The Ultimate Guide To Glowy Skin

1. You're using money as a way to compare yourself to your friend.

Seeing it worded like this sounds harsh and is sure to illicit the following responses:

1. "Are you kidding me? I'd never do that!"
2. "There's no comparison between my friend and I. I love them too much to do that."
3. "It's not like I'm hurting my friend when I try to give them advice."

Even if you're not proud of it, there's a reason why comparison feels a embedded. Hughes says you're zeroing in on your friend's finances because of your "mindset." She further explains, "...we compare because money either separates you or brings you together. It's a social comparison because it's one of the most powerful tools to create the life you desire." This checks out if you and your friend are always talking about the kind of futures you want.

Here's the clincher: Hughes says, "Some are motivated by others, and some become jealous and hopeless."

2. The childhood lessons you learned about money are on full display.

Did you grow up hearing "money doesn't grow on trees" or "Anyone who doesn't save their money is being wasteful?" You may not think about it, but plays a role in how you look at other people's habits. Hughes says, "...judgment comes from our social upbringing. Some people have a scarcity mindset, so they hoard all their money." This could explain why you're less likely to spend money on things you consider frivolous while thinking your friend who does has lost a grip on reality.

The other side of this is being in a position where you didn't have to worry about money growing up. "If you are from a wealthier family, you know that money is a tool that flows." But, you're not off the hook from having negative opinions about others. You could still "judge others for not being smart and investing their money," according to Hughes.

3. You may be jealous of your friend or annoyed with their complaints.

You can adore your friend while envying them for having the luxury to do whatever they want with their money. It's not to say they're truly in the position be carefree, but their ability to believe they'll be okay no matter what may make you see green. Then again, you may resent your friend for complaining about financial hardships they're in because of bad choices.

Like Hughes has mentioned earlier, there's so many reasons why everyone judges each other. She reiterates, "Usually, it's a place of jealousy," and it can show up differently based on your friend's circumstances.

"If your friends travel and you can't afford it, it creates discontent," she uses as an example, but "if your friends complain about not having money and bad spending habits, you may be annoyed and frustrated because their habits don't align with their perceived values," she adds.

4. You're unable to handle the same criticism you're dishing out.

It's easy to judge others for doing something we think isn't right, but it's harder to accept the same vein of criticism. Hughes says people who consistently critique their friends' spending habits wouldn't have a hard time paying attention to their own choices if they were genuinely seeking "expert guidance on how to manage money instead of avoiding it."

For example, you could feel envious of the friend who has a good relationship with money while you're always spending it as soon as you get paid. "Some people cannot hold on to cash because they don't feel they deserve it. It's the subconscious programming that prevents them from making changes," says Hughes.

Here's what to do if you're truly concerned about your friend's finances

Approach the topic delicately

Sometimes we love to pose aggressive interventions with our friends because we "know" them. While this may work in some cases, it could backfire if you're adding to the guilt they're already feeling.

"If they ask for feedback or they complain in a moment, you can get curious and ask questions that allow them to realize their mistakes," suggests Hughes. Don't go thinking this is your shining moment to make your friend change, however.

"Ultimately, it's up to that person to receive feedback. If they don't want the input, it's best not to express your opinion as it doesn't impact you..." Hughes remarks.

Here's how to set a firm boundary with a friend who can't keep their opinions to themselves

If you've found yourself on the receiving of constant opinions about how you spend money, we know you're annoyed. We're irritated for you because invasive questions or thoughts about money can ruin a longstanding friendship!

You can say something like, "While I appreciate your concerns, I will figure this out". You must take control of the conversation and be assertive if others are crossing a boundary. This usually reflects a lack of boundaries in relationships beyond finances- so chances are your relationship already lacks boundaries.

1. Have A Mini Picnic At The Park

If you've always dreamed about eating your favorite foods at a park by yourself, here's your sign to do it this year! You don't have to spread a blanket unless you want, but you do have to bring your good vibes and the treats you don't like sharing with anyone. Sounds like a plan, right?

2. Head To A Local Café For Uninterrupted Scrolling On Pinterest

Can't a girl scroll Pinterest in peace without someone asking 50,000 questions? I bet you've asked yourself this countless times so here's a nudge to take your hobby to your local café for uninterrupted concentration. You've got several boards to pin new ideas to, after all.

