# https://moreaheadliving.com

> Gather • Grow • Create • Live Well


## Posts

- [Sweetheart, Get Up](https://moreaheadliving.com/sweetheart-get-up/): There are things you’ve been putting off—you know what they are. The small ones you tell yourself you’ll get to tomorrow, the bigger ones that feel just out of reach, the quiet ideas that keep nudging you but never quite make it onto your calendar. Somewhere along the way, postponing them started to feel normal, maybe even comfortable. But if you’re honest with yourself, it doesn’t feel good. It feels like something inside of you is waiting. “Later” has a way of stretching out longer than we expect. Later turns into next week, next week turns into next month, and
- [You're Not Behind](https://moreaheadliving.com/youre-not-behind/): If you’re here, there’s a good chance that thought has been sitting quietly in the background of your life — especially when it comes to money, career, health, or retirement. Maybe it shows up late at night, or in quiet moments when the house feels different than it once did. Maybe you look back and wonder how the years moved so fast. You may have spent decades pouring your time and energy into raising kids, supporting a husband, holding a family together, or doing the best you could as a single mom. You showed up. You carried responsibility. You made
- [Argentine Asado Dinner Club](https://moreaheadliving.com/argentine-asado-dinner-club/): There’s something special about choosing a theme that invites everyone to explore a different part of the world for an evening. Our most recent dinner club gathering took us to Argentina with an Argentine Asado, a style of cooking and gathering centered around grilled meats, simple ingredients, and plenty of time around the table. Like all of our dinner club nights, the meal came together by dividing up the dishes so that everyone contributed something to the table. It’s one of the things that makes these evenings so enjoyable—no one person carries the entire meal, and everyone gets to bring
- [How Meal Prepping a High-Protein, Low-Carb Plan Can Help You Take Control of Your Busy Week Ahead](https://moreaheadliving.com/how-meal-prepping-a-high-protein-low-carb-plan-can-help-you-take-control-of-your-busy-week-ahead/): If your weeks tend to run you instead of the other way around, you’re not alone. Between work, family, and the constant mental load of daily life, food decisions are often the first thing to unravel. By the end of the day, deciding what to eat can feel like one more problem to solve. Meal prepping offers a simple way to bring some calm back into the week. When paired with a high-protein, low-carb approach, it can support not just your physical energy, but your sense of steadiness and control as well. This isn’t about rigid rules or getting everything
- [Meal Repetition for Weight Loss: How Simplicity Leads to Success](https://moreaheadliving.com/meal-repetition-for-weight-loss-how-simplicity-leads-to-success/): For a long time, I assumed eating the same meals over and over meant you’d given up — on creativity, on enjoyment, or on nutrition. It sounded boring. Restrictive. Like something you did only if you were desperate or disciplined in a way I wasn’t. But over time, I realized that eating meals on repeat isn’t about deprivation. It’s about relief. Most weeks, life moves fast. Between work, family, and the constant mental load of daily decisions, food often becomes one more thing to manage. What to cook, what to eat, what fits your goals — those questions add up.
- [High Protein - Low Carb Meal Plan Ideas -(1400-1600 Calories)](https://moreaheadliving.com/high-protein-low-carb-meal-plan-ideas-1400-1600-calories/): 1,400–1,600 Calorie High-Protein Meal & Strength Plan Designed for Menopause, Muscle Support & Sustainable Weight Loss This high-protein, low-carb plan is designed to support women through menopause by preserving muscle, stabilizing energy, and promoting sustainable weight loss. As hormones change, nutrition and training need to work with your body — not against it. This guide focuses on simple meals, strength-based movement, and consistency over perfection. Why This Plan Works in Midlife During and after menopause, declining estrogen can impact metabolism, muscle mass, and fat distribution. A protein-forward, lower-carb approach helps support muscle, manage appetite, and stabilize blood sugar — all
- [Dinner Club 101: Bringing Friends Together One Meal at a Time](https://moreaheadliving.com/dinner-club-101-bringing-friends-together-one-meal-at-a-time/): Dinner Club 101: Bringing Friends Together One Meal at a Time Life has a way of filling every open space. Work deadlines creep into evenings. Errands stack up. Calendars fill faster than we expect. Somewhere in the middle of all of it, the things that truly nourish us, friendship, laughter, and long conversations around a table,  can quietly slip to the side. That’s part of the reason our dinner club began. What started as a simple idea, gathering friends once a month for a shared meal,  has slowly become something we all look forward to. Each gathering has its own
