This is one of those recipes that always seems to fit. Risotto doesn’t need to be daunting! It’s such a comforting dish, full of simple flavours, with the sweet leeks, earthy mushrooms and peas folded through. Nothing too fancy – just a really lovely risotto for whenever you feel like making something satisfying. This recipe serves 2 (generously) or 4 as a smaller/side serve.
Author:editor|maison1973
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:30 min
Total Time:approx 45 min
Category:Dinner, Lunch, Side Dish
Method:Frying, Sautéing
Cuisine:Italian
Ingredients
Scale
1 leek, finely chopped
1 large garlic clove, finely chopped or minced
3/4 cup aborio rice
1/4 cup dry white wine
200g brown mushrooms, sliced
1 litre of chicken (or vegetable) broth or stock
1 bunch of asparagus, trimmed and cut into small pieces
1/2 cup frozen peas (we prefer baby peas, for their tenderness and sweetness)
2 tablespoons of good olive oil (we use Extra Virgin Olive Oil)
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1–2 tablespoons of butter (we use unsalted)
1/4 cup Parmigiana Reggiano or Grana Padano
Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
Add broth/stock to a saucepan and bring to a gentle boil. Turn the heat to low and let it simmer.
In a pan over medium heat, add 1tbls of olive oil and sauté mushrooms until nice and golden. Remove with a slotted spoon and put aside for now
Add leeks and garlic to the pan and cook till translucent (not brown, careful not to burn)
Add aborio rice and stir through the leek and garlic mixture to just coat. This is an important step known as tostatura – which helps to create the lovely nutty flavour as well starting the release of starch, which helps to provide the finished creamy texture that risotto is well known for!
After a couple of minutes, add the dry white wine. Cook for a few minutes, until the alcohol has evaporated.
Ladle one spoon at a time of broth/stock into the pan and stir. Continue doing this, one ladle at a time, stirring each time and until all stock has been used and rice is al dente – tender but slightly firm in the centre. This takes approximately 20 minutes. Don’t rush this process! Take your time adding just one ladle at a time and ensuring it is fully absorbed before adding the next. This helps to give the creamy texture.
Add asparagus, peas, 1tbls butter and peas to pan and stir through. Cook on low to medium heat for approx 3 minutes or until vegetables are just cooked through.
Remove the pan from the heat, and the remaining tablespoon of butter, cheese and the mushrooms that you had set aside. Squeeze over the lemon and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
Serve into warmed bowls and drizzle with a finishing touch of extra virgin olive oil
Notes
Whilst this dish is beautiful on it’s own, we have used it many times in a smaller portion, as an accompaniment to a protein such as salmon or chicken.
Yes, t’s harder to dazzle us, but easier to move us – but only if you know where to aim.
We’ve outgrown just the fireworks. Now, the bar for “impressed” sits somewhere between seen it and not buying it. But inspiration? That still resonates.
Now: We’re BetterEDITORS.
We have a few years and many many experiences under our belts now. We are a lot more in tune with ourselves, our desires and what we are now wanting. So it was only a matter of time that we became much better at knowing what truly impresses us – and what’s all for show.
We’ve always been our own ‘editor’ but now – we’ve sharpened our senses to a point that we know how to actually edit life differently.
The bar might be higher, but the joy we crave is deeper.
A NEWThreshold.
Lately I’ve realised my threshold for being “impressed” keeps climbing. But inspired? That can happen in a second – when someone keeps a promise, when something goes from ideation to action, when something moves me. I’ve outgrown things that are just ‘spectacles’ for the sake of it. We see through the BS much quicker now – it’s not being cynical, it’s just knowing in your gut and your head – and trusting it. I want resonance -the kind you feel in your chest. That’s what holds my interest now. That’s what I find inspiring.
So is being hard to impress a bad thing? Absolutely not. It’s discerning. It’s real.
“I like when things give me goosebumps. It means it’s really struck a chord with me. It’s captured not only my attention, but I am intrigued. I feel a flicker of inspiration. I love being inspired more than anything – it creates a certain energy. It’s where my curiosity get’s to roam freely.”
creator of maison 1973, Nic
What inspires you now and
what gives you goosebumps?
Continue to explore our mood boards for inspiration
“I’m definitely not fearless. But I am courageous. It’s not something I wake up with – I have to choose it. Somedays, more often than others. But I learnt long ago, fear doesn’t go away – I just had to find the courage to keep going in the face of grief, doubt, reinvention.”
creator of maison 1973, Nic Tierney
Courage Is Not The ABSENCE Of Fear.
I’ve felt varying degrees of fear in all sorts of situations – airports, boardrooms, hospitals. I’ve felt it in my bones. I’ve felt it before sending the text, the email. Making the call. Starting again. Walking away. Small things, big things – all sorts of things. Over time, I have been fearful of many things – I am human.
And I’ve felt fear when things were good, too. When life was full and love was all around and it scared me because…what if I lost it?
So no – I’m not ‘fearless’. But I try not to let fear ever take over and stop me from doing what I need – or want to do. I also don’t live in a state of fear – something I am incredibly grateful for.
Fear – it visits me.
The word, the context, the emotion and the meaning behind it, truly fascinates me – as often it is just thrown around very one dimensionally without thought or care for what it actually means to some people.
Like you, I have to face things I fear all the time. How do I do that? By finding courage.
I’ve just stopped pretending that ‘fearlessness’ is the goal. But courage? That’s real. That’s lived. And that’s what midlife is asking of us now as we embark on our next chapter.
Fear Doesn’t Mean You’re WEAK.
We’re told from a young age to be brave. To stand tall. To not cry. And often, when we learned how to find the courage and face a fear – we grew as a result. Fear can be one of our greatest teachers. I am not ashamed at all to admit that I have many fears – some I have faced and some that I still have, and continue to face as they arise. There is absolutely no shame or weakness in that whatsoever. In fact, it’s probably saved me in some situations.
Nowadays, however, that messaging has gotten slicker. More forceful.
Be fearless. Be unstoppable. Be more.
It all seems motivational on the surface. And often, for some (and in the right context) – it can be. But quietly, sometimes it can make us feel like we’re somehow lacking if fear still visits us – if we still second-guess ourselves at 45, or 51, or 62.
If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve lived through a few lifetimes within your life.
You’ve done brave things. You’ve done hard things.
You’ve achieved wonderful things. You’ve endured times of heartbreak, change, reinvention, caregiving, letting go.
You’ve had hope and you more than likely, have felt fear – in varying degrees.
You’ve needed to find and trust your courage – quiet, imperfect, evolving – and that it is more than enough.
Because it is.
What COURAGE Has Looked Like in My Life
It didn’t always look bold. And sometimes it did. Most of the time though, I was vulnerable and had no idea what to do.
Somedays it looked like crying in the car, pulling it together, and walking into the meeting anyway.
Other times it was hearing news that you never want to hear and facing something that was indescribable, but there was no other option but to deal with it. Often, it looked like saying “I’m not sure yet.” Or “I’m sorry, I was wrong.”
Sometimes, it looked like silence. And sometimes, it looked like speaking the truth that made my voice shake. None of that was fearless.
Point was – I felt the fear and then had to find the courage to face it. Time after time.
The Courageous MIDDLE
We’re not in a season of proving. We’re in a season of choosing. And that, takes courage.
It can be messy and quiet. Hard and rewarding. It’s where we:
Reclaim our voice.
Make peace with our body.
Stop apologising for our ambition – or our rest.
Let go of roles – and people – that no longer fit with our life.
Begin again, even when it’s not guaranteed to work.
Learn to be vulnerable in life, in relationships and in leadership.
I believe, one of the great shifts that happens as we age, is the ‘shedding’ of the need of ‘performance’. We’re far more interested in being true.
And fearlessness? Often, nowadays that’s become a performance. Just a bunch of words thrown at us to make us pretend we are something we are not. Some of the most incredibly strong, courageous people I know – who have faced insane adversities in life – still openly admit that they have fears, to this day. But they lived through it with courage and bravery – and continue to do so.
Courage is a choice and a practice. It’s often deeply private. It’s often unseen. And it doesn’t demand (or require), applause.
So now more than ever, I consciously choose to just be present in life. And that means welcoming in the full range of emotions – including fear.
But it doesn’t sit in the drivers seat – it’s just a passenger in my car of life.
Rippling waves create a soothing rhythm as the sun dips low on the horizon, casting warm hues over the water’s surface in a captivating display of nature’s artistry.
Acknowledge the fear. Walk anyway.
maison 1973
Courage doesn’t have to be loud. Just real.
Continue to explore our mood boards for inspiration
Just because you said it, doesn’t mean you’re right.
“This is a fascinating topic to me. I feel that dogma is when opinion gets so loud, it forgets how to listen. It’s the moment belief becomes a rulebook, and curiosity gets kicked out of the room. It’s the end of the conversation – not the beginning of one. There is a time and a place for everything. And not everything is dogma. And not every opinion is fact. The art of dialogue is crucial in our everyday lives.”
creator of maison 1973, Nic Tierney
Agree to disagree? Is that even a thing anymore?
Welcome to the age of the mic drop. Where certainty on everything and everyone – is now our currency, and anyone who dares to disagree is instantly dismissed, dissected, or digitally obliterated. We seem to not want to really talk anymore? Instead, it feels as if everything is a declaration. And if you’re not clapping, you’re clearly the enemy.
Somewhere along the way, we lost the art of respectful disagreement. We lost our appetite for nuance. We became afraid – or even allergic? – to not being right.
What does this mean and what is going on? Let’s explore.
It’s Everywhere Now
It lives in social captions and podcast rants. It masquerades as moral superiority. It seems to punish curiosity and curious people?
Dogma says, “I’m right. You’re wrong. End of story.” Dialogue, on the other hand, says, “Here’s what I think. What about you?”
As Gen X women, we remember a different kind of conversation. One where people could sit across from each other with totally opposing views and still share dessert. We weren’t so threatened by contradiction. We knew that opinions didn’t define the person – or at least, they didn’t have to.
But now? Opinions are treated as identities. And any challenge to your viewpoint is seen as a threat to your entire sense of self.
But here’s a truth: just because you make a point, doesn’t necessarily make it right. And just because someone doesn’t agree with you, doesn’t make them wrong. It’s a harsh truth for some, but it is a truth nevertheless.
We’ve confused having a platform with having the last word. We’ve mistaken confidence for correctness. We’ve equated volume with value.
Here’s a thought to ponder – if your belief system can’t handle being questioned, maybe it’s not a belief system – it’s a performance?
It takes strength to hold space for views that challenge your own. It takes grace to say, “I see it differently – but I still respect you.” It takes maturity to let the moment pass without needing to win it.
This is happening everywhere: families divided over dinner, 24/7 with virtual strangers online, some people are just opting out of conversation altogether because it’s just not worth the backlash. People’s general interest in just simply seeking to understand – being stifled by those with louder opinions.
But silence isn’t the answer. And neither is shouting louder.
So What is?
It’s curiosity. It’s emotional maturity. It’s being okay with not being right. It’s knowing when to walk away, not to prove a point but to preserve your peace. It’s understanding that some things in life hold a lot of uncertainty and with that, there needs to be some understanding.
It’s becoming so rare (particularly online) to find and meet people where you feel completely at ease with sharing a thought, an opinion, a viewpoint, a question – and you know that it will be met with a considered response, not a defensive one. A dialogue. We can remember a time, where this was how we just functioned in life – what happened?
At maison 1973, we believe in deeper conversations, challenging the ‘status quo’, asking and really listening. There will always be discomfort in our paths to growth – always. We never stop growing and evolving – regardless of our age. We believe you can disagree with someone and still love or respect them (or both). We like to learn and embrace change. And with change comes uncertainty – and that’s part of life. We’ve lived through many decades, we know that change is inevitable.
You don’t need to shout to be sure of what you believe. You don’t need to be right to be worthy. And you don’t need everyone to agree with you to lead with confidence.
Let’s bring back nuance. Let’s bring back listening. Let’s bring back the beauty of I see it differently, and that’s okay.
Because disagreement doesn’t need to mean the end of the conversation. Sometimes, it’s where the real one begins.
THE maison 1973 Takeaway
Not every differing opinion is an attack. Sometimes it’s just… another point of view.
Not every opinion needs a rebuttal. Not every point needs a mic drop. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can say is simply: “I hear you.”
What do you think?
Certainty is trending. But curiosity? That’s timeless.
maison 1973
Your curiosity is waiting.
Continue to explore our mood boards for inspiration
photograph of wild horses running in the steppe, brown and white, grainy film filter, minimalist, kodak portra film, cinematic, in the style of Monia Merlo –ar 35:57 Job ID: e2b26c11-f31f-41a8-87e0-4d6d6ce7c07a
The POWER We All Have
There’s something magical that starts to happen in midlife.
You realise you’ve spent decades collecting insight — facts, patterns, frameworks, evidence, experiences. And just as suddenly, your instinct starts to get louder. Not louder in volume. Louder in clarity.
The gut pulls that once felt like noise now feel like knowing. The flashes of intuition that once felt inconvenient now feel undeniable.
And somewhere along the way, we realise that we don’t have to choose one over the other.
The new power? It comes from learning to hold and use, both.
Insight: The MUSCLE You Built
Let’s be clear. You didn’t get here by winging it. You worked hard. You analysed. You listened. You endured. You lived. You learned the difference between hype and reality. Between story and substance. Between what’s nonsense BS and what actually matters.
You can read a room, a brief, a person. You can anticipate outcomes. You know what happens when people talk too fast, promise too much, sell too early. We have honed these skills over four or more decades now.
That’s our insight. It’s not just intellect — it’s pattern recognition. It’s lived experience. It’s data you carry in your bones.
But insight is only one side of the story.
Instinct: The VOICE That Was Always There
Instinct doesn’t shout. It nudges us. It tugs at us. It stirs somewhere in our gut that we can’t quite put our finger on.
It’s the “something’s off” before you know why. It’s the moment you’re about to sign, and your body says no. It’s the moment you are not so sure about someone or something, but you can’t explain why.
Instinct isn’t always rational. But it’s deeply intelligent. It’s our subconscious pulling on thousands of micro-data points before our brain can catch up.
In your 20s, you possibly ignored it. You doubted it. Now? We’d be fools not to listen.
Why Midlife Women Are the ULTIMATEBalancers of Both
Because we’ve had to be. Quite simple really.
We’ve spent years in boardrooms, bedrooms, hospitals, offices, schools. We’ve seen what happens when people follow logic without heart. And we’ve seen what happens when people follow vibes without vision.
Midlife isn’t about becoming more cautious or more impulsive. It’s about becoming fluent in both of these languages and learning to balance them more than ever before.
“Insight for me, has always been about trying to rationalise with fact and experience. Intuition on the other hand, just hits me when I least expect it. I find nowadays, I listen to my gut more than ever before.”
creator of maison 1973, Nic
When Insight Gets in the WAY
Sometimes we’re too smart. We overthink. We talk ourselves out of a yes because we can’t justify it on paper. We stay where it’s safe, because the data says it’s stable.
But the truth is: stability isn’t always success. And sometimes insight can paralyse you with options. Analysis paralysis – we’ve all been in many (business) situations where this is strongly evident!
We forget that not every decision needs a business case. Some just need a feeling.
When INSTINCT Is the Only Thing You Have
And then there are the moments when insight fails you. The job offer looks perfect. The partnership is textbook ideal. The timing seems “right.”
And yet…You feel that flicker. That unease. And you walk away. Or you say yes. Or you shift the entire plan based on a gut pull you couldn’t explain.
And later, you realise: your body knew what your mind couldn’t articulate. That’s instinct. That’s trusting your gut.
How Do We HONOURBoth?
We all find ourselves in this position, day in day out. Sometimes the decisions we face are enormous and life changing, others are just everyday situations. Here’s how we tend to tackle it:
Pause before the plan. Give instinct a seat at your table before you logic it to death.
Validate the feeling. Ask yourself: is this a real no, or just fear?
Cross-check with insight. Gut says go? Great. Now give it some structure.
Decide with your whole self. Not just your brain. Not just your body. All of you.
Midlife truly is the age of integration. We are not just thinkers. We are feelers, knowers, deciders – all encompassing now.
We don’t need to prove we’re smart. We don’t need to explain why we know what we know. We just get to trust that the years have sharpened every part of us.
Close up photo of a white marble sculpture in the corner of a minimal Paris apartment, a classical Greek style head and shoulders figure in the style of Greek sculptures, minimalist aesthetic with cream walls. –ar 35:47 –style raw Job ID: 47388394-56bb-44dd-b72d-487d78a3456a
Insight is our compass.
Instinct is our wind.
Trust both.
Continue to explore our mood boards for inspiration
What midlife teaches us about strategy, sacrifice, and finally playing by your own rules.
