💌 tropical giveaway, decor for the bath, spring anxiety

TODAY IS FRIDAY, MAY 09

WHAT TO EXPECT

• stories: Real ID deadline, spring anxiety is real, progressive overload in workouts
• this week’s watch: the four seasons
• extra stories
• recent articles: if you want hydrated skin this spring, try these products at Target
• weekly favorites: bathroom necessities
• quote on: self growth
• giveaway: a trip to Aruba

TRAVEL: REAL ID DEADLINE
After years of delays, the Real ID Act will finally be enforced & it started May 7, 2025. This means that U.S. travelers flying domestically will need a Real ID—or an accepted alternative form of identification—at TSA checkpoints. The Real ID is a state-issued driver’s license or ID that meets federal security standards recommended by the 9/11 Commission. Travelers without a Real ID can still fly using a valid passport or one of more than a dozen other approved IDs listed on the TSA website. Children under 18 flying with an adult don't need ID, and Real IDs will still be available after the deadline—it’s only mandatory if you’re flying domestically or accessing certain federal facilities. To get one, check your state DMV’s site for required documents like proof of identity, address, and legal status.

LIFESTYLE: SPRING ANXIETY IS REAL
Spring is known to be the season of growth & blossoming, but for some of us it’s also a season of random sadness. Are you an oddball for feeling so? No, you’d be surprised how many people have Spring anxiety. This discomfort is more common than it seems and can stem from a variety of factors, including the psychological stress of change, unpredictable weather, social and productivity pressures, allergies, and even seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Not to mention, something like daylight saving time and having more hours of sunlight can easily disrupt your mood and sleep. To make the shift a bit easier, what you can do is to make proactive self-care plans to ease into the change gradually. If it being dark by 6pm brings you a sense of winding down for the day, perhaps invest in blackout curtains, or only commit to plans that truly serve you rather than filling up your calendar simply because “the weathers becoming nicer”.

WELLNESS: PROGRESSIVE OVERLOAD TO HIT YOUR GOALS
Progressive overload is the not-so-secret sauce behind, lasting gains in strength and fitness. It’s the practice of gradually increasing the challenge in your workouts—whether by lifting heavier weights, doing more reps, slowing down movements, or adding extra sessions—to keep your muscles adapting and growing stronger. The idea is simple: your body gets used to stress, so you need to gently push past your current limits to see results. Whether you’re following a training program or just trying to get stronger in group classes, knowing when and how to increase the challenge can help you avoid plateaus and injuries alike. It’s not about going hard every day—it’s about smart, steady progress, paying attention to your body, maintaining good form, and giving yourself time to recover and grow.

The decades-long friendship between three married couples is tested when one gets a divorce, and this complicates their tradition of quarterly weekend getaways. It’s a journey of egotistical behavior, isolation and so much more within their intertwined lives.

👄 the best lip stains

👩🏻‍🍳 cheffing in a hampton’s home to owning one

🏋🏻‍♀️ it’s time to strengthen your hip flexors

Spring is in the air, and that means it's time to swap out heavy winter creams for lightweight, glow boosting skincare. Luckily, Target is stocked with shelves of budget-friendly beauty finds that deliver the best reults. Whether you're looking to brighten dull skin, lock in moisture, or keep your skin refreshed throughout the day, we've got you covered.

ON SELF GROWTH: What we fear doing most is usually what we most need to do. — Tim Ferriss

Self growth lies right beyond your comfort zone. The things you avoid—whether they’re difficult conversations, taking a risk, or confronting a personal weakness—are usually the exact experiences that can propel you forward. Fear acts as a compass, pointing toward areas of potential growth. By leaning into discomfort instead of avoiding it, you will develop resilience, confidence, and new capabilities.

BEACHY TRIP GIVEAWAY

We’ve teamed up with some very cool brands to bring you the ultimate summer giveaway. One lucky winner will score a 4-night stay for two at the Radisson Blu Aruba—oceanview suite, daily breakfast, and airport transfers included.

We’ve got prizes for book lovers, beauty lovers, and remodel-the-entire-house lovers:

📚 A $300 book bundle from Reese’s Book Club (your TBR just grew).
💳 A $150 Visa gift card 
👟 $100 in product from TOMS (cute shoes, good cause).
🏡 A Remodelista membership + Visa gift card—$500 value to elevate your space.