- ["Keep, Toss, or Donate? A Simple Guide to Decluttering with Purpose"](https://moreaheadliving.com/keep-toss-or-donate-a-simple-guide-to-decluttering-with-purpose/): Decluttering With Purpose   Decluttering isn’t just about getting rid of things. It’s about creating a space that reflects who you are now—not who you were, who you thought you should be, or who you were trying to keep up with. When our homes feel cluttered, it often mirrors what’s happening internally. Too many decisions. Too much noise. Too many things asking for attention. Decluttering with purpose is about reclaiming clarity—one drawer, one room, one decision at a time. This isn’t a rush. It’s a return. Understanding the Mental Blocks Behind Clutter Clutter is rarely just physical. Often, it’s tied
- [Refresh Your Home: Spring Cleaning for a Fresh Feel to your Home](https://moreaheadliving.com/refresh-your-home-spring-cleaning-for-a-fresh-feel-to-your-home/): Whether you’re cozied up inside on a chilly day or enjoying the first signs of warmer weather, now is the perfect time for a home refresh. And at the heart of every great refresh? Spring cleaning. A deep clean doesn’t just change how your home looks—it transforms how it feels. Spring cleaning isn’t just about dusting and scrubbing; it’s about creating a space that feels like home. Whether that means rearranging furniture, tackling a long-overdue renovation, or simply clearing clutter, the goal is to make your home beautiful and functional. The Power of a Clean and Organized Space Imagine waking
- [Boost Your Productivity: Tips for Eliminating Distractions](https://moreaheadliving.com/boost-your-productivity-tips-for-eliminating-distractions/): In today’s fast-paced world, staying productive can often feel like an uphill battle. With endless notifications, social media updates, and the constant lure of multitasking, it’s no wonder that distractions abound. The art of concentrating on a single task has become increasingly elusive, challenging our ability to accomplish even the simplest of objectives. If you find yourself struggling to focus, you’re not alone. Many seek effective strategies to refocus and eliminate distractions to reclaim time and enhance productivity. In this article, we’ll explore practical tips to help you create a more focused work environment, allowing you to channel your energy
- [Understanding the Benefits of a 1500 Calorie Low Carb High Protein Meal Plan](https://moreaheadliving.com/a-week-of-delicious-1500-calorie-low-carb-high-protein-repeat-meal-prep-ideas/): 1500 Calorie Low-Carb High-Protein Meal Prep for Women 40+ Somewhere around my mid-40s, my body stopped playing by the old rules. The same meals that used to keep me energized started leaving me sluggish. The weight that used to come off with a long walk and a salad refused to budge. And by the time the kids were out of the house, I realized I’d spent so many years feeding everyone else that I’d forgotten how to feed myself in a way that actually made me feel good. If any of that sounds familiar, you’re going to love this meal
- [How Meal Prepping a High-Protein, Low-Carb Plan Can Help You Feel More in Control](https://moreaheadliving.com/how-meal-prepping-a-high-protein-low-carb-plan-can-help-you-feel-more-in-control/): Do you ever feel like the chaos of daily life leaves you spinning? If so, meal prepping might be the game-changer you need. By planning and preparing your meals in advance, you simplify your week and embrace a high-protein, low-carb approach that supports your physical and mental well-being. Here’s how this simple habit can help you feel more in control, energized, and ready to tackle your day. 1. Save Time and Cut Stress Meal prepping is a lifesaver when it comes to time management. Dedicating a few hours each week to preparing meals eliminates the daily struggle of deciding what
- [Why You Should Stop Justifying Your Choices](https://moreaheadliving.com/why-you-should-stop-justifying-your-choices/): It's key to take charge of our decisions for personal growth. Constantly justifying our choices weakens our personal power. This makes it hard to stick to our values and goals. By not needing to justify, we find our inner strength and confidence. This leads to better decision-making and a stronger sense of self.
- [The Hidden Joy of a Well-Organized Pantry](https://moreaheadliving.com/the-hidden-joy-of-a-well-organized-pantry/): Life can feel overwhelming at times, but what if the solution to some of that chaos lies behind the doors of your pantry? A clean, organized pantry is more than just an aesthetic upgrade—it’s a transformative space that brings inspiration, efficiency, and peace of mind into your daily life. A Place of Calm in a Busy World We live in a fast-paced, noisy world where demands seem endless. Amid all the hustle, our homes should be sanctuaries, and the pantry—a place we visit multiple times a day—can become a source of calm when thoughtfully organized. When your pantry is clutter-free,
- [Transform Your Pantry: Tips and Tricks for an Organized and Functional Space](https://moreaheadliving.com/transform-your-pantry-tips-and-tricks-for-an-organized-and-functional-space/): Declutter and organize your pantry with these expert tips on food storage, expiration dates, and categorizing items for a functional, clean space.