“If you know (or learning) chess, you will really get where I am coming from here. It’s such a complex ‘game’, yet life is sort of no different. It all depends on the player and the circumstances we find ourselves in. One thing it has definitely taught me – patience!”
creator of maison 1973, Nic
STRATEGY And Sacrifice
There’s a moment somewhere in midlife when the ‘board’ comes into focus. Not just the ‘pieces’ in play, but the patterns. The moves we keep making. The strategies that no longer serve us. The times we gave up the ‘queen’ to keep the peace.
Chess is a metaphor for life, that’s for sure.
Sometimes life is a journey, sometimes a game. Not in a trivial sense. But in the way that every move matters. That nothing is random? That timing is everything? And that, at some point, we get to choose whether we keep reacting or start directing.
So is life a chess game? Maybe. But we’re no longer playing by someone else’s rules.
So let’s play.
Opening MOVES: The Game We Didn’t Know We Were In
In your twenties, you’re the pawn. You move forward because that’s what you were told to do. Get the job. Date the person. Be agreeable. Stay small. Fit in.
You think you’re making progress, but you’re just following the board. You’re not taught to see the game. You’re taught to play your part.
And then one day something breaks. A job. A relationship. A belief. And you start to ask:
We give up comfort to protect our ambition. We give up softness to survive in male-dominated rooms. We give up time with people we love, to prove ourselves.
We’ve played defensively. We’ve waited. We’ve overthought the next move. We’ve stayed still because risk felt reckless.
But the longer you’ve been on the board, the more you start to see: The only way to win is to play your own game.
And maybe to redefine what “winning” even is.
Endgame Energy: When You STOP Playing to Be Liked
Midlife is the endgame energy you didn’t know you needed. You stop trying to charm your way through. You don’t wait for permission to move. You’re not trying to be the knight or the queen or the bishop – you’re the damn board now.
You’re not here to prove anything. You’re here to move with intention.
You’re not scrambling for checkmate.
You’re playing for peace.
“In business and in life, you’re not always the queen. Sometimes you’re the pawn. What matters is how well you know the board.”
creator of maison 1973, Nic
The Rules You Were GIVEN vs. The Rules You Now Write
Remember when the goal was to make it to the other side? To climb the ladder. To get the title. To own the house. To tick the box.
No one told you the game keeps resetting. That you can win by quitting. That you can gain by letting go. That you can love the game and still choose not to play it like everyone else.
Midlife gives you the luxury of rewriting your rules:
You can opt out of performance for performance sake.
You can prioritise presence over perception.
You can stop moving just because everyone else is.
You can take your time and still get to where you want to be.
You can move left, when everyone else moves right.
You can start a new game all over again.
You can analyse all the moves you’ve made so far and decide which direction to take next.
You can become better than you’ve ever been.
You can play the long game. Or a quick one. You choose.
You can set up the board yourself – you don’t need to wait for someone else to do it.
What They Never TOLD You About the Game
They told you it was about being smart. But they never said wisdom would come from mistakes.
They told you it was about staying ten steps ahead. But they never said stillness could be a strategy.
They told you to be tactical. But they never said intuition could be your most powerful move.
They never said you could change the board entirely. That you could burn it down and build something better. That you could play in a way that honours your energy, your values, your version of a good life.
But now you know.
THE maison 1973 Takeaway
Maybe life is a chess game. But at midlife, we stop playing to win by their definition. We start playing with joy, with clarity, and with the full awareness of every move we’ve made to get here.
And that changes everything.
You’re not just another piece on the board. You are the player. The strategist. The whole damn table.
Play wisely. Play freely. And above all, play your game.
Now let’s play.
Get on the board.
Continue to explore our mood boards for inspiration
Clarity doesn’t come before movement. It follows it.
“The space ‘in-between’ a vision or idea you have – is not empty. It’s asking for you to move. This has always been the feeling I have had with any work or life decision. I get a vision that just lingers, and then I act upon it. You have to back yourself, otherwise no one else will.”
creator of maison 1973, Nic Tierney
Movement Makes It REAL
There’s a space many of us know intimately – especially now, in midlife.
It’s the place between the spark of an idea…and the moment we act on it.
For some of us, it looks like notebooks filled with half-started plans. For others, it’s a beautiful vision quietly circling in the back of the mind for years, unspoken, unexplored.
We hold these ideas like precious, fragile things. And yet – so often – we hesitate to move.
Not because we’re lazy. Not because we’re indecisive. But because we want it to matter. And we want to feel ready.
The truth is, most of us were never taught how to bridge vision with movement.
Especially not in the ways that honour how women like us work, think, and create.
So this piece is for the ones standing in that quiet space in-between. The women who feel the pull of something they can’t yet name, or the weight of something they can’t yet begin. Let’s explore why that space exists—and how to gently move through it.
The Invisible Frictions That Keep Us STUCK
Let’s name the real things that hold us in the in-between:
Perfectionism: If it’s not flawless, it doesn’t feel worth starting
Overwhelm: Too many options, too much noise, too little focus
Fear of Judgement: Of failing. Of being visible. Of doing it wrong
Comparison: Everyone else seems to have it together.
Past Success: When you’ve been good at something for so long, starting something new feels risky
But beneath all of this is something deeper: fear.
Not the loud kind. The quiet, sophisticated fear that knows how to sound like logic. It tells us:
“What if this doesn’t work?”
“What if I’m not as good as I thought I was?”
“What if people don’t get it, or don’t get me?”
“What if I’m too late?”
Fear whispers doubt in the voice of reason. It dresses up as protection. But often, it’s just delay in disguise.
The pain of the unknown is real. We like control. We like identity. And the in-between space? It threatens both. It’s where old narratives unravel, but new ones haven’t formed yet.
By the time we reach midlife, we’ve collected a powerful inventory: Experience. Discernment. Pattern recognition. Depth. Taste.
But also: Wounds. Hesitations. Responsibilities. Real-world constraints.
The fire is still there. But we use it differently now. We don’t want to burn out. We want to burn brighter.
That’s why the way we move needs to evolve. Not to force movement, but to create conditions for aligned movement.
BRIDGING the Gap: From Idea to Action (maison style)
This isn’t a five-step hustle guide. It’s a reframe. A set of principles that honour how you work best, now. We also shared a simple, practical version on our Instagram page, and here it is explained a little differently:
Start with a feeling, not a headline.
Instead of asking “What’s the outcome?”, ask: “How do I want to feel while doing this?”
Design a rhythm, not a routine.
Routines demand. Rhythms respond. Give your creative energy flow, not force.
Make it tangible, then tiny.
Choose one action that brings the idea into the real world. Email yourself the idea. Buy the domain. Tell one person. Begin.
Release the myth of readiness.
You won’t feel fully ready. You will feel honest. That’s the real start.
Create a container, not a cage.
Give yourself permission to change, reshape, or evolve the idea – without abandoning it. Stick with it.
Detach from perception.
Not everything needs to be seen to be valid. This is yours.
Define success by resonance, not reach.
Does it feel aligned? Are you proud of how it’s unfolding? That’s the measure now.
Back yourself.
You don’t need permission. You don’t need certainty. You need belief.
You are allowed to begin even when you’re still becoming.
Backing yourself doesn’t mean ignoring fear. It means moving with it. It means deciding that your ideas are worth the risk of being misunderstood. It means trusting that what you’ve seen in your mind, you can build in the world.
The Quiet POWER of Just Beginning
It doesn’t have to be dramatic. You don’t need a launch or a grand reveal. You just need a moment.
A moment of courage. A moment of truth. A moment where you back yourself just enough to take the next step.
Movement begets clarity. Clarity begets momentum. And from that? You build something that feels like you.
Not because you rushed it. Not because you followed someone else’s playbook. But because you honoured the space in between.
That space was never empty. It was just waiting for you to move.
You CAN Do This Too
“I didn’t wait to feel ready. I just kept showing up – idea after idea, room after room. I’ve started from scratch more times than I can count. Not because I had it all figured out – but because I trusted the feeling that said, ‘begin anyway‘.
Every step I’ve taken- from launching creative businesses to leading teams – began in the same place: not certainty, but quiet conviction. I know this space well – the hesitation, the ache, the almost-start. But every time I moved, it changed everything.”
There is no map. Just start.
maison 1973
We got this.
Continue to explore our mood boards for inspiration
Creativity is oxygen. You might be holding your breath?
“I wasn’t exhausted. I was underfed — creatively, emotionally, spiritually. It took me a litle while to realise the difference.”
creator of maison 1973, Nic Tierney
Where Has Our CREATIVITY Gone?
There’s a particular kind of fatigue that doesn’t come from overwork. It comes from underfeeling. Underimagining. Undercreating.
And if you’re a Gen X woman waking up each day wondering why the spark is gone, wondering why a full night’s sleep still leaves you feeling flat—you might not be burnt out. We spend so much of our time reading, talking thinking and worrying about navigating through all of our midlife hormonal and ‘life shifts’ – but sometimes it’s not about any of that.
You might just be creatively underfed.
Let’s dive into this interesting space a little more.
The Myth of BURNOUT (And Why It’s Not Always True)
We’ve been sold the idea that burnout means we’ve worked too hard, too long, for too little reward. And sure—that’s part of it. But many women in midlife are doing less than they did ten years ago, and yet feel more emotionally depleted than ever.
We’re not broken. Our inner world is hungry. We know the feeling all too well.
“Midlife didn’t dull my ambition. It just redirected it. Now I crave doing what I do best – creating. Not busyness.”
creator of maison 1973, Nic Tierney
Competence Isn’tCREATIVITY
If you’re a Gen X woman, you were more than likely raised on grit, efficiency, and survival. You’ve spent decades holding everything together, knowing what to do, and doing it well. You’re probably damn good at your job, your calendar, your life…and everything in between.
But somewhere along the way, being competent became the enemy of being curious. Of being lit up. Of not knowing, and playing anyway.
And here’s the kicker: a life full of function without imagination becomes… beige. Not bad. Just blunted.
This isn’t about quitting your job to become an artist (or absolutely it could be if that’s what lights your fire). This is about asking yourself: Where am I letting the spark go dim, because I’ve convinced myself I don’t have time to feel it?
Whatever it is—your spark can re-ignite.
maison 1973
How to Tell if You’re Creatively UNDERFED
You might not be aware it’s happening. But here are some signs:
You’re consuming more than you’re creating (even if creating just means journaling or arranging flowers).
You feel uninspired by the things that used to excite you.
If any of these sound familiar, you’re not alone. And you’re not failing. You’re just a little creatively underfed.
What Creative NOURISHMENTActually Looks Like
Let’s be clear: this isn’t about being productive. This isn’t about monetising your hobby or learning to paint so you can open an Etsy shop.
Creative nourishment is about doing something for the sheer joy of it. It’s doing something you don’t need to be good at. It’s about creating energy, not output.
Here’s what that might look like:
Putting on music and dancing alone in the kitchen.
Re-reading a novel you loved at 22.
Drawing.
Doodling
Art – in all forms. Admiring it.
Start a blog
Take beautiful pictures
Wander without intent.
Daydreaming.
Making something – anything.
Cooking something new. Or something old and comforting.
Wandering in nature.
Writing a letter
Creating a mood board
Playing – with a guitar, an instrument, a new gadget.
Rearranging your shelves by colour.
Lighting a candle at 3pm, just because.
Creativity isn’t always grand. Sometimes it’s just giving yourself permission to care and be playful and letting your mind just wander. Get lost in our thoughts.
Why Midlife Is a Creative PORTAL
Most people think of creativity as youthful: the domain of 20-somethings and start-ups. But midlife? Midlife is actually one of the richest, most potent portals for creative reinvention—if we choose to walk through it.
And creative expression is the exact antidote to the ‘grey fog’ of modern life.
THE maison 1973 Takeaway
This isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing different.
At maison 1973, we believe:
Creativity isn’t a luxury—it’s a life source.
Midlife isn’t a crisis—it’s a privilege.
You don’t need to be good. You just need to be willing.
Just start – do, change, repeat
And when we create (whether it’s a dish, a sentence, a feeling, or a space), we re-enter our world with fresh eyes.
If you feel like you’re stuck in beige… If you can’t remember the last time something lit you up… If you’re craving something more, but unsure what…
This is a call back to your creative self.
It’s not always ‘burnout’ – maybe you just need to feed your inner creative. Sometimes it’s not about the five-year plan. You just need a spark. And maybe it starts with a messy doodle, a walk without your phone, or a playlist you haven’t heard since 1996.
Whatever it is, let’s find it. Because it’s wonderful.
Midlife isn’t an ending- it’s an invitation. You in?
maison 1973
Your creativity is waiting.
Continue to explore our mood boards for inspiration
When you’ve carried enough, it’s time to set some of it down.
There’s a moment that sneaks up on you in midlife. Not dramatic. Not urgent. Just…quiet.
You look at the life you’ve built—what you’ve chased, held onto, proven, protected—and you realise: You’re holding too much. And not all of it belongs to you anymore.
“I used to think letting go meant losing something. Now I know it just means I’m choosing what gets to come with me next.”
creator maison 1973, Nic Tierney
The Invisible Weight
Letting go isn’t always about loss. Sometimes, it’s about lightening the load. About loosening your grip on things you were never meant to carry this far:
Outdated ambitions
Roles you no longer want to play
Relationships that quietly deplete you
Expectations you didn’t consent to
Narratives that were never yours to begin with
There’s no ceremony to it. No applause. Just a quiet moment of truth:
I don’t need this anymore.
What We Were Told to Hold
We were taught to be good. To be capable. To keep it together. To carry it all.
And we did—for decades. We juggled careers, kids, care, emotional labour, aging parents, societal pressure, self-doubt, and a constantly shifting sense of who we’re supposed to be.
But letting go isn’t failure. It’s wisdom.
It’s the act of choosing to no longer prove what you’ve already lived.
The Fear of RELEASE
Letting go can feel terrifying. Not because we want to keep it—but because of what might rush in when we make space.
Who am I without this role? What happens if I stop trying? What if nothing comes to fill the space I’ve cleared?
These are honest questions and ones that we have dealt with of late. And they deserve not just our attention, but our patience.
But here’s what we’ve learned: nature doesn’t leave voids. When you release what no longer serves you, something always shifts. And often, what enters is softer. Lighter. More aligned.
Biggest thing we have learnt during this time of release: We’re not falling apart. We’re falling into place.
Letting Go Doesn’t Mean Giving Up
This is important: letting go doesn’t mean apathy. Or weakness. Or retreat.
It means discernment. It means you’ve evolved. It means you’re ready to redirect your energy toward what’s still alive inside you—not what’s already expired.
It’s not quitting. It’s curating.
The Maison Lens
“At maison, we believe that letting go is a creative act. It’s how space is made for new wants, new rhythms, new ways of being. The fear of stepping away from the familiar was very real. But the cost of not building this and backing myself? That was louder.”
It’s not a single dramatic decision. It’s a series of subtle shifts:
Because wanting the same things as everyone else was never the point was it?
“Some of my wants arrived quietly. Some took their time. The important part I’ve now learnt at this stage in my life – is just letting them belong—without needing to make sense to anyone else.”
creator of maison 1973, Nic Tierney
What We Had To AskOURSELVES
There’s a quiet question that can change everything in midlife:
What do you actually want?
Not what you were told to want. Not what looks good on paper. Not what other women seem to be chasing.
But you—here, now.
What do you want?
We ask this not as a throwaway prompt, but as a radical act. Because to want differently in a world of sameness is to reclaim your agency, your intuition, your truth. And we have done it and continue to do it.
And that, maison woman – is a kind of freedom most people are too busy to notice.
Let’s explore this further.
The MYTH of the “Right” Want
We’ve been subtly taught that there’s a hierarchy of wants:
A successful career (but not too much success).
A beautiful home (but don’t flaunt it).
A partner, kids, travel, glowing skin, a side hustle, toned arms, a purpose, a plan…oh geez the list goes on.
But so much of that was performance.
What happens when the applause dies down and the to-do list is done? When you finally have the space to sit with your own mind—unfiltered, unscrolled, unprompted?
Wanting differently begins there.
Not with the noise, but with the noticing. Not with the next thing, but with the stillness between things.
“Not everything has to be big. Some of the most important wants barely make a sound.”
creator of maison 1973, Nic Tierney
Wanting WithoutSHAME
The problem with wanting in midlife isn’t desire. It’s judgement.
We’ve been conditioned to judge our own cravings:
Too much.
Too late.
Too selfish.
Too frivolous.
So we dial it down. Make it smaller. Tuck it away.
But Maison isn’t here for small wants. It’s here for honest ones. Expansive ones. Strange, wild, brave ones.
The want to start over. The want to disappear for a while. The want to take up painting. Or silence. Or space.
The want to live less urgently—and more deliberately.
