I’m currently looking for a three-pack of striped knee-high socks for one kid, armbands (???? they’re sporty that’s all I understand) for another kid, and a pair of non-stiff cotton shorts for another. And of course, while I’m perusing the world wide web, I’m reminded that I kinda want a new gua sha stone (mine was broken by a thieving child). I could use a deep conditioning mask. When does one replace dingy white towels?
I really like your posts and I'm only a free subscriber. I'm pregnant and have really gravitated to your writing on questioning mum culture.
However, I do find posts where you seem to encourage consumption and shopping culture problematic, given the stage we are at with the climate crisis and the pollution and destruction of the planet which gives us life. Everyone reducing our consumption is one of the best things we can all do to help this. Which I know goes against mainstream Western culture of consume more, more, more - because you're 'worth it'! Both in America and here in Australia.
As an alternative option, but still on the topic of shopping, perhaps you could do a post encouraging people to reflect on something they've bought that they didn't actually need or want? Or do a challenge where everyone purchases one less thing a week and shares? Or people write in with a great second-hand purchase (because buying second-hand rather than brand new is another easy, helpful thing we can do)?
To me, one of your key themes is about questioning the 'momfluencer' culture which heavily relies on people trying to sell us stuff we don't often need. Such as your post on the Mother's Day ads. So perhaps getting the community to contribute more about questioning what they actually need would tie in nicely.
This is my first time posting here, and I hope it's a safe place to share my thoughts on this. But of course, please delete if you don't think it's appropriate. Thanks.
I recently upgraded my bulky and uncomfortable work-from-home wooden desk chair to a padded folding chair! It’s so comfortable and folds up for storage. It was from restaurantchairs.com 😂 and is the best $40 I’ve spent in a long time.
I didn't buy it online but I recently impulse-purchased a set of two Kitsch hair clips ("flat lay claw clips"), and they're the first claw clips I've ever tried that actually stay in my thick hair — they actually hold it *steadier* than a scrunchie! — and I feel like the look is so much more polished than my typical messy low bun. I have no idea how to "do" my hair but it's sort of effortless to put it up in one of these things. I am almost embarrassed about how happy these stupid hair clips make me feel. https://www.mykitsch.com/products/flat-lay-claw-clip-2pc-curved-black-tort
I am HOPING the Ikea Kura bed I just got for my 6-year-old will be JUST THE THING to get her happily sleeping in her own room -- her older sister needs her own space (middle school is coming) but the little one has been in her feels about no longer room sharing. Also ordered a hideous set of vine-covered curtains for the bottom bunk "stuffie cave" we are creating with it, so fingers firmly crossed! (Thank you again for saving me from the far more reckless wildly expensive Oeuf version of this bed!!)
I'm currently falling down a fountain pen/ink rabbit hole.
I just got my first- a TWSBI Eco, with a lavender with pink sparkle ink (Journalize Whimsical ink in color Evil Queen) and I love it so much. I can already tell this is going to be my whole personality for a little while.
RE: Towels, I have no idea, I use them until they develop holes, and then they're washcloths, then they're rags, and I buy new ones when I don't have enough that are functional. Lol. I am always looking for a good towel recommendation to watch for sales, though.
I bought a “battery daddy” organizer before Midwestern tornado season and it makes me feel SO GOOD. I can always find our rechargeable batteries!!! And it comes with a thing to measure the juice in batteries so if I find one laying around, I can determine the next steps!
Workout shorts with a decent inseam length. I did not want itty bitty volley ball shorts at this moment in time; I have those already. I wanted stretchy shorts that fit my shape and have an inseam that is longer than four inches, and have deep enough pockets to hold a phone and keep it there during a workout. AND I FOUND THEM. IN SEVERAL COLORS.
They are from Amazon (le sigh), and are roughly $20 a pair. I like the eight-inch inseam, but there are five-inch and three-inch versions, if one is so inclined.
I just got my kids an oil diffuser and sound machine for their room to help them fall and stay asleep and it’s totally done the trick. We bought a smell sampler and they take turns picking out the oil each night.