3. Get The Facial You've Been Putting Off

This is the year you and I finally get the Hydrafacials we've been thinking about. While your reason for wanting one may look different from mine, it still counts as a little solo date that'll help our skin glow. If you ask me, that sounds a little magical.

4. Schedule A Deep Tissue Massage

You know what? Bypass the facial and head straight for a deep tissue massage. I know this year's already got you feeling stressed so take the time to relax so you can get through whatever life throws your way.

5. Take A Pottery Class

There's certain scenes from Ghost that occupy my mind and one of them involves pottery. But you don't need a sexy partner to recreate the scene because this solo date idea is all about you. It doesn't matter if you create something perfect or not either.

This is prime time for being a little silly and creative.

6. Make A Reservation At A Cute Restaurant

You know that cute restaurant you've been wanting to try? Go ahead and book your reservation now! You'll be glad you were one of the first people in your group chat to get in on the long wait list.

P.S. Don't be alarmed if you people stare at you because you don't owe them an explanation for dining alone.

7. Indulge In An Extended Self-Care Routine At Home

Turn up the spa vibes at home with an extended body and skincare routine. Start by exfoliating your arms and legs before applying your favorite soothing body wash all over. If you want, you can use your favorite cleanser in the shower to create your own steam treatment. From there, take your time moisturizing your body and be intentional about the serums you use on your face.

P.S. It's time to break out that face mask you just bought!

8. Have A Hotel Staycation

Splurge a little and book a staycation at a hotel downtown. You likely have your choice of at least one posh place to stay and I'm sure it's within walking distance of cute shops or restaurants.

P.S. Create boundaries by turning your phone on DND(after you've told everyone where you'll be of course!).

9. Volunteer At A Farm

Roll up your sleeves and volunteer at a local farm. It's a great way to spend time outdoors and you'll make your animal-loving heart happy. I mean, who wouldn't want to be allowed to brush a cute horse or two?

10. Take A Yoga Class

Stretch your body at a yoga class you've signed up for. You could easily spend another day or night following a routine from the comfort of your apartment, but it's okay to see real faces! Who knows, you may make a new friend who's also having a solo date.

11. Visit A New Area of Town

Allow your wanderlust to take over by visiting a new area of town. Chances are that you'll discover a new shop or activity you want to know more about. For example, a cute candle business may offer candle-making classes which sounds like a lot of fun to me.

12. Stop By Your Local Flea Market

Flea markets are still in business and have cute, nifty things you can take home. If you're participating in a "no-spend" month, you can always browse different booths to see what they have.

13. Spend A Few Hours At An Art Gallery

If you need a small or huge dose of inspiration, I highly recommend you stop by an art gallery sooner than later. It's a great way to ignite your inner creative while also calming your soul.

14. Unleash Your Inner Kid & Go On A Bike Ride

Do you remember when you used to beg your parents to let you ride your bike as a kid? It's time to revisit that feeling so you can pretend like anything is possible. But instead of racing, pedal slowly so you can take in the beauty of your surroundings.

Your aesthetic is known for being sophisticated yet warm. What’s your best piece of advice for someone looking to make their home feel more personal?

Jeremiah: Theresa, that's my life mission with design. It’s become super-prescriptive design. The most memorable rooms and homes I've ever been in had nothing to do with how much money they spent or if it was from Architectural Digest, it just looked like them.

My biggest piece of advice would be: Really think about the moments in your day that matter most to you. Are you an early morning person who needs coffee? Are you an evening person who wants to lie down and watch TV, or are you somebody who's very ceremonial?

Do you have a spot to read a book and have a glass of wine at night? If you start creating your space for your moments instead of for other people, it just changes the way you move through your own house.

Nate & Jeremiah by Design gave viewers a glimpse into your life with Nate and your family — what was it like working so closely with your partner on screen?

Jeremiah: He's my favorite person in the world. I mean, it's not easy to work with a spouse. It can really make or break you, but my husband has always believed in my talent and my perspective creatively and we have a lot of respect for each other. What it represented was us being able to show a family like ours to the world that maybe they didn't have access to, and it was really important and I'm really proud of it. It's also this beautiful timeline of the first 10 years of our lives as a family.

