I am writing this to you while I’m sick and my toddler is getting over a fever. Times like these make me think about what wellness really is and why it got so weird and why we need it now more than ever.

Have you noticed influencers are suddenly pushing the wackiest wellness routines, machines, and so-called “cures” on their newly minted wellness podcasts? Things you’ve probably never even heard about - like “darkness retreats” (really??).

But is this really what wellness is? When we take a step back, and we start to look at it in the same way your ancestors did, wellness looks really different.

Wellness to the señoras of your ancestral line simply meant things that made them feel healthy and good: making a delicious new tea, or making yeast for bread, reading a book, going for a walk, caring for their garden, even making their home cozy and comfy.

This is what señora era is to us; mindful moments of pleasure and tranquility that radically transform your day. We think this is a radical idea because by taking care of yourself first, you’re actively pushing back against hustle culture that tells you to work yourself to pieces, and a wellness culture that asks you to bend over backwards to “be well.”

A life well lived is also all about balance.

Many of us first gen immigrants, kids and grandkids of immigrants, and also those of us who come from struggle, feel even more pressure to hustle hard at work. But to be able to enjoy the fruits of your hard work, you also need to radically accept balance.

This is what Christina and I call radical señora wellness. It’s a project that’s part of Vamigas that celebrates balance. We are going to start bringing you a brief moment of wellness and tranquility in your inbox, like a beautiful breath of fresh air.

Here, you’ll find señora era meets modern daily rituals; ancestral knowledge we picked up from our familias from Latin America and ancient books, alongside modern, fun hacks and products we love: our favorite summer cocktails from our ancestral homelands, ways to make your skin glow for summer, cozy fashion edits, the best new books, how to help your plants thrive, cafes worth visiting, new recipes, and all the cozy news you need to know to feel well informed but not overwhelmed.*

First the bad

Now may be the best time to experiment with the plethora of buzzy, new non alcoholic drink brands. A new study published in the Journal Hypertension is showing that even one drink of alcohol per day is bad for your systolic blood pressure and the risk rises when you increase your intake.

This heat wave has been unhinged, with temperatures in places like Phoenix hitting 112 and California steady at 100. This is part of a worldwide heat wave that’s made July the hottest month on record. As in recorded history. How are things in your city?

Be careful with the supplements you take and take them in moderation. Some of them are unnecessary and others may even be risky. For example, some popular collagen products have even been found to contain heavy metals.

Now the good

Did you know that the Etsy Awards are a thing? Find the cutest independent handbags and more at the 2023 Etsy Design awards, with judges like Sarah Jessica Parker

Courses, Plantitas, Beauty and Fun Things

This week we were all about dry brushing: How do you do it, why it’s so good for you, and why is it kinda controversial? Check out our latest article here and the video tutorial on our tiktok.

Find your new weekend reading at Bookshop.org to help small, local book stores. You can find our list of favorites for the summer/fall here but check out Esmeralda Santiago’s exciting Las Madres first and see if you like it.

Have you been considering permaculture? Heather Jo Flores is a permaculture queen, with classes and a book that gives you everything you need to get started. She even has a coloring book! Click here to download her free pdf and take her permaculture for beginners courses here. Start anytime and pay whatever you want.

I’ve also been taking an herbal class this summer from Herbal Academy where I’m learning how identify herbs and how to make teas, tinctures and body care. Check out their courses here. There’s so much beautiful content in here!

We’re loving face masks this summer, because it makes us feel refreshed after the heat dries out our skin. We’re particularly fans of this affordable Forever Glow Anti-Aging mask by celebrity aesthetician and Vamigas friend (and fellow Latina beauty founder!) Joanna Vargas

Get to know us a little bit about us, the founders of Vamigas.

Thanks for sticking around; we hope you have a lovely, calm day, amigas.

*Please note, some of these will be affiliate links where we may get a small percentage of sales. This helps us keep this side project alive.