By: Jennifer Nesmith Photos by: Lillian Reitz
As I’ve grown out of the early stages of motherhood and now have a little more time on my hands, I’ve become a huge fan of taking care of myself.
Topping my self-care list: exercise. For the last 7 years, I’ve started my weekdays by waking up before my kids to exercise. Exercise is my unprescribed medication and helps keep me sane. In the gym (and on the dance floor) is where I turn into a unicorn. I take all my aggression out on the treadmill and rower and feel a million times better about life, after. Added bonus; my kids get the very best of me when they first wake up.
Another top self-care priority: sleep. I literally can’t be a kind and compassionate human being without sleep. A minimum 7 hours of sleep every night gives me life.
A few other practices I’ve picked up recently are meditation and yoga. Kundalini, Buti, Vin Yin, and Restorative Yoga are all different types of yoga that have given me the space to heal mentally and emotionally. Akasha and Waterdog Yoga are two of my favorite local spots to practice yoga and meditation.
In addition to the aforementioned, daily prayer and my devotional is a must as they both help me maintain a deep sense of gratitude and peace every day of my life. When all these things are in order, I feel limitless and unstoppable.
To all the new and seasoned mamas, there is nothing like taking a moment to yourself before your kids wake up. Even if you don’t exercise, wake up before they do and enjoy the peace and quiet and see how much better you are because of it. It’s life-changing.
While beauty products are fun and of great importance to me, when my soul, my head and my heart are unsettled, I.just.can’t. I can’t be a good mom, a good friend, or a good human. This is why my moments of self-care are a must. Once you check the mind, body, soul box … bring on all of the beauty products.
There’s so much out there, how in the world are we supposed to choose just a few things that work for our skin/hair type? Well, you’re in for a treat: I’ve found a few things that have worked for me and I hope you can find use in them, too.
Supergoop Glow Screen
Supergoop Glow Screen is a tinted sunscreen that leaves behind a subtle and lightweight iridescent glow. Vegan and cruelty-free, Supergoop is a hybrid illuminator/sunscreen and primer that leaves your skin looking dewy and radiant. Y’all, this is seriously my favorite!
Available at Supergoop!
Moroccan Miracle
This anti-frizz healing oil comes straight from the local salon Atelier’s line of products. Gluten-, paraben-, and petrochem-free, a little bit goes a very long way and can be used throughout the process of straightening your hair. From blow drying to the finish, this one’s got you covered.
Available at Atelier Salon
Jane Iredale
I love all things Jane Iredale. 100% vegan and always cruelty free, this is always my go-to for a night out with friends. I mix the Jane Iredale Glow time with their Dream Tint tinted moisturized and their Smooth Affair Facial Primer and Brightener. Full coverage, lots of glow and gentle on your skin.
Available at Skincare Butik
Alabaster Flask Body Lotion
Imagine kindness poured into your skin and the skin of your loved ones to heal, nourish, energize, protect, and empower your skin. This is the kindness from nature with all pure, 100% natural, organic ingredients contained in Alabaster Flask. This product leaves my skin feeling buttery soft and smelling so fresh and clean. Look for Alabaster Flask on Facebook.
Available at Alabaster Flask
Aquaphor
After filling in my eyebrows with a bit of color, I apply Aquaphor so they appear natural. I also use Aquaphor on my lips as a lip gloss and on my kids’ cuts, scrapes, and burns. I always have this one on hand as it could be used in so many ways.
Available at H-E-B
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
This vitamin C serum leaves my skin looking and feeling both smooth and hydrated. After using this product for some time, my skin tone appears more even and my fine lines are not as noticeable. A little of this stuff goes a long way! I highly encourage using this product daily.
Available at Skin Ceuticals
