The other night was “wine night” for a few moms in my neighborhood. We do this every couple of months when we get together for our “PTO meeting” where we stay out too late, pour one too many, and hit the alarm clock more than we should the next morning. The most recent one was last week. I desperately needed a glass of wine and some girl talk, but having a five-week old baby meant that I also desperately need sleep.
Wine or sleep? Wine or sleep? (The struggle is real!)
Then the voice of a good friend came through with some words of wisdom, a piece of mom advice that I always refer back to when I’m stuck in a situation where I really want to do something, but question whether I can fit it all in.
Let me tell you this is one of the best pieces of parenting advice that I ever received. It’s simple. It’s easy. It’s a no-brainer. But for some reason, it’s something that I always had a hard time implementing until recently. Ready for it?!
Say no to things that you may really want to do if it will make your life easier.
Sounds easy, right? Who doesn’t want to make their life easier? I mean we’re told in the workforce to say no all the time. It’ll help advance your career path. It’ll lighten your load. Heck, we say no to our kids all the time! Recently I have even seen books on why it is healthy to say no. But for my type A personality I always feel like I can figure out a way to make it all happen all the while stressing myself in the process—its just my personality. For better or worse I am a people pleaser which makes exercising this “rule” pretty hard at times. It’s hard to turn down things that you or someone in your family really want to do (like go drink some wine down the street).
Truth be told, putting it into action has literally saved me time and sanity. Let me give you some examples…
That birthday party for your kid’s classmate that starts at 7:30 pm when your kid goes to bed at 8 pm. Say no. When you’re invited to somebody’s house for a weekend get-together and you already have two other things to do right before then, say no. When school asks for you to help with volunteering for the next event but you’re not sure you can pick up your other kids and make it there in time, say no. When you get invited to Adele’s concert but you’re not feeling well and coming off a work trip, say no. When you want to catch some zzz’s even though you want some gal time, go for the sleep!
I found that there is always another time for these events, invitations, volunteering, etc. There will always be more birthday parties, get togethers, school fundraisers, and even concerts to attend. Your sanity, health, and time are more important! So do as we teach our kids when it comes to drugs—JUST SAY NO! You’ll thank me for it.
Erin is a working mom of two exploring ways to embrace change and find new hobbies in her search for life outside of Corporate America. She lives in Bucks County Pennsylvania with her husband, two kids, and Boston Terrier. She also loves ice cream and chocolate. A lot.
Make the best of shorter days when the time change arrives
Pre-kid, you never really thought about Daylight Saving Time (what’s an hour here or there?). But kids can make this seasonal change a challenge. With the end of Daylight Saving coming up soon (Sunday, November 5), falling back means it’s super dark, super early. Before you set your clocks back an hour, read on for some tips and tricks for keeping that precious, tenuous sleep/wake routine in place.
Bit by bit. You can try moving their bedtime back for a few days leading to the time change. This will help set your kids’ little clocks before the big day so it won’t be a total shock. Consider arming them with a cute (and practical) alarm clock to help make the transition a bit easier. Care.com recommends 15 minutes for babies, 20 minutes for toddlers ages 1 and over, and 30 minutes for school-aged kids.
Be consistent. If sleep time comes later, that means waking up time will, too. If you’re letting time creep up a few days before, do the same with wake-up time, breakfast, lunch, dinner, etc. Their entire day from top to bottom should feel the same, even if you’re adjusting and fudging with timing. They shouldn’t even notice a change, especially if they’re too young to tell time.
Use light and dark to your advantage. Since light and darkness influence our kids’ internal clocks, give them plenty of outdoor time during the day so it’s a bit easier to stay up later at night. Once it’s time to start winding down for that later bedtime, make sure their room is nice and dark.
Eat Later It can be tricky when your family is used to their routine, but if you can bump dinner a bit later each night, it will help your kids’ internal clocks. Be sure to offer toddlers their afternoon snack a little later, too, and adjust your baby’s feeding schedule if possible.
Ignore it. Not the best strategy for some, but if you keep chugging along, so will they. Just switch everything on the day of, and move on. Kids are resilient. But try to keep their routine (mostly) intact.
Be realistic. Your child may not even notice a slight change or they may go bonkers. But it’s important to remember to listen to them, understand why they’re upset, and work from there. Children are all so different—who knows how they’ll each react or even how one will react from year to year!
Be sympathetic. Remember to put yourself in your kids’ shoes and stay calm if they’re a hot mess for a few days. By staying calm, you’ll help kids adjust to fall daylight savings in no time.
When your kids have adjusted to the time change, make sure to capture all their cutest moments—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.
Please don’t judge me if you happen to see my kids eating packaged Ritz crackers for school lunch. Don’t judge me if they’re on the sidelines at PE because they forgot their uniform. Don’t judge me if they didn’t turn in their homework because it’s still sitting home on their desk.
What some may view as a lack of parenting is what I deem “parenting on purpose” as we work to build necessary life skills in our kids. I stopped making daily breakfasts and packing school lunches long ago. I don’t feel obligated to deliver forgotten items left behind at home. And school projects and homework are not any part of my existence.
