Welcome to our Mother’s Day Gift Guide themed “Treat Yourself,” specially curated for the moms out there who deserve more than just a day of recognition. Mother’s Day is not just another day; it's a celebration of strength, love, and sacrifice. It's about acknowledging the silent battles won, the chaos managed, and the unconditional love given. In the hustle of everyday life, it’s easy for moms to forget to take a moment for themselves. This year, we're channeling the essence of self-love and care through handpicked gifts that promise to revive the body, rejuvenate the soul, refresh the spirit ..read more

In the journey of motherhood, there's a rarely discussed season: loneliness. It sounds dramatic, I know, but hear me out. Throughout life, I've always had a built-in community of women to surround myself with. High school meant cheerleading, college was filled with sorority sisters, and post-college brought a crew who bonded over Bachelor Mondays, Galentine's Day, and bottomless brunches. I was always a part of a group. My pre-COVID, pre-kids life was all about spontaneity and connection. Saturday night plans, impromptu after-work happy hours, girls' days in wine country, hosting boozy Wednesd ..read more

I was absolutely dreading the day we had to say goodbye to Caden's pacifier. “Paci” went absolutely everywhere with us. It was his source of comfort, whether he was upset or needed to be soothed in the middle of the night. I swore we'd never get rid of it…I mean you don’t see kindergarteners going to school with pacifiers, so they’ll grow out of it naturally right!?  Well this strategy held true until my husband took him to his first dentist appointment at age 2, and the dentist broke the news that it was time to bid farewell to the paci. I was so resistant to the idea. We had just welcom ..read more

As a mom working from home, I totally understand the temptation to lounge around in comfy pajamas or the same athleisure set two days in a row. Believe me, I've been there! But since committing to a WFH lifestyle, I've made a conscious effort to prioritize feeling good, and for me, that includes looking good too. Even if I'm not stepping out of my home, getting dressed in the morning boosts my mood and makes me feel more productive. It's amazing how a cute outfit can lift my spirits and set the tone for an efficient day, even within the same four walls. Getting dressed in something that makes ..read more

If you're planning an international trip with your family, consider signing up for Global Entry. Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers. This means you can skip those massive lines at US immigration and customs and get to your final destination faster. And let’s be honest, that last stretch of travel on your way home is brutal, so having Global Entry can help speed up the process to peace out from the airport and get home. But what about your kids? Do they need their own Global Entry membershi ..read more

Describing the nerves and anxiety I felt before telling my boss about my first pregnancy is hard to put into words. The second time around, with a new boss at a different company, wasn't any easier. I couldn't shake the worry that announcing my pregnancy would stall my career progression, prevent a compensation increase or affect my perception as a leader within the company. Balancing my professional ambitions with impending motherhood was daunting. Plus, I stressed over how taking maternity leave would impact all of the aforementioned concerns. Breaking the news to your boss about your pregna ..read more

Since June 2021, our family has taken 42+ flights with Southwest Airlines. Leveraging the benefits of our Southwest Companion Pass, we managed to cut over $20,000 in airfare costs during this period. We also had the Companion Pass in 2018 and 2019, which we aptly named “wedding season,” and estimated our savings at an additional $12,000 over those two years. If you don't believe me, check out our detailed list of Southwest flights below!  Do you want to know how we accomplished it? Interested in our strategy? Discover how we achieved remarkable savings by following my tips below. I can’t ..read more

Being a mom is a huge part of who I am. It's actually been the key to unlocking my true self. My kiddos, Caden and Willow, are two of my proudest accomplishments. But let's be real, as amazing as motherhood is, it throws some serious challenges our way. I've discovered that tapping into the wisdom of other moms can help me become a more confident mom. Whether it’s reading parenting books, scrolling through Instagram, or listening to podcasts, there are a ton of ways to learn more about raising kids and navigating career choices. And, I also read a ton of working mom blogs. They're written ..read more

So you’ve decided to find an au pair for your childcare needs. Amazing! As a family that’s hosted four au pairs, we can’t rave enough about the program. We love the flexibility, the cultural exchange, and of course how much this caretaker can help with work-life balance. But finding the perfect au pair for your family can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you're new to the process. With so many candidates to consider, each with their own personality and skills, it's hard to know who will be the best fit. The interview process can help you identify the right qualities that best fit your fami ..read more

It's heartbreaking to see your baby uncomfortable and squirming on the changing table because of a diaper rash. My daughter has super sensitive skin and is more prone to painful diaper rashes when she’s battling an illness, so I've become quite picky about the products I use on her skin. In my experience, the secret to avoiding diaper rashes is to use a highly absorbent diaper, and to select a cream made with safe, simple ingredients when you notice one start to creep in. Just like we've delved into finding the best diapers and diaper bags, it's now time to tackle another essential item – the ..read more