Treat Mom To This DIY Spa-in-a-Box This Mother’s Day

Roxy Taghavian
Apr 26, 2023
DIY spa Mother's Day gift

May is just a few days away, and that means we’re starting to think about Mother’s Day at B+C. Moms deserve the best. They work hard, they deal with teenagers that think everything is “soooo boring” (come on, yours did, right?), and they are always there to give you a hug when you need one. Since they are the ultimate multi-taskers, we think this day is an important one for them to relax. For today’s mother’s day gift idea, we’re going to make the sweetest spa-in-a-box for you to gift your mama. We’ve got three DIYs and a few other must-haves for your kit below.

First, find cute containers, like this Rifle Paper recipe box ($40), mason jars ($15/set of 8), and a bath salt spoon. In addition to the DIY spa recipes below, you can add store-bought gifts, including:

1. EOS Organic Lip Balm ($6/set of 4): Made with love, these lip tints are crafted from essential oils and other ingredients your mom’s lips will adore.

2. A&G Soft Abstract Soap With Wash Pouch ($10): Mom won’t want to use this soap it’s so pretty. But once she does, she’ll be completely taken by the smell. So good!

3. Essie Nail Polish ($4): Once mom has emerged from the bathroom, spend some QT with her and give her a manicure.

DIY Face Mask

You’ve been staring at her face since the day you were born. You’ve watched her face change over the years, and you love every new wrinkle. Treat her with a DIY face mask.

Face Mask Ingredients:

  • half a cucumber
  • juice from half a lemon
  • ⅓ cup oatmeal
  • 1 tablespoon honey
Chop half a cucumber and mix it in a blender or food processor. Then add the other items and mix to combine.

Pour your mask into a jar and make a cute label.

DIY Bath Salts

Bath Salts Ingredients:

  • ¾ cup Epsom salts
  • ½ cup coarse sea salt
  • ⅓ cup baking soda
  • 4 drops rose essential oil
  • 2 drops vanilla essential oil
  • 6 drops vitamin E oil

Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl, mixing them together with a spoon.

Pour your mixture into a jar and tie a label around the top.

DIY Body Scrub

Body Scrub Ingredients:

  • 1 cup Epsom salt
  • ½ cup almond oil
  • 4 drops lavender essential oil
  • 2 drops butter cream essential oil
  • crushed petals from one rose bud

Mix the first four ingredients in a bowl.

Then crush and tear the rose petals into tiny bits and add them to the mix. Pour your scrub into a bottle and you’re all set!

Your mom is going to be blown away by your thoughtfulness when she opens up this box and sees your homemade goods. Want to add a couple more DIYs? Try these from B+C!

  • Lavender Sachet: if you want to go the extra mile, DIY an adorable bag of lavender for mom’s intimates drawer.
  • Patterned Candles: To create the right ambiance in the “spa,” make these patterned candles with tissue paper and a hair dryer.

Of course, mom will also need some bubbly, some plush white towels and a vase of fresh flowers -- your choice!

Subscribe to our email newsletter for a dose of recipe inspiration every Sunday and check out our new B+C online cooking classes for more!

This article has been updated from a previous post published in April 2015.

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

26 Make-Ahead Recipe Ideas for Mother’s Day Brunch

Admit it – your number one goal in life is to make your momma think you have it all together. The best way to do this is to plan an epicMother's Day brunch (or tea party), complete with a ton of dishes you prepared in advance. Scroll on for 26 make-ahead recipes for an easy Mother's Day brunch that will make Mom beam with pride.

