Monday Musings on Muppet Brows and Midlife Adjustments
I’m currently sporting a bright red nose…not from festive cheer or too much wine, but thanks to a new combo treatment my dermatologist prescribed for a few actinic keratoses on my nose and cheek. It’s a mix of Calcipotriol and 5-Fluorouracil, which sounds like something you’d need goggles to handle, but apparently, it’s quite effective.
The idea is to stir up a bit of controlled chaos, irritate the area just enough to get rid of the precancerous cells. She told me to expect a visible reaction around days seven to ten. Well, it’s day six and so far… nothing much . Not a flake, not a flare, not even a respectable blotch.
Anyway, I’m trying to be patient, drink water, and not Google things I’ll regret. If this does eventually turn into a full facial fireworks show, I’ll be the one wearing a hat, sunglasses, and a polite smile at the grocery store, hoping no one asks if I’ve taken up boxing.
Bowen Therapy
At Pilates last week, a woman on the Reformer next to me mentioned she was doing Bowen therapy to help with stiffness and alignment. I hadn’t heard of it, but apparently it involves light, rolling movements across the fascia. The idea is that these tiny nudges tell your nervous system to settle down and realign things. No pressure or twisting and no dramatic stretches. The practitioner even leaves the room for a few minutes between moves to let your body “process.”
It’s all very subtle, and the therapist told me not to expect to feel any change for four days. Well, it’s day seven and there’s nothing to report.
To be fair, it wasn’t unpleasant. I lay still in a quiet room for 45 minutes while someone gently touched my back. My Oura ring actually thought I took a nap. I have another session today, so I’ll give it one more try before I decide if it’s therapy or just an oddly soothing pause in my week. Have any of you tried Bowen therapy?
Bone Density
Last week, I had my bone density test and my husband had his Reclast infusion, which felt like a very adult double-header. I’ve known for a while that I need to add more weight-bearing exercise into my routine, but knowing and doing are not the same thing.
I walk, I stretch, I go to Pilates, but I also spend a lot of time sitting…writing, reading, knitting, and thinking about exercising. So I’ve finally decided to hire a personal trainer. Not for anything dramatic. I just want someone to show me what to do, make sure I’m doing it correctly, and help keep me accountable. Left to my own devices, I’ll find a dozen “important” things to do before lifting a dumbbell. Laundry suddenly feels urgent when weights are calling.
This feels like a realistic next step and just one more way to take care of the body I’ve got and keep it strong enough to do the things I care about.
Giving Up The Dream
Sometimes giving up brings an unexpected win.
About ten years ago, I saw a woman wearing the most beautiful sunglasses. I asked her the brand, found them online, and ordered them right away. At the time, I was determined to make contact lenses work—mostly so I could wear stylish sunglasses like these without having to squint through prescription lenses.
But my dry eyes had other plans. The contacts became painful and eventually impossible to wear. When I finally gave up on them, I tucked the sunglasses into a drawer and forgot all about them.
A few months ago, I rediscovered them while searching for something else. I had my prescription put in, and now I wear them all the time. Letting go of contacts felt like a loss at first, but finding those sunglasses again made it feel like something had quietly come full circle.
Style Shift
Lately, I’ve noticed my style shifting again. Not in a dramatic, throw-everything-out kind of way…just a quiet pull toward shapes that feel more modern and sculptural. Clean lines, unusual proportions, and the kind of details that make you stop and take a second look.
I’ve worn classic pieces for years. They’re reliable, and I still reach for them. But lately I’ve been craving a little more personality. Perhaps something that feels creative or artistic, yet still wearable.
Some of my old standbys are starting to feel a little too predictable. A few newer finds have me thinking, “Well, that’s interesting… do I dare?” And usually, I do. Because honestly, if not now, when?
I’m not turning eccentric, but I’m open to flirting with it. Just enough to keep things interesting. You will see it here first :).
Brow Woes
And while we’re on the subject of things that used to work…my eyebrows have entered a whole new, depressing chapter.
Every pencil and powder I’ve used for years is suddenly too dark, too warm, or way too harsh. What used to give me soft, natural definition now leaves me looking like a cross between Groucho Marx and a Muppet with something to say.
