ML Interest Tag: skin

The Best Summer Beauty Products for Moms

by Karly Wood

We are deep in the throes of summer, which means moms are navigating hot and sweaty days. When you’re ready to sit down for some self-care, make sure you are grabbing from some of these editor-picked products. From face masks made from refreshing summer fruits and vitamin-packed body serum, to sunscreen that doesn’t feel sticky, these face and body products will have you sailing through summer.

Soo'Ae Food Story Masks

When you use a Soo'Ae mask, you can rest assured the products are natural. Each one is made with vegan ingredients, is cruelty free and comes in eco-friendly packaging. We love the Food Story collection, which includes options like pomegranate, kiwi, pineapple and banana.

Buy it here, $3+

Olita AfterSun Body Serum

You don't even need a sunburn to enjoy Olita's spray body serum! Spritz on this light oil spray to get a shot of moisture from a blend of Vitamin E and plant extract oils that is never greasy. 

Buy it here, $20

Ollie Belle Cover Dot Acne Care

Yes, you're a mom and you're still getting zits! But now you can simply cover them with Ollie Belle's dot patches. The FDA-registered acne patches conceal those pimples and even small wounds to promote natural healing and skin regeneration. 

Buy it here, $8.99+

Perfect Image Sea Whip Cucumber Detox Soothing Gel

As much as we try and avoid them, sunburns happen. Thankfully, the ingredients in this Sea Whip gel help minimize irritation. Together with cucumber, chamomile, oatmeal, this soothing gel promotes healing and reduces reddness and puffiness so you can skin can look better and feel better. 

Buy it here, $29.95

Daily Dose Miracle Moisture Leave-In Conditioner

Goodbye, tangly ocean and pool hair! Daily Dose's leave-in conditioner gives you back the moisture you need, detangling and nourishing with just a few sprays.

Buy it here, $18.79

SPRAISE

Vegan and plant based, body products from SPRAISE bring the trifecta of luxurious scents, textures and nourishment together. We especially love that each product has an “Ode to Self” to remind you to see yourself on a daily basis. The light and airy fragrances like pomegranate, lemon ginger and coco mango make these the perfect products for summer.

Available at spraise.com.

Masktini Moisture Spritz

Whether you're cooling off from a hot day at the beach or refreshing after a long flight, Masktini is here for you summer skin. The Woke Bae Whenever Moisture Spritz is made with apple and watermelon extract, hyaluaronic acid and marine isomers to help give you the glow you need, lock in hydration and plump away those wrinkles. 

Buy it here, $55

 

Cocokind Ceramide Barrier Serum

With five types of ceramides and lipids, this new daily-use serum from cocokind helps to create a barrier against the elements. Designed for all, use it any time of day for a bump in moisturizer and skin protection! 

Buy it here, $20. 

ILONA Beyond C Corrective Serum

A new product from ILONA, this serum has two sides that combine to create a restorative skin product that's ideal for beating back summer's harsh rays, as well as intensifies cellular activity, helps with inflammation, and helps to maintain all-day hydration. With only a small pump of product gently massaged into the skin after cleansing at night, you'll be able to see an improvement in a week or so.

Buy it here, $132.

Pair it with the best-selling Crystal Skin Resurfacing cream. It's got tiny granules of micro-surfacing crystals, that when scrubbed into your face, immediately offer a brighter, clearer complexion. And, since you only need to use the cream once or twice a week, a jar will last you for months. 

Buy it here, $84.

The Beauty Tailor Lipstick

The Beauty Tailor is proud to bring lipsticks that are cruelty, paraben and sulfate free AND vegan. Not only do they offer tons of ready-to-wear shades, but you can also design your own custom lipstick, too!

Buy it here, $18

Missha Soft Finish Sunscreen

Sunscreen is super important for summer (and always). We love this option as it is 50 SPF, feels super light on the skin and doesn't drip into your eyes as you sweat. 

Get yours here, $13.96. 

Orpheus Resurrection Bio-Luminous Dewy Essence

Summer can be a doozy––that's why we love this multi-correctional essence. It's made with stem cells, peptides, anti-antioxidants and hyaluronic acid that ultimately protect skin from UV blue light.

Buy it here, $65

Wonder Femme

Summer is the perfect time to embrace the light appeal of lip gloss. The collection from Wonder Femme packs all the neutrals you'll need to instantly jazz up your outfit, without going overkill. Each one contains ingredients like Brown Algae Kelp, Golden Seaweed, Vitamin E and Jojoba to give you moisture on the go.

