feeling a bit overwhelmed & just trying to stay afloat

[@tonyamedeiros2034]

While I LOVE your makeup content and hope it continues, for me the vlogs are what I love most now. That laid back, chatty style just feels very authentic and relatable. LOVING the increase in vlogs on yours and Tyler's channels :)))

[@christinabasham507]

Me too

[@staceymunoz]

These kind of videos put me in such a good mood and encourage me to start small tasks around the house when I’m feeling overwhelmed

[@jeanmacfarland1428]

definitely agree and I need to do some "stuff" around the house tonight-good timing

[@caraevans7105]

I came here to say the same thing!

[@marianekalis1533]

For sure! I need to have a productive day!

[@fabioladeltoro5529]

YES!

[@mariegomezinOz]

Yep me too. Very motivating. It's also comforting as the friend you don't have in your life right now sort of video.

[@R.L.Maverick]

I love Zote for my brushes! I break a hunk off and put it in a repurposed plastic container (from a hair mask) and then I just wet my brushes, swirl inside the container, repeat. Just leave the lid off so the bar can dry before storing away. It is less messy and really easy to access this way! Also, all of my brushes have stayed soft and have held up despite many years of cleaning with this soap.

[@cassandraanderson3314]

I like these types of videos. They are more relaxing, but also motivating. I like seeing the "real life" stuff and that it's not just playing with makeup. I especially like watching these while I am at my computer being productive as well. Whether it's making my own meal plans for the week, brainstorming my own goals, or paying bills. One thing I appreciate in your vlogs is still seeing makeup or knowing what your wearing. Some of my favorite looks you do are from vlogs :) Can that be a video you do? One where you talk about or show the makeup you usually wear but we don't always see you use or apply due to your filming plans. Your channel is my favorite and something I always look forward too!

[@marileehinderliter776]

I’m a mom of 3 girls turning 20, 17, and 13 this year. Trust me when I say I blinked and they grew up! The old adage “days are long and years are short” is so so true. 😊

[@stefanievazquez4465]

Zote is a Mexican soap ❤️ it’s a play on words actually because adding -zote to a word means it is big. So when you ask for the Zote soap you’re calling it a big bar of soap lol

[@gabrielaromero6605]

I am Mexican and have used Zote for my makeup brushes for years. I didn’t know that’s why it’s called Zote 😅

[@bbmoon7]

@@gabrielaromero6605 Jabón-zote xD didn’t put 2 and 2 together either 😂

[@Lettyc90]

Yes I was going to comment this

[@Ourjourneytohealth]

@@gabrielaromero6605 wow I seriously never thought of using zote. I definitely need to try this. Thanks I never used zote. Any other ways that I can use it as well?

[@stefanievazquez4465]

@@bbmoon7 if it makes you feel better I only realized this like a year or two ago when my mom pointed it out😂😂😂

[@ultrasoundangie6786]

My Grandma collected cookbooks. When she passed away, I went through them and kept a few. She and my mom (her DIL) have always said that every home needs a Betty Crocker Big Red Cookbook. I couldn't agree more. It has everything from how to thaw and cooking times for all different poultry and meats to how to measure items to making a beef wellington. One of her more interesting ones that I kept was a Arizona pioneer woman's cookbook. It had recipes for making soap, cooking rattlesnake, and keeping a husband 😂

[@EmilyGOODEN0UGH]

The Zote soap IS at malwart, but it's in the laundry department, at the far end from everything else small, with the flake soap. I love the pink lemon scent, I use it to wash dishes! It's also great for spot treating laundry... those grass stained knees? And they do have white unscented. It is actual soap, made from oil (lard?) and lye the way they've made soap since the beginning of time. Modern "soap" is detergent bars, made from petroleum products, and I am allergic to it. The only issue with plain old soap is that it might leave a little visible residue, like water spots on glass. Detergent bars leave an even coating of residue over everything, so it's not visible.

[@LauraGarza.]

I’ve been using African Black Soap to clean my brushes for years. There’s no smell and the Shea Butter softens the bristles.

[@samanthaleigh805]

I need to try that. I swear by the large charcoal soap from beauty blender but it’s pricey!