It’s where clarity lives. Where self-trust is built. Where your voice gets loud enough to hear again.
But it’s also a tender space. Because when you start clearing away the external noise, you might find a gap—a space where you’re not sure what you want yet.
That doesn’t mean you’re lost. It means you’re listening.
You don’t owe anyone an explanation for your longing. You don’t need to wrap it in strategy or make it Instagrammable.
It’s enough to know what pulls at your soul.
And to trust that that’s worth following.
But What If It’s NOTBig?
Wanting differently isn’t always dramatic. Sometimes, it’s subtle. We’ve learnt this over the years and we’re sure you have too.
Wanting:
More mornings without noise.
More books. Less buzz.
A different rhythm.
A deeper friendship.
Time away from urgency. Time closer to the ocean. Time with family.
Just simple thing
There’s nothing wrong with wanting less. There’s something very right about wanting real.
Some wants whisper. Others stir quietly for years before surfacing. Both matter. Both count.
The Role of CURIOSITY
Wanting differently also invites a shift in how we relate to our own desire.
Instead of chasing answers, we start asking better questions:
What am I drawn to lately?
What have I stopped pretending to enjoy?
What would feel like relief—not just reward?
These aren’t checklist questions. They’re invitation questions—open-ended, evolving, and generous. We’ve become so accustomed to hacks and tips and everything being in bite size, that we have almost become afraid to seek insight, ask questions, let the answers sit with us awhile. In midlife this becomes more powerful than ever before.
Sometimes, just asking is the breakthrough. Being curious is such a lost art nowadays.
We created this space because we saw it: the women quietly craving more—but also craving differently.
Not louder. Not shinier. Not faster.
Just…truer.
Maison 1973 is for the woman who wants with intention. Who’s ready to tune out the noise. Who trusts that her path may look different—because it should.
Because insight is more powerful than instruction.
THE maison 1973 Takeaway
Start by asking yourself: What do I want now? What no longer fits? What have I been scared to say out loud?
And then give yourself permission to want differently.
Because when the wanting is real, it’s already enough.
For women who’ve stopped performing—and started becoming.
maison 1973
Let’s ask the questions.
Continue to explore our mood boards for inspiration
“I stopped trying (a long time ago), to be understood by people who were never listening in the first place. So when it came to creating maison 1973, mass appeal was never the goal. Resonance is.”
creator of maison 1973, Nic Tierney
You’re NOT For Everyone: And That’s The Point.
There’s a quiet liberation that comes with midlife.
Not the kind that shouts or seeks validation, but the kind that rises slowly—like sunlight through curtains. Soft but steady. Certain.
It’s the freedom of finally understanding this: you’re not for everyone. And you were never meant to be.
When Pleasing Becomes EXHAUSTING
For years—decades even—we tried to be palatable.
We softened our edges. Shrunk our opinions. Took up just the right amount of space—not too much, never too loud. We were professional ‘shapeshifters’, skilled at reading a room and adjusting accordingly.
But over time, this careful calibration turns into quiet resentment.
Because the truth is, when you’re always trying to be for everyone, you end up being fully seen by no one.
And somewhere deep inside, we know that being liked by everyone isn’t the goal. Being real is.
What HAPPENS When You Let Go of “Everyone”
Letting go of the need to be universally liked doesn’t make you harder.
It makes you freer.
You stop second-guessing your instincts. You dress how you like. You say what you mean. You let people be uncomfortable if they need to be. And you stop wasting time explaining yourself to people who aren’t truly listening.
There’s joy in that.
A very specific kind of joy—the joy of clarity. The joy of discernment. The joy of finally realizing that your taste, your energy, your point of view… they aren’t supposed to be universal.
They’re supposed to be yours.
NICHE Is Power
We live in a world obsessed with reach. How many followers, how much engagement, how wide can you cast your net?
But we’ve learned something different: niche is power.
Think about it—every great woman you admire? She’s not everyone’s cup of tea. She’s polarizing. She’s specific. She’s herself.
So what if we stopped chasing universality—and started honouring specificity?
Here, we don’t try to be everything for everyone. We’re a space for the women who get it. Who feel it. Who’ve lived enough life to know what fits.
And when you stop trying to please the crowd, something incredible happens: your people find you.
Boundaries AreBEAUTIFUL
Not being for everyone also means having boundaries. And boundaries are beautiful.
They protect your peace. They preserve your time. They act as filters, gently keeping what no longer serves you at a distance.
In midlife, boundaries become less about saying no to others and more about saying yes to yourself.
You stop over-explaining. You start protecting your mornings, your energy, your dreams.
And you realise: you don’t have to be accessible to everyone to be powerful.
You don’t need to be understood to be valid.
You don’t need to be approved of to be at peace.
The MAISONEthos
We built maison 1973 on this truth: We’re not for everyone. And neither are you.
This space isn’t mass appeal. It’s a home for thoughtful women. Women with depth, with a little edge. Women who know that not being for everyone is part of the magic. Women who still like to read the whole damn thing. Women who like to ponder and think about things.
We write for the curious. The discerning. The evolved. And yes, sometimes the irreverent.
So if you are here with us, you’re in great company.
You Don’t OWE the World Your Conformity
You owe the world your presence. Your intelligence. Your ideas. Your joy.
But not your conformity.
Not your constant explaining. Not your prettied-up version. Not your watered-down essence.
You are allowed to be specific. To be sharp. To have taste. To say: “This is who I am.”
Because when you finally accept you’re not for everyone— you begin to find the ones you are for.
And that? We believe, that’s the real joy.
The right ones always know. Not everyone will get it. But the right ones will. They’ll nod when you speak. They’ll feel what you mean. They’ll stay. You don’t have to be for everyone. You just have to be true.
We’re so glad you’re here. Stay as long as you like.
maison 1973
Come in.
Continue to explore our mood boards for inspiration
Before Streaming, Scrolling, And Skipping — We LIVED Life Like A Mixtape: On INSTINCT.
Gen X isn’t a single soundtrack — it’s a whole collection of Side As and Side Bs. Some of us were teens in the thick of the ‘80s, rewinding tapes in our bedrooms and dancing in nightclubs before the internet had a name. Others were still riding bikes at sunset, making friendship bracelets, and growing up just in time for the rise of grunge, girl power, and the late-night music video marathon. We came of age in different ways, at different times — but we all felt it.
We took photos and waited for the pics to get developed – then we meticulously arranged them in albums. We collected albums like we collected mix tapes – and we knew what every single one meant.
Because no matter when you were born in that 1965–1980 window, you didn’t just live the culture…you recorded it. And it’s still playing.
Long live the mixtape of life. Let’s go on a trip down memory lane…
“When I started writing this, I realised the mixtape isn’t just a memory — it’s a metaphor for Gen X life. We recorded things as they happened, rewound the bits we didn’t quite get, and somehow made chaos feel special, regardless of how simple it was. It wasn’t always pretty, but it was ours.”
founder of maison 1973, Nic Tierney
Life Was SIMPLE And We Loved It
It’s the late 80’s. Your knees are grazed from riding bikes without helmets, your hair smells like Impulse Illusions, and your fingers are covered in melted Paddle Pop. You’re lying on your bedroom floor, rewinding a cassette with a pencil and willing your older sibling to stay off the phone so you can tape the top 10 off the radio.
Sound familiar? Haha, that’s cause it was our life – our simple, chaotic, crazy Gen X life.
Welcome to the wild, weird, and wonderful world of growing up Gen X — whether you were dancing at a uni bar or decorating your locker. We all grew up in this special era that only we know all about.
When phones were attached to walls and they had cords and could be left at home. The original ‘do not disturb’ was simply just leaving it off the hook.
Cars had no air conditioning – just big windows with hard as hell handles to turn. We drove stick shift, grinding gears and reverse parking like a boss. Nothing was complicated, it was a time that things were built for use. They were necessary and they were useful.
Playing handball on the road after school, jumping on the trampoline without safety rails or nets.
This wasn’t just a childhood. It was a mixtape. Recorded in real time. Messy. Curated. Emotional. Full of skips, edits, and songs that made no sense — until they did.
It was a time of just being yourself and the only thing we were obsessed with recording was music. Not ourselves, no selfies, no idea of what else was going on around us except what was happening in our neighbourhoods, in our friendship groups.
The Soundtrack of US
Depending on where you grew up, your soundtrack had its own flavour:
In Australia, we had Countdown, Rage, Recovery, and the unforgettable Triple J Hottest 100. We knew the pub-rock glory of Cold Chisel and the dream-pop drama of Icehouse. INXS felt like global royalty — but ours.
In New Zealand, we tuned into RTR Countdown and the magic of Radio With Pictures. Dave Dobbyn, Crowded House, and Shona Laing weren’t just names — they were national treasure status.
In the UK, it was Top of the Pops, John Peel, Smash Hits, and the explosion of Britpop. We danced in our bedrooms to Bananarama, The Human League, and later, Blur and Oasis, long before the headlines caught up.
In the US, it was MTV’s golden age — TRL, Yo! MTV Raps, 120 Minutes. Grunge was rising from the garage, hip hop was taking shape, and girl groups like En Vogue were giving us harmony and power.
And no matter where you were — we all remember hitting ‘record’ and praying no one spoke over the intro.
Our music wasn’t algorithm-fed. It was handed to us by friends, posters, rage clips, and gut instinct. We stood in record stores debating between Alanis and The Cure. We slow-danced to Roxette and lost our minds at Big Day Out. We screamed lyrics from the backseat with the windows down.
We felt every word.
The MIXTAPE As A Metaphor
We weren’t a playlist. We were a mixtape.
Side A was the ambition, the firsts, the fire in us. Side B was the softness, the reinvention, the stuff we got emotional to and told no one about.
Some chapters we fast-forwarded through. Others we wore out from replaying.
There were hidden tracks — the unspoken parts of growing up. There were unplanned overdubs — the noise we didn’t mean to record but still lives in the background.
Some things were taped over. Some stayed scratched, imperfect, real.
And yet, we kept recording and listening.
Every mixtape told a story in biro and smudges. So did we. They were so sacred to us.
Screens That SHAPEDUs
Then there were the movies and TV – a rite of passage.
We grew up with The Breakfast Club, Reality Bites, My So-Called Life, and Muriel’s Wedding. We saw ourselves in awkward teens, chaotic women, and girls who were a bit too much (but in the best way).
There was the all time release of Dirty Dancing and our obsession with Patrick Swayze began. Going to the drive in to watch a movie. Buying actual tickets to things. Keeping them as souvenirs.
Kirk Cameron and Growing Pains, the original crushes – Michael J Fox, John Stamos, River Phoenix, Rob Lowe, Kurt Cobain, Axl Rose – the list was endless.
Friday nights meant lining up at Video Ezy or Civic Video. You knew exactly what aisle Empire Records lived in and you always tried to get the last of the new releases – only to be disappointed as they were all gone. You rewound the tape out of respect – and you tried to get it back on time to avoid the fine (oh those fines lol).
We memorised lines like scripture:
“How do you like them apples?” (Good Will Hunting, 1997)
We didn’t stream. We stayed up to watch it and feel it happen in real time. We didn’t scroll. We rewound and replayed. Over and over.
And that’s the difference. We just kept living in the moment of life. We weren’t too bothered about anything else. Gosh, how incredible.
“Writing this has been such a joy. The list of nuances and memories has been endless. I could keep writing for days and still not capture it all. This is just the tip of the iceberg as a Gen X growing up. This will be the first of many mix tape moments”
THEFeels
We didn’t have Pinterest. We had glue sticks and magazine tear-outs. We decorated diaries with Lisa Frank stickers and wrote our crushes’ names in glitter pen. We shopped at Granny Mays, collected erasers and scratch and sniff stickers.
We made friendship bracelets and mood boards. We roller-skated in bubble skirts, wore cinch belts with Supre singlets, and proudly spritzed ‘CK One‘ before heading out.
Our icons weren’t influencers. They were Kate Moss, Elle Macpherson, Linda, Christy, Naomi, Madonna, Pat Benatar, Whitney Houston, Belinda Carlisle, Tina Turner — untouchable and magnetic. They weren’t selling to us. They were just being. And we watched, and we learned. We poured through magazines just to see the latest in their lives.
We played Snake on Nokia phones. We sat on the grass waiting for the Mr Whippy van to play its jingle. We had to be home to catch our favourite show. If you were lucky you had a VHS – if not, too bad. You missed it and you had to wait for next week.
And the food?
Apricot chicken. Devilled sausages. Party pies.
BBQ Shapes and Toobs
Zooper Doopers and Sunnyboys
Milo piled four spoons deep in a mug
Cheese and lettuce sandwiches
The list is endless. So good. So good in fact, we’ll dedicate a whole other blog to it at another time.
Why It Still LIVES In Us
We may live in a digital world now, but our hearts beat analog.
We remember because these moments weren’t just trends. They were imprints. They taught us rhythm, rebellion, expression, release. We loved every angst ridden moment of it all.
That’s why certain songs still hit. That’s why certain films still feel like home. That’s why we get goosebumps when the Mr Whippy music plays or Smells Like Teen Spirit starts when you’re stuck in traffic. It’s instinctual to get those windows down and turn that music up full blast. We feel it in our core. It never, ever leaves us. Nor do we want it to.
We’re not stuck in the past. We just know a good memory is like a great song — it grows with you.
And like any good mixtape — we’re still curating. Still evolving. Still adding tracks.
“I grew up rewinding tapes with pencils, eating BBQ Shapes after school, talking on the phone in the kitchen and figuring things out without Google or group chats. It was chaotic, unfiltered, kind of magic — and somehow, we all just made it work. Gen X didn’t just live through it. We recorded it, our way.”
maison 1973 founder, Nic Tierney.
The Maison 1973 Takeaway:
For the rhythm, the memory, and the woman you still are.
Gen X For Life.
Continue to explore our mood boards for inspiration
The question isn’t whether you want to work. Of course you do.
The question is: how do you want to work now?
The maison 1973 woman isn’t retiring. She’s refining.
Let’s explore this new terrain we find ourselves in as the women of Generation X today.
And if you find yourself still standing at the edge of change, you might also like to read “You’ve Earned This Room” — a manifesto for the woman who’s done proving herself, and is ready to own the space she built.
“I’ve worked hard all my life. Led teams, built brands, fixed businesses that were failing, navigated health issues and yet still held it all together — often at the same time. What I care about now is building something that feels good — not just looks good on paper. Work has to mean more. It has to fit. And that’s the shift no one prepared us for.””
creator maison 1973, Nic Tierney
Part I: What No One TOLD Us About Work (And What We’ve Learned Anyway)
For many Gen X women, work was never optional. It was expectation. Necessity. Identity. A structure we learned to operate inside, even when it didn’t serve us.
We were told to have it all. So we tried. And while we were working hard (often invisibly), the world kept shifting the rules.
We got degrees. Promotions. Kids. Titles. Fatigue. We made ourselves indispensable, adaptable, responsible. We worked through pregnancies, sick days, and grief. We worked when we weren’t paid fairly. Often, we worked twice as hard for half the recognition. We worked in heels, in uniforms, in flats on concrete floors, in after-hours silence, in crowded classrooms.
And we’re still working. But now? We want it to mean something.
“We were the first generation told we could be anything. But no one taught us how to stop, shift, or say no without guilt.”
For some, work meant financial independence. For others, it was about survival. Many of us navigated single parenting, redundancies, restructures, or re-entry into the workforce after time away. We juggled part-time contracts, freelance work, multiple jobs, or unpaid care labour alongside it all.
We built side hustles before the term existed. We said yes when we didn’t want to. We said no far too late. And we carried the mental load through every single version of it.
Midlife brings clarity—but also confrontation. You start to see what you’ve outgrown. You notice how much you’ve tolerated. And you begin to feel the cost of staying small, invisible, or overextended.
We hear it all the time here at maison:
“I’m good at this job. But I’m done being treated like I’m lucky to be here.”
“I don’t want to climb anymore. I want to create.”
“I feel like I missed my chance…but I also know I’m just getting started.”
“I love the idea of starting something new. But I’m scared shitless.”
“I can’t keep doing it like this. Something has to change.”
There’s no roadmap for this chapter. Only instincts, hints, and the quiet urge to claim something more honest.
According to a 2023 study by Women in Work, over 60% of Gen X women reported feeling “unseen” or “undervalued” in their current roles. And yet, they are starting new businesses at a higher rate than any other female demographic.
We’re underpaid, overqualified, and underestimated. But we’re also waking up. The dreams that used to feel frivolous now feel essential.
And it’s not about ambition fading. It’s about ambition evolving.
Part III: A Working Life, REIMAGINED
Here’s the truth: Work is not just what we’re paid for. It’s the labour of care. Of showing up. Of reinvention. Of navigating burnout while pretending we’re fine.
