News

Ah, summer. Long days, sandy toes, sticky popsicle fingers, and a bedtime that’s more of a suggestion than a rule. But now, the backpacks are coming out hiding and the school bell is about to reclaim its throne.  Getting kids back into the swing of things after summer is kind of like trying to fold a fitted sheet, possible, but only if you approach it with a strategy.  Here’s how we’re making the transition smooth, fun, and a little less chaotic.    1. Reclaim the Bedtime Routine   Summer’s late-night ice cream runs, and backyard campouts have been magical, but 6:45 AM is about to feel brutal if we don’t shift bedtime back to reality. •           Start early. Move bedtime 15 minutes earlier every few nights. Sneaky, but effective. •           Wind-down hour. An hour before lights out, ditch the screens and opt for books, coloring, or storytelling. (Bonus: makes them so much easier to tuck in.) •           Make it cozy. Fresh sheets, dim lighting, maybe even lavender pillow spray—it’s all part of tricking their brains into thinking bed is the place to be.   2. Morning Chaos: Tamed  Mornings can go two ways: peaceful and efficient or resembling an Olympic sprint with missing shoes and cereal spilled on the floor. •           Prep at night. Lay out clothes, pack lunches, and locate both shoes before bedtime.             •           Music motivation. A fun playlist can work miracles—blast it in the morning and let each family member pick a couple of songs each.  •           Breakfast grab-and-go. Overnight oats, smoothie packs in the freezer, or whole grain waffles they can toast themselves save everyone’s sanity.    3. Homework Without Tears (From Them or You) Homework doesn’t have to be a nightly battle. •           Set a homework spot. A cozy, well-lit space with supplies ready. No TV, but snacks are allowed (because math is easier with pretzels). •           Timing matters. Some kids work best right after school, others after a snack and play break. Find your sweet spot.             •           Coach, Don’t Play the Game. Sure, you could just “fix” the math problem and everyone could move on with their lives—but then you’ll be doing it forever. Instead, hover nearby, answer questions, and let them wrestle with it. A little frustration now saves you from becoming their unpaid homework assistant until college.   4. Healthy Lunches That Don’t Come Home Uneaten We’ve all been there, opening the lunchbox at the end of the day to find the sandwich still perfectly intact. •           Bento-style magic. Small portions of different things keep it fun: grapes, cheese cubes, crackers, turkey roll-ups, veggie sticks, hummus. •           Get them involved. Kids are 80% more likely to eat a lunch they helped pack (totally made-up statistic but feels true). •           Sneaky nutrition. Muffins with hidden zucchini, pasta salad with diced veggies, smoothies frozen into popsicles, voilà, vitamins.     And remember back-to-school is a marathon, not a sprint. Mostly because someone will inevitably lose a shoe, a permission slip, or their will to get out of bed by week two. Just keep the coffee stocked, the sense of humor intact, and remind yourself that one day you might even miss the chaos, though probably not before June.  

A good chapter book before bed is the ultimate parenting secret weapon: it calms them down, makes bedtime cozier, and (bonus) counts as “educational enrichment” even if you’re in pajamas and reading with one eye open. Here are some great back-to-school-friendly picks for every age: For Younger Elementary (ages 5–8) ·      - The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt – Witty, colorful, and the perfect warm-up to longer chapter books. ·     -  Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein – Whimsical poems that make bedtime feel like a little comedy show. ·      - The Princess in Black by Shannon Hale & Dean Hale – Princess by day, monster-fighting hero by night. ·      - A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon – A funny, colorful story about a girl who won’t admit she likes lima beans and ends up with a serious case of stripes. ·      - The Adventures of Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne – Classic, gentle stories about friendship and fun in the Hundred Acre Wood   For Middle Elementary (ages 7–10) ·      - The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo – A china rabbit’s unexpected journey teaches him (and us) about love, loss, and finding your way home. ·      - Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White – The classic tale of friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a clever spider named Charlotte.     - The Witches by Roald Dahl – A thrilling, darkly funny tale about a boy who discovers witches are real…and not nearly as friendly as they seem ·      - The World According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney – Life in the classroom, told from the class hamster’s very chatty perspecti   For Older Elementary / Tweens (ages 9–12)   ·      The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick – Part novel, part cinematic sketchbook, this mystery about an orphan in a Paris train station is as gorgeous as it is gripping. ·      The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart – Clever puzzles, quirky characters, and an epic adventure for gifted misfits. ·      Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery – Spirited, charming Anne navigates school, friendships, and small-town life with unstoppable optimism.   Bonus Parent Tip: Let your kids pick from this list so they feel like bedtime reading is their idea. Before you know it, “just one more chapter” will be your nightly soundtrack and you’ll secretly love it.

