Hey Warrior Queens (and Kings too—it is Father’s Day weekend, after all!)
Let’s start with a Happy Father’s Day shout-out to all the incredible dads, father figures, grandfathers, bonus dads, and strong men showing up with love, protection, humor, and support. 💙 Whether you're celebrating a present dad, honoring the memory of one, or reflecting on what you needed and never got—today holds space for all of it.
"A father is neither an anchor to hold us back, nor a sail to take us there, but a guiding light whose love shows us the way."
💡 Last-Minute (But Thoughtful!) Father’s Day Gift Ideas
Because let’s be real… time slips away. But love? Love’s always right on time.
- The Memory Jar 📝 – Grab a mason jar, some paper, and write down your favorite memories with Dad. Or if the kids are doing it? Even better. Instant heart-melter.
- DIY Dad’s Day Coupon Book – Include things like “one tech-free dinner together,” “a car wash,” or “one hour of uninterrupted TV time.” Free. Powerful. Personal.
- Spotify Playlist from the Heart 🎵 – Make him a custom playlist of songs that remind you of him or that you used to rock out to together. Label it “Dad Vibes Only.”
- $10 Adventure Kit – Pick up his favorite snack, a mini flashlight, a gas station gift card, and a note that says, “Let’s hit the road.”
🪞 Inner Critics & Energy Vampires: BYE.
New on the blog:
🖤 “Over 40 & Over It: How to Mute Energy Vampires (Even Your Own Inner Critic) & Reclaim Your Blissful Life”
If you’ve been nodding along thinking, “Yes, I am tired of people draining me. And also… am I kind of draining myself?” — this one’s for you.
I break it all down and offer you practical, loving, cheeky ways to cut the cords and reclaim your sparkle.
👉 Read it here.
🎬 Just a Big Kid at Heart
Confession time: I’m still absolutely that kid who gets giddy over a fairytale with a twist—and Disney Plus’ live-action Snow White delivered!
It surprised me in the best way. Captivating visuals, a deeper (and delightfully fierce) storyline, and just enough nostalgia to make me feel like I was 10 again with glitter lip gloss and a Lisa Frank folder.
If you haven’t watched it yet… curl up with popcorn and give it a go.
🍿 Watch Snow White on Disney+ here.
🍓 Taste of Summer: Strawberry Basil Lemonade Fizz
Because summer is thisclose and it’s time to celebrate with something sweet, tangy, and refreshing.
You’ll Need:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- Juice of 3 lemons
- 3 basil leaves, muddled
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
- Sparkling water or club soda
- Ice
To Make:
- Blend the strawberries and lemon juice until smooth.
- Strain if desired, then stir in honey/maple syrup and basil.
- Pour over ice, top with sparkling water, and garnish with a basil leaf.
Sip. Savor. Pretend you’re on a porch swing somewhere dreamy.
☀️ Summer Nostalgia: Do You Feel It Too?
There’s something about this time of year that hits you in the chest—in the best way.
That first humid breeze. The scent of cut grass and sunscreen. The freedom of flip-flops and fireflies.
Summer has a way of unfreezing the part of us that believes anything is possible.
It reminds us of late nights and melted popsicles, barefoot adventures, and endless days where time wasn’t real.
And you know what? It still isn’t.
You can still chase magic. You can still choose joy. You can still make this your most radiant summer yet.
If you didn't already, check out the blog post How to Have a Hot Girl Summer After 40 (No Crop tops required!) and Your Midlife Summer Bucket LIst.
🧳 3 Free or Low-Cost East Coast Day Trips for Summer Magic
Because summer doesn’t have to break the bank to break you open.
- Assateague Island, MD/VA – Wild horses on the beach? YES, PLEASE. Great for kayaking, nature walks, and shell collecting. Bonus: It feels like a fairytale.
- Shenandoah National Park, VA – Take Skyline Drive for stunning mountain views, then hike to a waterfall and picnic like a woodland queen.
- Cape May, NJ – Quaint shops, lighthouses, and free beaches during the week. Bring a sandwich and your favorite book. Heaven.
Whew. That’s a whole lotta sunshine in one email. Here’s your reminder:
You’re allowed to enjoy life again. You’re allowed to play. To unplug. To dream.
And you don’t need permission. Just presence.
💛 Until next time—stay wild, stay radiant, and please, for the love of fireflies… go outside.
With sass, love, and lemonade,
Jessi
Founder of Radiant Souls & Warrior of the Weekend Vibes