It’s doing the job and thinking ahead to dinner. It’s mentoring younger colleagues while booking appointments for aging parents. It’s logging off at 10pm, then logging back in for your kids. It’s waking up tired and still doing it all over again. We do this – every single day.
And now? We’re rewriting the rules. For some of us, that means:
Leaving toxic environments
Negotiating flexibility without shame
Launching that side idea we’ve carried for years (hellomaison 1973!)
Deciding that a smaller life might actually be a richer one
Saying no to the meetings, the guilt, the mental clutter
Some are returning to study. Some are opening shops. Some are finally allowing themselves to rest. Some are rebuilding after layoffs or leaving industries they no longer trust.
“I finally realised I didn’t need to ask permission to want more. Or less. Or different. I just needed to ask myself what felt right.”
And that’s the question we keep coming back to: What feels right now?
Part IV: The COST Of Staying The Same
There is a cost to doing work that doesn’t honour you.
Sometimes it’s subtle: irritability, disconnection, a low-grade sense of dread. Other times it’s more severe: burnout, illness, collapse.
Midlife is often the moment you realise: the old version of work is unsustainable. It’s not about dropping everything and moving to the country (though for some, that’s the dream). It’s about recognising what’s no longer working — and having the courage to imagine something new.
Because your nervous system, your time, your creativity, and your energy deserve care.
“What I used to tolerate now feels impossible. That’s how I knew I was ready to change.”
Part V: A Self Check-IN (The maison Way)
As we have (and still continue to do), ask yourself:
What kind of work energises me now?
What have I been afraid to admit isn’t working?
Where am I undervaluing my experience?
What’s calling me that I’ve been avoiding?
What version of success actually excites me?
What would I do if I weren’t trying to prove anything?
What would I try if I weren’t afraid of failing?
These questions don’t demand a life overhaul. But they might just start one. Quietly. Sustainably. On your terms.
Explore our complimentary downloadable journals which are designed to effectively capture and assist in planning out your thoughts and goals.
Part VI: What Work Looks Like NOW
It looks like you, taking the reins.
It looks like confidence without performance.
It looks like boundaries without guilt.
It looks like slowness without fear.
It looks like ambition that has nothing to prove.
It looks like walking out of a role you’ve outgrown.
Or finally sending that email.
Or rewriting your LinkedIn bio to sound like you.
Or just saying, “This matters to me.”
You don’t owe the world your exhaustion. You owe yourself a life that fits.
This isn’t about starting over. This is about starting on purpose.
“I used to wait for the right conditions. Now I realise it was the waiting that kept me stuck. Most of what I was waiting for? I could’ve given to myself all along.”
creator of maison 1973, Nic Tierney
Maybe SOON But Not Quite Yet
There comes a moment, somewhere between sipping our morning coffee and scrolling our socials, where we realise we’re still waiting. Not for anything dramatic, necessarily. Just waiting…for something to shift.
For the right time. For permission. For more clarity. For less chaos. For life to slow down or speed up. For the stars to align or the mood to strike.
The maison 1973 woman is accomplished, curious, thoughtful, generous. She’s held many roles. She’s crossed off plenty of lists. And yet, she still finds herself stuck in the in-between from time to time—that “maybe soon, not quite yet” place that feels a little like holding her breath.
So what are we waiting for, really? We know this all too well, firsthand – here’s our take on it.
The MYTH Of The Right Time
There’s a seductiveness to the idea that the right time is still ahead of us. That things will feel easier, clearer, more secure when the kids are grown, the savings account is healthier, or we’ve finally figured out what this next chapter is meant to look like.
But the truth is: the right time rarely announces itself. It doesn’t get delivered like a present or appear like a neon sign. Often, it comes disguised as a quiet nudge. A little dissatisfaction. A whisper of desire. A longing for more.
And yet we wait. Because waiting feels safe. It allows us to fantasise about possibility without risking the mess of action.
We need to embrace the uncomfortable and learn to still be ok with taking a risk. At the end of the day, we need to weigh up our appetite for risk. For some, this is a lot more than others – it weighs heavily on their mind.
The old saying “you won’t know unless you try” is there for a reason. What are you wanting to try and you keep putting off, waiting for the right time? What if that right time never came, would you look back with regret?
The ILLUSION Of Readiness
Here’s something that might feel familiar: I’ll write the book when I feel more inspired. I’ll take the risk when I’m more confident. I’ll wear the black denim jeans when I lose five kilos.
But what if readiness isn’t a prerequisite, but a result? What if we don’t feel ready until we start anyway?
Waiting for confidence is like waiting for the rain to stop before you dance. You might miss the song.
We need to ask ourselves, what does ready actually look like then?
The UnwrittenRULES (But Who Actually Wrote Them?)
So much of our waiting is tangled up in invisible expectations. Be polite. Be patient. Be grateful. Be appropriate. Don’t rock the boat. Don’t ask for too much.
But who decided these were the rules? And why are we still following them in our forties, fifties, and sixties?
Maybe it’s time to write new rules. Ones that sound like:
You can be grateful and still want more. You can be polite and still say no. You can be appropriate and still be bold.
What If We Already Have PERMISSION?
The maison 1973 woman doesn’t need someone else to sign off on her life. But somewhere along the way, many of us internalised the belief that we can only act once we’re endorsed. Approved. Invited. Validated.
So here’s the quiet rebellion: give yourself permission. To go after the thing.
To start the thing. To walk away from the thing. You’re allowed. Even if no one claps or notices or agrees. Especially then. Just DO THE THING!
The WAITCosts Something
This part is hard. It’s something we have grappled with several times. But it’s the truth.
Sometimes waiting feels noble. Like we’re being responsible or sensible. But often, it costs us more than we realise.
Waiting can cost us time we won’t get back. Opportunities we let slip. Joy we delay. Experiences we think we need to earn.
It can also cost us parts of ourselves we haven’t prioritised in years: creativity, sensuality, ambition, play.
And midlife is not the time to lose those. It’s the time to reclaim them. Ask yourself what is it costing you if you don’t go for it?
SO What Now?
This isn’t a manifesto about quitting your job or booking a one-way ticket to the Amalfi Coast (though, hey, if you’re called to… do it!). This is about the small, sacred shift of stopping the wait.
It’s about finally buying the paint for that project. Making the call. Pitching the idea. Starting the side hustle. Wearing the outfit. Launching the thing. Saying what you mean.
It’s not about urgency. It’s about alignment. You’re not late. You’re just no longer waiting for someone else to lead.
So let’s ask ourselves:
What am I postponing, and why?
Who told me I had to wait?
What’s the smallest step I could take this week?
What would I do if I believed I was allowed?
Not everything needs to happen today. But some things do need to begin.
And beginning doesn’t require a ceremony. Just a yes.
Let’s stop waiting to live the good part. The good part is now. Midlife isn’t a pause. It’s the green light.
Let’s go.
Continue to explore our mood boards for inspiration
There’s a moment—sometimes gradual, sometimes all at once—when you realise that you no longer have the energy for what doesn’t matter. The endless proving, the striving, the worrying about things that once seemed so urgent but now feel insignificant.
Midlife is not about fading into the background, we like to think it’s about stepping forward with clarity, purpose, and an unshakable sense of self.
The maison 1973 woman has lived enough to know what truly matters. And, more importantly, what doesn’t.
She is no longer chasing approval or trends, and she has outgrown the need to justify her choices. Instead, she is focused on
depth over distraction, quality over quantity, and confidence over comparison.
But in a world that is constantly pushing for more, faster, louder—it takes intention to slow down, to define success on your own terms, and to prioritise what genuinely brings fulfilment.
Let’s explore.
“At the end of the day, it’s pretty simple for me. It’s the love and care I have for the people who matter most, the unwavering companionship of my dog, my health, purpose in my work and being surrounded by nature. Everything else? Nice to have, but not essential now. When I focus on these things, I feel rich.”
creator of maison 1973, Nic Tierney.
Living WithPURPOSE
At this stage in life, we are done with doing things just because we should. Purpose is no longer about checking boxes or climbing ladders—we believe it’s about aligning our time, energy, and talents with what feels meaningful.
For some of us, that might mean pivoting in a career that no longer inspires them. For others, it’s about carving out more time for creativity, for projects that light them up, for work that feels expansive instead of draining.
WeAsk Ourselves:Does how I spend my time reflect what truly matters to me? If so, wonderful. If not, how can we adjust it? It’s an ongoing dialogue we have. Keeps us focussed on the important things in our lives.
We Like To Make It Actionable: Just start small. Carve out even 10 minutes a day for something that brings you joy—writing, painting, reading, learning. The key is to just start.
Who Inspires This? Women all over the world and from all walks of life inspire us daily. Women who redefine success on their own terms, at every stage of life. We take our hats off to them. It’s incredibly wonderful to see.
We’llLeave You With This Thought: Purpose isn’t always about what you do—it’s about why you do it.
Cultivating PRESENCE
With life feeling fuller than ever—career, family, relationships, responsibilities—it’s easy to move through days on autopilot. But being present is a choice, and it’s one that deeply impacts our sense of fulfilment.
Presence is about slowing down enough to actually experience life instead of rushing through it.
It’s about truly listening when someone speaks. It’s about engaging with our surroundings instead of always planning the next thing.
WeAsk Ourselves:Am I truly here, or just going through the motions?
We Like To Make It Actionable: Create small daily rituals—whether it’s making coffee slowly, journaling for five minutes, or simply taking a deep breath before responding to an email. It’s ok to be still and silent – when did we start to believe it wasn’t?
We’llLeave You With This Thought: A full life isn’t about doing more—it’s about being fully present for what you’re already doing.
CONFIDENCE In Style & Self
One of the most freeing things about midlife? You dress for yourself now. You’re no longer chasing trends or dressing to be seen—you’re dressing because it feels right.
WeAsk Ourselves:Am I dressing for myself or for external validation?
We Like To Make It Actionable: Clear out anything from your wardrobe that doesn’t feel like you anymore. Build a collection of timeless, beautifully made pieces that bring ease to your everyday life.
We’llLeave You With This Thought: True style isn’t about what you wear—it’s about how you wear it.
Taking CARE (WithoutGuilt)
We’ve spent years taking care of others—our families, our teams, our communities. But what about us?
At this stage, prioritising our health and wellbeing is no longer a luxury—it’s essential. And yet, many of us still struggle with the guilt of putting ourselves first. It’s time to let that go.
WeAsk Ourselves:Am I treating my body with the same care I give to others?
We Like To Make It Actionable: Prioritise movement, sleep, and nourishment—not as punishment, but as a form of self-respect. Find what feels good, not what feels forced.
Who Embodies This For Us? Off the top of our heads, it’s the likes of Naomi Watts embracing midlife beauty, and Pamela Anderson’s natural self-acceptance. It’s inspiring and it’s refreshing.
We’llLeave You With This Thought: Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential.
Deep& REAL Connections
By midlife, we’ve learned that friendships and relationships evolve. Some fade naturally, some require effort, and some deepen in ways we never expected.
What truly matters now isn’t the number of people in our lives, but the quality of the connections we keep.
WeAsk Ourselves:Which relationships bring me energy, and which ones drain me?
We Like To Make It Actionable: Nurture the friendships that feel reciprocal and let go of relationships that no longer align with who you are.
We’llLeave You With This Thought: Friendship in midlife is about quality over quantity. It’s ok to let go.
The Luxury of CHOICE
The greatest luxury in midlife? Choice.
Choosing where our energy goes. Choosing what we consume. Choosing how we define success. Choosing to say no more often.
WeAsk Ourselves:Am I making choices that align with what I truly want?
We Like To Make It Actionable:Say no to things that drain you and yes to things that excite you—even if they scare you.
We’llLeave You With This Thought: True freedom isn’t having it all—it’s choosing what matters most.
The Maison 1973 Takeaway:
Our final thought? The maison 1973 woman isn’t here to live by someone else’s definition of success, beauty, or happiness. She knows what matters—and she builds her life around it.
Not perfectly. Not always effortlessly. But with intention. With clarity. With a deep understanding that this is her time.
Prioritise what matters.
Continue to explore our mood boards for inspiration
The world is getting louder. The news cycle never sleeps, social media never pauses, and there’s always another notification, another headline, another reason for all of us to stay plugged in. We are constantly told to be on—to react, to engage, to keep up. But at what cost?
Stillness has become a luxury, yet it is one of the most powerful things we can cultivate.
In a world addicted to urgency, slowing down is now perceived as a radical act.
The maison 1973 woman knows that true confidence and presence don’t come from being the loudest voice in the room, but from knowing when to tune out the noise. This is about reclaiming quiet—not in a passive way, but as a deliberate choice to protect our mental space, restore our energy, and live with greater depth and intention.
Here’s how we aim to do this everyday.
“Every day, it feels like stillness is getting harder to find. The noise is constant—notifications, opinions, the endless pull of needing to do more. At the end of each day, I often ask myself: Have I taken a deep breath today? Have I sat in silence, even for a moment? Am I choosing calm, or am I just reacting? Finding stillness isn’t effortless, but it’s a choice I try to make—by slowing down, stepping outside, and reminding myself that presence is the greatest luxury of all.”
creator maison 1973, Nic Tierney
Protect Your MentalSPACE Like You Protect Your Skin
We apply SPF religiously to protect ourselves from harmful rays—why don’t we do the same for our minds? We are bombarded with information, opinions, and digital clutter daily, and without boundaries, it drains us.
Curate What You Consume – Not all information is equal. We seek out slow, intentional media over the constant stream of doom scrolling. It really does help to calm us at the end of a busy day.
Set Digital Limits – You don’t need to be constantly updated. When did we all become so obsessed with needing to know everything, at all times! Take social media breaks, unsubscribe from noise, and protect your attention span.
Replace Noise with Intentional Quiet – Spend a morning without your phone, take a walk without a podcast, and enjoy an evening free from news. Decide when and how you connect. This has transformed life at maison 1973; simply enjoying quiet moments is truly wonderful.
Be Selective About Conversations – Not every debate or topic needs your participation. Choose where you invest your emotional energy.
Embrace JOMO (Joy of Missing Out) – You don’t need to be at every event, in every discussion, or aware of every trend to live a full, rich life. It’s ok to just say no thanks, not today.
What we ask ourselves:Am I choosing what enters my mind, or is it being chosen for me?
“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” — Anne Lamott
The Power of Doing ONE Thing at a Time
Multitasking has been glorified for years, but in reality, deep presence is a radical act. Instead of scattering your focus, give these techniques a try:
Single-tasking – Giving your full attention to one thing at a time, whether it’s eating, reading, or simply breathing.
Savouring Small Rituals – The act of making tea, putting on perfume, folding linen with care—these everyday moments become grounding when we approach them with intention.
Practicing Micro-Moments of Stillness – Pausing before answering, sitting with silence, taking a deep breath before reacting.
Create ‘Sacred Spaces’ in Your Home – A reading nook, a candlelit bath, a space free from screens where you can fully unwind.
Reduce Sensory Overload – Opt for soft lighting, neutral tones, and calming textures in your surroundings to create a sense of peace.
What we ask ourselves: When was the last time I did nothing—truly nothing?
“Beware the barrenness of a busy life.” — Socrates
NATURE as the Ultimate Reset Button
We spend more time interacting with screens than with the natural world. But in a world that feels increasingly artificial, nature is the antidote – it’s our tonic. Time is nature truly is magical. It absolutely reminds us of what’s important.
A Daily Touchpoint with Nature – Bare feet on the grass, morning sun on your face, fresh air in your lungs.
Textural Grounding – The softness of linen against your skin, the weight of a ceramic cup in your hands, the feel of paper under pen.
Seasonal Living – Aligning your energy with the rhythms of nature instead of the demands of the digital world.
Slow Travel & Nature Retreats – Instead of fast-paced tourism, consider unplugged weekend escapes where you can reconnect with yourself and the world around you.
What we ask ourselves:How often do I step outside without a destination in mind?
“Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
The Luxury of a QUIET Life
We live in a culture that equates more with better, faster with success, and louder with power. But maison 1973 stands for something different.
Luxury is not filling your calendar to prove your worth.
Luxury is choosing who and what gets your energy.
Luxury is knowing that quiet confidence speaks louder than noise.
Luxury is Time – Time to think, time to dream, time to be.
Luxury is Depth Over Distraction – Instead of consuming more, we enjoy what truly matters.
Luxury is Knowing When to Say No – To commitments, to digital noise, to anything that doesn’t align with your peace.
Stillness isn’t passive—it’s powerful. In a world addicted to urgency, the ability to slow down, focus, and be intentional is the greatest luxury of all.
The Role of Art, Music, and Literature in Cultivating STILLNESS
We like to believe, that stillness isn’t just about the absence of noise—it’s also about what we choose to surround ourselves with. Art, music, and literature can be powerful tools for anchoring ourselves in the present.