Buy it here, $14.95+

––Karly Wood, Kate Loweth & Gabby Cullen

All photos: Courtesy of retailers

 

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Can Stretch Marks Be Prevented?

By Dr. Alan Lindemann

Of all the physical changes that women experience while pregnant, stretch marks are some of the most persistent (and annoying).

As an obstetrician and maternal mortality expert, I’ve delivered more than 6,000 babies over nearly four decades and have had the opportunity to see what really works (and doesn’t) when it comes to preventing and treating stretch marks, otherwise known as “striae.”

What Exactly Are Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks are long, thin scars that appear when your skin is stretched a great deal over a short period of time, such as when a woman’s belly grows during pregnancy. The stretching causes the collagen and elastin in your skin to rupture. Scars appear as your skin heals. These marks can be aggravating to those who are pregnant, but at the end of the day, they are only superficial and don’t have any health implications. However, there are things you may want to do to help fend them off and possibly even treat them.

Stretch marks appear at different times during pregnancy. Some may come at sixteen weeks, but most come between 20 to 25 weeks of gestation. These streaks on your skin are far from the worst thing people may experience during pregnancy, but nobody likes them.

When they first appear, stretch marks tend to be red, dark brown, reddish-brown, purple, or pink in color and may feel slightly raised. Over time, the color should fade and the scars sink beneath your skin.

Preventing & Treating Stretch Marks

When it comes to stretch marks, there are some things you can do to prevent and treat them, and some things you have no control over. For instance, the thin or thick nature of your skin comes with genetic makeup, and there’s nothing you can do to change it. If your mother had stretch marks, there’s a better chance that you will, too. However, there are some preventative measures you can take.

The one thing that I have found to be helpful in the prevention of stretch marks is exercise. Physical fitness is your best bet for keeping them at bay.

You can combat stretch marks by starting pregnancy at an appropriate weight and fitness level. The exercise will help distribute the size of the uterus, rather than have it hanging out front. Fit muscles will help distribute the challenges of gravity on a pregnant woman’s body. So, if you’re still in the pregnancy planning stage, now is a great time to start working out.

If you already have stretch marks, treating them is challenging, but not impossible.

Creams Are Not the Answer

Many people faithfully rub expensive creams or DIY concoctions on their bodies in an effort to erase the aggravating marks, but I have yet to see a topical treatment that works.

Instead of investing in cosmetics, I always suggest going back to exercise after the baby is born. While rubbing vitamin E and coconut butter on the skin are popular traditional treatments, they are not a substitute for the great circulation and taut skin that exercise and nutrition provide. Hydration is important too. Whatever exercise you were doing before pregnancy is something to continue while pregnant.

Be Gentle with Yourself

Though physical activity is important, I will caution women who weren’t exercising previously not to start exercising during pregnancy in order to prevent stretch marks. The marks may be irritating, but they are not worth putting your good health at risk, especially while you are pregnant. You can always dive into an exercise routine once you’ve had your baby.

Some stretch marks may be inevitable, but staying physically active and hydrated during and after pregnancy are the best preventative measures you can take to help fend them off.

Dr. Alan Lindemann
Tinybeans Voices Contributor

An obstetrician and maternal mortality expert, “Rural Doc” Alan Lindemann, M.D. teaches women and families how to create the outcomes they want for their own health and pregnancy. In nearly 40 years of practice, he has delivered around 6,000 babies and achieved a maternal mortality rate of zero! Visit LindemannMD.com

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The Registry Items You Actually Need On Your List, According to a New Mom

by Kenzie Kramer
Partner Content

Cara Fries

I’m from Wisconsin, but I’ve lived in Chicago for 9 years. I love to travel, watch Netflix and am a huge foodie!

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As a first-time mom, I was clueless about what to get for my baby girl before she arrived. I read through countless blogs trying to figure out the best products to register for but began to feel overwhelmed with all the new gadgets on the market. I wanted to make sure that we had some of the best products to hopefully help aid in getting our baby to sleep better, eat better and ultimately be as comfortable as possible. Did my baby really need a $1,200 bassinet or some device that she wore at night to register her vitals? Again, feeling so clueless, I decided to do some major research to find the best products so I could feel reassured bringing her home the first night.