After all, how do we raise competent adults if we’re always doing everything for our kids? I suggest walking away from doing these 8 things for your teen this school year:
1. Waking them up in the morning
If you are still waking up little Johnny in the a.m., it’s time to let an alarm clock do its job. My four kids have been expected to get themselves up since they started middle school. There are days one will come racing out with only a few minutes to spare before they have to be out the door. The snooze button no longer feels luxurious when it’s caused you to miss breakfast.
I heard a Mom voice out loud that her teen sons were just still so cute that she loved going in and waking them up every morning. Please stop. I find my sons just as adorable as you do, but our goal is to raise well-functioning adults here.
2. Making their breakfast and packing their lunch
My morning alarm is the sound of the kids clanging cereal bowls. My job is to make sure there is food in the house so that they can eat breakfast and pack a lunch.
One friend asked, “Yeah but how do you know what they’re bringing for school lunch?” I don’t. I know what food I have in my pantry, and it’s on them to pack up what they feel is a good lunch. It will only be a few short years, and I will have no idea what they are eating for any of their meals away at college. Free yourself from the PB and J station now.
3. Filling out their paperwork
I have a lot of kids, which equates to a lot of beginning-of-the-school-year paperwork. I used to dread this stack until the kids were old enough to fill all of it out themselves. Our teens are expected to fill out all of their paperwork to the best of their ability. They put the papers to be signed on a clipboard and leave them for me on the kitchen island. I sign them and put them back on their desks.
Hold your teens accountable. They will need to fill out job and college applications soon, and they need to know how to do that without your intervention.
4. Delivering their forgotten items
One Monday morning, we had pulled out of our driveway and just turned the corner when my daughter realized she had forgotten her phone. “We have to go back, Mom!” Another kid exclaimed that he had forgotten his freshly washed and folded PE uniform in the laundry room. I braked in hesitation as I contemplated turning around. Nope. Off we go, as the vision surfaced of both of them playing around on their phones before it was time to leave.
Parents don’t miss opportunities to provide natural consequences for their teens. Forget something? Feel the pain of that. Kids also get to see that you can make it through the day without a mistake consuming you.
We also have a rule that Mom and Dad are not to get pleading texts from school asking for forgotten items. It still happens, but we have the right to just shoot back, “That’s a bummer.”
5.Making their failure to plan your emergency
School projects do not get assigned the night before they are due. Therefore, I do not run out and pick up materials at the last minute to get a project finished. I do always keep poster boards and general materials on hand for the procrastinating child. But they may have to wait for other needed items. Do not race to Michael’s for your kid who hasn’t taken the time to plan.
This is a good topic to talk about in weekly family meetings. Does anyone have projects coming up that they’re going to need supplies for so that I can pick them up at my convenience this week?
6. Doing all of their laundry
“What? YOU didn’t get my shorts washed?” This response always backfires on the kid who may lose their mind thinking that I’m the only one who can do laundry around here. Every once in a while a child needs a healthy reminder that I do not work for them. The minute they assume this is my main role in life is the minute that I gladly hand over the laundry task to them.
Most days I do the washing and the kids fold and put away their clothes, but they are capable of tackling the entire process when need be.
7. Emailing and calling their teachers and coaches
If our child has a problem with a teacher or coach, he is going to have to take it to the one in charge. There is no way that we, as parents, are going to question a coach or email a teacher about something that should be between the authority figure and our child.
Don’t be that over-involved parent. Teach your child that if something is important enough to them, then they need to learn how to handle the issue themselves or at least ask you to help them. Obviously, there are certain cases that do require intervention, but not when it comes to the day-to-day stuff.
8. Meddling in their academics
Put down the pencil, parents. Most of the time, I honestly couldn’t tell you what my kids are doing for school work. We talk about projects and papers over dinner, but we’ve always expected our kids to own their work and earn their grades. At times, they’ve earned Principals Lists, Honor Rolls, and National Junior Honor Society honors of their own accord. At other times, they’ve missed the mark.
Apps and websites where parents can go in and see every detail of their children’s homework and progress are not helping our over-parenting epidemic.
Once in a blue moon, I will ask the kids to pull up their student accounts and show me their grades because I want them to know I do care. I did notice our daughter slacking off at the end of last year, and my acknowledgment helped her catch up, but I’m not taking it on as one of my regular responsibilities—and you shouldn’t either.
What is your parenting goal? Is it to raise competent adults?
If so, then let’s work on backing off in areas where our teens can stand on their own two feet. I know they’re our babies, and it feels good to hover over them once in a while, but in all seriousness, it’s up to us to raise them to be capable people.
I want to feel confident when I launch my kids into the real world and know they are going to be just fine because I stepped back to let them navigate failure and real-life stuff on their own.
So please don’t judge me if my kids scramble around, shoving pre-packaged items into that brown paper lunch bag before racing to catch the bus. It’s all on purpose, my friends.
Amy is the author of the book Parent on Purpose: A Courageous Approach to Raising Children in a Complicated World. Her work can be found at www.amycarney.com. She and her retired NHL playing husband, Keith, are raising 18-year-old triplet sons, a 16-year-old daughter, and a recently adopted 13-year-old son.
