Summer Glow Up Guide

During this time of year, I embrace the sun and warm temperatures. I’ve completed most of my deep inner work during the winter months (check out my winter glow up guide).

As the days get longer and warmer, I spend more time outside of my cozy little Queens apartment and I hit the streets of New York City. My summer glow up is based on self -love in the sun. My motto becomes skin glowing, hair flowing, and enjoying life.

During the few weeks of sun it is a time for me to re-energize and have a little fun for my mind, body, spirit and soul. Here’s what I focus on:

Beauty: Skin and Hair Glow - Up

Face

Since my skin is a combination of oily and dry, I opt for a simple face routine that focuses on moisture and blemish correction. My daily face soap is Shea Moisture Black soap and I use this faithfully every morning and evening before bed. During the day I apply Shea Moisture Coconut Hibiscus Radiance Moisturizer and during the night an even layer of Cococare 100% Vitamin E Oil. I apply a thin layer to absorb while I sleep. Once a week I apply a 10-minute face mask. My favorite is Say Yes to Carrots Vitamin C glow-boosting Mud Mask. Twice a week I wash my face using my spa gloves to exfoliate and scrub away dead skin cells.

Body

Who doesn’t love soft supple skin that glows? My skin is a priority, so I use spa gloves daily during my morning and evening shower routine. My soap of choice in the summer is Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint soap because it gives this cooling, tingling, squeaky clean feeling on those extra hot days. Occasionally I will swap out and use a vitamin e soap bar by Cococare.

Twice a week I use a sugar body scrub my newfound favorite is Brooklyn Botany Brown Sugar scrub. I love it because it is all natural and smells delicious. It also leaves my skin feeling super soft and with a natural glow. For Body moisturizer I love using Jergens Shea Butter Lotion and Shea Moisture Daily Hydration body oil for extra shine in the sun when showing off some skin.

Hair

I am currently focused on growth and retaining length. I resort to low heat hair styles all while taking my daily Prenatal vitamins by Rainbow light. I decided to shy away from Biotin and other Hair and Skin vitamins because they promote unwanted acne. On the super-hot days, I love a quick wash and go using Aunt Jackie’s Curl La La cream and coconut oil. I use a daily leave in conditioner made by Renpure I prefer the Coconut & Vitamin E line. I back that up with the Coconut and Vitamin E shampoo and conditioner. I love this brand because it’ s cheap and sulfate free. When I am in a product junkie mood, I browse one of my favorite stores TJ Max or Marshall’s they often have inexpensive quality hair products.

Health: Eating and Exercise Glow -Up

The warmer months tend to be easier for me with my diet and exercise. I love the outdoors, so I am more likely to be consistent with physical activity and on the go daily. My motivation is higher because I want to look my best on those 95-degree days laying on the beach in a bikini. I naturally drink way more water in the summer, I consume less carbs, and eat more fruit. I am not sure why, but I certainly know in the winter I load up on cards and happy foods aka sweets. My major goal this summer is to continue to reduce animal products and give my first effort at becoming Vegan keto. I plan to exercise outdoors in the sun and really test my discipline and stamina. This summer I am literally working on the beach the boardwalk is the perfect place for a jog and some stretching. I am doing the RI28 Challenge and The Body Religion fitness programs. They promise gains in a month if followed as directed (fingers crossed). Check out this vegan Keto starter guide I found on Pinterest.

Personal Development: Mindset and Intellect Glow-Up

For those that know me its no secret that I am a book nerd. I love reading but during this summer I will be taking a break from hitting the books super hard. This summer my focus is elevating my vibration, mental health, and social skills. There are various ways I can improve in all these areas from listening to podcasts, educational TED talks and lectures, and hitting the social scene and putting my voice to work. This is the first summer I am being intentional about these focus areas. It’s time for some visual and hands on learning.

I will of course continue to focus on my creative side by writing, painting, and following through with a few business projects I have in the works.

Money: Budgeting Glow-Up

I will start by taking a deep breath (Sigh) because in the past the summer had wreaked havoc on my finances. Enjoying the sun requires cash. Vacations require cash. Brunch and rooftop happy hours require cash. Those cute body con dresses and wedges require cash. Luckily the winter has mentally and financially prepared me for this time. I can have fun and do a little shopping without breaking the bank. My discipline with money has improved drastically. I am currently on a written budget and have an allotted amount for entertainment and fun. I have a financial goal in mind, so I do not plan to set myself back all because it’s mid-July and I want to keep up with the fun. I will reduce my credit card spending amp up my savings and just have fun without the worry or overthinking.

I hope me sharing this will give you a boost into my thoughts and perhaps get your gears grinding on what you intent to make happen this summer. Cheers!

Enchantments

We Were Meant To Be