Daily Skimm: We have a book stylist pick out our books

Skimm'd while getting MBA application tips from Dean Erika James

“I was in the spice aisle just looking for something to put on my chicken” – An Australian woman, who saw a ​python slither right out of the shelf. What a thyme. 

ICYMI, a lot of us have been facing new levels of uncertainty lately. That can mean big feelings. Not just for adults, but kids too. One thing experts suggest trying? Self-affirmation. Because declaring your value activates areas of the brain that make you feel good about yourself. 

Since research shows children develop self-esteem by age five, starting early can be key. Slumberkins knows alllll about that. They make early education tools that encourage interaction, connection, and reflection. Helping parents raise caring, confident, resilient children. Check out their books, furry friends, skill-building activities, affirmations, and resources here. Psst...Skimm’rs can get a free comfort corner complete with backdrop, posters, and feelings flashcards. (And new customers get 20% off.) Brb, cozying up.

Q: How did you budget when you were paying off $32,000 of debt in 18 months?

Meriam Seboka: When I first started budgeting, I budgeted by month. [But] I found that method didn’t really work for me as I continued to overspend in certain categories, and I found it more difficult to make my money stretch the entire month. I then pivoted to budgeting by paycheck. That means every time I get paid, I allocate money to groceries, gas, self-care, and my other other expenses. And I usually allocate anywhere between $1,000 to $1,800 to debt per month.

Watch to hear more about how Meriam hit fast-forward on paying off debt – even after taking a pay cut to switch careers. And for more money tips, sign up to get our Skimm Money newsletter in your inbox every Friday.

Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…

1. A push-up bra that feels like no bra at all. Dreams really do come true. This brand’s got deep V, lacey, and wireless styles for when you want some natural lift. Sans digging or unnecessary padding. Psst…Skimm’rs get 15% off their first purchase.*

2. Cookware you won’t mind cleaning. Because it’s cute, non-toxic, and so non-stick, the food slides right off. This brand’s four-piece cookware set has all the essentials (including a storage unit). And comes in six Insta-worthy colors, like sage green and marigold yellow. Here’s $50 off.*

3. Staple jeans for (literally) every occasion. Madewell’s got allll the best washes and styles to add to your summer-to-fall wardrobe. (Hellooooo, Perfect Vintage Straight Jeans). Oh, and Skimm’rs get $25 off their $150+ purchase with code SKIMM25.*

4. An award-winning device that gets under your skin in the best way. This NASA-backed brand infuses ingredients (think: collagen) 20x deeper than traditional skincare products via their micro-mist tech. PS: Skimm’rs get 20% off new devices. Talk about a mist-have.*

5. Can’t-live-without accessories that’ll make travel easier. Say ‘see ya’ to exploding toiletry bottles, neck aches from car naps, and a suitcase that looks like a tornado hit. We gotchu.

6. A birthday candle that's personalized to you. Astrology lovers, unite. This candle consults the stars for a fragrance specific to your day of birth. All you've gotta do is input the day, and the scent and label will be fully customized. Psst...this candle also makes a great gift.

*PS: This is a sponsored post.

We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community.

Jump to it...Taegan E (CO). Her adult cheerleading team raised funds for local LGBTQ+ charities and performs for people in the community. Learn more.

Her true self...Lilly M (WA). She decided to switch careers from accounting. And will go back to school this fall to become a mental health therapist.

(Some) Birthdays...​​Satya Nadella (WA), Sally Ellis (MI), David O'Tousa (IN), Cristina Barden (AL), Tara Gaffney (NY), Nell Knox (MS), Neha Abassi (TX), Kristin Jacobsen (MN), Hannah Gettleman (IL), Chelsie Cummings (KY), Mindy Bentley (GA), Victoria Waldo (DC), Christiane Gotter (OR), Sarah Hintermeyer (MN), Joshua Casaos (MD)

*Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.

Looking for other smart ways to spend your time?

• Listen to our news podcast "Skimm This" for clarity on the biggest stories of the week.

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