Author Archive | Jennie Lyon

I’m going to be honest with you, perimenopause snuck up on me. One day I was sleeping soundly and powering through my to-do list with ease, and the next I was tossing and turning, overheating, and feeling not quite myself. Sound familiar?

Perimenopause, the transition into menopause, can bring on a whirlwind of symptoms: mood swings, fatigue, disrupted sleep, hot flashes, and brain fog (to name a few). But here’s the good news: you’re not alone, and there are gentle, eco-friendly ways to support your body through this season of change.

Today I’m sharing some of the tips and green products I’ve been using to feel more grounded, rested, and well.

🌙 1. Prioritize Sleep, Even When It Feels Elusive

Sleep is often the first thing to suffer during perimenopause. Hormonal shifts can wreak havoc on your rest, and for me, getting a good night’s sleep became a challenge.

My favorite sleep savior?
👉 Sound of Sleep – Sound + Sleep
These compact, highly-reviewed sound machines are total game-changers. Whether I’m dealing with congestion, night sweats, or just a restless mind, the soothing soundscapes help lull me into deeper, more restorative sleep. Plus, their travel-friendly options make them easy to bring along on our RV adventures. PS: Your adult son who comes home for summer break from college is going to try to steal it from you!

Pro Tip: Choose the Bluetooth-enabled version so you can customize your soundscape from your phone without getting out of bed!

🍵 2. Support Your Hormones Naturally

Hormone balance can feel like a moving target during this time, but there are gentle ways to support your system:

• Seed cycling with organic flax, pumpkin, sesame, and sunflower seeds.
• Herbal teas like red clover, raspberry leaf, and chasteberry.
• Maca powder blended into smoothies to help with mood and energy.

Eco Pick: I love Gaia Herbs and Traditional Medicinals, both offer sustainably-sourced, organic herbal products that are perimenopause-friendly. Herbs like:

Gaia Menopause Support Daytime
Traditional Medicinals Stress Ease Tension Relief Tea

🛁 3. Soothe Your Body with Mineral Baths

When hot flashes strike or your joints feel achy, soaking in a warm (not hot) bath can feel like heaven. Add:

• Epsom salts for magnesium
• A few drops of organic lavender essential oil
• A splash of apple cider vinegar for pH balance

Eco Pick: Try the Taspens Relaxing Bath Herbs for a soothing soak!

🧘‍♀️ 4. Move Your Body Every Day

Even gentle movement helps regulate mood, boost energy, and reduce hot flashes. My favorites lately?

• Morning yoga (even just 10 minutes)
• Midday walks with Olive
• Stretching before bed

Eco Pick: Hugger Mugger Para Rubber Yoga Hat – it’s made from non-toxic, sustainable materials and built to last.

🥗 5. Eat the Rainbow (and Ditch the Hormone Disruptors)

This season calls for even more colorful veggies, clean proteins, and healthy fats. I also started avoiding:

• Processed soy
• Sugar
• Plastic food containers

Eco Pick: I’ve replaced our food storage with ECOlunchbox Stainless Steel Tri Bento and Bento Wet Box, zero plastic, zero waste, and they last for life.

💚 6. Be Gentle with Yourself

One of the biggest lessons I’m learning in perimenopause is how to slow down, listen to my body, and not push through when I’m feeling off. This phase asks for grace, rest, and self-compassion.

Final Thoughts:
Perimenopause is real, and it’s not always easy, but it’s also a powerful time to reconnect with yourself and reimagine your wellness routine. With a few lifestyle shifts and a little eco-friendly support, you can feel more like you again.

Got a favorite product or natural tip for perimenopause? I’d love to hear it! Let’s support each other through this journey 💚

If you know me, you know how much I love our RV adventures—morning hikes, campfire dinners, slow drives down back roads. But let’s be honest: most RVs and campers aren’t exactly charmers right out of the gate. They’re functional, yes… but inspiring? Not always.

So when I picked up DIY Camper and RV Reno by Janelle and Chadwick Payne, I instantly felt like I’d found my new favorite project guide. It’s part DIY manual, part design inspo, and part permission slip to make your space (even if it’s on wheels) feel like you.

🛠 A Guide for Real-Life RV Living

This book isn’t just for full-time RVers or seasoned DIYers—it’s for anyone who’s looked around their camper or trailer and thought, “This could be so much better.”

Janelle walks you through every stage of a camper reno, from the first swipe of paint to installing faux beams, shiplap walls, and even peel-and-stick tile (yes, real tile is totally possible in a tiny rolling home!). It’s beautifully photographed, easy to follow, and honestly, just really inspiring.

Whether you’re dreaming about updating your RV kitchen, freshening up a dated dinette, or just want to add personality to your weekend camper, this book gives you the tools—and the confidence—to make it happen.

🌸 What I Love About It

✨ Creative ideas that are doable – Nothing feels over-the-top or out of reach. She shows how small updates (like painting the cabinets or swapping out light fixtures) can completely transform a space.
🔧 Step-by-step tutorials – From countertops to cushions, this book covers it all with visuals and real-life advice.
🌿 Sustainability is woven in – Repurposing, reusing, and working with what you’ve got is a big part of her approach.
💪 Empowering and encouraging – Janelle’s “you’ve got this” vibe is contagious. She’s proof that you don’t need to be a pro to make something beautiful.

🚐 A Cozy Home, Wherever You Park It

We’ve been slowly refreshing little parts of our RV—nothing major yet, but this book has me seriously eyeing a kitchen redo. I’m already dreaming about white walls, warm wood countertops, and linen curtains blowing in the breeze. It’s all about creating a space that feels like home, no matter where you’re parked.

And as someone who loves sustainable living, I appreciate that Janelle promotes using what you have, sourcing smart, and investing in pieces that will last.

📚 Ready to Get Inspired?

If you’re dreaming of camper life, tackling a renovation, or just love beautiful, down-to-earth design books—you’ll want DIY Camper and RV Reno on your shelf. It’s one of those books you’ll flip through again and again, not just for the tips, but for the energy it gives you.

You can grab a copy here.

Here’s to cozy camper kitchens, adventures on the road, and spaces that feel like home—even with wheels.