Let’s be honest: between endless snack requests, school pickups, and trying to remember where you left your coffee (again), encouraging your kid to read might not always make the top of the to-do list. But here's the thing, literacy is kind of a big deal. Like, lifelong-brainpower-and-possibly-an-imaginary-dragon-best-friend level of big deal. Studies show that kids who read regularly tend to do better in school, have stronger vocabularies, and are more likely to grow up into curious, empathetic humans. Unfortunately, only 1 in 3 kids in the U.S. reads for fun every day. But the good news? You can help flip that stat right from your front yard. You don’t even need to buy fancy supplies to do it. Enter: the Free Little Library. A magical book-sharing box. A mini literary treasure chest. A beacon of community charm. And yes, you can build one from that weird old nightstand in your garage. Step-by-Step: Building a Free Little Library (Without Buying a Bunch of Stuff) Step 1: Gather or Repurpose Materials You don’t need to hit the hardware store unless you really want to. Some fun, funky DIY options: Old cabinets/nightstands Vintage TVs or computer monitors (hello, retro charm!) Mailboxes, birdhouses, or kitchen cupboards Dresser drawers or chair frames (get whimsical!) Bikes with baskets (great for light kid books) Step 2: Gather some tools and hardware: Here’s a basic list of supplies to help you assemble your library:  ·       Wood (plywood or pallet wood works great) ·       Screws/nails ·       Hinges for the door ·       A clear plastic/acrylic window ·       Exterior paint or wood sealant ·       Roofing material (shingles, metal, or upcycled materials) ·       A post or stand (if you don’t want it mounted on a fence or wall) ·       Basic tools: saw, screwdriver or drill, hammer, measuring tape Step 2: Weatherproof It Make sure your creation survives rain, wind, and squirrels. Reinforce it, seal it, add a clear door, and mount it securely. Step 3: Paint & Personalize Make it joyful. Bright paint, favorite quotes, kid art—whatever makes it yours. Give it a name. ("The Book Nook"? "Readasaurus Rex"? Go wild.) Step 4: Stock It with Goodies Fill with: Books for all ages (kids, YA, adult, nonfiction, poetry) Fun extras: bookmarks, seasonal reads, kindness notes, tiny toys Optional: seed packets, art, zines, a mini notebook for reviews ❤️ Why Free Little Libraries Matter Only 34% of U.S. kids read for fun daily—and that number’s dropping. The average 8–12-year-old spends over 5 hours a day on screens But reading builds empathy, focus, imagination, and stronger brains. A Free Little Library gives kids (and grownups!) a low-pressure, no-library-card-needed way to discover new stories. It sparks curiosity, builds community, and—let's be real—makes your yard way cooler.   Awesome Literacy + Library Resources Looking to register your library, find a storytime near you, or boost your child’s reading game? These links have your back: ·   Find or Register a Free Little LibrarySearch for local Free Little Libraries or add your own to the map. ·   Reading Rockets – Tips for Parents & EducatorsExpert-backed advice to help kids learn to read and love it. ·  Storytimes Near You (Library Events Nationwide)Search virtual and in-person storytimes by location or topic. ·   Start With a Book – Free Reading Activities by AgeBook-themed resources, activity ideas, and printables to keep the learning going. Final Thought: Build a Library, Grow a Reader Your Free Little Library doesn’t have to be perfect, it just needs heart (and some books). Whether it’s perched on a fence post, shaped like a spaceship, or built from a broken dresser drawer, it’s a beacon of joy and learning. So roll up your sleeves, grab that forgotten nightstand, and give your neighborhood a reason to stop, smile, and read.  Happy hammering, and happy reading!   — Siobhan Braun Tagged: books, Free little library, Literacy, Reading

