It’s been over a year since The Hunting Wives debuted on Netflix, and suffice it to say we want more — because when I say Season 1 went out with a bang, well, I mean that in more ways than one. Since the series left us all reeling in a swirl of scandal, seduction, and suspicion, ~many~ questions must be answered. But, for now, one feels more pressing than the rest: What’s the deal with The Hunting Wives Season 2?

Good news, fans: Netflix has officially pulled the trigger on a second season of the, ahem, scintillating series.

Based on the bestselling book by May Cobb, the soapy Southern thriller quickly became one of summer 2025’s most-talked-about shows. It’s got murder and mystery. It’s got morally messy moms. It’s *extra* spicy. You can’t ask for much better in a binge-watch. So, it’s no surprise fans couldn’t wait to find out if we’d be returning to the drama-riddled town of Maple Brook, Texas.

Here’s what we know so far about the renewal, and what it could mean for Sophie, Margo, and their litany of dangerous secrets.

Status check: Is Season 2 happening?

Hell yeah, brother! (When in Rome, er, Maple Brook, right?)

In September 2025, Netflix shared a funny little reel to confirm The Hunting Wives will, in fact, be back. In it, Brittany Snow (aka Sophie) starts to leave an unhinged voicemail for Malin Akerman (aka Margo), who is in the shower. Snow is desperate to see Akerman, who, in true Margo fashion, reassures her they’ll be seeing a lot of each other... because Season 2 is on the way.

This is not super surprising, given the series debuted to strong viewership: five weeks on the global Top 10 TV list and more than 20 million views during that period.

Plus, the season ended on a major open-ended cliffhanger involving both Sophie and Margo. There’s a major unresolved murder to contend with, not to mention lots o’ shifting motivations as the town reels from its recent revelations. In other words, there’s plenty of drama still left to explore, signaling strong potential for a second installment.

When could we expect a second season?

Clear your calendar... or, more accurately, clear your regularly scheduled food coma, because The Hunting Wives Season 2 will be coming to Netflix on Nov. 26. Aka Thanksgiving Day!

Netflix confirmed the news on Aug. 20, releasing a batch of first-look photos to go with the long-awaited announcement.

What are the cast and crew saying about a second season?

In January 2026, Snow shared her excitement about the new season. “Oh, it’s just as steamy. It’s more steamy, actually. We’ve filmed some scenes, we’ve played some Reneé Rapp. We got into a groove. We're doing it,” she told E! Live on the Red Carpet at the Golden Globes, adding, “A lot of things happen this season that are very shocking, I will say. It’s gonna leave people very angry but in a sexy way.”

Even before a second season was confirmed, all the major players wanted in on this one.

In July 2025, Akerman posted an Instagram thank-you note to fans for all their support — and squeezed in a little campaigning for more Margo. After thanking showrunner Rebecca Cutter and Cobb for creating the “powerhouse” character, Akerman added, “I love her sooooo much! The most fun I’ve ever had playing a character! Let’s go for season 2 yeah?? Who’s with me??”

And, for her part, Cutter shared some ideas for another installment prior to the series’ renewal.

“I think we’d do a little bit of a time jump — not a year, but a time,” she told Variety. “By the end of shooting, I realized that the two engines of the show are the whodunit and the Margo/Sophie relationship, and tracking how those spines intersect each other. The first thing I’m thinking about is, where are these two women at the start? Where are they at the end? What are the peaks and valleys of their individual power, of their relationship? So it’s tracking a course for that, and then figuring out what the crime engine is.”

So, Cutter thinks “it would be smart” to introduce a new murder mystery… but it’s a little too soon to noodle on what that might look like. “I don’t know whodunit yet or who got done!” she joked.

Is there enough material in the book for a Season 2?

Although the series is based on Cobb’s 2021 novel of the same name, and Cobb was very hands-on in executive-producing and shaping Season 1, the show already diverges pretty significantly from the book... especially the ending (I won’t spoil it for you if you haven’t read it yet, but wowza).

Cutter and Cobb have already established a great working rapport in developing a screenplay that honors Cobb’s characters even when straying from the source material. And who knows? Maybe Cobb will decide to write another book that helps introduce the new murder mystery.

Either way, Netflix has previously confirmed that Season 2 is a continuation based on an original script, and Mulroney has said that the season is “not chained to a novel.”

Is there an official logline yet?

There sure is, and it’s (not surprisingly) a little spicy — “Sophie and Margo are on the outs. But soon enough, old secrets and new foes force them back together. As they play their dangerous games, the question arises: Are they hunters or the hunted?”

Will there be any new faces in Maple Brook?

Oh yes! In fact, the casting announcements for Season 2 so far make waiting for another installment that much harder.

The newest face Netflix has revealed for the spicy East Texas town? Two-time WNBA All-Star Angel Reese. She steps into the co-starring role of Trainer Barbie, Baylor’s no-nonsense basketball trainer.

Joining Reese as newcomers this season are John Stamos (as fast-talking country music king Chase Brylan), Cam Gigandet (as Gentle John Moffitt, a tattooed hothead), Dale Dickey (as Zelda Moffitt, John’s aunt), Kim Matula (as an ambitious Hollywood producer), and Alex FitzAlan (as Lincoln Trout, Jed’s slick campaign advisor).

With that many newcomers, not to mention the OG pot-stirrers who still reside in Maple Brook, it sounds like we’re in for a super scandalous new season.

As an entertainment editor, I watch a lot of movies. And, yes, I often wax poetic about the experience of actually going to the theater and staring up at that big old screen with a bucket of popcorn the size of your head. I also know the calculus of a family trip to the movies right now, and that between the cost of tickets and snacks, it’s very tempting to say “we’ll just wait until it hits streaming.”

And while that’s completely reasonable, I’m telling you: If you need a fun family-night-out, it should be a trip to the movies to see Coyote vs. Acme.

In the live-action hybrid reboot, Wile E. Coyote finally lawyers up against the conglomerate that’s been selling him defective rocket skates and the like for 70 years. For those of us who grew up watching the hilarious antics of Wile E., nostalgia already gives us a good bit of built-in incentive. It’s more than that, though. Did you know that the movie spent years buried in a vault because the original studio decided it was better off as a tax write-off?

I spoke to star Lana Condor and director Dave Green during the film’s junket about the full-circle moment of finally seeing the movie make it to theaters. Here’s what they had to say, and why I think Coyote vs. Acme is worth leaving the house for.

1. The movie almost never saw the light of day.

I had no idea this was a thing, but apparently studios will sometimes go through all the trouble of casting, shooting, even editing a whole movie… only to ultimately shelve it to claim a tax write-off. That’s exactly what happened with Coyote vs. Acme in November 2023. Equally as fascinating? There’s something that happens in Hollywood to coincide with this: the “funeral screening.”

“When we got the call that our movie was being shelved, we were invited to Warner Bros. to go to the funeral screening; I didn’t even know that was a thing,” Condor says. “So we went to the funeral screening. And the movie that we saw four years ago at the funeral screening is the movie that you will get.”

We have Ketchup Entertainment to thank for that, as they stepped in and fought to secure the theatrical release the movie deserved. I don’t know about you, but “sticking it to the man” feels like a pretty great reason to go support a movie in person. And on that subject…

2. The little-guy-versus-megacorp thing hits harder these days.

One man (played by Will Forte, no less), his impassioned niece (Condor’s Paige), and a coyote against a profit-based conglomerate? Yeah, there’s definitely an anti-corporate current running through this movie, and that feels wildly fitting given our current timeline. Especially since the film ITSELF got shelved by a profit-based mega-conglomerate.

Condor hopes the David-and-Goliath read lands with audiences right now, at a moment she describes as defined by mistrust of these kinds of institutions. “Our voices matter; that’s why this movie exists,” she emphasizes.

As for Green, the whole experience felt a lot like life imitating art.

“I definitely felt like I learned a lot from this character. [Wile E. Coyote] is so passionate and persistent, and never gives up, and falls down, gets hurt, gets up again, tries again, and that's just the rhythm of who Wile E. Coyote is,” Green says. “So, in the aftermath of what happened to this movie, and its story, absolutely, this character taught us all how to be patient and how to keep trying and how to keep up hope. It really did feel like we were living the lesson of this character in real life, in the immediate moments there.”

3. Condor made it for her mom.

Hearing this genuinely made me tear up, and I haven’t stopped thinking about it.

As Condor tells it, her parents were part of the Looney Tunes generation (“these characters were the fabric of their Saturday mornings”). When she booked the role, her first thought was of them, saying, “I was like, ‘Oh my god, I can’t wait to tell them.’”

In fact, the pitch she’d made in her audition was built on her mom. She recounted telling Green, “I believe that Paige is curious and steadfast and believes in the greater good, and all of those qualities are exactly my mom. If you were to hire me, I would really try and breathe life into Paige, but it’s kind of based off of my mom.”

Then, two years ago, Condor lost her mom. Not surprisingly, that makes this movie all the more meaningful to her. “I was really emotional when I watched it back, because I was like, ‘Yeah, I think I nailed it,’” she shares.

4. You’ll get emotional. Over cartoon characters. Who don’t even speak.

In no way, shape, or form did I expect to watch this movie and be emotionally affected to the point that I got teary-eyed, but there’s one scene in particular that really got me. And since there really isn’t even any dialogue between Wile E. and the Road Runner (save the occasional “meep meep”), that says a lot.

That was the goal, says Green, to find corners of these characters nobody had really considered before. “Sure, on the one hand, Wile E. wants to catch and capture the Road Runner,” he says. “But on the other hand, the Road Runner is Wile E.’s entire reason for being. The Road Runner is the only other character that the coyote interacts with in this big, wide, open desert. So there’s a kinship there.”

Green credits screenwriter Samy Burch for the story's emotional resonance and the animation team for carrying that emotion through in the characters.

5. The nostalgia is earned.

Every legacy IP movie promises they’ll be a love letter to the OG, not a gimmick. But for Green, the only way he would do this is if it was done properly. He did his homework accordingly.

“I was feeling like, OK, we shouldn’t do this if we’re not gonna do it right,” he shares. “That meant diving into the old cartoons, watching all of the Chuck Jones originals again, and writing down every single gag and figuring out what my favorite ones were. You know, which gags worked the best, and which ones were set up well and paid off well. Just really studying how those original films were made and getting as close as we could to being able to capture their spirit.”

Green also worked with storyboard artists who’d worked on Looney Tunes before, alongside ones who’d studied the shorts as obsessively as he had. “As a group effort, the entire cast, the entire crew, all the animators, all the musicians really gave 150% on this project, and they really dedicated themselves to preserving and honoring and carrying the torch for these characters who are truly legacy.”

In other words, if you grew up with these characters and feel protective of them, rest assured: Green and his team took that very seriously, and it comes through in the film.

6. It serves as a reminder to keep going.

Last but certainly not least, one of my favorite parts of the film is the way it flips the script on the way we look at Wile E. Coyote. Improbably, he comes out the role model.

“The fact that he tries, tries, tries every day, fails, fails, fails, fails, and then still wakes up and tries again… I actually think that’s pretty frickin’ awesome,” Condor says. “I think maybe there’s a little bit of crazy in there, but I wish I was more like that.”

We could all use the reminder, especially these days, to never give up. That your next win could be just beyond the horizon. And that not achieving the exact thing we set out to do at a specific moment is not the same thing as failing. It’s the definition of trying, and that should get a lot more credit than we give it.

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve found myself becoming more of an early sleeper and early riser. Going to bed past 11 p.m. is something I genuinely have anxiety over. But then I started dating someone, and suddenly my schedule is all out of whack. We typically don’t go to bed until well after midnight, especially if we want to have sex. That’s just how our schedules are syncing, or, more accurately, not syncing, these days.

If you’re an early bird like me, you might find it difficult, maybe even a little annoying, when your partner is a night owl. When you’re not hitting the pillow at the same time, it can also make finding time for intimacy a little more complicated. There are plenty of reasons couples might have different bedtimes: shift work, parenting responsibilities, or simply the fact that one person likes to do their doomscrolling late at night while the other is ready for bed by 10 p.m.

So, does having different bedtimes actually affect your relationship? According to Todd Baratz, an AASECT-certified sex therapist and resident expert for #LubeLife, it’s actually pretty common. “People have different careers, parenting responsibilities, routines, and health conditions that lead to different bedtimes,” he says.

But the different schedules themselves aren’t necessarily the problem. “The problem often isn’t the mismatch, but whether a couple treats it as an issue to navigate together or sweeps it under the rug, which can gradually create emotional distance,” Baratz explains. “The success of a relationship isn’t defined by whether you and your partner have identical schedules, but rather by how you find ways to consistently show up and remain emotionally available to one another.”

So, the good news is, you don’t necessarily need to start going to bed at the same time. But if your schedules are completely out of sync, it might be worth figuring out how to make sure you’re still getting enough time together, including time for sex.

Not having the same bedtime can present some challenges.

While couples don’t necessarily need to have the same bedtime, having different schedules can definitely affect a relationship.

“Couples that don’t go to bed at the same time may lose the opportunity to connect (if they are not intentional about saving time for one another at other times during the day),” says Marisa Cohen, LMFT, CST. “It’s important that partners have a chance to talk about their days, share what’s on their mind, and physically connect. This may happen more naturally when people go to bed together, but it does not automatically mean that the absence of the same bedtime will remove these opportunities entirely.”

Baratz says couples can sometimes focus too much on one specific difference — like different sleep schedules — and lose sight of the bigger picture.

“Couples who are vulnerable with each other are generally more connected and better able to navigate their differences,” he says. “The differences still exist, but they become problems to solve together rather than evidence that they're incompatible.”

But when couples are already disconnected, different schedules can add to the problem. “Couples who are disconnected, resentful, or emotionally distant often use those same differences as another piece of evidence that something is wrong,” Baratz says. “The sleep schedules aren't really the problem. They become another file added to the growing folder of disconnection.”

That’s why, Baratz says, the better question isn’t whether a relationship can survive different sleep schedules, but “What is the quality of the relationship surrounding this difference?”

“A healthy relationship can tolerate many differences,” he says. “A disconnected relationship will struggle with almost all of them.”

But having different bedtimes doesn’t always mean less intimacy.

I’ll admit that when I started dating someone with a very different bedtime, I worried I’d be missing out on opportunities to connect with my new partner. If we weren’t going to bed together, wouldn’t that feel weird?

A major misconception between couples, says Cohen, is that bedtime is the only opportunity couples have for connection.

“Intimacy, both physical and emotional, can happen at any time throughout the day,” she says. “This can take the form of physical connection/affectionate touch or engaging in a shared activity or conversation. If you find that your relationship is lacking intimacy, it’s important to investigate the underlying cause and not automatically assume that it’s due to your bedtimes.”

Baratz agrees. “Different bedtimes don’t create disconnection on their own; neglecting the relationship does, and couples often confuse one for the other,” he says. He also points out that simply being in bed at the same time doesn’t necessarily mean you’re connecting. “There are plenty of couples that go to sleep at the same time every night, but still feel lonely because they’re scrolling on their phone rather than interacting.”

Meanwhile, couples with opposite schedules can still have a deeply satisfying relationship when they’re intentional about connecting. “The main misconception is that the most important thing is when you’re together as opposed to how you’re together,” Baratz says.

You can navigate different bedtimes and still have time for sex.

So how do you deal with different bedtime schedules and make sure you’re still having sex with your partner?

Cohen says it starts with having a conversation. “Have a conversation with your partner to find out when the best time to connect may be so that the two of you are on the same page,” she says.

That might mean carving out time for each other instead of waiting for intimacy to happen spontaneously. “It doesn’t need to be spontaneous to be enjoyable. Planned connection can be really rewarding,” Cohen explains. And intimacy is not just about sex either. She suggests creating little rituals of connection throughout the day, whether that’s prepping meals together, taking a walk, or simply sitting on the couch and cuddling while you talk.

Baratz agrees that couples need to be intentional, especially when their schedules don’t leave much room for spontaneity. “Intimacy will rarely ‘just happen’ for adults with busy lives,” he says. That might mean scheduling sex, sharing a morning coffee or breakfast, taking a post-dinner walk, or spending 20 minutes talking without screens. “These rituals are a safe space; they replace the intimate moments before bed by providing protected time where both partners are emotionally present.”

And if you feel like you have to go to bed at the same time to feel connected, Baratz says that’s worth examining, too. “Bed is where we sleep. We are literally unconscious. If falling asleep at the exact same time feels essential, it's worth asking why. That need may point to something much deeper than a difference in sleep preferences.”

Between adjusting to new schedules and general anxiety, the start of the school year can be a hectic time in any household. Add to that the mix of allergies and germs in one sealed classroom, and those back-to-school sniffles seem almost inevitable. While you’ve no doubt stocked up on pencils and composition notebooks, don’t forget to inventory your medicine chest. Now is a great time to get ahead of the cold and flu season and make sure you avoid any late-night pharmacy runs.

This year marks my 11th year as a parent of a school-aged child, and here are the things I always try to keep on hand at the start of the semester and through the winter months.

Lollipops or Throat Lozenges

Lolleez Organic Throat-Soothing Lollipops For Kids

CVS -

I love the Lolleez brand for throat-soothing lollipops that taste great. I’ll admit I’ve even pilfered one or two of these myself when sore throats are going round.

Shower Steamers

Vicks VapoShower Max Shower Tablets, 4 CT

CVS -

My son outgrew baths several years ago, and the upside is that instead of creating a bath full of essential oils, I got hooked on shower steamers with things like eucalyptus to help open up nasal passages and soothe congestion. You just pop one in the bottom of the tub and they slowly break down, giving the steam a decongesting effect. For severe congestion, I swear by the Vicks VapoShower tablets.

Essential Oils

Aura Cacia 100% Pure Lavender Essential Oil

Whole Foods Market -

Speaking of essential oils, I always keep two on hand when going into the fall. Lavender, for its calming properties and its ability to soothe anxiety (my own included), and eucalyptus for its decongesting effects. My preferred method is to use a small humidifier that can double as a diffuser. They both make the house or bedroom smell like a spa, which is a big bonus after a long, stressful day.

Stomach Soothers

Pepto Bismol Chewable Tablets, 48 CT

CVS -

In kids especially, anxiety can take the form of tummy aches. I keep a big bottle of papaya enzyme on hand to aid digestion. They are chewable, taste decent, and fast-acting but also mild enough for younger kids. I also keep a packet of chewable Pepto Bismol tablets around for bigger stomach aches and complaints.

Cold & Flu Medicine

Children's Tylenol Cold & Flu Relief Liquid

CVS -

I don’t know about you, but every time I sort through my medicine cabinet, I discover expired cold and flu meds. I don’t use a lot of them, but I like to have them on hand when fevers or colds are intense enough to affect sleep. Now is the time to restock on items such as cough and flu medicine.

Saline Nose Cleaner

Arm & Hammer Simply Saline Nasal Care Daily Mist

CVS -

When I am coming down with something, I pull out my trusty Neti pot... but I am the first to admit it can be uncomfortable to use, kids included. Instead, I get a saline nose mist to keep on hand for the same purpose: a gentle irrigation to help with congestion. Pro tip: Don’t share this with other family members. Get each person their own and toss it after someone’s been really sick.

A Thermometer

3-in-1 Infrared Thermometer for Kids & Adults

PlayhouseMD -

This is one of those things you don’t think about until it’s 11 p.m. and it seems like your kid is burning up, and you just need to get an accurate read on their temp. When you can’t find a thermometer, it’s stress city! You can save at least a little of that stress by making sure you have a good working thermometer at the start of every new school year.

Usually this time of year I don’t need to restock items like cortisone cream, Neosporin, or Band-Aids, as those are all part of our summer arsenal, but if you’re running low, those are great items to replenish as well.

Of course, some of these products listed here may be suitable for older kids but not toddlers or babies, so always check the label or consult your pediatrician to be sure. And remember to take care of yourself, too, during this time when emotions run high and schedules get tight.

Your bathroom deserves better than dated, mismatched finishes, sad, discolored shower curtains, or harsh overhead lighting that makes it feel like you’re putting on makeup in a cafeteria. Luckily for you, upgrading the space doesn’t require a full renovation or a totally depleted bank account. We’ve scoured the Amazon trenches to find products that add comfort, style, and some fancy energy that will make your bathroom look and feel way bougier — without a bougie designer budget.

Flower-Shaped Knobs To Revitalize The Look Of Your Cabinets & Drawers

Redeam Flower Knobs (4-Pack)

Amazon -

Swapping out old or dated cabinet pulls for something more modern and trendy is such an easy way to revitalize the look of your bathroom without spending big bucks. These floral knobs have an intricately carved design in a gold finish that look so bougie and expensive. They even come with three different sized screws to fit the width of various cabinets so you get the perfect fit.

A Waterproof Shower Lamp That Sets A Relaxing, Luxurious Vibe

Kakanuo Cordless Shower Lamp

Amazon -

You’re cautious with harsh, overhead lighting in your bedroom and living room, so why are you using it in your bathroom? This waterproof, cordless lamp can sit inside your shower, giving you a fully dimmable warm-white glow that instantly makes your entire bathroom feel more relaxing and luxurious. On a single charge, it works for up to 16 hours.

Stained-Glass Window Film That Blocks UV Rays & Prying Eyes

SUNBABY Window Privacy Film

Amazon -

Between the three-dimensional feel, the fluted texture, and the intricate design, this window film looks like realistic stained glass — except it installs with just water and static cling. It can be cut to the perfect size and it’s a great way to add some privacy to your space without blocking any natural light.

A Fancy Toilet Decal With Vibrant Greens & Florals

Jowxsx Toilet Sticker

Amazon -

This sticker mounts to the tank or seat lid of your toilet, adding the most charming touch with very little effort. It has gorgeous green and floral accents that instantly dress up your toilet. Most importantly, it’s easy to apply, durable, and waterproof — designed to withstand anything the bathroom brings.

A Reed Diffuser That Keeps Your Bathroom Smelling Great All The Time

COCORRÍNA Reed Diffuser

Amazon -

Adding a reed diffuser to your bathroom is an absolute essential if you’re looking to make it feel (and smell) super bougie and expensive. That’s because it works 24/7 to let off a fresh and clean scent without a live flame you have to watch all the time. The long-lasting scent comes in a chic glass jar with eight sticks that can be added, removed, or flipped around to adjust the potency of the scent.

Dimmable Night-Lights That Look Like Flameless Candles

Flameless Candle Night Light, Night Lights Plug into Wall 2 Pack, LED Candle Night Light with Light Sensor, 0-100LM Dimmable Nightlight Plug in, 3000K Soft White Nightlight for Kids Hallway Bathroom

Amazon -

Why settle for ordinary (or ugly) lighting when you can have these night-lights that look like stunning flameless candles? Add some Victorian charm to your space while elevating the look of your bathroom — or even just the pathway to your bathroom. They’re fully dimmable and help create the perfect middle-of-the-night bathroom vibe.

A Peel-&-Stick Mirror Border With A Realistic Wood Grain

TeeMall Wood Grain PVC Border

Amazon -

Adding this peel-and-stick border to a builder-grade mirror is the easiest way to instantly add some charm and dress up your bathroom — without paying for a pricey renovation. It has a realistic wood grain and comes in quite a few finishes so it can match your existing cabinets or decor. Plus it doesn’t leave any sticky residue behind if you need to remove it.

A Lotus-Shaped Container For Cotton Swabs, Toothpicks, & More

Bloss Lotus Cotton Swab Holder

Amazon -

Keep your cotton swabs or toothpicks in this adorable lotus-inspired container to add a touch of whimsy to your countertop. The colorful petal parts can be removed to adjust the size of the opening which, at its largest, can hold up to 200 toothpicks or 30 cotton swabs at a time. And the whole thing has a nice bulb-shaped lid to keep these bathrooms essentials clean and dry.

A Stone Faucet Mat That Looks Expensive & Keeps Your Counter Clean

eormoe Diatomite Faucet Mat

Amazon -

This stone faucet mat comes in two pieces that seamlessly join around your faucet, creating the perfect go-to spot to store soaps, lotions, mouthwash, makeup, and more. Made of diatomite stone, it absorbs water and dries in just 60 seconds, keeping your countertop cute and totally mess free.

Gorgeous Floral Covers To Protect & Store Toilet Paper Rolls

Hoolerry Toilet Paper Roll Covers (6-Pack)

Amazon -

Obviously you want to keep spare rolls of toilet paper easily accessible in the bathroom, and thanks to these felt covers, they don’t have to be an eyesore. They slide onto your toilet paper rolls, instantly adding a charming, whimsical touch and elevating the look of your bathroom as a whole. And because they’re reusable, you can use them to keep your bathroom in tip-top shape again and again.

A Super-Absorbent Bath Mat With An Earthy River Rock Design

ZHUZHISHAN Diatomaceous Earth Bath Mat

Amazon -

This bath mat is made of diatomaceous earth, making it ultra porous and ultra absorbent so it helps keep your bathroom mess free when you’re getting out of the shower or bath. It features a nonslip rubber back to help keep you from slipping and sliding around and it won’t shed or pill like textile bath mats. Plus, the river-rock inspired design adds a chic touch.

A Bathtub Side Table To Hold Your Phone, Drink, & Book

Yumkfoi Bamboo Bathtub Side Table

Amazon -

This side table is the perfect bathtub accessory if you want to keep all your relaxation must-haves — wine, water, a book, your favorite show — close at hand without worrying about them falling into the tub. It sits just off to the side so you have all your stuff while still maximizing your actual bathing space. It even has an adjustable height to perfectly fit your tub.

Golden Bolt Caps That Add An Unexpected Accent To Your Toilet

MENNTY Toilet Bolt Cap (2-Pack)

Amazon -

These golden caps go over the bolts on the base of your toilet, covering whatever rust, grime, and dirt naturally accumulates there while adding a touch of unexpected charm. They have a ceramic design and they slide right on so they install without any tools or heavy lifting.

A Mouthwash Dispenser With A Modern Milk Jug Shape That’s So Chic

BONLONG Mouthwash Dispenser

Amazon -

Swapping out brand-name containers for something a little more elevated is such an easy way to make your bathroom feel bougier. This mouthwash dispenser has a rounded, modern shape with wooden accents and a stainless steel spout that looks designer without the designer price tag.

A Toilet Paper Stamp That Makes Your Bathroom Feel Like A Resort

BURU SOLUTIONS Initial Toilet Paper Stamp

Amazon -

If you want your bathroom to feel like an expensive resort, adding this toilet paper stamp is such a nice touch. It attaches to your faucet so you can easily wet the paper and create a custom letter stamp on the end of your toilet paper. It’s all but guaranteed to charm your guests and make the room feel sophisticated.

Vanity Lights That Turn Any Bathroom Mirror Into A Glam Room

Consciot LED Vanity Lights (Set of 10)

Amazon -

These vanity lights can be mounted to any bathroom mirror, turning any space into a glam setup worthy of a Hollywood green room. They have three color temperatures to adjust depending on the time of day and they have nine dimming levels to completely customize the light to your needs. They apply with adhesive tape and they don’t leave any residue on the mirrors when removed.

A Bathtub Faucet Water Filter That Removes Chlorine, Heavy Metals, & More

SHLLKTTRY Bathtub Faucet Water Filter

Amazon -

If you filter your water while you’re showering, why not use this faucet attachment to filter your water while you’re bathing, too? It hangs on the faucet and removes chlorine, heavy metals, sediment, and other impurities that you don’t want to be soaking in. It lasts for up to 3,000 gallons of water, so you can bathe in peace and quiet.

Dried Eucalyptus Stems That Smell Amazing & Look Expensive

FAVOWREATH Dried Eucalyptus Stems (10-Pack)

Amazon -

Eucalyptus is the secret to making your bathroom feel like a spa — both in fragrance and looks. These dried eucalyptus stems hang upside down from your showerhead and let off the most luxurious, relaxing scent while you’re showering. Plus, adding unexpected greenery to your space is such an easy way to elevate the overall feel.

A 3-Tier Makeup Organizer That Rotates 360 Degrees

shuang qing Makeup Organizer

Amazon -

Stop storing your makeup and skin care and start displaying it on this organizer instead. It has three tiers of storage to take advantage of vertical space and rotates 360 degrees so you always have access to all your essentials. The organizer comes decked out with golden accents and a fluted design that looks so chic and expensive while helping you save so much space on your vanity.

A Chic, Modern Trash Can With An Automatic Lid

URALFA Automatic Trash Can

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Your bathroom trash can doesn’t have to be ugly or boring, and this bin is the proof. It has three chic wooden legs, a fluted texture, and a modern feel that actually adds to the vibe of your space. The lid keeps everything inside hidden and odor free, and the sensor automatically opens the lid so you can toss your garbage inside without touching anything.

A Nonslip Shower Mat With A Loofah-Like Texture That Also Exfoliates

ZOESOE Nonslip Shower Mat

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This nonslip shower mat is made of a loofah-like material, so not only does it help prevent you from slipping and sliding when you’re showering, but it also exfoliates your feet at the same time. Because the surface is very porous, it can completely cover the floor of your shower without blocking water from draining properly. Shop it in tons of patterns and dimensions.