Edible Pastry Bouquets 

Follow along with these easy recipes to create a one-of-a-kind tasty bouquet. Each one looks just as pretty as actual flowers do, but they taste much better. (via Brit + Co)

Bruléed Grapefruit Tart

Every mother deserves a brunch that's as beautiful as she is — and this grapefruit tart is one of the prettiest dishes we've ever seen! It's as yummy for our eyes as it is for our taste buds! Instant pudding, cream cheese, and condensed milk are all key to getting that creamy finish. (via Brit + Co)

Lemon-Elderflower Waffles

This easy Mother's Day brunch recipe is all things fruity, springy, and delicious. Not only are the waffles themselves yummy but the lemon + powdered sugar + elderflower syrup drizzle is out of this world. (via Brit + Co)

Slow-Cooker, Vegan Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Upgrade some store-bought cinnamon rolls with this simple casserole. It's one of the sweetest easy Mother's Day brunch ideas we love to have every year! Slow-cook it early in the am, then drizzle it with lots of cream-cheese icing right before it's time to serve. (via Brit + Co)

Honey Strawberry Basil Margarita

If there's one thing we love about this time of year (in addition to Mother's Day, obvi), it's that strawberries are back in season! Mix a pint of these berries with tequila, triple sec, lime, and basil. Bonus points if you opt for the hot honey rim. (via Brit + Co)

Vegan Lemon Scones

Baked goods are essential for any brunch platter. These yummy scones are bursting with zippy lemon, which can be mellowed out with vegan whipped cream or rich clotted cream. Bonus: they’re even better the next day. (via Brit + Co)

Superfood Egg Sandwich

These sandwiches are ideal for anyone who needs an on-the-go Mother's Day brunch or picnic. You can even make the egg salad the night before and assemble when you need to. This is one of the best easy Mother's Day brunch ideas since it fulfills the craving for something savory, rather than something sweet. (via Brit + Co)

French Toast Casserole

The best thing about this make-ahead casserole (besides the fresh raspberries on top) is that the bread and egg mixture sits overnight to become infused with the bread to become as fluffy as can be. Your mom will be begging for the recipe! (via Brit + Co)

Almond Granola

You don't just have to give your mom flowers and a card for Mother's Day. Put out some homemade granola with yogurt and fruit for brunch, and gift her the leftovers! (via Brit + Co)

Spinach, Bacon, and Cheese Strata

Think of this strata as a savory bread pudding. It has crusty bread, fresh spinach, nutty gruyère, and crispy bacon, so you’re covering all of the texture and flavor bases. It just tastes amazing, and you can make it ahead the night before then bake it breifly in the morning. (via Recipe Runner)

Dairy-Free Muesli

Serve your mom a cool, comforting hug in the form of this creamy muesli. Made with coconut cream, shredded apple, and chewy raisins, this is an unexpected Mother's Day dish that she'll love. You'll love it, too, for how easy it is to make ahead for Mother's Day brunch. (via Brit + Co)

Sparkling Cherry Sangria

There’s no better excuse than a holiday to drink with mom... not that we need an excuse! Allow citrus fruits, mint, and cherries to mingle in a pitcher of champagne with this make-ahead pick. (via Brit + Co)

Aquafaba S’mores Parfait

It’s a special occasion, so you’re definitely allowed to eat marshmallows for breakfast (especially when they’re layered on top of these otherwise nourishing cups of avocado-based chocolate pudding). (via Brit + Co)

Baked Oatmeal Cups

If your mom used to wake you up every morning with a steaming bowl of oatmeal, this flavorful baked muffin version is sure to bring the nostalgia factor to Mother's Day brunch! Go the extra mile by including her favorite fruits in the mix and she'll love it even more. (via Brit + Co)

Stuffed French Toast

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to stuff French toast with a cream cheese and fruit filling, there's no time like the present to find out. The hypnotically fragrant, fantastically easy make-ahead Mother's Day brunch idea will have your mom begging for the recipe. (via Brit + Co)

Raspberry Crumble Muffins

Muffins are typically served at room temperature, therefore you can whip up these buttery delights the day before brunch to save yourself some time. Mom will never know the difference. (via Brit + Co)

Pamplemousse La Croix and Lavender Mocktails

Whether or not it’s hot where you’re hosting brunch, these cooling beverages will be a welcome addition to your spread. Pour the lavender simple syrup and grapefruit juice into glasses, and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to top with La Croix and serve. (via Brit + Co)

Easy Cinnamon Roll Palmiers

These cookies are basically cinnamon rolls, which means they're perfect for brunch or dessert...or both. This heart-shaped French treat is actually trés easy to make. (via Brit + Co)