Want to bond with your kids and maybe grow something other than screen time? Try gardening. It’s messy, slow, and wildly unpredictable—just like parenting! But, watching your child pull a carrot they grew from actual dirt somehow feels like a tiny miracle, even if it’s a weirdly shaped carrot. Here’s how to start a flower and vegetable garden with your kids without needing a glass of wine afterward. (Okay, maybe just one.) 1. Choose Plants That Don’t Judge You The goal here is survival. You want plants that and won’t wither if you or your 5-year-old forgets to water them for three days straight. For the veggie garden: Cherry tomatoes (basically weeds, in the best way) Carrots (fun to yank out of the ground) Lettuce (grows fast, dies fast, drama queen) Radishes (a root vegetable that literally grows in like a week) Sugar snap peas (climby, snacky, adorable) For the flower garden: Sunflowers (giant and impossible to ignore) Marigolds (basically bulletproof) Zinnias (they thrive on neglect) Nasturtiums (bonus: you can eat them if all else fails) Calendula (like marigolds, but with an ego) 2. Let the Kids Choose—Just Not All the Things Give them a few seed packets to choose from. But don’t let them go rogue unless you’re cool with growing ornamental gourds and mystery pumpkins on your balcony. Steer the chaos with gentle guidance.    3. Embrace Containers, Raised Beds, and the Art of Lazy Gardening Unless you have acres of land and the patience of a monk, stick with containers or raised beds. They’re easier to manage, less prone to becoming a weed jungle, and way more kid-accessible. Bonus: you don’t have to bend over constantly like you’re in a Jane Austen novel. Pro tip: repurpose old pots, buckets, or literally anything that holds dirt and drains water. Ugly? Maybe. Functional? Absolutely.   4. Turn It Into a Sensory Circus Let them touch the dirt. Smell the basil. Freak out over a worm. Gardening is a sensory experience, and kids love the chaos of nature. It’s good for them!  Add wind chimes, plant labels they decorate themselves, and maybe a weird garden gnome or a fairy house for maximum whimsy.   5. Watering: A Teachable Moment in Not Flooding  Teach them how to water gently, then let them go to town. You may lose a few seedlings in the process, but you’ll gain valuable life lessons about moderation. (Eventually. Maybe.) Make it part of a routine: water in the morning or after school.   6. Celebrate the Wins (Even the Ugly Veggies) When something finally blooms or sprouts, act like they won the Nobel Prize. Take pictures. Make a salad. Eat a sugar snap pea like it’s gourmet. Kids love praise, and honestly, we all deserve a little celebration after keeping a plant alive longer than a houseplant in our college dorm rooms.   Final Thought: It’s Not About the Garden, It’s About the Dirt Under Their Nails You’re not just growing vegetables and flowers, you’re growing patience, confidence, and possibly a lifelong love of the great outdoors. It’s easy to throw on another episode of Bluey, but  getting your kids outside and excited about nature and accomplishing small garden victories is so rewarding! Gardening with kids is messy, ridiculous, and magical. Embrace the chaos, take the pictures, and enjoy the fact that for once, they’re excited about something that doesn’t require charging. Note: I am going to add links to a few products we carry- overalls , wellies, garden print rompers from Ettie and H and also a few links to outside products like a gardening kit or organic seeds to drive SEO. SEO Keyword Tags: gardening with kids how to plant a vegetable garden with kids easy flower garden for kids beginner gardening for families fun garden ideas for children  

