Red Typewriter has a spinoff: the More Beautiful podcast and website for women 40+ who want to live their best lives. The mission of More Beautiful is to inspire and empower women navigating this tricky time called midlife. We cover health and fitness, career and finance, relationships and family, travel and fashion, and much more. We’ll come at these topics from the perspective of someone who’s picked up a little life experience. And we strive for a live that’s more adventurous, more fulfilling and more beautiful than ever. We can’t wait to see you at Morebeautifulpodcast.com!

Landmark birthdays—you know, the ones with a zero at the end—never bothered me. But for some reason, the year before a big one always hit me hard. Blowing out 19 candles signaled that I had just one year to enjoy the rest of my tenure as a carefree

teenager. Turning 29 meant the clock was ticking on my twentysomething status. And celebrating my 39th started the countdown to my induction into middle age. Don’t even get me started on 49, which was accompanied by a more intense version of the same foreboding: “This is it! The final year before all hell breaks loose!”

So far, all hell has not broken loose.

Instead, my twenties ended up being an exhilarating marathon of love, career and travel. My thirties were a joyous blur of childrearing and community building. And my forties were a decade of personal and spiritual growth. I’m a relative newbie in the 50-plus camp, but every day I’m more curious about the challenges, evolutions and epiphanies that lie ahead.

Looking back, I think the reason for my uncertainty about aging is that midlife is often depicted as a big ol’ dead end. In corporate America’s quest to sell expensive face creams, prescription meds and self-help books, we are constantly being told what we’re getting less of as time goes by: Less career opportunity. Less time with our kids before they grow up and leave us. Less sex drive. Less memory retention. Less muscle mass and collagen. And let’s not forget less estrogen! We’re regularly reminded how that elusive little hormone is plummeting faster than we can say HRT.

It’s enough to make you lock yourself in your anti-aging-cream-stocked bathroom and cry. Until you realize that buried under all this negative midlife hype is a muffled little message trying to break through to the surface—the news that in our 40s and 50s we actually have so much more, not less, of some significant stuff. And that we have so much more to offer the world.

For one thing, we have more experience—which gives us more perspective, clarity and insight. Hopefully, we have more focus on what matters in life, as well as more compassion for ourselves and others. We have more humility—we definitely have a surplus of that. Midlife is also accompanied by more meaningful relationships. More self awareness and confidence. More peace of mind. I would argue that for some women, this life stage also comes with more sex appeal, stamina, career growth and glow—c’mon, have you seen J.Lo lately? I know in my heart that more adventures, connections and illuminations lie ahead. In fact, ladies, I would argue that life can be more interesting and fulfilling than it’s ever been.

It can be more beautiful.

That’s not to say we don’t feel our age sometimes. Reading glasses suck. Crow’s feet are no fun. I’m not in denial or suggesting the struggle isn’t real—just ask my soaked sheets after an occasional night sweat. Like you, I want to know why it’s suddenly so challenging to keep the weight off, or have a glass of wine without waking up at 3 a.m. My girlfriends and I discuss these topics all the time. Almost every conversation touches on something involving our age, and it’s not all superficial (like who’s going to be the first to try a cosmetic procedure). Heavy issues like career uncertainty, health scares, empty-nest syndrome, midlife dilemmas, and aging parents are also top of mind. But no matter how real and fraught our discussions are, they always end with us laughing about how we’d rather be this age than 25. Or even 35.

I’m a person who likes to dig for answers. However, during my quest for age-related enlightenment I found that most women’s health and lifestyle resources clump all females into one huge demographic. But do those workouts and beauty regimes fare as well for us as the thirtysomething set? Is that career and financial advice relevant to someone who’s been in the workforce for more than two decades? Are we facing the same relationship challenges that we did when we were younger? No, no, and absolutely not. I wanted information specifically tailored to our age group, that was relevant to us right now. But it just wasn’t out there.