Tiny Toothbrush Stands With A Beach-Inspired Aesthetic

FONMY Toothbrush Holder Stands (2-Pack)

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Keep your toothbrushes upright with these tiny stands. Made of waterproof acrylic, the stands hold the ends of your toothbrushes at an angle, allowing them to properly air out while adding a little charm to your countertop. With shells and stars layered inside, they’ll help make your bathroom feel like a getaway.

A Bidet Attachment With So Many Customizable Adjustments

SAMODRA Bidet Attachment

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Nothing is bougier than having a bidet in your bathroom, and this one has such a low profile that it can attach to the bowl of your toilet without disturbing the seat. It has front and rear cleaning options that are easy to switch between as well as adjustable water pressure and angle of rotation. This way, you can keep yourself sparkling clean after every bathroom break.

A Motion-Activated Night-Light That Hangs On A Door Handle

LANDGOO Motion Sensor Doorhandle Night-Light

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This motion-activated light hangs off your doorknob to automatically turn on and off when you need it most. It has a warm white hue that won’t disrupt your sleep when you get up in the middle of the night. And the base has a whiteboard that you can write on with dry-erase markers to send yourself reminders or just say hello. It charges via USB so it’s totally cordless when it’s being used.

A Toilet Paper Stand With A Cabinet For Hidden Storage

AOJEZOR Toilet Paper Holder Stand

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This toilet paper stand has two shelves and a cabinet for hidden storage, giving you everything you need to make your toilet paper feel less functional and more elevated. The shelves are great for candles, plants, and other bathroom essentials you want to show off, while the cabinet is great for extra wipes and other supplies you want a little more stashed away.

Under-Sink Organizers For All Your Toiletries, Paper Products, & Cleaning Supplies

Delamu Under-Sink Organizers (2-Pack)

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These under-sink organizers are an absolute must-have to get that oft-forgotten area in tip-top shape with very little effort. The two-tier organizers are designed to fit around the pipes and all of the shelves pull out like drawers so you can easily access everything hidden in the back. They’re perfect for storing toiletries, cleaning supplies, linens, and more.

A Toilet Brush & Holder With Some Seriously Elevated Antique Charm

Leyden Toilet Brush Holder

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If you’re looking for small ways to make your bathroom feel more elevated and polished, you need to check out this toilet brush and holder. The holder mounts to the wall and features a vintage brass design with intricate details that feel oh-so fancy. And don’t worry, it’s not just pretty: The brush has strong bristles with a rounded design for 360-degree cleaning.

An Automatic Soap Dispenser That Creates A Luxurious Foam

BosilunLife Rechargeable Touchless Soap Dispenser

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Not only does this soap dispenser have a modern, minimal, matte ceramic design, it also has an advanced sensor that automatically dispenses soap when your hand is underneath. It also creates a super-foamy lather, dispensing the perfect amount of soap in less than a second. Just recharge it every few months to keep it pumping like new.

A Linen Toilet Paper Basket With A Lid That Doubles As A Shelf

Lifewit Toilet Paper Storage Basket

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Keep up to 12 mega rolls of toilet paper easily accessible but out of sight and out of mind with this linen basket. It has a tall and narrow design that fits seamlessly into small spaces around your bathroom. Plus, the bamboo lid doubles as a shelf for plants, candles, wipes, your phone, and whatever else you need while you’re doing your business.

A Handmade Jute Bathroom Rug With A Unique, Organic Design

Home Turko Washable Toilet Rug

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This handmade toilet rug has a chic, abstract design that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a spa. Made of ultra-durable cotton jute, the rug absorbs water quickly and easily, keeping your bathroom clean while making it look and feel polished. Plus it’s washable — a critical feature for bathroom textiles.

A Wooden Shower Stool To Store Toiletries & Make Shaving Easier

IBosins Corner Shower Stool

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This wooden stool tucks into the corner of your shower to keep your toiletries easily accessible and give you an easy angle for your foot when you’re shaving your legs. Made from acacia, it has nonslip feet to keep it sturdy and there are holes on both shelves to ensure water can properly drain.

A Bold Waterfall Faucet That’s Really Easy To DIY Install

RODDEX Waterfall Faucet

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This waterfall faucet is so easy to install on virtually any three-hole sink, turning an ordinary sink into one that feels positively luxurious. With a polished chrome finish and a clear glass basin, the faucet makes your sink the star of the show. Its eye-catching and luxurious-feeling design changes the look of your bathroom instantly.

A Shower Squeegee To Leave Your Glass With A Streak-Free Shine

HIWARE Shower Squeegee

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If you have a glass shower or large mirrors, you need this squeegee. It hangs inside your shower and when you’re done, you can use it to clean off the water droplets on the glass. This way, you can give your surfaces a new life and create a streak-free shine until next time. The squeegee is 10 inches wide and has an ergonomic handle that makes maneuvering it around the glass a breeze.

Flameless Candles In Stunning Smoked Glass Jars

VIODAIM Flameless Candles (3 Pieces)

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If you love the look and vibe of candles but hate having a live fire around your space, check out these flameless candles. They have realistic flickering flames and come in these elevated glass jars that feel ultra expensive. They’re remote controlled with timer intervals, dimming options, and more.

Shower Curtain Hooks With Decorative Celestial Accents

Aimoye Celestial Shower Curtain Hooks (12-Pack)

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Even your shower curtain hooks can add to the vibe of your bathroom. These celestial-inspired hooks have moon and sun charms hanging off, and not only do they hold your shower curtain securely in place, but they have a rust-resistant, stainless steel construction that’s designed for long-lasting use, even in high-humidity environments.

An Electric Scrubber With 6 Brush Heads For Different Surfaces

PUFTEM Cordless Electric Scrubber

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Part of making your bathroom feel bougie is keeping it clean. Take the elbow grease out of the worst household chore and pick up this electric spin scrubber. It comes with six different heads, each designed for a different bathroom surface — a sponge for a sink, cloth for glass, flat brush for tile, and more.

A Designer-Worthy Vanity Light With A Vintage Touch

XIEDUN Vanity Light

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Your guests will be shocked this vanity light isn’t designer. From the vintage brass base to the green glass shades to the floral shaped-design, the light punches way above its weight when it comes to making your bathroom feel luxurious and designer-worthy. Plus it’s quite easy to install and is compatible with a ton of different bulb types.

An Oversized Rain Showerhead With An Adjustable Extension Arm

Ashwanth Rain Shower Head

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Getting the right showerhead is one of the easiest — and most budget-friendly — ways to make your shower feel like a spa with very little effort. This one has an 8-inch rain head with an 11-inch adjustable extension arm. It has powerful water pressure and silicone nozzles that prevent limescale buildup.

Waterproof Caulk Tape That Refreshes The Look Of Your Tile

TOUSEA Waterproof Caulk Tape

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This waterproof tape installs in one long, flexible strip that instantly refreshes those yellowing or cracking caulk lines around your tile, tub, or toilet. It’s flexible so it can fit rounded corners and can be cut to the perfect custom size. Plus, it creates a waterproof seal with self-adhesive that’s so easy to install.

A Dimmable Candle Warmer Light With A Glass Flower Shade

Funistree Flower Candle Warmer Lamp with Timer, Dimmable Candle Lamp Warmer, Mothers Day Birthday Gift for Women Her Mom, House Warming for New Home Decor, Lotus Wax Warmer for Yankee Candles

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A candle warmer lamp is such a hack when it comes to setting a bougie vibe in your space. Simply place your favorite candle on the wooden base and turn the lamp on. The heat of the bulb warms and melts the wax, letting out the scent without any live flame. It has four adjustable brightness levels (the brighter the light, the stronger the candle scent) and comes with three timer options.

A Chic Granite Bowl To Warm & Lather Up Shaving Cream

CHARMMAN Shaving Cream Bowl

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Derived from natural granite stone, this bowl has a delicately textured interior which helps lather up your shaving cream with a beard brush until it’s nice and foamy. Before you use it, you can soak the whole bowl in hot water which can warm up the shaving cream to make the whole experience so much more luxurious.

A Shower Curtain Printed With Vividly Hued Masterpieces

INVIN ART Artwork Shower Curtain

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From Van Gogh to Mondrian to Picasso, this shower curtain collection features art from the most famous artists around the world, turning your bathroom into a museum-worthy exhibit. It’s water resistant and durable, with vivid colors that truly stand out. It’s suitable for most showers and comes with 12 plastic hooks to easily hang.

Shower Soap Dispensers For A Chic, Monochromatic Look

KIBAGA Shower Soap Dispensers (Set of 3)

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If you want your shower experience to feel resort-like, one of the quickest ways to do it is to swap out brand-named shampoo, conditioner, and body wash containers, and instead use this matching set. Each of these three containers holds 19 ounces of liquid. They have wide mouths that are easy to refill and durable pump dispenser heads. Better yet, they even come with waterproof labels for a little extra organization.

Silicone Hair Catchers To Prevent Your Drain From Clogging

UMBWORLD Silicone Hair Catcher Drain Covers (4-Pack)

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These silicone covers sit over the drain of your bath or shower to collect and trap any falling hair, preventing it from getting into your pipes and causing clogs. They have strong suction cups on the bottom that keep the hair catcher in place when it’s being used. Plus, the filter allows water to drain properly so it won’t pool at your feet while you’re showering.

Whimsical Hand Towels With A Lace Trim & Embroidered Flowers

Jacquotha Hand Towels (4-Pack)

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Between the delicate lace trim, the adorable embroidered flowers, the ribbed texture, and the pastel colors, these hand towels are the most whimsical addition to your bathroom. Not only do they look bougie, but they’re also super absorbent, highly breathable, and buttery soft against your hands. They dry super quickly to keep you and your bathroom clean, too.

A Nonslip Mat That Adds Stability Inside Your Tub & Shower

iDesign Nonslip Suction Bath Mat

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This nonslip shower mat has a pebble design that looks relaxing and rejuvenating. Not only does the vinyl material and suction cup bottom help keep you from slipping and sliding while you’re showering, but it looks so luxurious. The design also allows water to flow between the pebbles to easily drain and prevent water from pooling.

A 16-Color Light That Projects Relaxing Ocean Waves

LamparaDecor Rechargeable Bathtub Light

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Because this light is rechargeable, it has a cordless design that can be used in the bathroom to really set the vibe while you’re bathing or showering. It has 16 colors to choose from and it reflects a mesmerizing ocean wave pattern all over your walls to make your bathroom feel like an oceanside resort. It’s remote controlled, which is nice, so you can change the vibe while you’re actively relaxing.

Storage Shelves That Install Above The Toilet To Save Floor Space

Simple Trending Over-the-Toilet Storage Rack

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If you need to add some subtle storage to your space, this over-the-toilet shelving unit is absolutely the way to go. It has three tiers that are great for decor, plants, candles, linens, extra toilet paper — you name it. It has a waterproof coating that’s important for high-humidity areas and it has a very sturdy four-leg base to keep it secure regardless of what it’s holding.

A Gilded Tissue Box Holder That’s Bougie AF

acdiac Rhinestone Tissue Box Holder

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With a stunning, vintage-inspired gold-and-white design and rhinestone accents, this tissue box holder punches way above its weight when it comes to upgrading your bathroom. The lid comes off to easily add a standard rectangular box of tissues, adding a touch of royal elegance to your space that’s truly standout. It’s perfect for anyone on a mission to transform their bathroom into Versailles.

A Waterproof Under-Sink Mat To Save Your Cabinets From Leaks & Drips

Winisok Waterproof Under-Sink Mat

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Hear me out: A waterproof under-sink mat might not seem bougie itself, but if your pipes leak, it protects your wooden cabinets from damage and mold. And a mold-free bathroom? Definitely bougie AF. The mat has raised edges that really trap water to prevent it from seeping into the wood. And it creates a nice space for you to organize everything underneath and protect your home at the same time.

Peel-&-Stick Floor Tiles That Instantly Transform Your Bathroom

FloorPops Peel & Stick Floor Tiles (10-Pack)

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If you want to transform the look of your bathroom without paying for an expensive renovation, you need to check out these peel-and-stick tiles. They have a modern floral design, elevating any dated, discolored, or old-looking tiles you already have. They’re water resistant and washable — important for high-humidity environments — and have a low-luster, textured finish that feels expensive.

A Minimalist Wall Rack That Holds Up To 6 Large Bath Towels

BWE Wall-Mounted Towel Rack

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This wall-mounted towel rack is a great way to keep extra towels close at hand without taking up any linen closet space. It can hold up to six rolled-up bath towels — and up to 56 rolled-up face towels — creating an organized look that’s still functional and chic. Plus the setup is a breeze and takes less than five minutes.

A Bamboo Toilet Stool To Make Your Bathroom Time More Ergonomic

AZEN Toilet Stool

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We’ve all been told that adding a stool to your bathroom experience puts your posture at a more ergonomic angle. This stool is made of real wood with an arc-shaped groove that fits the shape of the toilet bowl. With ultra-sturdy legs and a nonslip design, the stool can support up to 400 pounds. It also doubles as a step stool if you need to reach a high shelf in the bathroom.

A Shower Filter That Removes Chlorine & Impurities For A More Relaxing Experience

Aquabliss High Output Shower Filter

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This shower filter attaches directly to your pipes to remove chlorine and other impurities to give your skin and hair new life after every shower. The multi-stage filtration works with hot and cold water while still maintaining your ideal water pressure. It’s compatible with a rain showerhead, fixed showerhead, or handheld showerhead.

Toilet Seat Cushions To Make Everything Much More Comfortable

Iensen Toilet Seat Cushion (2 Pieces)

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Keep your tushy comfy and warm with these toilet seat cushions. They use a light adhesive to stick to your toilet seat, with an inner sponge layer that seriously delivers more support, all with a buttery soft finish. The best part — you can toss them into the washing machine to keep them clean.

A Wall-Mounted Toilet Paper Holder That Looks Like Tic-Tac-Toe

GENMOUS & CO. Tic-Tac-Toe Toilet Paper Holder (5 Pieces)

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This wall-mounted shelf has nine compartments and comes with four decorative X-shaped sculptures so you can create your very own Tic-Tac-Toe board — just add extra toilet paper. Solid and chic, the shelves add the most hilarious touch to your bathroom while also adding the functionality of keeping spare rolls easily accessible to you and your guests.

Effortlessly Chic Peel-&-Stick Striped Wallpaper That Looks Designer

Jeweluck Striped Peel & Stick Wallpaper

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This striped peel-and-stick wallpaper effortlessly elevates the look of your bathroom, creating a designer-worthy look on a budget. It has an adhesive backing, making it ultra easy to install yourself. The modern, minimalist design can be used as an accent wall or to fill your entire space, depending on the look you’re going for.

A Mirror Decal That Reminds You How Amazing You Look

ZONICE "You Look Amazing" Mirror Decal

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This mirror decal says, “You look amazing,” so every time you get a peek at yourself — whether you’re going to the bathroom or doing your makeup — you’re reminded of how great you look every single day. It applies so easily with an adhesive backing and it can be removed just as easily without damaging your mirror or leaving any sticky gunk behind.

Toilet Sprays That Keep The Bathroom Smelling Amazing — No Matter What Happened There

Poo-Pourri Before-You-Go Toilet Sprays (5-Pack)

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If you don’t have one of these mini toilet sprays in every bathroom of your home, you’re missing out on making sure everyone feels comfortable when nature calls at your house. Simply spray them into the toilet before you go and they create a barrier that traps odors underneath the surface of the water. This way, what happens in the toilet stays in the toilet, if you know what I mean.

Crystal Knobs That Are Ultra Luxurious & Expensive Looking

JEREVER Crystal Knobs (4-Pack)

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Talk about bougie: These crystal knobs have a stunning hexagonal shape and are wrapped with copper wire that adds a modern touch that’s positively gorgeous. They can be installed on any cabinet or door to instantly transform the look of your bathroom and add a sophisticated accent with very little effort or expense on your part.

This time of the year finds moms right in the thick of back-to-school madness. Whether class is already in session for your kids or that first bell will ring after Labor Day, everything seems like it’s been in hyperdrive since Aug. 1. And that means moms are feeling all kinds of pressure and overwhelm at the moment.

But on the other side of that is a tiny glimpse of freedom. A sigh of relief. Because once the back-to-school rush settles down and everyone falls into a routine, there’s the chance (the hope, even) that we’ll get a bit of time back for ourselves. This is largely welcome, obviously. The only con? It gives us that much more time to think (maybe even ruminate) on the stuff rattling around in our brains.

For some moms, that means worrying about the future with aging parents. For others, it’s hard realizations about their own kids. And for, well, many moms, it means weighing out if it’s worth sticking around in a default-parent marriage situation where you feel like you’re just not getting the help, support, and appreciation you need.

I mean, is it really any shock that the moms had a lot to share in this batch of anonymous confessions? If you want to feel less alone in your inner thoughts, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s what moms wanted to get off their chests this week.

Scary Mommy Confessions are a tried-and-true part of what makes our site so fun. If you want to anonymously confess, look for our weekly callouts on Instagram. And to browse past Confessions, take a look here.

I’m going to level with you: This month’s book recs list is... lighter. Between back-to-school shopping and last-minute beach trips and gearing up for the changing of the seasons, we didn’t manage to read quite as much. But, you know, maybe that makes this month’s picks all the more special, because they were worthy of every second of stolen time we gave to them.

This month’s editors’ book picks, not surprisingly, skew toward the seasonal shift. Sure, you’ll find a few final beach reads to squeeze in before Labor Day, but a decent chunk of the list is devoted to fall preorders (yes, including the Big Little Lies sequel we’ve all been not-so-patiently waiting on for a decade) and titles that feel cozy or spooky.

If you’re looking for something great to bury your nose in while you wait in the car-rider line (le sigh) or to get you through the first cold snap that’s inevitably coming, here’s what the Scary Mommy team read and loved in August.

*New! Before You Were Anne by Emiko Jean

'Before You Were Anne' by Emiko Jean

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*Releases Sept. 1

If you read The Return of Ellie Black and have been waiting for Emiko Jean's next Detective Chelsey Calhoun thriller, mark your calendar right now because this one sounds absolutely unputdownable. A mother is dead, her 16-year-old daughter has vanished, and the deeper Chelsey digs into the victim's past, the more she discovers that the woman who called herself Anne Walker was actually born Rika Takahashi, and her journey from a remote Japanese farm to suburban Seattle conceals decades of reinvention and secrets worth killing for. Early readers are calling it relentlessly suspenseful with jaw-dropping twists and a final page that will leave you staring into space... the fall thriller preorder worth making right now! — Katie Garrity, News & Social Editor

Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell

'Slow Dance' by Rainbow Rowell

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I read Fangirl years ago and wanted to revisit Rowell's work. I'm so glad I did! It was so freaking refreshing to read a romance about people who are not young and offensively hot, but people who felt very, very real. If you like yearning, this story has literal years of the stuff. — Katie McPherson, Associate Editor, Lifestyle & Entertainment

*New! The Unofficial Disney Parks Retro Cookbook: 60+ Nostalgic Recipes and Stories of Yesteryear by Carly Caramanna and Julie Tremaine

'The Unofficial Disney Parks Retro Cookbook: 60+ Nostalgic Recipes and Stories of Yesteryear' by Julie Tremaine and Carly Caramanna

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*Releases Oct. 13

If you have a Disney adult in your life, a foodie, or both, I genuinely cannot think of a better gift for them than this dreamy cookbook. And yes, it’s something you’ll actually read! Theme park journalists Carly Caramanna and Julie Tremaine sprinkle so many tasty little stories and anecdotes and fun facts throughout, which pair perfectly with the 60+ “extinct” recipes from Disney Parks restaurants. Think Casa de Fritos taco salad, the Writer’s Stop carrot cookie cake, the Adventurers Club’s Kungaloosh... the list goes on, and each comes with a bit of history about the dining spot where it originated. Big bonus: The cookbook itself is just so beautiful, making it a coffee table mainstay. — Julie Sprankles, Deputy Editor, Lifestyle & Entertainment

The Night We Met by Abby Jimenez

'The Night We Met' by Abby Jimenez

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If you need one more beach read, have it be this. It's Abby Jimenez at her finest. I just love her books because they so aptly transport me out of my (very chaotic at this time of year) mind and into another, simpler world. It's just a lovely read and a great way to cap off the summer (I'm crying inside, too). — Kate Auletta, Editor in Chief

Like A Mother: A Feminist Journey through the Science and Culture of Pregnancy by Angela Garbes

'Like A Mother: A Feminist Journey through the Science and Culture of Pregnancy' by Angela Garbes

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I've had this book on my TBR for years, and when I saw it was available at my local library, I snapped it up. I really wish I hadn't waited until my son was 5 to dive in. The way Garbes takes you through the science and biological miracle that is pregnancy is so beautiful. But her book is far more empowering and grounded than any other "pregnancy book" I've read to date. — Katie McPherson

Magic Lessons by Alice Hoffman

'Magic Lessons' by Alice Hoffman

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In my continued quest to knock out all of the books in Alice Hoffman’s Practical Magic series before Practical Magic 2 hits theaters in September, I read Magic Lessons this month. The third book written in the series (although first chronologically, if you prefer to read in that order), it’s definitely a little darker and slower than the others. But that makes sense because, here, Hoffman goes back to 1600s Salem to explore the origin story of why the Owens women can’t fall in love without devastating consequences. The real history makes it heavier, but it’s worth it. — Julie Sprankles

New! Every Version Of You by Natalie Messer

'Every Version Of You' by Natalie Messier

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This debut is already an instant USA Today bestseller, and I completely understand why: It follows Joey Vasquez, a 32-year-old LA lawyer who dies after driving home from a dinner party and gets sent back to relive her freshman year of college with all the knowledge from her first life, determined to finally win the best friend she has pined over for fourteen years. The twist is that the man she absolutely cannot stand keeps showing up and pulling her attention in a direction she did not plan for, and the enemies-to-lovers slow burn is genuinely chef's kiss! — Katie Garrity

New! Big Little Truths by Liane Moriarty

'Big Little Truths' by Liane Moriarty

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The Big Little Lies sequel we have been waiting a decade for is finally here! Big Little Truths picks up 10 years later with Madeline, Celeste, Jane, Renata, and Bonnie, whose kindergartners are now teenagers navigating drugs, sex, and alcohol, which honestly sounds just as chaotic and stressful as the original but make it high school. When a mysterious stranger starts lurking around the school and the principal receives a severed finger in the mail, old secrets resurface and new ones threaten to unravel everything. — Katie Garrity

*New! Sometimes I Scare Myself by Jeneva Rose

'Sometimes I Scare Myself' by Jeneva Rose

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*Releases Sept. 22

The Queen of Twists just crossed over into full horror territory, and it drops Sept. 22... just in time for spooky season. Sometimes I Scare Myself is Jeneva Rose's first horror collection, featuring three standalone stories that start with setups you recognize and go somewhere you absolutely did not see coming: a 30th birthday séance that spirals horrifically out of control, a family who moves into their dream home that turns out to be anything but, and a roadside stop with a hand-painted sign that says "All items cursed — curse lifted at time of sale." The perfect preorder for anyone who loves to be genuinely scared! — Katie Garrity

New! Bigger, Faster, Stronger, Hairier: A Book For Boys

'Bigger, Faster, Stronger, Hairier: A Book For Boys'

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We're all familiar with The Care and Keeping of You, and I was excited to see this book in the same vein, but dedicated to boys, hit my desk. It's written by medical professionals in language that makes hormones easy to understand and awkward situations, like peer pressure and wet dreams, feel navigable and like a normal part of growing up. I learned a thing or two and will definitely be holding onto this for when my son is ready. — Katie McPherson

In The Woods by Tana French

'In The Woods' by Tana French

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If you have somehow never read Tana French and you are looking for a place to start, this is the one. In the Woods is the book that launched the Dublin Murder Squad series, and it is one of the most atmospheric, psychologically complex crime novels ever written. Detective Rob Ryan is called to investigate a murder at an Irish archaeological dig site, but the case keeps pulling him back to a childhood trauma he has spent decades trying to forget, and the tension between those two threads is absolutely suffocating in the best possible way. The ending is POLARIZING (according to Goodreads), but I liked it! — Katie Garrity

The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion by Beth Brower

'The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion' by Beth Brower

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This series has been having a major moment, and once you start, you will completely understand why. It's 1883 London, and Emma M. Lion is a witty, fiercely independent young woman who has returned home to reclaim her inheritance from her absolutely insufferable Cousin Archibald, and the journals she keeps along the way are some of the funniest, most charming writing I have come across in years. I was laughing out loud! — Katie Garrity

Which book is going to the top of your TBR pile?

There is truly nothing better than looking down at your four-legged best friend, asking them how their day was, and getting that oh-so-irresistibly-cute head tilt as if they are giving you a direct reply in the form of a shot of serotonin to the soul. If the head tilt has you just as enraptured as the rest of us, you may find yourself wondering why it is that your dog does that, if they’re truly comprehending you, or if your dog is trying to communicate something more than “I love you” with the gesture.

Dr. Megan Petroff, a residency-trained behavior veterinarian and Director of Clinical Behavioral Medicine at Gold Coast Center for Veterinary Care on Long Island, New York, tells Scary Mommy that while there is no definitive why when it comes to dogs tilting their heads, there are probably several reasons depending on the context.

One possibility is that tilting the head helps a dog better localize or process a sound.

“Dogs are extremely attentive to human communication, and when we speak to them, their brains are processing not only the sounds and words themselves but also features like our tone, emotional expression, and potentially familiar words or phrases. A head tilt may be part of that orienting and information-gathering response,” Petroff explains.

The NY-based veterinarian, who also shares content online to help educate pet owners as @LongIslandBehaviorVet, says there is also evidence that head tilting may be associated with processing meaningful or familiar information.

“One study found that dogs who were particularly successful at learning the names of toys tilted their heads more frequently when their owners asked for a toy by name,” she says. “That doesn’t necessarily mean a head tilt translates to ‘I understand you,’ but it suggests the behavior can occur when dogs are concentrating on or processing information that is meaningful to them.”

But Petroff cautions against interpreting head tilts as a sign of recognition or understanding.

“Dogs absolutely can learn the meaning of specific words and phrases, and they also respond to the rhythm, pitch, and emotional tone of our speech. A head tilt may occur when something catches their attention or when they are processing a familiar or relevant cue, but we can't look at a head tilt alone and conclude that the dog understands a particular word,” she says. “It may be more accurate to think of it as a sign of attention or information processing rather than a direct indication of comprehension.”

So if we cannot pinpoint the exact reason, is it possible our own dogs learn that we react positively to the head tilt, and could they be doing it partly because they know we find it adorable?

It’s absolutely possible.

“Dogs are remarkably good at learning which of their behaviors produce a response from us,” Petroff says. “If a dog tilts their head and their person immediately smiles, laughs, talks to them, pets them, or gives them attention, that response can reinforce the behavior.”

While head-tilting is undeniably adorable, there are instances where it can indicate an underlying health issue. “A brief, intermittent head tilt that occurs specifically when you're talking to your dog is very different from a persistent head tilt in which the dog's head remains tilted to one side,” Petroff says, adding that a new or persistent head tilt can be a sign of vestibular (balance or inner ear) or neurological disease or problems involving the ear.

Owners should contact their veterinarian, particularly if the tilt appears suddenly, persists when the dog isn't interacting with someone, or occurs along with signs such as loss of balance, falling or circling, abnormal eye movements, vomiting, difficulty walking, changes in alertness or behavior, or signs of ear pain.

Petroff says the most interesting thing about the head tilt is what it can tell us about the way dogs pay attention to us.

“Dogs aren't simply responding to the volume of our voices,” she says. “They are very in tune with our words, tone, gestures, facial expressions, and context, and they are constantly learning which of those signals predict something meaningful.”

So, the next time your dog tilts their head when you ask about their day, feel free to enjoy the moment. They may not be translating every word you say, but they are paying attention and, if that adorable little tilt gets them extra attention, they may have figured out exactly what they're doing.

When your kids were little, back-to-school shopping was (in hindsight, at least) a breeze. You checked everything off the list of required supplies. You tossed their favorite character backpack in your cart, maybe even a matching lunchbox. Bing bang boom, you were done. Everyone was delighted.

Then the tween years hit. And teenage-hood.

Now they have so.many.opinions. The level of specificity they bring to conversations about everything from water bottles to earrings is enough to make even a seasoned negotiator sweat. But, ya know, you’re still Mom, and you still want to buy some things for your kid, too.

So, here’s your list. It won’t look exactly like their list, obviously. Some of it’s deeply practical, like the jump starter for the teen who is now (God help us) driving. Then there are the pure dopamine picks, for the joy of a Bigfoot-shaped perfume bottle.

If you’re looking for a few things you can sneak into their back-to-school arsenal, this gives you plenty of mom-editor-approved options. And prices run from $3.49 to full splurge because, well, that’s how back-to-school shopping goes.