Let’s be real; eggs are basically a luxury item these days. They cost so much I’m surprised they’re not displayed in a glass case at the grocery store. So, if you’re going to dye them, you might as well do it right. Forget those little fizzy tablets that turn your fingers Smurf blue and blood red. This year, we’re going natural. You’ll get beautifully muted, earthy tones that look like they came straight from an overpriced Etsy shop, and the best part? You can make a killer egg salad when you’re done. No waste!   The Basics: How It Works   Natural dyes come from things you probably already have in your kitchen or fridge. The concept is simple: boil the ingredients to extract the color, soak the eggs in the dye bath, and let science do its thing. The longer they sit, the deeper the colors. It’s easy, fun, and makes you feel vaguely like a pioneer woman—minus the dysentery.   What You’ll Need             •           Eggs (obviously, but I feel obligated to say it)             •           White vinegar (makes the colors stick)             •           Water             •           Natural ingredients for dyeing (see below)   Dye Ingredients and Colors They Magically Create             •           Red Cabbage = Blue (because nature is weird like that)             •           Yellow Onion Skins = Orange/Golden Brown             •           Beets = Pink (as long as you don’t mind your kitchen smelling earthy for a bit)                         •Turmeric = Bright Yellow (bonus: your countertops will never be the same,        kidding- place a towel down to avoid staining)             •           Spinach or Parsley = Pale Green (requires patience but worth it)             •           Coffee or Tea = Light Brown (perfect for that rustic, Instagram-worthy vibe)   How to Make the Dye             1.         Chop and Simmer: Roughly chop your veggies (or just toss in the peels) and throw them in a pot. Add 4 cups of water and 2 tablespoons of white vinegar.             2.         Boil and Steep: Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 30 minutes. The longer it simmers, the more intense the color. Let it cool to room temp if you don’t want to crack your eggs.             3.         Strain and Pour: Strain the liquid into a bowl or jar. Now you have your dye bath.   Dye Those Expensive Beauties             1.         Hard-boil your eggs (12 minutes in boiling water, then straight into an ice bath).             2.         Place the eggs in the dye bath. For pale colors, soak for 30 minutes. For rich, deep colors, leave them in the fridge overnight.             3.         Pull them out, marvel at your work, and pat yourself on the back for being so crafty.   Pro Tips for Eggcellence             •           For a marbled effect, wrap the eggs in onion skins before boiling.             •           Want speckled eggs? Dab with a paper towel while they’re still damp.             •           If you’re feeling fancy, add a little olive oil at the end for a glossy finish.      Wait, Don’t Toss Those Eggs—Make This Killer Egg Salad Instead After all that effort, you deserve something delicious. And honestly, nothing hits quite like a good egg salad. It’s comforting, easy, and perfect for using up those beautifully dyed eggs before they stink up your fridge.   Ingredients             •           6 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped             •           3 tablespoons mayo (or Greek yogurt if you’re pretending to be healthy)             •           1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (because we’re not animals)             •           1 tablespoon dill relish (optional but highly recommended)             •           Salt and pepper to taste             •           A dash of paprika if you’re feeling fancy   Instructions             1.         In a bowl, mash the eggs with a fork. Chunky or smooth—it’s your call.             2.         Add the mayo, mustard, relish, salt, and pepper. Stir until combined.             3.         Sprinkle with paprika if you want to impress yourself.             4.         Serve on toasted bread, in a lettuce wrap, or eat it straight out of the bowl standing over the sink. No judgment here.   Now go forth: dye and eat those overpriced eggs!  You’ll feel crafty, your Instagram will look amazing, and you’ll have a fridge full of egg salad. Win-win.