That’s what I want More Beautiful to be for you: an age-appropriate resource, sounding board and community all in one. Together, we’ll come up with strategies and solutions for both our serious and not-so-serious midlife issues. We’ll put everything into perspective—did I mention we now have more perspective? I promise, we’ll tackle even the hardest topics with lively discussion and a good dose of humor.

It may not always be fun getting older, but supported by a community of likeminded women it feels totally doable, even exhilarating. So c’mon, grab your Peepers and all the self-compassion you can muster. Together, we’re gonna do this thing.

xo Maryann

This story first appeared in More Beautiful, a new website and podcast geared toward women in their 40s and 50s. Please visit More Beautiful for more stories, more conversations, and more inspiration for smart, savvy women navigating midlife.

I remember the day, in late 2008, when I walked into a bookstore and saw Jennifer Anison on the cover of GQ. Yes, that cover. She was sitting on the floor, toned legs crossed, wearing nothing but a man’s tie around her neck. When I opened the magazine, I almost gasped when I read she was about to turn 40.

Growing up, this was not how most of us pictured a women over a certain age. When I was a kid, magazine covers rarely featured a model over 30 unless she was wearing a crown or standing next to her politician husband. My mother’s generation got even more screwed-up signals about their relevance and desirability. For instance, when Anne Bancroft played the middle-aged Mrs. Robinson in 1967’s The Graduate, the actress was only 35—because God forbid we saw the bare legs of a 45-year-old.

We didn’t know it back in 2008, but Aniston was just getting warmed up with her little aging-backward trick. These days, she continues to defy the laws of gravity, fitness and career trajectory. She showed us that, during this thing called midlife, you can wear anything you want (or nothing at all). That you don’t need kids or a life partner to be personally fulfilled. That you can be the leading lady in a rom-com, or the star of your self-produced TV series. And that you can grow your hair as long as you damn well please. I remain in awe.

But it’s not just Jen.

All you have to do is look at some of the celebrities who are now 40, 50 and older to see that aging isn’t what it used to be. Today’s midlife mamas are wearing bikinis at the beach (Salma Hayek), serving as global ambassadors for cosmetics companies (Cate Blanchette), reaching the pinnacle of physical fitness (Halle Berry), reaching new career heights (Viola Davis, Nicole Kidman and Sandra Oh), even running their own corporations which they eventually sell for $900 million(Reese Witherspoon). And then there’s Jennifer Lopez. In 2019, the year she reached her half-century birthday, we all watched in admiration as she produced, starred and pole-danced in Hustlers, embarked on a world tour, and secured a gig to perform at the Super Bowl the following year. Not bad for a 50-year-old. Still, many were delighted, prompting a popular meme comparing J.Lo to Rue McLanihan from Golden Girls.

At this point, we should probably stop being shocked at how energetic, driven—and, yes, smoking hot—women can be during midlife.

And let’s not give all the credit to celebs—who, let’s face it, have access to an entourage of trainers, stylists and nutritionists. Real-life women are also setting a new standard for what middle age looks like. I don’t believe anyone in my friend set plans to grow old anytime soon. Sure, there are some who have fantasized about quitting their 9-to-5 gig and retiring on a beach in Hawaii. But I can’t count the number of 40-plus women all around me whose aspirations are on fire. They are launching companies, going back to school, switching careers, moving to new cities, getting in the best shape of their lives, even getting married for the first time. And let’s not forget that one just became the first female vice presidentof the United States.

I’ve been considering why this current crop of midlife ladies looks and acts younger than the same group a generation or two ago. Are we working harder to stay more relevant, or did we stumble upon the fountain of youth? It is true that over the past couple of decades there have been huge advances in the beauty and health industries that make it easier for us to retain our youthful glow. We have more reliable information about what to eat and how to work out than our moms and grandmas did. (Remember how they were told oils were bad and margarine was good, and went to a ladies-only gym to burn off fat (ha!) with these vibrating belts?)

