mamajotes on LTK

Ep 2 // what are some other book reviews that you would want to see? Audiobooks? Books from a certain genre or time period? Let me know in the comments…

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#LTKootd #LTKstorytime #LTKselfcare

Ep 2 // what are some other book reviews that you would want to see? Audiobooks? Books from a certain genre or time period? Let me know in the comments… Books bookstagram bookrecs chicagoblogger LTKootd LTKstorytime LTKselfcare

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The Push: A GMA Book Club Pick (A Novel) | Amazon (US)

The Last Letter | Amazon (US)

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo: A Novel | Amazon (US)

Tell Me How to Be | Amazon (US)

Before I Fall | Amazon (US)

Part 1 // tell me what other books you liked so that I can suggest something similar you’d like to read!

#LTKdayinmylife #LTKHome #LTKstorytime

Here’s why 👇

Dermaplaning at home can seriously boost your glow and it’s not just hype. Here’s why it works (when done correctly):

1. It removes dead skin cells

Dermaplaning (face shaving) is physical exfoliation. The blade gently scrapes away the buildup of dead skin that can make your face look dull and tired. Once that layer is gone → instant brightness.

2. It gets rid of peach fuzz (vellus hair)

That fine hair can trap oil and dead skin and also scatter light (aka: make skin look less glowy). Removing it lets light reflect evenly off your skin, giving that smooth, glassy look.

3. Your skincare absorbs better

With the dead skin + fuzz gone, your serums and moisturizers can actually penetrate instead of sitting on top. Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and peptides all work harder after dermaplaning.

4. Makeup goes on smoother

Foundation and concealer glide on instead of clinging to dry patches. This alone makes skin look healthier and more radiant even without makeup.

5. It stimulates gentle cell turnover

While it’s not the same as a chemical exfoliant, dermaplaning encourages your skin to renew itself, which can help over time with texture and dullness.

A few important glow-saving tips ⚠️
• Use a clean, sharp blade (dull = irritation) comment BLADE and I’ll send you the one I use
• Hold skin taut and use light, downward strokes
• Follow with hydration + barrier repair (no harsh actives for 24 hours)
• Sunscreen is non-negotiable ☀️

#LTKselfcare #LTKdayinmylife #LTKBeauty

I’m so jealous of those you who get to read these for the first time.

finally coming at you with some book content. It’s about time right?

Drop your recs in the comments because you know that I need them

#LTKstorytime #LTKmomlife #LTKvlog

never know when a flare is coming. I’m learning how to manage them better, but sometimes they still catch me off guard—like yesterday, when I spent 24 hours dealing with a gastritis episode.

Living with MCAS is hard. Chronic illness doesn’t care about your plans or how “well” you’ve been doing. Some days your body just needs everything to slow down.

What I’m learning is this: when a flare hits, the goal isn’t to push through—it’s to reset. For me, skincare is part of that reset. Not vanity. Regulation.

Taking a few minutes to gently care for my skin helps calm my nervous system and reminds my body that it’s safe. A soft cleanse. Deep hydration. No rushing. Just care.

For anyone else living with chronic illness:
• Lower the bar
• Cancel what isn’t essential
• Choose one gentle ritual—skincare, a warm shower, tea, fresh sheets
• Let “enough” be enough

I’m grateful I have the support to reset this way, including my kids, who somehow understand that when mom slows down, it’s not weakness—it’s care 🥹

If today is a hard day, let this be permission to rest, reset, and rebuild gently. Sometimes good days start with skincare.

#chronicillness #MCAS #autoimmunedisease #skinreset #restasmedicine #selfcare

#LTKdayinmylife #LTKselfcare #LTKBeauty

I have this shirt in seven colors and live in it all winter long. The best basic long sleeve you can spend your money on

#LTKmomlife #LTKSeasonal #LTKPetite

Staple for dry winter skin

#LTKdayinmylife #LTKGiftGuide #LTKmorningroutine

Save some space this winter and grab this hat/scarf situation to keep you warm

#LTKFindsUnder50 #LTKmomlife #LTKSeasonal

I love the weight of it, but do I look crazy? Let me know in the comments

#LTKSaleAlert #LTKActive #LTKmomlife

Everything about lake-house screams reset and relax. So this is how I achieve glass skin and give it everything to stay hydrated as winter comes into full swing.

#LTKselfcare #LTKfitnessgoals #LTKBeauty

Best part about the Midwest is all of the outfits that come with every season. It feels like this trenching bag can go with every outfit and make it look so stylish in the most effortless way.

#LTKItBag #LTKSeasonal #LTKStyleTip

Suede, the perfect chocolate brown, definitely the bag of the season. Literally fits everything you could possibly imagine and more, and looks so effortless in cheek with every single fall outfit. Will definitely be wearing this into winter and beyond.

#LTKHoliday #LTKItBag #LTKGiftGuide

Eyelash extensions, but you don’t have to spend all of the money. And no raccoon eyes. 🦝

#LTKHoliday #LTKGiftGuide #LTKBeauty

#LTKWorkwear #LTKBeauty #LTKStyleTip

Everyday makeup plus SPF!? Yes please

#LTKSaleAlert #LTKBeauty #LTKSwim

Love a good everyday makeup look

#LTKFindsUnder100 #LTKStyleTip #LTKBeauty

The cutest OOTD

Master bedroom upgrade

#LTKHome #LTKFamily

Obsessed with this fit and it’s perfect for travel!!!

