0:11
What Other Women Outsource
The author, known for tackling the private worries women often keep to themselves—from alcohol habits to mental‑health doubts—noticed a gap in the conversation about the practical help women get at home. A recent chat with her husband about shifting household needs as their kids grew sparked the question: what do other women actually outsource?
She posted a single‑question Google form asking women to list the tasks they hire out for their families. Almost four hundred responses poured in, revealing a surprisingly broad range of outsourced duties that most people rarely discuss.
Cleaning tops the list, with many women employing regular cleaning crews or occasional deep‑clean services. Yard work follows, including lawn mowing, pool upkeep, and seasonal landscaping. Laundry and ironing are frequently delegated to local laundromats or pick‑up services, while grocery shopping and meal‑prep are often handled by delivery apps or personal chefs. Childcare, pet‑sitting, and even home‑repair tasks like plumbing or electrical work also appear regularly, showing that women are comfortable paying for expertise and time‑saving help across the board.
The takeaway is clear: outsourcing household chores is a common, pragmatic strategy for many women, not a sign of failure. By sharing these findings, the author hopes to normalize the conversation, encouraging more women to acknowledge and discuss the support they rely on to balance work, family, and personal well‑being.
2:04
Divya
A zippy Sanskrit name, used predominantly in India, Divya can be interpreted as meaning “divine” and “celestial”, though it is additionally linked to light and illumination.
It is brought to you today by Nameberry User Amara, who shares what makes it so special:
I first heard this name because that’s what my little sister was almost named! Because of that, it carries a lot of personal significance to me because my sister is my favorite person in the world! I also really love the meaning (it was the first thing I was drawn to) and the fact that it is a Sanskrit name, because since I have grown up in America, most of my favorite names are English/European centred, and I cannot imagine actually naming a child them — even though I love them!
The name has a forest green and gold palette for me and brings to mind trees and temples. It’s a name that connects to my heritage with the bonus that I also really love the sound and meaning.
3:19
Is Aluminum Deodorant *Really* That Bad?!
Have you ever just wondered… how bad really is standard deodorant?
Some things are still considered very “crunchy” in the health & wellness space (think: biohacking), but others are becoming much more mainstream—aluminum-free deodorant is one of those becoming much more mainstream.
It is accepted by many that aluminum deodorant is toxic, associated with negative health outcomes, and should be replaced with non-toxic alternatives.
BUT, maybe you tried a non-toxic deodorant for a bit, felt like it didn’t work very well, and then immediately started to wonder… is aluminum deodorant really the worst thing?! 👀
Let’s dive into the specifics on aluminum deodorant, if you should really be avoiding it, and at the end, I’ll share mine & the HealthyGirl Kitchen team’s favorite deodorant swaps that actually work!!!
If you read the ingredient labels of modern-day deodorants, you’ll notice a couple things.
First, most “deodorants” are actually anti-perspirants. So not only do they stave off odor, but they also act as an anti-perspirant and prevent you from sweating.
You’ll also notice most all standard deodorants have the same active ingredient: Aluminum Zirconium Trichlorohydrex Gly 15%. Aluminum, a heavy metal mined from the Earth, acts as an anti-perspirant. No sweating = no odors! Seems like a win-win because let’s be honest… NO ONE wants to smell.
They also contain additives to balance the pH in your underarms to help with smell, along with synthetic fragrances, pore blocking ingredients, & more.
Risks Associated with Aluminum Exposure
Long-term exposure to aluminum is associated with serious health issues.
Also, think about where you’re applying deodorant…. it’s applied to one of the most absorbable, open-pore spots on your entire body (where your sweat glands are!). As soon as the aluminum enters your body through the skin in the underarms, majority of your lymph nodes are in that area too.