Citrus Rosé Sangria

This sangria, which is full of rosé, gin, and citrus fruits btw, makes for the perfect addition to your Mother's Day brunch. Plus, it's so refreshing that we'll be making it for all our pool parties this year. Your new summer sip, found! (via Brit + Co)

Overnight Breakfast Enchiladas

This big ol' bake is packed full of protein that mom will appreciate, and lots of cheddar cheese that she’ll devour with glee. (via Julie’s Eats and Treats)

Spicy Crock-Pot Brunch Casserole

This one-pot wonder contains both hash browns and three cups of cheese, so it’s a guaranteed Mother's Day brunch success. (via Spicy Southern Kitchen)

Waffle Sausage Breakfast Casserole

Toaster waffles, breakfast sausage, eggs, and cheese make an insanely addictive casserole that mom will likely request every year. (via Show Me the Yummy)

Overnight Eggs Benedict Casserole

This efficient take on eggs Benedict contains all of the classic ingredients, even homemade hollandaise. (via Cooking Classy)

Slow-Cooker Carrot Cake Oatmeal

This coconut-y oatmeal is worth the effort for the smell alone. When your mom smells this bubbling in the crock pot, she won't be able to contain her excitement. (via Foxes Love Lemons)

Baked Denver Omelet

No one has time to stand at a hot stove and make a separate omelet for every guest on Mother’s Day! Make one batch in the oven instead; there’s no babysitting or flipping with this easy Mother's Day brunch idea, and you can prep everything the night before. (via Cooking Classy)

Crock-Pot Hash-Brown Casserole

Easy doesn’t even begin to describe this hash-brown casserole. It’s made in the slow cooker, which means you can throw everything in and forget about it. It also calls for pre-shredded frozen potatoes, so there’s no grating or peeling involved. Top with bacon and chopped parsley for a festive Mother's Day finish. (via Chelsea’s Messy Apron)

Which Mother's Day brunch dish are you excited to try? Tag us in all your creations on Instagram!

This post has been updated.

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Mariska Hargitay’s Powerful “Me Too” Message Proves She’s Olivia Benson IRL

Mariska Hargitay is the woman of the hour anywhere she goes, with her iconic Law & Order: SVUrole as Olivia Benson under her belt for the last 25 years. The character is an absolute advocate to women — and assault victims of any gender — through her words, actions, and powerful convictions of each perpetrator on the show. She takes great care with her victims and pursues perpetrators with fervor, and slowly as you watch the show..the line blurs between Olivia and Mariska.

This isn't anything new — just recently Mariska literally stopped production on the show to help a child (who mistook her for an actual police officer) find her mom. It's just who Mariska is. She walks the walk and talks the talk — including during her speech at Variety's Power of Women's Power of Women event.

Image via NBC Universal

As a Power of Women honoree, Mariska was recognized in regards to her work as an advocate for sexual assault survivors. She took the stage and used her platform to discuss rape and assault conviction reversals, shining a light on the recent overturned ruling in Harvey Weinstein's landmark NYC case. Here's what she said:

Today I want to talk about reversing convictions, and more specifically I want to talk to you about how impossible it is to reverse mine. It’s impossible to reverse my conviction that survivors matter. It is impossible to reverse my conviction that what happens to us matters, and that our society must respond to survivors with a more a compassionate, holistically, deeper, and more nuanced understanding of what healing means.

It is impossible to reverse my conviction that after a trauma, survivors can reclaim lives of hope, of possibility, of audacious risk, beautiful intimacy, and glorious, glorious abundant joy. And I stand before you as evidence of that statement.

It is impossible to reverse my conviction that we must listen to survivors as experts on what justice means. It is extraordinary how little their voices are consulted, let alone incorporated, in the process of deciding how to repair harm. Justice is not a one-size-fits-all journey.

