From chaos to calm ...

Good Morning, ladies! It’s Holy Saturday. Christ is in the tomb — all is now quiet and still (except my 3-year old). In today’s issue:

• Three must-haves for any skincare routine.

• Trendy words are cringe, we know — but we have some self-care ideas for you. And reasons why self-care is okay. 😘

• The experts have finally fessed up … no “population bomb” is coming.

• Your weekly meal plan.

• Subway Tile has got some competition.

• And — with humility — some marriage advice.

SKINCARE: At the end of a long day, the LAST thing I want to do is a 10-step skincare routine … But, if it’s just 3 steps, then … count me in! So, here it is — the trifecta of skincare: exfoliate, moisturize, and serum!

First, to alleviate acne, brighten, and for even skin texture — exfoliate: start with two nights a week and use an exfoliant suited to your skin. For sensitive skin, this gentle exfoliant will give you smooth, even skin. Is your skin oily? Try a physical exfoliator. This cult classic is for the acne prone. Dry skin and need brightening and a dewy look? Try this good genes option. And this one for my gals who like to keep it au natural. 😘

Next up: serum. It’s like that one child who always does what you ask! The glassy skin result from this one is 😍 (plus it's great for all skin types!). Here one for fine lines (love this brand!). Acne prone? Try this affordable option. And for a budget pick, go with the Ordinary hyaluronic acid hydratic serum (all of their products are solid and affordable).

Finally: moisturize. 💦 This product has achieved cult status and 28,000 reviews on Amazon. This moisturizer is the best bang for your buck. For really dry skin, try this — it works wonders. And for sensitive skin, this is the go to.

MARRIAGE: Ever heard of Offensive Marriage? The institution is suffering and is under attack. You know it. We know it. So, what do we do? 🤔 We need to go on offense (and stop playing defense), but how? By putting in the work in our own. 👊🏼 Wisdom is earned. Here’s a few earned pearls of wisdom from our sixteen years of L-O-V-E.

Four “Do’s”:

1. Assume the best of intentions of your spouse (his intentions, his sacrifice, his time management, his self knowledge, his love of you).

2. Greet him with a smile, hug, and a kiss. Let your eyes sparkle. Every time. And teach your kids to do the same.

3. Give him freedom of time with good friends and wholesome hobbies without resentment.

4. Keep the whimsy: play, adventure, flirt, explore, laugh.

Four Don’ts

1. Don’t fight dirty (e.g. don’t bring up past grievances).

2. Don’t leave him the scraps … of your love, your time, your energy or (literally) of the food!

3. Don’t love him the way that’s easiest for you; learn his love language and love him there.

4. Don’t forget manners — please, thank you, and excuse me keep a baseline good attitude even when busy and struggling.

Are you married — 5 years or 50? You’ve learned something! Hit “reply” below and share your favorite “Dos” and “Don’ts” with us!

WARDROBE WOES: Need to get out of a wardrobe rut, and fast? Thinking about spring and summer outfits? Look no further than Meghan Ashley Styling. Meghan focuses on figure-flattering, feminine and price-conscious style. She has a bunch of freebies on her blog (like a closet checklist), a "Style Club” membership that includes individual Facetime calls, personal texting, and personalized help putting together a wardrobe for your body type, skin tone, and budget. Her email list is great, too. Definitely getting out of my fashion trench with her suggestions.

SELF-CARE: Does that word make you cringe? Me too. The term “self-care” feels like a slippery slope to self-indulgence … but one wise mother—Kimberly Hahn— argues (from a biblical standpoint) that a well-ordered life follows this pattern: Prayer, Person, Partner, Parent, Provider, Periphery. Yes, I said that right. Kimberly Hahn says to prioritize “Person” (i.e. “who you are”) over your husband … and children! She says that “self care is not self-ish,” it’s actually the “antidote to selfishness.”

Here’s a list of self-care ideas to get you started:

• Prayer and morning Mass.

• An early solo hike with new boots (which I have and love).

• Coffee and a walk with girlfriends.

• Quick SOLO trip to the art museum or library.

• A cat nap with this eye mask.

• Cook or order your favorite takeout.

• A holy hour of prayer with a new journal.

• A little spa day in your own bathroom: Pamper your hair and put on your favorite robe. Exfoliate your whole body then moisturize. And finish with a self tan. This is a favorite and comes in multiple shades.

Remember, a restored and refreshed woman makes an amazing wife and mother.

• Look out subway tile! This kitchen’s not big enough for the both of us. 🤠 

• The long-feared population bomb isn’t going to happen. Can we quit with the scare-mongering?

• Ideas to resurrect your Easter Table this year (Number 5 & 9😍).

• Coffee habits for better hormone health.

• Every cinammon cereal was blind taste-tested — can anything beat Cinnamon Toast Crunch? Find out and buy the winner (which has 12 grams of sugar per service, surprise surprise) for your kids!

“If your diet, work, and thoughts flow from what everybody else eats, does and thinks or what modern society advocates for you, you’ll end up nutritionally, financially, and morally bankrupt.” - Mr6am

• MONDAY: For Easter Monday dinner have your Easter leftovers — ham, scalloped potatoes, green beans — you know the drill. Or, make this Easter ham pie with the leftover ham!

• TUESDAY: This green chile chicken is loaded with flavor and is a fantastic keto meal. Serve it with a side salad.

• WEDNESDAY: Keep the Easter octave feast going with this pepper steak stir fry. It’s a one-pan crowd pleaser, especially served over rice or noodles!

• THURSDAY: These barbacoa tostadas are easy, customizable, and will take your taco game to a new level.

• FRIDAY: No need to avoid meat on the Friday of the Easter octave — instead, go for this sausage pesto pasta with roasted vegetables.

• SATURDAY: In 20 minutes, you’ll have a delicious korean ground beef

  skillet. Try this asian cucumber salad on the side.

• SUNDAY: It’s Divine Mercy Sunday (or Low Sunday on the old calendar). If you’re anything like us — Sunday is for red sauce and pasta. Try this baked ziti with sausage — it’s delicious.

Thinking of you, girls! Have a great rest of your weekend! 😘

We got 12 referrals on Wednesday and gave out 2 meal plans, a curated art collection, and are close to giving away our first Mrs6am mug! You guys are awesome! And, please, give us some feedback below — we want to keep improving and this newsletter is for you!