The problem isn’t the makeup. It’s the brows themselves. They’re fading to white, not gray, and thinning out faster than I can adjust. The same products that once blended in quietly now look like I used a black Sharpie to draw them on.
Since GrandeBrow used to work like a charm, I’m starting to wonder if my thyroid is the issue, because if that’s off, no serum is going to help. I’ve decided to switch to RevitaBrow anyway, just in case there are still a few willing follicles left to encourage.
That’s the theme this week: subtle changes in skin, brows, fascia, and style. Nothing dramatic, just a quiet reminder that what used to work doesn’t always keep working. It’s not a crisis. It’s just midlife doing its thing.
Are you noticing any shifts lately, too?
I feel like you were writing about me today. All of your issues apply! Makes me feel better “it’s not just me”. Thank you for sharing. I really enjoy your posts.
I’m glad to hear I’m in good company. Thank you.
I would like to comment on brows. Following your suggestion I recently started using Anastasia colored brow gel. I chose the light ash one which is still a little dark. So I apply a little bit in the most needed area of my brow and immediately brush it through the brows before the product dries. The next step is what really seems to make a difference, I follow up with a clear gel which spreads the color a little more. This seems to give me the right amount of color.
Also, I buy travel sized brow gel so keep cost down, and they last about a year.
Ah, I’ve never tried the clear! I always wondered why people would use that! Thanks Shari
The clear gel is used to set the brow pencil or whatever you use to fill in the brows. I use Maybelline build a brow. One end of it has a tiny brush the clear gel. I really like it. With salt and pepper hair, the ash brown colour works for me.
Jennifer, your blog has become my favourite! Your great sense of humour, honest sharing, practical and stylish tips all make for an enjoyable and informative read. Thanks for all your hard work. 👏🏻🇨🇦
Happy Monday! I’m glad you’re here with us.
Hi Jennifer,
The spa I go to for facials recommended “Li-Brow and Li-Lash”. (Lilash.com is the website)I have been using both for quite awhile now and I can say I have had good results with both. The patchy areas in my brows have grown in and the “tail” of my brow is thicker and my lashes are very thick. I have had no issues with sensitivity, etc. either.
That’s new to me. I’ll check it out, thanks
I still struggle in retirement with clothes because I have so many great pieces from work; I am trying to repurpose them. My brows are thin and almost nonexistent in places; I discovered a simple Revlon product that has powder and a pencil that I use and then brush until it doesn’t look drawn in. I have tried other things but am happy with my $12 product. Also, I like to patronize a brand that has faded but was such a part of my young years; I don’t want it to go away.
Every day is an adventure with my mostly browless forehead – I have very few brows left from overactive tweezing in you youth. Plus, what’s left turned mostly white. Now I use Ulta fine line brow pencil and draw my brows on painstakingly slow. I feel your pain!
And I had a large forehead to start with! I’m with you.
Mid rise jeans…..sadly took the last two beloved pairs out of the closet and into the give away bin. It really bums me out but I just hate wearing them now because my body shape has changed and I don’t think were goin back😉
Mid rise is a no and never on my body. They feel as bad as they look.
I’m not tall but I have very long legs. Regulars tend to reach my ankles which is shorter than I like. But Tall is too high waisted for me. To my amazement, I discovered that if I buy Tall midrise, they fit perfectly! Old Navy has them in the store so you can even try them on!
Brava for getting a personal trainer. After over 15 years of 2x a week Pilates, recovery from spinal surgery led me to a personal trainer. It has been life changing. I am strong now in ways Pilates never approached—and it provides the strength (weights) for good bones The trainer will also keep it interesting. Good luck.
Is your a man or woman?
At 74 I find every day brings a new subtle shift but that’s okay because it makes me grateful that I am still aging and not the alternative. This is not midlife; but by all calculations it is the last third of the life cycle. This last year taught me to appreciate the process; embrace what is specifically me, be grateful for all the positives in my life, tolerate the negatives. I appreciate your blog, Jennifer; always gives me food for thought.
You’re right Linda. Midlife passed me by a long time ago. We are lucky to be here
Good morning, Jennifer. Since you are going to try strength training as a way to strengthen your bones, I wanted to let you know that I have found the resistance training circuit at my local Y to be the easiest and most enjoyable way to do strength training. A trainer helped me learn how to use the circuit – you wear a special bracelet that individually sets the machines each time you use them – and the whole thing is effortless. Honestly, I do not mind going to the Y several times a week to use the e-Gym, as it is called. That is huge for me because I love to put off exercising!