Hollister Talia Top

Hollister Talia Top

Hollister -

According to social editor Katie Garrity, this Hollister Talia Top is the answer for any tween with very strong opinions about what she’s wearing on the first (or any) day of school.

“It’s a fitted scoopneck with ruffle trim, all-over embroidered eyelet detailing, a smocked back, and a full button closure that hits that perfect sweet spot between cute and age-appropriate,” Katie says. “It's the kind of top that looks intentional and put-together without trying too hard, which is exactly the vibe every tween is going for. It keeps selling out for a reason so grab it now before it's gone again!”

Noco Boost Air AX65 2000A 12V Jump Starter, Air Compressor & Tire Inflator

Noco Boost Air AX65 2000A 12V Jump Starter, Air Compressor & Tire Inflator

Amazon -

I need someone to hold my hand when I say this: I have a new driver in the house this year. GULP. And since they just got their first (used!) car, the first thing I did was start checking off all of the practical things my kid would need for it. This multi-purpose gadget was a no-brainer. It jump-starts a dead battery without needing another car or having to remember which cable goes where since it’s built so that hooking the clamps up backwards doesn’t, like, fry anything. Among its other uses: inflating a flat (or topping off a low-pressure tire), charging a phone over USB-C, and acting as a flashlight. Win, win, win, win.

Winky Lux Lip Libations

Winky Lux Lip Libations Trio

Amazon -

Name a tween or teen who doesn’t have an emotional support lip balm of some sort... I sure can’t. And of all the beauty stuff my teen hits me up for, a sheer tinted balm is one of the more reasonable ones. Of course I swiped one of these for myself to test it out, and I was really impressed by how moisturizing it is (thanks to the combo of squalane, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides). Also, it leaves the prettiest wash of color!

Cloud Nine Aromatherapy Hoodie

Cloud Nine Aromatherapy Hoodie

Cloud Nine -

I have a very anxious 15-year-old, so I was so excited to find this really cool brand that creates a hoodie to help with just that! Obviously a sweatshirt alone isn’t going to fix anxiety, but this is a great tool to add to our anxiety toolbox. The obvious pros: super soft and cozy, comes in several great colorways. Then there’s the squishy stress ball sewn into the cuff that’s perfect for squeezing when my kid needs to feel grounded, along with a tiny pocket in the hood that holds a scented aromatherapy disc. It’s a little pricier than a standard sweatshirt, but these thoughtful little features make it so worth it. My kid is obsessed!

TAL 2-in-1 Straw and Chug With Push Lid

TAL 2-in-1 Straw and Chug With Push Lid

TAL -

The water bottle is right up there with lip balm in the emotional-support-object category... probably even at the very top. My kid wanted something that actually shuts at the top (no exposed straw sticking out), light enough to lug around for theater and dance rehearsals, and, of course, cute. This checks all the boxes: stainless steel, double-walled, a lid that flips between a straw and a wide spout, and in a ton of colors and patterns. Bonus: It’s way more affordable than so many other water bottles on the market.

Denman D28 Wide Tooth Detangling Comb

Denman D28 Wide Tooth Detangling Comb

Amazon -

We’re big fans of Denman brushes in our house, and every single person in the family has one of these wide-tooth detangling combs (well, except for my husband, who has no hair). It has fourteen extra-wide, curved teeth that move through wet hair without ripping or yanking, which, overall, means fewer tears and “you’re pulling my hair!” meltdowns. Especially life-saving if your kid has thick or curly hair.

Nomatic Travel Pack

Nomatic Travel Pack

Nomatic -

This bag is a Scary Mommy editor fan-favorite! I use mine for travel, but as our social editor Katie Garrity points out, it’s genuinely a multi-purpose bag (which makes it great for tweens and teens).

“Yes, this pack is an investment, but I promise you this is the last backpack you will ever buy and that math starts to feel pretty good pretty fast,” she says. “The Nomatic Travel Pack is built from waterproof, virtually indestructible materials with a thoughtfully engineered interior that has a place for absolutely everything: laptop sleeve, water bottle pocket, magnetic water-resistant zipper, hidden passport pocket, and more organizational compartments than you will ever run out of uses for. It works equally well as a school bag, a work bag, a personal item on a flight, and a day pack on a trip, which means one bag genuinely replaces four. The back-to-school investment that pays for itself a thousand times over!”

Pioneer Magnetic Smart Phone Cradle

Pioneer Magnetic Smart Phone Cradle

Pioneer -

If you’ve got a new driver in the house like I do, you already know the dread that comes every time you watch them slide behind the wheel. One thing I was crystal clear about with my teen: You will NOT be messing with your phone while driving, and this Pioneer magnetic cradle and wireless charger makes that easy for them to actually follow. You just clip the holder onto an air vent and your phone snaps right on thanks to the magnetic ring. It swivels 360 degrees and comes with a USB-C cable in the box.

TAO Clean Umma Diamond Sonic Toothbrush

Umma Diamond Sonic Toothbrush

TAO Clean -

Now that my kid is in high school, we’re kind of out of the years when I’m supervising their brushing. But they also have a super-busy schedule, and I need to know they’re actually keeping up with their dental hygiene in there! A sonic toothbrush with a two-minute auto-shutoff definitely helps. This one runs 40,000 strokes per minute and, my favorite part, sits in a UV-C dock that sanitizes the head between uses. I would say this is for sure the kind of thing that’s a worthwhile investment during any kid’s braces era.

Vaseline Lip Therapy Mini Lip Balm

Vaseline Lip Therapy Mini Lip Balm

Target -

We are a Vaseline Lip Therapy-loving family, so clearly we could not wait to get our hands on the new flavors: Pistachio Donut and Pink Grapefruit. My oldest kid loves the Pink Grapefruit; my youngest and I would like to go ahead and build an apocalypse stash of the Pistachio Donut, please and thank you.

Pip Pop Endless Hoops (+ Charm)

Pip Pop Endless Hoops (+ Charm)

Pip Pop -

I’m about to pull the trigger on buying these Pip Pop Endless Hoops... for my kid and for myself! Small gold hoops are practically part of the tween/teen uniform these days, and these are great because they’re designed to integrate with Pip Pop’s charms. Meaning, your kid has lots of options for accessorizing, and you know they’re all about that. As a mom, I appreciate that the hinged closure design means there’s no clasp: The post slides into place to create a secure, comfortable fit, so nothing catches on a hoodie, hair, jersey, whatever.

HP Smart Tank 7603 All-in-One Printer

HP Smart Tank 7603 All-in-One Printer

HP -

With one kid in his last year of middle school, another in their sophomore year of high school, and me working from home, a good printer is a non-negotiable in our house. We just upgraded to this new HP Smart Tank all-in-one, and it is already pulling its weight. I love that you just refill it from bottles instead of having to bother with expensive-ass cartridges that we seem to run through so fast. According to HP, there’s up to three years’ worth of ink in this box! Plus, it scans and copies, and the HP app means you can print right from your phone.

Bondi Boost Miracle Mist Leave-In Conditioner + Heat Protect

Bondi Boost Miracle Mist Leave-In Conditioner + Heat Protect

Bondi Boost -

“This mist has become a non-negotiable step in my daughter's morning hair routine,” social editor Katie Garrity says. “I curl her hair before school almost every day, and having a leave-in conditioner that also protects from heat damage in one single spray has genuinely cut our getting-ready time in half. It detangles, hydrates, reduces frizz, and shields against heat up to 450°F, and the strawberry gum scent is so good that she asks for it by name now.”

Limitless Innovations TotalDesk

Limitless Innovations TotalDesk

Amazon -

My kids don’t always want to do homework at the kitchen table or their desks, and I don’t blame them. Even I agree that it’s way comfier to work from bed or on the couch! That’s where this lap desk comes in clutch. It has four height settings, a tilt that goes all the way to 90 degrees (perfect for reading or sketching), a little drawer to hold their pens (and which doubles as a cup holder), and a stand to prop a book or tablet up next to their laptop. As if all of that wasn’t enough, it also folds down to under three inches so you can slide it just about anywhere to get it out of the way after your teen inevitably just leaves it lying in the middle of the floor.

Squishmallows Wonder Whirl

Squishmallows Wonder Whirl Eau de Parfum

Ulta -

Is perfume a total necessity for back-to-school? If you ask your tween or teen, the answer will 100% be yes. And if your kid is anything like mine and went through a STRONG Squishmallows phase (who are we kidding, they’ll be in it forever), they’ll flip over this new Squishmallows Wonder Whirl perfume. Notes of blue raspberry, tangelo, and berries make it sweet and fruity, but sakura and vanilla make it feel gourmand. Maybe the biggest draw, though, is the bottle: It’s shaped like Joelle the Bigfoot, and I’m confident it will live on my kid’s dresser long after the perfume runs out.

Willox 240W Mountable Retractable USB-C Cable

Willox 240W Mountable Retractable USB-C Cable

Amazon -

Need to solve the whole annoying cable chaos situation at your tween or teen’s desk? Look no further, says social editor Katie Garrity.

“The Willox retractable USB-C cable mounts right to a desk, nightstand, or locker shelf so there is always a charger exactly where you need it without a tangled mess of cords to deal with. It retracts when you are done so it stays neat and out of the way, and the magnetic mount means it is easy to move and reposition without any damage. The kind of small, smart organizational upgrade that makes a desk setup actually functional for a kid who is just getting into the routine of doing homework in one consistent place!”

Aloha Icons 13-Inch Keep It Light Laptop Case

Aloha Icons 13-Inch Keep It Light Laptop Case

Aloha -

I always gravitate toward Aloha Collection because their stuff lasts. It’s water-resistant, a huge draw for moms (who KNOW their damn kid is going to spill something on or in it at some point), and the ripstop nylon is really durable. At the same time, the prints are super cute and poppy, so it’s an added layer of protection for a laptop without feeling stuffy. I really like that my teen can just pop this in their backpack or grab it and go when they don’t want to schlep a bigger bag around.

Amazon Kindle Scribe (64GB)

Amazon Kindle Scribe

Amazon -

I’ve had my Kindle Scribe for a few years now, and it’s probably one of my most favorite pieces of tech I’ve ever owned. While I’m not about to drop this kind of money on a Kindle for my 13-year-old son, who moves through life like he’s playing Smash Bros., I’m getting one for my older teen. She’s a total bookworm, so, you know, Kindle’s great for that. But what makes this different is that she can write on it. Take notes. Doodle. Import a syllabus and jot things down. You can even convert handwriting into typed text when something needs to be turned in. It’s a great investment for a kid moving ever so quickly toward the college years.

Summer 2026, it’s been real. We read a good book at the beach and booked the flights and lived in the moment. But it is time: time for sweaters and candles and crisp breezes, time for spooky movies and books and just vibes. When the weather gets cool and the darkness moves in early, I yearn for something hearty, homespun, and just plain comforting. These cozy fall dinner recipes all feel like something you might find served at a storybook tavern, and would be best eaten with a goblet of wine by candlelight if you ask me.

Garlic Roasted Chicken

Maybe this is just me, but when I want a cozy dinner on a cool evening, I am drawn to anything that looks like it might be served up at a medieval tavern. A big roast chicken with root veggies and rosemary, like this one from A Cookie Named Desire, fits the bill perfectly.

Slow-Cooker Short Ribs

Slow-cooker meals are weeknight dinner champs, and I love the idea of coming home to my house smelling like All The Healthy Things’ short ribs. They look so tender and delicious, and they would be perfect served over mashed potatoes or egg noodles.

Easy Sheet-Pan Gnocchi With Sausage & Calabrian Chilies

All The Healthy Things’ sheet-pan dinner of gnocchi, sausage, kale, and parmesan only takes about 15 minutes of prep, which is about all I have in me after a day of work and picking up my kid from school. This would be so good with a brown butter sage sauce...

Roasted Honeynut Squash With Cottage Cheese & Chorizo Crisp

This cozy fall dinner recipe from The Curious Plate is a little more elevated — perfect for a sweet date night in with a little fire in the fireplace. These roasted squash halves are stuffed with cottage cheese, crispy hard chorizo, pepitas, and red onion. It’s the perfect autumnal side or light main.

Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken noodle soup is one of those magical “food is medicine” dishes that really works. With Easy Family Recipes’ tutorial, you can make it with a rotisserie chicken in way less time without sacrificing on flavor at all.

Chicken Pot Pie Casserole

Family Fresh Meals’ chicken pot pie casserole is way easier than making and shaping and filling a pie crust, but it’ll satisfy your pot pie craving completely. You can also save time by using a bag of frozen mixed veggies, making this a much easier alternative than the traditional dish.

French Onion Pork Chops

OK, pork chop recipes sometimes put me off because I feel like they always end up dry. However, I might just have to make Averie Cooks’ French onion pork chops. They offer all the delicious cheesy, caramelized onion flavor you want from the soup, but in a more filling format.

Healthy Pumpkin Chili

All chili is good chili, but pumpkin chili feels especially festive of course. It can be ready on the stovetop in 30 to 45 minutes, or you can pop it in the slow cooker for four to five hours on low. All The Healthy Things breaks down all the options in her recipe.

Crock-Pot Beef Stew

Back to tavern food real quick: Picture a bowl of piping hot beef stew with a little curl of steam wafting off of it, crusty bread on the side, the whole deal. Budget Bytes’ recipe is super affordable, easy, and flavorful, and it’s one you’ll make over and over again throughout the colder months.

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut squash soup is a must in the fall months. A Cookie Named Desire’s recipe will teach you how to caramelize the squash to deepen the flavor before turning it into this perfect soup (and she provides lots of amazing topping ideas).

Creamy Chicken Orzo

Princess Pinky Girl’s creamy chicken orzo is a delicious one-skillet dinner that is satisfying, cheesy, and perfect for leftovers throughout the week. This seems like it would actually even be a picky kid-approved meal, depending on their feelings about spinach.

Which of these cozy fall dinners is going on your meal plan this week?

I used to dread the back-to-school shots more than all the homework inevitably coming our way. Not because I’m anti-vax. Far from it. But the whole process feels like too many steps, too many forms, and too much time I didn’t have. Not to mention all the bargaining I had to do with my rising kindergarteners to actually let the pediatrician’s medical assistant stick them with needles.

It would start with a reminder email from the school when I’d realize I was behind on scheduling. So, I’d call the pediatrician, sit on hold, and try to line up an appointment that didn’t interfere with work, pickup, or my sanity.

And somehow, it always turned into an all-day thing. You know the kind. You think it’s going to be a quick appointment, but you find yourself in a waiting room for longer than you expect with a kid who’s becoming more anxious by the minute. And then by the time your kiddo’s name is called, it’s too late. The anxiety has taken over, and so has the hunger, crankiness, and straight-up refusal to participate in anything remotely related to a shot.

I used to put off back-to-school vaccines longer than I should, which really isn’t like me, but why invite that kind of stress when you can just not deal with it until you have to? It wasn’t because I didn’t care; it was because it was a whole production.

Last year, I hit my limit.

It was late August, and my son was starting kindergarten. School forms were due. I was staring at the immunization section as if it were written in another language, because it kind of is.

I was already at CVS with my kids. I think we went in to grab a prescription and more sunscreen since summer in southern California doesn’t really pop off until August. Just doing normal life stuff when I saw the MinuteClinic sign. I get my COVID and flu vaccinations through the MinuteClinic, but I never considered it for my kids, since shots always felt like a doctor’s office-only situation in my head.

But I checked, and it turned out we could get them done right then and there, and our health insurance covered it. There wasn’t a long wait, and we didn’t have to do a separate lab or doctor visit. So, that’s what we did.

And it was… easy. Like, weirdly easy.

We checked in and waited for about five minutes — not long enough for anyone to spiral. The waiting area was right next to the toy aisle, so that helped. We stepped into a little room with a couple of chairs and a table. It looked more like an employee break room than an exam room, which definitely eased any looming anxiety. The nurse practitioner was calm and kind, and she moved at a pace that didn’t cause my kid to panic. It all felt very manageable.

Since we were at CVS, I let him pick out his favorite candy and a cute little keychain as a reward for being cool about it. But the best part? It didn’t take over our entire day. We were in and out of there, and I think we even tackled the grocery after, like back-to-school shots were just another errand.

Editor’s note: MinuteClinic services are generally available for patients 18 months and older, but offerings and age minimums vary by state. Worth a call to your local store to confirm availability before you go.

Jill Layton started writing professionally over a decade ago when she realized her emails and texts were kind of funny. She’s a writer for Scary Mommy, Bustle, Best Products, and other fun sites. She also writes radio ads and is a ghostwriter for a comedian — don’t tell anyone. She’s the mom of two sarcastic kids and the world’s most perfect dog.

Ask any parent and the answer is the same: Kids lose a lot of stuff. So loads of parents put labels on absolutely everything their kids bring out of the house to help stem the tide of lost items. These labels need to be practically indestructible: machine washable, dishwasher-safe, kid-proof. Here are some of the best of the best.

What is your favorite label & personalization brand? Let us know! Voting ends on 23 September 2026 at noon ET.

Photos courtesy of Mabel’s Labels, Name Bubbles

I really don’t know how parents of multiple kids did it before inventions such as these. I guess they just had big dry erase boards in the house? These “command centers” are just so useful to keep everyone and everything on track. I can confirm they’re a godsend for the modern family. Here are some favorites.

What is your family’s favorite command center tech brand? Let us know! Voting ends on 23 September 2026 at noon ET.

Photos courtey of Amazon Echo, Apolosign, Google Nest, Samsung, Tidbyt

Look, we get it: Introducing technology to your kids can be scary. You want them to gain independence, but you want them to interact with the internet safely. Lots of parents just like you start with wearable tech watches that a) are harder to lose and b) serve as a great first step for your little one. Here are some of our favorites.

What is your favorite kid-safe wearable tech brand? Let us know! Voting ends on 23 September 2026 at noon ET.

Photos courtesy of Apple, Bark, Gabb, Garmin, littlebird, myFirst, Samsung, TickTalk, T-mobile

There is a time and a place for screens. But, especially when your kids are young, there’s also a time and a place for screen-free fun that still introduce the wonders of technology. From toys for toddlers to audio favorites for older kids, here are some of our favorites.

What is your favorite screen-free device brand? Let us know! Voting ends on 23 September 2026 at noon ET.

Photos courtesy of Fisher-Price, Hatch, Loftie, Mighty, tonies

Getting kids to sleep in their own rooms can be nothing short of challenging. These devices — whether they keep your kid company with a nightlight, or help them wake up more easily in the morning — are just the ticket to a good night’s sleep for everyone in your household. Here are some of our favorites.

What is your favorite wake-up & light tech brand? Let us know! Voting ends on 23 September 2026 at noon ET.

Photos courtesy of Casper, Govee, Happiest Baby, Hatch, Little Hippo, Momcozy, Phillips Hue, VTech

The first time I asked my children if they ever wanted kids, all three of them shook their heads at the same time. To be fair, we were at a restaurant and a toddler was screaming their head off. I laughed thinking that was the reason and I should’ve picked a better time to ask them such a big question. Also, they were teenagers. I guess most people really don’t really know as a teenager if you want kids or not.

But I did. My goal was to graduate high school, go to college, become a writer, get married and have kids. I was laser focused. I didn’t waiver. It was never a question.

But my kids aren’t me. Yet I figured I had plenty of time to change their minds. I had to! After all, having grandkids was a part of my life plan too, and I kind of need my children for that.

Fast forward to today: they are all in their 20s. And they are still holding strong. There’s no doubt in their minds that they don’t want kids. It has nothing to do with that crying toddler they listened to while enjoying the Chinese buffet. It’s “the world we live in.” It’s the “expense.” It's “time and energy.”

They don’t seem to feel sad about it. They are firm in their decision and don’t think it’s a good idea to bring children into this world with everything they are hearing about what’s happening to our future, to their future.

But I’m still hanging on to some hope. Maybe things will change, but I’ve also realized I have to come to terms with it all.

After all, I’ve supported every decision my kids have made. I let them stop playing sports in high school when it was clear they weren’t into it. They didn’t want to go to a traditional four-year college. My youngest rarely wears shoes and doesn’t want to drive. He’s a free spirit who wants to travel the world and work as he goes. My daughter started a business at a very young age.

And you know what? I let them go;I had faith. I trusted them and they have all created a beautiful life they very much want to share with me because I didn’t try to direct or micromanage.

I don’t want to fuck that up now by pushing my dream on them. But damn it’s been hard. There are certain things in life I thought would just happen for me. And being a grandmother was one of them.

I’ve had to work hard on this one. I’ve done my share of asking questions and telling them that having kids was, hands down, the best decision that I have ever made. They are the loves of my life. They have changed me in all the best ways and they know that. And yet, this decision is theirs to make. I’ve said my peace. This is their life. Not mine. I can be sad about it when they aren’t around. Life is full of disappointments and I need to handle this one.

Thank goodness for dogs.

Diana Park is a writer who finds solitude in a good book, the ocean, and eating fast food with her kids.

Between trying to squeeze every last drop of goodness out of what’s left of summer and gearing up for the mental-load hell that is back-to-school, moms are wiped out. August tends to level us with a tornado of emotions: sad, overwhelmed, relieved, guilty, and yep, tired. We're out here running on fumes, yet still expected to seamlessly orchestrate the whole handoff from summer's last gasp to the school year's opening bell without dropping a single ball (or admitting how badly we need that bell to ring and give us a f*cking break).

Let's not forget about everything else we're juggling, too. There are marriages on the verge of buckling. The complexities of adult friendships. Sometimes, it's the fantasy of walking right out the front door and starting over somewhere no one knows a thing about you or your responsibilities.

None of it makes you a bad mom, although it’s hard not to feel that way when it seems like you’re all alone in these thoughts. But if our weekly Confessions have taught us anything, it’s that all this stuff — all these anxieties and fears and even the tiny joys we can’t stop thinking about — just make us human.

So, grab a comfy seat and settle in. Here's this week's haul of inner thoughts, shared anonymously by moms who needed to let it out.

Scary Mommy Confessions are a tried-and-true part of what makes our site so fun. If you want to anonymously confess, look for our weekly callouts on Instagram. And to browse past Confessions, take a look here.

Everyone loves to blame my ADHD.

Forgot to RSVP to the birthday party? ADHD. Lost the permission slip? ADHD. Walked into Target for toilet paper and left with three pillows, a candle, and a pair of flip flops? Fine, ADHD.

But lately I’ve started to wonder if my ADHD is even the problem. Maybe the real problem is that I am carrying the mental load of an entire family while simultaneously trying to work and remember where I put my coffee.

Because spoiler alert: Even moms without ADHD are drowning.

From the moment I wake up, my brain is responsible for remembering that my son has lacrosse at 6pm, my daughter needs to wear blue for spirit day, the dog is almost out of food, my third grader needs her camp form signed, we are low on laundry pods, and somehow I need to figure out what everyone is going to have for dinner.

And none of those tasks are physically visible. No one sees me mentally calculating the amount of brownies I need to bring to the cookout while also wondering if I responded to the teacher's email about missing homework while also trying to remember the new wifi password.

My mental load is like having 97 browser tabs open at all times. My ADHD might add a little annoying background music playing in my brain while I’m trying to do the math, but the truth is I was f*cked long before that.

People assume that ADHD means I can’t focus. But the truth is, I focus on everything. In fact, I am focusing on too much. And because I am a mom, no one is handing me a checklist. I am the damn checklist!

I don’t have that much trouble completing the tasks. I have trouble remembering that the task exists. Remembering who needs new sneakers, which kid is currently boycotting pasta sauce this week, who needs a birthday party gift, who has an early release day; it’s a full time job just remembering to remember. And truthfully, it is frying my brain.

And of course, my ADHD doesn’t help. And sometimes it means I will lose my phone while holding it. But it’s not what’s killing me. What’s killing me is carrying the operational responsibility of my four kids, all while society is still trying to make us feel like motherhood is not a real job.

And in the past few years I have realized that medication and some simple strategies can really help my ADHD. But what I have yet to find a fix for is the fact that mothers are expected to quietly carry around a shit ton of invisible labor — all while smiling and showing up and looking cute.

So, yeah — I have ADHD. But if you dropped a neurotypical woman in my brain for a week she would likely also come crawling out like she had just been thrust into some chaotic scene of Jumanji. Because it’s not that my brain works differently; it’s that motherhood requires women to function as the unpaid interns of everyone else’s lives. And that’s enough to make anyone forget the permission slip.

Samm is an ex-lawyer and mom of four who swears a lot. Find her on Instagram @sammbdavidson.

Every now and then, a person comes along with the rare ability to endear themselves to seemingly everyone. You can probably count the number of personalities who fit that description on one hand, and there’s a name that undoubtedly lands near the top of the list for most: Dolly Parton, the Queen of Country Music. A woman who, over the course of her seven-decade career and life in the spotlight, managed to make just about all of us feel like we knew her. And now, she’s left us with a whole lot of reasons why we will, in fact, always love her.

Parton passed away on Aug. 25, 2026, at the age of 80, and the outpouring of support since has proven what we already knew: She was treasured. Can you think of any figure in pop culture more universally admired? When she wasn’t singing, starring in movies, or RV’ing the country with husband Carl Thomas Dean (a favorite pastime up until his death in 2025), Parton was helping to build a new generation of book lovers through her Imagination Library. She also donated her time and resources to causes like vaccine funding, disaster relief, tuition assistance, and so much more.

All of this to say: She was the best, and the words she leaves us with will keep her legacy alive. Here are some of the greatest, funniest, and most insightful things Parton ever said.

Dolly Parton Quotes on Life & Legacy

1. “Find out who you are and do it on purpose.”
2. “Storms make trees take deeper roots.”
3. “If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, then you are an excellent leader.”
4. “I make a point to appreciate all the little things in my life. I go out and smell the air after a good, hard rain. These small actions help remind me that there are so many great, glorious pieces of good in the world.”
5. “I always love working with children. I never had children of my own. God has his purposes. God didn't let me have children so everybody's children could be mine. That's kind of how I'm looking at it.”
6. “The magic is inside of you; there ain’t no crystal ball.”
7. “You can wish your life away. But if you're going to dream, you're going to have to get out and, like I always say, you have to put some wings on them dreams, and some feet and fingers and some hands. They gotta get into some stuff. You can't just sit around and think of all the things you want to do. You've got to think of what you want to do, and then you've got to get out and make that happen.”
8. “You can be rich in spirit, kindness, love, and all those things that you can’t put a dollar sign on.”
9. “I’ve always tried to never step on anybody to get where I am. I’ve had to walk around a few people, jump over a few of ‘em now and then, but I think you’re a true success when you’ve seen your dreams come true and you can take pride in how you did it, and take pride in and respect and appreciate the people that helped you get there.”
10. “Sure, I'm in it for the money, but also because I love music. I picture myself in the future as a happy old lady, chubby, rosy cheeks, telling stories to the little kids. When I sit back in my rocker, I want to have done it all.”
11. “Don’t get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.”
12. “After you reach a certain age, they think you’re over. Well, I will never be over.”
13. “They think I’m simpleminded because I seem to be happy. Why shouldn’t I be happy? I have everything I ever wanted and more. Maybe I am simpleminded. Maybe that’s the key: simple.”
14. “You always want your people to be proud of what you have accomplished.”
15. “The older I get, the earlier I get up. The second my feet hit the floor, I’m awake. I’m like, Hurry, hurry. I just love life. And I feel like we ain’t got but a certain amount of time anyway. I want to make the most of it.”

Funny Dolly Parton Quotes

1. “It costs a lot of money to look this cheap.”
2. “If I see something sagging, bagging, or dragging, I’ll get it nipped, tucked, or sucked.”
3. “I was the first woman to burn my bra — it took the fire department four days to put it out.”
4. “People always ask me how long it takes to do my hair. I don’t know, I’m never there.”
5. “I tried every diet in the book. I tried some that weren’t in the book. I tried eating the book. It tasted better than most of the diets.”
6. “God and I have a great relationship, but we both see other people.”
7. “I have little feet because nothing grows in the shade.”
8. “After Momma gave birth to 12 of us kids, we put her on a pedestal. It was mostly to keep Daddy away from her.”
9. “People always say, ‘But you always look so happy.’ Well, that’s Botox! Nobody’s happy all the time. But I work hard at it.”
10. “I’m not offended by all the dumb blonde jokes because I know I’m not dumb — and I also know that I’m not blonde.”
11. “My weaknesses have always been food and men — in that order.”
12. “Sometimes my mouth is a little too big and a little too open and sounds too much like a sailor.”
13. “I would never stoop so low as to be fashionable.”
14. “I have pretty good skin considering my age, and I think a lot of that is mineral oil and bacon grease.”
15. “I like to buy clothes that are two sizes too small and then take them in a little.”