After trying out tons of different baby products first hand, which I am hoping may help at least one new mama (or maybe even a second or third-time mama!), I am rounding up the top five products that were the holy grail of our household, and that I would suggest everyone with a newborn has in stock before bringing the baby home. These products succeeded in helping us feel like we knew what we were doing, even when we had no idea.

ChiccoDUO Bottles

While these bottles weren’t around (yet) when my baby was born, I sure wish they would have been! It took me a long time to find a bottle that both my baby loved, and that I felt good about giving to her and the ChiccoDuo bottles check both of those boxes. These bottles are the first-ever hybrid baby bottle that combines the purity of glass and the convenience of plastic. This means that the milk never touches the plastic, but the bottle can still be thrown in the dishwasher and won’t break or crack if dropped. The nipples also have a 9/10 acceptance rate and breast-like flow!

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Solly Baby Wrap

We used ours so much. And when I say so much, I mean pretty much every day. I really loved the Solly baby wrap over other ones because it’s really just a soft piece of fabric that ties around your body and holds the baby in place. Some of the other wraps I tried were so bulky and uncomfortable. My baby seemed to love this one best as well, as she’d always fall asleep when being carried in it.

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3

Nestled Bean Swaddle

Getting the baby to sleep and stay asleep can be a daunting (and exhausting!) task, so having a good swaddle is a must. This one is slightly weighted and rests against the baby’s chest, so they feel nice and secure, just like they did in the womb. They also can be used for baby’s up to 30” tall, meaning you can use them for a generous amount of time without having to invest in any other type of swaddle.

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4

Kyte Baby Pajamas

These bamboo pajamas are so incredibly soft and feel like butter on your skin. They’re especially perfect for babies who tend to get overheated or have sensitive skin, as they are hypoallergenic and actually good for the environment! It’s a win-win knowing that your baby is wearing something that’s not only good for their skin but good for the future of the planet as well! (P.S. They come in adult and toddler sizes too!)

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5

Hatch Baby Sound Machine

After having one of these in our bedroom when our baby was sleeping in the same room as us, we went out and bought the adult version because we couldn’t sleep without it! This machine is perfect for providing the baby (and adults!) with white noise (and blocking our other distractions such as dogs barking, traffic, etc.) for sleeping. We noticed our baby slept way longer and way better when we had the rain sound on.

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When Should You See a Breastfeeding Counselor?

By Penny White

Editor’s Note: Here at Red Tricycle, we respect and celebrate every mom’s feeding journey. Bottle? Boob? It doesn’t matter—we believe fed is best. Our Spoke Contributor Network is inclusive and open to all parenting journeys—yours, too!

This really is quite a big question and one that does divide those that work with people who breastfeed. Should we do an assessment before or after the baby is born? Once they’ve got an issue or beforehand to prepare them? Personally, I think it’s best to be prepared as new motherhood can be such an overwhelming time so let’s minimize some of that worry but there are others who feel that breastfeeding support should be given as needed.

Before the Baby Is Here

If you wonder/worry about any of the following:

  • PCOS: Poly Cystic Ovary Syndrome can result in lowered milk production so you can struggle to begin with.  The good news is that your milk supply will increase the more babies you have but it’s still worth getting information on how to manage.
  • Previous breast surgery: Whether it’s due to a medical issue or cosmetic surgery, medical interventions can result in damage to the delicate tissues contained within so again it’s good to get some resources ready so you can spot any potential issues.
  • IVF: Now it all depends on why you had it and to be honest there isn’t a whole heap of research on this but it is believed that it can cause issues with breastfeeding for some—so again be prepared!
  • If you’re worried you just can’t: Now a lot of babies (the vast majority in all honesty!) will latch with no issues and minimal intervention but again it’s worth having a chat with a professional who can give you lots of little tips to avoid you stressing when you don’t need to. C-section, induction, vaginal birth, medication in labor can all have an impact. Flat nipples, small nipples. inverted, big, uneven nipple size, big breasts, small breasts, one side bigger than the other—we’ve seen them all (it’s our job!) and we are trained to advise you on how to feed your baby.
  • Do you need all that stuff that comes with breastfeeding? Do you really need a pump? Manual, electric, silicone, one you wear, a double or single—which one will work best for you? A pillow? Shields or shells? Isn’t a Hakka something they do in New Zealand? Confused as you just thought you needed your boobs and a baby? Then ask a breastfeeding counselor!

