Welcome, NO-vember! How to embrace the power of saying…NO!
Hello, fabulous friends over 40! It’s hard to believe that November is here, and with it comes the hustle and bustle of holiday prep, family gatherings, and, yes, often more stress than we’d like to admit. But this year, I'm welcoming NO-vember, and I invite you to join me in focusing on the power of saying NO! Because let’s be honest, by the time the New Year rolls around, we’re often left feeling more drained than delighted. So, here are a few things I say we all work on saying NO to this month—and why it’ll make your life over 40 so much better.
NO to Over-committing
This season is full of get-togethers and gift exchanges, but you don’t have to RSVP "yes" to every invite! Protect your energy by choosing events that genuinely make you feel joyful. Saying “no” to one more potluck or cookie exchange doesn’t make you the Grinch; it makes you someone who values peace over pressure.
Stacey’s Strategy: It’s hard to say no to friends or family during the holidays, but I try to plan ahead and choose the events that truly bring me the most joy over trying to just make an appearance at every party. I value quality time with my close friends and family the most, so I prioritize the holiday events with them first and then set my calendar around them. For example, a new tradition that my “bootcamp buddies” began is celebrating “Friendsgiving” together before the Thanksgiving holiday. This is something I look forward to every year, and I don’t feel “over booked” because it’s already a priority on my holiday calendar!
NO to Holiday Weight Gain Woes
We all know the "I’ll just have one more cookie" mentality can turn into a few extra pounds come January. This month, let’s ditch the guilt and say “no” to the holiday weight struggle. It’s okay to enjoy, but find balance, too. Think moderation, movement and balance over deprivation—no fad diets here! Weight Watchers has definitely helped me learn how to meal prep, track my points, and keep the cookies and wine balanced out with the workouts - but I also don’t deprive myself of the holiday treats that I really enjoy!
Stacey’s Secret Weapon against Holiday Weight Gain: Spanx!
If you have been regularly following my blog, you know I am a huge fan of Spanx! The body-contouring Spanx faux leather leggings and booty-sculpting Spanx dark wash flare jeans are two of my fav pieces that help you look your best while feeling comfortable. Plus, these pieces are wardrobe workhorses for any holiday outfit. Search “Spanx shaping leggings” or “Spanx flare jeans” on Amazon or their website to find what suits you best!
NO to Self-Criticism
If you’re anything like me, the mirror can sometimes feel like a harsh critic. But NO-vember is the time to practice self-love, wrinkles, gray hair, and all. Let’s replace self-criticism with self-care, shall we?
Skin Savers: Brands like DRMTLGY and Olay have affordable anti-aging skincare to boost your glow. Search “anti-aging moisturizer” or “brightening serum” on Amazon for a range of options that fit into your routine and keep you looking (and feeling!) like the beauty you are.
Or - you could just visit my friends at the Rejuvenation Center and try Botox. I mean, there’s more than one way to say “No” to wrinkles and self criticism!
NO to the Pressure of Perfect Holiday Outfits
Who says you need to find the “perfect” holiday outfit? This year, it’s all about keeping it chic and stress-free with some holiday fashion essentials from Express. These collections offer everything you need to look amazing without the hassle. Read more about my fav fall pieces from Express in this recent blog post!
Stacey’s Picks: I am obsessed with black jumpsuits - they are so easy to throw on with a pair of heels and you can dress them up or down for any occasion! I fell in love with this faux-feather trimmed black jumpsuit from Express that I bought last holiday season along with the matching heels! Honestly I think I wore it to every party last season - and don’t be surprised if you see me in it again this year because it is just one of my favorite pieces! Don’t forget to check back here soon because I’ll be diving into my top picks for this holiday season and styling tips to make your holiday wardrobe effortlessly shine! It’s time to put on your most fabulous holiday heels and enjoy yourself!
NO to Draining Shopping Experiences
My mom and daughter and I have a tradition of going on one holiday shopping trip per season during the week of Thanksgiving (crazy, right?). While I treasure this time of shopping and laughing (and breaking out the credit card) together, I’m a one-and- done Christmas shopper when it comes to being out among the crazy holiday shopping crowds! In fact, I personally find navigating busy stores and endless holiday lines is the stuff of nightmares. Why not make shopping easier on yourself? Check out some of my fav ideas from Amazon below!
Stacey’s Go-to Gift Exchange ideas:
If you’re looking to save time but still want to be the one whose gift is most sought after in this year’s gift exchange, Amazon has so many gift bundles and quick-shop options—hello, stress-free holiday shopping! You could even break these gift sets up and use them as individual stocking stuffers or party favors! Here are a few of my fav holiday beauty gift sets under $50….and be sure to check back soon for my holiday gift guide from Amazon!
L'OCCITANE Nourishing & Protective Classic Hand Cream Holiday Sets
Embrace the Power of “No”
By saying “no” to the things that drain you, you’re saying “yes” to joy, peace, and self-care. This NO-vember, let’s celebrate the power of protecting our time and choosing what brings us joy. So, here’s to making NO-vember all about reclaiming the joy in saying “no,” one intentional decision at a time.
Cheers to the start of a fabulous holiday season NO-matter what you decide to do!
Stacey C.