Dolly Parton Quotes On Being Yourself

1. “I look totally artificial, but I am totally real, as a writer, as a professional, as a human being. A rhinestone shines just as good as a diamond.”
2. “You don’t have to look like everybody else. You don’t have to be a raving beauty to be special and to be beautiful.”
3. “I’m flashy, and I’m flamboyant. Had I not been a girl, I definitely would have been a drag queen.”
4. “I'm a show-off basically... always have been.”
5. “Never ignore your roots, your home, or your hair.”
6. “I walk tall; I got a tall attitude.”
7. “I’m like a cartoon! I’ll look this way when I’m 80. I can see it now, people will be rolling me around in a wheelchair and I’ll still have my big hair, nails, my high heels, and my boobs stuck out!”
8. “I’ve had to go against all kinds of people through the years just to be myself. I think everybody should be allowed to be who they are and to love who they love.”
9. “He always loved who I was, and I loved who he was, and we never tried to change each other.”
10. “I just don’t feel like I have to explain myself.”
11. “I feel that sin and evil are the negative part of you, and I think it’s like a battery: You’ve got to have the negative and the positive in order to be a complete person.”
12. “I make jokes about it, but it’s the truth that I kind of patterned my look after the town tramp. I didn’t know what she was, just this woman who was blonde and piled her hair up, wore high heels and tight skirts, and boy, she was just the prettiest thing I’d ever seen. Momma used to say, ‘Aw, she’s just trash,’ and I thought, That’s what I want to be when I grow up. Trash.’”
13. “I’m not going to limit myself just because people won’t accept the fact that I can do something else.”
14. “People say how you stay looking so young? I say, well, good lighting, good doctors, and good makeup.”
15. “I am comfortable in my own skin, no matter how far I’ve stretched it at times. But I know who I am and I don’t try to be nobody else. And if that ain’t good enough for you, too bad.”

Dolly Parton Quotes on Hard Times

1. “The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain!”
2. “If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one.”
3. “We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails.”
4. “I thank God for my failures. Maybe not at the time, but after some reflection. I never feel like a failure just because something I tried has failed.”
5. “Adjusting to the passage of time, I think, is a key to success and to life: just being able to roll with the punches.”
6. “I know how to stand my ground. I know how to speak up. I know how to stand sturdy. But that doesn’t mean I’ve hardened my heart.”
7. “Everybody’s life is a soap opera, everybody’s life is a country-western song... depends on who’s writing it.”
8. “When I wake up, I expect things to be good. If they’re not, then I try to set about trying to make them as good as I can ’cause I know I’m gonna have to live that day anyway. So why not try to make the most of it if you can? Some days, they pan out a little better than others, but you still gotta always just try.”
9. “You don’t stop when life gets hard — you sing through it.”
10. “With hope, there’s nothing you can’t do!”
11. “I have always been a firm believer in working hard for what is right and for making your own breaks if you want things to change.”
12. “Dreams nor wishes come true without a lot of hard work.”
13. “It’s hard to be a diamond in a rhinestone world.”
14. “Above everything else, I’ve always said I’ve had more guts than I’ve got talent.”
15. “I’ve had heartaches, headaches, toothaches, earraches, and I’ve had a few pains in the ass, but I’ve survived to tell about it.”

Dolly Parton Quotes on Kindness

1. “I always just thought if you see somebody without a smile, give ’em yours!”
2. “Everybody has their own journey; they have their own way of doing things. And who am I to judge?”
3. “Leave something good in every day.”
4. “Funny thing is that the poorer people are, the more generous they seem to be.”
5. “We can’t just hope for a brighter day; we have to work for a brighter day.”
6. “Lord, I’ve got enough problems of my own to pass judgment on somebody else.”
7. “We’re all just a bunch of sinners, but we do the best we can.”
8. “I was born with a happy heart, and I try to keep a good attitude. It’s not true that I’m happy all the time because nobody is, and we all go through our things.”
9. “We can’t save the world, but we can save the world we’re living in.”
10. “There’s a scripture that says, ‘A merry heart doeth good like medicine.’ I think that’s true, too.”
11. “I do not sit in the seat of judgment... I love people for who they are. We’re all God’s children!”
12. “I have a strict policy that nobody cries alone in my presence.” — Steel Magnolias
13. “I have to not harden my heart, because I want to stay open to feel things.”
14. “It's when you treat people like freaks that you become one yourself.”
15. “Life is sweeter when you have an attitude of gratitude!”

Dolly Parton Quotes On Work & Ambition

1. “I always count my blessings more than I count my money. I don’t work for money, never did.”
2. “Tumble outta bed, and I stumble to the kitchen. Pour myself a cup of ambition.” — “9 to 5”
3. “I’m just a working girl. I never think of myself as a star because, as somebody once said, ‘A star is nothing but a big ball of gas’ — and I don’t want to be that.”
4. “You make your choices, you make your sacrifices, and I never looked back. I knew early on that I was going to walk that road until God told me to stop.”
5. “I had a gift of rhyme and a big imagination, and that’s just how I started and how I’m still a-goin’.”
6. “I’m the little engine that did.”
7. “I never have considered myself a perfectionist, but I do think of myself as a ‘professionalist’… I always strive simply to be my very best.”
8. “You’ll never do a whole lot unless you’re brave enough to try.”
9. “When I’m inspired, I get excited because I can’t wait to see what I’ll come up with next.”
10. “I imagined it, I dreamed it, I worked for it, and God was good enough to let me have it.”
11. “Being a star just means that you find your own special place, and that you shine where you are.”
12. “I had to get rich so I could afford to sing like I was poor again.”
13. “Some of my dreams are so big they would scare you.”
14. “I still believe that women should get paid equal and should be treated with respect. I’m all about that. I don’t get out and have to preach it or march in the streets; I write about it.”
15. “Success goes straight to my heart, not to my head.”

Dolly Parton Quotes On Her Roots

1. “I have often joked that we had two rooms and a path — and running water if you were willing to run to get it.”
2. “I saw early on that I could make a business out of this because I wanted money, I wanted to travel, I wanted clothes, I wanted to be loved, I wanted to be staying in fine hotels. It wasn't to get away from what I was because I knew that would always be me. I've never been ashamed of my people. I love my people and I love my home.”
3. “I still close my eyes and go home; I can always draw from that.”
4. “It’s a compliment to me. I mean, we were real hillbillies. To me, that’s not an insult. We were just mountain people.”
5. “We always made jokes and said we didn't even know we were poor till some smart aleck up and told us. We didn't have any money, but we were rich in things that money don't buy. You know, like love and kindness and understanding."
6. “I have loved performing since I was big enough to wrestle my little brothers and sisters into sitting long enough for me to sing them my latest musical masterpiece. I just hope y'all will come out and see this little girl from the hills of Tennessee walk out there on that big ole stage and make her dreams come true. Don't make me wrestle you too, 'cause I will if I have to!”
7. “I would trade nothing for being brought up in the Great Smoky Mountains.”
8. “Of course, you always are with the butterflies, especially when you’re young and little and you’re used to just being with your family. And then there are all these people. It’s a little different than standing in front of that tin can singing to the chickens and the dogs and the little kids in the yard.”
9. “When I was a little girl, I used a tobacco stick and a tin can and pretended it was a microphone, and I sang on my front porch, imagining I was on the Grand Ole Opry.”
10. “I grew up poor — very poor.”
11. “I think that I got a really great spiritual base and creative base from my mother and my mother’s people, and I got that hard willingness and responsibility from my dad. So I think I got a good combination between my mom and dad.”
12. “Until I was a teenager, I used red pokeberries for lipstick and a burnt matchstick for eyeliner. I used honeysuckle for perfume.”
13. “I’m proud of my hillbilly, white-trash background. To me that keeps you humble, that keeps you good. And it doesn’t matter how hard you try to outrun it. If that’s who you are, that’s who you are.”
14. “I was blessed to have family members who encouraged me to pursue my dreams. Whether it is your parents, or your uncles or your aunts or even the neighbor down the road, it's important that kids have someone who encourages them to chase their rainbow.”
15. “I feel blessed that I still have the little Dolly in my heart; I'm still the same girl that wants to squeeze every little drop out of life that I can.”

In lieu of flowers, Parton’s family has asked that donations be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

I am an only child. Even though I’m a 43-year-old middle-aged woman with bills to pay, I will always be referred to as an only child. And that’s fine by me, even if wearing the “only child” label hasn’t always been easy.

Unlike being an “eldest daughter,” which comes with plenty of relatable memes and a lot of sympathy and head nodding, there hasn’t been quite as much understanding for us only children. “Spoiled,” “privileged,” and “selfish” are often the labels we get.

Then there’s the other side of the “I would never have an only child” narrative: the belief that we’re lonely and alone. I’ve met plenty of fellow only children throughout my life, and I’d argue we are some of the least lonely people out there. We’re independent, self-reliant, and self-sufficient — almost to a fault and sometimes to our own detriment.

I’ve always loved being an only child. I’ve never wanted a sibling, and I’ve relished the close relationship I’ve formed with my parents. They really are my best friends.

This is the part that gets hard and sticky as we age: When you’re an only child and you watch your parents age, you do realize that, when it comes to them, you’re on your own. And with aging parents, as so many of us in the sandwich generation understand, it’s a tough road to navigate at times. As only children, it’s often a road we have to navigate alone.

“Only children often need to carry the emotional weight of transitioning to the caregiver and decision-maker role for their parents alone. They often need to serve as a source of support and make health or other decisions on their behalf,” says Marisa T. Cohen, PhD, LMFT, CST, a licensed marriage and family therapist and also an only child. “Without siblings who most likely have a shared narrative of the family history, taking on this caregiver role can feel incredibly isolating and may even lead to anticipatory grief.”

Additionally, says Cohen, the transition from the parent-child relationship to taking on caregiving responsibilities carries a lot of emotional weight.

“Being the only decision-maker can feel incredibly overwhelming,” explains Cohen. “Many only children worry about making the right choice because they don't have a sibling to talk through difficult medical, financial, or caregiving decisions with. Carrying that responsibility alone can lead to stress, self-doubt, and potentially burnout if they don’t have their own sources of support.”

I definitely feel that weight sometimes. Fortunately, aside from a few health hiccups over the past few years, my parents are healthy and self-sufficient. They’ve even built a gym in their house (replacing my bedroom, naturally) and are dedicated to eating well, exercising regularly, and enjoying their life.

It’s easy for me to think they will always be like this. By “like this,” I mean “around.” Able to do things for themselves. But I know this won’t always be the case.

I’m also on the other side of Canada — they’re on Prince Edward Island, while I’m in Vancouver — and that distance makes things particularly tricky. For now, they’ve been able to rely on friends and neighbors to help them, but I do think about the distance and how, one day, I may have to move my life when the inevitable happens.

Because it’s not like I have a sibling who lives closer and could check in on them if I can’t. There’s no one else to share that responsibility with. Everything is on my shoulders.

In my case, thankfully, my parents have always been pretty good about having the tough conversations. I already know their wishes, and they’ve been open about their healthcare and what they want as they get older. I also have a group of close friends from high school who have been part of this process and who I know I can lean on when the time comes.

Still, knowing what your parents want is one thing; actually navigating their aging is another. Cohen says having these conversations early can make that transition easier: “It’s helpful to have the important conversations (such as healthcare wishes, finances, end-of-life care, etc.) early. While these conversations are often uncomfortable to have, it’s best to have them when everyone can fully participate in them.”

She also recommends identifying sources of support, including professionals and social connections, so that you aren’t left to carry the burden alone.

Admittedly, I sometimes feel guilty that I haven’t been as available to help them as I would if I lived locally. But I also feel sometimes (and maybe selfishly, how on point) that I want to be able to live my life and not be solely responsible for my parents and have this enormous responsibility just because I am an only child. For any person who’s looked after a parent, only child or not, it’s easy to fall into the trap of obligation with our parents. As much as we love them, it can feel overwhelming to feel like everything is on us.

And that’s where boundaries come in. “Boundaries are important to protect your peace and preserve the relationship with your parents,” says Cohen. She says it’s important to be honest with yourself about what you realistically have the capacity for... not just in terms of your time and ability to manage logistics, but also your emotional bandwidth.

It’s also important to be clear about those boundaries and manage expectations. As Cohen explains, that might mean saying, “I am only available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays to take you to appointments.”

Of course, guilt may still come up. “Sometimes guilt is inevitable, but that doesn’t mean that you are doing something wrong,” Cohen says. She adds that it can be helpful to work through those complicated emotions with the support of a mental health clinician.

Naturally, there will be many emotions, sometimes complicated ones, when our parents age. When you’re an only child and feel the weight of the relationship you have with your parents, as well as the responsibility you feel to take care of them, it’s a lot to think you’re going through it all alone. Yes, you might have a spouse or close family members, but it’s not the same thing. These two people are your parents. No one else’s. Who else will take care of them if not you?

I don’t think about it that much (out of sight, out of mind, I guess), but there are moments — especially when my parents tell me they’re going to the doctor for the tenth time in two months — when I feel like time is running out. How much longer do I have with them? And how much longer do I have before I have to start doing everything for them?

Cohen says those feelings are completely understandable. Start by acknowledging what you're feeling and remember that you don’t have to go through this alone. Caring for a parent as an only child may result in grief, anxiety, guilt, and feelings of uncertainty. Build a supportive caregiving team that includes professionals, such as therapists, home health aides, as well as trusted family members and friends who can help with tasks.”

And, she says, it’s vital not to forget about yourself in all of this. “Chronic stress can take a real toll on your physical and mental health, so protecting your own well-being is part of caring for your parents, too,” she says.

There’s also a misconception that being an only child somehow makes dealing with aging parents easier. Maybe there are fewer people to consult when a decision needs to be made, but that doesn’t necessarily make the decisions easier.

“People assume that since decisions don’t need to be run by other people (such as siblings), they are easier to make; however, the emotional toll can be much harder as there isn’t anyone to process these decisions with,” Cohen says.

That’s really the thing about being an only child: There’s no one else who shares quite the same history with your parents. You probably know your parents better than anyone, but when the hard decisions come, you’re also the only one sitting at the table. And that shit is hard.

Which is why Cohen says it’s crucial to lean on other family members or friends/chosen family. “You can also enlist professionals to join the caregiving team, which may include financial advisors, therapists, home health aides, etc.,” she says. “It is important to remember that you don’t have to approach this challenging time alone.”

I think that’s the crux of being an only child. We do think we can do things alone (and we definitely can; our life has proven this), but that doesn’t mean we have to do something as difficult as caring for our aging parents by ourselves.

While no one will understand or know the relationship I’ve had with my parents, or carry the same grief as me, that is something I will have to walk through on my own. But there are other things — the tiny things, the bureaucratic things, the supportive things — that friends and chosen family can help with.

Ultimately, though, I wouldn’t want a sibling just to have this time be “easier” on me. I don’t think dealing with aging parents is ever easy, with or without siblings.

As with anything difficult in life, I find it helpful to find the gratitude in what is, and I am grateful to be an only child and to have the relationship I have with my parents. That’s something I wouldn’t change, and that relationship will remain even when they’re gone.

Ursula the sea witch, the evil queen with her poison apple, Scar and his band of hyenas... some of Disney’s most iconic characters (with the catchiest musical numbers) are the bad guys. And if you’ve always had a soft spot for the dark side, you’re going to love this announcement made at Disney’s 2026 D23 convention: the dedicated Villains Land coming to Disney World’s Magic Kingdom will have two brand new attractions, including a Maleficent coaster.

Disney unveiled tons of new details about its expansions at Walt Disney World Resorts in Orlando, including the exciting news that Monstropolis (located in Hollywood Studios) will open its gates to human visitors in 2027. In 2025, we learned that one big chunk of Magic Kingdom — as in multiple acres of space — will become the gloomy, mystical Villains Land inspired by the wicked characters from your favorite Disney films. Now, we have our first look at concept art for the expansion’s two new attractions.

The concept of Villains Land centers on a broken wishing well, corrupted and oozing dark magic, which Disney’s villains have come to claim for themselves. “This sinister setting is tempting for those with wicked intentions, so one by one, the villains have come here to try and claim the last of the Wishing Well’s power. Villains Land will be shaped by those who have used this dark magic to conjure the perfect new lairs for themselves. These mighty fortresses and gleaming palaces not only reflect the personality of the villains who own them, they invite guests into a tantalizing treasure trove of treats, trinkets, and more temptations,” says Disney Park Blogs.

We know there will be plenty of dining, retail, and immersive experiences in Villains Land, but so far the specifics haven’t been revealed. What we do know are the stories behind the two headlining attractions coming to this section of the park:

• Maleficent Coaster: Hop in and race through the enchanted briar surrounding the Queen of All Evil’s mountaintop fortress before coming face-to-face with Maleficent herself. At D23, the Imagineering team said this coaster “will include elements they’ve never attempted before on similar attractions,” so fingers crossed we’re getting an extremely cool dragon.
• Mirror Realm Dark Ride: The ride vehicle here looks like it holds a large group, similar to Frozen Ever After at Epcot. Guests will travel deep into the Evil Queen’s catacombs to where she keeps the Magic Mirror hidden away before he sweeps them away into his realm. There he’ll conjure all of Disney’s most iconic villains (using special effects and practical set pieces).

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Villains Land is one of the largest elements of Disney’s upcoming expansions acreage-wise (the size and scale have been likened to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge), but other announcements at D23 are just as exciting. A New Monsters, Inc. land is also coming and will include Disney’s first-ever suspended roller coaster themed after the door moving system inside Monsters, Inc. headquarters. Frontierland is also being redesigned into the world of Radiator Springs, complete with a road rally coaster and attractions fit for even the youngest members of the family, according to the parks. So, in the not-too-distant future, guests in Orlando will be able to stroll straight from Villains Land into Monstropolis (complete with a Harryhausen’s) and down Main Street in Radiator Springs.

Aside from entire sections of the park being built or reworked, some rides are getting a facelift, too. A new Indiana Jones attraction and an Encanto ride are slated to replace the Dinosaur and DinoLand U.S.A. attractions at Animal Kingdom. So, which announcement from D23 has you most excited?

If you’re one of a growing number of women who’ve been diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, or if you’re a mom to a kid with ADHD, you probably perked up when you saw recent headlines that the FDA approved a new medication to treat ADHD in kids and adults alike. The med (brand name Simtriyo) is a daily extended-release capsule that contains an active ingredient called centanafadine. It’s the first norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin reuptake inhibitor (NDSRI) to treat ADHD and is approved for use in adults and children 6 years and older (as long as they weigh at least 44 pounds).

Scary Mommy spoke with a pediatric psychiatrist and ADHD expert to ask parents’ pressing questions about the new, headline-making drug.

How is centanafadine different from the ADHD meds that are currently available?

When it comes to treating ADHD, there are two types of medications available: stimulants and non-stimulants. The stimulant medications come in two different classes: methylphenidate-based medications (like Ritalin or Concerta) and amphetamine-based medications (think Adderall and Vyvanse).

Then, there are non-stimulant medications, which are typically used when stimulant medications cause unwanted side effects, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

“Those are the alpha agonists — guanfacine and clonidine. Then there are the norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. Those are atomoxetine, also known as Strattera, and Viloxazine, also known as Qelbree, and those work on norepinephrine,” says Dr. Michael A. Volkert, a psychiatrist with the Center for Management of ADHD at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

“What makes this different is the mechanism. This medication works on norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin. It inhibits the re-uptake of all three of those. The serotonergic reuptake inhibition is unique to this particular medication,” he explains.

This chemical makeup technically makes centanafadine a “stimulant with non-stimulant characteristics,” according to its developers. In his practice, Volkert said he would think about it and use it like a non-stimulant.

Does centanafadine work better than other ADHD medications?

Specifically, will it work better than stimulants? “If that question was posed to me, the answer would be probably not, based on the data that is available now,” Volkert says.

“Stimulants are currently the recommended first-line option by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Stimulants are very effective; they provide a noticeable difference in symptom relief. Non-stimulants as a class are less effective for ADHD symptoms.”

Non-stimulants are typically prescribed when the side effects of stimulants are problematic to the patient, Volkert says. For example, stimulants can cause appetite suppression; children with ADHD are sometimes very selective eaters, and suppressing their appetite any further could cause weight concerns, he explains.

So, who is centanafadine right for?

What matters most to parents is whether this drug might be right for their child, or better in some way than what they currently take.

This medication is still so new that it’s hard to say. Clinical trials to get FDA approval usually have “squeaky clean” patient populations, Volkert says, meaning they typically only have ADHD and none of the common comorbid diagnoses, like eating disorders, substance abuse disorders, or tic disorders. So, that data doesn’t necessarily represent every person with ADHD.

Centanafadine is a drug that acts like a non-stimulant, so starting out, physicians will probably recommend it for people who may have struggled with the side effects of stimulants.

“When you compare this medication to stimulant medications — and this data is sort of extrapolated; they have not been studied directly against each other in the same patient population — it causes less appetite suppression, less insomnia, less jitteriness, and less dry mouth. Versus other non-stimulants like atomoxetine specifically, less nausea, less fatigue, and less somnolence. Versus viloxazine, another non-stimulant, less fatigue, insomnia, nausea, and constipation,” says Volkert.

Centanafadine could be a good first medication to try in specific cases, he adds.

“It really depends on the patient, what side effects we are trying to avoid, and what comorbidities exist. For example, it will be a non-controlled medication; it likely does not have abuse potential for people with substance use disorders. It is likely going to be more safe in very underweight patients who cannot tolerate the appetite suppression sometimes associated with stimulant medications. The stimulants do have some growth-related concerns for slowing growth velocity. This new medication may not have that, but we don’t have the data on that yet.”

What about that black box warning?

If you read a news article about Simtriyo, you likely know it carries a black box warning that it can cause suicidal ideation, especially within the first few months of treatment. This is obviously a terrifying possibility for parents considering the drug to treat their child’s ADHD.

This is where having a discussion with your child’s medical provider is really going to matter; there’s a lot of nuance here, Volkert says. Anxiety and depression are two of the most common disorders that co-occur with ADHD in kids, according to the CDC, and typically “stem from challenges brought on by ADHD symptoms.” Managing the condition may take precedence.

“Untreated mental health conditions also carry a risk of suicidal ideation. When the suicidal ideation occurs due to medications, stopping the medications stops the suicidal ideation,” says Volkert.

It’s also important to be clear about what suicidal ideation means. “Suicidal ideation is not going to make somebody who’s not suicidal think that suicide is now the answer. It is more of an intrusive, unwanted thought of suicide that is then reported to parents and then the medication is stopped.”

When will Simtriyo be available?

“FDA-approved” and “available to consumers” are two different things. It’ll likely be months before the medication is able to be prescribed, Volkert says. Even then, it may be difficult to get.

“It’s not available yet in pharmacies; it’s not even stocked yet. The other thing is, it will likely require prior authorization because when medications are new, they’re not available in the generic; they’re available in the brand-name only. Being a brand new medication, I’m guessing it’s going to be expensive. Insurance companies are going to want a prior authorization, and the prior authorization generally asks you if you’ve tried other medications first. And if you have not, they might refuse it and say, ‘Try these other medications first, which are generic,’” he says.

With all that in mind, it’s hard to say when this medication might be available as a first-line treatment. For now, the guidance remains unchanged: stimulants are still considered the most effective medication for ADHD, the kind that’s most likely to “move the needle” on symptoms, Volkert says. But if you or your child have tried stimulants with mixed results, it’s still worth bringing up this new option with your medical provider.

The more time goes on, the more protein we’re supposed to eat, apparently — even just figuring out how much protein to eat is a chore since the numbers are so hotly debated on social media. Once you have your goal set and you’re recipe planning, though, it’s easy to get stuck in a rut with bland chicken breasts and protein pasta. But with these ground turkey recipes, you can eat lean protein meals all week long with pretty minimal effort in the kitchen.

With most recipes, you can easily switch between ground beef, ground chicken, and ground turkey. But I do think there are some special considerations to be made when you’re cooking with ground turkey, because honestly, it tends to get dry really easily. And nobody wants to eat their fifth meal of prepped ground turkey bowl knowing it’s going to be like chewing on eraser shavings (ask me how I know). These recipes all make the most of their main ingredient, and stay juicy and saucy and delicious despite turkey’s tendency to dry out. Chef’s kiss.

Greek Turkey Meatballs With Feta

One of the best antidotes to a naturally drier protein? Sauce! All The Healthy Things’ Greek turkey meatballs stay nice and juicy regardless, but with the addition of all those fresh veggies and homemade yogurt sauce, you could never accuse this turkey dish of being anything but delicious.

Turkey Bolognese

My Italian friends, please forgive me, but turkey bolognese is a recipe option for those not as dedicated to tradition. Well Plated’s recipe is ready in 45 minutes but tastes like it’s been simmering all day, which makes it a winner in my book.

Turkey Meatball Sliders

If you make a big batch of turkey meatballs for the last recipe, you have the hardest part of this recipe already done. Damn Delicious’ turkey meatball sliders are the perfect easy recipe to follow whether you have spare meatballs lying around or not, and they’ll take very little time to throw together on a busy school night.

Burger Bowls With Special Sauce

I don’t know about you, but I could quite literally always go for a cheeseburger. So, this burger bowl recipe from All The Healthy Things is high on my list to try in the coming weeks. You could get super creative with the toppings here — like bacon-and-bleu-cheese burger bowls or mushroom-and-Swiss — or keep it classic. This recipe calls for ground beef, but the blogger specifies that swapping in ground turkey is no issue at all.

Taco Sloppy Joes

Nothing on this planet gets drier than ground turkey when it’s overcooked, so a recipe like Tessie’s Table’s taco sloppy Joes is the perfect solution. Look at all that sauce! This feels like an easy kid- and adult-friendly recipe since you can customize your Joe with your choice of toppings.

Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

All the flavor with none of the assembly? Sign me up. Princess Pinky Girl knows how to get at the heart of what makes a dish yummy, and then make the steps to getting there way easier. Her unstuffed cabbage rolls are no different. The recipe calls for ground beef, but elsewhere in her post, she says ground turkey or chicken works just as well (again, it’s a saucy dish).

Asian Turkey Lettuce Wraps

Damn Delicious’ lettuce wraps made with ground turkey might be the ultimate recipe. It comes together in one skillet, is super flavorful and high in protein, and it only takes 25 minutes start to finish. Grab some butter lettuce to scoop them up, and you really won’t even have any silverware to wash.

Easiest Burrito Bowl Meal Prep

Budget Bytes’ burrito bowls are so easy to make that it’s hard to believe they’re also so satisfying. Just brown and season your ground turkey, then add whatever burrito fillings you’d normally enjoy, like cheese, salsa, or pico, lettuce, rice, beans, you name it. This is precisely my kind of recipe — barely any cooking, plenty of flavor, and it’ll feed me many times.

Healthy Baked Ziti

Baked ziti is a satisfying, crowd-pleasing sort of dinner for when your family just wants some comfort food. This recipe from All The Healthy Things advises that you can keep the dish a little lighter and higher in protein by using ground turkey instead of the usual beef.

Easy 30-Minute Turkey Chili

Chili is a great way to use up ground turkey with pretty minimal effort, and Averie Cooks’ version is no different. It packs tons of flavor, too. Bonus points if you top it with a little Greek yogurt instead of sour cream (because protein), and yes, cheese is protein too.

Turkey-Chili-Smothered Sweet Potatoes

You will want to add some extra fiber to your diet to complement all that protein, and this dish from Budget Bytes is the perfect way to do that while also breathing new life into your leftover chili. Top a baked sweet potato (a high-fiber food) with a heap of tasty chili, then top with cheese and fresh cilantro, and serve it up.

Zucchini, Quinoa, & Turkey Sausage Stuffed Peppers

The title of the recipe is a little deceiving, but you can make this recipe with standard ground turkey — just add a little garlic and fennel to replicate that sausage flavor, Foodie Crush says. The juicy peppers help their contents stay tender, and you’ll definitely hit all your protein and veggie goals with this meal.

Turkey & Vegetable Stir Fry

Need a fast, filling, nutritious weeknight meal? Then Averie Cooks’ turkey and veggie stir fry is where it’s at. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a great way to curb your takeout cravings while also hitting your protein goal for the day.

Easy Tex-Mex Stuffed Acorn Squash With Ground Turkey

The acorn squashes take about an hour in the oven so this may not be a weeknight dinner solution, but Simple And Savory’s recipe is pretty easy to make. If you’re a squash lover, I think this Tex-Mex ground turkey situation will really do it for you.

20-Minute Teriyaki Turkey Bowls

Entirely Emmy is the queen of making delicious, nutritious bowls, and this ground beef bowl is the perfect recipe to sub some turkey into. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that’s ready in 20 minutes, and you can use up all the random veggies in your produce drawer.

Juicy Grilled Turkey Burgers

I’m all for a turkey burger, but they usually come out flavorless and dry. Feel Good Foodie’s recipe calls for the perfect blend of spices to fix that and teaches you a little patty indentation trick to help them cook evenly (this helps them stay juicy).

