This week we’re exploring the beautiful dance between science and soul.  It’s an edition that’s filled with wisdom, science, and inspiration to help you flourish.  We’ll focus on  the incredible connections between intimacy, hormone health, and your gut. It might sound surprising, but the science shows how deeply intertwined these areas are—and how understanding them can help you create a life filled with confidence, ease, and connection. Imagine, by simply tuning into your body’s needs and fostering deeper intimacy, you’re building the foundation for your most vibrant, empowered self.

You’ll find beauty and self-care must-haves that nurture your skin, spirit, and confidence. Whether it’s discovering the magic of a weightless concealer or finding that perfect piece of jewelry to remind you of your inner power, this issue is designed to inspire you to live boldly, beautifully, and authentically. Let’s dive into the journey of becoming your most empowered self, together.

Ps….Come hang out with me and my BESTIE, Amy Goins on my latest podcast.   You do NOT want to miss this. It’s going to be a blast!

www.lwya.com

Wellness: Thrive Beyond 45

Did you know that nurturing intimacy isn’t just about connection—it’s a science that intertwines with your vaginal, gut, and hormone health?It’s rooted in the synergy between your hormones, gut, and vaginal wellness. Vanessa Marin’s advice (check out the podcast below)  on “scheduled passion” isn’t just about logistics—it’s biology. Anticipating connection releases dopamine, which supports hormone regulation and gut function, while non-sexual touch (like those 30-second hugs) elevates oxytocin, calming the nervous system and reducing inflammation that can disrupt estrogen levels. Even understanding your desire type ties back to hormonal rhythms; a balanced gut microbiome helps metabolize estrogen, keeping vaginal tissues healthy and desire accessible.

Consider this: A happy gut (rich in probiotics) fosters serotonin production, uplifting mood and pelvic health. Meanwhile, estrogen’s role in vaginal elasticity and lubrication is reinforced by stress-reducing practices, like Marin’s communication strategies. When you nourish these systems—through mindful touch, nutrient-dense foods, and candid conversations—you’re not just enhancing intimacy. You’re curating a foundation where confidence and pleasure flourish. True wellness starts within—and echoes in every embrace.

LWYA: Must-Haves for Your Best Self

The SkinTastic (re)Touch Liquid Concealer isn’t just makeup—it’s magic. Light-diffusing pigments blur imperfections while hydrating under eyes, serving full coverage that feels weightless and lasts all day.  Brighten shadows, vanish blemishes, and lock in hydration with sweat-proof staying power. 

Jewelry: Accessorize Your Awesome

Faith: Your quiet power, made visible. Slip on the Have Faith Ring and carry a fearless reminder of your inner fire. With its split shank design and sapphire sparkle, it’s more than a statement—it’s a promise to yourself. Bold enough for triumphs, tender enough for tough days. Your journey, jeweled. 

Podcast Preview: Inspiring Conversations

Curious if the things you and your BFF talk about are what other best-friends-forever talk about?  Hang out with Kim and her BESTIE, Amy Goins, and listen in. They’ll answer YOUR questions, share some laughs, and might just feature your comments during the show!

You do NOT want to miss this!

Live By Design: Crafting A Life You Love

The objects we choose to surround ourselves with are more than decor—they’re silent storytellers of our values, hopes, and resilience. A ring with “Faith” becomes a guiding hand on tough days,  a candle flickering on your desk transforms into a beacon of calm amid chaos. Artwork depicting mountains might symbolize your capacity to rise, while a handwritten mantra like “I am enough” taped to your mirror rewires self-doubt into confidence. These symbols act as anchors, grounding us in moments of uncertainty and reflecting back the strength we sometimes forget we hold.

Science shows that visual cues trigger dopamine release, reinforcing positive neural pathways. A vase of fresh flowers isn’t just beauty—it’s a daily nudge toward growth. A vintage typewriter on a shelf might whisper, “Create boldly,” while a quilt stitched by a loved one wraps you in ancestral courage. By curating symbols that resonate deeply, you design an environment that doesn’t just inspire—it reclaims your narrative. By mindfully choosing what fills your space, you craft a living manifesto of your potential—one that says, This is who I am, and this is who I’m becoming.

This Week in Belle by Kim Gravel

Let us know how we’re doing on our Front Porch News. What’s makin’ you smile? What’s not quite hittin’ the mark? And what would you like to see more of? Your thoughts are important to us—they’re music to our ears! Don’t be shy—drop us a line and help us make this newsletter even better. Just hit reply to this newsletter. We want to hear what you have to say!