It is impossible to reverse my conviction that patriarchal impunity has to end. Patriarchal impunity is when a male-dominated system exempts perpetrators from punishment. Studies show that only 20% of all rape cases in the U.S. are reported to the police, and that between 5 and 0% of all rapes result in a guilty plea or a conviction. So why do 80% of victims not report? Because they're met with a system that grants impunity to perpetrators; a system that blames victims; a system that accepts only those victims who are experienced as "real" rape; a system that completely misunderstands the neurobiology of trauma, which causes behavior in women that doesn't fit the picture of how a "real victim" would act.

Is that change needed that victims should just pull themselves together? Just buck up and report anyway? No. No, it's the system that receives them that needs to change

It is impossible to reverse my conviction — and the conviction of my extraordinary team, The Joyful Heart — that the backlog of untested rape kits can be brought to zero; that the testing of all new kits must be mandated; that we need a statewide kit tracking system; and that survivors have the right to access the status of their kits.

It is impossible to reverse my conviction that grammar — yes, grammar — that we use when we speak about rape must change. In the sentence, "A woman is raped," there's a crime and there's a victim, but there's no perpetrator. Where's the perpetrator? Where is he? Statistically, as we know, most likely he's walking free. He's so free that he doesn't even appear in the language about the crime that he committed. Is that not extraordinary? It's extraordinary that in the very grammar, the perpetrator goes free. Reintroducing perpetrators in the language of rape will make some very unwieldy grammar, but that's the nature of change. It's unwieldy, it's messy, it's uncomfortable, but it's necessary.

Image via NBC Universal

Hargitay continued on in her prolific speech to describe that rape shouldn't be considered a "crime of passion" because it's "not simply the next step in the trajectory of his passion" when a man takes a consensual hookup too far and assaults a woman against her will. She stated that it's "an exercise of power," doubling down that the language we use is important.

The speech went on to address that rape is both about power and control, as a "construct" that was "built, and assembled, and reinforced over time." She noted that there are people with these positions of power — and she specifically called out those in the entertainment industry — that could make a difference and aligned themselves to victims and survivors.

After this and some other remarks, Hargitay specifically called out the Weinstein conviction reversal. She said:

I do want to say something about the Harvey Weinstein conviction, specifically about the reason that it was overturned: too many women's voices. Too many women's voices were allowed to speak. Hallelujah! Amen! I can't imagine anything more beautiful than that. The Daily podcast episode talked about how it was so risky for the prosecution to have that many women testify. Risky to let women speak? You're damn right it is!

Too many women speaking brings change. Too many women speaking shakes the establishment. Too many women means we get listened to more, and people might actually hear what we have to say. Look what happened when women started saying just two words, right? Me too — just as an example — a tidal wave of change. Me too.

And then of course, there was the response: the Me Too Movement. The backlash. The examination of whether the changes that have come are lasting, or are even positive. Of course there's a backlash! What did they expect? For women to speak repeatedly, loudly, together, with a purpose — for there to be no backlash? The backlash is evidence of how powerful those voices were, how powerful those voices ARE.

Watch Mariska Hargitay's Full Speech Here

www.youtube.com

Mariska Hargitay's Gets Emotional as She Thanks Her Support System and the Women Around Her

Turns out that your TV heroes really can be your IRL heroes after all. Long live Olivia Benson! Long live Mariska Hargitay!

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Header image via NBC Universal

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15 Fun Things To Do With Mom That Aren’t Mother’s Day Brunch

All moms are not created equal. Sure, some crave a leisurely mimosa-laden brunch or a mother-daughter mani-pedi outing for Mother’s Day, but we also know moms who are up for an impromptu road trip, baseball game or epic karaoke sesh. No matter what kind of mama you have, it’s time to step up your Mother’s Day game with these 15 activities.

Image via Katerina Holmes/Pexels

1. Go on a weekend getaway. If your relationship is on the Rory-Lorelei side of the spectrum, you can probably handle a fun weekend getaway. Try a relaxing spa package, a museum-centric urban destination, or something a little more outdoorsy like whitewater rafting or mountain biking. You can also book a unique place to stay for a short escape. (Photo via Getty)

2. Thrift ’til you drop. Retail therapy is a relaxing activity for many a mom, but why not be a little more adventurous and hit up some local thrift shops? They’re cheaper and full of rare vintage gems that are ripe for the upcycling.