However, I believe a big reason many of us feel so healthy and powerful going into middle age is that there is inspiration all around us. As more females take the helm of media and entertainment companies, as they become entrepreneurs and political figures, we are seeing more diverse examples of how our lives can be at this age. These ladies are sitting in boardrooms, standing at the podium, and raising hell on Capitol Hill. Just check out any streaming service these days and you’ll see that actresses over 40 are no longer relegated to playing the frumpy mom or the “older lady” sidekick to a younger protagonist. Middle-aged women are the leading ladies, starring in their own adventures and raising hell as the rogue detective, persistent businesswoman or fierce lead prosecutor—roles once delegated to men or younger women. At the very least, they’re still learning things about themselves and trying to make changes, like the characters in Julie Delpy’s new series On the Verge.

Also keeping us energized is the fact that we are not conforming to the path society traditionally laid out for women. We were the first group to design our own timelines for having (or not having) children, going to college, starting careers, and finding a life partner. If you look at the 40- to 60-year-old demographic, it includes the youngest of the Boomers and the oldest of the Millennials, who have just entered their 40s; most of us are Gen Xers who fall somewhere in the middle. But any of us on that spectrum can be in the same life phase at any given time. For example, a 45-year-old woman can be just starting her family or sending a child off to college. She may be launching a business, going back to school, or thinking about retiring. We are designing a life on our own terms, just as men have always done.

Finally, I do think we are young at heart because we’ve lived through a lot—multiple recessions, 9/11, the housing market collapse and now a global pandemic—so we have experience overcoming setbacks. We also have a little PTSD, feeling like we’ve had to spend time catching up. But now, we are ready to go. We are acutely aware that we can’t take anything for granted, so we work hard to stay healthy, stay on top of our finances, and stay relevant in the world.

Bottom line, ladies, is that one knows what to make of us—don’t you love it? And the best part is, we don’t need to pose naked on a magazine cover to keep them guessing. We just have to keep doing what we’re doing, enjoying our lives and making plans for the next big thing. And definitely ignoring anyone who tells us to pack it in.

This story first appeared in More Beautiful, a new website and podcast geared toward women in their 40s and 50s. Please visit More Beautiful for more stories, more conversations, and more inspiration for smart, savvy women navigating midlife. 

As any proper Anglophile is fully aware, it is never a bad time to visit London. Forget what you heard about the rainy, foggy weather. This vibrant metropolis has got everything you need for a perfect urban getaway, from cutting-edge theatre and fashion, to creative restaurants and hip nightlife. Throw in a few British hallmarks such as the Royal jewels and afternoon tea, and you’ve got a perfectly refined, slightly whimsical vacay. So, after you’ve crossed Big Ben and Parliament off your to-do list, be sure to hit these hot spots on your next trip across the pond.

Hippest Afternoon Tea: The Sanderson London. The Ritz may set the standard for this British tradition, but for a more unconventional—and arguably more amusing—experience, try the Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea at the Sanderson London in Fitzrovia. There in a pretty outdoor courtyard you’ll find menus hidden inside vintage books, teapots adorned with monarchs, pastries and savories decorated with birdcages and clocks, and teas named after characters in Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. There’s even a gluten-free menu for those shunning carbs. And if you prefer your caffeine with a little edge, wait until the sun sets for the Mad Hatter’s Tipsy Evening Tea, complete with alcohol-infused cakes and floral cocktails.

The takeaway: Leftovers (if there are any) packed in an adorable souvenir box or, if you’re feeling nostalgic after you’ve arrived home, an authentic Wonderland tea set you can order directly from Luna & Curious.

Chicest Hotel: Zetter Townhouse Marylebone. The sister hotel of the Zetter Townhouse Clerkenwell is quirky in the most stylish way. Designed to feel like the private residence of a notorious fictional ancestor—the gambling, jet-setting Wicked Uncle Seymour—the eco-friendly Georgian townhouse (which was once the home of poet Edward Lear) is strewn with antique furniture and artsy curiosities that supposedly came from Seymour’s Grand Tour of Europe. The 19 rooms and three suites feature equally eclectic decor and oversize beds, while the penthouse apartment boasts a rooftop bathtub. If you can tear yourself from your room, indulge in a bespoke cocktail in the clubby lounge, enjoy a boozy afternoon tea in the lounge, or chow down on organic, locally sourced fare in the breakfast room.

