Hi, I’m Melissa.
I’m a writer, a wellness enthusiast, a lover of good skincare, beautiful spaces and honest conversation — and I’ve been sharing all of it here at Fresh Air and False Lashes for more years than I care to count. This is my little corner of the internet, and I’m so glad you’re in it!
The life behind the blog
I’m married to Troy — He’s my rock and we’ve been doing life together for 36 years, which I find both remarkable and unremarkable at the same time, because it’s just always been him. I’m grateful for our life and I love him deeply. We have three grown children who we are enormously proud of, and one grandchild who has completely undone us both in the best possible way.
Ours has been an adventurous life — sometimes breathtakingly beautiful, sometimes hard-like-you-wouldn’t-believe, always interesting. We’ve moved house over twenty (20!) times. We’ve lived abroad, travelled extensively and called more than one country home over the years. That kind of life teaches you things that staying put never could. It teaches you to be adaptable, to find beauty in the unfamiliar, to build a home in your heart rather than just in a house. It also teaches you that the people you meet along the way — in different countries, different seasons of life — are more alike than they are different. We are all just figuring this out together.
Our children still live abroad, our family is close knit and our faith is central to everything. The Lord has been the constant in a life that has had very few of them, and I don’t take that lightly.
What you’ll find here
Fresh Air and False Lashes is for the woman over 50 who wants to enjoy her life.
The woman who still cares about how she looks — not because she’s vain, but because taking care of herself is an act of self-respect. The woman who wants honest skincare advice that doesn’t pretend ageing isn’t happening. The woman who loves beautiful things — a well-decorated room, a perfectly chosen outfit, a really good lipstick. The woman who travels, or dreams of travelling. The woman who is navigating the complicated, sometimes wonderful, sometimes bewildering terrain of midlife with as much grace and humour as she can muster.
You’ll find me covering:
Beauty & Skincare — honest reviews, what actually works over 50, the products I’d buy again and the ones I wouldn’t. No filters, no unrealistic promises.
Style & Fashion — dressing for the body and the life you actually have, not the one you had at 35.
Travel — from our life on the Adriatic to adventures further afield. The places that have moved me, surprised me and occasionally broken my heart- usually in a good way.
Home & Decor — I love a beautiful space. Always have. The homes we’ve made & tended along the way have each taught me something about what really matters.
Wellness & Mental Health — this one is close to my heart. I’ve been through long, difficult seasons myself, and I believe that simple, practical information can change a woman’s life. No clinical jargon, no overwhelming programs — just real, warm, useful guidance from someone who has been in the trenches.
Lastly…….
I believe women over 50 deserve honest information & genuine encouragement. That’s what I hope to provide.
So welcome. I’m so happy you’re here.
— Melissa
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