- [Back to the Basics](https://moreaheadliving.com/back-to-the-basics/): It’s strange how these things can creep up on you. One minute you’re going about your day as usual, and the next, your body is sending signals you don’t quite recognize. Hot flashes. Weight gain. Emotional swings that seem to come out of nowhere. I remember my first hot flash vividly, though at the time I didn’t give it much attention. I was busy. Life was full. There wasn’t space to pause and ask what was happening. It wasn’t until I started working from home during the shutdown that I finally had room to notice. Night after night, I woke
- [The Journey to Becoming a Reseller](https://moreaheadliving.com/the-journey-to-reselling/): Four prom dresses; that's how my journey to becoming a reseller began.
- [Childhood Trauma and Beyond](https://moreaheadliving.com/childhood-trauma-and-beyond/): I have spent my life overcoming my past experiences with years of counseling to identify and stop the destructive behaviors and patterns that I experienced so my children don't carry on that legacy. Learning about what alcoholism does to the family and how co-dependency is just as destructive. I have made peace with my past and forgiven myself for my mistakes leading up to that. I will be the first to tell you that it took work, and every now and then, I'll have this moment of clarity or a feeling of validation for what I went through.
- [Living Outside of the Mediocre](https://moreaheadliving.com/the-magic-of-the-pacific-northwest-50-years-of-reflections/): Mediocrity is the enemy of greatness. It's the voice in your head that tells you to play it safe, to blend in, not to rock the boat.
- [What Would You Say to Your Kid Self?](https://moreaheadliving.com/what-would-you-say-to-your-kid-self/): When I look at that old photo of me at the Lake Washington sandbox, I see a little girl full of vulnerability, pride, and uncertainty,  the same mix of emotions I still feel on some days at 50. What would you say if you could travel back in time and meet your younger self? I’ve heard this before. I can’t think about the question without getting a lump in my throat. Would I try to say something to myself to change the past and, ultimately, the future?Would I warn myself that I will suffer loss, grief, and loneliness?Would I tell myself I
- [Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes](https://moreaheadliving.com/blueberry-maple-pancakes/): Blueberry pancakes have a quiet way of turning an ordinary morning into something softer, something a little more intentional. As the batter hits the pan, it begins to rise slowly, wrapping itself around bursts of blueberries that soften and release just enough sweetness into each bite. There’s a rhythm to it—the gentle pour, the wait, the careful flip—that invites you to slow down instead of rush through the start of your day. The smell alone shifts the atmosphere, warm and familiar, filling the kitchen in a way that feels comforting without trying too hard. Maybe the morning is quiet, or
- [The Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookie](https://moreaheadliving.com/the-perfect-chocolate-chip-cookie/): There’s something about chocolate chip cookies that doesn’t just fill a kitchen—it softens it. It starts quietly, butter warming and sugar folding in, the familiar rhythm of mixing something simple into something comforting, and somewhere along the way, it stops being about the cookies and becomes about the pause. Maybe the house is quiet, or maybe it isn’t, maybe you planned to bake or maybe you just needed something warm and steady, something that reminds you small things can still feel good. The dough comes together without effort, nothing complicated, just a handful of ingredients doing what they’re meant to
- [French Buttercream Macarons](https://moreaheadliving.com/buttercream-macarons/): Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Nunc eget lorem dolor sed viverra ipsum nunc. Arcu bibendum at varius vel pharetra vel turpis nunc eget. Purus in mollis nunc sed id. Malesuada pellentesque elit eget gravida cum sociis. Tellus elementum sagittis vitae et leo. Enim sed faucibus turpis in. Egestas integer eget aliquet nibh praesent tristique. Augue neque gravida in fermentum et sollicitudin ac. Semper auctor neque vitae tempus quam pellentesque. Adipiscing bibendum est ultricies integer quis. Elementum nibh tellus molestie nunc non blandit massa enim nec. Purus
- [The BEST BBQ Chicken Pizza](https://moreaheadliving.com/the-best-bbq-chicken-pizza/): The best BBQ chicken pizza isn’t just about bold flavor—it’s about contrast done right. It starts with a smoky, slightly sweet barbecue sauce spread across a warm crust, layered with tender pieces of chicken that soak up every bit of it hen comes the balance: melted cheese that softens the edges, thin slices of red onion that add just enough bite, maybe a sprinkle of cilantro that lifts everything with a fresh finish. Each bite hits differently—savory, sweet, a little tangy—and somehow it all works together without overpowering itself. It’s the kind of pizza that feels a little unexpected but
- [Smoky Chipotle Burger Patties](https://moreaheadliving.com/smoky-chipotle-burger-patties/): There’s something about a smoky chipotle burger that feels a little more intentional than your average backyard meal. It’s not just about throwing something on the grill—it’s about building flavor, taking something familiar and giving it depth. It starts with the seasoning. Chipotle brings that slow, lingering heat—not overpowering, but present enough to notice. It’s smoky, slightly earthy, with just enough spice to warm everything it touches. Mixed into the meat, it transforms a simple burger into something richer, something that feels like it was meant to be savored instead of rushed. As the patties hit the grill, the smell