After the Baby Is Here 

If you have any of the following:

  • Pain: Honestly I cannot stress enough—pain in breastfeeding indicates a problem and needs to be addressed. You should not suffer when you feed your child. It doesn’t matter where that pain is in your breast or nipple or stomach or neck and shoulders, having discomfort indicates an issue somewhere. If your emotions are being impacted by your feeding choices/routine that is considered pain as well—ask for help.
  • Questions: So you’ve had the baby and received brilliant help from the breastfeeding counselor in the hospital however you still have lots of questions and she has lots of other patients to see. A one-on-one session with a breastfeeding counselor will give you the time to fire away all those little ‘does this look right to you?’ worries.
  • If you are worried about supply: Not producing much when you pump? Does the baby seem to feed a lot? Breasts suddenly don’t seem as full? Will one bottle of formula a day make a difference? All of these are questions that breastfeeding counselors are trained to answer and can reassure you as we are trained to get to know you first before making any comments.
  • If you have concerns: How often should your baby poo? How will you know that they are full? How will you know that they are hungry? How will you know if they’re full? Feed on demand or to a schedule? Should their poo look like that? Why do they want to eat all the time? Your sister says that [….] shouldn’t happen—is she right? Are you going to spoil your baby by doing too much skin-to-skin? You know what I’m going to say about this don’t you?
  • If you want to stop: It is believed that our ancestors may have breastfed their young until the age of 7. The natural age of weaning is thought to be between 2 and 4 years of age. Now there are a whole host of reasons why we want to stop breastfeeding and seeing a breastfeeding counselor can make sure that you are doing it in a safe way as sudden cessation could result in mastitis, engorgement, and other complications for you.

But does seeing a breastfeeding counselor actually make any difference? In a study in 2019, participants in a breastfeeding support program were “on average 66% less risk of cessation of any breastfeeding and on average 54% less risk of cessation of exclusive breastfeeding at any point in time.” A significant decrease in women still breastfeeding after ten days postpartum was noticed if they did not receive support is shown in a study from 2015.

The facts are that getting breastfeeding support doesn’t mean you’ve failed or you’re not doing it right—it just means that you want to do it well or better. You shouldn’t be judged for asking a question (believe me I’ve been on the receiving end of judgmental breastfeeding support and that was one of the main reasons my oldest was formula fed!) Seeing someone trained in breastfeeding means you will get support and understanding, from a person who can acknowledge how important, frustrating and wonderful this journey is.

This post originally appeared on Bahbabelle.net.

I'm certified as a doula, breastfeeding counselor and Lamaze childbirth educator.  I'm British, living in Bahrain in the Middle East for the last 14 years. I have three daughters and I just want to show them that it doesn't matter your age, dreams can be followed. 

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7 Ways to Have the Healthiest Summer Yet

By Kara Reynolds

Summer is the perfect time of year to get a fresh start. You’ll likely take a few vacations, see new places and meet different people. Take advantage of the season without unintended consequences by learning about these seven ways to have a healthy summer.

Sometimes a bit of fun can have repercussions on your health, but you’ll only have positive summer memories if you remember these tips. See if you could try any of these ideas to feel better even after the fall flu season begins.

1. Wear Sunscreen Often
The hot sunshine will hurt your skin even when you’re not at the pool. Walking around an outdoor farmer’s market or walking the dog exposes you to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays that create sunburns. Apply sunscreen on any uncovered skin, like your cheeks, hands and feet. Preventing sunburns keeps your skin healthy and reduces your chances of developing skin cancer.

2. Drink Enough Water
People often say that you should drink eight glasses of water every day, which might come to mind when the outdoor temperature stays consistently high. If you stop sweating, feel faint or start dealing with dry skin, you’re likely not drinking enough water during the summer.

Researchers recently tried to find a scientific answer to how much water adults should drink daily. After their study, their numerous efforts provided no definitive answers because everyone is different. As long as you’re always aware that your body needs water, you’ll feel great all year long.

3. Discuss Preventive Care
Taking care of yourself starts at home. Discuss potential new preventive care measures with your doctor to determine if you’re missing any crucial steps. Preventive care is a term that includes screening, vaccinations and lab work along with annual checkups. 

4. Start Family Exercises
Movement strengthens your muscles and improves your immune system, so get the whole family involved. Jump in the pool together, go on morning runs or play hopscotch on the driveway after lunch. You’ll spend more time outdoors anyway, so add a little movement to benefit everyone’s physical health.