The takeaway: Luxurious REN toiletries swiped from your well-appointed room.

Best City Oasis: Holland Park. Here in this lush, 55-acre space you’ll find shady trails for strolling, a fenced-in play area with a zip line and giant see-saw, and a Japanese-style Kyoto Garden where several resident peacocks strut their stuff as if they own the joint. The park surrounds a Jacobean mansion, Holland House, named after its second owner, the Earl of Holland, whose wife was the first person in England to successfully grow dahlias. In the 19th century, Holland House became a hub of political and literary activity, visited by Disraeli and Lord Byron amongst others, but was largely destroyed by bombs during WWII. These days, dahlias are still grown within the park, which also contains an open-air theatre and opera for al fresco entertainment.

The takeaway: A video of yourself gleefully descending the zip line in the children’s playground. Go when school’s in session to avoid the kiddie crowds—not to mention the disapproving glances from those proper English nannies.

Best Street for Hipster Gazing: Lamb’s Conduit Street. This drag’s got it all: Artsy boutiques. Artisan coffee shops. Cute resident dogs with designer collars. Shopping is as friendly as it gets on this partially pedestrianised street in Bloomsbury, as shop owners are often seen chatting up passersby and even dispensing free wine to customers. The brainchild of an architect and interior designer, Pentreath & Hall (17 Rugby Street) is a nostalgic interiors shop packed with ceramics, fabrics and knick-knacks made by local artistans. Women’s clothing shop Folk (53 Lamb’s Conduit) is the place to get luxurious jumpsuits and outerwear. Persephone Books (59 Lamb’s Conduit) is a unique publishing house that champions forgotten female authors. After shopping, refuel at Ciao Bella (86-90 Lamb’s Conduit), a favourite local Italian, then throw back a pint at the Lamb (94 Lamb’s Consuit) or Perseverance (63 Lamb’s Conduit), both classic local pubs.

The takeaway: An art print or a quirky alphabet brush pot (a.k.a., personalized crystal tumbler) from Pentreath & Hall.

Best Department Store: Liberty London. What exactly is a department store, you may ask, as many giant retailers have closed their doors in this age of online shopping. well, Liberty London on Regent Street has still got it going on, as locals and tourists alike flock to its thoughtfully curated, up-to-the-moment selection of fashion, housewares, fabrics and signature-print gift items. What makes this London retail landmark so dynamic is its ever-changing assortment of designer collaborations on everything from pottery to pocket scarves, proving that department stores can still be cool.

The takeaway: A breezy scarf in one of the store’s signature floral prints.

Best City Views: The Shard. While killer views aren’t hard to come by in this town (the London Eye observation wheel and the top of the Tate Modern are two of our favorite London lookout spots), the city’s highest viewing platform is technically the 95-story skyscraper The Shard. Designed by the Italian architect Renzo Piano and inaugurated in 2012, the building stands an impressive 1,016 feet high and is the fifth tallest structure in Europe. Twenty-five pounds buys you a ticket to The View from The Shard, which includes a ride up to a glass pyramid tower and access to an open-air observation deck on the 72nd floor. After taking in the panoramic views, satisfy your food and/or fashion fix among the many restaurants and shops strewn throughout the building.

The takeaway: A Shard snow globe pen for only 6 pounds.