What we ask ourselves:What am I surrounding myself with, and how does it make me feel?
“Without great solitude, no serious work is possible.” — Pablo Picasso
the maison 1973 takeaway
We don’t have to subscribe to the belief that success, influence, or relevance require constant motion. The maison 1973 woman chooses stillness—not as an escape, but as a foundation. A way to reclaim her mind, her time, and her energy.
The world will keep moving at full speed. But you? You can choose to slow down.
Because true style has nothing whatsoever to do with age.
EVOLVING, Not Chasing
There comes a point when fashion stops being about keeping up—and starts being about owning who you are. The maison 1973 woman doesn’t dress to impress; she dresses to express.
Her style isn’t dictated by fleeting trends or the fear of aging—it’s about confidence, refinement, and the freedom to wear what truly feels like her.
But navigating personal style in midlife comes with questions: How do we stay modern without trying too hard? What’s the difference between timeless and outdated? Can we still take risks with fashion?
The answer? Style in midlife is about refinement, not reinvention. Let’s explore how to dress with understated elegance, effortless ease, and unapologetic confidence—because true style has nothing to do with age. It never has.
“I could talk about fashion and clothes and wardrobes for days! I am now incredibly comfortable with my body, my style and how I express myself. Nothing stops me from rocking my killer heels (apart from a sore knee lol) and I will never, ever do away with my leather drop crotch pants -they are part of my style uniform in winter. That intersection of what I like to call ‘undone sexy and refined timeless’ is where I like to play.”
creator of maison 1973, Nic Tierney.
The EVOLUTION of Style: Dressing for Who You Are Now
By midlife, we’ve experienced various trends and styles. Now, we think style is about curating, not collecting. Here are the simple practices that work for us, which you might find helpful too:
Quality over quantity – We’d rather have a wardrobe of 20 exquisite pieces than 200 forgettable ones.
Effortless silhouettes – Nothing fussy, nothing forced. We want to feel confident, sexy and effortless.
The power of restraint – Not every outfit needs a statement. Sometimes, the quietest looks—black pants, an oversized cashmere knit, a velvet blazer, a simple pendant—make the loudest impact.
This rings especially true in midlife, where style becomes less about trends and more about identity.
EFFORTLESSStyle: The Art of Looking Like You Didn’t Try (Even If You Did)
There’s a reason Parisian women always look chic. It’s not about perfection—it’s about ease. Here we break down the art of effortless dressing and what works for us:
Invest in the best fabrics that your budget allows – Linen, cashmere, silk, organic cotton. We truly value the longevity of natural fibres over synthetic with every purchase. It doesn’t have to be about high end, expensive purchases. The high street retailers like Zara and H&M are now focussing on capsule collections that truly deliver this, more than ever before (and at a price point that doesn’t break the bank). We love to add a few great seasonal items from their collections to sit alongside our more high end, investment pieces. The mix and match is what’s fun and keeps our wardrobes fresh, whilst affordable.
Here are six of our recent purchases for the upcoming Autumn/Winter season, which are all great value, well made and we will keep forever: (all images courtesy of Zara and H&M)
Master the undone look – A slightly oversized blazer over a tank and vintage denim. A silk dress with flat sandals. That elusive balance of put-together yet nonchalant.
Neutrals, but make them interesting – The notion that beige is boring is a myth. In our wardrobes, neutrals prove to be the most powerful assets we possess. A curated selection of white, taupe, ivory, camel, navy, and black forms our essential foundation, and by skilfully layering textures, we create depth. Our wardrobes are no longer just clothing; they are dynamic extensions of our identities, designed to work hard and reflect who we truly are.
Signature pieces matter – The sunglasses you instinctively grab. The well-loved leather tote that only gets better with time. The distinctive scent that defines you; think Aesop Marrakech (our editor Nic’s favourite of 20 years, with daily inquiries about it wherever she goes!) Byredo’s Gypsy WaterorMaison Francis Kurkdjian’s Baccarat Rouge 540).
Carine Roitfeld, the iconic former editor-in-chief of French Vogue, and current editor of CR Fashion Book has always championed an effortless, slightly undone aesthetic:
“Nothing is sexier than a woman who dresses for herself.”
True style isn’t about dressing for the gaze of others—it’s about embodying your own essence.
Carine Roitfeld image source: courtesy of Pinterest
The MYTH of ‘Age-Appropriate’ Dressing
Our question here is: Who decides what’s ‘appropriate’ anyway? Style rules are meant to be broken—but with intention.
Can you wear a miniskirt at 50? Of course—just balance proportions. A structured blazer and knee-high boots make it chic, not childish.
Is colour off-limits? Never. We love to try shades that feel elevated—burnt sienna, deep olive, soft blushes. Again, it’s a personal choice. Wear what makes you feel great.
Statement pieces still belong. Whether it’s a bold cuff, an oversized coat, or sculptural heels—owning one standout piece can transform an outfit.
The iconic Diane von Fürstenberg once said,
“Aging is out of your control. How you handle it, though, is in your hands.”
The same applies to style—your wardrobe should evolve with you, not according to someone else’s rulebook.
Dressing with CONFIDENCE: The Ultimate Style Secret
The difference between a woman who looks incredible and one who doesn’t? Confidence. It’s not the clothes—it’s how she wears them.
For us, good posture, great shoes, and a strong sense of self will take you further than any trend! Embrace your personal quirks – the grey in your hair, the laugh lines that show a life well-lived, the way you roll up your sleeves just so. These details are your signature.
And last, but definitely not least,
Own your presence – Walk like you belong in every room. Because you do.
“Style isn’t about looking younger. It’s about feeling incredible in your own skin.”
One of Nic’s favourite moments, captured on her 50th birthday.
The Maison 1973 Takeaway:
The maison 1973 woman isn’t chasing trends—she’s curating a wardrobe that makes her feel strong, beautiful, and entirely herself. And if there’s one rule to follow?
Wear what makes you feel like you. Unapologetically. Effortlessly. Unforgettably.
There’s a certain narrative around reinvention that feels… exhausting. The ‘burn-it-all-down’ approach. The idea that to truly change, you have to leave your job, move cities, and dramatically overhaul your entire existence.
But for the maison 1973 woman, reinvention doesn’t have to be a grand spectacle. Sometimes, the most profound shifts happen quietly—internally, intentionally, without fanfare.
Reinvention in midlife isn’t about proving anything to the world. It’s about returning to yourself. It’s about asking, What do I actually want? and making moves—small or bold—that align with that truth.
Let’s talk about why midlife is the perfect time to pivot, how to do it with grace, and how to redefine reinvention on your own terms.
“I wasn’t unhappy—I had a role I enjoyed, worked with great people, and on paper, everything made sense. But deep down, I knew something wasn’t clicking. I missed feeling creative, feeling connected to my work in a real way. So certain circumstances arose and I made the shift—not in some big, dramatic way, but quietly, intentionally. And now, with maison 1973, it finally feels like I’m where I’m meant to be. I know this is very common and so similar to how many women of my age feel. It’s important to listen to what your heart is telling you.”
creator maison 1973, Nic Tierney
Why Midlife Is the PRIME Time for Reinvention
We’re not the same women we were in our 20s or 30s. And honestly? We feel that this is a gift. By the time we hit midlife, we’ve gained clarity, resilience, and the confidence to care less about external approval.
We’ve Outgrown Old Definitions of Success – What once felt like ‘the dream’ might now feel limiting. And that’s okay. Success isn’t static—it evolves. Maison 1973 women aren’t afraid to redefine it.
We’re Done with the ‘Shoulds’ – The pressure to follow a certain timeline, to stay in careers or roles that no longer serve us? Midlife offers the freedom to let that go.
We Know What Feels Good – Reinvention in midlife is grounded. We’re not chasing the next big thing; we’re curating a life that feels right—whether that’s in our work, style, relationships, or creative pursuits.
Small SHIFTS That Lead to Big Change
Not all reinventions require grand gestures. Some of the most life-altering transformations happen in the quiet, daily choices we make.
Career Pivots Without the Chaos – Not ready to quit your job? Start building something on the side. Explore consulting, freelancing, or passion projects that could evolve into something bigger.
Creative Exploration – Always wanted to paint? Write? Start a brand? This is the time to explore—without pressure, just curiosity.
Reevaluating Relationships – Friendships, partnerships, work dynamics—midlife invites us to assess who and what truly adds value to our lives.
Personal Style Shifts – Midlife style isn’t about dressing younger—it’s about dressing better. Let go of anything that doesn’t feel authentically you.
The Joy of Learning Again – A language, a new skill, a degree—investing in your curiosity is the ultimate reinvention tool. It’s also amazing for our minds to learn new things, we don’t realise how complacent we have become until we start to stretch ourselves in new directions. It might feel daunting at first, but it feels so damn good once you gain a little momentum.
The FEAR Factor: Getting Past the ‘What Ifs’
Reinvention, even when it’s exciting, comes with its fair share of fear. The What if I fail? What if I’m too old? What if this is a terrible idea?
Here’s the thing: fear is part of it. But fear doesn’t mean stop—it means this matters. Here at maison 1973 we know a thing or two about this topic as we are tackling it in real time, as our creator Nic explains:
“Starting something from scratch again is terribly hard and somewhat frightening. The prospect of putting all of your time and energy into the unknown and it potentially not playing out as you want it to-frankly it’s a fear of mine. However, I would prefer to tackle this fear right now, then to regret not trying. Bravery comes in all different forms. We need to be brave to create the life we want.”
Reframe the Narrative – Instead of What if I fail?, we like to say to ourselves What if this works? Instead of I should have done this earlier, try I’m doing it now, and that’s what matters.
Micro-Reinvention – Big change doesn’t happen overnight. Break it down into small, manageable steps. One step at a time. It’s ok to feel impatient to get where you want to be, but learn that everything doesn’t happen the moment we decide we want it – we need to work for it. Consistency everyday, bit by bit – will always get us to where we want to go.
Surround Yourself with Expanders – Follow, listen to, and spend time with women who are doing what you aspire to. Seeing reinvention modelled in real time makes it feel more possible. Confidence in knowing you aren’t alone, there are many women seeking change.
Reinvention as an ONGOINGProcess
One of the biggest myths about reinvention? That it happens once. But the truth is, we are always evolving.
You might pivot careers now, and again in 10 years. Your personal style might shift multiple times. Your passions, interests, and priorities will continue to change—and that’s a good thing.
Reinvention isn’t about arriving at a final version of yourself. It’s about giving yourself the permission to keep evolving.
the maison 1973 takeaway
The most powerful thing about midlife reinvention? It’s yours to define. It doesn’t have to be loud, dramatic, or validated by anyone else. It just has to feel right for you.
So whether your reinvention is a bold career shift or a quiet commitment to dressing for yourself, know this: it’s never too late, and you’re never too old to step into something new.
Luxury isn’t what it used to be. In our 20s and 30s, it might have been about logos, status symbols, or the sheer thrill of an impulsive designer purchase. But by midlife, something shifts.
Luxury is no longer about what we own—it’s about how we live.
For the maison 1973 woman, true luxury isn’t about chasing trends or impressing others. It’s about understated elegance, impeccable craftsmanship, and the intentional choices that make everyday life feel richer. It’s about a slow appreciation of quality, whether that’s the linen sheets you sink into at night, the perfectly tailored blazer that fits like a second skin, or the morning ritual of grinding your coffee beans.
Let’s explore what we believe real luxury means in midlife, how to cultivate it in your own life, and why it has absolutely nothing to do with price tags.
Project
“True luxury is never loud—it’s felt, not flaunted.”
maison 1973 creator, Nic Tierney
QUIETConfidence: The UltimateLUXURY That Comes With Age
There’s a shift that happens in midlife. It’s not loud, but it’s profound. The need to prove ourselves fades, and in its place, something far more valuable emerges: quiet confidence.
Quiet confidence is the kind of luxury money can’t buy. It’s the deep knowing that you are enough, that your worth isn’t measured by external validation, trends, or the expectations of others. It’s wearing what feels right instead of what’s expected, speaking only when it adds value, and making decisions based on intuition rather than insecurity.
When we were younger, confidence often felt like something to perform. We looked for it in achievements, in approval, in how we were perceived. But real confidence—the kind that becomes magnetic, effortless, and truly luxurious—comes from experience, from making mistakes, from realising that nothing external defines us. It’s the way we carry ourselves, the grace we extend to others, the way we take up space without needing permission.
There are certain brands that have always understood this idea—think of Phoebe Philo’s minimalism, or Totême’s subtle refinement. Their power isn’t in screaming for attention; it’s in the understatement, the precision, the self-assured presence of something that knows exactly what it is.
The maison 1973 woman embodies this same philosophy—her style, her choices, her very existence isn’t about trying to be seen; it’s about being undeniably present.
Because at this stage in life, luxury isn’t just what we wear or own—it’s how we carry ourselves. And nothing is more powerful than a woman who is completely, unapologetically at home in her own skin.
The New Definition of Luxury: INTENTIONAL, Not Excessive
Luxury in midlife is no longer about excess—it’s about intention. It’s about choosing well and choosing wisely, surrounding yourself with things that bring beauty, joy, and ease.
Timeless over trend-driven – Fast fashion and throwaway culture? It’s not for us as it maybe once was. The maison 1973 woman seeks pieces that will last a lifetime, not just a season. Whilst it’s fun to shop on a whim, we are doing so now less and less. Brands like The Row, Jill Sander, Gabriela Hearst, and Totême embody this ethos—quiet, beautifully made, and effortlessly chic.
Simplicity as sophistication – There is a certain confidence in simplicity. Think of a flowy white linen dress, the perfect leather tote, or a pair of handcrafted sandals. The real statement we find now, is actually in the restraint.
Luxury is a feeling, not a thing – The ultimate luxury? Time. Space. The freedom to design your life in a way that feels deeply fulfilling.
The EVERYDAYLuxuries That Matter Most
Forget the idea that luxury is reserved for special occasions. Real luxury is found in the rituals of daily life.
Morning rituals – Drinking coffee from your favourite hand-made ceramic cup, wrapped in a soft linen robe. This has to be one of life’s most simple, wonderful luxuries, no?
Scent and atmosphere – At maison 1973, we understand that these elements are essential to our concept of ‘simple luxury.’ Whether we’re lighting our all-time favourite candle, the Abd El Kader ‘moroccan mint tea‘ from the exceptional French brand Cire Trudon, or using our go-to oil scent, the Beatrice essential oil from Aesop in our diffuser by the desk and in the living room, we expertly transform the mood of our spaces.
Mindful dressing – Choosing clothes that feel good on the body, like a soft cashmere sweater, an oversized white shirt, or well-fitting pants—pieces that are easy to wear and improve over time. Some days it’s just leggings and a comfortable tee that make you feel relaxed yet stylish. Regardless of the choice, these clothes form the new uniform. This mindset not only focuses on practicality but also helps build a personal connection to our clothing, encouraging thoughtful shopping and valuing quality over quantity. By picking items that suit our style and comfort, we create a wardrobe that truly represents us, enabling us to go about our daily lives with confidence.
Slow, intentional travel – Taking the scenic route allows us to truly immerse ourselves in the places we visit, encouraging a deeper connection with the local culture and surroundings. Whilst it may feel that we are spoilt for choice when it comes to where we choose to stay, for the maison 1973 woman it is all about the personal touches and the way it makes us feel. Staying in unique accommodations that feels personal is what we crave now, such as Ett Hem in Stockholm, with its charming atmosphere, or The Calile in Brisbane, Australia – known for its cool, modern elegance and vibrant James St lifestyle precinct on it’s doorstep. They offer a sense of belonging and adventure, as we now savour the journey rather than just focusing on the destination. By taking the time to explore hidden gems, enjoy all of the local cuisine, and engage in meaningful conversations with locals, we can create lasting memories in ways that hurried trips simply cannot replicate.
How To CultivateLUXURY In Your Life (Without Spending A Fortune)
Luxury isn’t about how much money you spend—it’s about how much thought you put into the things you surround yourself with. Here’s how to cultivate a life of simple, quiet luxury:
Buy less, but buy better. Invest in fewer, higher-quality pieces for your wardrobe, your home and your life, that truly serve you.
Create daily rituals. Whether it’s your skincare routine, or how you set your table for breakfast, luxury is found in small, meaningful details.
When did we forget how good simple rituals are? Everything doesn’t need to be grand to be great. And it certainly doesn’t need to be captured on social media for it to be meaningful or proven.
Prioritise experiences over possessions. A beautiful dinner with friends, a solo weekend retreat, time with your beloved fur baby on the couch, an afternoon spent in nature or wandering a museum—these are the luxuries that should matter to us.
THE MAISON 1973 TAKEAWAY
At this stage in life, luxury is about living on your own terms. It’s about surrounding yourself with things, people, and experiences that elevate your daily life. It’s not about proving anything—it’s about feeling everything.
