Turning forty-three is exciting for me, and I'll tell you why. So, if you found this post by accident, or if you're entering your mid-forties as a woman and feel ready to own this decade, let's talk about how you can redefine your mindset and embrace your 40s with confidence and self-awareness so you can thrive!

Whether you have already entered the back-to-school madness or are just about to open that door, here are my essential tips for getting through (most of it) with a smile and a little bit more sanity.

I like to think of my little family as a pod of adventure and thrill-seekers – and we are! Our kids love going on the next adventure, and yes, we do go on a ton of camping trips and road trips. But let's be honest, calling it an "adventure" sometimes just means nobody threw up in the car seat. Read my tips for road tripping with kids.

If you’re a woman turning forty-two-years-old soon, you’ve already crossed the threshold into your mid-forties, or you’re just curious and planning for the future, here are some of the ways I’m striving to live a fulfilled and fabulous life at forty-two years old.

This year, we’ve collected our favorite products and gift ideas for the women in your life, so you don’t have to go hunting all over the place for the perfect gifts.

Here it is, The Womanhood Unwrapped Holiday Gift Guide for Your Favorite Women. Or, as we like to say, the Ultimate WU (Womanhood Unwrapped) Girl. 😘

Over the eleven years I’ve been a parent, and yes, to all of you grown-and-flown moms out there, I’m sure you’re thinking, “Oh, honey, you have no idea yet!” All the same, over this decade plus, I’ve learned (often the hard way 🥴) a number of valuable lessons about parenting two very unique little humans.

Whether you’re a new mom of two, a mommy to more than two, or are going through a tough time with parenting your kiddos, I hope this list helps bring you some peace, insight, and a laugh or two (no pun intended 🤪).

I wasn’t always a conscious, gentle parent. I was raised by a single mom with three kids under the age of 7. My childhood was marked by her struggles, her pain, and the harsh parenting techniques she inherited from her retired military stepfather’s overpowering, colossal presence. Here’s how I healed and began to parent in a conscious and loving way.

It’s not the end of the world to have a c-section. Here’s why this could be an okay end to your birth story.

I chose to parent, I wanted to be a parent, and my children are lovely, unique (albeit crazy) little humans. For better or worse, I want to be part of their lives. I want to be there for them when they are sad, happy, and all the things in between.

But, some days, weeks, or months just get the best of me. And this last week was one of them. So what should you do when, like me this week, you don't have the energy or desire to be a parent anymore?

After talking myself off the ledge and taking a few deep breaths, I realized there are some things I can do and need to do right now to make sure I can function as a mom -- especially during an emotional crisis.

Mothers in today's society, at least in the United States, are expected to be there for their children's every need. They also ought to work for personal or financial reasons and take care of all household needs. Of course, there are the outliers. The mom's who work and have a partner at home take care of the family's day-to-day concerns. But in general, women now are expected to take care of everyone and everything but themselves. It's the #Momlife expectation that's, in fact, grinding us all to the bone. And that unrealistic expectation is causing severe burnout and depression across the board.

A nutritional expert, author, and former food and nutrition director at Health Magazine, Frances is no stranger to busy days, working to juggle life, family, and career. You can learn more about Frances on her website, but when we sat down, I became interested in learning more about how health fits into life as we now know it. Read the interview.

Taking vitamins doesn’t have to be hard when you’re on the go as a busy parent. Here are some hacks for taking your vitamins with you, so your kids stay healthy.

My family decided to drive from Central Oregon to Maine on our first cross-country camping road trip this summer. Here’s how we did it.

My kiddos are nine and six years old now, so I feel like I right in the middle of the ‘raising children journey.’ Although, someone with adult kids is welcome to correct me on this. And I know the teenage years are coming and will change the dynamic drastically. Therefore, I am definitely working harder these days to enjoy my little humans, and appreciate how much they have grown already. But there are still those days (or should I more accurately say, moments every day), that I do not enjoy. These are the ones I look back on and feel guilt or regret for not being more patient, or listening more. But I think it’s time to normalize the rollercoaster of emotion that comes along with parenting. Stop trying to enjoy every moment, but enjoy the important ones!

Etta Loves was born, and this year launched their US presence as well! Creating the only baby products in the world designed alongside an Orthoptist (A.K.A. expert in children’s vision) -- putting science at the core of everything they do, Etta Loves, and Jen its founder have a truly unique mission. Read her story, and how she manages life as a working mom.

If you’re reading this, hoping to gain some insight into your hopes and dreams for your son or son’s futures, I endeavor to give you the following:

• A glimpse into how this modern working mom (me!) is trying to raise my son

• Camaraderie in the son-parenting journey

• Solace in the knowledge that we’re all doing the best we can

• A community of like-minded parents hoping for better for their sons in this complicated world

What do I wish for my son? So many things, but here are the ones I pray for the most.

A mom, entrepreneur, soul-seeker, and general badass, Raena has made my days just a little brighter, deeper, and inspired ever since I started following along with her journey as a working mom on Instagram. I am ever the believer in building a community of women supporting women, and Raena has so much wisdom, and openness to share. This is Raena. Read the interview.

Join me for my first ever video interview with the incredible Amy Turner, creator of the Courage Integration Model, and founder of The Courage Tribe, as we talk about being a leader in the COVID era, thriving as a working mom, navigating divorce, social activism and so much more. 🙌It was such a great conversation, we heart still lights up thinking about it. 💜

Here’s how I’ve learned to manage anxiety as a mom. If you suffer from anxiety and have not sought help yet, I sincerely hope you will begin with that step. But either way, I hope my experience and the following ideas help bring a glimmer of hope to your life or someone else's that may need to read this.

Being a good mom isn't up for anyone else to decide, but you! If you are striving to be a magnificent mother -- and, if you're reading this post, I know you are -- then maybe what I've learned can help you in your unique journey as a parent. I have learned my own lessons the absolute hardest way possible. Please make it smoother and softer on yourself.