[@congojohn2065]

I was coming on here to say the same thing! It works great!~Emily

[@LauraGarza.]

@@congojohn2065, I agree 💯.

[@blancaherrera4215]

Omg!😍 My Abuelita used to wash the clothes with zote in México, she melted it on the stove and them put the clothes in a bucket with water and the melted zote and washed it by hand! What a memorie❤ Use it on the oil spots on your shirts!😊

[@claretrively]

Just as I was looking for a video to watch while doing chores! Jessica, your timing is impeccable

[@rachelmckoskybennett8285]

Love The Minimal Mom. I recommend her to people struggling with stuff. And she’s had an amazing impact on my life.

[@marythomas6543]

I’ve been going minimal for over 10 years. I found the Minimal Mom 4 or 5 years ago. She is a gem!! I started watching beauty KZbin back in 2009. I became a massive “collector” and hit “rouge” a few times. 🙄😬😶😂 Around that time, our second child was 2 and I quickly realized we needed to simplify. We added “please, no gifts” to bday invites, I made regular donation runs, and aimed to get perishable/practical gifts. It is an ebb and flow. Not a day goes by that I don’t pair down something. It’s just the nature of life with kids in our day and age. They are clutter magnets. I love what Dana K. White says about clutter threshold. I’ve realized that mine is pretty low.

[@lisajmakeup]

I’ve heard so many people talk about that soap! Need to try it. And omg, I’m getting ready for my day watching this and got so excited when you mentioned the BK Beauty 201 is one of your favorites 😍🥰 it was one of our first eye brushes when we launched ❤

[@hayleebaird-lira5558]

Love decluttering and cleaning videos! With 3 kids it’s almost constant for me. I just used my dove body bar to clean my brushes today and it worked like a charm!! Sometimes it feels great to just use what you have. Editing after you talked about minimal mom. She’s one of my favs too!! I’m down to 11 brushes and one of each product for my makeup collection. It all fits in one small bag and feels amazing!

[@koffeekween5924]

I am a HUGE fan of Zote!! I've used TONS of different things to clean my makeup brushes and when I tried Zote I knew that I was NEVER going back. If you are worried about the scent Jess, they do have a white bar that I believe is unscented (I like the pink bar personally but that's just me lol). I haven't experienced any reactions since using it and I've been using it for YEARS! How I store mine is I actually get one of those plastic food containers from the dollar tree that have the heat opening on the top. After I use the soap, I let it dry until it's 95% dry then I put the lid and leave the little hole on the top opened until completely dry. I haven't experienced any mold or any issues and the bar fits PERFECT into it 💕.

[@leslieprebyl6238]

I have been using Dawn Dish soap on my clothes for over 30 years. It also takes out red sauce and mustard, not just grease. I too enjoy watching Dawn from the Minimal Mom and her sister Diana. They are both good motivators for sure.

[@TheSoulgirl14]

The Zote soap is great for getting out stains and for hand washing any white clothes, shoes, socks, etc! Staple in a Mexican household!

[@sarahcarterthomas]

If you want to use up the Dr. Bronner’s soap you can use it for a bunch of stuff! But you can dilute it with water in the container and it won’t take so long for the suds to come out of the bristles. I do the same thing with putting water in old shampoo bottles to clean my hairbrush!

[@rachelp6600]

The biggest hot ticket items weren't included in the Ulta "22nd" day of beauty, like the Estee lauder double wear foundation, some of the perfumes, the persona blushes (obviously because they sold out so fast), the maracuja juicy lip plumps, etc. So for me, it was still worth it to purchase on the separate days.

[@abbieleighdoesmakeup8140]

Jessica, first of all to answer your question, I enjoy this type of video! Second of all, you could literally record yourself scrubbing a toilet while talking for an hour and I’d watch it. I just enjoy hanging out with you 😊

[@AJMP010609]

I’m so glad you started using Zote soap to clean your brushes. 😊 I heard it went viral so I bought some while I was in Mexico just in case! They last a very long time. Traditionally it’s used for laundry.

