The Medicine Cabinet Series: Jess, co-founder of The Good Fest
The medicine cabinet takes on a whole new personality in all of our homes. For some, it's exactly as its advertised, suspended above the bathroom sink. For others, a pile of makeup palates on your nightstand, or bottles of supplements in your kitchen cabinet, maybe even tinted moisturizers that have found a home in the console of your car.
The Medicine Cabinet Series was created to give you a unique look at the everyday lives of a diverse group of women from around the country. Dive in for a candid approach to wellness unlike any other.
BINTO: Tell us a bit about your daily wellness routine.
My wellness routine has consolidated a lot since having children! I need simple, smart solutions that aren't intimidating or time consuming. Every morning I drink 1 oz of an antioxidant and essential oil beverage and I try to drink 3 cups of water before I leave the house for the day. I take the B12 from my BINTO pack in the AM and the rest of my vitamins at night before bed. I don't work out often, but try to walk everywhere, and get 1-2 rides in on the Peloton bike each week.
BINTO: What product can’t you live without?
Right now I am really into using essential oils. I diffuse them any time I am in the house, and I have roller bottles for all the things (general perfume to immunity).
BINTO: What was the defining moment when you realized you could take your health into your own hands?
I was in and out of doctor offices in 2010-2011 for digestive issues. Everyone said I was fine but I never felt fine! I read a book by Kimberly Snyder, cover-to-cover, in one weekend and realized that eating mostly whole foods was the answer. I know this sounds like "duh" but I was eating so many processed foods and had no idea because they looked 'healthy" to me! I started making green smoothies that weekend and now I am a health coach.
BINTO: Have you seen your wellness routine evolve over the years?
Definitely. When I first got into wellness, I was in my 20s with an amazing job, in NYC, and no kids. I could do whatever I wanted! I worked out every day, drank lemon water, made fresh smoothies and food for myself - all the things. Now with multiple jobs and children, I have to pick and choose what is most important for me to get into my day and I don't have a lot of time for the extra stuff.
BINTO: Do you use BINTO? Do you stick to your routine?
I do use BINTO! I've been using BINTO for almost a year now and I love it for a few reasons: 1) because I know Suzie and I know she is going to put all her best into her product, and 2) because I have convenient little packs to take each day with no guessing. As long as I make sure to refill my bathroom cabinet with packets, I stick to my routine - but if they are not there, I am in trouble.
BINTO: Favorite supplement in your pack-Go!
The prenatal. There are so many terrible prenatal vitamins on the market with synthetic additions and fillers. I know this one is going to do its job and it also doesn't make me feel nauseous.
BINTO: What’s your favorite health or wellness product for your baby?
I find products on Vitacost that have very little ingredients - so castille soap for bath, coconut oil as a diaper cream (I swear it does the best job when redness appears), fragrance-free lotions, etc. I cloth-diapered my first baby and it was lovely for 12 months, but I wasn't able to keep up with baby number 2!
BINTO: How do you take your routine on the go?
I bring the things that make me feel like home - mini versions of my must-haves, my vitamins. I try to start my day with water and something light for breakfast. I know that with travel normally comes some indulgence, so my preference is to save that for later in the day knowing I started a nice foundation.