The Case For a Boring Summer

Plus, chaotic ways cheaters got caught (that don't involve Coldplay).

Today's newsletter was written and curated by Popsugar lifestyle director Kelsey Garcia. The Feel-Good 5 is a daily curation of stories we can't stop talking about. The Summer's Hottest Parenting Hack? Boredom Some of my fondest summer memories involve long days spent at my grandmother's house doing absolutely nothing — nada. Some days I'd just stare out the window and watch cars drive by. On the exciting occasion that my cousin was also there, we'd make up our own elaborate games or prank call people. One summer, I managed to occupy a lot of time by rolling coins: my grandmother had several large mason jars filled with change, and she let me keep whatever I rolled and toted to the bank to exchange for cash. I think it was like $125.   In our hyper-optimized day and age, this appears to be something of a trend. (That is, boredom.) Sick of being their family's de facto "cruise directors," more parents have come forward in recent months to share the surprising benefits of "kid rotting" or letting children have a "wild summer," in lieu of schedules packed with back-to-back activities.   Parenting influencer Ashleigh Surratt is giving it a whirl this summer, and while the first two weeks were terrible, she tells PS, her kids have adjusted: "There were a lot of tears, and I got really overstimulated really quickly. But now I find that their best play comes maybe about 10 minutes after we start 'boredom hour.'" Read More The Most Chaotic Ways People Found Out They Were Being Cheated On You thought that Coldplay kiss-cam scandal was bad? Yeah, fair enough, it was pretty bad, but here are other mortifying ways cheaters got caught. READ MORE → The Wellness Recession Is Coming: Why Community, Not Consumerism Will Save Us Let's face it: we've all been sold a perception that wellness comes at a cost — think $13 matcha lattes and luxury gym memberships. Read why Transparent Black Girl founder Yasmine Jameelah wants you to throw that perception right in the trash. READ MORE → This Birth Chart Facial Did Wonders For More Than Just My Skin Can your zodiac sign lead you to the right facial treatment? As a Capricorn, I'm skeptical. As a nosy person, I loved reading all about it. READ MORE → The Insoles That Saved My Feet at the Beyoncé Concert — and 9 Other Items to Pack Dressing the part for the "Cowboy Carter" Tour requires insoles and an appropriately sized clear bag. (Hey, it can't all be glamorous. That's Bey's job.) READ MORE → Hype Check In today's featured column, PS Beauty's Renee Rodriguez tries the camera-ready tutorial I wish I followed before I got my Real ID. My Passport Photo Is Perfect Thanks to This Viral Makeup Tutorial The last time I had a passport photo taken, I was 22 and heading to Costa Rica to teach English after graduating from college. I wore a plaid button-down, a fugly red scarf, and absolutely zero makeup. Somehow, I still managed to look cute. It's been almost 10 years since then, and yep, you guessed it — it's time for a new passport photo. I've already accepted the fact that there is no way I'm going to look cute in any photo without at least a little makeup, so when I saw a viral makeup tutorial for the "perfect passport photo" on TikTok, I decided to test it out to see if it was worth the hype. — Renee Rodriguez Read More Editor's Picks: Martha Stewart Summer With these shopping picks, no one will know you've killed every plant you've ever had. Terrain Cotton Crusher Hat $38 Loft Chambray Everyday Relaxed Pocket Shirt $32 $65 West Elm Large Gardening Tote With Tools $49 Creative Women Handblown Hammered Coupe Glasses $74 $88 PS . . . Before you go, here are a few more stories from PS and beyond that you might enjoy. Gabby Thomas shares with PS the four-word mantra that keeps her disciplined. I know, I know: "Love Island USA" is over, but people are still inquiring about Iris Kendall's boy shorts. West Elm just dropped some chic Halloween decor, and if you think it's too early to start planning accordingly, no it isn't. And what if I did spend my weekend watching seven episodes of Netflix's "Building the Band"? What then? (I'm Team SZN4, for what it's worth.) Stay Hydrated With Our New Electrolyte Mix PS hydration packs will punch up your water routine. Made with zero sugar, a boost of vitamin C, and natural flavors, they're an addition to your daily routine you can feel good about. Shop the mix in lemonade, watermelon, and pineapple flavors here. PS — click here to read more from us. Did someone forward you this email? Subscribe now to get more from PS in your inbox.   update preferences | privacy notice | unsubscribe This email was sent to latestnews401.cele@blogger.com.  View online    As Popsugar editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work.   Vox Media, 1701 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036. Copyright © 2025. All rights reserved.