[@taylorpalmer894]

I really like the Dr. Bronner’s bar soap for my brushes/ I just put the bar in a travel soap container- I use it daily for my makeup sponge.

[@paulahillier1390]

Hi Jess A great place for kids clothes is "once upon a child." Especially for the things they barely wear like fancy dresses. 😊

[@jessicaweaver2687]

Watched this clog. Was going to nap. Now I'm going to take my dog on a walk. Thanks for boosting my productivity!

[@HiKimiko]

I love zote! I get it at Home Depot bottom shelf of the laundry area. I use a brush cleaner from JCat that is cupped so it retains soap instead of running off the sides. Brushes get clean super fast. So far no skin reactions after using for almost 5 years. Glad you like it!

[@Danielle-uw5df]

I’m loving Dawn Powerwash spray for my laundry lately! It gets out oil stains even after they’ve gone through the dryer. Amazing!

[@kellydurkin4313]

I have used zote for years. My husband is a chef. On nights he works he uses it in the shower. It’s like ivory soap when I was growing up. Ivory was originally for laundry. Works great for brushes!!!

[@peaceonearth2364]

I love using the Zote soap…no issues at all!😊

[@Elmo-rx3qx]

Jessica! The best thing for grease stains on clothing is the Dawn SPRAY! It covers such a wider area on your clothing so much quicker instead of dotting the soap on each spot.

[@Happy5R]

Jess you are always so fun, today was outstanding! I’m 72 and you make me feel 27!!! Thank you for being you.

[@danielas3223]

Zote Is like the most common, cheap soap here in Mexico... and we use it for everything... But I've never used it to wash my brushes, how did you like it?

[@janettehale3109]

The monthly pictures of Felicity’s first year is so precious!! That’s about how long I’ve been following you and I almost cried! And it has flown by!!

[@sarahl.2228]

Also love cookbooks and would love to hear your top cookbooks for healthy everyday eating.

[@Megan_0215]

I’ve used ZOTE soap for years. I did get the white one from Walmart. And I’ve had no issues: no skin reactions, no smell, and as you said, it really does a great job cleaning the brushes/sponges. All of my brushes have lasted test of time too.

[@irisk934]

I also use the white one. I think zoe soap is the best for getting foundation out of brushes especially

[@sarahrune5318]

Zote soap breaks down the oils and such soooo well. It’s all I’ve ever used for cleaning my brushes. It keep it in an old plastic container from butter or something, I think, and I leave it on the counter with the lid open until it dries and then put it away.

[@JennaMcCallister]

My husband is in the hospital, work is nuts, the house is a mess. I get the overwhelmed, but watching you helps calm me. You just have that sort of presence. So thank you for keeping me company. I hope you get a chance to relax soon! 💜

[@vetgmacatmomfl2055]

🙏🙏

[@piae106]

i love this vlog!! thanks for showing us how you deal with overwhelming days and congratulations for being so organized and productive! that was very satisfying to watch 😍

[@juliemcmahan1207]

I use the Zote soap to clean my brushes and I love it! I just keep mine in a plastic travel soap container. The kind that you can find in the travel section at Target or Walmart.. I keep the soap in the container while I clean the brushes, then let the soap dry before I put the top on and store it in my bathroom drawer.

[@mylifeasnih]

We just started doing monthly meal plans and it’s super helpful! I need to include the puff pastry pizza on ours! Sounds so delicious! I love that you guys use actual books for reference! Loving the vlogs 😊

[@kindlykelli]

I love these videos. It works for body doubling for me so I stay motivated while trying to be productive.

[@jesuisaimeex]

Body doubling changed my life. Im adhd and add, my sister is adhd...we call each other over FaceTime and clean together almost every day.

[@connieramsey6798]

I have used Zote soap for years on my brushes and love it. No issues with getting the soap out of the brush so no issues with skin irritation.