Best Restaurant For Seeing and Being Seen: The Wolseley. A favorite hangout of the fashion and media crowd, The Wolseley (160 Piccadilly) offers modern European food and sexy-yet-subdued glamour from breakfast to late-night. Come in the morning for the double-chocolate brioche, in the afternoon for traditional tea, or at night for oysters and Coq au Vin. Got show tickets? After curtain closing, pop in for cocktails and finger food. The building, with its high ceilings and Art Deco decor, was built in the 1920s as a car showroom and was later a bank before turning into the foodie hotspot it is today. Even the souvenir shop, which stocks everything from tiny teapots to gift baskets and champagne, is a highly anticipated destination.

The takeaway: A sleek canister of the Wolseley’s signature English Breakfast Tea, or a copy of the mouth-watering cookbook Breakfast at the Wolseley.

Best Not-So-Touristy Tourist Attraction: The Victoria and Albert Museum. After you’ve done the traditional museum circuit (and who doesn’t adore the British Museum and the National Gallery?) and feel ready for something different, head to the Victoria and Albert Museum in Brompton, the world’s largest museum of decorative arts and design. V&A houses a permanent collection of more than 2 million objects spanning 5,000 years—ceramics, glass, textiles, costumes, metals, sculpture, prints, drawings and photos from across the globe. But it’s the museum’s eclectic exhibits that set it apart. With shows like, “You Say You Want a Revolution? Records and Rebels 1966-1970” and “Undressed: A Brief History of Underwear,” you are guaranteed to stay interested. Currently, an exhibit of Frida Kahlo’s personal artifacts and a show everyday objects we’ll be using in the future are on the menu.

The takeaway: A signed, unframed fashion print from the museum’s colorful shop makes the perfect lightweight but long-lasting souvenir.

Best Outdoor Market: Borough Market. If you happen to be south of the Thames, soaking up the sites at the Tate Modern, the Globe and the surrounding Southbank area, be sure to hit nearby Borough Market at the north end of the London Bridge. The city’s oldest outdoor market, this place is a kaleidoscope of smells, colors, tastes and textures. Here you’ll find everything from locally grown fruits and veggies to baked goods, spices, condiments, flowers and housewares. Many of the market’s stallholders are themselves producers: the farmer who reared the animal, the fisherman who caught the fish, the baker who baked the bread. Other traders have built their reputations on seeking out small-scale artisan producers and bringing their wares here. Grab a loaf of bread, olives and cheese for an impromptu picnic by the water, or grab a small souvenir from one of the charming home-goods suppliers before heading into one of the market’s cafes for a fish taco and pint of ale.

The takeaway: A packable memento from one of the market’s home-goods stallholders, such as British designer Richard Bramble‘s shellfish-themed kitchen towels or Borough Kitchen‘s stylish linen aprons.

Best Night Spot: Nightjar. Named after a nocturnal bird, this sexy speakeasy is renowned for its live music and meticulously prepared, vintage-inspired cocktails. Located on the edge of Shoreditch—London’s closest version of a Silicon Valley neighborhood—this prohibition-themed bar at 129 City Road offers a healthy dose of old-school glamour. Behind its doors lies an underground chamber where live blues, swing and boss nova take center stage, the Art Deco decor creates a sultry environment, and innovative drinks like the White Tiger’s Milk (a concoction of pisco, cashew tiger’s milk, Ancho Reyes, and sake dashi) help eradicate the day’s stresses. Because the bar has a no-standing policy, you’ll be forced to take a load off and finally relax after a day of heavy-duty sightseeing.

The takeaway: A newfound (or renewed) appreciation for 1920s jazz.

Whether you’re gearing up for some autumn business travel or planning ahead for holiday excursions, now is the time to take inventory of your carry-on bag. We say a woman needs a finely curated (read: lightweight) selection of necessities to get her through a long flight in comfort and style. So the next time you fly the friendly dehydrating, claustrophobic, noisy skies, arm yourself with these 10 travel must-haves.

1. Tap Filter Bottle. Isn’t it a drag when your bottle of Evian is confiscated at the security checkpoint? Eliminate the problem by toting an airport-friendly, earth-conscious, refillable bottle, which purifies H2O from any tap—even the airport water fountain. We like the Aqua Gear Tritan, $35.

