I thought that with the rise of body positivity, the grip diet culture had on us was slightly less than what it was when I was on the pro-ana side of Tumblr back in 2016. But I've been seeing the terms 'almond mom' and 'skinny tok,' as well as "what I eat in a day" videos that show me one full meal and a snack throughout the whole day. Oh, and let me not forget 'guilt-free brownies' made with black beans. Stop. Obviously, I am a black bean brownie hater, but I'm even more of a hater of the term guilt-free. You don't have to feel guilty when you eat a normal, fudgy, dark chocolate brownie. Enjoy it, let your cells feel the LOVE. It's no secret that The Cosmic Club stands for wellness that doesn’t make you restrict. It’s a proven fact that restricting only makes you want what is restricted, more. Denying yourself this adds stress to your body. We live in an extremely stressful world. The state of our Earth, the state of our politics, the lack of empathy, polluted air, the very high cost of living. These things add up, and the long-term effects of stress are horrible. When there is a lot of stress, our smart bodies start prioritizing the processes that are essential to our survival. This means there is no space for creativity, for a thriving immune system, for a juicy sex life, for clarity in the brain. I could keep going, but you get the gist. A lot of the things that make life worth it are pushed to the side. I've seen the rise of the term almond mom, and it’s been so surprising. People posting videos saying, "My future kids will hate me" or "Almond mom incoming"—and even though I get that we're talking about your healthy grocery haul, this needs to stop. We need to take a step back: where did this term come from? WTF is an almond mom? "The term "almond mom" gained prominence in late 2022 and early 2023, stemming from a 2013 episode of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills where Yolanda Hadid advised her daughter Gigi to "have a couple of almonds and chew them really well" when she felt weak from dieting. This clip resurfaced years later, sparking discussions on social media about restrictive eating habits, leading to the viral use of the term "almond mom" to describe parents who impose unhealthy dietary practices on their children." Who wants to be that, fr? The funny thing is that people are posting terms they don’t even know the history of. They post WIEIADs that show calorie deficiency. They promote unhealthy relationships with food. The thing is: there are days when you eat less. Sometimes it's not as much as you need, and that happens because we’re all living life. Not every day is how it should be. But we need to be asking ourselves: should I post this?  Women have always had to deal with unrealistic beauty standards and damaging diets. Shouldn’t we be a little more empathetic and try not to feed these delusions? I love food, but it hasn’t always been like that. My pro-ana friends and I shared tips that I will not repeat, but if I had continued down that path, I don’t think it would have taken long for me to be six feet under. When you're a young, insecure girl on the internet, and you see accessible ideas to change something about yourself, you grab them. Weight is something you can have control over, and this is exactly why we have to be careful with what we show online. Very small things can be a gateway drug to something that ruins your relationship with food forever. I realized I had to eat when walking up the stairs or biking uphill became difficult. That, along with comments from others, woke me up. But it woke me up to orthorexia: the obsession with eating healthy food. I went vegan for the animals (as I said). Freelee the Banana Girl and Rawvana had me eating nine bananas a day with a side of cooked potatoes for dinner, and I was still insecure about my body. Food freedom was never a thing for me until I saw the joy around a dinner table. I started a job in a high-end restaurant, where wine and food were joys in life. I saw the bonds between people sharing starters and plates of pasta. People licking the last drops of their dessert off their plates. People who found such joy in nourishing themselves. I stopped being vegan when I realized it was too much of a restriction on my mental health, and at some point, I even stopped being vegetarian. It happened when I had something to celebrate and decided to eat a pasta carbonara. It had been my craving for a while, and let me tell you—it was life-changing. With every bite of spaghetti, I felt more free. So here's my idea: Let’s stop labeling food as good or bad. Let’s eat to nourish ourselves, to enjoy our lives. Let’s try to make other women feel good about themselves. Let’s stop raising almond kids. And let’s just fucking LIVE!