- [Chocolate Spice Cake](https://moreaheadliving.com/chocolate-spice-cake/): Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Nunc eget lorem dolor sed viverra ipsum nunc. Arcu bibendum at varius vel pharetra vel turpis nunc eget. Purus in mollis nunc sed id. Malesuada pellentesque elit eget gravida cum sociis. Tellus elementum sagittis vitae et leo. Enim sed faucibus turpis in. Egestas integer eget aliquet nibh praesent tristique. Augue neque gravida in fermentum et sollicitudin ac. Semper auctor neque vitae tempus quam pellentesque. Adipiscing bibendum est ultricies integer quis. Elementum nibh tellus molestie nunc non blandit massa enim nec. In

## Pages

- [Cookie Policy](https://moreaheadliving.com/cookie-policy/): Last updated: April 23, 2026 This Cookie Policy explains how More Ahead Living (moreaheadliving.com) uses cookies and similar technologies on this website. By using this website, you consent to the use of cookies as described here. What Are Cookies?Cookies are small text files stored on your device (computer, tablet, or phone) when you visit a website. They help websites remember information about your visit, such as your preferences and settings, which can make your next visit easier and the site more useful to you. Types of Cookies We Use Managing CookiesYou can control and manage cookies in your browser settings.
- [Disclaimer](https://moreaheadliving.com/disclaimer/): Last updated: April 23, 2026 The information provided on More Ahead Living (moreaheadliving.com) is for general informational and entertainment purposes only. All content is published in good faith and reflects the personal opinions and experiences of the author. Not Medical AdviceContent related to menopause, wellness, nutrition, exercise, supplements, or mental health is not medical advice. I am not a doctor, licensed therapist, dietitian, or healthcare provider. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any treatment, medication, supplement, diet, or exercise routine. Never disregard professional medical advice because of something you read on this website. Not Financial
- [Privacy Policy](https://moreaheadliving.com/privacy-policy/): Who we are Our website address is: https://moreaheadliving.com. Comments When visitors leave comments on the site, we collect the data shown in the comments form, and also the visitor’s IP address and browser user agent string to help spam detection. An anonymised string created from your email address (also called a hash) may be provided to the Gravatar service to see if you are using it. The Gravatar service Privacy Policy is available here: https://automattic.com/privacy/. After approval of your comment, your profile picture is visible to the public in the context of your comment. Media If you upload images to
- [Live Well](https://moreaheadliving.com/live-well/)
- [Start Here](https://moreaheadliving.com/start-here/): Welcome — I’m so glad you’re here. If you’re standing at a moment where life feels like it’s shifting—whether it’s a quiet house, a changing season, or just a sense that something new is calling—you’re in the right place. Maybe the version of you that felt certain and grounded feels a little distant right now. Maybe you’re navigating changes in your body, your finances, your home, or simply wondering what’s next and what this next chapter is meant to look like. Whatever brought you here, you’re not alone in it. I get it. I’ve been in that in-between space too—the
- [Gather](https://moreaheadliving.com/gather/): Why Connection Matters More in This Season of Life There’s something we begin to notice in this season of life that we didn’t always have time to name before—connection matters. Not in a surface-level way, not just as a way to fill time or stay busy, but in a deeper, more grounding way. The kind of connection that reminds you who you are, that feels steady rather than rushed, and that doesn’t require you to perform or keep up. After years of full schedules, responsibilities, and constantly showing up for everyone else, life begins to shift. The noise quiets, the
- [Grow](https://moreaheadliving.com/grow/): Becoming Who You’re Meant to Be in This Next Season There comes a point when life begins to shift, not all at once or in ways that demand attention, but quietly. The noise softens. The routines that once shaped your days begin to loosen, and the roles you’ve carried for so long—the ones that asked everything of you—start to change. And somewhere in that space, a question rises: Now what? Not in a rushed or panicked way, but as a quiet, honest curiosity. This season isn’t about starting over. It’s about becoming. For a long time, your life may have
- [Terms of Service](https://moreaheadliving.com/terms-of-service/): Last Updated: April 2026 Welcome to More Ahead Living (https://moreaheadliving.com). By accessing or using this website, you agree to the following Terms of Service. If you do not agree, please discontinue use of this site. 1. About This Website More Ahead Living is a lifestyle and inspirational blog created to support women entering a new season of life. Content is provided for informational, educational, and inspirational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed on this website are personal and based on lived experience. 2. Use of This Website By using this website, you agree to: Use the site for lawful
- [CONTACT](https://moreaheadliving.com/contact/): Whether you’re reaching out with a question, a collaboration idea, or simply to share that something resonated, I’m genuinely glad you’re here. More Ahead Living was created as a space for connection, creativity, and navigating life after the busy years. It’s for women entering a new chapter — when the pace shifts, the house feels different, and the focus moves from what’s next on the schedule to what’s next in life. These transitions can feel subtle, and sometimes uncertain, but they also create space for growth, purpose, and discovering that there’s more ahead. Here, you’ll find reflections and ideas centered
- [Reflections](https://moreaheadliving.com/reflections/): These reflections are written for the quieter moments — when life slows, questions surface, and clarity begins gently.