[@terriconway158]

Using Zote soap makes cleaning brushes so easy. I have a little plastic container (it's for food leftovers but it is just the right size for my Zote soap). I leave it in the container even when cleaning my brushes. Just rinse it out when I'm done. I leave the lid off until it dries and put it back on to store it until next time.😊

[@candicewiggins166]

I love the zote soap, it cleans so well and my brushes don't smell like it after they dry. I have really sensitive skin and it's never bothered me, the other part is that unlike other brush cleaners there isn't a film feeling to my brushes once they were dry. I love your vlogs however you do them, I usually save them watch for when I am doing my makeup brushes lol.

[@HannahWoodardLockaby]

I love having these videos on when I'm trying to get stuff done too! Makes me feel less alone and more focused. ALSO YES the second kid ages at WARP SPEED compared to the first one!! I don't know if it's because you're twice as busy taking care of two kids, or if it's just that it's not all 100% new, but it felt like it went 5 times as fast, no lie.

[@itsjessicabraun]

Yea seriously like 5x as fast!!

[@stephb3321]

I use the Dr. Bronner’s soap. I love it. Cleans brushes well.

[@angiesmith6782]

I’ve been using the zote for my brushes for 3+ yrs now and I’ve never had any problems with break outs or such! I love how clean it brings my brushes, plus you rinse it out lol Oh and Dawn will also bring white tennis shoes sooo clean! Dollar general has a cleaner called Awesome and it’s amazing as well, I use it on all of our stains along with Dawn dish detergent😂

[@marylove909]

When my son was a toddler and got too big to sleep in bed with us, I made a comfy palette for him that I could just pull out from under our bed. I just placed it on top of a laid out cardboard box that could slide easily. He would come in and get a big hug and a snuggle, and when he calmed down and felt better was happy to snuggle down in his 'special bed', and then we all got a good night of sleep

[@leahweiss4545]

My favourite slow cooker cookbook is “Canadian Living: The Slow Cooker Collection” (Canadian Living has a newer book, but I haven’t tried it). It has the best veggie sides for holiday meals, plus some pretty great stews and a really good Italian meatloaf. I used to put two of their side dishes in two slow cookers for Christmas day, so that Christmas day was a bit more focused on relaxing and enjoying each other’s company. When we moved to Australia it was one of the few books that made the cut. It’s not dump & go, and they explain why searing/browning etc is important for flavour etc., but they aren’t particularly time consuming either.

[@cheryladams4546]

I use zote for my brushes and love it .yes, walmart is where I get it .I found a brush cleaning mat at TJ maxx but I have used my hand .

[@evanhoge2065]

One of my go to summer meals is a Mediterranean inspired “power bowl” with riced cauliflower or quinoa, zucchini, red pepper, grilled shrimp or salmon, and whatever seasonings you like. It’s healthy and delicious!

[@kayladesalvo2904]

Funny thing about zote soap... my dad used it to catch fish lol and it's the best thing to clean makeup sponges to!! I also have sensitive skin and have no issues with irritation!! I also just store it in a zip lock bag and it last forever!!

[@ashleywhitehead8985]

Love love love these longer vlogs! They’re honestly my favourite.

[@butterfly7624]

I love those bins inside your drawers. Such a good idea!

[@chelseahudgins9379]

Sitting at home sick, this is exactly what I needed to make me feel better!!

[@lilacorn]

I hope you feel better soon xxx

[@88kayleigh]

I’m in the same boat!

[@allysonbell2307]

Dawn dish soap is amazing. That's actually what I use to clean my makeup brushes. Lol

[@brittanyjc8470]

I LOVE your productivity vlogs. Please never stop haha!

[@kimiakaguerard1000]

This felt so wholesome and heart warming. Thank you for posting!

[@vanessanicholson9260]

Thank you!! I folded my laundry with the promise of watching this video. I like how real you are just gettin’ stuff done 💕

[@Sealleigh1]

Love this kind of video. It makes me want to get stuff done around my house.

[@lindsayzachrey4851]

I chop the zote soap into small pieces and push them into a small glass canister from dollar tree. Store the rest of the dry soap bar under sink. I just use the soap in the glass jar until I need to add more from the bar.

[@clayeskildsen]

I don't use zote for my brushes, I use it as a laundry detergent and what turned me onto it was that it didn't have any chemicals in it. But I bought the white one and it does not smell like.

