September 20, 2024

Skip the small talk—parents are using business cards for playdates!

Not sure if you’re ready to swap small talk for business cards at the playground? One mom’s latest parenting hack is causing quite the stir: playdate business cards. Imagine your kid handing out a card with their name and your contact info instead of you having to chat up fellow parents. Sounds like a game changer or just plain quirky, right? 👀 Scroll down to see how this trend is making waves and let us know what you think in our poll at the bottom of this newsletter. 👇 

Are playdate business cards a parenting genius move or just a bit too much?

  • Fall in Love with Your Skin: Cozy Up to These Seasonal Skincare Swaps

  • Sprinkle Some Fun: How to Throw the Perfect Baby Sprinkle

  • Weight a Minute: Rucking is the New Walking Trend You Need to Try

SKINCARE

Glow with the flow.

As the leaves start to turn and the air gets cooler, your skincare routine needs a cozy upgrade. The drop in temperature and humidity can leave your skin craving moisture, making it essential to tweak your routine for the new season. Here’s how to keep your skin glowing even as the weather cools down.

  1. Upgrade Your Moisturizer It’s time to say goodbye to those lightweight gels and embrace thicker creams. Fall is all about hydration and protection. Look for moisturizers packed with ceramides and fatty acids to lock in moisture and support your skin barrier.

  2. Hydrating Cleanser, Anyone?
    If your face wash is leaving your skin feeling tight and dry, it’s time for a change. Swap out your foaming cleanser for a cream or oil-based one to keep your skin soft and hydrated.

  3. Keep Exfoliation in Check
    Exfoliating too much can actually do more harm than good, especially as the air dries out. Scale back on robust ingredients like retinoids and glycolic acid, and stick to gentler options to avoid stripping your skin’s natural oils.

  4. Don’t Forget the Body Fall isn’t just about your face! Post-shower is prime time to slather on body lotion while your skin is still damp. Trust us, your elbows, knees, and feet will thank you.

  5. Stay Loyal to SPF
    Just because summer’s over doesn’t mean the sun isn’t a threat. Keep that broad-spectrum sunscreen in your daily routine—UV rays are year-round troublemakers.

Bonus tip: Luma & Leaf is some of our favorite, clean skincare. Be sure to check them out.

HOSTING

Sprinkle some fun.

So, you’ve heard of baby showers, but what about baby sprinkles? Think of it as a laid-back, second-time-around celebration. No need for extravagant games or towering diaper cakes—just a cozy get-together with close friends, good vibes, and some thoughtful gifts. If you’re ready to host a sprinkle, here’s the lowdown on making it just right.

The Theme is Key

Not sure how to theme it up? Here are some ideas that’ll make the sprinkle stand out:

  • Sprinkles and Scoops: Ice cream bar, anyone? Set up an epic sundae station with all the toppings and, of course, sprinkles!

  • Not Mama’s First Rodeo: Bring out the cowboy hats and rustic décor for a rodeo-themed celebration.

  • Oh, Baby! Brunch: Because who doesn’t love a good brunch? Serve up mimosas, quiches, and pastries in a relaxed, mid-morning affair.

  • Baby-Q Bash: A backyard BBQ complete with grilled goodies and lawn games is perfect for this low-key gathering.

  • Baby in Bloom: Go floral with lush flower arrangements and garden-inspired décor for a sweet, nature-themed vibe.

Gifts to Keep It Simple

When it comes to presents, sprinkles are all about the essentials. Think:

  • Diapers and wipes (because you can never have too many).

  • Board books or personalized nursery décor.

  • Baby monitors or a wireless breast pump (perfect for multitasking moms).

  • Gift cards for food delivery—because who wants to cook with a newborn around?

Hosting Tips

Keep the guest list intimate—close friends, family, and even the older siblings. Skip the traditional games if they’re not your thing, but if you need some activities to fill the time, try decorating onesies or creating a baby’s first alphabet book.

With the right theme, thoughtful gifts, and a relaxed atmosphere, your sprinkle will be a sweet and memorable way to celebrate the new arrival!

AND ALSO

Walk it like you ruck It.

Walking’s great, but if you're ready to level up your daily stroll, rucking is the new trend to try. It’s simple: just add weight (think of a backpack with a few books) and start walking.

Why it’s worth a try:

  • Cardio + Strength: Rucking takes your walk from basic cardio to full-body resistance training. Plus, it’s a sneaky way to hit that twice-a-week strength-training goal we often miss.

  • Bone Health Boost: Weight-bearing activities like rucking help prevent bone loss, which is a huge win, especially as we age.

  • Low Risk, High Reward: Unlike running, rucking has a lower injury risk and builds stronger legs, which helps with all your fitness goals.

Pro-tip: Start light (5-10 lbs), use a snug backpack, and gradually build up your distance.

Rucking might just be the easiest (and most efficient) way to amp up your fitness routine—no gym required.

Parents are stepping up their playdate game with… business cards for their kids! When Brianna Mullally moved to St. Louis, her extroverted son was eager to make friends, but as an introvert juggling a new baby, the idea of setting up playdates felt like a nightmare. Enter playdate business cards! With her son’s name and her contact info printed on colorful cards, Brianna made it easy for her kid to connect with new friends—without the awkward small talk. Turns out, she’s not alone. These cards are now flying off the shelves on Etsy!

What’s your take on playdate business cards?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

SNIPPETS

More Gen Z and Millennials report feeling like their true selves online, unlike older generations who prefer offline interactions. They also feel more valued, appreciated, and creative in digital spaces.

With 35 billion minutes watched, the Australian kids' show Bluey has topped all U.S. shows in 2024, according to Nielsen. The adventures of the Blue Heeler family have captivated audiences.

Experts suggest booking 2024 Thanksgiving and Christmas flights by October 14th. Thanksgiving prices stay low through early October, while Christmas fares will drop between mid-October and early November before rising quickly.

DID YOU KNOW? Hispanic Heritage Month spans from September 15 to October 15? Discover the rich history behind this celebration and clear up the confusion between "Latino" and "Hispanic."

Craving a quick, family-friendly dinner? This Baked Ravioli with Spinach casserole is your new go-to! With minimal prep and just 30 minutes in the oven, it's a simple, cheesy, and veggie-packed win for busy weeknights. Easy comfort, ready in a flash!

👶 Birthday déjà vu. Mom gives birth to 4th baby on the same day as her 3 older sisters.

🍫 PB&J comeback. M&M’s revives this beloved flavor after almost a decade—cue the fan frenzy!

💸 Middle-class mystery. Use this income calculator to see if you're in the American middle class.

🍂 Sweeten your fall. 14 easy cookie recipes that will warm up your autumn.

🧥 Leather weather chic.17 stylish and comfy jackets to elevate your fall wardrobe.

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✨ Annalee and Karin ✨

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