3. Make her fave food into a DIY spread. Is mom crazy for popcorn or does she dig donut holes? Set up a fun, festive DIY food bar for the whole fam featuring her favorite snacks.

4. Do mother-daughter yoga. Maybe you’ve got a Lululemon-sporting lady or she’s never even said “Namaste.” Either way, a grown-up version of a Mommy-and-Me yoga class can be a great way to bond and relax together.

Image via Ron Lach/Pexels

5. Go hiking, camping, or glamping. Pack up some gear and tent it for a night or just find a picturesque place to hike, picnic, and get some al fresco Instagram fodder.

6. Be baseball fans. Does mom root, root, root for the home team? If not, no worries: Even the sports-illiterate can have a ton of fun at baseball games. Pro tip: Minor League games are just as much fun, and you’ll avoid spending an entire paycheck at the stadium.

7. Sing karaoke. Put all that car-ride harmonizing to good use at your favorite karaoke spot. Bonus points if you serenade her with Sting.

8. Host a game night. Gather all of Mom’s favorite board games and take care of the snacks, drinks, and clean-up. All she needs to do is show up and have fun.

Image via Helena Lopes/Pexels

9. Hit up the dive bar. Proceed at your own risk. If you’re not careful, Mom just might drink you under the table. Maybe Dad can be sober cab…

10. Make homemade face scrubs. Thrifty, beauty product-loving moms will be thrilled that they can make their favorite face scrubs, lip scrubs, lip balms, or even bath bombs at home.

11. Bust out the pink foam rollers. When else are you going to use these beauty relics? Might as well experiment on each other’s hair, and have some LOLs while you do it.

Image via Zen Chung/Pexels

12. Have a pizza party. No need to call for delivery. Making the pizza together is half the fun. Just add wine for the perfect night in. (Photo via Getty)

13. Host an at-home happy hour: Mom deserves a night off. Be her bartender for the evening and mix up some fancy cocktails she might not normally order.

14. Set off on an impromptu road trip. Rent a convertible and make like Thelma + Louise — without all the tragedy, of course. Just think of the selfies you’ll take!

15. Garden Together: Not to stereotype, but moms tend to know what they’re doing in this department. So why not dig in the dirt together? A cleaner alternative: Get some trendy indoor plants.

What will you do for your mom on Mother’s Day? Let us know @BritandCo.

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Here’s When You Can Watch “Emily in Paris” Season 4

After Emily in Paris season 3 dropped on Netflix in December of 2022, we were hoping to get the fourth installment of the hit show in 2023. But production halted when the WGA writers' strike, then the SAG-AFTRA actors' strike went to affect, and our beloved cast and crew campaigned for better wages and industry protection. But with the end of the writers' strike, and new SAG negotiations, Emily in Paris season 4 finally began production in February 2024 — and I can already tell you there's sure to be plenty of drama and French fashion this time around.

Not only will we see Emily in Paris (see what I did there?!) but she's also pulling an Audrey Hepburn and taking a little Roman Holiday. That's right — our favorite Parisians are heading to Italy! If that doesn't sound like a dreamy comfort show then I don't know what does. Here's everything we know about the upcoming season of your favorite TV brain candy!!

Is Emily in Paris season 4 coming soon?

Image via Lily Collins/Instagram

Via Variety, Emily in Paris season 4 began production in Paris the week of January 15! "Did someone say Saison Quatre?!" Lily Collins says in her Instagram post announcing production. "Finally reunited with my @emilyinparis fam back in Paris and it feels so good. Although, I may need to brush up on my selfie skills for Emily’s sake…"

Now the wait is over! According to the official announcementfor Emily in Paris, we know part one drops on Netflix August 15, followed by part 2 on September 12. I've been impatiently waiting for this considering we didn't know how filming would be impacted by things like the WGA writers strike!

Is Emily in Paris filmed in Paris?

