I never thought I'd use this emoji...

It’s real and it’s alive and it’s here.

I googled “back to school stress” and got “Here’s what to do for your kid’s mental health.” 😑

Internet, I meant me! So, I closed the browser and was reminded of a line from my fav frenchman:

It’s real, ya’ll. But the back-to-school madness doesn’t have to steal our peace (just maybe my money).

Now, onto the good stuff. Today’s issue:

• Marriage: 80 year Couple Goalz

• Women’s Health: On why # 2 should be # 1💩

• Makeup: Don’t lash out

• Fashion: Fall trends like you- classic and unfussy

• Meals: Dinner rut no more

MARRIAGE: Rocking chairs, holding hands, gray hair. Growing old together is the goal for most marriages, but, at least at first, it’s a lot of growing up together. And when the illness and tragedy come, it’s mostly about suffering well together. Though we aren’t quite sure what that looks like, this couple does. And they sure are cute.

ADVICE FROM OTHER LOVE BOATS. 😂

FALL SHOES: Put a little prep in your step. This fall, we’re eyeing classic North Eastern preppy shoewear. The good news? There’s something timeless for everyone’s tastes. The bad news? Too many choices. 😍

First, we’ve got our sweet Mary Janes. Go fancy or funky, or just plain pretty. Next up: loafers. These polished and smart gorgeous loafers will make anyone green with envy. Pair a chunkier version with a feminine skirt for a contrasting look. Last on the list are riding boots. A little structure elevates your whole look. Invest in a too-pretty-to-be-waterproof boot, a classic leather boot, or a well-priced color block boot.

Don’t forget the tootsies. Socks are still in. Pair any of the above with rip-resistant hoisery, a frilly sock, or a cable-knit knee-highs.

GUT HEALTH: Feeling full? You’re not alone. More women than men suffer from constipation. Chalk it up to a longer and more tortuous colon than men, more stress, and more hemorrhoids. Why in the world are we talking about bowel movements?🙊 Because they aren’t talked about enough. Going frenquently—without laxatives—is not only a sign of good gut health, but also a sign of good hormone health. But what exactly defines constipation? Most docs say having a BM less than 3 times a week. But Dr. Sara Gottfried says anything less than once a day needs to be addressed. If you’re doing all the normal things- like adding a magnesium supplement, drinking plenty of water, eating high-fiber foods, and exercising- it may be time to retrain your bowels.

THIS WILL BLOW YOUR🧠

MAKEUP: Brown is the new Black.🤎 Embrace that warm, almost-fall look with brown mascara. Black will always make your eyes pop, but if you need a change, why not reach for a chocolate shade? Brown mascara draws attention to your eyes without looking like you’re trying too hard. We love this drug-store pick, this Mink Brown to lengthen, this Burt’s for a non-toxic choice.

CAN THE CLUMP 🕷

• Fall-ify your house- a checklist. 🪜

• There’s a new “Nutcracker” van down by the river…and it’s making us cross our legs.

• “Fall starts, essentially, when Starbuck tells us it does.”- a thoughtful piece

• 2024’s Color of the Year

• Made for Greatness?

THURSDAY: Spicy Sesame Pork Soup with Noodles

FRIDAY: Veggie Sushi Bowls

SATURDAY: Keep it simple with 5 ingredients Gingery Ground Beef over rice

SUNDAY: Brunch! Farmer’s Market Frittata

MONDAY: Rosemary Peach Chicken in a white wine sauce
TUESDAY: Birrria Tacos 

WEDNESDAY: Harvest Salad and Roasted Chicken

Here’s hoping that you all have a lovely start of your school year! See you next week,