So, what does luxury look like for you today? A morning with no alarms? A perfectly brewed espresso? A long walk? Whatever it is, know this: you deserve it.
“Linen taught me that style doesn’t need to be loud. It’s a very relatable textile. It needs to feel lived-in, lasting, and true. It’s how I live — natural, textured, little bit crumpled! And never trying too hard…”
creator maison 1973, Nic Tierney
A Linen LOVEAffair
There’s something about linen. For those of us who appreciate texture, craftsmanship, and understated luxury, linen isn’t just fabric – it’s a feeling.
Having worked in home textiles and product design for some of the biggest brands in Australia and globally, our team here at maison 1973 have seen countless materials come and go, but linen? Linen simply endures. It tells a story of heritage, of artisanship, and of an unwavering place in modern interior design.
But what makes it so special? Why are designers, stylists, and consumers alike so drawn to this humble yet exquisite fabric?
This is a deep dive into linen’s rich origins, its many uses, and why it has become the cornerstone of modern interiors and clothing. We consider this a little love letter to our forever favourite textile.
A Fabric Steeped In HISTORY
Linen is one of the oldest textiles in the world, dating back over 36,000 years. Archaeological finds suggest that flax fibres were woven into fabric long before the pyramids of Egypt were even conceived. The ancient Egyptians revered linen, using it for everything from garments to burial shrouds—reserved, of course, for the elite and the sacred. Linen symbolised purity and wealth, often used to wrap mummies because of its natural preservation qualities. (Source: The Metropolitan Museum of Art)
Fast forward to medieval Europe, and linen became a household essential. France, in particular, became a hub for the finest linen production, perfecting the craft through centuries of weaving. To this day, the French province of Normandy remains one of the world’s most renowned sources of flax, known for its exceptional quality and durability.
A maison 1973 fun fact? The term linens—referring to bed sheets and household textiles—comes from the fact that linen was the main material used in home textiles before cotton and synthetic fibres became popular.
The ART of Weaving: What Makes Linen So Unique?
From a designer’s perspective, linen is unmatched in both aesthetics and performance. But what makes it so special?
Durability & Strength: Linen fibres are up to three times stronger than cotton, which is why linen sheets, when cared for properly, can last for decades. Over time, rather than wearing out, linen softens – offering a luxurious lived-in feel.
Breathability & Comfort: Ever wondered why linen sheets feel cool in summer yet cosy in winter? Linen’s natural fibres allow air to circulate, regulating temperature and wicking away moisture better than any other textile. (Source: National Sleep Foundation)
Sustainability: Linen is one of the most eco-friendly fabrics available. Flax requires far less water than cotton, thrives without heavy pesticides, and every part of the plant is used – meaning zero waste. With sustainability becoming a non-negotiable in modern design, linen is leading the way.
Linen in MODERN Interior Design: A Love Affair That Lasts
For those of us with a keen eye for interiors, there is no denying that linen is an essential element of contemporary styling. It’s loved by top designers and stylists for its relaxed yet refined appeal. Let’s explore it’s varied uses:
Linen Bedding: The Ultimate Everyday Luxury
There’s a reason why luxury bedding brands such as Cultiver, Hale Mercantile Co, Carlotta & Gee, Bedouin Societe, bedtonicandPiglet in Bed (to name just a few from our long list of favourites) are championing linen sheets. Linen bedding is effortlessly chic, breathable, and hypoallergenic, making it perfect for year-round comfort.
We love layering our linen, and also opting for heavier linen bed covers that provide a cosy and inviting atmosphere to our bedrooms. Adding lightweight throws in complimentary colours not only enhances the visual appeal but also offers versatility during fluctuating temperatures. We love to add cushions in an array of sizes and textures—think bolsters and larger size euros—that create an eclectic yet harmonious look. We also use our euros as couch cushions (instead of the standard smaller sizes) as we love the aesthetic and overall comfort they provide.
image source: Pinterest
Our Design Tip: For a stylish, layered look, maison 1973 enjoys using neutral linen shades – like warm whites, oat, soft greys, and classic earth tones. This combo gives a laid-back, upscale vibe. The great thing about linen is how relaxing and easy it feels in any home, whether it’s a beach house, a city apartment, or a farmhouse.
It truly is super versatile.
Linen Upholstery: Texture That Elevates a Space
Linen-covered sofas and armchairs are becoming a signature in modern European and Australian homes. Unlike synthetic fabrics that can feel heavy or overly structured, linen upholstery adds an organic softness, aging beautifully over time.
Brands championing linen upholstery and our favourites:
MCM House (Australia) – Known for their iconic linen sofas that exude effortless elegance.
Our Design Tip: We always seem to pair our linen-upholstered furniture with natural materials like timber, stone, and wool for a warm, organic feel.
Linen CURTAINS: Softness & Light Filtering
Heavy curtains can feel overwhelming and sometimes out dated for our more contemporary style of homes nowadays, but beautiful, lightweight linen curtains bring a breezy, understated luxury to any space. They allow soft light to filter through while maintaining privacy, making them perfect for modern, minimalist homes.
Our Design Tip: For styling, we always choose extra long linen curtains in soft neutrals (or washed-out pastels) to create an airy, European-inspired aesthetic. Our pick are from Cultiver.
“After all, I was dressed in linen and so retained a certain capacity for nonchalance.”
Author, Joanna Ruocco
Beyond Interiors: The EVERYDAY Beauty of Linen
Linen isn’t just for the bedroom or living room. It finds its way into every corner of a thoughtfully designed home:
Linen Napery & Tablecloths – The easiest way to elevate a dinner setting, linen belongs in the kitchen and dining space just as much as it does in the bedroom or living area – perhaps even more so. A softly rumpled linen tablecloth instantly transforms a meal into a bit more of a special moment, and linen napkins add both beauty and functionality to everyday tasks. Unlike synthetic fabrics, linen absorbs better, dries faster, and only gets softer with each wash, making it a natural choice for those who appreciate quality that lasts. Whether draped over a rustic wooden table or neatly folded beside a plate, linen in the dining space speaks to an effortless kind of elegance – one that values texture, tradition, and the quiet luxury of well-made things. We love and use these Cultiver napkins often.
Our Design Tip: We love using our linen tablecloth as a fun throw for outdoor picnics and bbq’s. It’s super lightweight, easy to carry around, and a breeze to clean, plus it always adds a nice little luxurious touch!
Linen Tea Towels – Lightweight, highly absorbent, and naturally quick-drying. We love and use these Cultiver tea towels everyday.
Linen Towels – Again, so lovely and lightweight, absorbent, and naturally quick-drying, linen towels add such a stylish addition to any bathroom. We adore these Hale Mercantile towels and use them everyday in our bathrooms.
Linen Loungewear – There’s nothing quite like arriving home after a long day at work, enjoying a refreshing shower, and slipping into some stylishly comfortable PJ’s. The latest linen loungewear is not only comfortable, but also serves beautifully as chic daywear—perfect for grabbing a coffee (in our favourite linen pants and shirt by Jasmine & Will)—absolutely! We also have this gorgeous and versatile linen shirt by Carlotta & Gee on high rotation.
Linen Clothing – Wearing your favourite linen feels so easy. A white linen shirt, slightly oversized, gives off a relaxed, confident vibe – structured yet soft, timeless yet modern. Flowing linen dresses, like our beloved ones from Seaside Tones, perfectly embody ‘stylishly undone’. The charm of linen clothing lies not only in its comfort but also in how it elevates even the simplest outfits, making them feel effortless and stylish. True style isn’t about trying too hard – it’s about wearing what feels like you.
“I have more linen pieces than I care to admit. An oversized linen shirt is a part of my signature style, all year round. Perfect for travelling, they are indestructible. The older, the better I say!”
creator maison 1973, Nic Tierney
white linen dress
Caring for Linen: A Designer’s ADVICE
Investing in linen means knowing how to care for it properly. Unlike synthetic fabrics, linen gets better with time – but only if treated well.
These are how we have cared for our linen over the years and it still looks (and functions) like the very first day we bought it:
Wash in cool or lukewarm water (never hot) – to preserve the fibres.
Use a gentle detergent – harsh chemicals can break down the natural structure of linen.
Air-dry whenever possible – for that effortless, organic ‘lived in’ texture.
Embrace the wrinkles – linen isn’t meant to be perfectly pressed. The beauty is in its relaxed imperfection.
Why Linen Will Always Be TIMELESS
For those of us who appreciate authenticity in design, linen represents effortless elegance, history, and sustainability in one fabric. It’s not just a passing trend – it’s a timeless textile that has been, and will always be, a hallmark of understated luxury.
Over the years we have been inspired by many wonderful textile designers, but few voices in the world of design have the depth, foresight, and influence of Lidewij Edelkoort. A true pioneer in trend forecasting, textile innovation, and sustainability, she has spent decades shaping the way we see fashion, interiors, and the materials that surround us. Her ability to anticipate the future – while deeply honouring craftsmanship and heritage – has made her one of the most respected minds in the industry and someone we have always loved to be inspired by. Over the years, we have had the privilege of attending her seminars and reading her trend books and colour forecasting. They are always insightful and a joy to consume.
As a lifelong advocate for natural fibres and slow design, Lidewij Edelkoort. has often spoken about the enduring value of linen – its ability to bridge past and future, tradition and modernity. Her trend agency, Trend Union, continues to influence global fashion, homeware, and sustainability movements. We simply love her design philosophy and her eye for detail.
The Maison 1973 Takeaway:
So whether you’re investing in beautiful linen bedding, a timeless linen sofa, or just a set of perfectly rumpled linen napkins, you’re not just buying fabric, you’re buying into a legacy – one that tells stories of the past, while seamlessly fitting into the modern world.
Linen is forever.
Continue to explore our mood boards for inspiration
Lately, do you find yourself reminiscing more than usual? This is a topic that we have thought about a lot here at maison 1973. Maybe it’s an old song that instantly transports you back to your teenage bedroom, or a scent that reminds you of summer holidays from decades ago. Perhaps it’s the way flipping through an old magazine or watching a 90s rom-com makes you feel comforted, seen, and somehow more yourself.
Yes! Well welcome to the beautiful, complex, and deeply emotional experience of nostalgia.
For the maison 1973 woman, we believe that nostalgia isn’t just about looking back—it’s about reconnecting with the essence of who we are. And in midlife, when so much is shifting, embracing the past can be a powerful way to shape our future, and what lies ahead.
Let’s explore why we crave nostalgia, what it really means, and how we can use it to create a more joyful, intentional life today. We love this topic, we hope you do too…come with us on a little trip down memory lane.
“I like to look back sometimes—not because I want to return, but because it reminds me how far I’ve come. Nostalgia isn’t just about the past; it’s about the pieces of ourselves we carry forward. The songs, the scents, the little moments—they make me smile, not just for what they were, but for how they’ve shaped who I am today. They’re never far from me.”
creator of maison 1973, Nic Tierney.
Why We’re So DRAWN To Nostalgia In Midlife
Nostalgia isn’t just sentimental—it’s psychological. Studies show that as we age, we naturally reflect more on our past. But why does it feel so good?
It’s a Comfort Mechanism – Research from the University of Southampton found that nostalgia helps regulate emotions, reducing stress and making us feel more connected and optimistic about life (Source: Southampton Study).
It Helps Us Find Meaning – In midlife, we start questioning: Who am I now? What really matters? Nostalgia reminds us of the values, dreams, and joys that have shaped us.
It Bridges Our Past & Present – It’s not about “wanting to go back.” It’s about bringing the best parts of our past forward—into how we dress, how we live, and what brings us joy today. Not all of our memories are fond ones, but
Nostalgia is a beautiful thing, but let’s be honest—not every memory is wrapped in a warm glow. Some moments feel heavy, tangled with what-ifs and why-didn’t-Is. Looking back isn’t always about reliving the best days; sometimes, it’s about making peace with the harder ones. But even in those moments—the heartbreaks, the lessons learned—there’s something to honour. They remind us of our resilience, of how much we’ve grown, and of the life we’re choosing to build now. Because nostalgia isn’t just about celebrating the past—it’s about deciding what we carry forward and what we finally set down.
The Nostalgia Triggers That Hit Us HARD
Ever wonder why certain things instantly make you feel nostalgic? Here are some of the most powerful triggers:
Music – That first concert you went to, the song that played at your wedding, the mixtape era—we remember moments through sound.
Scents – The perfume your mother wore, the smell of an old bookstore, freshly cut grass in summer—scent is one of the strongest memory triggers.
Fashion – The effortless styles of the 70s, the minimalism of the 90s—nostalgia shows up in how we dress, embracing past aesthetics in modern ways.
Food – A recipe passed down through generations, the way our childhood favourite dish instantly brings us comfort.
Old-School Rituals – Handwritten letters, film photography, flipping through a real magazine—things that felt normal then feel luxurious now.
Nostalgia isn’t about “living in the past.” It’s about reintroducing joy into the present. If something sparks happiness, why not bring it back?
How We Can Use Our Nostalgia To INSPIRE Our Life
Nostalgia isn’t just about reminiscing—it’s about taking what we love from the past and using it to enrich our present and future. Here’s how we try to do it:
Curate a Nostalgic Wardrobe (With a Modern Twist)
Style is personal history. Instead of chasing trends, think about:
What did you love wearing when you felt most confident?
Which silhouettes, colours, or fabrics feel like you?
Can you bring back effortless vintage elements—a silk scarf, a timeless trench, or classic gold hoops?
RomanticiSe Your Daily Rituals
Nostalgia reminds us of a time when life felt more intentional. Before everything became digital and rushed, we savoured experiences.
Try This:
Swap out your phone alarm for a real alarm clock – yes the old fashioned brown and black kind!
Write in a physical journal instead of a note on your phone or iPad
Play some vinyl!
Use the ‘good’ china or glassware on a regular Tuesday—because why not? What are we saving it for? Everyday little luxuries that bring us joy.
Revisit Hobbies That Once Lit You Up
As kids and young adults, we created for the joy of it—not for productivity. Somewhere along the way, we forgot how to do things just for fun.
Loved sketching? Buy a sketchbook. Used to dance? Put on a playlist and move. Miss the days of film photography? Dust off an old camera.
What we have discovered of late, is that our past interests still hold clues to our current joy. We should listen to them and maybe start to follow them.
Make Time for People Who Share Your History
There’s something powerful about reconnecting with friends who knew you before life got complicated. It reminds you of who you’ve always been at your core.
Write a letter (yes, an actual letter) to someone who meant a lot to you.
Reach out to an old friend for a coffee date.
Plan a “nostalgia night” with music, movies, and stories from the past.
“Nostalgia is a gift – if we use it well.”
maison 1973 founder, Nic Tierney.
The Maison 1973 Takeaway:
Our final thought? The maison 1973 woman isn’t looking back because she wants to go back. She’s looking back because she knows her past holds treasures that can enrich her future.
So the next time nostalgia strikes, don’t brush it off. Ask yourself: What is this reminding me of? What can I bring back into my life today? Because sometimes, the key to moving forward is found in the beauty of what came before.
Get nostalgic.
Continue to explore our mood boards for inspiration
One day, you’re calm, cool, collected. The next, you’re ready to throat-punch the slow walker in front of you, scream at the WiFi, or roll your eyes so hard they might get stuck. What happened? When did our patience pack its bags and leave the building?
Welcome to midlife impatience—the very real, very unspoken shift that happens somewhere in our 40s and beyond. It’s not just about being in a hurry; it’s about not having the tolerance for what no longer serves us.
So, let’s break it down. Why are we suddenly so damn impatient? What’s really behind this feeling? And, most importantly—how do we harness it instead of letting it make us feel like we’re losing our minds?
“They say patience is a virtue, but honestly? So is knowing when to walk away. At this stage, I have patience for the things that matter and am more about cutting through the nonsense—because life’s just too short for some things.”
creator maison 1973, Nic Tierney
The SCIENCE Behind Midlife Impatience
First things first: you’re not going mad, and this isn’t just you. There are actual biological, psychological, and emotional reasons why midlife turns us into people who have zero time for nonsense.
Hormonal Shifts: Estrogen and progesterone impact mood regulation, and as they fluctuate, so does our ability to tolerate minor irritations. (Ever notice how things that used to mildly annoy you now make you want to scream? Yep, there it is.)
The Midlife Time Crunch: Statistically, we are more than halfway through our lives. We start seeing time differently—not as endless, but as precious. We simply don’t want to waste it on things that drain us.
Neurological Changes: Studies from the Australian National University suggest that as we age, our brains become less interested in social politeness and more wired for authenticity. In short? We lose the filter that used to make us tolerate unnecessary BS.
The ‘I Don’t Have TIME for This‘ Effect
At some point, midlife flips a switch. And suddenly:
Small talk?Nope. Give me real conversations or leave me alone.
