June 25, 2025

Summer's here, which means your kids want snacks every 3 minutes, your grocery bill is out of control, and someone's asking if you're "swimsuit ready" (nobody is).

We've got cart hacks that actually work, why body neutrality beats summer body pressure, bougie baby names taking over playgrounds, paint that sweats to cool your house, and an 88-year-old mom who just got her diploma after 65 years (and the reason will make you furious).

TL;DR: Grocery savings, body peace, wild baby names, and sweet justice. Let's go. ⬇️

AROUND THE WEB

💙 This therapist's kindness trick beats anxiety better than scrolling (research-backed).

🤧 Finally! Games that make nose-blowing fun instead of a toddler meltdown fest.

🎯 The "talking behind your kid's back" trend that builds confidence (child psychiatrists approve).

❤️ 60 questions that turn your parents from "mom and dad" into actual humans.

⚠️ 7 supplements doctors say to ditch ASAP (yes, even the "natural" ones).

GROCERIES

Cart hacks that work.

Food costs are climbing faster than your toddler on a playground, and families are feeling the squeeze. But before you resort to a diet of ramen and hope, we've got intel from the pros on how to cut your grocery bill without sacrificing nutrition (or your sanity).

THE INTEL: Registered dietitians and money-saving experts dropped some serious knowledge bombs. Here's what actually works:

FROZEN > FRESH (SOMETIMES). That bag of frozen broccoli isn't the consolation prize — it's often picked at peak ripeness and flash-frozen, retaining all the good stuff for way less cash. Plus, no guilt when it doesn't go bad in three days.

BATCH COOKING IS YOUR FRIEND. Make a giant pot of chili on Sunday, freeze portions, and boom — you've got dinner sorted for those chaotic weeknights when everyone's hangry and you can't think straight.

YOUR RECEIPTS ARE YOUR FRIEND. Apps like Fetch turn those crumpled grocery receipts into gift cards. It's like finding money in your pocket, except you actually have to take a photo first.

SKIP ORGANIC STRATEGICALLY. The "Clean 15" (mangos, avocados, mushrooms) are fine without the organic markup. Save that premium for the "Dirty Dozen" where it actually matters.

AI IS YOUR NEW SOUS CHEF. Stuck with random ingredients? Ask ChatGPT what to do with that acorn squash, feta, and leftover sausage. It's like having a chef who never judges your weird pantry combos.

THE BOTTOM LINE: Small changes add up. Reverse meal planning (shop the sales first, plan meals second) and keeping a list of restaurant deals for exhausted nights can save hundreds over time. Your future self — and your bank account — will thank you.

WELLNESS

Shorts season survival.

Shorts season is here, and suddenly everyone's talking about "summer bodies" while you're just trying to find a swimsuit that doesn't make you want to hide under a beach umbrella. Over 91% of women struggle with body image, so if you're feeling some type of way about showing more skin, you're definitely not alone.

THE REALITY CHECK: That "perfect summer body" standard? Less than 5% of women naturally have it. So basically, we're all comparing ourselves to something that's statistically impossible for most of us. Cool, cool, very helpful, society.

ENTER BODY NEUTRALITY: Instead of forcing yourself to "love" every inch (because let's be honest, some days that feels impossible), body neutrality says your body is just... your body. It's the vessel that gets you through life, not a Pinterest board that needs constant optimization.

THE GAME PLAN: First, practice some self-compassion. You know that voice in your head critiquing your thighs? Talk to yourself like you would your best friend — with actual kindness. Second, buy clothes that fit your body right now, not the body you had in 2019 or hope to have by Labor Day. Your mental health will thank you.

THE MINDSET SHIFT: Focus on what your body does instead of how it looks. Those legs carried you through Target without a cart breakdown. Your arms hugged your kids 47 times today. Your core held you upright during that Zoom call where you definitely weren't wearing pants.

THE BOTTOM LINE: Your worth isn't measured by how you look in a bikini. Your body is working hard to keep you alive and functional — maybe it's time to give it some credit instead of criticism.

JULY

Happy 4th!

🇺🇸 July 4 – Independence Day
The one day your kids wear patriotic colors without a meltdown. Crafts that won't end in tears

🛒 July 8-11 – Amazon Prime Days
Four days of 2 AM cart therapy. Make your list now or regret it later. Early deals here

🧼 July 15 – Clean Beauty Day
Time to toss that 2019 foundation and pretend you'll start a skincare routine. Actually good products

🍦 July 21 – Ice Cream Day
Every day is ice cream day in summer, but on this day it's official. Make your own or just buy your favorite pint at the store.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 July 24 – Cousins Day
Celebrate the kids who eat your snacks but have the best dirt on your children. Cousin camp ideas

🍑 July 27 – Refreshment Day
Official permission for that 3 PM iced coffee and post-bedtime cocktail. Fancy drink recipes

Millennial moms are naming babies after '90s pop stars and luxury brands and the names will shock you. Britney jumped 1,200+ spots, Shania rose 800+, and parents are literally naming kids Cash, Manolo, and Lux (as in luxury). Your kid's kindergarten class is about to sound like a celebrity guest list.

SNIPPETS

This "sweating" paint could slash your AC bill by 40% — and it's not even available yet (but when it is, your electric company will hate it).

Prime members can basically get free Grubhub delivery right now with this sneaky code that works until July 7.

This mom counted how many times her kids said "mum" in one day — the number will validate your entire existence.

88-year-old mom just got her diploma after waiting 65 years and the reason why will make you furious. Joan Alexander was kicked out of college in 1959 for being pregnant (because apparently babies and books don't mix?). Her daughter finally fought back, and now Joan's officially the oldest graduate in University of Maine history. The university's response? "Oops, you actually did meet all the requirements." Better late than never, we guess.

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✨ Annalee and Karin ✨

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