Tell me you're middle aged without telling me you’re middle aged.

I’ll go first. Last week I had bunion surgery. Or, as they used to say twenty years ago - I had my bunions done. (In fact, I only had one bunion done, but the plural has a better ring to it, don’t you think?)

And if that’s not fun enough, my mum also had her bunion done on the same day as me, with the same surgeon. No word of a lie. Our family truly knows how to party. As you can imagine, this caused great hilarity with the nurses, not to mention blew up our family WhatsApp group with bunion memes. A lot of them really nailed it. (See what I did there?)

Back to middle age. For some reason, while people around me seem desperate to say young, I’ve never felt happier in middle age. I go to bed early without feeling like I’m missing out, I chase my kids out the door with their forgotten lunchboxes in my bathrobe, I say things like: “I just need to press my slacks and I’ll be ready.” Honest to God. I wouldn’t be young for quids.

Great Aunty Gwen would be so proud.

Anyway, you’ll be glad to see some very middle-aged recommendations below - some books, some tv shows, an old school treat and even some menopause skincare to layer on while you enjoy a cup of tea of an evening.

Now, I have to go and press my slacks.

Sally x 

Cold Truth by Ashley Kalagian Blunt

Despite hobbling in my recovery boot and rocking a very stylish walking stick, it was an absolute hoot to celebrate the launch of Ashley Kalagian Blunt’s new ‘chiller’ this week at Cheltenham Library! Ash and I talked about her hometown of Winnipeg in Canada where the book is set and where temperatures get to minus 40! Plus the dark web, how crypto and tech can make us so vulnerable, and she handed out Canadian snacks. So fun! The book is also really thrilling and she’s definitely a crime writer to watch. Buy here.

The Mix-Up by Kylie Ladd

My friend Kylie Ladd also has an excellent new book out, which tells a beautiful and captivating story of two children mixed up at birth and coming to terms with what that means for their identity. Fourteen years ago, Kelsey and Raf Maccioni left hospital with their newborn daughter, Ammy. Days later, Shona and Nathan James welcomed the birth of their son, Zac. The only thing the two couples have in common is the IVF clinic where their dreams came true. They are strangers to each other - for now. Buy here.

Leave the Girls Behind by Jacqueline Bublitz

I loved Before You Knew My Name a few years ago so was thrilled to get my hands on this new one by Jacqueline Bublitz! Nineteen years ago, Ruth-Ann Baker's childhood friend was murdered by convicted killer Ethan Oswald. Haunted by what happened, Ruth has long been convinced Oswald had other victims. But no one has ever believed her. It’s a thrilling premise and a total page-turner. Buy here.

Apple Cider Vinegar (Netflix)

Oh my GOD who else is obsessed with this show?! It’s a six-part drama series on Netflix, based on the true story of Aussie health influencer Belle Gibson, who faked a terminal cancer diagnosis in the 2010s and built a thriving business and app, The Whole Pantry, until it was revealed she’d lied about it all. Plus didn’t pay the generous charity donations she’d promised. It’s a wild story that I remember well from the time, and the show does it justice sooo well with a stellar cast and production. I binged the entire thing while recovering from my foot surgery and it was perfect viewing. Watch the trailer HERE.

Golden Gaytimes

A friend Ubered me two Golden Gaytimes (for non-Aussies, they’re a delicious ice cream treat I remember from childhood) after my surgery and I smashed one after the other while watching Apple Cider Vinegar and I had not known that so much nostalgic, retro pleasure could pulse within me at one time.

Ren Clean Skincare Renewal Mask

I’d like you to take a moment to imagine me on the couch with my foot up, inhaling Golden Gaytime ice creams while binge-watching Netflix and wearing this face mask. TOTAL BLISS. This face mask is exfoliating for bright and smooth skin, with Glycolic Acid (AHA)​ and pineapple extract. I felt like a queen.

Antipodes Jasmine Flower Menopause Facial Cream

This is Sally Hepworth, coming to you live with another middle-age recco. This menopause facial cream is my new obsession! It targets oestrogen decline and increases hydration, boosts collagen, and look, I don’t really know what a lot of that stuff means, I just know that I feel great when I lather it on. I got mine from Chemist Warehouse.