Waiting in long lines? Torture.
Explaining myself? Not happening.
Tolerating toxic friendships, draining obligations, or outdated expectations? Definite no.
It’s not rudeness, and it’s not a lack of kindness. It’s a deep shift in what we’re willing to invest our energy in.
Reality Check: Psychologists call this ‘mortality awareness’—when we reach an age where we deeply understand that time is limited, we start cutting out the unnecessary and focusing on what actually matters.
Where Is This Impatience COMING From?
If you’re feeling like you’ve turned into a woman with a permanent eye-roll, let’s pinpoint what’s really happening.
You’re Done People-Pleasing: Midlife means shedding the need for approval. If something doesn’t align, we don’t pretend it does.
Your Energy is Currency: You’re more aware than ever that where you put your energy affects your entire well-being. If something drains you, you’re out.
You Value Depth Over Drama: If a conversation, relationship, or situation feels surface-level or exhausting, you’re just not here for it anymore.
Your Tolerance for B.S. is at an All-Time Low: You’ve lived enough life to spot nonsense from a mile away. And frankly? You’re not wasting another second on it.
Turning Impatience Into POWER
So what do we do with this newfound urgency? How do we channel it into something positive instead of just wanting to scream at slow walkers?
Reframe It as Clarity: Instead of seeing impatience as a flaw, view it as a powerful filter. It’s showing you what matters and what doesn’t.
Use It to Set Boundaries: Your impatience is telling you something. Listen to it. Say no. Protect your time. Walk away from things that no longer serve you.
Invest in What Fills You Up: If you’re impatient with the meaningless, put your energy into the meaningful—whether that’s passion projects, deeper friendships, or finally doing the thing you’ve been putting off.
Laugh About It: Because let’s be real—sometimes, our impatience is downright funny. We have turned into those women who mutter under their breath at slow walkers. Own it.
MIDLIFE Impatience Is A Superpower
This isn’t about losing patience—it’s about gaining perspective. It’s not that we don’t care anymore. It’s that we care too much to waste our time on what doesn’t matter.
So, next time you feel that familiar surge of impatience rising, take a breath and ask yourself: Is this something worth my energy? If not? Let it go. If yes? Go all in.
Because midlife isn’t about waiting anymore—it’s about living fully, fiercely, and without apology.
“Over the past few years, I’ve felt this quiet restlessness—like something inside me is shifting, even though everything on the outside looks the same. I’m learning that instead of fearing it, I lean in and see where it leads. I actually now enjoy discovering the unknown.” Nic, creator of maison 1973.
It starts subtly. An itch. A feeling of unease. The sense that something is shifting inside you, even if everything on the outside looks exactly the same. You wake up one morning and realise that the things that once felt fulfilling now feel… off. Your job, your routine, even the way you spend your weekends—it’s all fine, but fine isn’t cutting it anymore.
This isn’t burnout. It’s not a midlife crisis (we’re so over that outdated term). It’s something deeper, something most women in midlife experience but rarely put into words. It’s restlessness. And contrary to what we’ve been led to believe, this isn’t something to fear—it’s something to listen to.
Let’s unpack what this feeling really means, why it happens in midlife, and how to harness it into something extraordinary.
“Restlessness is discontent, and discontent is the first necessity of progress…”
infamous innovator, Thomas A. Edison (1847–1931)
What Is MIDLIFERestlessness And Why Is It Happening?
First, let’s get one thing straight: this is normal. In fact, if you’re feeling restless, it’s a good thing. It means you’re waking up to something bigger inside you.
The Science: Research shows that midlife is a period of psychological and emotional reassessment. Studies from the Australian Psychological Society (APS) suggest that women in their 40s and 50s often experience a shift in priorities, values, and desires—which can manifest as restlessness.
The Hormones: Oh, let’s not forget the hormonal rollercoaster. Fluctuating estrogen and progesterone levels affect mood, energy, and motivation. This is why one day we’re content, and the next we’re questioning everything.
The Awakening: For years—decades, really—we’ve been busy building, proving, and doing. Midlife is the first time we pause and ask: Is this actually what I want? And that question alone can shake everything up for us.
The FIVE Signs You’re In A Midlife RESTLESSNESSPhase
If you’re wondering whether this feeling is the thing everyone whispers about but no one explains, here are some telltale signs:
You feel an urge for change—but you don’t know what kind.
You’re suddenly bored with things that once excited you.
You’re questioning your career, your lifestyle, or even your relationships.
You feel a strange mix of excitement and fear—like something big is coming, but you’re unsure what.
You catch yourself thinking: ‘Is this all there is?’
Sound familiar? Good. It means you’re on the edge of something new.
This Isn’t a Crisis – It’s a CALLING
Here’s where society gets it wrong. Women in their 40s and 50s experiencing these feelings are often labeled as being in a “midlife crisis”—as if we’re breaking down.
No, my friend. We are breaking open.
Reframing the Narrative: What if we saw this phase not as losing control, but as finally waking up? What if this restlessness wasn’t a problem to fix, but an invitation to step into a version of ourselves we’ve never met before?
The Japanese Concept of Ikigai: In Japan, there’s a term called Ikigai—it means “reason for being”. It’s the sweet spot where what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for all intersect. Many women hit midlife and realise that they’ve been missing one or more of these elements. This is the moment to realign. (Also take a look at: Ken Mogi, “The Little Book of Ikigai”)
What If This Restlessness Was a Compass? Instead of seeing it as an annoyance, what if you saw it as your intuition trying to get your attention? That tug in your gut? That’s your inner wisdom nudging you toward something better.
So How Can We Channel Restlessness Into Something MEANINGFUL?
So what do we do with this feeling? Here are some steps to make it work for you instead of against you:
1. Ask Yourself Bigger Questions Instead of suppressing your restlessness, sit with it. Journal, voice memo yourself, or just reflect on these:
What is this feeling trying to tell me?
Where do I feel most alive?
What have I been ignoring or postponing in my life?
2. Just Try, Don’t Overthink Not sure what you want? Experiment. Take a class, start a hobby, say yes to something different. Movement creates momentum. The best way to get unstuck is to try something—anything.
3. Redefine Success Success in our 20s and 30s was about building. Success in midlife is about alignment. Really ask yourself: What does success look like for me now? The answer might surprise you.
4. Cut the ‘Shoulds’ A lot of restlessness comes from living by outdated rules. I should stay in this job because it’s stable. I should be grateful. I should be past this phase by now.
No. Midlife is about choosing, not just accepting.
5. Surround Yourself with Expanders Find women who are reinventing, evolving, thriving. Listen to their stories, read their books, follow them. The more you see it’s possible, the more possible it becomes for you.
Here’s the truth: Restlessness doesn’t mean something is wrong. It means something is ready to shift. You’re not stuck – you’re shifting.
“That restless feeling? I know it well. It’s what led me to create maison 1973. I could have ignored it, but deep down, I knew it wasn’t something to silence—it was something to follow. Because midlife isn’t about staying where we’ve always been. It’s about stepping into who we’re meant to be next.”
creator of maison 1973, Nic Tierney.
The Maison 1973 Takeaway:
Our final thought? Let yourself ask the questions, make the moves, and say yes to what calls you—even if you don’t have it all figured out yet. Because midlife isn’t about fading out.
It’s about turning up the volume on who you were meant to be all along.
Restless & ready.
Continue to explore our mood boards for inspiration
“Some days, I swear I spend way too much time obsessing over stuff I never used to—my skin, my weight, whether I’m ‘keeping up’ or doing enough. And honestly? It’s exhausting.”
maison 1973 creator, Nic Tierney
Our HIDDENClues
There’s a moment in our mid 40s when we start obsessing over things we never gave a second thought to before. Those fine lines near our eyes, the way our jeans suddenly feel a little tighter, the friendships that don’t quite fit anymore. We catch ourselves spiralling—Googling skin treatments at 1am, researching “best haircuts for women over 45,” or debating if we should quit our job and run away.
Sound familiar? Welcome to midlife.
But here’s the thing—these obsessions aren’t about vanity, crisis, or overthinking. They’re clues. They’re signals that we’re evolving, growing, and reassessing what actually matters.
So, let’s break it down: What are we obsessing over, why do we do it, and what does it really mean?
Our SKIN (And That ‘What Happened?!’ Moment)
The Obsession: Suddenly, we’re inspecting every fine line, questioning our collagen levels, and wondering when exactly our skin decided to stop bouncing back the way it used to. Enter the late-night deep dive into retinol, laser treatments, and the eternal debate: to Botox or not to Botox?
What It Means: It’s not just about wrinkles—it’s about visibility. Our skin is the most public sign of aging, and society has conditioned us to believe that looking ‘older’ equals fading into the background. But here’s the real power move: aging isn’t a loss—it’s a becoming.
Reality Check: The Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (ALSWH) found that while many women experience body dissatisfaction in midlife, those who focused on self-care over self-criticism reported higher levels of confidence and well-being (Source: ALSWH).
Solution: Instead of chasing youth, here at maison 1973 we’re chasing radiance. Hydration, nourishment, and glow-enhancing skincare are what we actually obsessing over now. Look into niacinamide, retinol, vitamin c, pro-vitamin B5 and SPF, these are our staples. (P.s “Environ has been my skincare product of choice for over 20 years – since I was in my early 30’s”- Nic, creator maison 1973)
Our WEIGHT (Even If We Never Cared Before)
The Obsession: That “midlife middle” sneaks up on us, and suddenly, we’re questioning every carb. Our metabolism isn’t what it was, and hormones seem to have their own agenda. Cue the overanalysing: Should I go keto? Is fasting the answer? Will lifting weights change everything?How much protein is enough? The list is ENDLESS!
What It Means: It’s not just about weight—it’s about control. Our bodies are changing beyond our will, and that can feel unsettling. But midlife isn’t about shrinking—it’s about strengthening. Checkout our Tips For Midlife Fitness article for more detail and tips.
Reality Check: Research from The Jean Hailes Foundation for Women’s Health in Australia shows that midlife weight gain is normal due to hormonal shifts, but movement and mindful eating (not extreme dieting) are key to maintaining energy and well-being (Source: Jean Hailes).
The Obsession: Even if we’ve loved our work for decades, something shifts. We start questioning: Do I still enjoy this? Am I making a real impact? Is there something more? The thought of staying in the same role for another 15 years feels…suffocating.
What It Means: We’re no longer in the proving stage of our lives—we’re in the purpose stage. Midlife is an awakening, a chance to realign work with values.
Reality Check: A global study from McKinsey found that women in their 40s and 50s are increasingly pivoting careers, not because they have to, but because they want to—seeking passion, autonomy, and impact (Source: McKinsey).
Solution: Instead of fearing change, embrace the shift. Whether it’s a career pivot, a passion project, or setting firmer boundaries, redefine success on your own terms.
FRIENDSHIPS (The Great Re-Evaluation)
The Obsession: Some friendships feel stronger than ever, while others…sadly, not so much. We start wondering: Do I actually enjoy spending time with this person? Or have we just been friends forever? This is a tough one and something very close to our maison 1973 heart, as we have found ourselves in this space more than once over the past few years.
What It Means: We’re craving depth over obligation. Midlife friendships should feel reciprocal and nourishing—not like a social to-do list. Our time and energy are precious and we feel bad for saying no. It’s important we set ourselves some boundaries, even with our friendships.
Reality Check: The Australian Institute of Family Studies found that midlife women who actively invest in meaningful friendships report higher emotional resilience and life satisfaction (Source: AIFS).
Solution: Let go of guilt if some friendships fade. Prioritise connections that uplift, energise, and inspire.
What We WEAR (And The ‘WHOAm I Dressing For?’ Moment)
The Obsession: Style in midlife is a full-blown identity crisis. We find ourselves torn between wanting to stay current and not wanting to look like we’re trying too hard.
What It Means: Our personal style is evolving, just like we are.
The question isn’t “What’s in?” but “What feels like me now?”
Reality Check: Studies show that when women feel good in their clothes, they report higher confidence and life satisfaction, regardless of trends. Style is about self-expression, not external approval. A study by Simply Be found that 66% of UK women believe that how their clothes fit is the most significant factor affecting their confidence, while 55% prioritise comfort over following current trends.
Solution:Find your uniform. Effortless, chic, and you. Invest in quality, fit, and comfort, and let go of the idea that fashion has an age limit.
The Maison 1973 Takeaway:
We don’t obsess because we’re losing something. We obsess because we’re awakening to what actually matters. Our skin, weight, careers, friendships, and wardrobes—these aren’t just random fixations. They’re signposts guiding us toward more clarity, more depth, more joy.
So, instead of fighting these obsessions, let’s get curious about them. Because midlife isn’t about shrinking. It’s about expanding.
Get curious.
Continue to explore our mood boards for inspiration
Bonjour, mon amie. Sit with me for a moment. Let’s imagine a morning in Paris—one of those quiet mornings where the city is just waking up, the air smells of freshly baked bread, and the world feels a little slower.
Here, breakfast is important. It’s not something you rush through or eat in the car. It’s a moment—a ritual. A small luxury before your day starts. Today, we want to share the art of a French breakfast—the way it should be enjoyed. Even if we’re far from Paris, we can bring a bit of this ritual into our mornings (just like we do) – and we promise, it will change how your day goes.
It doesn’t have to be fancy; it just needs to be simple and enjoyed. We really need to bring this kind of morning back, and who better to lead the charge than the maison 1973 woman.
The French Approach to Breakfast: QUALITY Over Quantity
The first thing we must know is this: a French woman’s breakfast is never about excess. It is not a buffet or a multitasking moment where she’s scrolling through her phone with one hand and sipping coffee with the other. It is about pleasure—in small, thoughtful bites.
A French breakfast is typically light but deeply satisfying. It centres around a perfect balance of texture, flavour, and elegance. No heavy omelette, stacks of pancakes, or protein shakes. Instead, it’s about simplicity:
A fresh croissant or tartine (a slice of good bread, toasted and slathered with butter or jam)
A beautifully brewed café au lait or espresso
A bowl of yogurt with honey and nuts
A few seasonal berries or a perfectly sliced seasonal fruit
It’s enough. It’s satisfying. It is just right—and that is the secret.
pain et beurreœufs sur du pain grillébaies et yaourtpetit déjeuner muffin
“On my trips to Paris, I loved mornings best, sitting at a small table with coffee and a pain au chocolat. The routine was simple—no rush, no distractions. Unlike at home, I didn’t worry about whether I should have butter or earn the pastry, is it enough protein? do I have time? The list goes on! I just enjoyed it and felt part of Parisian culture. I realised that breakfast is more than a meal to the French—it’s a moment to pause, practice self-care, and set the day’s tone. Even on busy days, I now like mornings to bring a relaxed pace. I aim for this now at this stage in my life. It’s important.”
creator of maison 1973, Nic Tierney
The RITUAL: Creating Your Own FRENCHBreakfast at Home
Now, let’s bring this morning magic into your home. You don’t need a Parisian apartment with wrought-iron balconies. All you need is intention. Here’s how we do it:
1. Start with the Right Mindset
Before anything else, commit to slowing down. French women do not rush through breakfast. Even if it’s just ten minutes, let it be ten beautiful minutes.
Tip: Set the scene. Open a window. Let in the morning light. Play some music, softly. This is not just about eating; it’s about being present.
2. Choose the Perfect Bread
If you have access to a local boulangerie (bakery), you already know—the bread is everything. But even if you don’t, you can recreate the experience. Look for:
A fresh baguette (crisp on the outside, airy inside)
A flaky croissant
A slice of pain de campagne or sourdough, toasted to golden perfection
3. Butter, Jam & The Little Details That Matter
French women understand that it’s not just the food, but how it’s prepared. This is why they choose good butter—real, creamy, slightly salted. They spread it generously, and it is always at room temperature. And the jam? Apricot, raspberry, or fig. Nothing overly sweet, just enough to enhance the bread.
Tip: Try a jam from a small-batch local brand (we love Beerenberg), something with pure fruit flavours. And never rush—this moment of spreading the butter and jam is part of the ritual.
4. The Café au Lait (Or Your Coffee of Choice)
This is perhaps the most sacred part. Coffee is never an afterthought. It is brewed strong but smooth, never burnt, never rushed. A true café au lait is made with equal parts strong coffee and warm, frothy milk, served in a or wide-rimmed cup, sipped slowly.
Alternatively, the French love an espresso. Short and strong. Perfect to dip your pastry into.
Tip: Invest in a good French press or espresso machine for home. We adore using our Chemex.
5. A Small Addition
French breakfasts often include something fresh—a small bowl of yogurt with honey, a handful of nuts, or a few slices of fruit. Think seasonal and simple. No elaborate fruit salads, just a perfectly ripe peach or a few raspberries on the side.