[@Ash_Lo]

Use Zote for laundry too!!!! It's great at getting stains out. I use it for my oldest son's white baseball pants & it works wonders.

[@roseg1333]

The electric tea kettle by Drew Berrymore is really good too and the colors it comes in sooooo cute 😍 mine is in sky blue and my husband got it at Walmart for Christmas for me

[@amyh8144]

I've tried makeup brush cleaner, regular shampoo, etc... but nothing works as well or as quickly as solid brush cleaner. I use the Sephora house brand. Very inexpensive, no scent, has brush conditioning ingredients, and comes with a silicone scrubby pad thing. I double cleanse, rinse twice, and dry on a towel. Takes me at most 5 minutes to clean 20 brushes and a sponge, especially if I do similar brushes at the same time.🌟

[@torisaywhaat117]

I buy the dawn in the spray bottle that they market as a pre-wash dish spray and use it exclusively on grease stains on our clothes 😂😂😂 works WAY better than shout!

[@julieduran5769]

I am afraid I prefer the makeup videos over vlogs. Everytime you do a vlog, I watch it, but I'm secretly hoping you'll do your makeup, tell us what's on your eyes, review a product, etc. It's just what I enjoy the best. I'm glad you are so open and trying new things and, like I said, I watch it all anyway. I feel like you're a friend of mine and I enjoy spending time with you.

[@HeyWeirdos]

Jessica, You can also use Dawn to get the oil stains out. Not Dawn in the washer but put it in the oil spot and let it marinate then rinse and wash out. Then you can wash it.

[@Dafne99]

I love zote and i like to cut off a slice and use that for my brushes and sponges. It motivates me to actually wash my sponge way more often and I like the clean feeling it has. I don’t really notice a scent after washing my brushes, but I don’t mind the smell either. There’s different kinds and I use the white one. It’s not that bad but zote is a life saver

[@danidavis3716]

Yes time flies after having kids!! My memory timelines are always based around their ages up to their adulthood. Now it’s what their doing. Mine are 29, 28, 24, and a five year old granddaughter!! I stumbled upon a video of you and Tyler going through lots of gifts subscribers had sent you while pregnant with Genevieve and still teaching. I’ve watched every video since!! ❤

[@cprk]

The ELF cleansing solid I find works the best over beauty blender liquid and solid, AOA solid, Sephora solid, sigma magic liquid, &/or baby shampoo. It is the only one that quickly gets my Sigma white brushes white again and stains out of sponges. It gets all deep in foundation or bronzer out of my BK beauty brushes after few tries and rinses out easily. Once the makeup stops coming out and you have grey soap rinse only they are super clean. Only complaint is it runs out fast so I do stock up when it’s 40% off on their site.

[@connieramsey6798]

With your Nantucket sweatshirt, make a paste of baking soda and Dawn, rub it in, and then wash. I’ve done this before and was pretty successful. It may not work but it won’t hurt to try.

[@lenka156]

We love all Your videos, Jessica! ❤❤❤

[@jessicabecker2138]

I have used Zote for over a year and no skin sensitivity. I also love the Dr. Bronners as well. I think both are great!

[@rachelweinblatt9264]

I’ve used zote soap for my brushes and sponges for years. I rinse them really well and spritz the brushes with a little alcohol while they are drying.

[@SpartanLoves]

I love these kind of videos!! And as a first time mom I would love more recommendations of all the things! ❤

[@simoneclarke5104]

I really enjoy these types of vlogs💖

[@samy141]

Hi Jessica, loved your vlog!! I love how the new season makes us go through our kids clothes and see how much they’ve grown, I recently did that as well for my kids clothes. You speaking about your youngest daughter’s birthday reminded me that I want to make a cake from scratch. Could you link the recipe please. It’s so special to celebrate our kids birthday, it’s definitely bittersweet.

[@peachypitstop6648]

I swear the Shout leave on spray gets out anything and everything but grease, so this is an amazing tip.