Our favorite kids alarm clocks will help kick morning battles to the curb
Whether it’s a school day or the weekend, having a solid morning routine for the kids is crucial. Help them start the day off right with their very own kids alarm clock! We found awesome time-telling devices including the viral Hatch Rest Gen 2 and a LEGO alarm clock. Pick your favorite and then check out these make-ahead breakfasts to keep the morning chaos to a minimum.
Recommended by Baby Gear Lab, this toddler clock has all the bells and whistles of a sleep-training alarm clock. There are five colors: Blue for BedTime, Yellow for WakeTime, Cyan for NapTime, Green for FunTime, and Red for Thinking Time/Timeout. The faceplate can be swapped out for another fun design (sold separately), it plays white noise, music and bedtime stories and has a weekend wake time, parental controls, and more!
With seven different colors, eight different ring tones, and an LED display, this is a great alarm clock for kids learning how to sleep alone. The colors can be used to help kids know when it's okay to get out of bed, and the ring tones can be used for sleep support when kids are trying to fall asleep at night.
The name says it all. This all-in-one device from Hatch is your sound machine, your night light, and your sleep training alarm clock, so it'll take you from a newborn to a toddler who needs to learn when it's okay to get up. There's a toddler lock and it works with the Hatch Baby app via Bluetooth, so you can adjust the sound level, length of the sound, the brightness of light and more, all from the living room while baby sleeps. It even grows with your little one, so it's perfect for all stages!
Expect swaddles, sleepsacks, light and sound sleep aids with this Gro Clock, which shows your kids awake and sleep times with displays of sun (to indicate awake time) and moon and stars (to indicate when it's time to sleep). The clock features an adjustable screen brightness and the option to set two different wake-up times: one for the weekday/weekend and the other for nighttime/naptime.
Preschoolers can now tell time…to the beat! With two learning modes, Tock the Learning Clock from Learning Resources chimes in with dance party tunes for every right answer and also prompts kids to match the hands to a digital display of the time. Extra perks include a nightlight and “okay to wake” light if you need to make sure dance parties don’t kick off too early.
We're not sure what we like more about this alarm clock. The fact that it's an adorable puppy dog, that it has a hidden compartment so your kid can't mess with the settings, or that it's got both wake-up and a nap timer, which is perfect for weekends or days home from preschool. Set the time for when you want the green ball to light up, and watch your kid go from a too-early riser to a right-on-time tot.
Using fun colors and facial expressions, this all-in-one clock from Little Hippo does it all: sleep trainer, nightlight, alarm clock and sound machine. Available in arctic blue, blush pink, bright purple and new color tropical teal.
A fun face and the option of switching between digital and analog are just a few of the reasons why your kids will enjoy having Telly the Time Telling clock on their bedside table. There's also a quiz mode that asks little ones to move the hands to the time requested, and a digital display lights up at night to keep kiddos company.
This best-seller helps teach young kids about when it's okay to get out of bed. The 4.5" bedside clock glows green when it's okay to get up, a snooze option, a nap timer and fun animations. It's a snap for parents to program and the new version comes with a USB cord for homes equipped with USB wall plugs.
These friendly robots not only give kids a lesson in telling time—old school style—but the bright colors and geometric design are an easy way to add a stylish feature to your little one’s abode. They are also ideal for light sleepers because the clock operates without the usual tick-tock sound.
A little magic never hurts when it comes to the morning wake-up call. Made from soft silicone and plastic, the large digital display and easy-set buttons are perfect for kids who are just beginning to tell time. It features the time, day, month, and the face lights up in four different glowing colors.
This Legends of Chima Laval LEGO Alarm Clock is perfect for kids who love the collection. There's an alarm and snooze function and also a back light!
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We’ll be supporting these AAPI & Asian-Owned brands all year!
May is AAPI Heritage Month! It’s a time when, according to asianpacificheritage.gov, “The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in paying tribute to the generations of Asian and Pacific Islanders who have enriched America’s history and are instrumental in its future success.”
We’re celebrating by showcasing some of the best brands in the world that are owned and run by Asian American and Pacific Islander entrepreneurs. These brand represent the creativity and innovation of the community, and supporting them is a great way to honor this month of learning. Afterall, it means putting money directly into the hands of business owners. While we believe it’s extremely important to learn and educate ourselves this month (and throughout the year), supporting AAPI and Asian-owned brands is a tangible way to make a difference. From fashion to food, beauty to tech, we’ve got a little something for everyone on this list. Get ready to discover some amazing AAPI and Asian-owned brands that you’ll love just as much as we do!
Fly By Jing
Fly by Jing
Fly By Jing was founded in 2018 by Jing Gao, who creates products honoring the flavors of her hometown of Chengdu, China. She's drawn fans like Cate Blanchett and Emma Chamberlain with a range of tingly, spicy, and savory goodies! Fly By Jing—Shop Here!
