refinedambiance on LTK

Today’s reasons I can’t answer the phone in my 40s: I’m busy being a chemist creating a triple-layer perfume combo that has absolutely no business smelling this good. 🍊✨ Today’s mix: 🍊 @nestnewyork Crème de Clementine 🌿 @henryrose Dave ✨ @armanibeauty power of you Also featured: • calming Twilight 🐾 during landscaping operations • budget meetings over furniture that may or may not be on clearance • discussing the weather • requesting “just a dab” of Caesar dressing Sweatshirt: Virginia State University campus bookstore 🤎 Wig made by my hairstylist @theshe.shack ✨ The perfumes, jeans, and makeup will all be tagged in my LTK linked in bio. 🤍 genx over40 blackgenx worklifebalance vlog

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Good American Good Extreme Barrel Jeans | Nordstromrack | Nordstrom Rack

Women's Light denim blue Barrel Leg Regular Jeans | H&M US | H&M (US + CA)

College graduation OOTD.

#LTKootd #LTKgrwm #LTKOver40

My favorite items from the Devil Wears Prada collection at Walmart. Wearing a size small.

#LTKootd #LTKgrwm #LTKOver40

Sundays in your 40s just hit different…

A little cleaning, a few random thoughts, and trying out a new lip balm oil by @tatcha because why not. The lavender dress made an appearance and for research purposes… we’re keeping it.

Somewhere between jamming to Sweet Love by Anita Baker and upgrading my shower routine with the @dove Body Oil Serum Radiance, I pulled together my current hyper-fixation meal… a chicken Caesar salad wrap.

Productive, peaceful, and just enough joy to ease into the week ahead. It’s a good time 💜 #genx #over40 #sunday #showerroutine #selfcare

Here is the month of April in my 40s…

Somewhere between lifting weights and keeping the clavicle out of danger, I convinced myself I was becoming more disciplined. Then I followed that up with a little @eatnorthitalia, a little @sixtyvines, and a visit to @stjamesdc because balance is important.

I ran errands, bought dresses with pockets like my life depends on it, layered my perfumes @henryrose @eosproducts @brwnsugarbabe like I had somewhere to be, and made a few interior design decisions that may or may not stress Princess out.

I celebrated Tiffany’s last year in her 30s the right way… on Broadway seeing The Wiz. I caught up with friends like no time had passed, spent time with my mom at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and reminded myself what really matters.

I got on the road to see my babies, made it to the beach at night, sunrise, and dusk… because at this point, I know to take it all in.

There was karaoke. There were cocktails. Because again… balance.

And I ended the month with a new hair color… and a decision to make.

Or maybe not.

It’s a good time 🫶🏿
#genx #over40 #vlog #monthlywrapup

My new favorite inexpensive dress!

#LTKgrwm #LTKOver40

My new favorite fragrance combination that I am obsessed with. It’s the perfect combination of guava coconut, lemon starfruit. It truly transports me to an island.

#LTKBeauty #LTKMothersDay #LTKOver40

Running late but still had time for an OOTTD😏

#LTKootd #LTKOver40

Here are my favorite items from the Christopher John, Rogers and Old Navy collaboration.

#LTKOver40 #LTKootd #LTKgrwm

The reason you don’t answer the phone in your 40s… weekend edition ☎️

This weekend alone I was mentally redesigning my entire kitchen at @ballarddesigns, casually trying on frames at @warbyparker like I was narrowing down a signature look, and jamming like it was 1999 to My Boo by Ghost Town DJs.

Somewhere in between, I picked up an old oldie but goodie from @lancomeofficial… and was quickly reminded why I needed to run that back.

Very busy doing exactly what I wanted to do… and not wanting to be bothered.

And let’s not even get into these perimenopausal plot twists.

It’s a good time. #genx #over40 #perimenopause #vlog #weekendvibes

Spring outfits!

#LTKgrwm #LTKOver40 #LTKSeasonal

This is the perfect dress for date night, brunch with the girls, or vacay outfit!

#LTKootd #LTKOver40

Perfect spring or wedding guest dress. Will be wearing this right into summer.

#LTKSeasonal #LTKOver40 #LTKootd

Perfect dress for spring!

#LTKOver40 #LTKootd

Ran errands today!! Fell in love with the dresses from express!

#LTKOver40 #LTKdayinmylife #LTKvlog

Saturday in your 40s… just a little different this time.