Move over, green milkshakes! There's more to St. Patrick's Day than hunting for four-leaf clovers, Shamrock Shakes, and hoping the leprechauns don't make mischief. Here is our fresh take on celebrating Ireland's favorite day with activities that blend tradition, creativity, and plenty of craic (that's Irish for fun!).   1. Irish Storytelling Festival Transform your living room into a cozy seanchaí (pronounced Shawn’ ack ee—feel free to practice saying it first!) corner. Dim the lights, grab some pillows, and dive into some Irish folk tales. I recommend reading The Children of Lir—where four siblings are turned into swans by their jealous stepmother and must wait 900 years to become human again—and Oisín and Tír na nÓg, in which Oisín, a brave warrior, travels to the mystical land of eternal youth but ages instantly when he returns home. After reading, encourage your kids to retell the stories with their own creative twists! Maybe in their version, the Children of Lir become superhero swans who save the world, or Oisín returns from Tír na nÓg, but this time, he turns into a dog instead of aging. The possibilities for fun and imagination are endless!   2. Celtic Kitchen Adventures Skip the green pancakes this year and dive into real Irish cuisine with a kid-friendly twist. Let little hands help make traditional soda bread (perfect for budding bakers since there's no yeast involved), then set up a "butter lab" where they can shake heavy cream in jars until it becomes butter. Watch your little one delight in the pure magic when the cream suddenly becomes butter! All you need is: 4 cups  all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon  baking soda 1 teaspoon  salt 1 - 1 1⁄2cup  buttermilk Directions: ·       Heat oven to 425 degrees F. Brush a baking sheet with melted butter or spray with non-stick spray. ·       Combine dry ingredients in a deep bowl. Gradually stir in 1 cup buttermilk, beating constantly, until dough is firm enough to be gathered into a ball. If dough crumbles, add up to 1/2 cup more buttermilk, 1 tbsp at a time, until it holds together. ·       Place on a lightly floured board and pat into an 8-inch flattened round loaf. ·       Place loaf on baking sheet and slash a 1/2-inch deep "X" into the top of the dough with a small, sharp knife. ·       Bake at 425 degrees F for about 45 minutes, or until the top is golden. ·       Serve hot.   Homemade butter recipe: ⅔ cup cold heavy whipping cream 1 1-cup canning jar with lid and ring Pour the contents into jar and shake for 15-20 minutes (you are going otherwise want to take turns)  when it resembles butter--pour the contents of the jar into a fine-mesh strainer and strain out the buttermilk, leaving the solid butter. Remove the lump of butter and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate until needed.  MAGIC!!!    3. Gaelic Games Championship Host your own mini-Olympics featuring traditional Irish sports with safe, silly adaptations. Try Balloon Hurling (using pool noodles (the dollar store usually has them in stock)  and balloons instead of hurley sticks and sliotars), or indoor Gaelic Football with soft balls. Award medals made from chocolate coins wrapped in gold foil – because everyone's a winner when chocolate's involved.     4. Rainbow Science Spectacular Combine Ireland's famous rainbows with STEAM education. Create a magical Walking Water Rainbow experiment using items you probably already have: What You Need: • 6 clear cups • Paper towels • Water • Food coloring (red, yellow, and blue)   Steps: 1. Line up the cups in a row and fill every other cup with water (1st, 3rd, and 5th). Leave the others empty. 2. Add food coloring: • Red in the 1st cup • Yellow in the 3rd cup • Blue in the 5th cup 3. Fold paper towels into strips and place one end in a full cup and the other in an empty cup (bridging them). 4. Watch the magic! Over a few hours, the water will travel up the paper towels, mix, and create a rainbow!   5. Lucky Potato Treasure Hunt Embrace Ireland's famous spud in a whole new way. Hide golden-painted potatoes around your house or yard, each containing a clue written in simple Irish phrases. The final treasure? A pot of chocolate gold coins and a book of Irish folktales. It's like a scavenger hunt met a history lesson had a deliciously educational baby.   6. Luck and Kindness Challenge Create a family tradition of spreading luck through kind deeds. Have kids write down simple acts of kindness on paper shamrocks, then complete them throughout the day. It teaches children that making others feel lucky is just as fun as finding luck yourself. After the Wee Ones Are in Bed, reward yourself with a proper Guinness and some contemporary Irish entertainment. Queue up the darkly hilarious "Bad Sisters" on Apple TV+ or the absolutely brilliant "Derry Girls" on Netflix. Both shows capture the wit and charm of Ireland.  Last but not least—we have loads of green dresses, jumpers, skirts, pants, rompers, onesies, and tops for your little one.  Click our gorgeous green wooly hat and pretty special occasion dresses!    