Maison Miru
Maison Miru
Creator of the viral Nap Earrings (flat-back earrings you can wear all the time!), Maison Miru creates size-inclusive jewelry is waterproof, sweatproof, and life-proof so you can wear it 24/7, transforming your look for whatever you’re doing. Also, for the month of May, Maison Miru has launched two limited-edition items (Heart of Dinner System Kit and Heart of Dinner Memory Palace Bracelet) in collaboration with and in support of Heart of Dinner, a nonprofit organization providing hot meals for the most vulnerable Asian elderly community around Manhattan's Chinatown area. Maison Miru—Shop Here!
Material Kitchen
Material Kitchen
Material Kitchen's co-founder and CEO Eunice Byun has created a line of kitchenware that blends sustainable sources with gorgeous design that's meant for everyday use. Material Kitchen—Shop Here!
IMMI
IMMI
Kevin Chan and Kevin Lee (known as KChan and KLee, or "The Kevins") grew up first-generation immigrants working alongside their families in the farms and markets of Thailand and Taiwan. Having similar childhood experiences, The Kevins came together to create the first low-carb, high-protein, plant-based instant ramen made with good-for-you ingredients without sacrificing flavor! IMMI—Shop Here!
Brightland
Brightland
Embracing sustainability and traceability, Brightland founder and CEO Aishwarya Iyer had a vision of creating fresh and pure pantry essentials. Brightland's olive oils, vinegars, and raw honey are produced on small family farms in the U.S! (As featured in Oprah's Favorite Things!) Brightland—Shop Here!
Jason Wu Beauty
"I think Jason Wu Beauty is about revealing your inner icon—your inner beauty. I think there is a lot of heavy makeup on the marketplace right now, and our approach is kind of the opposite of that. It’s about a light hand. It’s about really showing yourself through the beauty products, not being covered up by them.”—Jason Wu for Harper's Bazaar Jason Wu Beauty—Shop Here!
Honua Skincare
Honua Skincare
Another fabulous brand straight from Hawaii, Honua Skincare was created by O'ahu native Kapua Browning, who uses the line to share her passion for Hawaiian culture, botanicals, and aesthetics. Honua Skincare—Shop Here!
Selfmade
Selfmade
Stephanie Lee set out to create a collection that focuses on "scientifically proven, therapeutic ingredients and allows our community to create transformational habits that support both their physical and emotional well-being." Selfmade—Shop Now!
Sanzo
Sanzo
Founder Sandro Roco was inspired by the recent rise of amazing blockbuster films directed by or starring AAPI and/or Asian people, the popularity of Korean pop music, and the influence of Asian pop culture around the globe. Sandro combines classic Asian flavors and a modern label to bring you Sanzo Sparkling Water! Sanzo—Shop Here!
Avya
Avya
Discover how great your skin can look with AAPI and women-owned skincare brand Avya! Formulated without yucky stuff and made to nourish and plump your skin. Avya—Shop Here!
Gunas New York
Gunas
Animal lover Sugandh G. Agrawal started Gunas New York in 2009 with the ultimate goal of creating amazing pieces that are vegan and cruelty-free! Gunas New York—Shop Here!
Kwohtations
Kwohtations
Letterpress-printed greeting cards and stationery designed by Janine Kwoh from Brooklyn, NY, Kwohtations is designed with diversity and inclusion in mind. Plus all the designs are adorable! Kwohtations—Shop Here!
My goal is to create products that encourage us to embrace the diversity, complexity, and kinship in our lived experiences. My hope is always that others will recognize some of themselves in what I create and feel a bit more seen, more connected, and less alone. —Janie Kwoh
LittleHippo
LittleHippo
The Mella Sleep Trainer, Alarm Clock, and Nightlight uses expressions and colors to teach toddlers when it's time to stay in bed! AAPI and women-owned brand "on a mission to create beautiful, modern children's products, minus the sky-high prices". LittleHippo—Shop Here!
Musely
Musely
You've probably seen Musely treatments on your social media, and there's a great reason why. Musely's board of a dozen top dermatologists have designed prescription skincare, haircare, and other treatments that are so effective, you have to check out all the before and after pictures from real patients. By delivering freshly compounded formulas that are uniquely catered to you and your concerns that’s delivered straight to your door in 2-4 business days, eliminating doctor visits, expensive prescription costs, expired prescriptions, & more, Musely is truly customized treatment. Musely—Get Started Here!
Country Archer Provisions
Country Archer Provisions
From meat sticks in mouthwatering flavors including Jalapeno Beef, or turkey and grass-fed beef jerky such as Sweet Chipotle Turkey or the new Zero Sugar Beef Jerky line in three delicious flavors—Classic, Spicy Sesame Garlic and Mustard BBQ—you’re sure to find a flavor from Country Archer Provisions that your taste buds will love. Country Archer Provisions—Shop Here!
Sundāri
Sundāri
Sundāri is a skincare brand based on yoga and wellness principles for a whole body experience. They're also a favorite of day spa pros! Sundāri—Shop Here!
Multitasky
Multitasky
Julia Xu started Multitasky with the idea that office supplies and gadgets should be functional and fun. From desk goodies to tech and travel supplies, Multitasky has such cute offerings! Multitasky—Shop Here!
