Melissa Cerber

Not everything I listen to has to teach me something! 😂 These are the podcasts I reach for when I just want to laugh, unwind, hear some good stories or have something fun playing in the background. Perfect for the car, a walk, cleaning the house or anytime I need a little escape. These are the ones that keep me coming back episode after episode!

I truly believe knowledge is power, especially when it comes to women’s health. These are the podcasts that have taught me SO much about perimenopause, menopause, hormones, HRT, metabolism, strength, bone health, longevity and taking care of our bodies as we age. I’ve learned things I honestly wish I had known years ago! I’m constantly listening, learning and adding new favorites, so I’ll keep updating this list as I find more. If you’re in your 40s, 50s or beyond and want to better understand your body, start here.

These are the books that have genuinely changed the way I think about my health and my body. Most focus on perimenopause, menopause, hormones, nutrition and healthy aging—things I wish I had understood YEARS ago! I’ve learned so much from these books, and I’m sharing the ones that have made the biggest impact on me.

All the scents I can’t stop wearing! My favorite perfumes, body sprays, and more. From sweet and cozy to fresh and feminine. These are the ones I actually use, love, and reach for over and over again.

My tried and true travel favorites! Everything I use to make traveling easier, more organized, and more comfortable, from packing essentials to long flight must haves. These are the things that have earned a permanent spot in my suitcase!

I love feeling cute, comfortable and confident when I go to Pilates, but at 52 I’m not trying to dress like a 20-something Instagram influencer. These are the Pilates pieces I actually wear: flattering, comfortable, current, and cute enough to wear before and after class.

Fine lines, larger pores, dry/combination skin… yep, I’ve got it all! At 52, one of the biggest things I’ve learned about makeup is that LESS IS MORE. These are the products I personally use and love because they sit beautifully on my skin without settling into my fine lines or emphasizing my pores. My goal isn’t to cover everything up, it’s fresh, natural looking makeup that makes my skin look like my skin… only better.

When I was dealing with hot flashes and night sweats, all I wanted was a good nights sleep and keeping cool. I was looking for anything to help achieve that. I tried many different types of sheets and here are my favorite. Also, cute pajamas were the LAST thing I cared about. I just wanted something soft, lightweight and comfortable that didn’t make me feel even hotter. These are the PJs I reach for when staying cool and comfortable is the priority.

These are the skincare products I actually use and love! Everything on this list is something I’ve personally tried and that has earned a spot in my routine. At 52, I’m all about keeping my skin hydrated, smooth, glowy and healthy looking without making my routine overly complicated. Some I use every day, others just a few times a week, but these are my tried and true favorites that I keep reaching for.

I get asked “Where did you get that?” all the time, so I decided to put my favorites in one place! At 52, my style is all about looking current, put-together and youthful without trying to look “young.” I’m also a firm believer that you do NOT have to spend a lot of money to look stylish. Most of my clothes come from places like Amazon, Walmart and Target, and I love finding pieces that look way more expensive than they are. Most days you’ll find me in cute, casual outfits for work or Pilates wear, with the occasional pretty dress when I actually have somewhere to go! I like trends, but I don’t follow every one—and at this point, I know what works for me. These are the pieces I genuinely wear, love and get asked about. For reference, I am 5'5" and 115 lbs. Depending on the store, I usually wear an XXS, XS, 00, 0, or a 24. In shoes I'm a size 9

After 30+ years as a hairdresser, I’ve tried A LOT of hair products! And one thing I’ve learned is that expensive doesn’t always mean better. I use and recommend a mix of professional products and affordable finds from places like Target and Walmart. I’m a big believer in using what actually works for your hair, not just what has the fanciest label. These are products I genuinely use, love and recommend.

My skin has definitely changed in my 50s, and so has the way I take care of it! These are the body care products I actually use and love to keep my skin soft, smooth and hydrated at this stage of life.

I’m definitely a creature of habit when it comes to accessories. I tend to reach for the same neutral, comfortable pieces that work with almost everything in my closet. I’d rather have a few shoes, bags and accessories that I’ll use over and over than a closet full of things I rarely wear. And, of course, I love a good budget find! These are the pieces that have actually earned a spot in my everyday rotation with the occasional fun find I just couldn’t resist.

These are the supplements I personally use as a 52 year-old postmenopausal woman. I’m especially focused on healthy aging, bone health, sleep and just feeling my best. This is simply what works for me, not a one size fits all supplement plan.