I decided I needed more zip pouches to organize my bag clutter and act as purse dinghies for when I just need to have ID/cards for an errand, etc. I really like the ones from Danica Studios and found a couple of older styles on ebay. https://danicastudio.com/en-ca/collections/zipper-pouches
I love Costco Hang 10 Men’s Sun Tee! There are women’s also but I find the men’s solid colors and looser fit more appealing. Bonus points that they’re less than $15
An electric kettle. My husband made fun of me, but I use it multiple times every day! I love it!
ah my cousin has one and it is the height of luxury!!! the speed!
The electric kettle is a game changer. I work in my attic and put one by my desk. And yes, Brits laugh at us for just figuring this out ;)
I have one too and love it! My kids make themselves tea all the time now, they love it too.
Life-changing. We got one for when we had a renovation but discovered how amazing it was to have all the time.
Hi Sara,
I really like your posts and I'm only a free subscriber. I'm pregnant and have really gravitated to your writing on questioning mum culture.
However, I do find posts where you seem to encourage consumption and shopping culture problematic, given the stage we are at with the climate crisis and the pollution and destruction of the planet which gives us life. Everyone reducing our consumption is one of the best things we can all do to help this. Which I know goes against mainstream Western culture of consume more, more, more - because you're 'worth it'! Both in America and here in Australia.
As an alternative option, but still on the topic of shopping, perhaps you could do a post encouraging people to reflect on something they've bought that they didn't actually need or want? Or do a challenge where everyone purchases one less thing a week and shares? Or people write in with a great second-hand purchase (because buying second-hand rather than brand new is another easy, helpful thing we can do)?
To me, one of your key themes is about questioning the 'momfluencer' culture which heavily relies on people trying to sell us stuff we don't often need. Such as your post on the Mother's Day ads. So perhaps getting the community to contribute more about questioning what they actually need would tie in nicely.
This is my first time posting here, and I hope it's a safe place to share my thoughts on this. But of course, please delete if you don't think it's appropriate. Thanks.
I recently upgraded my bulky and uncomfortable work-from-home wooden desk chair to a padded folding chair! It’s so comfortable and folds up for storage. It was from restaurantchairs.com 😂 and is the best $40 I’ve spent in a long time.
omg this might be what i need (i say from a wooden kitchen table chair lol)
I didn't buy it online but I recently impulse-purchased a set of two Kitsch hair clips ("flat lay claw clips"), and they're the first claw clips I've ever tried that actually stay in my thick hair — they actually hold it *steadier* than a scrunchie! — and I feel like the look is so much more polished than my typical messy low bun. I have no idea how to "do" my hair but it's sort of effortless to put it up in one of these things. I am almost embarrassed about how happy these stupid hair clips make me feel. https://www.mykitsch.com/products/flat-lay-claw-clip-2pc-curved-black-tort
oooooh thick hair is (alas) not my problem lol - but my daughter has super thick hair - checking out for her!
I am so into this as I’m currently on a beach vacation and at a loss for what do with my mop of curly hair. Purchasing now. Thank you!
I am HOPING the Ikea Kura bed I just got for my 6-year-old will be JUST THE THING to get her happily sleeping in her own room -- her older sister needs her own space (middle school is coming) but the little one has been in her feels about no longer room sharing. Also ordered a hideous set of vine-covered curtains for the bottom bunk "stuffie cave" we are creating with it, so fingers firmly crossed! (Thank you again for saving me from the far more reckless wildly expensive Oeuf version of this bed!!)
i love this so muuuuuch
I'm currently falling down a fountain pen/ink rabbit hole.
