
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

Life Oh Life
If you remember that song by Des’ree you are probably waking up with a sore neck and a dodgy knee while you sing Life Oh Life in a resigned tone. Well if you weren’t, I was. But it was quickly followed by this, sung through tears of frustration. You’re still in bed at ten and…

Weekly Wisdoms #11
The theme of the week was SICK SICK and MORE SICK! Emma woke up on Saturday morning with a raging temperature and things just spiraled from there. Ear infection, congestion, fevers, coughing – poor kid had it ALL! A trip to the ER and an injection helped her to turn the corner though. She still…

The Joy of Decluttering
I was scrolling and came across this quote. I stopped to read the comments and there was a mixed bag of responses, as there generally are on this topic. Having been on my own personal decluttering journey for many many years I think people often misunderstand this. The assumption is that it means throwing out…

Weekly Wisdoms #10
This week has been CHAOTIC. Every day has been more unhinged than the day before. It was a combination of Jack starting school, our new routine, work being busy and stupid things things going wrong (no water, roaches, tummy bugs and broken boreholes). I hate weeks like this. I do everything I can to avoid…

Weekly Wisdoms #9
Oh look its Friday again! It’s been a week. All the kids sports are back this week, we are all back to our regular therapy sessions again. Our diaries are fulling up fast again. January and February are busy months for us, we have a lot of birthdays that happen over this time as well…

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…

Life Oh Life
If you remember that song by Des’ree you are probably waking up with a sore neck and a dodgy knee while you sing Life Oh Life in a resigned tone. Well if you weren’t, I was. But it was quickly followed by this, sung through tears of frustration. You’re still in bed at ten and…

Weekly Wisdoms #11
The theme of the week was SICK SICK and MORE SICK! Emma woke up on Saturday morning with a raging temperature and things just spiraled from there. Ear infection, congestion, fevers, coughing – poor kid had it ALL! A trip to the ER and an injection helped her to turn the corner though. She still…

The Joy of Decluttering
I was scrolling and came across this quote. I stopped to read the comments and there was a mixed bag of responses, as there generally are on this topic. Having been on my own personal decluttering journey for many many years I think people often misunderstand this. The assumption is that it means throwing out…

Weekly Wisdoms #10
This week has been CHAOTIC. Every day has been more unhinged than the day before. It was a combination of Jack starting school, our new routine, work being busy and stupid things things going wrong (no water, roaches, tummy bugs and broken boreholes). I hate weeks like this. I do everything I can to avoid…

Weekly Wisdoms #9
Oh look its Friday again! It’s been a week. All the kids sports are back this week, we are all back to our regular therapy sessions again. Our diaries are fulling up fast again. January and February are busy months for us, we have a lot of birthdays that happen over this time as well…

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…
All Things Menopause

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 –…

Menopause Mondays: What I Know for Sure
If you had asked me 10 years what I knew about menopause, I would have simply said “hot flashes and no more babies”. How innocent and naive I was! This is such a complex time of a women’s live, regardless of the severity of your symptoms. I have done so much reading on this stage…

Book Review: The Menopause Brain
The Menopause Brain by Lisa Mosconi was the first book I read about menopause and I am so glad I started with this one. I first heard about her on this podcast. She sums up the info in her book nicely in this podcast, when the host isn’t interrupting her, but the book has so…
All Things Relationship

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…

Empty Nest : My Thoughts
We are fast approaching an empty nest. My oldest two moved out over 3 years ago, which left just the younger two still at home. I know many people dread this stage of life but I am very much looking forward to it. Disclaimer: I am in no way wishing my kids would leave the…
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..