This is what 53 looks like: Mother-of-three says setting up an Instagram account gave her a ‘new lease of life’
- Tina Foster, from Wiltshire, lives with husband Mark and runs a homeware site
- Setting up an Instagram account gave her a ‘new lease of life’ after children left
- Do you look good for your age? Reveal your secrets to inspire@dailymail.co.uk
Tina Foster lives in Wiltshire with her husband Mark. They have three children, Ollie, 23, Izzie, 21 and Harry, 18. She runs an online homeware shop.
EMPTY-NEST INSTAGRAM
Two years ago, I was struggling after my children left home. I lost my purpose and felt I wasn’t needed, having been a full-time mum for so long. So I set up a fashion and interiors Instagram account and online shop.
I wasn’t techy, but now I have over 10,000 followers. I love staying up to date with trends, sharing tips and being part of a community of like-minded women — we often meet up, too. It’s boosted my confidence and given me a new lease of life.
FRIENDSHIP DETOX
As I’ve got older, I’ve learned it’s better to have a smaller group of genuine friends that you can really count on. I have two go-to people, who I met at my children’s school.
They’re always at the end of the phone. And, even though we don’t live near each other now, we make an effort to spend quality time together with regular weekend trips.
Tina Foster (pictured), from Wiltshire, lives with her husband Mark and runs an online homeware shop
MENOPAUSE SURVIVAL GUIDE
I hit the menopause at 51. It disrupted my sleep badly, I became tearful and felt like I was going mad! Reflexology really helped, as it puts you into a deeply meditative state.
Now I do it every three weeks (£50). I also keep a notepad by my bed, so I can write down worries and then go back to sleep. Plus, I’ve started taking HRT: it’s transformed my life — finally, I feel like myself again.
SUPERCHARGED SALADS
In summer, I eat salad for lunch and dinner (soup in winter). I love the Leon Happy Salads cookbook (£12.47, amazon.co.uk).
It’s full of recipes to make them more exciting and filling — my favourite is the grilled lamb and goats cheese one. I aim to ‘eat the rainbow’, with plenty of greens, but only one portion of fruit per day, to limit my sugar intake.
BRIGHT SUMMER SMILE
Every six weeks, I whiten my teeth at home, using a special ‘tray’ made by my dentist (£200) and a whitening gel, just to lift and brighten them. They say that the key to a natural look is not to make your teeth whiter than your eyes!
Do you look good for your age? Reveal your secrets to inspire@dailymail.co.uk