No voiceover, just vibes. Started the day with a 3-mile walk in my weighted vest and if you’re going through anything—put on Never Scared (remix) by Bone Crusher, Killer Mike & T.I. and push through anyway. Mind and body.

Later, we made our way to @stjamesdc -modern Caribbean vibes right off 14th St, and baby… it was a good time. Tried a sorrel margarita for the first time (10/10), and we enjoyed everything… red snapper, brisket platters, plantains, collard greens, coconut rice, mac & cheese pie—and a rum cake that didn’t even make it to camera 😌

Naturally, we ended up at @roomandboard because what is an outing in your 40s without looking at furniture?

Outfit is from last summer (she’s retired 🥲), but I’ll link similar. Let this be your reminder, before you buy something new, go “rediscover” your closet… there’s a whole wardrobe in there waiting for a second debut.🤌🏿

And these sunglasses? My new favorite. Everything is linked in my LTK.

All in all… a time was had. ✨ #genx #over40 #dmvfoodie #vlog #dcrestaurants

#LTKfoodie #LTKvlog #LTKdayinmylife

My new favorite sunglasses plus a few more in rotation.

Spring accessories

#LTKgrwm #LTKOver40 #LTKootd

A Friday in your 40’s!

#LTKOver40 #LTKvlog #LTKdayinmylife

My birthday outfit!

#LTKOver40 #LTKdayinmylife #LTKootd

My new favorite bag comes in multiple colors and it’s under $50!

#LTKOver40

My favorite bomber jacket now comes in multiple colors!

#LTKootd #LTKOver40

My new favorite accessory for spring!

#LTKOver40 #LTKootd #LTKSeasonal

You’re in your 40s… the phone can wait 📵✨

You’re hydrating.
You’re replaying that conversation.
You’re heading to salsa night 💃🏾
You’re the lead singer 🎤
You’re being delusional… and standing on it.
You’re having a good time.

Call back later 🤭

Current obsession: Power of You by @GiorgioArmani 👀✨
Grown, confident, unforgettable.

Everything from the video, including the Outfit + hat are linked in my LTK 💅🏾 #genx #over40 #blackgenx #over40andfabulous #softlife

Trying new things in your 40s is one of the best parts of this chapter of life. ✨ Today’s experiment came straight from social media — Mexican Tuna Salad by Jen Morales — and let me tell you… it did not disappoint.

It’s fresh, simple, and full of flavor.

Ingredients:
• 2 cans tuna (I used @starkistcharlie solid white albacore)
• 1 avocado
• 1 Roma tomato, diced
• 1 jalapeño, deseeded and diced (leave seeds if you want more heat)
• Fresh cilantro plus the juice of a fresh lime
• Chopped white onion
• Pink Himalayan salt
• Black pepper
• Mayonnaise (and in this house we only use @dukes_mayonnaise )

Mix everything together and serve with:
• Crackers of choice, I used @ritzcrackers
• Tortilla chips
• Or on toasted bread for a bruschetta moment.

It’s light, fresh, and perfect when you want something quick but still flavorful. Safe to say this one is going into the rotation.

Trying new recipes, new experiences, and new little joys — that’s the energy we’re keeping in our 40s. 💁🏾‍♀️✨

#over40 #easyrecipes #tunasalad #lunch #highprotein
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I’m loving all of these dresses from Banana republic. Perfect for the spring!

#LTKootd #LTKOver40 #LTKSpringSale

Getting ready to go out in your 40s ✨

Earlier I showed y’all two dresses that were contenders for tonight… do you remember them? Well, this is the one that made the final cut. 💃🏾

Tiffany and I are headed out to celebrate a 40th birthday, and one thing about this stage of life — we love a good reason to get dressed up, step out, and enjoy the moment.

The older I get, the more I appreciate nights like this: good company, good energy, and an outfit that makes you feel just right.

Do you remember which dress you voted for? 👀
My OOTD is linked in my LTK in my bio if you want the details. ✨ #Ootd #datenightoutfit #genx #over40

A few recent additions to my fragrance collection, and let’s just say… I’ve been having a very good time over here. ✨

@brwnsugarbabe – Sweetest Taboo Oil
Sultry, musky, and sweet in the best way possible. This is one of those fragrances that sits close to the skin and just gets better throughout the day.

