The skincare trick my mom hid from me 😱✨

Hi friends! ☕️ 

This past week, things actually felt smooth…for a second.

And then—wham—life had other plans. 💫 

Between work deadlines, kids, and packing for a family trip (seriously, am I packing or moving to a different country?!), it’s been a whirlwind.

My skin? Tired.
My closet? Overflowing.
My brain? All over the place.

So…I’ve been sticking to what works: my mama’s skincare secrets to save my tired skin, clearing out clutter like my life depends on it and reminding myself to celebrate the wins, even if life’s a hot mess.

Oh, and let’s talk about those moments when you feel off track in life—and how changing that mindset has been my secret sauce for growth lately.

More on that later… 😉

My mom’s skincare secrets you NEED to know…

There’s just something about my mom’s skincare tips—they never fail me.

Especially in the colder months 🥶, when my skin needs extra love, I always go back to her advice.

These simple, no-fuss tricks make my skin soft, hydrated, and glowing every time.

Here’s how I’ve been adding her wisdom to my routine:

1. Powder to Double Cleanse ✨
   My mom always starts with a cleansing balm to melt away makeup, followed by a powder cleanser for a gentle exfoliation. It leaves your skin soft, clean, and perfectly hydrated—like a mini spa moment!
   
   

2. Rice Water Wash 🍚
   “Never waste rice water,” she says—and now I get it. It’s packed with antioxidants and vitamins to brighten and soften your skin. Just soak rice, strain the water, and rinse. Easy and effective!
   
   

3. Ginseng Serum 🌿
   This “magic potion” is her secret to glowing skin. It’s a collagen-boosting, anti-inflammatory powerhouse that keeps your skin plump, youthful, and energized.
   
   

4. Vitamin E Capsules 💊
   She hid this one from me (or just forgot to tell me 😂) but when she did, I thought she’d lost it. Cutting open Vitamin E gels and rubbing the oil on her face? For wrinkles, scars, and even psoriasis? Turns out, she’s not crazy—she’s a genius. And way cheaper than fancy creams.
   
   

5. Use a Brush, Never Hands 🖌️
   Mom never washes her face with her hands. She’s been using this cleansing brush since I was a teen! It’s cleaner, gentler, and gets deeper into those pores for a flawless finish.
   

Her motto? “Skincare doesn’t have to be complicated—just consistent.” And as always, she’s absolutely right. 🫶

Out with the old…and in with the NEW!

Lately, I’ve been decluttering like my sanity depends on it. (Spoiler: It kind of does. 🙃)

Here’s the deal: If I haven’t worn it in six months, it’s going straight to donation. Because let’s be honest—if I haven’t touched it by now, I’m not going to start.

Decluttering doesn’t just clear your space—it clears your mind, too.

Here’s what’s been actually working for me:

The 12-12-12 Rule 🏡

Find 12 items to toss, 12 to donate, and 12 to put back where they belong.
It’s quick, satisfying, and makes a noticeable difference without feeling overwhelming.

Reverse Hanger Trick 👗

Hang all your clothes with the hangers facing backward. After you wear something, turn the hanger the right way. After six months, whatever’s still backward clearly isn’t making the cut.

Ask the "Would I Buy This Again?" Question 💸

Hold each item and ask yourself, “If I saw this in a store right now, would I buy it?” If the answer is no, it’s time to say goodbye.

Declutter by Category 📦

Instead of going room by room, tackle one category at a time—like clothes, books, or beauty products. It’s less overwhelming and helps you focus on what’s worth keeping.

The Box Test 📤

Pack up items you think you don’t need but aren’t sure about. If you don’t miss them after a month, donate the whole box without even opening it.

Celebrating the wins (even when it’s hard)

Life has its ups and downs, doesn’t it?

TBH, the start of this year felt slow. I had zero motivation for new projects and felt like everything I’d built over the last decade had just…stalled. 🛑 

Having two kids definitely shifted things for me. I felt like I wasn’t giving 100% to anything. I was just getting by, trying to make things work, but nothing really stuck.

Here’s the thing: Even when you love what you do, there are going to be times when it feels off.

It’s SO easy to fall into self-doubt, thinking…

“Everyone else is doing better than me.”

“Why am I even trying?”

“I’m just not good enough”

But that’s just not true.

Fast forward six months, and things started to turn around. Whether it was the universe sending me a sign or just finally hitting my stride, things began falling into place.

If you’ve ever felt like you’ve missed an opportunity, take it as a sign that it wasn’t meant for you—because you were meant for something better.

When I started this newsletter, I had 0 readers and thought, “No one’s going to care about this.” But journaling has always been my thing, and it felt like the most natural way to connect with you on a deeper level.

The first few months were rough (hello, crickets 🦗), but now?

We’ve grown to over 15K readers, and I couldn’t be more grateful. 🙏 

You’ve shown up, supported me, and honestly? You’ve become my unofficial therapists. 😂 So, thank you.

Thank you for being here, for reading, and for taking a moment out of your busy lives each week to share this space with me. It means more than you know.

See you next week. 💖 

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xo Jen

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