Mini Turkey Meatloaf Muffins

Mini turkey meatloaves are not the first thing to come to mind when I’m wondering what to do with my thawed ground meat, but Haute & Healthy Living might be here to change that. They only take 20 minutes to bake, and the shredded apple and onion seem like they’d keep the final product moist. I think it’s worth a try!

Ground Turkey & Zucchini Skillet

Dinner does not have to be fancy to be good (or good for you). Budget Bytes’ turkey and zucchini skillet is filling and flavorful (you’ll need soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, grated garlic, grated ginger, and chili garlic sauce). Plus, it’s ready in 25 minutes start to finish, which you really can’t beat.

So, which ground turkey recipes will you add to your repertoire?

What's on your bucket list? Maybe it's hiking towering mountains, visiting every National Park, or spending entire days out on the water. Those dreams can feel pretty far away when you're juggling school pickups, grocery runs, and approximately 900 other things. But adventure doesn't have to disappear just because you became a parent.

Susan Kikuli isn't waiting until her kids are grown to show them the world. The Las Vegas mom of two and creator behind @mama_and_minis_adventures has made exploring part of her family's routine. Whether they're camping under the stars, paddling across a lake, or chasing down another trailhead, she's raising Christopher, 9, and David, 11, to believe there's a whole lot more waiting for them than whatever's on a screen.

"I want my kids to feel that the outdoors is their playground," says Susan, whose love of nature began as a therapeutic outlet when her boys were babies. "It's a win-win situation because they thrive outdoors just as much as I do."

Of course, saying yes to adventure is a lot easier when you have a vehicle that's just as game as you are. For Susan, that's the Ford 2026 Explorer ST. Ranked among the highest in initial quality among mainstream brands by J.D. Power, it gives her family the capability and confidence to keep chasing whatever's around the next bend. Here's how it's helping her raise two adventurous little humans.

She Treats The Outdoors Like A Classroom

Sure, fresh air has the magical ability to tire kids out before bedtime. But for Susan, that's just a bonus. It's where some of her kids' biggest life lessons happen.

"The outdoors provides a unique environment to develop problem-solving skills and resilience," she says. Over the years, Christopher and David have learned to adapt when plans change, solve problems together, and tackle challenges as a team. Some of that comes from leaving room for the unexpected.

"I encourage unstructured play and — every once in a while — the absence of routine," Susan says. Giving her boys space to wander, imagine, and explore has made them more creative and more comfortable navigating unfamiliar places. She recalls how one unexpected family detour made for one of the best memories.

"Once, I accidentally took the wrong road, and we discovered a beautiful park. We spent hours there, had a picnic, and explored a nearby trail. Though unplanned, it ended up being a highlight of our trip."

With the Ford 2026 Explorer ST serving as home base, wrong turns have a funny way of becoming the best part of the trip.

That's thanks in part to six standard drive modes built for whatever the day throws your way. They include Eco to maximize fuel efficiency, Sport for quicker accelerator response, Slippery for better control on ice, water, or loose gravel, and Trail to help maintain momentum on dirt and mud. Along with Normal and Tow modes, they give Susan the confidence to adapt to whatever road lies ahead instead of letting the terrain dictate the journey. Every new trail becomes another opportunity to show her sons what curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to try something new look like in real life.

"My goal has always been to show them what it looks like to tackle life with curiosity, resilience, and a sense of 'yes,'" she says.

She Knows Preparation Creates More Freedom

While spontaneity is part of every adventure, Susan says the secret is actually planning ahead. The whole family gets involved before they even leave the driveway, with everyone choosing one or two stops they want to make along the way. Then comes the packing. Parents know this isn't a suitcase. It's a small-scale logistics operation.

"I literally must know where everything is ahead of time," Susan laughs. "I plan everything in advance so I don't leave anything behind."

Emergency supplies, first-aid kits, snacks, water, toys, adventure gear, sports equipment, inflatable paddleboards — it all comes along. Thankfully, the Ford 2026 Explorer ST has room for everything, along with smart storage compartments that help keep it organized.

Even better, available third-row seating for up to six passengers (or seven with the second-row bench) gives everyone enough personal space to spread out. Christopher and David stay busy with journals, games, and activity books, and Susan says the extra room means fewer sibling squabbles along the way.

Which means less time digging through bags and muttering, "I know I packed it," and more time actually enjoying the trip.

"My hope is that my kids always remember that I was present," she says, "and that I was having the best time of my life raising them and exploring this beautiful world with them."

She Trusts Her Vehicle To Go Wherever Curiosity Leads

Everyone has their happy place. For some people it's the couch. For others it's a beach. For Susan, it's wherever the next adventure with her boys begins. For Susan, it isn't home or the office. "I tend to feel most like myself when I'm out having a good time exploring with my sons."

The Ford 2026 Explorer ST helps make those moments possible. Its sport-tuned suspension delivers sharper handling, while the performance brake system helps Susan stay confident and in control wherever the road takes her.

Because when you're not worrying about whether your vehicle can handle the road ahead, you have a lot more room to soak up the memories happening inside it. And with a clear head and presence in the moment, memories are made.

"Having the Explorer has enabled us to try new things, new trails, and new experiences, and given me the confidence to take on any terrain," Susan says. "One of the biggest things that gives me peace of mind is knowing that my vehicle can handle it all."

Learn more about the Ford 2026 Explorer ST.

Family vacations come in all shapes and sizes, but road trips have one undeniable advantage: nobody can tell you you're doing them wrong.

See a sign for the World's Largest Petting zoo? Merge away. Decide everyone's too invested in the audiobook to stop for lunch just yet? Keep driving. Change your plans halfway through the day because someone spotted a waterfall on the navigation? That's the beauty of having your own set of wheels, they leave room for some spontaneity. The only real requirement? A vehicle that's just as ready to pivot as your family is.

That's why families like Susan Kikuli's rely on the 2026 Ford Explorer® ST SUV. The Las Vegas mom of two and creator of @mama_and_minis_adventures spends her weekends chasing trails, lakes, and campsites with her sons, Christopher and David. She tells Scary Mommy that the Ford Explorer® ST SUV gives her the confidence to keep saying "Sure, let's see where this road goes." And it’s no wonder why. Ford happens to be ranked #1 in Initial Quality among Mainstream Brands by JD Power & Associates.*

*Ford received the lowest rate of reported problems among mass market brands in the JD Power 2026 U.S. Initial Quality Study of new vehicle owners’ experiences after 90 days of ownership. Visit jdpower.com/awards for more information. Awards based on 2026 model year. Newer models may be shown.

"Having the Explorer® ST SUV, a vehicle with adventure capabilities, has enabled us to venture off and try new things, new trails, and new experiences," she tells Scary Mommy. Here's why it's become her family's ultimate road-trip companion.

Plenty Of Room For Everyone

Any parent knows the people aren't the only passengers on vacation. There's the cooler. The snacks. The backpacks. The emergency bag. The "just in case" sweatshirt nobody wears until they absolutely need it. Somehow, it’s all supposed to fit in one car.

The 2026 Ford Explorer® ST SUV makes that part a whole lot easier.

With third-row seating for up to six passengers (or seven with the available second-row bench seats), everyone has room to spread out without spending three hours negotiating invisible seat boundaries. An available Cargo Organizer helps keep everything in its place, so when someone inevitably asks, "Mom, where are my headphones?" you don't have to unload half the cargo area just to find the one thing they're suddenly incapable of living without.

For Susan, that space isn't a luxury. It's what makes the whole trip run more smoothly. "The Explorer® ST SUV has given us the space,” she says, “Not to mention comfort to pack up our gear, spread out, and simply enjoy the ride.” And isn’t enjoying the journey what it’s all about anyway?

Comfort That Goes Beyond Comfortable Seats

Anyone who's survived six hours of "Are we there yet?" knows comfort isn't a luxury — it's survival. Luckily, the Explorer® ST is basically giving VIP lounge on wheels. Think heated and ventilated front seats, plus roomy, heated second-row captain's chairs, complete with armrests, climate controls, and cup holders.

For Susan, though, the biggest luxury isn't a heated seat. It's feeling less mentally exhausted when they finally reach their destination.

Available Ford BlueCruise enables hands-free highway driving on 97% of controlled-access highways across the U.S. and Canada while monitoring the driver's gaze to help ensure they stay engaged. It can even assist with lane changes, making long stretches of highway feel a little less tiring. Susan credits this feature with giving her the ability to navigate busy highways while still feeling confidence behind the wheel.

"This feature truly makes me more comfortable and less stressed, so I can arrive feeling relaxed," Susan says. That matters because the less energy she spends managing the drive, the more she has left for the adventure waiting at the destination.

"More than anything," Susan says, "our outdoor experiences are teaching them the importance of being present."

Navigating Life, Even When The Map Ends

The best family adventures rarely stick to the beaten path. One minute you're cruising down the interstate. The next you're winding toward a hidden lake, a campground, or a trailhead someone recommended online. Fortunately, the 2026 Ford Explorer® ST is designed for both.

Its six standard drive modes — including Eco, Sport, Slippery, Trail, Normal, and Tow/Haul — help Susan stay confident whether she's navigating highways, dirt roads, loose gravel, or muddy trails.

That's important because her family's adventures rarely look the same twice.

"From camping, to kayaking, to hiking, to biking, we love it all, and we're always open to learning and experiencing new things," she says. "The Explorer® SUV has given me the confidence to take on almost any terrain."

The best family vehicles do more than get everyone from Point A to Point B. They help make it easier to say yes to the scenic route, one more hike, the weird roadside attraction, or the last-minute campground someone recommended five minutes ago.

Learn more about the 2026 Ford Explorer® ST SUV.

OK, this might be the cutest thing to happen to football all year: Disney, Champion, the NFL, and Fanatics teamed up to give all 32 NFL teams their very own Disney, Pixar, Marvel, or Star Wars character match, and the whole lineup just dropped.

As a certified Disney adult, this is the kind of crossover that makes me actually want to watch football on Sunday with my husband instead of dissociating next to him with a book!

The collection includes tees, crewnecks, and fleece for every team, timed for kickoff of the 2026 season.

Here's the full lineup, division by division, so you can find your team and see who they got paired with. Fair warning, some of these pairings are so sweet and so spot on that you're going to want the hoodie immediately.

Women's New York Jets Disney x Champion Green Buzz Lightyear All-Star T-Shirt

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AFC East

• Bills: Beast
• Dolphins: King Triton
• Patriots: Captain America
• Jets: Buzz Lightyear

Men's Pittsburgh Steelers Disney x Champion Heather Gray Pete Reverse Weave Sweatshirt

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AFC North

• Ravens: Diaval and Maleficent
• Bengals: Shere Khan
• Browns: Pluto
• Steelers: Pete

Youth Indianapolis Colts Disney x Champion Heather Gray Horace Horsecollar T-Shirt

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AFC South

• Texans: Jessie
• Colts: Horace Horsecollar
• Jaguars: Pepita
• Titans: Thanos

AFC West

• Broncos: Maximus
• Chiefs: Big Bad Wolf
• Raiders: Darth Vader
• Chargers: Hercules and Pegasus

Men's Houston Texans Disney x Champion Athletic Navy Jessie Tri-Blend T-Shirt

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NFC East

• Cowboys: Woody
• Giants: Wreck-It Ralph
• Eagles: Doctor Doom
• Commanders: Hamm

NFC North

• Bears: Baloo
• Lions: Simba
• Packers: Chewbacca
• Vikings: Thor

Men's Chicago Bears Disney x Champion Black Baloo All-Star Full-Zip Hoodie

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NFC South

• Falcons: Millennium Falcon
• Panthers: Bagheera
• Saints: Louis
• Buccaneers: Captain Hook

NFC West

• Cardinals: Jafar and Iago
• Rams: Sulley
• 49ers: Stinky Pete the Prospector
• Seahawks: the "mine, mine, mine" seagulls from Finding Nemo

Women's Seattle Seahawks Disney x Champion Green Seagulls All-Star T-Shirt

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Some of these pairings feel like they were made just for the fans, like the Cowboys getting Woody, the ultimate loyal, classic cowboy. Or the Lions and Simba, two icons who both represent pride and heart. And the Seahawks getting matched with the sweet, scene-stealing seagulls from Finding Nemo is such a fun, playful nod to the fandom that it might be our favorite pairing in the whole collection.

Whichever team you cheer for, there's a character in this drop that was made to feel like yours, and that's really what makes it so charming. Cozy, nostalgic, a little bit magical, and just in time to snuggle up for kickoff.

The collection is live now at NFLShop.com, Fanatics.com, DisneyStore.com, and select retailers.

The crush heard ‘round the world in recent years: Noah Wyle as Dr. Robby in The Pitt, of course. The HBO Max hit series follows a team of doctors and nurses staffing the ER in a Pittsburgh hospital, and has received numerous awards for its honest depiction of what it’s like to be a healthcare worker in America dealing with vaccine hesitancy, gun violence, and more. Wyle’s character in particular is beloved for his brutally honest way of talking about the system, and for his portrayal of the toll of caring for patients at their worst day in and day out. Fans can’t get enough, so of course we’re all eagerly awaiting Season 3... and the first official teaser just dropped.

Here’s everything we know about The Pitt Season 3 right now, from cast updates to plot lines to (praise be) a confirmed release date.

The Pitt Season 3 Cast

One thing about The Pitt is that they’re not afraid to switch things up; the showrunners recognize that medical staff come and go, and they don’t shy from that with their own characters. HBO has already confirmed that Dr. Samira Mohan (Supriya Ganesh) will not be returning for Season 3, while Dr. Parker Harris (Ayesha Harris) has been upped to a series regular and will be joining the day shift with Dr. Robby, Collider reported. Oh, and Victoria Javadi (Shabana Azeez) will transfer from the ER to a psychiatry rotation, which may come in handy considering Dr. Robby’s breakdown in Season 2.

Six new actors have joined the recurring cast, according to Deadline:

• Pruitt Taylor Vince will play Lance Candella, an emergency room patient. Jeremy Radin and Charlz Williams will play patients Grant Emerson and Angus Gunn, respectively.
• Malachi Beasley and Cheyenne Perez join as student doctors Taj Osei and Marisol Elena Sambrano Monterossa.
• Rosanny Zayas will play physician assistant Vera Delgado.

As for the rest of the ER stars — Noah Wyle, Katherina LaNasa, Sepideh Moafi, Patrick Ball, Isa Briones, Shawn Hatosy, Taylor Dearden, Fiona Dourif, and Gerran Howell — we’ll get to see them all back in action too.

The Pitt Season 3 Release Date

Production on the show began back in June. In an interview with Deadline, Noah Wyle confirmed Season 3 of The Pitt will air in January 2027.

While he didn’t specify an exact date, we can make an educated guess. Seasons 1 and 2 aired one year apart but within a day of each other: January 9, 2025, and January 8, 2026, respectively. The show airs on Wednesdays, which means a likely release date for Season 3 would fall on January 6, 2027, Forbes reported.

What will The Pitt Season 3 be about?

On August 21, HBO Max released the first official teaser for the new season. It doesn’t divulge many specifics of the storyline, but it does make two things clear: This season will have its pulse-pounding patient encounters, and Dr. Robby is so back.

The Pitt’s format is one of the most interesting things about it. Each hour-long episode tells the story of one hour of the same shift in the ER. They are generally written to feel like they are taking place in the present, in real time.

In Season 3, that will change, Wyle told Deadline. It will be set roughly four months after the end of Season 2.

“Up until now, we’ve plotted our show almost in real time when people are watching. We’ve written the shows eight months before we air, but we’ve written them to take place in the time and place in which they are being watched this season. We didn’t do that this season. What we’re depicting is Thursday, November 12, 2026, and it will be aired in January of 2027,” he said.

That’s because November 2026 was a major moment in time for American healthcare.

“That was a decision made because there’s going to be a lot of anticipation and fear and preparation going into January and the execution of the Big Beautiful Bill that will have a lot of ramifications in Americans’ lives,” Wyle said. “We wanted to focus on what those last couple of months of the year are going to be like and what most people are going to have to do to prepare themselves for a very harsh reality in the next seven to eight years, to underscore the point of how desperate this particular moment in time is.”

Of course, viewers will also get more insight into Dr. Robby’s mental health journey, with Wyle telling Deadline that Season 3 will be about exploring what his rock bottom really looks like (gulp).

While the timeline might be a little different than we’re used to, this switchup speaks to The Pitt’s commitment to covering the issues that deeply impact healthcare in America. We can’t wait to see how they handle this one.

Fans look forward to Disney’s D23 expo every year because it always brings huge news about the Disney parks, movies, shows, and more — and this year proved to be no exception. Among the exciting updates dropped during this year’s three-day event? That the new Monsters, Inc. Land — proper name, Monstropolis — is opening to Disney World park guests in 2027. And we finally got a peek at just what we humans will get to see when it does.

Monstropolis will be nestled inside Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios. According to Disney Parks Blog, the concept behind the monstrous city picks up at the end of Monsters, Inc.:

“As Monstropolis evolved, so did its connection with the human world. You may have heard of the HR department, but you haven’t heard of this HR department … that’s right, I’m talking about the Department of Human Relations. This new team established by the city has been tasked with sinking their teeth — and in some cases, their very BIG teeth — into helping monsters better understand humans as welcomed guests.

“The newly instated department has been spearheading a moment that was once thought impossible: inviting humans into Monstropolis for the very first time. And that invitation has a name. H.U.M.A.N. Day, short for ‘Humans Understanding Monsters Are Nice,’ marks a historic milestone for the city. Part celebration, part cultural exchange, the event is designed to introduce humans to life inside Monstropolis while helping monsters discover that humans are not so frightening after all. Now that’s something to snarl — ahem, smile about!”

The new Monstropolis will include:

• The Glob Theater, which will host the show “Welcome to Monstropolis”
• Archie’s Scare Pig Pizza (a pizza restaurant)
• Harryhausen’s Restaurant, the site of Mike and Celia’s ill-fated date
• Scareporium (a gift shop)
• Monsters University Alumni Club (a tribute to legendary scarers and alumni)
• A doors-themed coaster

Monstropolis is opening in two phases, and alas, the door coaster is part of Phase 2, which does not have a confirmed opening date just yet. But one day in the not-too-distant future, we’ll all finally get to experience the incredible door vault transportation system that sparked imaginations everywhere when the original film was first released in 2001.

“The first time I saw Monsters, Inc., all I wanted to do was ride on one of those doors like Mike and Sulley,” Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro admitted to the D23 crowd in 2025. “You’ll go into the factory and experience the first suspended coaster ever in a Disney park. Remember in the movie how those claws grab the doors and hoist them up into the air to take them away? We’re doing that, too. And you’re going along for the ride.”

While previous Monsters, Inc. attractions have opened at other parks around the world — specifically Disney California Adventure and Tokyo Disneyland — this new addition to Hollywood Studios marks the first major Monsters, Inc. tribute at Disney World.

Up to this point, fans of the franchise who visit the Florida parks have had to make do with two small Monsters, Inc.-themed attractions: Magic Kingdom’s Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor (an underrated experience if you ask me, especially since it has excellent air conditioning) and Hollywood Studios’ Sulley meet-and-greet.

Before we know it, we’ll all be strolling the streets of Monstropolis alongside some of our favorite monsters. No word on whether Boo will make a cameo, but here’s hoping!

The diaper aisle gets longer every day, with more and more brands popping up that seem to make more and more claims. If your baby has sensitive skin, you just want to find diapers that keep messes in and don’t give your little one a rash while they do it. But looking at all those boxes covered in all those claims — what are “gentle,” “pure,” and “non-toxic diapers” anyway? — it’s hard to know which option is right for your baby. And when choosing between product lines, like Pampers Pure versus Amore, how can you really tell which will best support your baby’s skin health?

Here’s how to untangle the legit safety certifications from the marketing lingo so you can find the safest fragrance-free diapers and wipes for sensitive skin.

Look for experts’ seal of approval.

Just like supplements, medications, and other health and safety products, the first question to ask yourself is whether the wipes you’re considering have been tested by a third-party organization. When we’re talking about babies with sensitive skin, the badge you want to look for on the box is the National Eczema Association (NEA) Seal of Acceptance.

For a brand to put that badge on its packaging, the NEA must first review the full list of ingredients to ensure that nothing in the formula or fabrics is known to trigger eczema or other kinds of irritation. The brand must also submit a full report on its clinical safety testing, including clinical safety testing at least one evidence-based testing protocol [1].

By looking for this seal of approval, you can seriously narrow down how many wipes you have to decide between. You don’t have to shop at special stores or choose some hip new brand, either; for example, Pampers Sensitive Wipes have earned the NEA seal and are sold in most major retail stores.

Does the name OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Class 1 mean anything to you?

Likely not, but looking for this label on the diaper box can help reduce the risk that the product inside causes skin irritation. If the diapers have an OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Class 1 label on the packaging, this is also a sign the manufacturer has submitted them for third-party safety testing. [2]

This designation means every component of the diaper — top layer, elastics, adhesives, and even the inks — was lab-tested to screen for hundreds of harmful substances. Class 1 is reserved for products used on babies 3 years and younger. As such, it has the strictest safety requirements.

Unlike some organizations, OEKO-TEX doesn’t just test the raw materials in a product; they test the assembled product itself. The manufacturer must renew their certification annually, meaning that when you see this seal on a box of Pampers Swaddlers at the store, you know they’re currently meeting industry safety standards — not coasting on a seal they earned in 2019.

Certifications tell you a product’s ingredients are safe, but also look for what’s excluded.

OEKO-TEX and NEA seals are helpful tools for parents, but the organizations can only test what’s present in the products. For sensitive skin, what’s not in the formula can be just as important.

“Pure,” “natural,” “gentle” — while these terms all sound lovely, they’re not regulated or verifiable terms. Instead of leaning on fluffy marketing jargon, shop brands that explicitly state what’s not in their diapers or wipes.

Fragrance is one of the most common eczema triggers, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, which recommends purchasing “fragrance-free” products rather than “unscented” ones (which actually have a fragrance that has been masked). [3] Parabens show up on “made without” lists as well, and while the research tying them to eczema in young kids is suggestive rather than concrete, they’re easy enough to skip. [4]

Brands that are transparent about their formulas in this way are a safer bet for cautious parents. For example, Pampers’ sensitive-skin diapers list that they skip fragrance, lotion, parabens, and latex, which is far more helpful than just saying they’re “gentle” or “natural.”

Beware the badges that don’t really mean much.

These icons wind up on diaper boxes because they look impressive, but they don’t provide you any insight on how the product will affect your baby.

• FDA registration means a company is legally cleared to ship to the U.S. It does not mean the FDA tested or approved the diaper.
• The CE mark is the manufacturer’s own declaration that it meets EU rules. This is a self-issued seal rather than one granted by an unbiased third party.
• ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 confirm the factory follows consistent processes. Cool for them, but meaningless to parents.
• FSC and PEFC mean the wood pulp came from responsibly managed forests. We love to see it, but it’s not helpful when thinking about what’s best for baby.

How To Find The Safest Diapers and Wipes For Sensitive Skin In Five Minutes

1. Pull up the NEA or OEKO-TEX websites. Both orgs publish searchable directories of products that meet their safety standards, so you don’t have to toggle between brands on Amazon and trust their photos.
2. Confirm that the certification applies to the specific item you’re buying, not another line from the same manufacturer. Most brands have a few different lines under their umbrella, but these certificates are product-specific, not brand-wide.
3. Skip over vague marketing lingo like “pure” and “gentle,” and instead look for clear language about what the diaper was made without. Think no fragrance, no lotion, and no parabens.
4. If your child struggles with severe eczema or other sensitivities, reach out to the diaper brand and ask for current third-party lab results on formaldehyde, heavy metals, and phthalates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are "non-toxic" and "chemical-free" diaper claims regulated?

No. Neither term has a standardized legal definition, so manufacturers are not required to prove anything to make these claims. That’s why independent certifications and clear ingredient-omission language are more useful to consumers.

Is fragrance-free or fully chemical-free better for an irritation-prone baby?

The more specific the omission, the more likely it is to be real and verifiable. “Fragrance-free” is a meaningful, achievable standard — that’s why it’s the one the American Academy of Dermatology references. "Chemical-free" isn't a real product category; it might sound dismal, but everything is made of chemicals.

What does the NEA Seal of Acceptance actually review?

The NEA analyzes the full ingredient list and formulation of the product, then compares it against their list of substances known to irritate eczema-prone and sensitive skin.

Does OEKO-TEX certification mean a diaper is hypoallergenic?

No. It means the components were tested against a list of harmful substances. Hypoallergenic is a separate, less strictly defined claim.

Can a certified diaper still cause a reaction?

Yes. Certification lowers the odds; it doesn't eliminate them. If your baby’s diaper rash is persistent or worsens, you should talk to your pediatrician about possible causes and prevention.

[1] National Eczema Association — Seal of Acceptance criteria and accepted-product directory. nationaleczema.org/product-directory/get-the-seal

[2] OEKO-TEX — Standard 100, Class 1 (products for babies and toddlers). oeko-tex.com/en/our-standards/oeko-tex-standard-100/

[3] American Academy of Dermatology. Eczema-Friendly Products. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/childhood/triggers/friendly-products

[4] Thürmann, Loreen et al. “Prenatal paraben exposure and atopic dermatitis-related outcomes among children.” Allergy vol. 76,10 (2021): 3122-3132. doi:10.1111/all.14890

As my overworked phone storage can tell you, I love to take photos of my kids. I like the silly, the serious, and the candid shots. One of my favorites, though, is when I manage to capture my kids taking their own photo. Now that our twin middle schoolers and high schooler have their own phones, I get to see the way they view the world as we move through our city, country, and other parts of the planet (and my 8-year-old never minds swiping an adult phone to capture a memory.)

I stood this spring and watched my 14-year-old son capture photos of the sweeping vistas and Pacific views in Altos de Campana National Park in Panama — and then just sit, taking it all in. We had chosen to take a trip to Panama to see my brother and his family, who have a home there.

And, due to adoption-related issues, it took a lot of work and more money than I’d like to admit to get passports for our family of six, but watching him that day made it all worth it.

I have zero regrets over every penny, every battle over airplane seats, every responsibility we set on a back burner to get the hell out of this country for a week.

I’m the last person anyone should take financial advice from, but I long ago decided that I’d rather go into debt over my kids’ first sunset over the Pacific than over anything that makes our house more Pinterest-worthy. I realize even saying that is a privilege that many families don’t have, and I breathed a sigh of relief when I hefted the weight of those six little blue books in my hand. It felt like freedom.

We’ve been traveling since our kids were tiny. It’s not always easy. We’ve swapped local road trips and shoving pack-n-plays in our minivan for bigger adventures inside and outside of the United States. We are far from well-traveled, but the more suitcases we pack, the more I realize how crucial travel of any type is to healing some of the brokenness in this world right now.

So I encourage you to just go. Even if it’s “just to Canada” by car, even if it’s just for the day. Just go.

It feels like a lot right now; I get it. We spent over two years chasing down passports while trying to have fun inside of these borders. There are so many ways, within this beautifully rich and diverse nation, to get your kids mentally “out” without physically leaving. Beyond that, did you know that kids 16 and under only need a birth certificate to travel by car to Canada, Mexico, or on closed-loop Caribbean cruises? Or that Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, both territories, don’t require a passport at all? These destinations are part of the United States — and are culturally rich locations perfect for expanding little horizons.

We live in Pittsburgh, which is packed with cultural celebrations, restaurants, and museum exhibits that bring together people from all corners of the globe to celebrate the many wonderful ways there are to be human. In our city alone, there’s a bilingual story time every week at Duolingo, nationality rooms that are free to tour, and festivals to celebrate food and culture from every corner of the globe — we’ve launched dragon boats and celebrated Eids and learned how to say hello in a dozen languages without even needing a second tank of gas. You might be surprised at the ways you can open up your kids’ worldview right at home.

This is what we need right now as parents: to teach our kids there is more in this beautiful world that unites us than divides us, and I believe travel is the best tool in our toolbox to accomplish that. We are inundated with stories and reels of people who packed it all up to move to another country. While that sounds great some days, it isn't feasible for most of us. It’s not for us, so we’ve chosen to help our kids microdose the world instead.

By the numbers, about 23 percent of Americans have not left the United States for a myriad of reasons: finances, anxiety, inability to get a passport, and on and on. For those that do travel, though, the same research found an increase in knowledge and interest about the world, as well as more compassion for those in situations different than our own. It's scientific: travel creates better humans.

Before our trip to Panama this spring, we talked often with our kids about the new experiences they would have. We repeated a mantra my brother tells his own kids, who spend a good chunk of each year overseas. “It’s not weird, it’s just different.”

On our trip, I saw my kids' eyes open to the breadth of beauty in this world. As we cruised down the Chagres River in dugout canoes, I felt tears stream down my face. Being seated last in the canoe allowed me to see my children take in the rainforest with wide eyes while they absorbed the words of our indigenous hosts. I could almost see their world view expanding as they took in the food, music, and way of life that we were invited to experience. I watched my kid, who will reject an off-brand chicken nuggie, nibble on fresh tilapia plucked from the Chagres and cooked over a fire as my heart swelled with pride (and a bit of shock, if I’m honest).