2. Noise-Canceling Headphones. Whether you’ve got an infant crying in the row behind you, or two old guys engaged in hot political debate across the aisle, it’s nice to be able to block out those annoying airplane distractions. And you have to admit, both your  iTunes playlist and that On-Demand action flick sound so much better through quality headphones such as the QuietComfort 25 from Bose.com, $300.

Stay hydrated with one of these facial mists. Photo by INGA LIM.

3. Moisturizer. Airplane air is notorious for drying out even the most supple complexion. Bring aboard some plumping moisturizer, like Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Gel Cream, $20 at Ulta.com, or Origins Night-A-Mins face cream, $43 at Origins.com. An invigorating toning spray is also great for refreshing your face mid-flight; read all about them in our story, “Spray Your Way To Gorgeous Skin”.

4. Reading Tablet. While we Red Typewriter mavens consider ourselves literary ladies who love the feel of a good book in our hands, let’s face it: Schlepping a stack of novels onto an airplane just isn’t convenient. With a reading tablet like the iPad or Kindle, you can download dozens of new titles to get you through a trip to Timbuktu and back again.

5. Breath Fresheners. To avoid emerging from a long flight with nasty breath, carry mints, chewing gum (also great for easing that awful ear-popping) or a travel-size toothbrush. For super-portability, you can’t beat Colgate Wisp mini disposable brushes, $8 for 16 at Amazon.com. For those who prefer electric, the Violight Slim Sonic Travel Toothbrush weighs only 2 ounces and comes in an array of chic designs.

6. Wipes. Life can get messy, especially on a germ-ridden, filled-to-capacity flight. Combat the cross-country grime with a package of travel-size wipes, good for everything from pre-meal hand cleaning to TV monitor sanitizing. We like the eco-friendly, TSA-approved options from La Fresh, $2.50 and up at Lafreshgroup.com.

7. Compression Socks. No, we probably wouldn’t wear stilettos onto a plane—this isn’t 1965, after all. But even when they’re clad in comfy sneakers or flip-flops, our tootsies and legs can swell mid-flight. Changing into a pair of compression socks onboard (we like the stylish offerings from Vim & Vigor, $33 at Brightlifego.com) means we’ll disembark with some spring in our step.

8. Travel First-Aid Kit. This one’s a must-have if you’re flying with children. A tiny version like Johnson & Johnson’s at Amazon.com, $5, is just big enough to stash a few Band-Aids, some aspirin or ibuprofen for those mid-flight headaches (especially if you’ve forgotten our #2 suggestion), and some kids meds. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

9. Cozy Shawl. It can get chilly on most flights, and you never know what the weather will be like on the other side—airports in tropical cities can be air conditioned, remember? A soft, lightweight wrap (we like the CozyChic Travel Shawl, $105 at Nordstrom.com) will keep you toasty during your travels—and send signals to the flight attendant that you are sleeping and, no thank you, you do not need another bag of peanuts.

10. Pen and Notebook. Yeah, yeah, you’ve got your phone, reading tablet and maybe even your laptop onboard with you. But even in this high-tech age, basic writing utensils can still come in handy. You may need a pen for filling out customs forms, and you just never know when  a supreme idea will pop into your head and need to be recorded. Try the travel-size notebook available at Moleskine.com, $10.

Happy Travels!

There are days when being a mom makes me feel like the luckiest woman in the world. I feel blessed to have two beautiful children who are thriving under my care, and the rewards seem endless. Other days…well, I don’t have to tell you about other days. Whether they involve temper tantrums, sleep deprivation or just the general chaos that often comes with parenthood, those are the days that try a woman’s soul.

Being a mother is a life-transforming event that can rock even the most even-keeled, self-assured female to the core. Suddenly you aren’t who you thought you were, and the rules that once governed your world are turned upside down by the demands of a tiny yet emotionally powerful little person. … //READ MORE