Image via Lily Collins/Instagram

Yes, Emily in Paris is filmed on location in Paris! We got our first look at Emily in Paris season 4 when Lily Collins and Ashley Park were seen filming in the City of Love (via Daily Mail). The costumes for the series are still as bold and bright as ever, with Ashley's Mindy wearing cobalt and metallic boots, and Lily's Emily dressed head-to-toe in lemon yellow. I can't wait to see what these best friends get up to this season! Check out our Paris travel recommendations to live out your own Emily in Paris dreams ;).

On April 27, Lily Collins confirmed Emily in Paris season 4 had wrapped its France shoot and that the cast & crew have swapped the City of Love for the Eternal City! "When you’re the first ones on the dance floor at the Paris wrap party. Next stop: Rome!" she says on Instagram. Late spring is literally the perfect time to film in Italy and I just know this season is going to give me more wanderlust than ever before. I need gelato!

What's Emily In Paris season 4 about?

Image via Netflix

Season 3 left us with a huge cliffhanger: Alfie breaks up with Emily, Camille learns she's pregnant with Gabriel's baby, Benoit's "Mon Soleil" has been chosen for the Eurovision Song Contest, and Emily and Gabriel realize they've been in love with each other the whole time. Whew.

Emily in Paris season 4 will have a ton of cliffhangers to bring full circle, and a bunch of damage that all the characters need to heal. We know from the Netflix TUDUM fan event that we might also see Emily have to deal with an ultimatum head-on, as well as an unexpected twist. Plus, it looks like she's heading on a "Roman holiday," according to lead actress Lily Collins. We'll take any nod to an Audrey Hepburn movie, please and thank you!

Is Alfie coming back in season 4 of Emily in Paris?

Image via Netflix

We don't have OFFICIAL word on whether Alfie (played by Lucien Laviscount) will return for Emily in Paris season 4, but we're hoping for his sake that he gets some closure. Lucien wants to come back as well! "[The dream is] to keep this gravy train going and just to kind of really live in this world a little bit longer," he says in an interview with Elle. " The writers on the show and the creators behind it and everyone that comes into contact with it is so amazing and fantastic. Their minds [have] way, way, way, way surpassed mine. So, yeah. I’ll let them do their thing.”

Who else is in the Emily in Paris season 4 cast?

Image via Netflix

We can expect the rest of the cast — Lily Collins as Emily, Lucas Bravo as Gabriel, Ashley Park as Mindy, Camille Razat as Camille, Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu as Sylvie, Samuel Arnold as Julian, and Bruno Gouery as Luc — to return.

Will there be a season 5 of Emily in Paris?

Image via Marie Etchegoyen/Netflix

It looks like Emily in Paris season 4 will not be the final season, according to creator Darren Star. “There’s a lot more story to tell here and we’re not wrapping things up anytime soon,” Star tells Elle. “And also hopefully season four isn’t the end either. I feel like we’re all creatively feeling like we’re in the middle of something not heading towards the end.”

Darren also told Deadline season 4 is "not necessarily conceived as a final chapter. I think like every other show, it’s a rich ensemble. There’s no end in sight until everybody feels like it’s time to end. And I don’t think this show is limited by a number of seasons, I think it’s limited by everybody’s enthusiasm and excitement about doing it and telling stories about these characters."

We'll take as many seasons of Emily in Paris as they'll give us!!

What has the cast said about Emily in Paris season 4?

Image via Marie Etchegoyen/Netflix

Lucas Bravo told People he's excited for a coming-of-age for Gabriel. "When you start a character, then there's a year where you experience the world and you mature, you become another person and you come back and it's exactly the day you left off," he says. "I'm happy that in season four I'll be able to bring more of what I became and what I've experienced in the past four years."

Even though Lily Collins is now an executive producer, she doesn't want to know TOO much about the future of the show. “Darren and I speak, on occasion, about where he’s thinking of going, but he also doesn’t wanna spoil too much for me because there is a fine line,” she tells Collider. “I don’t wanna know everything because I want to be led with the writing, but I am also curious because, as a producer wanting to celebrate the other characters, I’m very curious to see what their trajectories are."