As our week in Panama progressed, I saw my kids grow in confidence in a new culture. They became more willing to try out a few fledgling Spanish words or play with new friends they couldn’t understand.

I watched my kids push themselves to do new things daily. Some moments were hard; don’t think I am selling you an international cakewalk. I made at least two emergency trips to a Panamanian McDonald’s when one kiddo was craving the familiar, and I cried at least twice that I can recall. (Bonus? McDonald's tastes better and fresher in almost every other country, in case you were wondering.)

By the end of our too-short week, I watched one of my 12-year-old twins take his baby sister up to a street vendor in Panama City, count out a handful of balboas, and use his blossoming Spanish to order two frozen fruit desserts. It wasn’t perfect, but it was beautiful.

As I stood with my kids in the Plaza de la Independencia, built in 1673, I felt an overwhelming sense of thankfulness. I felt the millions of feet that had traversed the stones below my own, a million different lives lived throughout history. I know that moment, like every new experience, expanded their horizons a bit. I know that these moments make our kids more tolerant, more curious, and more excited to continue exploring. I am increasingly convinced this is the medicine this country needs right now.

This planet is so incredible, but I am often overwhelmed by how much time we spend fighting and hating each other during our time on it. As parents, so many of us are working hard to raise kids that are empathetic, accepting, independent, and strong. There’s a lot of ways we can do that, but I would say that one of the best ways is to get your kids the hell out of this country (even if just for a bit).

Meg St-Esprit, M. Ed. is a journalist and essayist based in Pittsburgh, PA. She’s a mom to four kids via adoption as well as a twin mom. She loves to write about parenting, education, trends, and the general hilarity of raising little people.

Football season is upon us, and you know what that means (no, I’m not talking about the fact that your man is busy every Sunday from now until February). I’m talking about game day appetizers, dips, finger foods, snackies, and picky bits. The spread at your friends’ house for game day is arguably the highlight of the weekend, at least if you’re someone who loves party food. Game day appetizers are no holds-barred. They don’t have to be fancy, or healthy, or anything other than absolutely delicious and shareable.

If you’re not sure what to make for your first watch party of the season, here are some crowd-pleasing ideas.

Pulled Pork Sliders

Let’s start with a heavier app for those evening games that land around dinnertime. All The Healthy Things’ pulled pork sliders sound so good: Hawaiian sweet rolls piled high with slow-cooked pork, gouda, crunchy slaw, and green onions.

Cheese Curds

Cheese curds are one of those apps I always eye on a restaurant menu but have never tried to make at home. Princess Pinky Girl makes it seem like it’s really not all that hard. You will definitely be everyone’s favorite guest if you bring a big plate of these bad boys to game day.

Sweet & Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Wings

I know that “no-fry” chicken wing recipes sometimes come out all stretchy and gross, but All The Healthy Things’ do actually come out crispy. The sweet and spicy sauce sounds so delicious, but you could also opt for classic buffalo, garlic parm, or any other fan-favorite flavors.

The Best Guacamole

Restaurant-style guac is both a delicious party dip and a lighter, healthier food to make guests feel like they at least ate one green thing. Damn Delicious’ recipe is loaded with lime, onion, tomato, and cilantro, and looks like it has that perfect slightly chunky texture.

Baked Potato Wedges

Averie Cook’s baked potato wedges are sure to be a crowd-pleaser, even among the picky kids running amok at the watch party. They’re also a very cheap, very filling way to feed a large group of people. Serve them up with the aforementioned sliders, I say.

Cheesy Jalapeño Popper Dip with Crispy Bacon

Stuffing jalapeño poppers is a little too much work for me on a Sunday, but making them in dip form? Easy peasy. All The Healthy Thing’s recipe will teach you the way; you only need a handful of ingredients and about 20 minutes of prep time set aside.

Air-Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Who knew mozzarella sticks could get so perfectly golden brown in the air fryer? Averie Cooks’ recipe will show you how it's done, and honestly, they’re easy enough that you might be in danger of making them more often than you planned to.

Crock-Pot Pizza Dip

If there’s a big spread, an entire pizza can feel like too much food. This Crock-Pot pizza dip from Princess Pinky Girl is perfect for handhelds that fit nicely on a plate with all the other small bites guests want. Just grab some really good bread for dipping.

Crockpot Cajun Boiled Peanuts

If you want everyone to get excited about a game day snack, try serving boiled peanuts. Either everyone in attendance already loves them, or if you don’t live in the South, they’ll make for a fun item for everyone to try. This recipe from Biscuits and Burlap will teach you how to make Cajun-seasoned ones in your Crockpot with so little effort.

Baked Cheesy Corn Dip

What is there to say about a massive skillet of cheesy corn dip other than, “Hey, can you pass the chips?” Appetizer Bliss’s recipe is cheap and easy to make, and your friends are going to request that you bring it to every gathering henceforth.

Greek Bruschetta

OK, OK, let’s say you want to serve one item that has vegetables in it and isn’t solely about melted cheese. Family Fresh Meals’ Greek bruschetta is a great way to make Greek salad into finger food, and who doesn’t love a good balsamic situation?

It's been more than two decades since The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement gave Mia Thermopolis her foot-popping happy ending with Nicholas, and fans have long been clamoring for a return trip to Genovia. Now, at long last, a third installment is finally on the way... but we must know: Will Chris Pine return?

Pine made his film acting debut as Nicholas, Mia’s enemy-turned-lover, in the sequel. While audiences have been yearning to see the pair together again on the big screen, at first it seemed that Pine had been left out of the loop, telling Today shortly after news broke of the long-awaited sequel, “I don’t know anything.” Today co-hosts Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager were shocked that Pine had not yet been included in any plans for the upcoming film.

“You don’t know anything?” Hager asked.

“The answer is I’ve gotta see,” Pine added. “I don’t know anything about it. I think it’s fantastic.”

But then, in April 2026, franchise author Meg Cabot told an audience at BookCon that “obviously” Chris Pine will be in The Princess Diaries 3. Same goes for Robert Schwartzman, who played Michael, Lilly's brother and Mia's love interest in the first film.

The third Princess Diaries was confirmed in late 2024, with a surprise post from Anne Hathaway shortly after Deadline officially broke the news that Princess Diaries 3 was moving forward, with Adele Lim returning to work with Disney as director. (Lim previously worked with Disney when she wrote the 2021 Disney animated movie Raya and the Last Dragon.)

It would appear Lim is just as excited as the rest of us about the reboot, too. “As a diehard fan of the original Princess Diaries, I’m beyond excited to be a part of bringing the third iteration of this beloved franchise to life,” she told Deadline. “We look forward to celebrating its core tenets of female power, joy, and mentorship with audiences worldwide.”

Here’s everything that's been said about the threequel so far.

Is there a Princess Diaries 3 script?

Rumors that a third Princess Diaries movie is in the works have been swirling for years. As recently as 2019, Hathaway confirmed that a script was written. "There is a script for the third movie," she said on an episode of Watch What Happens Live. "There is a script. I want to do it, Julie [Andrews] wants to do it, Debra Martin Chase, our producer, wants to do it. We all really want it to happen."

However, Hathaway did share one caveat: The story would have to be perfect before they reveal it to fans. "It's just, we don't want to do it unless it's perfect because we love it just as much as you guys love it," she explained. "It's as important to us as it is to you, and we don't want to deliver anything until it's ready. But we're working on it."

When speaking at BookCon, Meg Cabot also made mention of having read the script. So, we know it exists and that production is underway.

Which other stars have said they would return?

Pine isn't the only Princess Diaries alum who expressed interest in continuing Mia's story. In an August 2023 appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show, Mandy Moore revealed she's game for The Princess Diaries 3 — and she even has some ideas about what Mia's high school bully Lana might be up to today.

More than anything, Moore wants redemption for Lana. She told Barrymore that her dream future for Lana involves a friendship with Mia. "She's done a 180," the This Is Us star pitched. "She's turned her life around, and she and Mia become really good friends."

Sadly, in an August 2026 interview with Today, Julie Andrews made it clear she will not be reprising her role as Queen Clarice Renaldi.

“I’m not going to be in it,” she said. “I think the story is slightly different, and I’m not quite sure how they’re dealing with that. But it’s too late for me to do it. I think the story has to continue in Princess Mia. It’s her story. It’s not really mine.”

In past interviews, Andrews expressed she feels the time to make another film in the series passed after director Garry Marshall died in 2016. "I think it would be too late to do it now," she told The Hollywood Reporter last June. "There was talk of a sequel many, many years ago. But I don't think it ever came to pass. And Garry then did leave us. [For] especially me, it's too far down the line now to go back to it.”

What would The Princess Diaries 3 be about?

If the stars in Genovia align just right, there are plenty of ways Mia's story could continue, or the baton could be passed to the next generation. By now, Mia and Nicholas could conceivably have royal youngsters the story could follow, or the movie could take on what it means to be a princess in 2022.

While Mia's story concluded with a royal wedding in Cabot's books, the author has written a spinoff series that could serve as inspiration for a third movie or even a TV series on Disney+. In From the Notebooks of a Middle School Princess, Mia discovers a half-sister she never knew about, named Olivia. When she shows up on Olivia's doorstep, the tween's entire life changes in an instant — much like Mia's did when she discovered she was a princess.

Since Mia's father died in the movies, it might make more sense for Olivia to be related to Mia in a different way, but the tween angle makes the books a perfect fit for the Disney treatment. Plus, introducing Olivia into the story would make The Princess Diaries 3 nostalgic for original fans and accessible to the next generation of viewers.

Now all that's left is for someone to convince Andrews that Queen Clarisse needs to make one more royal appearance in Genovia for the good of her people... er, make that her fans.

When will The Princess Diaries 3 be released?

We wish we knew, but right now, there’s no clear timeline on when we’ll get to see what’s going on with Mia’s life in Genovia. Anne Hathaway attended this year’s D23 event to be inducted as a Disney Legend. While there, she also provided a bit of an update about the third film. It sounds like production is underway, but everyone is taking their time to make the movie as special as we want it to be.

“Being part of the Disney family also means being part of a legacy studio that deeply values the family audience it makes content for. It’s why we are working so hard to get The Princess Diaries 3 right,” she said, thanking fans for their patience.

Anne, we love you, but we also love Mia Thermopolis. So you just keep us posted, OK?

August may have been brutally hot and muggy, but there was one refreshing bright spot in the sweltering month: Prime Video’s Canadian lakeside series Sterling Point. And if you blew through all eight episodes in a single humid weekend like we did, you’ve probably also been wondering if a second season is in order. Well, pack your bags, friend… we’re headed back to Muskoka!

Prime Video has officially announced that the YA drama will be back for Season 2. The series only just debuted on Aug. 5, making this a super-speedy renewal. That turnaround definitely speaks volumes about how the show performed, and rightfully so. Not only did it become a No. 1 global debut for the platform this summer, but it also landed with critics and is holding steady at 90% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Here’s everything we know so far about the renewal, plus what’s potentially in store for Annie, Ramona, and the rest of the Muskoka crew.

What is Sterling Point about?

For the uninitiated (or anyone who’s been meaning to start it but hasn’t gotten around to it yet), Sterling Point follows 17-year-old Annie Jacobson (Ella Rubin), who was raised in New York City alongside her twin brother Connor (Keen Ruffalo) by their adoptive dad Steven (Jay Duplass). Then, the twins’ estranged grandfather dies and leaves them a surprising inheritance: a whole island in Canada.

Hoping to find a link to her late mother, Annie makes the trip to the lakeside community of Muskoka that she and her brother now technically own. There, she finds new friends, a few budding romances, and some big ol’ buried family secrets.

The show is created, directed, and executive-produced by Megan Park (My Old Ass), a fact many fans credit with making the dialogue and interactions among the teen characters feel real and honest. Park co-showruns with Gossip Girl and The O.C. architects Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage.

When was the show renewed?

Prime Video announced Sterling Point Season 2 on Aug. 20. In the announcement, Park called the love and appreciation fans have shown the series “an absolute joy,” adding, “We worked so hard to make the show as authentic as possible and to see audiences respond to that has been thrilling. We cannot wait to dive deeper into these characters and deliver the best second season ever!”

Which cast members will be back?

Season 1 stars Ella Rubin as Annie, Amélie Hoeferle as Ramona, Jacob Whiteduck-Lavoie as Ellis, Daniel Quinn-Toye as Rory, Bo Bragason as Oona, Keen Ruffalo as Connor, Jay Duplass as Steven, Jeffrey Dean Morgan as Joe, Nikko Angelo Hinayo as Sully, Mabel Strachan as Maple, Elle-Maija Tailfeathers as Kate, and Missi Pyle as Denise Ballantine.

Until we hear otherwise, we can assume that everyone will be back in their respective roles.

When could Sterling Point Season 2 drop?

With the renewal announcement so new, Prime Video hasn’t yet announced a premiere date or episode count… and, realistically, the math might feel like a bit of a downer after the excitement of a renewal.

Season 1 shot across Ontario from late June to early October 2025, and then it didn’t hit Prime Video until Aug. 5, 2026, or roughly 10 months post-production. And considering this is a summer show that lives and dies on Muskoka looking like Muskoka, it’s not like they can start rolling in November. That means the next realistic production window is summer 2027.

If you run the same timeline forward, you land somewhere in mid-2028 for a Season 2 release date.

What will Season 2 be about?

Spoilers ahead for Season 1!

Obviously, Prime Video hasn’t said anything yet because the scripts likely aren’t even written. But, c’mon, the finale left the door wide open for several possible plot lines.

In the finale, we see that Annie and Ramona have effectively swapped lives, with Annie staying on the island and Ramona taking Annie’s Brooklyn bedroom and a shot at getting to know Steven (the bio dad she’d only just discovered she had). That swap alone gives Season 2 a built-in shape: two sisters, two places, one extremely long-distance sibling relationship.

Here’s what else is still hanging in the balance that could make for great Season 2 fodder:

• Connor’s secret: He hasn’t told Annie yet, but Connor got the call that their birth mother is willing to meet him. Park herself has said there’s plenty to mine here.
• Ramona and Oona: Gah! When they were happy, they were so happy; it’s hard not to want that for them again. How will this play out with a whole-ass border between them?
• Steven and Ramona: This unanticipated father-daughter duo has to start from zero, and it’s not like they got off on the best foot.
• Annie and Ellis: Now that Annie’s staying put, she gets to figure out what she actually wants her life to look like. She and Ellis were a slow burn… will their flame grow stronger or burn itself out?
• The island itself: The loose thread that could change everything for everyone! They didn’t sell, but they’re still young and will likely see even more pressure to cash in on their inheritance.

Park has also floated wanting to widen the world with new characters, meaning Season 2 may not be limited to the people we’ve already met in Muskoka.

So, that’s all we’re working with for now. Rewatch, theorize, and let your teen (actual or inner) relive this Muskoka summer until Sterling Point is back on our screens with a new season.

Maybe you’ve already survived the first week of back-to-school madness. Or you could be mentally preparing yourself for that bell to ring and call your kids’ first classes into session. But wherever you are in the back-to-school timeline, you’re most likely still on the hunt for hacks that’ll help make the new school year go well. Sometimes that means finding products, gear, and other essentials to ease your kiddo back into the swing of things.

The picks below are things that have done just that for Scary Mommy editors. These are the items we’re genuinely using and loving, the things we know we’re going to restock. You’ll find stuff that’s deeply practical (a lunchbox that actually holds up), pure morale picks (a unicorn notebook is definitely a dopamine boost), and even the wellness go-tos that we’ve finally learned to keep on hand before the inevitable classroom germs strike.

Here’s hoping they make your back-to-school routine a little better, too.

OmieBox Kids Insulated Leakproof Bento Lunch Box with Food Jar

OmieBox Kids Insulated Leakproof Bento Lunch Box with Food Jar

Amazon -

This year I wanted to be able to send hot lunches to school for my son, and I've had my eye on the Omiebox for a while. I already like how easy it is to clean and how sturdy it feels. Plus, all the parts are easy for my son to open on his own, so he doesn't have to wait for an adult's help to dive into his lunch. — Katie McPherson, Associate Editor, Lifestyle & Entertainment

Sandwich Decruster & Sealer

Sandwich Decruster & Sealer

Amazon -

After seeing a ton of food prep Reels with these cute little sandwich decruster and sealers, I decided to give them a shot. You just lay the bread down, add whatever you want inside, press, pull the crust away, and voila! No blades, no sharp edges, dishwasher-safe. Such an easy and affordable way to batch-make school lunches. — Julie Sprankles, Deputy Editor, Lifestyle & Entertainment

Lalo Bento Box

Lalo Bento Box

Amazon -

This bento box has completely changed the lunch-packing situation in our house. The compartments are perfectly sized for a real kid lunch, the leakproof seal actually works, and the whole thing is made from food-safe, BPA-free materials that I feel genuinely good about sending to school every single day. It is easy enough for my daughter to open herself at lunch without a wrestling match, and it cleans up quickly, which is the thing I care about most at 10 p.m. when I am packing for the next day. — Katie Garrity, News & Social Editor

OmieBox Kids Fork & Spoon Set with Travel Case

OmieBox Kids Fork & Spoon Set with Travel Case

Amazon -

Aside from them just being really cute (this set looks like a big lollipop attached to his lunchbox!), obviously my kid needed silverware to eat his buttered noodles and cut fruit. The size of the silverware is great, it's sturdy, and the rubber is easy enough for my 5-year-old to get his fork in and out of but they also don't fall out either. — Katie McPherson

Calpak Kids School Essentials Bundle with Large Backpack in Green

Calpak Kids School Essentials Bundle with Large Backpack in Green

Amazon -

Calpak has absolutely no right to make kids' backpacks this cute and functional at the same time. The large backpack has a padded laptop sleeve, multiple organized pockets, and a trolley sleeve so it slides right over a suitcase handle for travel days, and the bundle comes with matching accessories so everything coordinates without any effort on my part. The quality is genuinely impressive for a kids' bag, built to survive the absolute chaos of being a backpack that a child owns, and the design is elevated enough that she will actually want to wear it every single day. I’m buying this bundle for my daughter for back-to-school! — Katie Garrity

Thermos Funtainer 16-Ounce Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Bottle

Thermos Funtainer 16-Ounce Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Bottle

Amazon -

Maybe I'm a crazy lady, but we've tried a lot of lunchbox setups in the past two years, and depending on what I'm packing, sometimes we use a soft-sided lunchbox with this Thermos inside. It's easy for my son to open, holds heat well, and has a space for a little folding spoon beneath the lid. It's the perfect size for him and we use it constantly. — Katie McPherson

Skylight Buddy

Skylight Buddy

Skylight -

We got the Skylight Buddy for my daughter, and it has completely changed our mornings. The Skylight Buddy is an alarm clock, sound machine, nightlight, weather checker, and chore tracker all in one adorable little device that my daughter can actually use independently without any help from me. She wakes up to her alarm, checks the weather, sees her daily tasks, and knows exactly what she needs to do before school without me having to say a single word, which is the back-to-school miracle I did not know I needed. — Katie Garrity

Nike Kids Court Borough Mid 2

Nike Kids Court Borough Mid 2

Zappos -

The white-and-playful-pink colorway of these sneakers is absolutely perfect for my daughter for back-to-school! The Court Borough Mid 2 is a classic mid-top sneaker with a clean, versatile look that goes with literally every outfit she owns, from school uniforms to weekend jeans to her fancier dresses when she insists on wearing sneakers anyway. Zappos is my go-to for back-to-school shoes because the free shipping and free returns make sizing for a growing kid so much less stressful. — Katie Garrity

Bright Star Kids School Name Labels Combo Pack

Bright Star Kids School Name Labels Combo Pack

Amazon -

I've tried a few different brands of this kind of label; they're meant to stick to any surface and last through washing machines, dishwashers, and general wear and tear. None of them stick like Bright Star's. Some of their labels have been on my kid's clothes and water bottles for two entire school years already. I finally used up the original set I bought and reordered some for the new school year. His teacher even commented last year that she loves our name stickers; they help us get all those expensive water bottles sent home in his bag at the end of the week, instead of to the lost and found. — Katie McPherson

Lolleez Organic Throat Soothing Pops for Kids, Mixed Berry

Lolleez Organic Throat Soothing Pops for Kids, Mixed Berry

Amazon -

If you have been doing back-to-school long enough, you know the first few weeks always come with a mystery cold, and Lolleez are the thing I make sure I have stocked before the school year even starts. They're organic, allergen-free sore throat pops made with honey that coat and soothe little throats in a way kids actually cooperate with because it tastes like a treat. No fighting over medicine droppers, no negotiations, just a lollipop that genuinely helps and happens to be pediatrician-recommended. — Katie Garrity

Bagsmart Focus Lunch Bag

Bagsmart Focus Lunch Bag

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This lunch bag has become one of my most-used back-to-school purchases. It's insulated to keep food cold for hours, has a front zip pocket for utensils and extras, and the wipe-clean interior lining means I am not dealing with a science experiment at the bottom of the bag by Wednesday. The structured design keeps it upright and organized rather than flopping around at the bottom of a backpack. — Katie Garrity

A Loungefly Mini Backpack

A Loungefly Mini Backpack

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I am buying this for my daughter for back to school, and Palmstreet is honestly my new favorite place to shop for Loungefly — the app makes it incredibly easy to browse a huge selection of styles all in one place, and I found this mini backpack at a price I genuinely could not beat anywhere else. Loungefly mini backpacks are the back-to-school accessory right now for kids and tweens who want something that feels special and expressive rather than just a standard school bag, and the quality is impressive enough that she will be carrying it long after the school year ends. — Katie Garrity

The Nugget

The Nugget

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The Nugget X Crayola collaboration has absolutely sent me over the edge! The Nugget is already the gold standard of kids' play furniture, a four-piece foam couch that kids can rearrange into forts, slides, lounges, and literally anything their imagination comes up with, and this limited edition Crayola version comes in the most vibrant, crayon-inspired colorway that makes it feel like it was designed specifically for a kid who loves art and color. It is the kind of piece that anchors an entire playroom, holds up to years of absolute chaos, and makes after-school creative play feel genuinely exciting. The back-to-school splurge that she will use every single day until she leaves for college! — Katie Garrity

Oilogics Stuffy Nose & Cough Soothing Vapors Shower Set

Oilogics Stuffy Nose & Cough Soothing Vapors Shower Set

Oilogic -

Every back-to-school season brings the inevitable first cold home within two weeks, so this set is already in my cart before we even get to orientation. The Oilogic Shower Set includes shower steamers and a vapor spray infused with eucalyptus and rosemary essential oils, turning bath time into an instant steam room that actually helps clear stuffy little noses. It's 100% naturally derived, free from harsh chemicals, and gentle enough for kids, which means I feel good about using it the second the sniffles show up. Stock up now before the first classroom cold comes home, because it is always coming! — Katie Garrity

Pulsar Products Tabbed Notebook

Pulsar Products Tabbed Notebook

Kohl's -

This notebook’s unicorn cover alone was enough to get my daughter excited about school supplies, and that is honestly half the back-to-school battle won right there. The tabbed sections mean she can keep different subjects organized in one notebook without losing track of anything, which is a skill I am very much trying to build before the school year starts. Cute, functional, and priced so well that I grabbed a couple of extras because she will inevitably want another one by October. — Katie Garrity

Toniebox Lite

Toniebox Lite

Walmart -

I got a special preview of the brand new Toniebox Lite, and I am so excited to finally be able to talk about it! This is the newest addition to the Toniebox family, a slimmer, more affordable version of the screen-free audio player that parents have been obsessed with for years, designed to make the magic of Tonies more accessible for every family. All the same beloved functionality — just place a Tonie character on top and it instantly plays stories, songs, and adventures without a single screen in sight — in a lighter, more compact form that is perfect for little hands and busy households. The Toniebox Lite is not out yet, but it is absolutely going on the back-to-school wish list the second it drops. — Katie Garrity

Repurpose Stemless Cup + Lid

Repurpose Stemless Cup + Lid, 60-Count

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Back-to-school mornings are chaotic enough without adding dishes to the situation — these compostable cold cups are my solution for the smoothies, iced coffees, and after-school drinks that happen in a rush and need to be grab-and-go without generating a pile of plastic waste. They're made from plant-based materials, certified compostable, BPA-free, and actually hold up to cold drinks without going soggy, which is the one thing you need a disposable cup to do. The eco-friendly swap that makes the school year morning routine a little easier and a lot more sustainable! — Katie Garrity

Tubby Todd Co. All Over Ointment

Tubby Todd Co. All Over Ointment

Tubby Todd -

This has been a staple in our house for years; the All Over Ointment is the one product I make sure we are stocked up on before back-to-school because the combination of new classrooms, new germs, and dry fall air always does a number on my daughter’s skin. It's a clean, fragrance-free balm made with sunflower seed oil, shea butter, and beeswax that soothes dry patches, irritation, chapped skin, and anything else that shows up on a kid who is outside, washing their hands constantly, and generally living their best chaotic life. — Katie Garrity

Kindergarten, Here I Come! by D.J. Steinberg

'Kindergarten, Here I Come!' by D.J. Steinberg

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This is a cute book of poems that follows a kid through his entire year of kindergarten, from navigating friendships to field trips and more. I snagged it off an endcap at the store and saved it for the night before my son's first day. At one point he stopped me and said, "With every word you read I feel better and better," which, *sob.* It's a cute and apparently comforting read for our newly minted big kids heading into this year. — Katie McPherson

A Brighter Year After School Scholar Mini Coloring Book

A Brighter Year After School Scholar Mini Coloring Book

A Brighter Year -

After-school decompression is a real and necessary thing, and having a cute, low-stakes activity ready the second my daughter walks in the door has been a game-changer for our transition from school mode to home mode. The After School Scholar Mini Coloring Book is filled with school-themed illustrations that are fun and age-appropriate, small enough to toss in a backpack or activity bag, and the kind of quiet creative activity that lets kids wind down without a screen in their face. — Katie Garrity

Tonies Bluey Tonie Figurine, 3-Pack Set

Tonies Bluey Tonie Figurine, 3-Pack Set

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I am buying this for my daughter because Bluey Tonies on the Toniebox are basically guaranteed to make the after-school wind-down the most peaceful part of our day. You just place the figurine on top of the Toniebox and it instantly plays Bluey episodes and stories without a single screen involved, which is the kind of screen-free entertainment win that feels almost too good to be true. The 3-pack means she gets Bluey, Bingo, and a third character to rotate through so the content stays fresh, and for any kid who is obsessed with Bluey, this is the most exciting Toniebox add-on you can grab. — Katie Garrity

T.N. Dickinson’s Wound-Cleaning Spray

T.N. Dickinson’s Wound-Cleaning Spray

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Kids tend to come home with all kinds of scrapes and scratches during the school year, and the cleanup part of that equation can be a whole production. I love that this spray is no-touch and alcohol-free, so it doesn’t sting on contact. We keep one in the hall bathroom and one in my “mom bag” so we always have one within reach when we need it. — Julie Sprankles

Pilot G2 Retractable Gel Pens, Pink Premium

Pilot G2 Retractable Gel Pens, Pink Premium

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As someone who is very particular about how a pen writes, I consider G2 the gold standard (and always has been). The gel ink glides so smoothly that writing with anything else feels like a punishment, and the pink premium set means every color in the pack is a different shade of pink, which is genuinely the most joyful back-to-school purchase I have made. They are retractable, refillable, and built to last way longer than a typical disposable pen, and the fine point is perfect for notes, planners, and anything else that deserves to look good on paper. The back-to-school supply that is technically for the kids but absolutely staying on my desk! — Katie Garrity

Roller Rabbit Kids Monkey Playa Play Set

Roller Rabbit Kids Monkey Playa Play Set

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I’m ordering this for my daughter for back-to-school because Roller Rabbit's Monkey print is an absolute classic. The set comes with a printed top and coordinating bottoms that work just as well for the first day of school as they do for a weekend playdate or a lazy Sunday morning. The fabric is that signature Roller Rabbit softness that feels like wearing pajamas while looking completely put-together, which is honestly the dream for a kid who has strong opinions about comfort. — Katie Garrity

Camp Snap 2 (Screen-Free Digital Camera)

Camp Snap 2 (Screen-Free Digital Camera)

Camp Snap -

This camera is one of the best things we have ever introduced into our house! The Camp Snap 2 is a digital camera with zero screen, which means my daughter is actually looking at the world through the viewfinder and capturing moments instead of immediately reviewing and editing every single shot like a tiny social media influencer. It takes surprisingly great photos, is completely kid-proof in terms of durability, and connects to the app so I can see everything she shoots and print the ones we love. For back to school, it is the perfect way to give her a creative outlet and a sense of ownership over her memories without handing her a phone... and honestly I wish someone had given me one as a kid. — Katie Garrity

Biom Back-to-School Starter Kit

Biom Back-to-School Starter Kit

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It’s just a fact of life that the return of school means my kids will be bringing home every frickin’ germ that floats around. And while I’ve accepted that, I also like to put up a good fight. I’ve been obsessed with Biom ever since they launched, and this BTS starter kit is such a great line of defense. The plant-based wipes kill 99.9% of germs without bleachy-y fumes, and the travel packs are perfect for tossing in bags and backpacks. — Julie Sprankles

Worldwide Buddies 50 Big Questions to Discover the World

Worldwide Buddies 50 Big Questions to Discover the World

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I bought this for my daughter as a fun back-to-school gift. This beautifully illustrated book poses 50 thought-provoking questions about the world, different cultures, and the people in them in a way that sparks real conversation and genuine curiosity about life beyond their own backyard. It is the kind of book that makes kids think bigger, ask more, and develop the kind of global empathy and awareness that no standardized test is going to teach them. The back-to-school addition to her bookshelf that will make her a more thoughtful human being, which honestly feels like the most important thing! — Katie Garrity

As the days get shorter and (hopefully) cooler and the end of summer draws near, we’re looking for ways to make the most of these last few weeks of freedom while still attempting to get the kids ready and excited for a new school year — a task that often feels impossible. Thankfully, SHEIN and our friends from under the sea are bringing the positive vibes we need this time of year with its vibrant, joyful, ever-expanding SpongeBob SquarePants | SHEIN collection, ensuring the whole family is prepped and positive for the first day of school and beyond.