Don’t forget to practice exercise safety before everyone gets moving. Strap on knee pads if you’ll roller skate or wear shoes that support your arches if your family goes on a long walk. It could prevent injuries or make you more comfortable while trying new activities.

5. Stay Away from Sugar
Hot weather makes ice cream and popsicles more appealing, but they should only be occasional treats. Even fruit smoothies made by health-conscious brands contain added sugars that harm your health. Research proves that overconsumption of sugar predisposes the heart to disease—as much as smoking! Staying away from sugar is one of the many ways to have a healthy summer and transform your life.

6. Watch Allergen Reports
Seasonal allergies don’t last long, but they can make you feel like you caught a virus. Watch local allergen reports during morning weather reports or in your newspaper. They’ll predict when levels for things like pollen and ragweed will soar. You can proactively take over-the-counter allergy medicine and avoid the symptoms that could ruin your summer fun.

7. Start a New Hobby
Most people have more free time during the summer. Young people don’t have to be in school and everyone else takes vacations or enjoys the occasional national holiday. Use that time to improve your mental health by starting a new hobby.

The right hobby engages your curiosity, teaches you something and doesn’t add stress to your life. You could garden to clear your mind and relieve stress or cook new recipes while developing your self-confidence. Think about what activities make you excited during your free time to defeat anxiety and feel more grounded.

These are seven simple ways to have a healthy summer, so experiment with them to see which one is right for you. Getting more active could improve your health. You might benefit most from preventive care if you already eat a healthy diet and apply sunscreen every day. Consider your lifestyle to figure out the best way to have a healthier summer this year.

Kara Reynolds is the Editor-in-Chief and founder of Momish Magazine.  A mom of four and matriarch to her big blended family, Kara wants nothing more than to normalize differences in family structures.  She enjoys peeing alone, pancakes, and pinot noir - but not at the same time. 

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My Son Is Teaching Me to Love My Flaws

By Jaime Ramos

Photo: Jaime Ramos Via johnnysspiri

I use the word “obsessed” a lot, especially when it comes to my five-year-old autistic son, Johnny. He really gets into certain toys, songs, and shows. It annoys my husband that I use the word so much. “He’s not obsessed, he just likes it” and to his credit, the interest comes and goes often even though he does fixate for a short time. 

The one thing—not even my husband can den—is that Johnny is obsessed with my stomach. The kid loves it. It can drive me insane, but something about it fascinates and comforts him. Sometimes it is in a silly, squishing my flab, way; other times it is him resting his usually restless head on it, or hiding his face in it when he is anxious or nervous in public.

I’m sure it stems from the hours of skin to skin as a baby, the comfort of laying on mommy as a toddler, and all the encouragement to touch and love on it when it held his little sister. 

The older he gets the more we work on the appropriateness of it. He’s still little, but attempting to lift up my shirt at home or grab my tummy in public isn’t going to work. He has to learn to respect my space and body. The moment I lie down when he’s around he goes straight for it. You will hear “no belly” often, in our home.

The thing is, sometimes I look at my belly in the mirror after the shower and think I feel ashamed of it. My 30’s belly is much different than the almost flat stomach from my 20’s. My workouts come and go, as do my healthy eating habits. I try but I’m also a tired and exhausted mom who has been through many ups and downs. 

So, I won’t lie, he’s not catching rock hard abs there, It’s surely a comfortable and soft pillow. 

The neat thing is he doesn’t see it as fat, or unhealthy, or shame, he simply sees it as mom, comfort, and safety.

No judgment, just love. 

My son loves a part of me that I find hard to, and that changes the way I see it. Don’t worry I’m not using it as an excuse to stay unhealthy or out of shape, but it is a reminder of my son’s beautiful, unconditional acceptance and love.

So when I stand in the mirror looking at that belly, I can say it’s the way it is because I carried two beautiful children in it and because I’m a special needs mom who has had some really hard days. It’s not perfect because there is not time for perfection in my life right now, maybe there never will be. But I am doing my best and that’s okay. 

I’m loved and accepted no matter what, by my son.

Johnny is different. The amazing thing about him is that he does not judge. He doesn’t look for the flaws in others or make fun of others, instead, he seeks. Seeks what makes him happy, and what he loves. 