Tip: If yogurt is your choice, go for full-fat, natural varieties, and drizzle with some of your local area honey. Keep it pure. We also opt for a coconut yoghurt (dairy free).
The trick here is to keep things balanced and when in doubt – leave it out.
Bringing a Touch of PARIS to Your Everyday Life
Even though we may not be in France, nothing stops us from bringing a bit of this elegance into our morning. The practicalities of our lives and our routines often dictate how we begin our day. We know life is busy, we have to get to work, we have family to take care of in the mornings and we often have to commute – so it doesn’t need to be everyday, but just try to start with one.
Try this tomorrow:
Wake up a little earlier. No rushing. Just quiet time for you.
Make your breakfast beautiful—a proper plate, a lovely coffee cup, a moment to enjoy it.
Be present. No emails. No social media. Just taste, sip, and breathe.
By doing this, you’re not just having breakfast—you’re creating a life filled with small, intentional luxuries.
The Maison 1973 Takeaway:
We spend so much time chasing big moments, waiting for grand things to happen. But the truth? A beautiful life is made in the small, everyday rituals.
So tomorrow morning, wherever you are—whether it’s Paris or not—take a breath. Make your coffee with care. Butter your toast slowly. And know that in this simple act, you are embracing something truly French: the art of living well.
À votre santé, my friend. Here’s to mornings done beautifully.
Take it slow.
Continue to explore our mood boards for inspiration
“Last week, I was chatting with a good friend about all sorts of things, and we totally went off on a tangent about how overwhelmed we both feel with digital hoarding…it really struck a chord with me and got me thinking. I’m on a mission now to change this.” Nic, creator of maison 1973.
We’ve all experienced it—scrolling through a long list of unread emails, going through many photos on our phones, or keeping 47 tabs open to look at later. Unlike physical mess, digital mess sneaks up on us. It doesn’t stack up on the kitchen counter or block the hallway, but it does take up space in our minds. This invisible build-up can make us feel overwhelmed, even if we don’t notice it.
So, why do we do this? Why do we keep files, emails, photos, screenshots and bookmarks like they’re valuable treasures? More importantly, how can we lighten this digital load?
Let’s look at why we hoard digital items, the stress it can cause, and how we can choose to have a clearer, more organised digital life.
“We curate our wardrobes, our homes, even our friendships—so why do we let our digital lives become a chaotic mess? Maybe it’s time to stop hoarding and start choosing what truly adds value. Less noise, more clarity. Less saving, more living.”
maison 1973 creator, Nic Tierney.
Why Do We HOARD Digital Clutter?
Digital hoarding isn’t just a bad habit—it’s deeply psychological. It’s the modern-day version of keeping stacks of magazines “just in case,” or stuffing drawers with things we might need.
Here’s why we do it:
Fear of Losing Something Important
What if I need this email later? What if I forget this brilliant idea? The fear of losing information keeps us holding onto things long past their usefulness.
The ‘Just in Case’ Mentality
We believe we might someday need that screenshot, that saved article, that old resume file. And so, we keep it all.
Emotional Attachment
Photos, old messages, even past projects hold memories. Letting go of them can feel like erasing a part of our history.
The Illusion of Productivity
Saving things makes us feel like we’re staying on top of things—even if we never actually go back to them.
Endless Storage = Endless Hoarding
Unlike physical spaces, our digital world doesn’t force us to clean up. There’s no urgency to declutter when space seems infinite.
The “Save & Forget” Trap
We hit “save” on Instagram posts, Pinterest pins, and TikToks all day everyday, telling ourselves we’ll come back to them—but do we? Our saved folders become digital black holes of forgotten content. Instead of endlessly saving, create a habit of revisiting and actually using what you save.
Try a weekly “Saved Scroll” session to clear out what no longer inspires you. We’ve started this and it works.
FOLLOWING FATIGUE
The more accounts we follow, the more our feeds become cluttered, making it harder to see what truly adds value. If you find yourself scrolling past the same content without engaging, it’s time for a social media detox. Unfollow accounts that no longer align with your interests, mute distractions,
and curate your feed like you would a wardrobe—only keeping what truly fits your mindset and goals.
Ok so what else can we do? Well, we have come up with the following and have implemented this already into our daily digital lives:
TRY THIS: Mindful Digital Consumption
Regularly clean up downloads and delete duplicate or unnecessary files. The key word here being regularly!
Before you hit “save,” we are now asking ourselves: Will I really use this? Can I find this elsewhere if I need it? It’s ok, you will always be able to find it again (or something similar) in this digital world we live in. It’s just a click or search away – no need for FOMO!
Set a limit for things like open tabs or saved articles (e.g., a 10-tab rule). Set a limit and stick to it. Be disciplined/
We’ve limited our saved posts to a manageable number (e.g., max 20 before reviewing).
Unfollow or mute 5-10 accounts each month that no longer serve you.
Use folders or boards to organise saved content by theme (fashion, wellness, inspiration) so it’s actually usable.
The HIDDEN Stress Of Digital Clutter
While digital clutter might not be visible, it has very real mental and emotional effects.
It drains our focus, increases stress, and fuels decision fatigue.
Decision Fatigue
The more digital clutter we have, the harder it is to find what we need. This constant micro-decision-making (Do I need this? Where did I save that?) adds up.
Inbox Anxiety
A cluttered inbox feels like a never-ending to-do list. Even unopened emails take up mental space, making us feel perpetually behind.
The ‘Always On’ Effect
Too much digital content = information overload. Our brains struggle to process and prioritise, leading to burnout.
Distraction Overload
Multiple tabs, notifications, and digital noise reduce our ability to focus on one task at a time.
TRY THIS: The Digital Declutter Method
Limit digital intake – Set boundaries on content consumption, like no screens before bed or a digital detox day.
The One-Touch Rule – When an email comes in, deal with it immediately: reply, delete, or file it away.
Unsubscribe ruthlessly – If it doesn’t spark joy (or value), let it go.
Turn off notifications – Reduce unnecessary distractions that keep pulling you back into digital clutter.
How We De-Clutter And create A ‘SLOW TECH‘ Mindset
Just like slow fashion and slow living, we need slow tech—a more intentional, thoughtful approach to digital spaces. Here’s how to reclaim control:
Declutter Your Devices
Delete unused apps that clutter your phone – often and be brutal!
Organise photos into albums (or, like us – let go of 5,000 random screenshots! 🙃).
Regularly clean up downloads, desktop files, and cloud storage.
TIDY UP YOUR INBOX – WEEKLY (OR DAILY IF YOU CAN!)
Archive old emails and use folders strategically.
Ruthlessly edit all the emails you receive and unsubscribe daily from businesses, influencers etc that you do not engage with.
Adopt “Inbox Zero” (or at least Inbox Manageable). We aim to have no more than 20 emails in our inbox at any one time – it’s working.
Rethink Your Digital Habits
Limit social media scrolling—set app timers if needed.
Close unused tabs and avoid multitasking across 10 different windows.
Prioritise quality content over mindless consumption.
Use Digital Minimalism to Your Advantage – OUR TIPS
Be intentional with saving content—if you haven’t used it in a month, it’s probably not needed.
Consider adopting a minimalist phone setup—only keep essential apps on your home screen.
Set a “digital reset day” once a month to clean up your online spaces.
Our research on daily digital habits shows that the key is not just to declutter once, but to develop habits that avoid digital overload. A clean digital space, like an organised closet or home,
can feel freeing and refreshing. And at the end of the day, that’s how we want to feel.
“Clutter is the physical manifestation of unmade decisions fueled by procrastination.”
best-selling author and Reiki Master, Christina Scalise.
The Maison 1973 Takeaway:
Our final thought? We’re taking control of the digital excess – not it taking control of us.
Get detoxing.
Continue to explore our mood boards for inspiration
This is our most cherished trait here at maison 1973 – everyday we find ourselves intrigued by what is happening in the world around us and curious to explore it more.
We truly believe that curiosity fuelsgrowth, keeps the mind sharp, and stops us from becoming stagnant. Confidence, on the other hand, pushes us forward, allowing us to step into new experiences with authority. Together, they create an unstoppable force that ensures we’re never sidelined, never outdated, and never irrelevant.
“Curiosity is the wick in the candle of learning”
Albert Einstein.
Why CURIOSITYMatters More Than Ever
The world constantly evolves, and the women of Gen X—the ones who grew up in a world of mixtapes, and the first taste of digital revolution—are still evolving with it. What keeps us relevant? Curiosity and confidence. These two forces are the lifeblood of reinvention, the secret ingredients to staying ahead, engaged, and thriving at any stage of life.
Curiosity is what allows us to remain agile, open-minded, and constantly learning. It’s what separates those who get stuck from those who continue to evolve. In a world that moves at lightning speed—where technology, culture, and even the way we communicate is constantly shifting—staying curious is the key to staying engaged.
“You have to break rules to create new ones.” – Rei Kawakubo (Japan, designer & founder of Comme des Garçons)
Curiosity leads us to ask better questions. It forces us to explore new industries, fresh perspectives, and innovative ways of thinking. It prevents us from falling into the trap of believing that we already know everything we need to know.
How to Keep CURIOSITYAlive
Learn Something New: Whether it’s a new language, a creative skill, or an emerging industry, never stop being a student.
Engage with Different Generations: Listen to what Gen Z and Millennials are saying, and stay part of the conversation.
Travel with Purpose: New places and cultures fuel an open mind. It’s not just about the destination; it’s about seeing the world through a fresh lens.
Ask More Questions: Challenge assumptions, seek out new viewpoints, and never stop wondering “What if?”
CONFIDENCE: The Ultimate Game-Changer
Confidence isn’t about knowing all the answers—it’s about trusting yourself enough to step forward even when you don’t. For too long, women—especially those in midlife—have been conditioned to diminish themselves, to make room for others, to be seen but not heard. That era is over.
Confidence comes from experience, but it also comes from deciding that you deserve to take up space. It’s about stepping into rooms, conversations, and opportunities with the belief that you belong there. And if no one has made space for you? Create it yourself.
How to CultivateCONFIDENCE Daily
Dress for Yourself: What you wear should empower you, not please others. Style is an extension of who you are. Speak Up: Your voice is valuable. Make sure it’s heard, whether in the boardroom, in friendships, or in societal conversations. Say No Without Guilt: Confidence means knowing what serves you—and unapologetically rejecting what doesn’t. Invest in Yourself: Whether it’s personal development, mental wellness, or financial independence, self-investment is the ultimate power move.
The INTERSECTION of Curiosity & Confidence
When curiosity and confidence work together, you become unstoppable. You aren’t afraid to explore, experiment, or pivot. You recognise that relevance isn’t about clinging to youth, but about embracing evolution.
The maison 1973 woman isn’t content to fade into the background—she’s still shaping culture, leading industries, and redefining what it means to be a woman in midlife.
REINVENTION is a Power Move
The most dynamic women of our time never stop reinventing themselves.
Reinvention isn’t about starting over—it’s about building upon what you already know and shaping it into something new. The maison 1973 woman sees reinvention not as a challenge, but as an opportunity.
Career pivots? Yes. It’s never too late to change direction or launch something new. Exploring new industries? Always. The digital world has opened up endless possibilities. Living without limits? Absolutely. This phase of life is about expansion, not contraction.
The ConfidentARCHITECTS
As Gen X women, we are the decisive bridge between tradition and innovation. We’ve witnessed the world transform, and we’ve mastered the art of adaptation every step of the way. Now, we possess the knowledge, experience, and unwavering confidence to define what’s next—on our own terms.
“I am curious, but never nosy. It’s important to know the difference when it comes to understanding life.
maison 1973 founder, Nic Tierney.
The Maison 1973 Takeaway:
Our final thought? Keep moving forward.
Get discovering.
Continue to explore our mood boards for inspiration
“If you want to fly, you have to give up the things that weigh you down.”
We quote the incredible Nobel prize winning author, the late Toni Morrison.
When Did Saying YES Become Second Nature?
Yes to overtime, yes to family obligations, yes to friendships that no longer serve us, yes to overextending ourselves in ways that leave us drained. No wonder we feel burnt out! But as we evolve, so should our mindset. The maison 1973 woman understands that her energy is valuable, finite, and worth protecting.
We’ve spent years holding it all together—careers, relationships, families, friendships, and expectations. We’ve been told to be accommodating, to be agreeable, to keep the peace. But let’s be clear: saying no isn’t selfish, it’s survival.
This is a topic we feel very passionate about and want to continue to master. It’s pretty straightforward, so why aren’t we doing it more often?
Why We’ve Been CONDITIONED To Say Yes
The Gen X woman grew up in an era of hustle—whether in the workplace, in relationships, or in societal expectations. We were the first to juggle career and home life at full speed, breaking barriers yet still expected to be the dependable force behind it all.
There comes a moment in every maison 1973 woman’s life when she realises—her time, energy, and peace are non-negotiable. After decades of saying yes to everyone else, midlife is the moment to reclaim what is yours.
BURNOUT Is Not A Badge Of Honour
We’ve been led to believe that exhaustion equals success—that if we’re not pushing ourselves to the limit, we’re not doing enough. But let’s be honest: running on empty isn’t the flex we once thought it was.
Burnout manifests in ways we often dismiss—fatigue, resentment, anxiety, loss of passion, and even physical illness. The body keeps score, and if we don’t listen, it will force us to slow down. Why wait for the crash when we can take control now?
The POWER of NO: Rewriting The Script
Saying no is an act of radical self-care. It is an assertion of worth—a reminder that you get to choose where your energy flows.
No, I won’t overcommit my time.
No, I won’t say yes out of guilt.
No, I won’t entertain toxic relationships.
No, I won’t let society dictate how I “should” spend my time.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t about isolation—it’s about intention. By saying no to what drains you, you create space for what energises you.
How To Set BOUNDARIES
Saying no is an act of radical self-care. It is an assertion of worth—a reminder that you get to choose where your energy flows. This is our golden rule of 5 that we never waiver from here at m’73 HQ:
Give Yourself Permission – You don’t need an excuse to set boundaries. Your peace is reason enough.
Say It Without Apology – “No” is a complete sentence. Drop the guilt.
Be Firm, Not Rude – Respectfully decline, but don’t waver. Boundaries are for you, not for them.
Prioritise Energy Over Obligation – If it doesn’t serve you, it’s a no.
Create a ‘Hell Yes’ Rule – If something isn’t a hell yes, it’s a hell no.
When you start saying no, something powerful happens—you reclaim your time, your energy, your joy. You step into your full power as a woman who knows her worth and isn’t afraid to protect it.
The Maison 1973 Takeaway:
Midlife isn’t about pleasing everyone. It’s about choosing herself. That’s the most powerful yes of all.
Get choosing.
Continue to explore our mood boards for inspiration
Born between 1965 and 1980, we are the X women—the original rule-breakers and trendsetters. Wedged between Boomers and Millennials, we grew up without much hand-holding, no participation trophies, or constant validation. We worked hard, adapted, and found our way. The world talks about every generation but ours. However, we know the truth.
From Latchkey Kids To LEADERS
We came home to empty houses, let ourselves in, made a sandwich and learned independence the hard way. Microwaved dinners, TV reruns, and figuring things out solo—that was our training ground. No helicopter parents, no constant praise—just us, learning resilience, resourcefulness, and the art of getting sh*t done.
Coming Of Age In The CHAOS Of The 70’s & 80’s
We were told we could be anything, but the world was still selling us fairytales. Barbie was queen, and rom-coms promised a happily ever after. Yet, as we hit our teens, a different narrative emerged—the rise of the superwoman. Career, family, perfection—have it all, do it all, make it look effortless. The pressure was real, and for many of us, the question lingered: Was this dream even possible?
The 90’s Reality Check: ‘Having It All’ Was A MYTH
As we became adults, we faced challenges like glass ceilings, wage gaps, and the reality that success had a cost. We built careers and shaped our relationships. Marriage? Perhaps. Kids? Maybe. We weren’t following a script—we were creating our own. Millennials grew up with the internet. We experienced life before and after the digital age. We are adapters.
Midlife, REINVENTED
Now in our 40s and 50s, we refuse to fade into the background. We’re launching businesses, switching careers, reclaiming passions, and prioritising ourselves.
Midlife isn’t a crisis – it’s a power move.
We’re rewriting aging, too. No fading into the background. We own our style, our beauty, and our choices. Health, fitness, and self-care are not for vanity—they are for strength. Because we plan to live long and well.
The LEGACY Of The Gen X WOMAN
We were the first to break the old rules—and we’re still rewriting them. We mentor, we lead, we push for change. We are comfortable with who we’ve become and where we are going.
So while they call us the forgotten generation, let’s be clear: We are far from invisible. We are still here, still thriving, and still making our own damn rules.
Time to thrive.
Continue to explore our mood boards for inspiration