Listen, we've all been there – scrolling through Pinterest at midnight, looking at those "simple" DIY Valentine's projects that somehow require a master's degree in crafting and tools you've never heard of.  Good news for the unprepared casual crafter—that is not my style. Today, I'm sharing two crafts that are actually, legitimately, I-can-do-this-while-watching-trashy-TV simple. No crafting experience required, just functioning hands and basic supplies you can probably find in your junk drawer (or steal from your kid's art stash).  First up: felt bows that are so easy to make, you'll wonder why you ever bought those overpriced ones at the store. Then we'll tackle a clay heart garland that looks like it came from an expensive boutique but costs less than your morning latte. The best part? You can totally mess these up and they'll still look cute. That's my kind of craft!  Project #1: Fabulous Felt Bows   Materials Needed: * Felt in whatever colors make your heart go pitter-patter * Scissors (the sharp kind, not those safety ones that couldn't cut through butter) * String or ribbon (about 12" if using string, 4" for ribbon) * Alligator clips or pin backings * Hot glue gun (because sometimes love needs a little help sticking together)  Instructions: 1. Cut your felt into a rectangle about 4½" x 2½"    2. Pinch that rectangle right in the middle 3. Wrap your string or ribbon around the pinched center  4. Tie a knot in the back, making it snug as a bug in a rug  5. Cut a thin piece of felt to wrap around the middle of your bow and secure with hot glue. 6. hot glue them together to create garland  But Wait, There's More, if you want to get really crazy and creative!  * Mix and match fabrics like a fashion designer gone wild * Add glittery hearts because SPARKLE * Cut out tiny felt hearts and stack them like a love sandwich * Try different strings - ribbon, twine, or even sparkly yarn * Make them in graduating sizes and create a bow family.  Admittedly I did none of the above. I kept mine simple because I liked the minimal vibe. I hot glued mine together to make a cute garland.    Project #2: The "How Is This So Easy?" Heart Garland  Materials Needed: * Air dry clay (the kind that doesn't require a kiln or a degree in ceramics) * Small heart cookie cutter (or free-hand it if you're feeling brave) * Pencil (literally any pencil – this is not the time to be picky) * Dried lavender (fancy, right?) * Hemp string * Rolling pin (I used a can of refried beans because I am classy) * Wax paper (to protect your counters from your artistic endeavors)  Instructions: 1. Roll out your clay to about ¼ inch thick (perfection not required – we're going for "handmade charm" here)  2. Cut out heart shapes with your cookie cutter    (Tip: If your hearts look wonky, just call them "abstract love symbols")  3. Press dried lavender into each heart     (Instant upgrade! Now they look like something from a French boutique)  4. Poke holes near the top with your pencil    (Size matters here – make them big enough for your string but not so big your hearts look like they're wearing hoop earrings)  5. Let them dry for 24-48 hours  6. String those babies up on your hemp string, spacing them about 2-3 inches apart And there you have it, folks! Two Valentine's crafts that are actually doable, totally adorable, and won't make you question your life choices halfway through. Hang your heart and bow garland proudly on your mantel (or over that pile of laundry you're ignoring).  Remember: If anyone asks where you got these adorable decorations, you have my permission to be super vague and mysterious about it. Just smile knowingly and say, "Oh, these? I made them." Then walk away before they ask for a tutorial. *P.S. If you end up making 47 bows at 2 AM while binge-watching your favorite show, just know that you're my kind of people. And yes, that clay heart garland totally counts as home decor until at least April. I don't make the rules. 🎀❤️ #CraftingWithoutCrying #ValentinesDIY #NailedIt #PinterestWho #CraftsForTheRestOfUs  