Notes:
• Brown sugar
• Vanilla
• Amber
• Soft musk

Warm, sensual, and honestly a little addictive.

@ellisbrooklyn – ISLA SIRENA (available March 12)
Disclosure: This fragrance was gifted in PR.

This one smells like a luxury island vacation bottled up. Sunny, dreamy, hypnotic… exactly how they described it.

Notes:
• Coconut water
• Lime
• Blue Java banana
• Papaya
• Vanilla

I’ve been layering this with @ellisbrooklyn Guava Granita or @ellisbrooklyn Miami Nectar for a very good time.

Guava Granita Notes:
• Guava
• Banana
• Mango blossom
• Vanilla
• Almond milk

Miami Nectar Notes:
• Pink pineapple
• Coconut water
• Plumeria
• Vanilla
• Sweet amber
• Salted woods

Juicy, tropical, and perfect for spring and summer.

@balmainbeauty – Destin
This one feels grown, sexy, and mature in the best way. I was pleasantly surprised and will absolutely be going back for the full bottle.

Notes:
• Strawberry
• Peony
• Sandalwood

Bright, feminine, and polished.

Transparency moment:
The Ellis Brooklyn fragrances were gifted in PR. Everything else was purchased with my own money. This post is not sponsored.🥰

Shout out to my Japanese cherry blossom lovers! 🤣🥰Tell me your current favorite fragrance because clearly I’m in my scent discovery era. ✨ #fragrance #perfume #over40 #genx

#LTKOver40 #LTKBeauty

Here’s some of my favorite accessories!

#LTKOver40

Spring wardrobe loading!

#LTKootd #LTKSpringSale #LTKOver40

Weekend in Your 40s ✨

Saturday started responsibly… groceries delivered, everything put away, protein first (because we move with intention now), then a 3-mile walk with Twilight. Upper 50s, low 60s — the kind of weather you don’t waste. Fresh air. Clear mind. Gratitude.

Then I made my way to Mosaic District.
West Elm (because I truly cannot help myself).
Sephora… sampling perfumes like I’m curating a new era.

Ended the evening at @earlsrestaurant in Tysons — Caesar salad, petite steak, truffle fries, and prosecco. I had been craving what the girls call a “girl dinner,” and truffle fries + prosecco absolutely delivered.

Sunday was reset energy.
Workout first. Aries season is around the corner and I feel the shift.
Tried on a few looks.
A new wig arrived in the mail and the joy on my face said everything.

“We Dem Boyz” by @wizkhalifa came on and suddenly the whole house had main character energy. Certain songs just wake something up in you.

Shared my new favorite perfume — Destin by @balmainbeauty
Closed the weekend taste-testing @fritolay Flavor Swap chips because balance.

This is 40+.
Structured. Soft. Playful. Fully lived.

How did you spend your weekend? #genx #over40 #blackgenx #weekend #vlog

Saturday’s outfit!

#LTKdayinmylife #LTKOver40

A red lip hates to see me coming… especially when it’s Hot Cherry 🍒🔥

Featuring:
• Bawse Lady – The Lip Bar
• Rich Auntie – The Lip Bar
• Uncensored Stunna Lip Paint – Fenty Beauty
• Gloss Bomb in Hot Cherry – Fenty Beauty

There’s just something about a bold red lip in your 40s.
It’s confidence.
It’s presence.
It’s “I said what I said” without saying a word.

Which one are we wearing to dinner? 🍷

#LTKBeauty #LTKOver40

The reason I don’t answer the phone in my 40s?

Because I am… busy living.

• Trying on a black suit and deciding I might be somebody’s CEO.
• Falling in love with my new favorite earrings (gold and silver because balance).
• Stumbling over my words like it’s a sport — and yes, I’m blaming perimenopause.
• Shuffling through a two-step in the kitchen like I’m on tour.
• Testing a new chocolate chip M&M recipe I saw on Instagram, thanks to @iramsfoodstory
• Running errands with “Sorry” by @beyonce playing like it’s my theme music.
• Reading instructions. Carefully. Twice.

At this age, if it’s not scheduled, peaceful, or bringing me joy… it can wait.

Everything in this video that’s linkable is waiting for you in my LTK — it’s in my bio.

Tell me… what’s your reason for not answering the phone these days? 👀✨ #genx #over40 #40s #ootd #selfcaretips

My new favorite lip combo

#LTKOver40 #LTKgrwm #LTKBeauty