Kreya
Kreya
Kreya is a South Asian, Woman, and Sikh owned business creating solutions to bulky totes and bags. Each of their bags functions as two—a tote/backpack and a crossbody/shoulder bag! Kreya—Shop Here!
Arrae
Arrae
Arrae creates 100% natural supplements with real results and zero "woo". With accurate dosing, Arrae’s alchemy capsules solve everyday problems that women constantly deal with. You know what we mean - bloat, anxiety, etc. This is the wellness product for the millennial woman, who has a lot on her plate but doesn’t want to compromise on how she feels. Arrae—Shop Here!
Kite Beauty
Kite Beauty
Kite offers on-the-go glowy concealer in a convenient business card-like package! That way, you can touch up anywhere and everywhere. Kite Beauty—Shop Here!
Cabinet Health
Cabinet Health
Co-founded by Chinese-American Russell Gong and Indian-American Achal Patel, Cabinet Health is a sustainable healthcare company that invented the world’s first refillable and compostable medicine system to offer an impactful solution to the 190B single-use plastic medicine bottles produced in the medicine industry every year! Plus they're oh-so-cute. Cabinet Health—Shop Here!
Cardon Skincare
Cardon
While Cardon's products aren't only for men, they're designed with men in mind! They feature multitasking power products that make it fast and easy for him to take care of his skin. Plus, their sleek packaging looks great on the vanity. Cardon Skincare—Shop Here!
Common Heir
Common Heir
Common Heir is plastic-free skincare that'll transform your skin with sustainable packaging and ingredients! Common Heir—Shop Here!
Le Mini Macaron
Le Mini Macaron
Salon manis at home? Our dreams have come true! Le Mini Macaron is affordable and comes with a ton of color options. Le Mini Macaron—Shop Here!
Mila
Mila
MiLa brings restaurant-quality Chinese food (think dumplings, noodles, sauces, and even ice cream) right to your house (no greasy takeout containers included!). MiLa—Shop Here!
AMYO
AMYO
New York based, female founded and operated jewelry line that aims to be evergreen and affordable. Their rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and anklets are all under $300 and made from Vermeil, 14K Gold and Sterling Silver! AMYO—Shop Here!
Gimme Seaweed
Gimme Seaweed
Gimme Seaweed organic, non-GMO snacks are light, crunchy, and easy to add to any of your favorite recipes or just eat on their own! Plus, kiddos love them. Gimme Seaweed—Shop Here!
Redmint
Redmint
Redmint is focused on building the connection between skin and internal health to build the ultimate self-care rituals. The whole collection is grounded in three core TCM modalities: Yin for nourishing, Qi for uplifting and Yang for regenerating. All products are clean and made in California, filled with antioxidants, vitamins, and fatty acids to produce lasting results that improve over time. Redmint—Shop Here!
Laoban Dumplings
Laoban Dumplings
Laoban Dumplings are flavor-forward, chef-driven dumplings made from scratch using all-natural, premium ingredients! Laoban Dumplings—Shop Here!
Fotile Kitchen Appliances
Fotile
Ranked among Top 500 Asian brands for five consecutive years, Fotile offers a selection of range hoods, in-sink dishwashers, air-fryers/steam ovens, cooktops and more! Fotile Kitchen Appliances—Shop Here!
Partake Foods
Partake Foods
All Partake products are certified gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan, and are free of the top 9 allergens (wheat, tree nuts, peanuts, milk, eggs, soy, fish, sesame, and shellfish). And they're so, so good, too! Parake Foods—Shop Here!
Free AF Mocktails
Free AF
Each Free AF drink is powered by Afterglow, a 100% natural botanical extract that mimics the pleasant warmth of drinking alcohol—without the alcohol. It’s what helps their non-alcoholic cocktails taste as good as their alcoholic equivalent. These all-natural alcohol-free cocktails are low calorie, low sugar, gluten free and vegan. Free AF Mocktails—Shop Here!
Oh Beauty
Oh Beauty
Oh Beauty offers a curated selection of skincare, makeup, haircare, body care, fragrances, devices, and more from brands you know and love including Alastin, Elta MD, Phyto-C, Purelift, Paul & Joe, Living Proof, Olaplex, Philosophy, This Works, Elemis, Purelift, Tom Ford, and more. Oh Beauty—Shop Here!
Aviron
Aviron
Aviron incorporates gaming psychology to engage users mentally with games, competitions, guided programs, and scenic rows. Or if you prefer catching up on your favorite shows or sports games, Aviron provides streaming platforms including Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Prime Video, Spotify and YouTube! Aviron—Shop Here!
Retold
Retold
Retold’s concept is to fill each Retold bag with your unwanted textile goods, drop it off with the prepaid label, and you're done! Together with Retold’s partners, all items sent are thoroughly sorted before going to charities, thrift stores, reuse partners, up-cyclers, and soon, next generation fabric houses. All Retold bags come pre-labeled with postage prepaid and are made plastic-free from biodegradable and compostable cornstarch! Retold—Join Here!