#LTKFamily #LTKPetite #LTKTravel

Toys my 2 year old loves

Home library - still need to add some plants and wall decor but I’m so in love

#LTKFamily #LTKKids #LTKHome

DAGNE DOVER SALE! Up to 30% off — linking my faves

#LTKTravel #LTKSaleAlert

Effortlessly elevated ✨ This trench, these jeans, and this bag = the perfect formula for everyday style. Linking all my outfit details so you can recreate this classic look! #LTKfashion #LTKstyle #LTKspring

#LTKSeasonal #LTKWorkwear #LTKItBag

I couldn’t put The Maid by Nita Prose down! From the very first page, I was hooked by this beautifully written and utterly unique story. The protagonist, Molly, is one of the most endearing characters I’ve ever encountered. Her quirks and perspective on the world make her not just lovable, but unforgettable.

As Molly finds herself swept into a murder investigation, her keen eye for detail and her unwavering integrity shine through in a way that’s both inspiring and touching. The mystery itself is gripping and perfectly paced, but it’s Molly’s heart and charm that make this book truly special.

Nita Prose crafts a narrative that’s as witty as it is profound, weaving in themes of connection, loneliness, and self-discovery. The Maid is one of those rare novels that’s as much about the characters as it is about the plot, and I found myself rooting for Molly every step of the way.

This is an absolute must-read for anyone who loves a clever mystery with a lot of heart. It’s easy to see why this book is so beloved—Molly will stay with you long after you turn the last page. Five stars, hands down!

#LTKHome #LTKFindsUnder50

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros is an absolute triumph—dystopian fiction at its finest. Even as someone who doesn’t usually read this genre, I found myself completely captivated by the rich world-building, fierce characters, and non-stop action that kept me glued to every page.

The story follows Violet, an unforgettable heroine who’s thrust into a brutal, high-stakes war college where only the strongest survive. What makes Fourth Wing stand out is its perfect blend of heart-pounding tension, emotional stakes, and intricate character dynamics. Yarros has created a vividly detailed, immersive world that feels alive, with dragons, deadly trials, and complex relationships that drive the narrative forward.

The pacing is relentless in the best way possible, offering twists, betrayals, and moments of triumph that make it impossible to put the book down. While the dystopian elements are gritty and intense, it’s the depth of the characters—particularly Violet’s resilience and growth—that give the story its emotional core.

Rebecca Yarros has managed to write a book that will appeal to both fans of the genre and readers who might be hesitant to dive in. It’s a thrilling, breathtaking adventure with a world and characters you won’t soon forget. Fourth Wing is a must-read—epic, emotional, and utterly unputdownable.

#LTKSaleAlert #LTKFindsUnder50

I would give this book 10 stars if I could. It was one of the best books I’ve read this year. So much depth, meaning while also keeping the reader engrossed in the story. Truly magnificent.

#LTKWatchNow #LTKFindsUnder50 #LTKSaleAlert

The Push by Ashley Audrain is an emotionally devastating and haunting psychological drama that lingers long after the final page. This is not just a book—it’s an experience. Audrain’s powerful storytelling dives deep into the complexities of motherhood, intergenerational trauma, and the darker corners of human nature, creating a narrative that is both gripping and unrelentingly raw.

The story centers around Blythe, a woman grappling with the weight of motherhood and her increasingly strained relationship with her daughter, Violet. As Blythe’s suspicions grow that something may be deeply wrong with Violet, the reader is drawn into her unraveling world, constantly questioning her reliability and the truth behind her fears. Audrain’s writing is razor-sharp, unflinching, and intimate—so much so that it feels like you are reading Blythe’s most private confessions.

What makes The Push exceptional is its ability to explore taboo topics—the ambivalence of motherhood, the fear of not being enough, and the chilling possibility of a child being inherently “bad”—with unflinching honesty. Audrain crafts tension so masterfully that the story becomes almost impossible to put down, even when it feels emotionally overwhelming.

The characters, particularly Blythe, are vividly human—flawed, complex, and achingly relatable. The generational trauma that runs through the women of her family adds another layer of depth, showing how the past can shape and haunt the present. The novel builds to a gut-wrenching climax, and the lingering ambiguity leaves readers with more questions than answers—in the best way possible.

The Push is bold, unsettling, and thought-provoking, making it a standout in contemporary psychological fiction. For fans of We Need to Talk About Kevin or Gone Girl, this book is a must-read. Audrain doesn’t just tell a story—she forces you to feel every uncomfortable, heart-wrenching moment. A masterpiece that deserves all five stars.

#LTKFindsUnder50 #LTKSaleAlert #LTKWatchNow

WOW! This book took my breath away. I couldn’t stop reading it. It was raw, beautifully written, and held so many moments that I found myself thinking, WOW me too! Definitely read this book!!! Savor it as much as you can. It’s one of those books that you can’t put down and then feel sad after it’s done so quickly. I got lost in Akash and Renu’s world and found myself going through the rollercoaster of emotions with them.

#LTKSaleAlert #LTKWatchNow