Yes, you heard that right. The viral shopping destination for trend-forward, affordable clothing staples, SHEIN, is diving even deeper into its pineapple-under-the-sea-inspired collection, extending the nostalgic artwork, classic characters, and carefree energy SpongeBob SquarePants fans know and love into fun pieces for the whole family.

Whether you’re looking for mommy-and-me matching sleep sets or you’re picking out a first-day outfit for your cartoon-fanatic tween, the collection has something for everyone. And with a curated wardrobe full of their favorite characters, colors, and styles made just for them, you may actually eliminate that before-school getting-dressed fight that inevitably occurs in those first few weeks post-summer.

Ahead, shop the stand-out options for the whole family, featuring fan-favorite characters and dopamine-boosting visuals.

Shop Editor’s Picks

Young Boy Summer Casual Cartoon Graphic Short Sleeve T-Shirts

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Young Girl Cartoon Print Short Sleeve T-Shirt And Shorts Set

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Young Girl T-Shirt Set

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Young Boy Summer Casual Striped Cartoon Print T-Shirt And Shorts Set

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Young Boy Casual Cartoon Print Round Neck Short Sleeve T-Shirt And Shorts Set, Summer

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Women Cute Cartoon Pattern Camisole And Shorts Pajama Set, Comfortable

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Women's Round Neck Short Sleeve Top And Shorts Pajama Set

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Men's Funny Cartoon Print Short Sleeve T-Shirt And Shorts Loungewear Pajama Set, Summer

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Men's Funny Cartoon Graphic Short Sleeve Top And Shorts Loungewear Set, Summer

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Young Boys Crew Neck Contrast Color Short Sleeve Cartoon Cute Print Summer T-Shirt Set

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Known as the "Mother Road," Route 66 stretches 2,448 miles from Chicago to the Santa Monica Pier, winding through eight states and showcasing some of America's most iconic roadside attractions, quirky small towns, and slices of classic Americana.

Now, a century after it first opened, Route 66 is experiencing a revival. As the iconic highway celebrates its 100th anniversary, new Booking.com data reveals growing interest in the small towns that helped define its legacy, suggesting families are trading fast-paced vacations for slower road trips where the journey is every bit as memorable as the destination.

There's something about a family road trip that becomes more meaningful with time: Long after the suitcases are unpacked, it’s often the unexpected detours and backseat laughs that everyone remembers. With screen time ruling our daily lives, there's never been a better time to swap it for “windshield time.”

Why Route 66 Is Having A Revival

Domestic travel is currently taking center stage, with a reported 64% of Americans planning vacations within the United States this year. As the country celebrates its 250th anniversary and Route 66 reaches its 100-year milestone, it’s a great time to explore your own backyard.

Part of Route 66’s charm is its ability to transport you back in time to mid-century America. Unlike today's interstates, it invites travelers to slow down, taking them past places and landscapes that feel frozen in time. And travelers certainly seem to have a growing appetite for authentic small-town experiences and nostalgic roadside attractions.

This renewed excitement is breathing life into many of Route 66's most iconic communities, with a sharp increase in traveler interest for less-mainstream stops including Adrian, Texas; Victorville and Barstow, California; Tucumcari, New Mexico; and Springfield, Missouri.

Centennial Events

To celebrate the centennial, events are happening all along the route. Throughout 2026, communities along Route 66 are celebrating with classic car shows, music festivals, parades, running races, museum exhibits, and family-friendly events honoring the highway's rich history.

All upcoming events can be found on the official Route 66 Centennial website.

Tips for Planning a Route 66 Family Road Trip

Plan to drive just one section. Driving the entire Route 66 can take between two and three weeks, so pick a small section to explore instead of trying to cram it all in. The goal is to have a fun family vacation, not one you’ll need a week (or two) to recover from.

Stay in historic motor courts. If there was ever a road trip to skip the chain hotels, this is it. Lean into the charm of Route 66 and book vintage motels or hotels instead. Many of the places to stay along the way blend retro road-trip charm with modern comforts.

Plan fun roadside stops. Now is the time to allow your kids to do things they normally can’t. If you’re passing through Amarillo, Texas, pick up some spray paint so they can graffiti the cars at Cadillac Ranch. It just might earn you the title of Coolest Mom Ever.

In Oklahoma, kids can walk inside the giant Blue Whale of Catoosa. This stop also features a waterfront boardwalk and lots of space for kids to run around and stretch their legs.

Route 66 ends at the iconic Santa Monica Pier, a family-friendly destination packed with old-school seaside fun. From carnival games and sweet treats to rides overlooking the Pacific Ocean, it's the perfect spot to celebrate the end of your journey (and let the kids burn off one last burst of energy before heading home).

Build flexibility into your itinerary. This one will be tough if you’re a Type A mom, but this isn’t the type of road trip you should plan out from breakfast to sundown. Give yourself a break and allow for detours along the way. Ask your kids to watch out the window and tell you when they see something they want to get out and explore. Let each child choose one or two spontaneous stops each day. Not only will this stop them from getting bored, but they’ll feel included and might actually look up from their phones every once in a while.

Watch a movie before the trip. Gather blankets and pop the popcorn; it’s time for a family movie night. To set the tone for your road trip, watch Cars, Easy Rider, or Back to the Future — whichever one fits the theme of your upcoming trip. Allow the cinematic nostalgia to bring your family together and get everyone excited about your vacation. By the time your trip begins, those movie moments won't feel so far-fetched; they'll be right outside your window.

Why You Should Plan a Route 66 Adventure

In an age when vacations often revolve around airports, itineraries, and rushing from one place to the next, Route 66 offers something different. It gives families permission to slow down, to pull over for the world's largest rocking chair, split a slice of homemade pie in a tiny diner, or spend an extra hour somewhere simply because everyone is having fun. Those unplanned moments are often the ones kids remember most.

Whether you're hoping to recreate the road trips you grew up taking or start a brand-new tradition with your own family, Route 66's centennial is the perfect excuse to hit the road. One hundred years after it first connected America's Main Streets, the Mother Road is still proving that sometimes the best family memories aren't found at the destination; they're made somewhere along the way.

Not every riddle is an easy riddle, but there are plenty of riddles for kids that all ages can appreciate and maybe even solve. A riddle will ask an (often quirky) question, which requires an answer and might even leave you scratching your head. In fact, some riddles can take days or weeks to figure out because they’re just so thought-provoking and profound. But since these are for your little chicken nuggets, we’ve decided not to do that. Instead, we’ve scoured the internet for the best kid-friendly, brain-teasing verbal puzzles we could find. Even though they’re designed for little ones, this doesn’t mean you won’t be stumped (which is a good thing). Answering riddles is a brain exercise, sure. Doing them with your kids, though, is like rolling around in a bouncy house. It’s a bit of a workout, but a good time.

If you’re looking for some fun ways to pass the time with your kiddos and have already gone through fun facts, jokes for kids, and knock-knock jokes, then you’ve come to the right spot. Here are the absolute best riddles to test you and your kids’ skills.

Easy Riddles for Kids

1. What begins with “T,” ends with “T,” and has “T” in it? A teapot.
2. What begins with an “E” but only has one letter? An envelope.
3. What has words but never speaks? A book.
4. What’s full of holes but still holds water? A sponge.
5. What goes up but never comes back down? Your age.
6. Where do you find keys that won’t work in a lock? On a piano.
7. What can travel around the world without leaving its corner? A stamp.
8. What room doesn’t have any windows? Mushroom.
9. What has a thumb and four fingers but is not a hand? A glove.
10. What has legs but can’t walk? A table.
11. What has teeth but can’t bite? A comb.
12. What invention lets you look right through a wall? A window.
13. What gets wet when drying? Towel.
14. What do you taste twice a day but never eat? Toothpaste.
15. What is white, cold, see-through, and says, “Boo”? A ghost.

Animal Riddles for Kids

1. Why do ducks have tail feathers? To cover their buttquacks.
2. Where do cows go for entertainment? The moo-vies.
3. What has a thousand needles but doesn’t sew? A porcupine.
4. Where do fish keep their money? In the riverbank.
5. Where do monkeys get their exercise? The jungle gym.
6. What’s black, white, and blue? A melancholy zebra.
7. What is one but with 100 legs? A centipede.
8. If a rooster lays an egg on the exact peak of a barn, which side does it fall? Roosters don’t lay eggs.
9. I’m the king of dinosaurs, but I’m definitely not the biggest. Who am I? T-Rex.
10. What three-letter word is a mousetrap? Cat.
11. How can you keep an elephant from charging? Take away its credit card.
12. What is as big as a hippo but weighs nothing at all? A hippo’s shadow.

Funny Riddles for Kids

1. What does a cloud wear under its rain jacket? Thunderwear.
2. Why are ghosts such bad liars? You can see right through them.
3. Why couldn’t the moon finish his meal? He was full.
4. What do you call a grandfather clock? An old-timer.
5. Which letter of the alphabet has the most water? The “C.”
6. Where did one wall meet the other wall? On the corner.
7. Why can’t you give Elsa a balloon? She will “Let It Go.”
8. What kind of tree can you carry in your hand? A palm.
9. If you threw a yellow stone into a blue sea, what would it become? Wet.
10. When is a door not a door? When it’s ajar.
11. Why did the boy bury his flashlight? Because the batteries died.

Food Riddles for Kids

1. What gets cracked before you use it? An egg.
2. What do you call a sad strawberry? A blueberry.
3. What are two things people never eat before breakfast? Lunch and dinner.
4. What is one but made up of a hundred smalls? Corn on the cob.
5. What type of cheese is made backward? Edam.
6. People buy me to eat but never eat me. What am I? A plate.
7. I have a pearl white chest without a key or lid, inside of which golden treasure is hid. What am I? An egg.
8. It stands on one leg with its heart in its head. What is it? A cabbage.
9. What kind of nut has no shell? A doughnut.
10. I have a heart, but no other organs. What am I? An artichoke.
11. What’s green, has a hat, and doesn’t fit in the kitchen sink? Broccoli.
12. What has an eye but never cries, and shows up in every soup pot? A potato.

“What Am I?” Riddles

1. It belongs to you, but your friends use it more. What is it? Your name.
2. What goes up and down the stairs without moving? A carpet.
3. I’m light as a feather, yet the strongest man can’t hold me for five minutes. What am I? Breath.
4. What’s always in front of you but cannot be seen? The future.
5. What is tall when it’s young and short when it’s old? A candle.
6. What has four legs but only one foot? A bed.
7. What has a face and two hands but no arms or legs? A clock.
8. What has a neck but no head? A bottle.
9. If you don’t keep me, I’ll break. What am I? A promise.
10. You can touch me, but I can’t touch you back. You can see me, but I only reflect you and can never reject you. What am I? A mirror.
11. I am always running, but never get tired or hot. What am I? The refrigerator.
12. I do not have wings, but I can fly. I don’t have eyes, but I will cry! What am I? A cloud.
13. What can travel at nearly 100 miles per hour but never leave the room? A sneeze.
14. What has a tail and a head but no body? A coin.
15. What do you throw out when you want to use it but take in when you don’t want to use it? An anchor.
16. I have 1000 legs but cannot stand and a long neck but no head. What am I? A broom.
17. If you feed it, it lives. If you water it, it dies. What is it? Fire.
18. I don’t have eyes, ears, nose, and tongue, but I can see, smell, hear, and taste everything. What am I? A brain.
19. It has one eye but cannot see. What is it? A needle.
20. They come out at night without being called and are lost in the day without being stolen. What are they? Stars.

Math & Number Riddles for Kids

1. How can you make the number seven even? Remove the letter “S.”
2. Which month has 28 days? All of them, of course.
3. How many letters are there in the alphabet? Eleven: T-H-E-A-L-P-H-A-B-E-T.
4. How do you make the number “one” disappear? Add a “g” and it is “gone.”
5. If two’s company and three’s a crowd, what are four and five? Nine.
6. What’s the only number spelled with the same number of letters as its value? Four.
7. How many times can you subtract 5 from 25? Once. After that you’re subtracting from 20.
8. What number becomes zero when you subtract 15 from half of it? 30.
9. What three positive numbers give the same answer when you add them or multiply them? 1, 2, and 3.
10. A farmer has 17 sheep. All but 9 run away. How many are left? Nine.

Hard Riddles for Kids

1. What tire doesn’t move when the car turns right? The spare tire.
2. What word is spelled wrong in every dictionary? Wrong.
3. What is so delicate that saying its name breaks it? Silence.
4. What gets bigger when more is taken away? A hole.
5. If the red house is on the right and the blue house is on the left, where is the white house? Washington D.C.
6. What is orange on the outside, green on top, and yellow on the inside? A pumpkin.
7. When does Friday come before Thursday? In the dictionary.
8. A girl throws a ball as hard as she can. It comes back to her, even though nothing and nobody touches it. How? She throws it straight up.
9. What happens once in a minute, twice in a moment, and never in one thousand years? The letter “M.”
10. If an electric train is traveling south, which way is the smoke going? There is no smoke; it’s an electric train!
11. What five-letter word becomes shorter when you add two letters to it? Short.
12. Kate’s mother has three children: Snap, Crackle, and ___? Kate, duh!
13. You’re running a race and, at the very end, you pass the person in second place. What place did you finish the race in? You finished in second place.
14. There’s a one-story house in which everything is yellow. Yellow walls, yellow doors, yellow furniture. What color are the stairs? There aren’t any — it’s a one-story house.
15. You see a boat filled with people, yet there isn’t a single person on board. How is that possible? All the people on the boat are married.
16. Take away my first letter, and I still sound the same. Take away my last letter, I still sound the same. Even take away my letter in the middle, I still sound the same. I am a five-letter word. What am I? Empty.
17. What is the one thing everyone can agree is between heaven and earth? The word “and.”
18. A cowboy rides into town on Friday. He stays three days, then rides out of town on Friday. How? His horse’s name was Friday.
19. It has been around for millions of years, but it is no more than a month old. What is it? The moon.
20. A precious stone, as clear as diamond. Seek it out while the sun’s out shining. Though you can walk on water with its power, try to keep it, and it’ll vanish in an hour. What am I? Ice.
21. Walk on the living; they don’t even mumble. Walk on the dead; they mutter and grumble. What am I? Leaves.

Which ones stumped your family?

I know I’m not the only parent who feels like they pack their entire house every time they go out for a simple overnight. All common sense goes out the window, replaced by panic over what I might do if I forget to bring a kid essential that will send our entire holiday into chaos. Perhaps no type of vacation sends my brain into overdrive as much as heading to a theme park, though.

Sure, packing for a theme park day sounds simple enough: Throw some sunscreen and snacks in a backpack and call it good, right? But, as someone who has spent countless days in amusement parks for work, I’m here to tell you it’s not quite as cut and dry as it sounds.

At Universal Orlando, you’re dealing with intense Florida heat, water rides that can leave you completely soaked, and some of the biggest thrill rides in the country. And while it’s a truly amazing trip, it’s also one that requires a little bit of extra planning when you have kids in tow.

The good news? You don't need to bring your entire house with you. A few thoughtfully chosen items can make the difference between a smooth day and one spent wishing you'd packed differently (trust me).

Here's exactly what I'd bring for a day at Universal Orlando Resort.

What to Pack for Universal Orlando With Kids

Comfortable Shoes

Listen, when it comes to sunscreen, medicine, or other essentials you can pick up at Walgreens, forgetting them is no biggie. But let me emphasize this for you: Comfortable shoes are a must.

Universal Orlando is big. Between walking through the parks, exploring themed lands, and standing in line, it's not unusual to rack up tens of thousands of steps in a single day. The last thing you want is a child complaining about blisters halfway through your vacation.

This isn’t the trip to bring out the brand-new shoes or let them pick out those fancy sandals. Make sure you bring the shoes they can comfortably wear all day, perhaps packing a pair of flip-flops in a locker in case you go on water rides.

On Women's Cloud X 4 Sneakers | Cross Training Shoes

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Teva Women's Original Universal Sport Sandal

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Altra Women's Experience Flow 3 Road Running Shoe

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Brooks Women's Adrenaline GTS 25 Running Shoe

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Crocs Women Getaway Strappy Sandals

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Hoka Womens Mach 6

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Sunscreen and Sun Protection

Florida sunshine is no joke, especially during spring, summer, and early fall. Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats for everyone in your group. I also like bringing a lightweight cooling towel during the hotter months, which can easily be worn around your neck and reapplied throughout the day. It takes up almost no room in a backpack but can make a big difference during an afternoon spent waiting for a parade or walking between attractions.

Supergoop! PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50

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Sojos Sunglasses for Women

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Overstimulated Embroidered Washed Baseball Cap

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Furtalk Baby Sun Hat

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4-Pack Cooling Towels

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Aecooly Mighty Portable Handheld Fan

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Refillable Water Bottles

Theme park days are long, and dehydration can sneak up quickly... especially on kids who are too excited to stop for a drink. Bringing refillable water bottles makes it easier to stay hydrated throughout the day and can save money compared to buying bottled water whenever someone gets thirsty.

At Universal, you also have the option of buying the Universal Coca-Cola Freestyle Cup, which is a refillable souvenir mug you can use throughout the parks. Just know it'll be cheaper to bring that water bottle from home.

Thermos Funtainer Water Bottle with Spout

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Nalgene 24-oz FreshFlow Straw Bottle

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Zulu Powerfill Pro 24oz Water Bottle

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H2O Capsule Half-Gallon Cube Water Bottle

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Tourit 24-oz Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle

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Gatorade Kids' Rookie Metal Water Bottle

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Portable Phone Charger

Your phone works hard at Universal. Just like at Disney, you’ll likely use it for mobile tickets, checking wait times, mobile food ordering, photos, videos, and coordinating with the rest of your group. By lunchtime, your battery may already be struggling.

A small portable charger is one of those items you may not need every trip, but when you do need it, you'll be incredibly glad you packed it.

MagSafe Power Bank

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Snacks

Even if you plan to eat meals inside the parks, snacks are worth bringing, especially for the younger kids. While I fully recommend eating some of the meals Universal has to offer (Three Broomsticks is a must-do, IMO), for smaller snacks, you’re going to save money by simply bringing it with you.

Granola bars, crackers, fruit snacks, and applesauce pouches are all easy options that travel well, or can be picked up through Instacart and delivered to your hotel.

Luna Berry Bars

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Gogo Active No Sugar Added Electrolytes Fruit Blend Variety Pack

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Gimme 20-ct Sea Salt Organic Roasted Seaweed Snacks

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Welch's Fruit Snacks Variety Pack

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Cheez-It Cheese Crackers, 30-Ct

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Miss Vickie's Kettle Cooked Potato Chips, Variety Pack

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A Lightweight Park Bag

You don't need a giant backpack, but you do need somewhere to stash all of the essentials. I prefer a lightweight backpack over a shoulder bag because it's more comfortable during long days. Look for something large enough to hold water bottles, sunscreen, snacks, and extra clothing without becoming cumbersome.

Just know that Universal doesn’t allow backpacks on most rides, so bring something that will be easy enough to store in a locker as you go on rides throughout the day.

Osprey Daylite Commuter Backpack

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Herschel Heritage Hip Pack Little Herschel

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Feiboon Checkered Crossbody Bum Bag

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The North Face Borealis Mini Backpack

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Pander Nylon Fanny Pack for Women, Two-Way Zipper Crossbody Bag

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Loungefly Harry Potter Tattoo Art Backpack

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Poncho or Lightweight Rain Jacket

Florida weather is famously unpredictable, so it’s not uncommon for a sunny morning to turn into a downpour midday (then back to sun). A lightweight poncho takes up very little room and can save the day if the skies suddenly open up. It’s especially important if you’re bringing a stroller with you; I tend to leave a poncho or rain cover on top of my stroller when I go on a ride, just in case it gets caught in the rain while I’m not there.

Disposable Rain Poncho for Kids/Family, 12-Pack

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The Things You Might Not Think to Pack for Universal Orlando

If you’re looking to keep your park bag light, these aren’t all must-haves; however, they are items I wish I had thought of on my first trip and that could be important for your family.

A Full Change of Clothes

If your family plans to ride the water attractions, this is my number one recommendation. While Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Disney World gets you wet, the water rides of Universal Orlando get you soaked. Jurassic Park River Adventure, Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls, and Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges don't just splash you; they can absolutely drench you.

Bringing a dry shirt, shorts, underwear, and socks can make the rest of the day significantly more comfortable, especially for the kids. If nothing else, bringing an extra pair of socks or flip-flops to wear on the rides is worth the extra room in your bag to save you from walking in sopping wet sneakers.

Motion Sickness Medication

Universal is home to some incredible attractions, but many rely on motion simulation, screens, and lots of ride movement. Even guests who don't typically experience motion sickness may find certain attractions more intense than expected. I say this from experience: I never get motion sick, but found myself more than a bit dizzy after riding the screen-heavy Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.

If you or your older children are prone to motion sickness, consider packing Dramamine or another remedy you know works well for your family.

Harry Potter Gear From Home

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is one of Universal's biggest draws, and plenty of kids want to arrive dressed for the occasion. If your child already owns Harry Potter robes, scarves, wands, or other accessories, consider bringing them from home rather than purchasing new ones in the parks. They’ll have the fun of already being decked out in their House colors, and you'll likely save a significant amount of money in return.

Ziploc Bags

This might be the least exciting item on the list, but it may also be the most useful. Ziploc bags are perfect for protecting phones on water rides, storing wet clothing, containing spills, organizing snacks, or keeping small souvenirs together. I almost always throw a few into my backpack before a theme park day.

Cooling Towels or Portable Fans

I lived in Florida for nearly a decade, and there were still days when the heat and humidity caught me off guard. Standing in outdoor queues can make it feel even hotter, which is where cooling towels and portable fans really earn their place in your bag.

Portable fans are especially helpful while waiting in outdoor queues, while cooling towels provide quick relief after long stretches in the sun.

A Stroller (Even for Older Kids)

My 4-year-old started gravitating away from strollers when she was just 2, but I still bring one out for theme park days. Universal Orlando requires a lot of walking. Even children who haven't used a stroller in years may appreciate having somewhere to sit and recharge during a long day.

I'm not saying every 6- or 7-year-old needs a stroller, but if your child struggles with long distances or tires easily, it may be worth considering bringing your own or renting one through the park.

Nintendo Super Mario Running Profile 1985 T-Shirt

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Dramamine Kids Motion Sickness Relief Chewable Tablets, 8-Ct

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Harry Potter Girls' Dress

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Ziploc Storage Bags Variety Pack

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Asnug Rechargeable Neck Fan

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Joie Baby Tansy Umbrella Stroller

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The Bottom Line

At the end of the day, you don't need to pack everything "just in case." A few smart essentials (think comfortable shoes, sunscreen, extra clothes, snacks, and a portable charger) will cover almost every situation you'll encounter.

A little preparation goes a long way toward spending less time worrying about what you forgot and more time enjoying your family vacation.

If the return of Scrubs made you feel like you were suddenly back in your dorm room circa 2004… well, same. The long-awaited revival premiered on ABC in February, bringing back the lovable bunch of weirdos who roamed Sacred Heart Hospital nearly two decades ago (not to mention a big ol’ dose of hopeful nostalgia). J.D., Turk, Elliot, Carla, Dr. Cox — the gang’s all here! And not to sound greedy, but the fans want more, begging the question: Are we getting a second season? Yes, yes we are, at now we have our first look at what our favorite medical providers will be up to.

Early ratings for the reboot proved I was not, by far, the only one who was very ready to reunite with these beloved characters. The premiere pulled in 11.36 million viewers within its first five days on ABC, Hulu, Hulu on Disney+, and other digital platforms, marking the network’s biggest comedy episode and top streaming series debut in over a year. On traditional TV alone, the Scrubs reboot drew 4.4 million viewers live and same-day, meaning the five-day total jumped 158% once streaming and delayed viewing were tallied.

So, here’s everything we know about Season 2 of the Scrubs reboot.

When is the Scrubs reboot Season 2 release date?

Following its massive Season 1 success, the revival was officially given the green light for a second season back in April. And now, we know exactly when to tune in for the return of everyone’s favorite Sacred Heart pros: Scrubs will be back on our screens Wednesday, Sept. 30, at 8 p.m. ET with a two-episode Season 2 premiere.

Bonus: We’re getting one extra episode this season, coming in at 10 for Season 2 compared to Season 1’s nine.

Who could return for Season 2?

The biggest obstacle the reboot faces in bringing back cast members is that several of them are simultaneously working on other productions. Now, it’s likely that fans would see many of the same faces return to Sacred Heart in a second season that we’re seeing this season; we just may not see them every episode.

So far, confirmed to return are the core series regulars of Zach Braff (J.D.), Donald Faison (Turk), Sarah Chalke (Elliot), along with recurring faves Judy Reyes (Carla) and John C. McGinley (Dr. Cox). Also back is the new group of interns introduced last season: Ava Bunn (Sam Tosh), Jacob Dudman (Asher Green), David Gridley (Blake Lewis), Layla Mohammadi (Amara Hadi), and Amanda Morrow (Dashana Trainor). In fact, Bunn has been promoted to series regular for Season 2.

Neil Flynn (who memorably played J.D.’s nemesis, The Janitor) will recur in Season 2 after a one-episode appearance last season. And Rachel Bilson’s Sacred Heart visitor Charlie is set to recur as well, which means her flirtation with J.D. could grow into something more serious. Interestingly, Andy Ridings, who played Elliott’s Season 1 love interest Wes, is thus far not listed for Season 2.

Joining Flynn and Bilson in their return recurring capacity will be Robert Maschio (The Todd), Vanessa Bayer (HR head Sibby), and Michael James Scott (charge nurse Dubois). OG Christa Miller, aka Jordan Sullivan, will once again guest star.

Not returning for Season 2 are J.D.’s Season 1 rival Dr. Park (played by Joel Kim Booster) and Charge Nurse Raymond (played by X Mayo).

Another exciting tidbit for longtime fans: Dr. Kelso could return in Season 2. Although actor Ken Jenkins — who played the sharp-tongued, sexist former chief of medicine — is now in his mid-80s and retired from acting, series creator Bill Lawrence revealed to Deadline that he has plans for Dr. Kelso’s return. “Dr. Kelso will be back next year,” Lawrence said. “It just didn’t work out this year, but it will next year.”

What could Season 2 be about?

The revival jumps forward 16 years after the original series finale, ignoring the controversial 9th season and catching up with the characters long after the cameras stopped rolling.

We see J.D. return to Sacred Heart for what begins as a short visit before Dr. Cox passes him the proverbial torch. He rejoins Turk and Carla, who now have four daughters. We learn that J.D. and Elliot didn’t make it as a married couple, but they also have children together.

At this year’s D23 fan expo, Disney revealed the first look at what’s in store for this season.

While we don’t get a ton of details from this teaser, it’s clear Elliot has a new crush and Turk and J.D., well, they continue to be themselves. This second season, in true Scrubs fashion, will undoubtedly keep digging into these characters’ complex relationships. Are Elliot and J.D. done for good? Will J.D. being back help shake Turk out of his burnout? How will the new doctors fare?

The series will surely also continue to tackle changes in modern healthcare through a critical yet comedic lens.

I was invited to my first baby “sprinkle,” and I quite literally had no idea what to get for the guest of honor! She already had bottles, burp cloths, and a diaper pail, so what do you get for the second-time mom who will soon be drudging through the newborn/toddler trenches?