There is something undeniably beautiful in that and I’m grateful for that unconditional love and for someone who truly loves my flaws.

This post originally appeared on Johnnysspirit.com.

Jaime Ramos, is a mom from Colorado. She's married to Isaac and has two kids, Amelie and Jesse. Jesse, her Johnny, is on the Autism Spectrum. She went to school to be a filmmaker, but now spends her days mainly as a stay at home mom.

 

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Miscarriage: A Story of Hope

By Krissy Dieruf

 

Snow fell outside the hospital room window while my husband clasped my hand, and I worked to deliver our third child, a baby boy. The baby’s heart had stopped beating inside my body in the middle of the night, a pool of red blood, our signal that something was wrong. We had waited silently for hours for him to be born, 15 weeks old, unbreathing. When he finally arrived, tearing our hearts in half with his silent stillness, we held his tiny two-inch body in a gift box cradle, wrapped in a hand-knit sleeping bag the size of my palm, and cried.

Months later, in the spring, I wondered sometimes, was he ever really here? Or was the whole winter a horrible dream?

But that winter was real. It left its mark on me. It was so cold it burned me up, crept deep under my skin, my veins, my bones, filling every inch of me with a feeling that started with a sting and ended in numbness. But even that is not true. I only wished to be numb to get a break from the sharp points of the pain. That winter is over now, but remnants of snow and ice still linger and always will.

I could call it frostbite if there had to be a name. A “destruction of tissues,” as the English dictionary states. God, that is so heartbreakingly accurate that the connection elicits a strangled sob from my throat as the icy reach of winter seizes me up again.

There are other reminders. Comments from a well-intentioned stranger, a picture on a screen, a new baby cradled nearby, breathing: all needle-sharp and stinging deep, practically drawing blood. If someone looked closely enough, they could see the red stains I work hard to keep beneath my skin.

Time passed in a blur. We seemed to be holding our breath until fall when I discovered I was pregnant again. Our fourth child, a whisper on my tongue, a hope in my heart, created an endless hunger and wrenching bloat, neither to be satisfied. Fatigue and excitement plagued me while looking down a narrow hallway of time. You would think the dark skies would glow with golden rays of light, and the world would blaze shiny and new with the truth that empty space could be filled again.

You would think.

And yet, all there existed was fear. A terror so deep I could not face it in the light. It could not live in the light, for it brought such blackness it covered everything. It looked like blood, and while I shook with the idea of it, I saw it everywhere.

My oldest son corrected me one day, my sweet tender boy who cried the hardest on the way home from the hospital after telling him our baby went to heaven. “I have three siblings, mom,” he said. My heart beamed and bent with the truth that one of those siblings was already dead, and one had not yet been born. And I never said it, but I thought, might never be born. I fought for every day to come as I never knew I had to fight before by doing nothing but arguing with my fears and convincing my hope it had a right to sing and a place to dance. Hope was the only thing to conquer fear. And fear could not prepare me for the winter anyway.

Then spring arrived. I found myself lost inside; certain I was dreaming because I feared it wouldn’t last. Uncertain if the promises it made with its bright lights and new colors, its flowery scents lingering on the warm breeze, pimpling my skin with goosebumps, were real. Or would they disappear when I opened my eyes? Desperate for something concrete, I embraced spring so hard it took my breath away. Keep going, I repeated like a mantra until the hot tightening and sharp squeezing in my abdomen grabbed hold of me and told me something good.

In the final seconds of my fourth labor, the doctor said, “quick, what’s your guess, girl or boy?” And maybe because our lost baby had been a boy, or perhaps because my husband and I were exhausted, or because all we cared about was that our child would be alive, we both yelled, “Boy.”

And he was. Alive. He kicked and screamed, covered in a white layer of paste. We cried and tried to convince ourselves it was not a dream. That like spring, the moment held promises we dared to believe. Promises not of perfection but existence. Of being. Cares and concerns of being what, or who vanished months ago with the frostbite of winter.

He wasn’t a dream.

Frostbite can leave a scar. It can turn flesh into a permanent reddish-white, burn bone to black. And yet, there is always spring. No matter how many times the winter returns, spring whispers low that soon it will surely follow.

Krissy Dieruf is a licensed marriage and family therapist. She lives in Minnesota with her husband and three children, loves to sing and dance around the house and has a soft spot for rebels and crazy hair. 