What happened at the end of Emily in Paris season 3?

Image via Netflix

To be fully prepared for Emily in Paris season 4, it's important to remember just what happened during season 3! The junior season was a bumpy ride for Emily, and it ends with the craziest finale yet. After Camille and Gabriel decide to get married, Camille stops the wedding, saying she knows Gabriel is in love with Emily instead of her. This declaration leads Alfie to break up with our leading lady because he refuses to be her second choice (and honestly, I respect it). That's not the only shocker because Camille also reveals that she's pregnant with Gabriel's child, which comes as a surprise to everyone. Meanwhile, Mindy learns Benoit has submitted a song (specifically "Mon Soleil") to the Eurovision Song Contest and Laurent has his heart set on opening a club in Paris.

Are you excited for Emily in Paris Season 4? Give us your craziest theory in the comments, and check out our Facebook for more pop culture news. Read up on how This Emily In Paris Theory Could Be Why Emily And Gabriel Aren’t Together (Yet).

Lead image via Netflix.

This post has been updated.

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Mandy Teefey’s Go-To Hack Will Make Social Media Suck Less

We all have big feelings. And thanks to social media and rising levels of anxiety, those feelings, well, feel bigger than ever. That’s exactly where resources like Wondermind come in. The self-proclaimed “mental health ecosystem” is all about exploring, discussing, and navigating our emotions together. This Mental Health Awareness Month, Wondermind wants you to live your mental health journey in community because Mandy Teefey, who co-founded the company with daughter Selena Gomez, knows what it’s like to walk that journey alone.

Image via Wondermind

“As I went through a very long journey of finding I did have a mental health diagnosis — and then I was misdiagnosed and then I had to go through that — I was blessed to have the resources to do that,” Teefey, who received an ADHD and trauma diagnosis after a 20-year bipolar misdiagnosis, says. “Whenever I started my journey of discovering what mental condition I had…I didn't have anybody to lean into or explain the way I was feeling.”

While these personal experiences helped Teefey better understand mental health, it wasn’t until she produced Netflix’s 2017 series 13 Reasons Whythat she saw just how far the mental health conversation goes. The hit show went viral almost as soon as it aired because of its realistic depiction of mental health and all the aftershocks of trauma.

“After we did 13 Reasons Why and saw the reaction and the need for that support, me and Selena were trying to really figure out what could be next,” Teefey says. “Everybody was releasing things [at] different times. It's like you have to have 12 apps to have a program, and then remember to use them all. So that's when we decided to create a mental fitness ecosystem. So it's all-encompassing, but there's something for everyone.”

“We're not a medicinal company [but] we do have an advisory committee that oversees everything that we do,” Teefey continues. “We're technically not doctors, but we are for everyone when it comes to feelings. Everybody has feelings and they can go to our content hub and just kind of explore that for a while.”

Image via Brit + Co

Admittedly, that exploration bit is pretty fun. The articles are inspiring, and the worksheets (which are each created by an expert) are incredibly helpful. Seeing every program, article, and podcast episode feels like an opportunity to start fresh, but once you have all the ideas in front of you, what do you actually do? Teefey recommends journaling, even if it’s just a sentence every day. (She also loves watching journaling videos from Planning Annie: “Anytime I'm feeling sad or like a little unmotivated, I put her on.”)

Journaling every day, even if your entries are short, allows you to track your mood over an extended period of time. If you notice a consistent sadness, for example, it could be a sign it’s time to check in with your doctor. Plus, journaling can help prepare you for the conversations mental health appointments bring up.

“Sometimes if you go into a therapy session and you're not really settled or concrete in who you are and what may be going on, you might go through what I went through, which is being misdiagnosed,” Teefey says. “It's more important for you to know who you are and what you need prior to going in. So you can give that to them instead of them guessing and working around that process with you.”