That sounds genius!! I’ll check if we have one near us.
Good Morning Jennifer: I always love your Monday Musings. My favorite way to hear from you, even more so than the Nordstrom try-on days. And “flirting with eccentric” made my day. Can’t wait to see what you’re thinking about. I’ve done Pilates twice a week for 4 years and after two years, my bone density test had improved. I walk as many days as I can and I’d like to add an activity to fill in that 3rd non-pilates day during the week. (weekends are off limits). There’s a gym nearby exclusive for women. Maybe one day there.
You’re inspiring!! Good morning
Your muppet eyebrow comment gave me a chuckle! My once lovely brows are still full with few white hairs, but there are some very coarse and strangely long 3/4” hairs sprouting in there that are truly awe inspiring. I have to trim them, at an angle to make them sort of blend in. They grow straight up and I have to wrestle them to keep them down.😁 I realized my sleep position was making things worse so I’ve resorted to taping them down with surgical tape at night to retrain those misfits. It helps…a little.
Brilliant idea! I have more to trim each month. Grrrr
I’m new to thyroid meds. Now I have an endocrinologist who I hope will help my ever-increasing body changes.
But, this is what I can offer you. My trainer and I meet twice each year (she’s also a friend.) At the gym, she videos me doing the exercises while she talks through the body positions. I need body weight exercises since my osteoporosis diagnosis. So, my suggestion is that you have the trainer video you so you can workout without her whenever you choose.
Good luck!
Great idea Carol
I started using the “chemo cream” about two years ago for flareups on my face and scalp as they occur. I apply twice a day for four or five days and after stopping, it scabs up and new skin appears. It’s been a very effective treatment for me.
I’m wondering if I should try it without the other cream. I’ll message my Dr
I’ve had success with revitabrow. For sculptural clothing, check out COS ( and ignore the models). I’m gravitating back to preppy/classic with a twist. When I was heavier I used the sculptural touches to hide (asymmetry, draping, ruching) and now I’m tired of it plus it overwhelms my current smaller frame. I’m craving old money, but my way, with my colors and silver instead of gold.
I do love the old money esthetic too. Cos is terrific. There’s one in Vancover I love to visit when I’m there.
After 47 years of wearing contacts, I also let them go. I have a cute pair of glasses I got from Warby Parker. I really like them and get lots of complements.
Most of my clothes are black, white, or gray and I’ve been adding some navy. I have cute/comfortable shoes mostly, Vionics.
I appreciated your blog on adding texture and pattern. I feel that one or two good pieces with texture and/or pattern would elevate my style. Jewelry also helps to change my basic B/W look.
I have found some cool sculptured looks from Planet by Lauren G, Cos, and even Eileen Fisher.
Cool is a word I keep circling back too and I’m not even sure how to describe it but I know when I see it.
I’ve been a 3-mile a day walker for years, but last year I hired a personal trainer and added weights twice a week and it’s the best thing I’ve done for myself in years. I turned 70 this year and was successful at a couple of goals I set for myself- a 1,000 step hiking climb with my three sons and going paddle boarding in Hawaii with my grandkids.
The weight training has made me more flexible and stronger. You won’t regret it!
Amazing Stormy!! Good for you.
I too, have severe dry eye and cannot wear contacts. I have found that most sunglasses are prescription ready. That way I can see and be stylish!! Same issue with the eyebrows…. Going to look into micro blading after the holidays. Thank you for your input!!
Love your writing and your attitude! At 70 years, I’ve noticed lots of shifts and honestly, it’s hard to keep up! Thanks for trying new things and passing on your experiences.
Help, what to do about white eye lashes that stick straight out.
All I can suggest is mascara and a curler if you want to bother with one.
What a thoughtful post today – I appreciate your openness about this stage in life. Your blog is a wonderful mix of topics we can all benefit from. Thank you for the variety and for not pushing to buy more this and that, which has caused me to not follow other bloggers anymore. Buying with intention makes sense!
I’m being much more selective these days and it feels good!