I just got my first- a TWSBI Eco, with a lavender with pink sparkle ink (Journalize Whimsical ink in color Evil Queen) and I love it so much. I can already tell this is going to be my whole personality for a little while.
https://www.jetpens.com/TWSBI-ECO-Transparent-Yellow-Fountain-Pen-Fine-Limited-Edition/pd/34768
https://www.jetpens.com/Journalize-Evil-Queen-Ink-Whimsical-Series-30-ml-Bottle/pd/38506
Also, I found out my favorite gel pen, the Pilot B2P , takes Pilot G2 ink, which is great, Pilot G2 refills are easy to get, and in so many colors!
https://www.jetpens.com/Pilot-B2P-Bottle-to-Pen-Gel-Pen-0.7-mm-Black-Ink/pd/7085
https://www.jetpens.com/search?q=pilot+g2+refills&v=2
RE: tinted lip balm, I have always used Ethique Sugarplum, perfect color, compostable packaging. https://ethique.com/products/sugarplum-lip-balm
RE: Towels, I have no idea, I use them until they develop holes, and then they're washcloths, then they're rags, and I buy new ones when I don't have enough that are functional. Lol. I am always looking for a good towel recommendation to watch for sales, though.
I bought a “battery daddy” organizer before Midwestern tornado season and it makes me feel SO GOOD. I can always find our rechargeable batteries!!! And it comes with a thing to measure the juice in batteries so if I find one laying around, I can determine the next steps!
this is reminding me i need to convert to rechargeable batteries!
This slushy cup is bringing me so much joy right now. https://a.co/d/cQAHvp0
Beach Chairs with 350lb+ weight capacity!
Workout shorts with a decent inseam length. I did not want itty bitty volley ball shorts at this moment in time; I have those already. I wanted stretchy shorts that fit my shape and have an inseam that is longer than four inches, and have deep enough pockets to hold a phone and keep it there during a workout. AND I FOUND THEM. IN SEVERAL COLORS.
SHARE PLEASE!
They are from Amazon (le sigh), and are roughly $20 a pair. I like the eight-inch inseam, but there are five-inch and three-inch versions, if one is so inclined.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077HZ4XR6/?coliid=I3VFZMPM2ZECOP&colid=2J5RQE0TN0ENN&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it&th=1
I got a pair very similar to this from Girlfriend Collective and love them! Great more sustainable brand if you’re okay to go up a bit in budget.
I just got my kids an oil diffuser and sound machine for their room to help them fall and stay asleep and it’s totally done the trick. We bought a smell sampler and they take turns picking out the oil each night.
I recently a pair of Keen UNEEK sandals for summer (I’d been coveting since last year) and BOY do I love them. Legit want a 2nd pair already.
Giggling like a threenager every time I use this lip balm
https://routinecream.ca/products/botanic-serum-lip-balm
These shorts from target have been great. Wide waist band, loose fit, 2 big pockets (one that ZIPS). https://www.target.com/p/women-39-s-flex-woven-high-rise-shorts-3-34-all-in-motion-8482-taupe-m/-/A-89384476
oh ZIPS YES
I decided I needed more zip pouches to organize my bag clutter and act as purse dinghies for when I just need to have ID/cards for an errand, etc. I really like the ones from Danica Studios and found a couple of older styles on ebay. https://danicastudio.com/en-ca/collections/zipper-pouches
LOVE a good pouch
I am looking for a long sleeve active top for summer (not a rash guard, for walks and stuff) that is not dorky and not $100. Unicorn?!
Uniqlo's UV hoodies are great: lightweight, wrinkle-proof, and quick drying. A little dorky maybe depending where you are walking though;)
never NOT looking for a great hoodie!
hmmmmm that's tough - backcountry maybe?
Great tip! Just ordered this--on sale too! I am not outdoorsy enough to have known about this brand, haha
https://www.backcountry.com/backcountry-tahoe-sun-crew-womens
I love Costco Hang 10 Men’s Sun Tee! There are women’s also but I find the men’s solid colors and looser fit more appealing. Bonus points that they’re less than $15
I love the Jones Road Miracle Balm ..I have it in 3 colors.
Also, these kid shorts are the best, maybe they fit the bill: https://www.hannaandersson.com/sale/81346-1DH.html
completely forgot about hanna andersson - these might be perfect.