Komo's Kimchi
Komo's Kimchi
An authentic kimchi paste that ferments beautifully and can be used with all types of produce, from bok choy and napa cabbage to perilla leaves and radish! Komo's Kimchi—Shop Here!
M.M. LaFleur
M.M. LaFleur
Stylish and functional workwear pieces that are easy to mix and match and are sure to be worn for years! M.M. LaFleur—Shop Here!
Albion
Albion
Albion is a Japanese beauty brand that is fiercely devoted to providing consumers with luxury skincare infused with powerful botanical extracts grown on their own farm in Japan (without the use of pesticides). Albion—Shop Here!
Invity
Invity
Invity is based in Singapore and focuses on NAD, AMPK and Sirtuin pathway research to develop novel ingredients and proprietary formulations proven to support and protect your skin from the inside-out. Invity—Shop Here!
KA! Empathogenics
KA! Empathogenics
The first-ever brand bringing Kanna (a small succulent plant native to South Africa that’s clinically proven to lift mood and sharpen cognitive function) to the masses in chew form with Kanna Chews. KA! Empathogenics—Shop Here!
Mooncat
Mooncat
Mooncat is a line of 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and handcraftednail polishes that serve as wearable art. Mooncat—Shop Here!
Unicorn Glow
Unicorn Glow
Unicorn Glow is a line of affordable makeup products that meet the needs of various make-up moods of expression so you can discover your best looks and bring out your signature individuality. Unicorn Glow—Shop Here!
BobaBam
BobaBam is the at-home kit that lets boba lovers make authentic Taiwanese boba drinks, with all the taste and texture of conventional boba shops, in the comfort of their own kitchens. Available in brown sugar, coffee, mango, strawberry, and milk tea. BobaBam—Shop Here!
Just Date
Just Date/Amazon
Just Date offers organic sugars and syrups made from real fruit so you can feel better about your sweeteners without leaning on chemical sugar substitutes. Just Date—Shop Here!
All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
Celebrate these new parent milestones with a few laughs (and maybe a box of tissues on hand)
The big baby milestones—first word! first steps! first smile!—are amazing and worth the wait. But they’re just one-half of the milestones new parents can all relate to. In fact, there’s a lot more for new parents to celebrate. As far as we’re concerned, new parent firsts deserve some recognition too. Not only are they a good reminder that you’re not in this alone, they also help us see how far we’ve all come. Appreciating small parenting wins and everyday victories like these will give you a much-needed boost in energy and confidence.
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1. You left your home in clean clothes and even styled your hair. No spit-up, pajama pants, or messy mom bun about it. Nothing but the dark circles under your eyes to give away how you usually look post-baby.
2. “Thanks, but I’ll handle this my way.” You can practically hear the applause in your head when you shut down someone giving you unsolicited advice about your baby. Sorry, mother-in-law or nosy stranger on the street, but this mom knows what she's doing.
3. The first time you figure out how to fasten your baby carrier and place your child securely inside it, you feel like you can handle anything parenting throws at you.
4. You see a new mom struggling with getting her stroller through a door or with fresh spit-up on her shirt, and you step in and know exactly how to help. Her grateful “thank you” reminds you that you’re in an amazing community of new parents who are looking out for one another.
5. That first glass of wine. Or sushi. Or soft cheese. All those things you gave up when you were pregnant and couldn’t wait to welcome back into your life.
6. Your child slept through the night! Sure, you woke up repeatedly to make sure they were breathing and worried something was wrong (and if you’re breastfeeding, your boobs are rock-hard), but you slept! You look and feel like a million bucks thanks to that sweet, uninterrupted rest.
7. Your first mom friend is a game-changer. With babies the same age, you have a ton to talk about, and you’re so excited to have someone to text with at 5 a.m. when nobody else is up.
8. When your child makes a face or a noise and you’re on it. You know exactly whether your baby is tired, hungry, cold, or needs a diaper change. Any parent who has held up a crying baby and wailed “What do you want?” knows exactly how big this victory is.
9. That first baby giggle is the best sound in the world. After months of making silly faces and noises to a somber newborn audience, getting definitive proof that your baby thinks you’re funny is a total ego boost. You'll spend the next few days trying to get more laughs.
10. Having an uninterrupted talk, by phone, FaceTime, or in person, with a good friend. Consider it a bonus victory if you talked about something other than your baby.
11. You’ve found a daily routine that works for you and, more importantly, for your little one. After weeks of winging it with a newborn, a schedule means you can plan when you’ll be able to shower and drink a hot coffee each day, and that is gold.
12. You transferred your sleeping baby from the car seat to the crib without waking them up. And then you nearly woke them up by doing a victory dance next to their crib.
13. Your first date night. Even if that date is just picking up takeout and heading home, you and your partner have left the baby and your home and spent time together again. You’ve missed that time. So do yourselves a favor and talk about something other than the baby while you’re out. And no sharing baby pics either.
14. The first time you change a diaper or breastfeed away from home can be nerve-racking. You’ve dreaded it, you’ve avoided it, but when the time comes, you and your baby get through it like champs. Here’s to getting more comfortable going out with your baby!
15. You’re shopping at a place with designated new-parent parking spots, and there’s an open space. Step aside for this new parent VIP!
