CALM IS THE STRATEGY
SERIOUS PRODUCTS FOR THE WELLNESS_ SKEPTIC
Living with sensitive skin and overlapping connective tissue disease means I’ve tried almost everything and returned most of it. These are the few that survived my hypercritical Gen-X judgment.
Costa Brazil Sal De Banho Bath Salts
Costa Brazil Kaya Jungle Firming Oil
Costa Brazil Vela Candle (my holy grail)
Terns Everyday Sun Protection
Terns Mayday Intense After Sun Relief
YTP Kale Green Tea Spinach Cleanser
YTP Papaya, Vitamin C + Ginger Lactic Acid
Yellow jar of Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Mask.
Unisex Waffle Kimono Bathrobe
Rishi Premium Sachet Tea Collection
Iris Hantverk Handmade Natural Dry Brush
Thick Peruvian Alpaca Wool Throw
HAPPENING_LATELY
Lately, when my nervous system feels like it’s humming too loudly, I’ve been reaching for something unexpectedly simple: a wireless heated eye mask from Azang. Not because it fixes anything, but because warmth, for me, is one of the nicest ways to tell my body it’s allowed to relax.
Something is regulating the gentle heat around the eyes. It eases the strain I carry there from screens, stress, crying, and sleepless nights.
What surprised me most is how much I use it because it’s cordless. On the couch. In bed. Even in a hotel room, when my mind refuses to power down before my body does. No wires, no fuss, just warmth where I need it. Find yours here.
Partnered with Azang. My thoughts are my own.
BREAK THE_FOG
I’m not here to sell you “limitless energy” or a new personality. I’m here to talk about NeuroGum because sometimes your mind feels like it’s buffering, and another drink or capsule sounds well… deeply unappealing.
NeuroGum is a functional gum and mint made with natural caffeine, L-theanine, and B-vitamins (B6 & B12) a blend meant to support alertness and focus without the dramatic spike-and-vanish.
What I actually appreciate most is: No cup. No shaker. No pill. Just something small and portable that fits into real life: between calls, in the car, mid-afternoon when your brain quietly slips into airplane mode. It’s also vegan, sugar-free, and aspartame-free, which matters when your body has opinions about ingredients and isn’t shy about sharing them.
NeuroGum has become one of those low-drama supports I reach for when the fog rolls in but a nap is not, unfortunately, on the schedule. Try it here.
Partnered with Neuro. My thoughts are my own.
SUPERFOOD
FOR_SKIN
Sensitive skin. Connective tissue disease. A lifetime of products that either strip, sting, or pretend they care. This cleanser survived my scrutiny. Thanks to my niece, Elizabeth, for introducing me to Youth To The People’s Superfood Cleanser! A gel-to-foam with kale, spinach, and green tea, basically green juice for your face, without smelling like the actual juice. It cleans. It lifts makeup. It rinses away city grime. And it doesn’t scream at your skin while doing it. It’s balanced, vegan, and made without parabens, sulfates, or phthalates which, yes, matters when your skin has opinions louder than most people.
Why it lives in my routine: Because real self-care isn’t about glow or gimmicks. It’s about keeping what you’ve got intact, calm, and quietly defiant. I love using this to wipe away the day. Find it here.