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re a mom with at least 37 things on your to-do list, performing yoga-level acrobatics just to change a diaper, and daydreaming about the next time you’ll be able to pee without an audience. Hold tight to that cup of now-lukewarm coffee as we offer some sage advice on good ole’ self-care.   Let’s be real, anyone who says self-care is selfish has probably never tried to dry shampoo their hair in the middle of a toddler tantrum. For us busy moms, self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s survival. Like the toddler snack requests that arrive exactly 1 second after they’ve refused lunch, self-care is essential.   We have compiled a list of simple ways to sneak in self-care moments amidst the chaos. Plus, a few handy products to make life feel a little less like a circus.   1.        Find a quiet moment to be alone with your thoughts As a busy parent it is crucial to find peace and quiet, whether that means setting an alarm and waking up at the crack of dawn or carving out time in the evening when little ones are in bed to soak in the silence.  Instead of jumping straight into the madness the second you wake up, try giving yourself a few blissful, quiet minutes. Brew that coffee or tea, step outside (even if it’s just on your porch), and soak in the peace before the household stirs. I like to eventize my morning coffee by drinking it out of one of my grandmother’s vintage bone China tea cups because who says China has to be reserved for special occasions!  I also like to get in one chapter from whatever book I am reading.    Here is a stunning mug from Anthropologie to make your morning ritual extra special: Bistro Garden Espresso Cup and Saucer   2.        Speedy Meditation Sessions Meditation doesn’t require a trip to a mountain retreat—just five minutes in between laundry loads or while the kids are momentarily entertained. Check out quick meditation tracks like Goodful's 5-minute Mediatation on YouTube, and you’ll feel like you’ve unlocked your inner Zen master. If you can find quiet for even five minutes, you’re already winning.          3.        Bath = Mini Spa When the little ones finally go down for a nap, sneak in some bath time like it’s your own personal spa escape. Grab a fancy bubble bath set like the Laura Mercier Almond Coconut Honey Bath, put on a podcast, I love Mother Funny, a podcast for the worlds okayst moms! (you can also check out our staff recommendations)   and let the world melt away for a little while.   4.        Wine & Unwind After a long day of momming, you’ve earned some serious downtime. Pour yourself a glass of your favorite wine (or tea, or mocktail—whatever suits your mood) and crack open a good book. We’ve got some great reads listed in our Vignette book recommendations blog. Snag one from Bookshop.org to support indie bookstores while you get your literary escape.   5.        Wear Your Chill Vibes Why not bring a little extra comfort to your self-care routine? Whether it’s your comfiest pajamas or something extra special like the Lunya Washable Silk Set, feeling cozy is the first step toward relaxation. Bonus: You’ll feel like a goddess even while dealing with homework drama or bedtime negotiations.   6.        Journaling for Sanity Journaling is like decluttering your brain after a long day. Snag a cheeky, motivational notebook from Papier and jot down the day’s highs, lows, and those hilarious moments that only moms understand (like finding cereal in your purse). Writing it all down is oddly satisfying and might just give you the reset you need. I like to list three things I am thankful for everyday and three things I would like to accomplish the following day.   These little acts of self-care are here to help you embrace your inner calm, even when life feels like a three-ring circus. Remember, self-care isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a way of reminding yourself that you’re more than just the person who picks up after everyone.   So go ahead, sip that coffee, take a bath, and give yourself the break you deserve. You’ve got this!  