- [Create](https://moreaheadliving.com/create/): This is where I’m figuring things out in real time. Some projects start with curiosity. Others start with necessity.Here, I share what I’m learning as I build, experiment, and create — imperfectly, thoughtfully, and out loud. Not everything here is finished. But everything here is becoming.
- [Resources](https://moreaheadliving.com/dinner-club/): Resources is a growing collection of things I’ve found helpful along the way — tools, ideas, prompts, and references that support learning, rebuilding, and trying something new. Nothing here is meant to be overwhelming or exhaustive. It’s simply what’s been useful as I’ve figured things out. The Joy of the Gathering There’s something magical about gathering around the table, sharing a delicious meal, and engaging in meaningful conversation. As life gets busier, it’s easy to let social connections slip through the cracks—but what if there were a way to bring friends together regularly while also indulging in great food? That’s where
- [BLOG](https://moreaheadliving.com/blog/): This is a place for figuring things out in real time.Some ideas begin with curiosity; others with necessity.Here, I share what I’m learning as I build, experiment, and create — imperfectly and out loud. Not everything is finished.But everything here is intentional.
- [Home](https://moreaheadliving.com/home-page/): Gather. Grow. Create. There’s More Ahead. More Ahead Living is a space for women entering a new season — where we gather around the table, grow new passions, create meaningful spaces, and discover there’s more ahead. Start Here
- [Affiliate Disclosure](https://moreaheadliving.com/affiliate-disclosure/)
- [ABOUT](https://moreaheadliving.com/about/): A Place Rooted in Seasons   This photo was taken during Rhubarb Days, a small-town tradition that has always meant more to me than a festival. It represents history, continuity, and the quiet way life keeps moving forward, whether we’re ready or not. About More Ahead Living   Life after the busy years looks different — quieter, slower, and full of new questions. You didn’t miss out because you were busy, unsure, or figuring things out.You’re right where you need to be — and there’s more ahead. For many women, this season of life arrives quietly. The years that once
- [Reflections](https://moreaheadliving.com/blog-catalog/): Welcome Friend! This space is where I share my heart, my thoughts, and the reflections that shape my everyday life. Think of it as a cozy nook—a place where we can sit down with a cup of coffee and have real conversations about the ups, downs, and in-betweens of this journey we’re all on. Here, you’ll find personal stories, musings on life’s twists and turns, and the lessons I’m learning along the way. Some days, it’s about embracing change. Other days, it’s about celebrating the simple joys. But always, my hope is that these words resonate with you, spark a
- [ABOUT](https://moreaheadliving.com/about-2/): Hi, I’m Justina—and for most of my life, I didn’t realize I was waiting until I felt financially and professionally “enough” before I let myself move forward. I’m a wife, mom to two grown children, and bonus mom to two stepkids, writing from the Pacific Northwest. My days are full — I work full-time, and on Saturdays you’ll find me leading at our local food bank. For more than two decades, I was a single mom, raising my kids through school mornings, soccer practices, weeknight activities, and weekend-long tournaments. I gave everything I had to those years, and I’d do
- [Home](https://moreaheadliving.com/): welcome in, friend There is more ahead A warm, honest space for women navigating life after kids, faith, financial freedom, and midlife reinvention. Pull up a chair — you’re in good company. On the Blog Real-life stories, simple recipes, and gentle nudges for the next chapter.
- [Recipes](https://moreaheadliving.com/recipes/)

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