[@hersheyatticus816]

The Erborian CC cream looks great on you. I purchased the green one a month ago as I had a stint of skin redness during that time and it really evened out my skin tone. It seems you tend to like Korean base products (Missha BB, Purito, Erborian), would love to see you try more K beauty makeup some time soon😊

[@carolsullivan2599]

I literally just finished tasks that I call “monkeys on my back” today. I opened up your video and your day is exactly like mine. We are in central Florida and my particular monkeys were outside jobs. When you made coffee and put it in your tortoise thermal cup, I pulled mine out and am enjoying how hot it keeps coffee. Thanks for that tip from a while ago!

[@nestfulloflove]

I live this style of blog especially long. I’ve been folding laundry and organizing my closet while watching lol

[@gabasketcase6698]

Yes, love these types of vlogs. Always love when you share what y'all cook (and eat on your travels).

[@evebananas]

I love your vlogs so much! It's been a tough week in our house and this was what I needed to take a breather. Also- I appreciate you showing us some actual cookbooks! I wanted some to add to our wedding registry and everyday dinners looks awesome.

[@tnfan4347]

I LOVE this kind of vlog. I also LOVE it when you say "your guys's".

[@DC-ef8op]

I love these style of videos ❤

[@rizaandroy4ever]

I was looking for a useful solution for dirty towels! Thank you for the link, definitely going to try it

[@maggiekimmneedles4411]

This was just what I needed this week. It has been an overwhelming few weeks, I love all your videos, but these ones help me feel less alone. (Disney in less than 30 days is what is keeping me going!).

[@colleenmondore7545]

Have fun!!!!! 🎉❤

[@FernandaSuarez]

These type of vlogs are my absolute fave!, they make me happy and feels like hanging out with a Friend, Thank you for the video Jess!

[@luvjxnakajen]

Hi Jess I use the white zote and I store it in a glad plastic container. I think maybe the Castile soap takes so long to rinse is because it’s so concentrated. I use the tea tree one on my face and I have to use just a dot of it or I’ll be rinsing forever. Love the vlog!

[@shelbybell6207]

YES I love breakfast for dinner! My family and I call it brinner :) definitely my favorite dinner

[@janeblankenship2355]

I used zote for the first time the other day, and I am very impressed. It took the foundation stains out of my brushes and rinsed very easily!

[@emrej2527]

I love these productive blogs! I also love the cleaning tips. Honestly one of my other favorite KZbinrs mainly just make content about decluttering, cleaning and generally just maintaining their homes

[@VanessaLSanchez]

I’ve used zote soap for about 3+ years. And in between that I had very sensitive skin from tretinoin and my brushes never causes my skin additional irritation from using the zote soap but if you are prone to allergic reactions just do the patch test. Also~ I believe the white version of zote soap doesn’t have a fragrance. The fragrance in the pink version doesn’t really last that long. Once you start using the brushes again, I’ve noticed the scent is gone. But yea it’s a great soap!

[@tracyparker4587]

Many of the items I ordered during the 21 days of beauty were not included on the 22nd day, so I think that was just a nice bonus, but definitely nothing we could depend on for specific items.

[@nevermind1509]

Loving that flowered shirt!!

[@EmilyGOODEN0UGH]

EZ Faux Lo Mein noodles - start beef ramen in minimal water, chop carrots and toss in, any other veggies you have, then separately whatever meat is left over or chicken nuggets nuked, tossed with sweetsour or orange marmalade or something. When the noodles and veg are done, add some sesame oil and soy sauce. Serve the meat on top of the noodles, garnish with snipped green onions. Its super yum when you crave chineese and can't.

[@acmtz12]

FUN FACT- the soap ZOTE is a Mexican soap that back in the day when my parents were growing up in Mexico it was THE soap. It was used for E V E R Y T H I N G that needed cleaned…. I’m talking they used it to wash their hair, their body, face, dishes, CLOTHES!

[@d_aroma]

Omg yes! I wash my brushes with Zote but the white version (or white and blue packaging) and it leaves my brushes super clean and it’s super cheap (I also use it to wash stains out of my clothes) so, it has a permanent station in my bathroom

[@TaylahMadeComingSoon]

I freaking love videos like this! A little intimate, yet motivating! MORE PLEASE!!!!! 😘