Our team has you covered! With staff members from the sun-soaked beaches of San Diego, the vibrant streets of Berlin, and the charming nooks of England, we’ve gathered podcast recommendations that’ll keep your ears entertained and your mind buzzing. From feel-good stories about love, to deep dives into business empires, historical comedy, and even hilarious gossip, these picks reflect the quirky tastes and personalities of our wonderfully diverse crew.   From surfing the California coast, navigating the hustle of Berlin’s streets, or cozying up in a quaint English village, we’re bringing a little hometown vibe to our top picks. So,  grab your headphones, find a cozy spot (or multitask like the superhero parent you are), and let us take you on an audio journey. You’ve got errands to run—why not make them fun?   San Diego Team Picks Madigan’s Pick: This is Love You know that feeling when you curl up with a cup of hot coco and a good book? That’s what This is Love feels like for your ears. Hosted by the ever-so-soothing Phoebe Judge, each episode dives into the many forms and facets of love in a thoughtful and heartwarming way. The podcast tells intimate stories that capture love in all its varieties—whether it’s romantic love, the love for a passion or career, or even the unexpected bonds between humans and animals. Each episode focuses on a different real-life narrative, ranging from tales of enduring friendships to unusual acts of kindness, to the quirky and surprising ways people find connection. The stories are often emotional and inspiring, leaving listeners with a sense of hope and joy. It’s not your typical love stories—it’s love in its most unexpected, poignant forms. It’s like an auditory hug that leaves you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. So, whether you’re stuck in traffic or folding that Mount Everest of laundry, This is Love is here to sweeten the moment.   Siobhan’s Picks: Normal Gossip  Normal Gossip Got a guilty pleasure for the juiciest gossip? Imagine sitting at a café eavesdropping on the most random, but oh-so-spicy stories from people’s lives—without the guilt! That’s what Normal Gossip brings. It’s the podcast equivalent of getting the tea from a friend of a friend of a friend, except this tea is piping hot and drama-filled. Perfect for when you need a break from the chaos of your own life and want to dive into someone else’s drama for a bit.   Acquired Acquired Ever wondered how big companies like Netflix or Amazon went from garage startups to global empires? Acquired breaks down the epic stories behind these business behemoths, but it’s not just for finance nerds! Even if you don’t care about market shares and IPOs, the hosts keep it engaging with humor and storytelling. Think of it like the superhero origin stories—except instead of capes, they’re wearing suits. Ideal for when you’re feeling like a boss and want to learn how other bosses made it big.  Added bonus:  They cover fashion houses like Hermes and Louis Vuitton’s road to success.   London Team Picks   Liz’s Picks: Just One Thing   Just One Thing If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by life hacks and self-improvement tips, Just One Thing is a breath of fresh air. Hosted by Dr. Michael Mosley, each episode offers one simple, science-backed tip to improve your life. It’s bite-sized, practical, and you can actually implement it without feeling like you need to overhaul your entire existence. Perfect for when you’re juggling 15 things at once and just need one good idea to get through the day.   Holly Tucker’s Conversations of Inspiration Holly Tucker’s Conversations of Inspiration Want a shot of entrepreneurial inspiration with a side of British charm? Holly Tucker sits down with creators and small business owners to chat about how they turned their dreams into reality. It’s like getting cozy with a cuppa and hearing success stories that make you feel like you could do it too. Whether you’re thinking of starting a side hustle or just need a motivational boost, Holly’s got your back.   Jo’s Pick: You're Dead to Me You’re Dead to Me  History meets comedy in You’re Dead to Me, where top historians and comedians team up to make history fun and fascinating. It’s perfect for when you want to feel like you’ve learned something new—without feeling like you’re back in a classroom. From ancient civilizations to quirky historical figures, this podcast covers it all with a good dose of humor. Ideal for those moments when you need an intellectual break from Paw Patrol reruns.   Berlin Team Picks   Liza’s Picks: Desert Island Discs Desert Island Discs A classic for a reason. Imagine being stranded on a desert island and you can only take eight songs with you—what would they be? Celebrities and public figures from all over the world answer this question, giving you a peek into their personalities through their musical choices. It’s both relaxing and intriguing, like a musical escape. Great for when you need a mental vacation from the chaos of daily life.   My Therapist Ghosted Me My Therapist Ghosted Me Ever been ghosted by a therapist? Comedians Joanne McNally and Vogue Williams turn that awkward experience into comedy gold. Their hilarious banter covers everything from mental health struggles to life’s everyday absurdities—like awkward social encounters and wellness trends gone wrong. Listening feels like catching up with your funniest friends, where no topic is off-limits and laughter is guaranteed. Perfect for when you need a good laugh and a reminder that we’re all just trying to survive life’s hilarious mess!