Aquarius Season Energy “Honor the space between no longer and not yet.” — Nancy Levin Aquarius whispers: rest. dream. trust. The revolution begins in the quiet, in the courage to slow down and cocoon as the future starts here.  With the winter solstice, a spark was ignited. The light begins to return, yet more softly…like a flickering candle, touching others to share its glow. The days stretch long and heavy, and the nights hold us close in their velvet dark. We are suspended here, in the liminal space, a threshold between no longer and not yet. We feel our bodies, minds, and souls slowly waking up again. Not ready to leap into full force, but that’s the magic of Aquarius season: we don’t have to. In a world that rushes us, shames us, and sometimes even punishes us for resting, Aquarius, the rebel and visionary, invites us to pause. To trust this tender awakening, knowing that even in stillness, we are becoming. The butterfly doesn’t rush its cocoon. It rests, trusting the quiet to shape its wings. This season, let yourself cocoon. Rest isn’t selfish; it’s revolutionary, and a form of self-respect. It’s a radical act of self-love that ripples outward into the collective. Aquarius carries the water for the world, reminding us that self-care is collective care. In the quiet, we dream. In the pause, we gather strength. And in honoring this liminal space, we also teach others that rest is sacred. The wisdom we find here will light the way forward, Not just for ourselves, but for all. How to Apply This Medicine1. Rest as Rebellion: In a world that glorifies hustle, rest is a radical act. Let yourself cocoon. Trust that stillness is part of your journey.2. Dream Boldly: Aquarius asks us to imagine what feels impossible. Use this space to dream, not about how or when, but about what sets your soul alight. And what are you getting ready for?3. Embrace the Unconventional: Aquarius is the rebel, the innovator. In this liminal space, allow yourself to explore new ways of thinking, being, and creating. Release the rules you’ve outgrown and ask yourself: What if I did things differently? Trust the flashes of inspiration that strike in stillness as they are seeds of transformation. Journal Prompts to Explore* Where am I in a liminal space—no longer who I was, but not yet who I’m becoming* How can I give myself permission to rest, even when the world tells me to rush?* What dreams are beginning to spark in this cocoon, and how can I nurture them?* How can I break free of conventional thinking and embrace a new way forward?

At The Cosmic Club, we believe nature has the answers to modern wellness. That’s why we’re proud to introduce our line of dual-extract mushroom tinctures, designed to support your health in a holistic and powerful way. Whether you're looking to enhance focus, boost energy, or regulate your nervous system, our tinctures are crafted to bring the magic of medicinal mushrooms into your daily routine. Why Choose Dual-Extract Tinctures? Our tinctures use a dual-extraction method, combining both alcohol and hot water extractions to ensure you get the full spectrum of beneficial compounds. Here’s why this matters: Water-soluble compounds like polysaccharides (beta-glucans) are excellent for supporting immunity and overall wellness. Alcohol-soluble compounds like triterpenes and sterols bring adaptogenic and anti-inflammatory benefits. This method ensures you receive the maximum potency and effectiveness from every drop. Meet the Mushrooms Lion’s Mane – The Brain Booster Lion’s Mane is your go-to for mental clarity and focus. Known for stimulating Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), this mushroom supports cognitive function, memory, and neural repair. Whether you’re tackling a big project or simply looking to stay sharp, Lion’s Mane has your back. Best for: Focus, memory, and long-term brain health. How to use: Add a dropper to your morning coffee or tea for a clear, productive day. Cordyceps – The Energy Enhancer Looking for natural stamina? Cordyceps is a powerhouse for energy and endurance, making it a favorite among athletes and anyone battling fatigue. It supports oxygen utilization in the body and even has libido-enhancing benefits. Best for: Energy, vitality, and performance. How to use: Take before a workout or busy day to feel naturally energized. Reishi – The Calming Companion Reishi is often called the “Mushroom of Immortality” for its incredible health benefits. It’s especially prized for its ability to regulate the nervous system, promote relaxation, and lower stress levels. Perfect for unwinding after a long day. Best for: Stress relief, relaxation, and nervous system support. How to use: Take before bed to encourage deep, restful sleep or during stressful moments to stay calm and balanced. The Blend – The All-in-One Solution Why choose one when you can have them all? Our blend combines Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, Reishi, and Chaga for a comprehensive wellness boost. Chaga, a powerful antioxidant, adds immune support and cellular protection to the mix. Best for: Overall wellness, immune support, and versatile daily use. How to use: Add to smoothies, soups, or take directly for a full-spectrum boost. Why Alcohol-Based? Our tinctures are alcohol-based to ensure the extraction of non-water-soluble compounds like triterpenes, which are essential for many of the adaptogenic and anti-inflammatory benefits. While the alcohol content is minimal per dose, it plays a crucial role in delivering the full potency of these incredible mushrooms. How to Incorporate Mushroom Tinctures Into Your Routine Add a dropper to your morning coffee or tea. Mix into smoothies or juice. Take directly under the tongue for fast absorption. Start with 1-2 droppers a day and adjust based on your needs. Consistency is key when it comes to reaping the full benefits of these powerful adaptogens. Your Wellness, Elevated At The Cosmic Club, we’re on a mission to make functional mushrooms/adaptogens accessible and approachable. Our tinctures are crafted with care, backed by science, and designed to support you on your wellness journey. Whether you’re new to mushrooms or a seasoned enthusiast, these tinctures are here to help you feel your best—naturally. Ready to experience the power of mushrooms? Explore our tinctures and find your new favorite wellness ritual today.