lightness of being and all the summer feels

our bodies crave this time of year.

mid summer feels

I always consider July to be the peak of summer. We get comfortable in a new routine or lack thereof, the heat rises to what feels like its maximum and our slow, warm days start melting into each other. What I love most about summer is the feeling it gives us. Summer is a time to be and feel light in all ways. Light in the mind, light with restrictions and light with control. It’s a time to welcome spontaneity, to color outside the lines, to sleep a little longer and let the sunshine restore us. I recently got told by my astrologer bestie (lol) that my Leo rising is the reason I identify so much with the sun. In the summer I love to welcome its energizing presence and feel nurtured by its warmth. Sunlight not only boosts our mood, but it also boosts immunity, improves eye health, decreases inflammation, lowers blood pressure and the list goes on. Pair it with an ocean dip rich in magnesium and minerals to soothe our nervous system and balance our hormones. It’s no wonder why we always feel amazing after a beach holiday. Our bodies crave it.

Pause. Create Space. Reflect. Carry On.

Summer is a time where we are able to feel a bit more spaciousness in our lives. People are traveling, our emails feel more manageable, there is less rush in the air. I like to take advantage of this slower pace to get centered with myself, reflect and reassess. I’ll take inventory of the previous months: what goals I achieved, what I experienced, what were the central themes and points of focus, what lessons I learned, what I enjoyed and what I didn’t. I like to do this exercise both for my work / career and also my personal life.

After reflecting, I’ll make a list of the goals I would like to accomplish for the rest of the year. How I want to feel, what I want to do more of and what I want to do less of. Make sure this list isn’t extensive. It’s not what you want to do in 5 or 10 years. It’s your game plan for the next five months. It should be simple and effective. Your non-negotiables. The most important things you can do to make the most difference for yourself this year.

The reason why this mid-year reflection is so important is because what we desire shifts and it’s important to get quiet (and honest) with yourself and understand what is it that you truly want. What do you truly desire for yourself as a person, for your relationships, for your career or for your business. What is your mission and does your current path align?

Instead of continuing the year on a blind path, this check in serves to realign and course correct. We can all get a little distracted, make mistakes, start focusing on the fluff.. that’s a part of the journey but the more you course correct and get specific with your goals the stronger you’ll arrive to them.

But remember, it is summer.. so take it easy, light and extra sunny.

I love you to the (sun) and back, 

Pinkie Promise to be kind to yourself? Cool.

Xo, 

Valen

Thoughts On:

• Packing for a trip

  I usually have a very specific strategy when packing for a trip. I look at what the plans are (excursions, dinners etc) and what outfits I want to wear for each “event”. This has worked great in terms of always having something cute to wear but let me tell you my suitcase is heavy (and I’m over it.) I think this era has come to an end for me and I will now be subscribing to the capsule wardrobe strategy. Packing around 10 outfits and doing laundry along the way. Because the stress of traveling with a jam packed bag is not for me anymore. What kind of packer are you?

• Why I love Miami

  You know you live in the right place when you are just as excited to get back from vacation. Every time I land in Miami, I have so much gratitude for my beautiful city. So I thought I would dedicate a little corner of the internet to it. Apart from the weather (yes, we get a couple of months of hellish heat.. but the rest of the year: paradise.) I love that the city is big but manageable. I love the warmth of the mix of south american and european cultures. The huge community of women entrepreneurs and the amazing local businesses. What I love the most? I’ve never felt judged here. People do as they please and let you be who you are without having to fit in a perfectly polished box. All is welcome. Besitos, Miami!

  

For Your Eyes & Ears:

• In case you missed it

  One of my favorite things to do for Sana is think up, create and execute fun campaigns. One of my favorite ones to date was our muse summer campaign. Here are some of my favorite photos and official video. What did you think?

  

  

  Muse Summer Campaign

• On my camera roll

  This month, I don’t have any recommendations to watch or listen to so to make up for it I thought I would share some favorite moments from my camera roll. I traveled to Ibiza with my six month old and a group of my college best friends. It was magical!

  

  

  

  Ibiza in July

Things I’m Loving:

• Eliou x Sana Muse Summer Necklace

  Our Eliou x Sana collab launched this month and I’m still so excited about it! Eliou is a local jewelry brand created by two best friends. We’ve partnered to create a limited edition Muse Summer necklace only available at Sana. I’ve been wearing our limited edition necklace all month. It’s perfect for the summer, inspired by the constantly changing colors of the ocean. Each necklace comes with our limited edition tote bag, another favorite! Only a few left, collect yours to be twinsies!

• Muse Summer Pouches

  My all time favorite pouches got a new spin for the summer in our signature summer blue. These are a lifesaver to travel with. I use the big pouch for all my skincare, hairbrush, bodycare etc. (so much fits it’s wild) and the small one for my makeup. They are limited edition for the summer so don’t miss them :)

• Candlelit Showers

  Such a simple way to romanticize your routine and make your daily shower a restoring and relaxing experience. Turn off the bright lights and turn on some candles. Be present to the rejuvenating power of water and the company of the flame. I’ve been doing this at night and feel so relaxed and ready for bed in the best way after my evening shower. It’s giving spa.. try it!

• The Rich Cream

  If you had to try one Augustinus Bader product I would go for the Rich Cream. Even though I tend to reach for “The Cream” as my everyday moisturizer. The Rich Cream stands out for me in terms of the glass skin effect it leaves on your skin. So much that makeup artists keep it in their kits as their secret weapon for celebrity makeup. I love using it before a night out or event. Ps. let your previous products fully dry before applying the rich cream for the most seamless application.

For Your Month Ahead :

Affirmation for the month: I am on the right path. My timing is divine.

Journal Prompts For The New Month Ahead: 

• How can I lighten my mind in the next month?

• Plan a date for yourself this week or go on a spontaneous outing with a friend.

• What’s the best thing you’ve heard and tasted in the past month?

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