humble nutrient is about to become your new BFF during this hormonal rollercoaster we call perimenopause. First up, let’s drop some truth bombs: Research shows that women in perimenopause need…
Menopause Monday: Rage -It’s Not Just You!
I woke up a few days ago ready to wage war with anyone and everyone. It is more than just an irritation or annoyance, it is a visceral, bubbling rage that, if I am honest, scares me a little. It feels like a fire in my belly that just can’t escape. It just arrives suddenly,…
Menopause Mondays: The Itch OH THE ITCH!
I never buy body lotion. Its not that I don’t use, I have just never had to buy it before. Usually I get gifted some for my birthday and/or Christmas and that usually lasts me. I have sensory issues so I don’t add lotion every day, only when I notice my skin is dry –…
All Things Relationship
Monthly Musings
One of my goals for the year is to write more here, which has led to me start reading other blogs which means I discover writing prompts like this one from GoodBetterBestLife. 1. What is your love language?Mine is definitely quality time. Spending time with David always fills my cup and when life gets stressful its…
Depression
I didn’t fully understand depression. I thought I did. I have read about it, listened to people talk about their experiences, I knew what it was. Except I didn’t. Until I experienced it. I have had anxiety, I have lived that and I know how to manage it. I have been sad before and I…
Self-Care: Your 30s vs Your 40s
During my 30’s 4 kids who went to 4 different schools and a husband with a job that required a fair bit of travel – self care was not a priority. As life has gotten less frenetic, not only have I learnt to make time for self-care but I have discovered how important it is…
about me
From Harassed Mom to Wise Woman: Finding Joy in Life’s Plot Twists
Mother
I am a formerly harassed mom to Cameron, Kiara, Emma and Jack.
Wife
My amazing husband and I have been married for 12 years, each year keeps getting better.
Blogger
I have been documenting my families journey for 18 years now. It is in many ways, like my 5th child.
Welcome to Wisdoms and Wrinkles! I’m Laura , a 46-year-old recovering harassed mom learning to find my way as my nest gradually empties. After 18 years of blogging about the chaos of raising four kids, I’m now navigating the unexpected adventures of midlife with hot flashes, reading glasses, and a whole new perspective.
These days, you’ll find me working from home alongside my husband (yes, we’re still talking!), managing a household that’s somehow both quieter and louder with just two kids still under our roof. I’m documenting this grand adventure of reinvention – from surviving menopause with my sense of humor intact to redefining my role as mom to young adults, while discovering who I am beyond the carpool lane.
Join me as I share the laughs, tears, and unexpected wisdom that come with embracing this next chapter. Because while my wrinkles might be multiplying, so are the reasons to smile.
What You Will Find Here
Seeking solidarity in the hot flash club or hunting for humor in the chaos of parenting adult children, you’ll find real talk, practical wisdom, and a healthy dose of laughter here..
Menopause
Everything you need to know about what menopause is really like.
Relationships
My relationships are changing – with my friends, my partner and my kids.
Ready for Weekly Wisdom (and a Few Laughs)?
I’ll pop into your inbox with honest stories, practical tips, and occasional musings about this wonderfully complex chapter of life.
Join our growing community of women who are embracing their wrinkles.
No filters, no fluff – just real talk from one midlife maven to another..