Welcome to Tiny Simple Pleasures
Having a look around? Start here!
Hi there!
I’m Denise, an Australian freelance writer and glorious fuck up who learns everything the hard way. I write mostly about body image, relationships, non-religious spirituality, and embracing the light and shade of life. My personal essays have featured in Brevity, Epoch, The Guardian, Sydney Morning Herald, Crikey, and Mamamia.
The other hat I wear is as a chartered accountant. I have always loved the shit out of researching and presenting information, and was a university lecturer for a while. Here on Substack, this nerdy, research-loving side occasionally rears its freaky little head in my deep dives into perimenopause.
If you’re thinking of diving in, here are some of my favourite posts:
When he died, I hadn’t spoken to my father for 17 years. I have no regrets — on loving yourself first (this post was syndicated on Mamamia, and I spoke about it on ABC’s God Forbid podcast. It made a few old dudes incredibly angry).
Do It Badly — on being a perfectionist dickfuck who is slowly learning the importance of being more half-arsed about everything.
The Unfuckwithable Power of Acceptance — on how I cannot nag the universe into being different (I’ve definitely tried), but when I let go and accept, the universe shifts ever-so-slightly for the better.
Stalking My Mother’s Gnome — about my mother’s dying wish to possess a garden gnome.
If you’re wanting to read about perimenopause research, go here:
Unfucking Progesterone and Estrogen in Perimenopause — Demystifying HRT, hormones, and ways to NOT feel like shit in perimenopause.
Fatigue, Brain Fog, Hair Loss and Weight Gain — Is it perimenopause, or is it your bitchy little thyroid?
If you’re thinking of becoming a subscriber:
If you become a subscriber I will personally show up at your home, wrap you in a blankie, and give you a kiss on the forehead.
Oh, and I don’t do paywalls.
Thank you, and (hopefully) see you around!
You’re a good egg. I don’t care what everyone else says.
I adore your irreverent writing style, Denise! And definitely feel seen by your perimenopause related content. I'm too overwhelmed to argue with my GP about hormone testing (they already said it's not necessary/relevant..) but I am seeing a naturopath who has been somewhat helpful (someone just listening and not judging is already helpful tbh). Funnily enough I had just read your post where you talk (amongst other things) about the importance of zinc when I went to see her, and she was like "you should take this zinc supplement".
If you become a subscriber I will personally show up at your home, wrap you in a blankie, and give you a kiss on the forehead.
I did, but you didn't. 🤨