Image via Brit + Co

Establishing a consistent routine can help decrease your stress, whether you’re eating the same breakfast every day, or you stick to a tried and true skincare regimen like Sydney Sweeney’s Cassie does on Euphoria. I immediately thought of this teen drama when Mandy Teefey mentioned how important her 4 a.m. routine is. But while Cassie spends time doing her skincare and makeup, Teefey spends time nurturing her soul.

“If I don't have [that routine], I'm usually really off kilter,” she says. “So I get up at 4 when everyone's still asleep, and I found that time could be about me, and I'm not taking it away from anybody. And so that's really what helped me be more grounded throughout the day.”

I can attest that my own quiet time in the morning is vital for a successful day — as is knowing what my boundaries need to be. Because honestly, boundaries can change daily! Teefey and I both acknowledge we have to stay away from sad music to protect our mental health, and she also recommends staying off social media when you feel your mental health struggling.

“I can go three days without looking at social media and then when I go on there, I start having anxiety because I'm like, ‘Oh my gosh, I haven't liked this person. I haven't even liked our own pictures [for] Wondermind.’ And then I start feeling guilty,” she says. “There's just some kind of [expectation] to do social media and you really don't. Not everybody needs to know everything, you know? There's beauty in privacy.”

Even Selena Gomez admitted at the 2024 Time100 Summit that taking time off Instagram "was the most rewarding gift I gave myself."

Image via Brit + Co

The idea of staying off social media is way easier said than done (speaking from first hand experience here). If you feel like you’re drowning in engagement announcements, anxiety-inducing news, and FOMO, Teefey recommends keeping tabs on your reactions to gauge when it’s time to take a serious break.

“If it invokes any emotion that is a negative emotion, I [know] it's not worth being angry about, it's not worth losing sleep about,” she says. “It just feels like there's an unintentional taunting on social media and, ‘Wait a minute, is that about me?’ You don't know this person and then you start running with all this stuff in your mind.”

Like every area of life, social media is all about balance, and if you’re looking to unplug while still staying informed, Mandy Teefey recommends bringing a journal with you when doing your morning news scroll — that way, you can process emotions while keeping tabs on what’s happening. “If anything evokes emotion, I'm meditating during the quiet time,” she says.

Studies have found journaling can help decrease your anxiety, and that it can help you break obsessive thought cycles. And while you’re the only one who can process your thoughts and emotions, it’s important not to isolate yourself from your community — especially when you’re struggling. “You gotta build trust and you gotta build the boundary of who you volunteer [your] help to,” she says.

When it comes to her own daughters, Mandy Teefey knows it’s a process. “You have to work with them and meet them where they're at, and then see the help they need and don't assume [they’re going through] what you went through,” she says. “You've got to really understand them to be able to give that advice.”

Image via Natalie Rhea

In her own life, Mandy Teefey got to experience building that trust first-hand with Selena Gomez! “One time it was very, very cold in California and me and Selena were on the opposite sides of the pool,” she says. “We were in sweats and she says, ‘Do you trust me?’ And I went, ‘Yeah.’ And she goes ‘Okay, if you trust me, on three, we're gonna jump in this ice cold pool.’”

While Teefey wasn’t convinced, she trusted Gomez, and they both ended up in the freezing cold water! Which is both a funny story and a fond memory: “We couldn't get out of the pool because [our clothes were] so heavy. It was madness!”

“There's a lot of things I know my daughters don't tell me and that's their right,” she continues. “It's so sensitive between teenagers — especially teenagers — and their parents. They're going through that phase and they don't want to be around them and they don't wanna tell them things. It's definitely not easy but maybe put some feelers out there and just make sure that they know you're there and make it okay to have these conversations.”

Thanks to all this actionable advice, we know that Mental Health Awareness month isn’t limited to TikTok videos or Instagram posts we can reshare. There are real tips we can use to take care of ourselves — and a place to go when we need a boost.

Watch Our Full Interview With Mandy Teefey Here!

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Wondermind Co-Founder Mandy Teefey Helps Us Navigate Big Feelings For Mental Health Awareness Month

If you're struggling with your mental health, check in with your doctor or check out the mental health resources Wondermind offers. You can also use Psychology Today to find a therapist near you.

Lead image via Getty

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