5SR - July 31, 2023

Today’s #5SmartReads contributor is Genevieve “Jenny” Dreizen! she is the co-founder and COO of Fresh Starts Registry, the first and only platform for everything you need to begin again, including divorce or breakup, moving, career changes, stepping into your truth, or starting again after grief. Jenny is passionate about creating usable, efficient, and beautiful systems to run Fresh Starts to maintain their Experts, Support Specialists, and Freshies. When not planted in front of her multi-screen setup, Jenny might be found baking brownies, working on a poem or essay, or doing her favorite thing - going for a walk and buying herself a little treat.

Shein Invited Influencers On An All-Expenses Paid Trip. Here’s Why People Are Livid (NPR)

I have to admit I've scrolled Shein a few times, I've even bought a few dresses I could not locate the equal of anywhere else (why does cheap material stretch on my body just the right way), but every time I start looking I am overwhelmed by the sheer vastness of their selection. And no wonder, the output of the company is completely wild and unsurprisingly their production follows some pretty upsetting, abusive and crappy practices.

In a bid to restore their reputation the company [I imagine their PR team] came up with the idea of an influencer trip, targeting influencers who aren't often approached for large brand collaborations or trips and touring them through a very narrow, intentional, and staged factory.

One influencer commented on how the clothes weren't made in sweatshops, no one was even sweating! Oh no...I am quite sure you can imagine the backlash. In this time of influencers it's easy to forget that even the influencers are out to make their rent and need to eat - sometimes this means people make choices which aren't in alignment or require blinders.

9 Tips For Dealing With A Bad Body Image Day This Summer (Self)

Summer is tough for me, I don't like the way my body feels in the heat when it's doing life things. I have a strong desire to only do relax/luxury activities in the heat (lie by a pool, worry about nothing) and having to live life during a warm season just doesn't work for me.

On top of that I grew up in the wear a t shirt over it/tankini/low rise generation (hello, I am a millennial). And it WAS hard to be feel comfy being seen in a bathing suit when I was told that Jessica Simpson was fat for looking like a much fitter version of myself.

All of this is to say, I love this piece breaking down some accessible ways to feel comfortable in your summer skin and your summer body. The piece offers exactly what you should be offering yourself in these tough moments: gentle and kind, with a warm and loving challenging when needed.

What To Discuss With Your Aging Parents As They Get Older (Kiplinger)

Mom, put the newsletter down. It's time to talk about aging parents.

Actually yesterday was the time but today is the next best thing. If you're reading this, I have bad news - you're aging. We're all aging, even our parents. Seriously, I mean it.

You all know I love a (say it with me now) clear list of items I need to tackle, so this clear and concise piece about the topics that need navigation as our parents age - from assets to ongoing care is a lovely starter for important conversations. This kind of thing is tough but worth it, but I do recommend having it over something delicious, like a pain au chocolate.

What Angel Number 000 Means For Your Love Life, Career, And Twin Flame Relationship (DailyOM)

I'm a big, big believer in whatever aides us.

When we read tarot cards our subconscious is brought into sharp focus through the lens of the cards. When we identify our angel numbers we begin to observe the world from a slightly different angle, in requesting and recognizing them we connect with the universe differently.

And as clarity coach Lauren Degolia says, "When you ask for angel numbers and then receive them, it deepens your trust in the Universe." My angel numbers are not 000, but I do love the meaning: fresh starts and infinite love. Who can't get on board with that?

Six Expert Backed Tips To Have A Happier Marriage (Fortune)

I appreciated this piece because (trumpet sounds), in September I am getting married. Yes, me your very own list loving, to-do obsessed, checklist aficionado, 5 smart reads contributor.

I very much enjoyed this piece about staying connected, supporting each other and managing conflict. Long term relationships sometimes get a tough reputation but as they state in the article, if you're on each other's teams and routing each other on, you've already got the key. My mom bought my partner and I matching "Mr." and "Mrs." hats and I stole my fiance's Mr. hat. He nodded and said "Well, it makes sense I should wear the Mrs. hat, I'm your number one cheerleader" and I just think that's the energy we're going to be taking into our marriage.