Now you’re joining Queer Eye. What’s something about working on reality TV home makeovers that people might not realize?

Jeremiah: This is going to be a weird thing to say, but I don't think people realize how real Queer Eye is. I've worked on a lot of reality television, which is aging me tremendously. [laughs] Queer Eye is different. I mean, I sat there every week watching people walk into new versions of themselves. It's an interesting thing when you see somebody the way they want to be seen and then you watch them change the way they see themselves. I got to watch my dearest friends do what they do and it was just wild. You can't produce that kind of energy.

What's one of your favorite moments on the show?

Jeremiah: There was a woman named Jen'ya who is a single mother and I was raised by a single mother, and it was particularly impactful for me because it's everything you wish you could have done for your mother growing up. To be able to have that full circle moment and say, "I know exactly what you're going through" and every chance you just can't seem to get, that felt really good.

Let’s talk weddings. What’s one design element from Say I Do that you’d love to see more couples incorporate into their own celebrations?

Jeremiah: The people that they love, which is a weird thing to say, but I think so much about weddings becomes about the conventional, like flowers and this and that. That personalized component makes it just this really beautiful, holistic, important thing. In our wedding we tried to incorporate the people that were really part of the fabric of our lives because we wouldn't have been there without them.

What are some ways that you and Nate incorporated your closest people?

Jeremiah: My mother's recipes for our desserts, certain flowers from my grandparents, certain smells. We incorporated photos in different areas. My sister sang at our wedding, which was super special. Tons of different little things, like little nods to people we love.

What’s one design trend that makes you cringe?

Jeremiah: Acrylic furniture because of fingerprints and dust. But I support people who have it, it’s just not for me.

Enter To Win A Pantry Makeover From Jeremiah!

• About Sweeps:Almond Breeze is teaming up with Jeremiah Brent to highlight the brand’s shelf-stable Almondmilk varieties as pantry staples, Unsweetened Vanilla and Unsweetened Original. The brand is offering a pantry makeover with Jeremiah for one lucky winner!
• Entry Period: The sweepstakes kicks off on 2/18/25 and ends on 2/25/25.
• How To Enter: You can enter the sweeps by visiting: https://enterpromo.com/almondbreeze. Simply fill out your name, email, phone, home address and DOB, and you’re in the running to win!
• Terms & Conditions: Must be 18 or older to enter. Must be U.S.-based, excluding Alaska and Hawaii.

Given this sweepstakes, what are your best organizational hacks for the pantry?

Jeremiah: I think the pantry becomes kind of a catch-all for everything. And the next thing you know, half of it's expired. It kind of becomes like a pit where things go to die. In our own house, I'm constantly editing, even if it's just changing where things are spatially in the pantry, moving them around a little bit forces you to go through things and reassess them. And lighting. Buy simple, really inexpensive LED strip lighting that you can attach to the top of your pantry inside and light. It makes a world of a difference.

Why you decided to partner with Almond Breeze. Do you have a go-to recipe or favorite beverage?

Jeremiah: We're really aligned for a lot of different reasons. They are crafted obviously from the best Blue Diamond almonds. They're all about sustainability. The fact that it's this wholesome plant-based almondmilk. We use it in smoothies, cereals, Poppy [my daughter] just used it in her cereal this morning. You know, life is crazy and busy and I'm traveling all the time and I love that I don't have to worry in two weeks if I need to get rid of it because it’s shelf stable. It's just a matter of aligning with a company that their priorities are in the same place as mine, as a father and as a husband.

Do you like to cook?

Jeremiah: Love to cook. It's my favorite. I love the ceremony of it, preparing something and then people coming together and then watching them eat it. It's the best.

What's your go-to recipe that's not a beverage?

Jeremiah: I'll give you two. I make a weeknight bolognese, but I actually think the recipe is from Ina Garten because I'm obsessed with her. And then I do a jalapeño pomegranate glazed ham for the holidays, which sounds like a lot of flavor and very fancy, but it's really easy and it's so good.