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Here’s How to Find All the Women-Owned Brands at Target

by Erica Loop

Celebrate International Women’s Day now and all year long! Target makes it easy to shop brands created by woman with the company’s new “Women Owned” icon.

According to the big red bullseye retailer’s website, the Women Owned icon can help shoppers to, “Support women entrepreneurs by shopping the brands featured here. In the future, look for this badge to keep supporting women-owned businesses.”

What women-created brands can you look for at Target? If you’re on the hunt for a new beauty brand that has long-lasting, cruelty-free formulas in a range of skin tones, Cashmere Nicole’s Beauty Bakerie is a line to check out. Brook Harvey-Taylor’s Pacifica Beauty also includes cruelty-free products. This 25-year old brand brings clean, non-toxic items to the public in sustainable packaging too!

Other Women Owned brands Target carries include Jenn Chiba’s House of Lashes cruelty-free lashes, Monique Rodriguez’s Mielle Organics, Bijou Karman, Katie Sturino’s Megababe body care solutions, Chris-Tia Donaldson’s TGIN hair care line, Natalie Mackey’s Winky Lux beauty products, the Camille Rose hair/body brand by Janell Stephens and Honest Beauty by celeb/actress/business owner Jessica Alba.

To find these brands and other lines made by women, just look for the “Women Owned” icon on Target.com.

—Erica Loop

Photo courtesy of Target

 

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Mr. Bubble Brings the Soapy Fun with 3 New Kid-Friendly Products

by Erica Loop

Mr. Bubble is celebrating its 60th anniversary! In honor of six decades worthy of soapy fun, the brand is launching three new products for kids and their families.

The newest Mr. Bubble brand products include Calm & Sleep Bubble Bath, Fizzy Tub Colors, and Clean Skin 4in1. What can you expect from Mr. Bubble’s latest launch?

photo courtesy of PR Newswire/Mr. Bubble

The Mr. Bubble Calm & Sleep Bubble Bath ($4.99 for 36 ounces) has a calming lavender, eucalyptus, and chamomile blend and a moisturizing combo of Vitamin E and Aloe. Mr. Bubble Fizzy Tub Colors are kid-friendly bath tablets ($6.99 for a 150-count Jumbo Jar or $1.29 for a nine-count packet) that are fragrance-free and contain Bitterguard to stop your kiddo from consuming the product.

If you struggle to keep the kids clean, Mr. Bubble Clean Skin 4in1 is a bubble bath, body wash, shampoo, and conditioner in one 16 ounce bottle ($4.99)! The 4in1 contains Aloe and Shea Butter and is hypoallergenic.

Michelle Hanson, Vice President of Marketing at The Village Company, said in a press release, “Families have had a tough year. Children are always deserving of fun, but particularly now everyone can benefit from more of it. For the past 60 years, Mr. Bubble has represented an easy way for parents to get their kids squeaky clean, and with lots of laughter.”

Hanson added, “Whether its giant bubbles or colorful waterfalls, our goal has always been the same: let Mr. Bubble help you relax and unwind, all while having lots of fun in the tub.”

All three are available right now on mrbubble.com and will hit Walmart shelves (and Walmart.com) on Apr. 10 and Kroger shoppers starting Apr. 12.

—Erica Loop

 

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New Children’s Book Lets Kids Choose Their Own Skin Color

by Erica Loop

Mother-daughter publishing duo Nancy and Sara Ganz recently announced their first book available on Amazon—and it gives children the chance to customize the main character’s skin tone!

The first of a 12-book Nancy’s Feels Good Fables collection, the new children’s book Tina Searches for Her Dream helps kiddos to find themselves in the story and see themselves in the illustrations. Authored by parenting and executive coach Nancy J. Janz and illustrated by Michelle Baron, this book is a must-have addition to your child’s at-home library.

Instead of one look for the main character, children can choose Tina’s skin tone—selecting from either the deepest, medium, or lightest option. The brand-new book can help the young child to learn about their own individual gifts and talents and help parents to understand that children may not always conform to their expectations.

This soon-to-be released read helps to normalize diversity and comes with key messages about compassion, empathy, acceptance and more. Tina Searches for Her Dream is available in Amazon starting Mar. 3, 2021 for the suggested retail price of $21.95. Your child can choose between the three editions: Deepest Skin Tone, Medium Skin Tone, or Lightest Skin Tone.

—Erica Loop

Photos: Amazon

 

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