My mom was right (again) 😅

Hi beautiful,

I missed last week because the long weekend came for me HARD.

It was 28 degrees, no school, and my kids were home for four chaotic days…

Picture me: sweating, swearing, and rethinking everything I ever said about “loving summer.” ☀️😅

But here’s the thing…

Somewhere between the tantrums and the sweat, I had a moment.

So this week, I’m spilling everything:

🔥 My go-to summer skin tricks that survived the heat
🧖‍♀️ The weird-but-genius feminine rituals my mom made me do
🍷 And how a backyard BBQ became my therapy

More on that one later…

I’m sweaty, but still cute. 😎 

I’m not built for summer sweat…like at all 🥵 

So I’ve been leaning hard on products that don’t melt, clog, or make me look like a glazed ham by noon.

These five are saving me right now and honestly, I’ll cry if they get discontinued.

1. I start the morning with the most cushiony, soft clean cleanser that makes my face feel clean but still bouncy, then swipe on this brightening pad that feels like a 30-second facial—so good it actually makes me look like I slept (even if I didn’t).
   💡 Tip: I keep the brighteing pads in the fridge—instant wake-up when the kids start yelling at 6:30am.
   

2. I’ve tried so many dark spot serums, but this B3 niacinimade serum plus the dreamiest HPN peptide cream finally made my sun spots fade without irritation. It layers under makeup and doesn’t ball up (IYKYK).
   💡 Tip: Use this at night when no one’s bugging you and you can actually enjoy your routine.
   

3. My skin is sensitive AF so most vitamin C makes me sting or turn red—but not this 25% vitamin c serum. It goes on like water and somehow gives me that lit-from-within glow. I top it with this Korean no-stress sunscreen that never pills and makes me feel like I have k-drama main character skin.
   💡 Tip: Vitamin C and sunscreen go well together!
   

4. My mom swears by this power duo—a silky power-serum and a velvety eye concentrate that’s basically skincare magic in a bottle. I finally gave in (because, of course, moms are always right) and my skin has been so calm and smooth ever since.
   💡 Tip: Press it in with your palms, don’t swipe. My mom always says it's like giving your skin a hug.
   

5. The only reason I look put together after daycare pickup is because of this vitamin enriched moisturizer + primer (a multi-tasker I love for glow) and this soft matte pink lippie in color B101 that stays on all day and won’t make my teeth look yellow. Watch this swatch!

Feminine rituals (my mom taught me) 🚺️ 

I used to roll my eyes when my mom would say stuff like “your armpits need to breathe” 🙄 

…but now? I get it.

I’ve officially become her. And honestly? I’ve never felt better.

1. She always told me never to wear anything that leaves a mark. So I ditched my wired bras and got this buttery-soft one that feels like I’m wearing nothing. And I’ve been living in this matching loungewear set that’s comfy and cute if I have to answer the door.
   💡 Tip: If you’re sighing in relief when you take it off—it’s too tight.
   

2. “Let it breathe” was her motto—and she meant everything. My skin, my feet, even down there. So now I build in naked time, skincare-free time, and don’t even get me started on skipping polish for nail recovery.
   💡 Tip: Have at least one day a week with no makeup, no bra, no guilt.
   

3. I used to pop random supplements when I remembered, but now I take this essential multi-vitamin every day (to fill in any nutrient gaps) and these pre, pro + postbiotics that honestly helped my mood, gut and my skin. I swear I’m less bloated and snacky too.
   💡 Tip: I keep them by my coffee machine or I’ll forget—again.
   

4. Her signature soup is my secret weapon during my drained, tired days. It has red dates, goji berries, and Chinese yam—aka the trifecta of glowing skin and better energy. I batch it on Sundays and sip it when I’m feeling blah. Here’s a similar soup recipe you can follow!
   💡 Tip: Make a big pot and freeze portions for future-you.
   

5. My mom never quits. Even when no one claps or sees it. She always told me, “Just keep going. You don’t need to be loud, just consistent.” And that’s something I remind myself every time I want to give up.
   💡 Tip: Don’t wait to feel motivated. Start with five minutes and build from there.

Backyard therapy 🍷 

Okay, so picture this: long weekend.

Four days.
Two kids.
One slightly unhinged mom. 😵‍💫

We had no plans, and I was spiraling—until I randomly decided to host a little BBQ with our neighbours.

It was 28 degrees, the patio doors wide open, kids in the tent, wine flowing…
and for the first time in forever, I got to just sit.

Like actually sit down.
Not hover, not cut grapes, not referee.
Just sit—with my feet up, a cold glass of wine, and no one asking for snacks. 🙃

And here’s the kicker: the kids played, the adults talked, and no one had a meltdown. 👏

Last year, we couldn’t get through a single sentence without being interrupted.
This time? We had actual conversations.

We talked about life, interests, shared funny parenting stories
All with music in the background and the smell of BBQ in the air. 🎶🍔

It was the first time in a long time I felt... present.
And a little more like my pre-mom self. 💛

There’s something magic about finding your people.
Friends who get your stage of life.
Who let you vent.
Who don’t care if you show up in a messy bun, leggings or had one too many glasses. 🍷 

That kind of community makes everything feel lighter. ☁️

I left that night with a full heart, a happy glow, and a reminder that maybe I don’t need more stuff…

I just need more of this.

So here’s to summer nights, good people, and BBQs that double as therapy. ✨

See you next week.

xo Jen

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xo Jen

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