By: Jessica Quintanilla-Jackson Photos courtesy of Jessica Quintanilla-Jackson
I was born and raised in the Sparkling City by the Sea. I was gone for almost 20 years, but I’m oh, so happy to be back. I’m a mom, wife, and a small business owner. Betty & June is a clothing and accessories, cool finds boutique. We have two stores, one in West Texas (Abilene), and our most recent here in CC. We’re pumped to celebrate our one-year anniversary here, and the Abilene location turned 11 in April. I am mom to a 6-year-old and 14-year-old, and we also just added a puppy to the family … what were we thinking? Add in the day-to-day work of running two small businesses, and making time for self-care wasn’t easy.
I came to the realization that everyone has a busy life, whatever it may be, but if I didn’t schedule time for myself, it wasn’t ever going to happen. Now I schedule my self-care like a doctor’s appointment. It’s happening for me and just me! Whether it’s taking a yoga class or listening to a murder podcast – yes, that’s relaxing to me, my bedtime stories – I schedule it and I haven’t missed an “appointment” yet.
Cooking for me encompasses all things wellness, lifestyle, and self-care. It’s probably my No. 1 go-to for my mental health/wellness. If I’m feeling stressed or overwhelmed, the act of cooking will always give me the mental reset I need. I love feeding people; using fresh, seasonal ingredients to feed my friends and family is important to me. Food that is healing for you, but also has just the right amount of comfort, that’s my jam! @halfbakedharvest recipes are my go-to.
Wellness and self-care are incredibly important to just living life. Being consistent for me makes me a good mom and wife, a level-headed boss, supporter, leader at work, just an overall good human. Aside from that, I have a few tricks and tips that never fail in my self-care time.
Products:
Matcha Konomi
First things first: This ritual starts my morning. From mixing with the bamboo whisk to the final pour, it’s what I need to get my day going on the right path.
ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
This is my latest obsession in the tinted SPF world. It’s weightless, and your skin looks perfectly luminous. It leaves your skin dewy and feeling hydrated. This is a must-have for South Texas living!
Lancome Defenicils mascara
I’ve been using this mascara since I was a tween. If you’re looking for a mascara that has absolutely no fallout, lengthens, and thickens, look no further. I’ve tried so many others, and this is always what I go back to!
Saint Jane The C Drops
For that glowy, radiant skin. This serum is brilliant, it combines the power of Vitamin C (20 percent) with 500 mg of CBD that calms and soothes the skin. Apply it before your moisturizer, this serum is next-level.
Drunk Elephant C-Tango Vitamin C eye cream
My mama always told me, “Don’t skimp on your eye cream!” This is rich without feeling heavy. It contains five forms of Vitamin C for brightening and firming. It’s one of my favorite Drunk Elephant products. I like to invest in products that stay on my skin. Products like facial cleanser that you instantly wash off your skin? Don’t spend a ton on that.
Laneige lip treatment balm
A pearlescent lip treatment that smoothes lines and boosts the look of fullness. It feels so refreshing, and I love the stick applicator that attaches to the lid.
Not Pot CBD bath soak
The smell: heavenly. This sleep-inducing bath soak is a must-try if you’re a bath person. Packed with 300mg of CBD and lavender essential oil. Preps your mind and body for the best night of sleep. Bonus: You can snag a bag at Betty&June.
Harkness Yoga
Lacy is the absolute best. As soon as I walk in those doors, I feel relaxed, body and mind. She provides great instruction for a better understanding of each move and what body parts you’re engaging. I leave sweaty, feeling accomplished, and ready to tackle the rest of my day!