16. You wake up on your own. No baby alarm clock. No actual alarm clock either. Just you blissfully opening your eyes when you’re ready to wake up. And that’s what it feels like to be refreshed and ready to face the day. You'd forgotten that feeling, right?
17. You show up on time to an appointment, a playdate, a visit with your family. Not on “parent time,” but actually on time. It’s a miracle. Enjoy it because who knows when that will happen again.
18. Your first time going someplace without the baby. Why do you feel so much lighter? Oh right, because you’re just carrying your wallet, keys, and phone, not a million things your baby might need.
19. When another parent asks you for advice, it can make you feel like an MVP. Whether they’re wondering about your favorite stroller or how you settle your baby down for a nap so quickly, giving another parent advice is a total confidence booster.
20. That first monster blowout is a rite of passage for new parents. Everybody has a horror story, and they’re all equally gross and hilarious. We'll spare you any more details.
21. When you’re cuddling with your baby and hear a contented sigh. That’s your baby, and nobody else in the world can comfort them like you can. Yes, the days are long and the years are short, but these moments are magic.
Representative Jimmy Gomez made the House floor a lot more adorable when he brought his 4-month-old son with him to work—but his reason for doing so is the best part of the story.
Unpredictable work hours are nothing new for Representative Jimmy Gomez, a Democrat from California. He’s already served three terms, so he knows how working in Congress can be. But now that he has a four-month-old son, Hodge, he needs a little more predictability in his schedule so he can stick to his baby’s strict feeding times. And that’s why Gomez did the only thing a loving dad could do—he put on a babywearing sling and took little Hodge with him to the House floor for the Speaker votes this week.
“His feedings are at 7 in the morning, then four hours later at 11, then again at 3, then at 7 o’clock at night,” Gomez told NBC News. “He’s an alarm clock. At three hours he starts getting fussy and cranky, and that’s when you have to keep him occupied because once he gets to three and a half hours, that’s when he gets really upset.”
Gomez told NBC that he made sure to go to work with enough diapers, wipes, and bottles to have Hodge there all day, if necessary. The sling allowed the infant to see what was going on and smile at his dad’s coworkers, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who Gomez says insisted, “Give me that baby.”
2 bottle feeds and multiple diaper changes on the Democratic cloak room floor. This speaker vote is taking forever! pic.twitter.com/4eBfYBPhqs
But as any parent will know, not everything went perfectly according to plan.
“The first feed at 11 a.m. started at 10:45 a.m. and took an extra 30 minutes. Then he had a diaper blowout,” Gomez said. “I had to go and change him. Luckily there’s a men’s bathroom right across the hall from my office.”
Gomez said taking his son to work with him was just what made sense for his family at the time, but he hopes the move has a rippling effect on working fathers everywhere.
“In the end, we have to normalize dads taking their kids with them, be it stay-at-home dads or working dads,” he said. “When I took him to the floor, I think people were surprised — but it wasn’t a big deal. I think it does send a powerful message that us guys need to do our part. We don’t risk our lives bringing children into the world — women do.”
Indoor or out, there are plenty of activities to keep your family busy in the new year!
A new year and a new month are just around the corner. If you’ve resolved to find amazing new adventures with your kids, we’ve got ideas—one for each day of the month, in fact. In between your snowy sledding adventures and your busy back-to-school schedules, try one of these family activities that’s anything but boring.
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1. Celebrate the New Year at a National Park (psst…entrance fees are waived on January 16 because it is Martin Luther King Jr. Day). These popular parks have the outdoor bells and whistles families love or try a little-known park for a change of scenery.
2. Looking for other ways to celebrate 2023’s arrival with the kids? We’ve got family friendly ideas you can do at home.
3. Ditch your family’s New Year’s resolutions for new routines, instead. It’s a great way for kids (and parents!) to set and keep goals all year long.
4. Break out winter activity sheets for a quick family activity during the witching hour.
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5. Get your kiddos ready to head back to the classroom after a long winter break with memory games they’ll love.
18. Whether you’ve got enough snow on the ground to build a whole snow family (or you’re just dreaming of winter’s favorite frozen stuff), these snowman snacks will make kids smile.
It’s the season of gathering, so make your friends and family feel extra welcome with these guest room essentials
The holidays are (somehow!) almost here, and that means guests are, too. Obviously, seeing our favorite people is something we look forward to all year, and making them feel comfortable in our homes is really important to us. So this time of year has us asking: is our guest room ready? Whether you immediately nodded “yes” or cringed a little, our guest room essentials guide is for you. From a full guest room overhaul to adding a few extra tweaks, we have everything your guests could possibly need to feel completely at home.
If there’s anything guests hate, it’s having to ask for something. Even if your hosts are nearest and dearest to you, it’s far more comfortable to have everything you need, right at your fingertips. Our guest room essentials guide is on top of it. We’ve made sure to include even the smallest details to make your job of holiday hosting a breeze, and to make company feel as relaxed as possible. We’re keeping your holiday full house less Family Vacation and more It’s a Wonderful Life. So, Host With the Most, are you ready?
