Ten years ago, I edited other people’s wardrobes. I photographed racks of sample pieces, cut copy, and watched a dozen “essential” trends die in a single season. Now I edit my own life, and the honest truth is that the upgrades that stuck were small. None of them required a renovation, a new body, or a bigger budget.
I’m 38. Some of what I’m about to share is about what I’m doing now. Some is about what I hope my 50, 60, and 70-year-old self will quietly thank me for. Thirteen things, from the closet to the kitchen to the bed. All of them things you can start this week.
Style
1. Dressing more expressively, a little at a time
My style goal for 2026 is to dress a bit cooler. That’s a code word for actually wearing the printed pants, the brighter color, the piece that stands out a little more. Even if it’s just to school pickup or my daughter’s volleyball practice.
Here’s the thing I learned as an editor: you can’t take risks well until you know your own color card and your own limits. In my early 20s I took risks recklessly. In my 30s I got so practical I barely bought anything. Now, after more than a decade of learning what actually works on me, I can bring in more self-expression without the hasty purchases I used to regret. The risks are smaller. They land better.
Currently on my list: a cypress-green sweater (a fun color that’s genuinely on my color card), swingy palazzo jeans, and red track pants. Three small additions, not a closet overhaul.
2. More structure, character, and interest
I’m after more structure in my clothes. My style is still laid-back at its core, but fabrics with a little weight make everything look more refined. Bonus: structured pieces are my secret weapon on the days I feel bloated. They do the holding job so my confidence doesn’t have to.
I also want personality in the details, even in my basics. A plain tee is fine. A plain tee with an interesting seam or a better collar is better. This is where editing comes in. Character in a few well-chosen pieces beats quantity in a drawer full of safe.
3. Paying for a better-curated wardrobe
I want fit, quality, structure, and a little character. When the fabric, the cut, the drape, and the details add up to something that looks and feels noticeably better, I’m willing to pay for it.
That doesn’t mean expensive equals better. I still love a great Old Navy, Amazon, or Kohl’s find. And I’ll always hunt for standout finds under $30. But I’ve stopped pretending that cheap always wins. The goal is a curated closet, not a full one.
Beauty and skincare
4. A tinted moisturizer that does the work of three steps
This is the product I can’t stop talking about. It moisturizes, gives you color and coverage, and has SPF 30. Three steps in one. Your skin looks smooth and dewy, finished like you’re wearing foundation without actually wearing a full face of it. My morning routine got shorter and better at the same time, which is rare.
5. Switching to liquid blush
I used a powder blush for years, and then I switched to a liquid and never looked back. The dewy finish is what sold me. I’ve actually been told the formula I’ve been using may be getting phased out for a newer one that’s more pigmented but still buildable and lasts better. Either way, the more liquid makeup I use, the better my complexion looks.
6. The mascara I keep re-buying
This is a tubing mascara I’ve used for years. It’s easy to apply and it genuinely never smudges. The regular price is about $28, but I’ve found it on sale for three under $50, which still works out to a real saving even with shipping. I keep an eye on sales, and I’d buy it again in a heartbeat.
7. An eyeshadow palette that’s been a staple for over a decade
I’ve had the same eyeshadow palette for more than ten years. It sweeps on effortlessly, the shades are user-friendly, and I can find it at Sephora or on Amazon. I’ve talked about it enough times that it’s almost a running joke, but it’s still fantastic. A good neutral palette doesn’t go stale.
8. A gentler makeup remover
I probably should have switched a decade ago, but I finally started using micellar water to remove my eye makeup without the rubbing and pulling. The skin around your eyes is delicate, and a gentler method matters more as you get older. Better late than never, and my future self is already thanking me.
Health
9. A fitness program that rotates strength, cardio, and mobility
Back in 2018, after my second child, I did a fitness program called FASTer Way and had great results. My goal then was weight loss. This time my priorities are different. I want to build and maintain muscle, protect my cardiovascular health, and stay mobile. I’ve been doing it for the last 9 months and I love it.
Instead of a one-time bootcamp, it’s now my ongoing program. The workouts are under 30 minutes, which is a must for a busy household, and they rotate through strength, HIIT or cardio, and mobility. It’s efficient and well-rounded, and I don’t have to balance it all myself. Weight loss wasn’t the goal this time, but I’ve lost more than 5 inches overall and I can feel the difference in muscle. The areas that used to feel fluffy are noticeably firmer. For the record, the first time through the program I lost 16 to 17 inches all over.
10. Replacing our caffeinated drinks
My husband Daniel and I used to rely on caffeine every day. Him on coffee, me on a strawberry açaí refresher or boba. He liked the focus but not the afternoon crash. I didn’t love how much sugar I was drinking. Three months ago we switched to mango pineapple from MTE (More Than Energy), and it officially replaced both.
MTE is actually caffeine-free. It uses a naturally occurring metabolite of caffeine for clean energy, with no added sugar, artificial sweeteners, colors, or flavors. My favorite flavor is mango pineapple, and I like my drinks sweet, so I mix it with electrolytes in pink lemonade. Together they taste like a little tropical treat, and I genuinely look forward to it every day.
11. Prioritizing protein and fiber
I’ve prioritized protein since my 20s. In my 40s I’m paying a lot more attention to fiber too. My goal is 25 grams or more a day, and beyond fruit, vegetables, and nuts, I’ve found convenient ways to hit it. High-fiber tortillas, prebiotic sodas, and certain peanut butter cups all help. And the energy drink I switched to has 4 grams of fiber per serving, which counts. Not glamorous, but my future self will be glad I cared.
12. A mattress that fits how I actually sleep
Having the right mattress changed my mornings. For years I woke up with aches and I’d gotten so used to it I didn’t even notice. Last year we switched to Helix, and I stopped waking up in pain. I honestly can’t believe how long I lived with that.
With Helix you take a short sleep quiz and they match you to a mattress based on your sleep habits. Daniel and I have different needs. I’m a side sleeper and run cold, and he runs warm. We both sleep better now. Last weekend we stayed at a hotel and I ached all night and into the next day. I kept thinking I couldn’t wait to get home. If you’re in the market, you can get 30% off right now with code ELITE30. The trial is low-risk too. If you return it, they send people to haul it away. You don’t even have to box it up.
Investing in myself
13. Getting back into the things I enjoy
Now that my kids are a little older, I’ve made space for the things I actually like. Since my daughter started club volleyball, I’ve gotten inspired to get back into it myself. Last year I did a couple of adult volleyball camps, and I recently signed up to play weekly for three months. I’m excited to play, and mostly just trying not to get injured.
I’m also part of two mastermind groups, one with other membership leaders and one with content creators. They’ve been energizing. After more than a decade of doing this on my own, it’s easy to get stuck in your own head. Learning how other people work has given me fresh ideas and helped me level up the content I create.
The throughline of all thirteen: smaller, smarter, and kinder to the person I’m becoming. You don’t need a new body or a bigger budget. You need a few intentional changes you’ll actually keep.
Do I need to do all of these?
No. Pick the one or two that fit your life right now. The point is intention, not volume.
Are the workouts really under 30 minutes?
Yes. The program rotates strength, cardio, and mobility, and each session stays under 30 minutes, which is what makes it sustainable for a busy schedule.
Is the mattress trial actually low-risk?
Yes. If you decide to return it during the trial, they send people to pick it up. You don’t have to rebox it.
a note from Margot: I spent ten years editing magazine racks. Now I edit your closet, and the best edits are the quiet ones. None of these required a big moment. They just quietly made my days better.
