Birdie
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May 28, 2025

May 28, 2025

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In this week’s Birdie, we're spilling the tea (literally—iced and migraine-fighting) on how breakfast might double as SPF, why perfectionism is out, and the unlikely McDonald’s order moms are swearing by for headache relief. Plus, the mom squad holidays you didn’t know you needed in June, an influencer worth your scroll, and the wildest thing a pregnant news anchor did mid-broadcast.

TL;DR: Eat tomatoes, ditch toxic positivity, and maybe keep a Coke and fries on standby. Let’s go. 💪

EARLY MORNING LINKS

🏃‍♀️ Turns out there's a scientifically perfect time to sweat if you actually want to sleep tonight (and it's not when you think).

📱 This one parenting hack will end screen time meltdowns forever — and it's so obvious you'll wonder why you never tried it.

👗 Old Navy's secret new wedding guest line is under $65 and giving expensive brands a run for their money.

🥥 Plot twist: That "superfood" coconut oil in your pantry might be sabotaging your health goals.

🥩 The grill mark secrets steakhouse chefs don't want you to know (spoiler: you've been doing it wrong).

🧅 Physics just solved the crying-while-chopping-onions problem and the solution is surprisingly simple.

💭 Scientists finally figured out why some people remember every weird dream while others wake up blank — and it's not what you'd expect.

WELLNESS

Breakfast is your new SPF.

Plot twist: sunscreen starts at the kitchen table

The science: Your skin has its own internal clock that repairs UV damage better when you eat at normal times (not 11 PM cereal runs). Plus, certain foods literally act like edible sunblock.

The heavy hitters:

Tomatoes & watermelon → Natural SPF courtesy of lycopene
Blueberries & sweet potatoes → Antioxidant armor against free radicals
Salmon & almonds → Omega-3s for inflammation control
Green tea & coffee → 4+ cups daily = 20% less skin cancer risk

The catch: It takes 2-10 weeks of consistent eating to build up protection. Think of it as a summer skincare investment, not a beach day miracle.

Reality check: This isn't permission to skip actual sunscreen. Consider food your backup dancer, not your headliner.

Avoid: Grapefruit binges (3+ times/week increases melanoma risk for some people). Because of course the delicious stuff has a catch.

Bottom line: Add these to your morning smoothie routine and let your skin thank you in August.

HEALTH

Permission to be perfectly imperfect.

Do you get so focused on nailing something that you can't enjoy doing it? Feel like if you can't give 110%, why bother? Congrats, you might be a recovering perfectionist.

The trap: Perfectionism masquerades as high standards but it's actually rooted in fear of failure and harsh self-judgment. You end up being your own worst critic instead of your biggest cheerleader.

The cost: All-or-nothing thinking, defensive reactions to feedback, and missing out on the fun parts of life because you're laser-focused on flawless outcomes.

The plot twist: Perfectionism is literally a made-up construct. Which means you can unmake it.

Your new mantras:

"No one is perfect" (yes, even that mom with the Pinterest-worthy lunch boxes)
"Progress over perfection"
"Good enough is good enough"

Try this week:

Do something imperfectly on purpose (messy art project, anyone?)
Celebrate effort over outcome
Interrupt negative self-talk with one kind thing about yourself

Bottom line: High achievers enjoy the journey. Perfectionists white-knuckle through it. Choose joy over judgment.

Splurge on your trip, not your travel wardrobe

Quince believes that quality should never be a luxury, with premium apparel, accessories, and luggage all priced at 50-80% less than similar brands. Think European linen looks, organic cotton dresses, and top-grain Italian leather accessories at affordable prices. Quince cuts out the cost of the middleman with a factory-direct model that passes the savings onto you. And they only work with top-rated factories that use safe, ethical, and responsible manufacturing practices.

Ready to upgrade your vacation style? Check out the 2025 Resort Collection.

SHOP NOW

The McDonald’s Combo That Could Zap Your Migraine

Some swear by the “McMigraine meal” — a large fries + Coke — as a fast-food fix for migraine pain. While it’s not a cure-all, the salt, sugar, and caffeine combo has some science behind it.

See what the experts think →

SNIPPETS

The FDA just approved the first at-home cervical cancer test that's as accurate as your doctor's office — and 86% of women say they'd actually keep up with screenings if they could skip the stirrups.

The iconic Southern drawl is quietly disappearing from Atlanta, New Orleans, and Raleigh as transplants flood in — and linguists are documenting the cultural shift in real time.

A pregnant news anchor's water broke moments before going live, then she calmly delivered a 3-hour morning show while timing contractions on air — because journalism waits for no one.

DID YOU KNOW? The longest word in most English dictionaries has 45 letters and sounds like a sneeze. Find out what it actually means →

INFLUENCER HIGHLIGHT

The neuroscientist calling BS on "just think positive"

Why you need her: This isn't your typical wellness influencer preaching toxic positivity. Dr. Leaf (850K+ followers) actually wants you to feel your uncomfortable feelings instead of suppressing them. Her hot take? That "bad" emotions need to be embraced, processed, and reconceptualized—not shoved down with a smile. If you're tired of being told to "stay positive" when life is messy, her content hits different.

Follow @drcarolineleaf for real talk on mental health management

CALENDAR

June 1 – Global Day of Parents
Why You’ll Love It: You’re the main character.
Try This: Write yourself a thank-you note or plan a low-key family gratitude night.
Celebrate You →

June 8 – National Best Friends Day
Why You’ll Love It: Your mom squad = lifeline.
Try This: Send a meme, grab coffee, or plan a wine night (virtual counts).
Mom Friend Date Ideas →

June 10 – National Iced Tea Day
Why You’ll Love It: Caffeine + calm = magic.
Try This: Set up a DIY iced tea bar or host a post-bedtime “tea & talk.”
Tea Time Inspo →

June 15 – Father’s Day
Why You’ll Love It: Kid-made gifts = heart-melters.
Try This: Help your little one craft something sweet for Dad.
DIY Dad Gifts →

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