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There are a few things that make a room just feel cozier: candles, soft pillows, and warm blankets. Plus, even if you're used to sleeping in a cool 68° room doesn't mean your guests are, and keeping a great collection of blankets accessible keeps everyone resting easy.
A little luxury never hurt, and a guest room is the perfect place to add some. Since guest rooms aren't used all the time, daily wear and tear isn't as much of an issue, so these pretty faux-silk window panels give your home chic hotel vibes.
Speaking of hotel vibes, a luggage rack isn't just an accessory; it's a necessity. The convenience of keeping their luggage organized and within reach, plus it folds away when not in use.
We love this sweet wall decor piece! It's such a cute way to remind your guests to make themselves at home and add some personality to your guest room.
It's so easy to forget the basics that we take for granted in our own home, but this dry-erase-ready sign is here to make sure your friends and family's devices are connected and all set to go.
No one wants to take the time they could be spending with their loved ones to do a long skincare routine every night, and these individual makeup remover towelettes offer your guests a night off from lengthy skin steps!
A surprisingly affordable way to give your guests a spa moment, these slippers fit a range of sizes and can be tossed after they head home so everyone stays hygienic!
We've lived long enough to lose our fair share of hair elastics, so having a supply when we're traveling would save the day! This little jar of elastics might just save the day for your guests.
Pretty soaps and guest bathrooms go hand-in-hand, and these whimsical soaps are perfect for the holidays with their seasonal scents and festive packaging!
Forget those drying, medicinal smelling hand sanitizer. Set a bottle of this Refresher in your guest bedroom or bathroom and let the soothing aloe and chamomile, and the spa-day scent of clary sage and lavender heal and uplift your guests!
It can be tough to fall asleep in a different bed, no matter how comfortable hosts have made it. This body oil uses Saint John's Wort, lavender, and chamomile to soothe and relax and shea butter and coconut oil moisturize. Leave a bottle on the bedside table and sweet dreams are sure to follow!
Keeping the guest room clean and tidy is easy when you have a Ruggable rug. Why? Because they're washable. Simply remove the cover and pop it in your home washing machine! Plus, they're gorgeous.
No one wants to go hunting around someone else's kitchen for something to snack on or drink. Set up a simple snack bar with individual treats and mini beverages on a side table or in a small basket! We actually might take this idea and just have a bunch of snacks in our own bedrooms.
A clock is another must, of course, but this one lets your guests customize it! There are three levels of brightness and even USB ports. Plus, it looks pretty darn cool.
Can you tell we're obsessed with charging our devices? That's only because the holidays mean lots of pictures, FaceTime, Instagram posts, and gift orders, so we have to keep that technology juiced up.
Speaking of things your guests don't want to ask for, we think this one is self-explanatory. Make sure to add one to your guest bathroom and know they appreciate it!
We don't want anyone too hot, and we don't want anyone too cold. And, if your guests are anything like us, the white noise from a fan is an absolute need.
We've noticed a distinct lack of full-length mirrors in guest rooms, and we think that's a problem. It's one of those really appreciated fixtures that make a difference.
Neutral colors are almost always a great idea. Especially in sleeping spaces, neutrals are soft and serene, and this coverlet set allows for extra blanket layers if needed.
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On November 6th at 2:00am, Daylight Saving Time officially ends. While gaining an hour of sleep is definitely worth getting excited (and beats “Spring Forward” ), it can still throw a wrench into kiddos’ schedules. Having a healthy bedtime routine is our first line of defense, but for backup, we’re leaning on these genius sleep solutions for kids to help them (and you!) survive the time change.
Weighted blankets aren't new inventions, but a kiddo-specific weighted blanket like this one combines the benefits of calming weight with soft nubby fabric and cool kids colors! They'll be relaxed in no time.
The sun coming up earlier means kids are ready to rise and shine earlier and, well, we're not. Keep their circadian rhythm consistent with this super soft sleep mask! This is a super fast and easy sleep solution that can solve so many nighttime issues.
With the option to record alarm ringtones, a touch sensor, wake-up light, nightlight, Bluetooth, and sleep sound machine capabilities, this amped-up alarm clock helps teach little ones to tell time (and helps you to teach them when official sleep and wake-up times are)!
Aromatherapy isn't just for adults, and this blend of vetiver, chamomile, and sandalwood calms little minds and promotes relaxation. Spray it over linens or throughout the room to set the scented sleep scene! (It's also vegan, nut-free, and doesn't contain parabens, or sodium laureth sulfate, so you can feel good about using it around your family.)
Even the littlest of your littles may struggle with the time change, and this crib-friendly plush sound machine produces soothing light, sounds, and even has a cry sensor that switches on to soothe your kiddo automatically!
If your kids are the fully-immersive types, this northern lights projector fills the room with dreamy hues and relaxing sounds to make their bedroom a true sleep retreat!
This wall-mounted system helps keep kids on-task at bedtime with light-up images that guide your sleepyhead through their nighttime routine! You customize it through the phone app, and with light color indicators to signal sleep and awake times, this sleep solution means nighttime routines have never been easier.
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