Neurological Effects — brain & nervous system issues including neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and brain development (especially in children)
Bone Issues — aluminum exposure can impact calcium exposure leading to weakened bones and bone disorders
Other Risks — Hormonal imbalances, breast cancer, kidney issues
Sources:
You don’t need to say goodbye to deodorant that works, but I do think we should at least all say goodbye to aluminum antiperspirants. There are a lot of alternatives out there that work… sometimes you just have to try multiple out and figure out which one works best for you & your body.
My personal favorite is the Native Coconut & Vanilla Deodorant. Other honorable mentions I love are Necessaire and Briut Essentials EcoFresh Organic Deodorant.
I surveyed the HealthyGirl Team and we also love: Tom’s Unscented (great for sensitive skin) and Dr. Squatch Natural Deodorant is amazing for men!
*A Quick Note About Odor
I think something else that’s really important to note when it comes to body odors is that strong odor is usually associated with high toxin levels in the body.
Obviously sweating is the body’s most efficient & effective way of detoxing. Sweating is normal and healthy. But, if you are constantly having super strong odors, then it may be something to look a bit further into.
3:30
Mom Confessions: working mom guilt, SAHM guilt, and craving a solo trip
Motherhood often feels chaotic, and the “Mom Confessions” platform invites parents to share the raw, unfiltered side of their lives. Contributors discuss the pressure of balancing work and family, noting that long hours at the office can trigger a deep sense of failure when they’re not physically present with their children. One mother describes how she finally moved past that guilt by redefining success on her own terms, focusing on quality moments rather than quantity of time.
A recurring theme is the craving for personal space. Many moms express a longing for solo travel—an escape from the constant demands of parenting, partners, and schedules. The site highlights a list of thirteen solo trips and girls‑only destinations, framing them as essential breaks that help mothers recharge and reclaim a sense of self outside of caregiving.
Single parents also voice the loneliness that persists despite established routines and community support. Even with older, more independent kids, the emotional weight of raising children alone can feel overwhelming, underscoring how isolation can linger even when practical challenges lessen.
Finally, the collection captures the conflict faced by mothers who step away from the workforce without intending to become stay‑at‑home parents. One parent quit her job before her second child arrived, only to discover she has no desire to return to work or assume the traditional homemaker role. She worries about judgment and the perception of being “spoiled,” despite having the financial flexibility to choose leisure. The overall message is that mothers need permission to feel conflicted, to seek solitude, and to redefine what a fulfilling life looks like for them.
3:30
Skip the Flashcards. Send Them to the Ice Cream Truck.
The author reflects on the value of childhood experiences, such as buying ice cream from the ice cream truck, in building capability and confidence in kids. Each summer, the author's kids would receive a jar of money from their grandmother to spend at the ice cream truck, and they would take charge of buying their own treats. The author intentionally didn't intervene, allowing the kids to practice skills like waiting in line, ordering, and paying with cash.
This approach allowed the kids to develop important life skills, such as patience, clear communication, and problem-solving, in a low-stakes environment. The author argues that these skills are more valuable than those learned through drills and workbooks. By giving kids the autonomy to make their own purchases, parents can help them build resilience and confidence.
The author suggests that parents should trust their kids to handle small challenges on their own, rather than swooping in to help. This approach can help kids develop a sense of capability and self-reliance. The author encourages parents to tune in to their kids' small moments throughout the day and give them the chance to build skills on their own timeline.
By taking a step back and allowing kids to take charge, parents can help them develop essential life skills that will serve them well beyond childhood. The author's approach is centered on trust, autonomy, and supporting kids as they learn and grow. This approach can help kids develop a sense of confidence and self-reliance that will benefit them in the long run.
3:30
Red Drink for Juneteenth
Amber Mayfield Hewett loves a good party. Not “good” in the sense that there were enough chairs and everyone liked the dip (though a killer dip and a place to sit definitely don’t hurt).… Read more
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3:30
A Little Help From My Friends
I was on my fourth radiation session. I was sitting across from my friend Rachel’s husband, Rob. He was holding a paperback, dog-eared copy of The Stories of John Cheever.… Read more
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