What she needs now is the stuff that actually buys back time and sanity while she's got a toddler in one hand and a newborn in the other. These aren't gifts she'd ever put on a registry or justify buying herself. They're once-in-a-lifetime splurges, the kind that are so much easier (and so much more fun) to go in on as a group, too! Baby sprinkles are way more lax, too, so a group gift feels totally acceptable. (That is, if you’re worried about a party snafu.)

Newton Baby Rocker

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A mom of one already knows how to survive the newborn stage, so why not offer a gift that lets her do it easier this time? This rocker seat uses Newton's breathable spacer fabric to keep baby cool, plus a 3-point harness and a kickstand that switches it from rocking mode to a stable seat. It's only 8 pounds, so she can carry it one-handed from the kitchen to the bathroom while she's got a toddler underfoot. This is the kind of upgrade she'd never buy for herself on baby #2, but trust that she'll use it daily.

Baby Brezza Formula Pro® Advanced Baby Formula Dispenser

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This is the definition of buying back time. The Baby Brezza Formula Pro Advanced mixes, warms, and dispenses a bottle in about 15 seconds flat, with customizable ounces and three temperature settings, so there's no more measuring or guessing at 2 a.m. It's also more consistent than hand-scooping, since studies show a third of hand-mixed bottles are off by 10% or more. That matters a lot more the second time around, when she's also got a toddler yelling for snacks mid-pour.

Nex Playground

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The toddler needs to burn energy, and mom needs five minutes to sit down with the baby. This little console uses a wide-angle camera and AI to track body movement, no controllers or wearables, so kids just move to play. It supports up to four players and comes preloaded with games like Fruit Ninja and Whack-a-Mole, with more available through a subscription. It's an easy yes for a group gift because it's the kind of thing she'd tell herself is "too much" and then uses constantly when her kid needs to burn off energy but she's stuck inside with a newborn.

The Nugget X Crayola

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Independent play is the whole game with two kids, and this thing basically babysits itself. It's four foam pieces, a base, a cushion, and two triangle pillows, wrapped in a washable microsuede cover, so the toddler builds a fort while Mom gets 10 uninterrupted minutes with the newborn. It's CertiPUR-US certified and GREENGUARD Gold certified, so no sketchy chemicals to worry about either. It's pricier than she'd ever justify solo, which makes it the perfect group splurge for round two.

Tiny Tags Mini Dog Tag Necklace

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This one is just sentimental and sweet, but so adorable for a mom of multiples! The custom engraved tags are a sweet, personal touch that feels extra special coming from a group of friends who chipped in together. It's a smaller price tag than everything else on this list, so consider it the easy add-on to a bigger group gift.

Ruggable Play Mat

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The Ruggable Play Mat offers up a padded spot for the toddler to play while she's on the floor with the baby, minus the stained foam puzzle mat vibes. It's a single sealed piece with rounded safety corners, so spills and blowouts wipe right off, no washing machine required. It's reversible, too, with a different pattern on each side, so it can move from the nursery to the playroom as the kids grow. It's an upgrade she'd never spend on herself, but she'll notice it every day.

Bombi Wagon Stroller

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Every parent knows how essential a wagon stroller is once the kids get a little bigger. The “Toddler-won't-walk, baby-needs-to-nap” standoff is a daily second-time-mom problem, and this solves it in one move. It pushes like a stroller and pulls like a wagon, holds up to 110 lbs across two kids, and folds down small enough for a city sidewalk or an apartment closet. No more hauling one kid while dragging the other by the hand. This is exactly the kind of "someday" purchase that's way easier to make happen as a group gift.

Lalo The Chair II

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Mealtime with two kids is chaos, and a high chair that's actually easy to wipe down matters more than your mom friend would be willing to admit. It's 7-in-1 (3 high chair positions, booster, child chair, play chair, and play stool!), with a dishwasher-safe tray and a machine-washable cushion. The FSC-certified beechwood legs and clean, modern look mean it won't scream "baby gear" in her living room. A great one to split since it's a purchase she'd keep putting off for herself.

LUSH Gift Card

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Every gift on this list is about survival mode, so let this one be about her. Bath bombs, a face mask, and zero kids attached to any of it. She deserves it more the second time around, not less. Lush is top when it comes to any sort of self-care product.

Mamazing Ultra Air Stroller

For the new mom who has travel on the horizon, this is one of the most practical and thoughtful baby shower gifts you can give — the MAMAZING Ultra Air weighs just 11.6 pounds and folds down so compact it fits in an airplane overhead bin, which is an absolute game changer for any family navigating airports, city streets, or anywhere a full-size stroller becomes more hassle than it's worth. It has a full recline for napping on the go, a UPF 50+ canopy, a one-hand fold, and a carry strap so you can sling it over your shoulder when you need your hands free. The gift that makes traveling with a baby feel like something you can actually do!

Toniebox Lite My Story & Travel Bundle

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The Toniebox Lite is a great screen-free and toddler-operated option for when mom needs a distraction for her toddler. Kids can skip, rewind, and adjust volume just by tapping, tilting, or squeezing the ears. Plus, if they already have a Toniebox, this one works with every Tonie figurine on the market. At under 11 ounces, it's small enough to toss in a diaper bag for the days she's out running errands with two kids solo. An easy group buy since the figurines make a great follow-up gift too.

Team Scary Mommy is VERY excited to announce that we are the official media sponsor for Are You There God? It’s Me, Menopause: LIVE!, a five-city national tour inspired by the Publishers Weekly Editor’s Pick debut novel by Heather J. Robertson, the fictional pen name of physician and women’s health advocate Dr. Heather Bartos.

LINK TO BUY TICKETS HERE

The What:

This is more than a traditional book tour. Each stop is designed as a first-of-its-kind live cultural experience: part comedy show, part frank conversation, part night off for women who are ready to laugh, connect and stop behaving for a few hours. Think cocktails, conversation and SWAG you’ll actually use.

In Chicago, see stand-up comic and actor Kristen Toomey do her thing, followed by an evening of sure-to-be hysterical conversation between Heather and author Meghan Rabbitt. In Boston, see comedian Bethany Van Delft. In New York, the night will open with comedy from Alyce Chan followed by Scary Mommy Editor-in-Chief Kate Auletta in talks with Heather. More details on Los Angeles and San Francisco to come.

Hilarious... It's the 'Practical Magic' of midlife. — Suzanne Gilberg, MD, Chief Medical Correspondent, THE DREW BARRYMORE SHOW

Dates & Locations:

All nights will run from 6-10pm.

Chicago: Friday, September 18 from 6-10pm at the Hilton Chicago, 720 South Michigan Avenue

Boston: Friday, October 9 from 6-10pm at the Hilton Boston Park Plaza, 50 Park Plaza

New York: Saturday, October 10 from 6-10pm at the New York Hilton Midtown, 1335 Avenue of the Americas

Los Angeles: Saturday, October 17 from 6-10pm at the Beverly Hilton, 9876 Wilshire Boulevard

San Francisco: Saturday, October 18 from 6-10pm at the Parc 55 San Francisco — a Hilton Hotel, 55 Cyril Magnin Street

LINK TO BUY TICKETS HERE

As a new mom, approximately 97% of your brainpower is devoted to keeping another human alive. Is the baby eating enough? Sleeping enough? Is that noise normal? When was the last diaper change? And wait, where did you put your phone?

Meanwhile, your own needs have a funny way of sliding to the bottom of the list. You’re busy feeding, changing, soothing, rocking, pumping, washing bottles, Googling things at 3 a.m., and attempting to remember the last time you ate something that didn’t come from the granola-bar family.

That’s where Vita Coco comes in. Their Original Coconut Water is a refreshing option that’s easy to keep within arm’s reach while you’re doing approximately 400 other things. Basically, in a world where everyone is asking about the baby, Vita Coco is making a point to think about Mom, too. Let’s count the reasons coconut water fuels you as you fuel your baby.

TBH, Plain Water Can Get A Little… Boring

Raise your hand if you’ve ever been personally victimized by one of those gigantic water bottles measuring exactly how much you’re supposed to drink every hour of the day. Keep going! Almost there! It’s like, “Ma’am, please use your inside voice.”

Remembering to hydrate while caring for a newborn can already feel like another item on an endless to-do list. Vita Coco Original Coconut Water makes reaching for a beverage feel a little less like homework. It’s coconut water, so you get a naturally sweet, tropical taste that can make the whole “remember to drink something” thing a little more appealing.

And during a stage of life when so much of your time is spent giving to someone else, having a little something you genuinely enjoy waiting for you in the fridge is no small feat.

Because It Comes With Some Good Stuff

Vita Coco Original Coconut Water contains naturally occurring electrolytes and nutrients, including potassium. It also contains no artificial colors or dyes.

And if Original isn’t your thing, Vita Coco also comes in flavors like Pineapple and Peach & Mango. Translation: Your beverage options don’t have to be limited to the coffee you reheated three times before forgetting about it entirely.

It’s simple. It tastes good. And you can stash a carton near whatever spot has become your unofficial new-mom command center.

Because It’s Nice To Feel Seen

New moms hear a lot of unprompted feedback about how exactly they should be doing motherhood. Track the diapers. Wash the bottles. Figure out the nap schedule. Squeeze in some tummy time. Pack the diaper bag. Repack the diaper bag because somehow you forgot wipes.

“Do something nice for yourself” tends to appear considerably lower on that list.

Vita Coco wants to help change that by showing up for moms in ways that go beyond offering something refreshing to sip. The brand has an ongoing partnership with For All Mothers+ (FAM+), a nonprofit working to create a more equitable future for mothers, and is donating $30,000 to support the organization’s work.

It’s a fitting extension of the idea behind the campaign: You spend an enormous amount of time taking care of your baby. You deserve to feel taken care of, too.

No impossible standards. No pretending postpartum life looks like a fantasy fit for social media Just a little more support for the person doing all that supporting — and something refreshing to reach for along the way.

Learn more about Vita Coco’s support for moms and Vita Coco Original Coconut Water.

Now that summer is nearly over (sniff, sniff), and back-to-school shopping is (hopefully, mostly) complete, it’s time to dive into fall and all that the cozy season has to offer. And of course, as any parent knows, there are a LOT of expenditures come autumn: from school trips to theme days, and sports practices and away tournaments, the money adds up. That’s where Walmart+ comes in.

Walmart is already known for everyday low prices, but Walmart+, the retailer’s annual membership program, helps you stretch your dollar even further. You can even try it out with a 30-day free trial for just $1. Chances are, it’s worth it — according to Walmart, annual members save an average of over $300 a year by taking advantage of their membership benefits.

Wondering how, exactly, a Walmart+ membership can help you save? Read on to find out more.

Savings All Day

The Walmart+ membership comes with several benefits to help you keep your budget in check.

• Credit card perks: If Walmart is already your go-to shopping destination, why not earn rewards while you're at it? Members can get unlimited 5% cash back at Walmart with the OnePay CashRewards Card.
• Gas savings: Stress less about road trips, too. Members save 10 cents per gallon when fueling up at Exxon, Mobil, Walmart and Murphy gas stations, and can access member pricing at Sam’s Club stations nationwide.
• Savings on auto care: One less thing to worry about: Walmart+ members can get free flat tire repairs at Walmart Auto Care Centers.
• Travel benefits: Get more out of every trip by booking with Walmart+ Travel, where members earn up to 10% Walmart Cash. Combined with Expedia's pricing, it's an easy way to save on your next getaway.
• Streaming savings: Looking to trim your subscription budget? Walmart+ members can choose between a Paramount+ or Peacock subscription at no additional cost — a benefit that can save up to $109 a year.
• Burger King deals: Dining just got cheaper. Walmart+ members get 25% off their online order at Burger King every day — plus a free Whopper with any purchase every three months.
• Pet perks: Your furry friends get benefits, too. Members receive free, round-the-clock access to licensed veterinary experts through Pawp, included in their membership.

Members-Only Benefits

Join Walmart+ to get your hands on benefits, exclusive to members, that make everyday shopping a whole lot easier.

• Early access to deals: Walmart+ members get first dibs on online sales during Black Friday and beyond.
• Shipping and delivery made easy: Whether you're stocking up on groceries or ordering household essentials, members get free grocery delivery on eligible orders over $35, plus free next- and two-day shipping with no order minimum.
• Free returns: No more letting your unwanted items pile up in a closet. Walmart+ members get free returns, picked up right from your door — no packing or printing required.
• Free pharmacy delivery: Your prescription can arrive day-of, with no order minimum necessary — because who wants to leave the house to get meds for their family?
• Quick and easy shopping: Your IRL shopping trip doesn’t have to be a hassle. Members skip the lines with scan and go — scan your items as you shop, and pay on your phone before you leave.

Whether you're stocking up for car rides, booking your next family getaway, or just trying to make everyday errands a little more affordable, Walmart+ packs plenty of ways to save into one membership. The season goes by fast — but stretching your budget doesn't have to.

We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

If life comes at you fast, back-to-school comes at you at lightning speed. “No biggie,” you told yourself all summer. “We’ll get what we need and that’ll be the end of summer!” But, now, your kids are home from camp, your beach reads are back at the library, and it’s officially crunch time.

And it’s not just notebooks and markers and backpacks you need to buy. Back-to-school season encompasses so much more. Your oldest’s sneakers are suddenly two sizes too small. Your youngest refuses to carry last year’s backpack. They need new clothes, annual checkups, and of course, haircuts.

There’s always going to be a lot to do (that, we can’t change) but we can figure out ways to get some of your chores done more easily and affordably. When it comes to those back-to-school haircuts, the Great Clips app eliminates the stress of research, appointments, and waiting — and parents are catching on. Influencers like Abi Ayres and Jyoti Chand are leaning into the ease of finding a salon in your area from the comfort of your screen, seeing estimated wait times, and checking in to add your names to the waitlist so you can get the kids all cleaned up at your convenience. Keep reading to steal their back-to-school magic trick that’s streamlining the end of summer.

Find A Salon That Fits Your Routine

What often makes back-to-school prep so overwhelming is trying to check everything off your list while still savoring the last few moments of summer. Between camp field trips, spirit days, visiting with grandparents, and squeezing in one last family outing before everyone settles back into a routine, it’s not just errands competing for your time.

Great Clips can save you precious time when you have none to spare. Have some unexpected downtime between other errands? Might as well check haircuts off the to-do list. With the Great Clips app you can view the salons near you and see their wait times without the need for extra research. Plus, there are 4,400 salon locations across the U.S. and Canada. And as every parent knows, when there’s an opportunity to add a little flexibility to the day, you take it.

Check-In Made Easy

You’ve found a salon near you — now what? Instead of sitting in the waiting area wondering how much longer it’ll be (while your kid tries to negotiate extra screen time), you can do the work in advance. Simply check in to the salon at greatclips.com or open the Great Clips app on your phone. Check out how easy it is in this video from Trend Family:

The Great Clips app and Online Check-In allows you to see estimated wait times, monitor your place in line, view the full waitlist, and get real-time updates before you finish your current errand. Simply enter your name and phone number, and select “Check Me In.” No need to sign up. However, if you want to make the experience even simpler for next time, you can create an account and save your favorite salons.

Save Your Preferences With Clip Notes

Another benefit of creating a Great Clips account is communication across the board. After visiting any location, a Great Clips salon stylist can enter Clip Notes (detailed haircut notes specific information about an appointment), into your profile. This means that next time — even if you go to a different Great Clips salon location — that stylist can look at the details of your previous haircut you liked and work from there. Info like clipper guards, amount taken off, desired length of hair, styling, and more can make certain your child gets the haircut they like every time.

You might not be able to shrink the back-to-school checklist, but you can make it easier to manage. With the Great Clips app, everyday low prices and Clip Notes, Great Clips makes it convenient to cross one more thing off your back-to-school checklist.

Download the Great Clips app today.

Coco is one of those movies everyone seems to have a visceral reaction to. I, stupidly, saw the 2017 Disney-Pixar film when I was about six months pregnant with my second daughter, and I’ve never cried harder in my life. The beautiful film won two Oscars and grossed over $800 million at the box office, so it’s safe to say everyone loved it. And that love and fandom for the movie has inspired Disney to create a sequel. And now, we finally have a first look at our main character, some hints about the storyline, and a less vague release date than “2029.”

We first learned about Coco 2 in March of 2025, when Bob Iger announced it at a shareholders’ meeting. If you’re feeling a bit of a theme with sequels, you’re on the right track. Disney, and Disney/Pixar movies especially, have found great success over the years with sequels (much better than the ‘90s, when we just got terrible direct-to-video sequels). Toy Story 2 seemed to be the first one that really hit back in 1999, and they’ve just kept coming — especially sequels that seem to come years after a movie has hit cult status, like The Incredibles 2 and Inside Out 2 in recent years.

For a while, we didn’t hear much else...until now. At this year’s Disney fan convention, D23, the creatives behind the film shared a first look at Miguel, who looks so grown up in his denim jacket and fade haircut.

It’s good to see that not everything has changed, though. He still has Dante by his side and his guitar on his back. But what’s in store for Miguel this time around?

What is Coco 2 going to be about?

After the reveal of Miguel’s new character art at D23, Benjamin Bratt took the stage to confirm he’ll reprise his role as Ernesto de la Cruz. He even gave some hints about the plot, completely in character.

“He’s a little menace who ruined a career and destroyed a legend,” said Bratt. “Ernesto de la Cruz is back for revenge… proving that fate has twists.”

And so far, that’s all we know! While we can assume we’ll be returning to the Land of the Dead in some capacity, there’s a whole lot that can happen in Coco 2.

As of now, no firm details have been released about the movie's plot. That said, there are plenty of fan theories already circulating online. Commenters on a post about the potential storyline speculate that Coco 2 will focus a lot more on Miguel’s little sister, maybe even replacing him with her as the main character (though this newly revealed character art focused on Miguel makes that seem unlikely). Another theory posits that maybe Miguel and Hector will visit other cultures’ afterlives, which would honestly be so cool.

No matter what the plot includes, Coco 2 is sure to be full of beautiful, vibrant animation and the most gorgeous songs. If you remember the end of Coco, Mama Coco has now passed and is reunited with her parents in the Land of the Dead. But in the “real” world, Miguel now has a baby sister, Socorro. Maybe she’ll have some of her great-great-grandfather Hector’s musical talent, too? I’d also personally love to see more of Hector’s legacy and how it has changed the world since the truth about Ernesto came out. Maybe Ernesto has a living relative who’s ready to confront Miguel and his family?

Coco 2 will be directed by Lee Unkrich, who directed the first Coco, and will be produced by Mark Nielsen, a Pixar veteran known for Toy Story 4 and Inside Out 2, Variety reported. So whatever happens, you know the story will be good (and tug on your heartstrings, just like the first film).

When does Coco 2 come out?

When the sequel was announced, all we knew was that it would be out some time in 2029. At D23, we learned the movie is slated to premiere in theaters in November 2029. So, it’s not a precise Coco 2 release date, but we’re getting there.

I know, I know; 2029 is a long time to wait. But if the first Coco proves anything, the sequel is 100% going to be worth it. And it’s going to make you sob.

There are so many good movies in the works right now. We’re blessed enough to be getting a Greta Gerwig-directed Chronicles of Narnia remake, and there’s a confirmed sequel to Disney’s Coco well underway. Another film we can’t wait to see: the live-action remake of Disney’s Tangled. Of course, casting in live-action remakes has been a major source of contention among fans, but Disney definitely heard the masses’ cries for Kathryn Hahn to be cast as Mother Gothel and made it happen.

Disney announced they were green-lighting a live-action Tangled remake in 2024, with The Greatest Showman director Michael Gracey at the helm to bring this musical movie to life in all its glory. The film is part of Disney’s push to turn a slew of their animated classics into live-action movies, as they did with The Lion King, Snow White, and Lilo & Stitch.

Here’s everything we know about the remake, including its theatrical release date, which was just announced at this year’s D23.

Who will play Rapunzel and Flynn in the live-action Tangled?

Rapunzel

This one comes as a bit of a surprise, but in a good way. Rising Australian actress Teagan Croft — who you may recognize as Rachel Roth from HBO Max’s Titans TV series — will play the plucky princess with magical blonde hair.

Prior to Croft’s casting, the frontrunner seemed to be Sabrina Carpenter, who even earned Mandy Moore’s approval (she voiced Rapunzel in the animated movie), StyleCaster reports. Avantika Vandanapu (Mean Girls, 2024) was also rumored to be screen testing for the role back in 2024, sparking a wave of racist hate against the actress for daring to play a white, blonde princess. We say her beautiful singing voice would definitely do the character justice, and if you don’t have anything nice to say, let it go (wrong Disney movie, but you get it).

Yahoo Entertainment reported that “according to popular internet scooper Daniel Richtman, Florence Pugh was the frontrunner to play Rapunzel in Disney’s live-action adaptation of Tangled.” The outlet says another internet gossip account on X called MyTimeToShineHello claims to have seen Taylor Swift’s name on a casting sheet for the part of Rapunzel.

Other popular fan casts included Emma Myers (Wednesday), Meg Donnelly (Zombies), and Dove Cameron (Liv and Maddie).

Flynn Rider

Could it be? Did fans... actually get their wish?! Milo Manheim (Zombies) by far appeared to be the most frequent fan cast for the part of Flynn Rider. And look who got the part! Honestly, with his haphazard wavy hair and strong jawline, it’s easy to see why.

Redditors also mentioned Austin Butler (Elvis), Derek Klena (Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin), and Fabien Frankel (House of the Dragon) as possible picks for the charming outlaw before the news of Manheim’s casting.

What about Mother Gothel?

For a while, Croft and Manheim were the only *official* casting announcements revealed, but if Disney listened to fans about those casting choices, they definitely paid attention when it came to the iconic villain.

Because Kathryn Hahn has officially been tapped to play Mother Gothel in the live-action Tangled.

In an Instagram reel in collaboration with Disney Studios, Hahn shows off her “OOTD” and reveals she’s wearing a Mother Gothel T-shirt. Her Instagram bio also now reads “mother knows best,” in reference to one of the more iconic villain songs in Disney movie history. It’s perfection.

There were a lot of actresses rumored to take on this role, including Tracee Ellis Ross and Cher, but Kathryn Hahn has been rumored to be Mother Gothel for a long time, according to Yahoo Entertainment. She’s become a legend over the last two decades for her comedy work and then for her turn as Agatha in the MCU’s WandaVision and Agatha All Along, and fans are so excited to see her take on this fun, villainous role.

When is the live-action Tangled coming to theaters?

We have a release date, folks: March 31, 2028. While the premiere is still pretty far away, when announcing the release date at its annual D23 fan event, Disney also shared a first look at Croft’s Rapunzel (and her storied hair) as well as Hahn’s Mother Gothel.

Following the sneak peeks, Hahn shared that she loves playing Mother Gothel because she’s “the best kind of villain” — the kind who thinks she’s actually a hero.

What else do we know about the Tangled remake?

Not a whole lot yet. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Kristin Burr (2025’s Freakier Friday, 2021’s live-action Cruella) is producing, and Jennifer Kaytin Robinson (Do Revenge, Thor: Love and Thunder) wrote the script.

We do know who will be playing Rapunzel’s mother, Queen Arianna: Outlander’s Caitríona Balfe, according to Deadline. The outlet also reported that Diego Luna (Andor) has joined the cast to play a new character named Hawthorne.

More details to come, but with the incredible cast and crew already tied to Tangled, there’s really no way this movie doesn’t turn out amazing.

You’ve probably watched the classic animated version of The Lion King more times than you can count, and the number of times you’ve streamed the 2019 live-action version is getting up there too. Well, you’re about to get the real deal: Lion, a four-part event series premiering Wednesday, Aug. 19, follows the rise of a real-life tiny lion cub named Kio in Kenya’s Maasai Mara. The ambitious National Geographic endeavor tracks Kio for four straight years as he grows from a wobbly furball into the leader of one of the largest prides in Africa.

And Scary Mommy has an exclusive clip.

In it, we meet cute baby Kio, just 8 weeks old, back when he was mostly just ears and paws. We also meet his mother, Summer, who is doing what all mothers of little ones do: hovering. She has raised many cubs in this nursing ground, the narrator tells us, but she’s an older lioness now… and Kio may be her last. Kio climbs a mini red dirt mound in a moment that feels like a tiny tribute to Pride Rock. Then, he returns to nuzzle with his fierce but tender mother.

As a child who grew up dreaming of becoming a journalist for National Geographic (didn’t all of us millennials?!), it’s impossible not to be awestruck by the details of Lion. The crew logged nearly 1,400 filming days across an impressive 52 shoots to get footage like this. It’s the most time any production has ever spent in the field following a single pride, and the first natural history production to document a lion’s entire journey from cub to king.

They actually had to whittle it down quite a bit, cutting roughly 1,000 hours of footage to fit into four hours of story.

But with the team behind the scenes on this docuseries, it’s clearly in exceptionally capable hands. It’s executive-produced by Jon Favreau, who directed Disney’s live-action version of The Lion King, alongside BBC Studios Natural History Unit creative director Mike Gunton (Planet Earth II). Academy Award-winning composer Hans Zimmer (Dune, Interstellar), who scored the 1994 animated film, leads the score here with Niccolò Pacella and George Hutson Warren for Bleeding Fingers Music.

They recorded using sounds captured in the Maasai Mara, including actual lion roars and local singers, and added vocals from the Nairobi Chamber Chorus to the soundtrack (which releases Aug. 21 wherever music is streamed). You may even notice some rerecorded musical nods to the original tucked throughout.

And the narration? That voice belongs to O.J. Lynch, who’s played Mufasa onstage in the Broadway adaptation of The Lion King.

Of course, Kio is a real lion cub. There’s no CGI. No happy warthogs singing “Hakuna Matata.” So filming meant that there was always the very real possibility our hero wouldn’t make it to the end for his full-circle moment. That’s an important note to keep in mind when watching with your kids, as Kio faces loss and danger along the way. The hunting scenes aren’t too gory, but they may be a bit scary for younger kids. Older kids and tweens should be fine and will likely be utterly invested in Kio’s journey.

Plus, it’s always so nice when you can feel good about what you’re watching. Disney is using the premiere of Lion to continue its “Protect the Pride” campaign supporting the Wildlife Conservation Network’s Lion Recovery Fund, which has the goal of doubling the number of wild lions by 2050. According to Disney, the company has invested more than $5 million in the fund since 2019, and that has backed more than 400 conservation projects across 26 countries.

Lion premieres Wednesday, Aug. 19, at 9/8c on National Geographic, with all four episodes streaming on Disney+ and Hulu the next day.

The other day I asked my two kids what their favorite vacation has been. They’ve been to Disney World. They’ve been to New York City to see Wicked on Broadway. They’ve stayed with their grandparents at a beachfront cottage along the Atlantic. But they both said the same thing: they love Awesome Camp the most.

Yes. The cheapest, closest, easiest-to-plan vacation we take each year is the one that they count down the days to and the one they talk about the most.

And guess what? It’s my favorite, too.

Why do we love it? It’s a week with our friends. It’s a week playing in the woods without screens. And it’s a week with very little structure or obligation.

What is Awesome Camp?

Awesome Camp was born 10 years ago when my friend Dave decided to book a group camp site about an hour outside of town and invite all of his friends, near and far. We had two very small kids — an infant and a toddler — but we accepted the challenge, packed up the car, and went.

We don’t remember why we started calling it Awesome Camp at all.

Now — a full decade later — Awesome Camp has evolved into a highly anticipated annual event with its own sort of culture, and my kids and I wouldn’t miss it for the world.

While the location of Awesome Camp has changed over the years, it has always involved a group camp site within a few hours of our city with a pavilion and water near by. I’ve since learned that many campgrounds have these group pavilion sites, often used for family reunions or weddings. What I didn’t know was that they are incredibly affordable — it works out to literally about $10/person for the entire stay where we live — and that they can be rented for any reason at all, even if it’s not really an official event.

These group sites generally have plenty of space for putting up tents, a large covered area with tons of picnic tables, a couple of pit toilets, and some open space for games and socializing. The best ones that we keep returning to have private access to a river or lake.

While attendance varies, we often have 75 people — about 15 families, plus a number of couples and singles — at any given Awesome Camp. And though that can sound like a lot, everyone spreads out, many of the families aren’t there for the entire time, and many families plan their own little adventures and activities during the week, too. It still feels incredibly peaceful, intimate, and isolated, I promise.

Why does Awesome Camp work so well?

I truly believe that this is the type of vacation that we need to return to. Instead of spending thousands of dollars on trips that are over-scheduled and exhausting, why not give our brains a rest and spend quality time with our friends and family? Instead of focusing on taking the perfect pictures for Instagram, why not go somewhere where your phone doesn’t even work?

Here’s what I love about Awesome Camp:

The kids have the time of their lives, together.

The single best thing about a friend camping trip is that our kids suddenly have a group of “cousins” that they can play with all day (and into the night). Our kids have been playing together every summer for a decade now, and they have formed lifetime bonds with one another as they swim, run through the woods, make s’mores, and play games.

I am in awe of how much independence my kids gain each year at camp, as well as how I do not hear a single complaint about screens or phones the entire time — although they do play a lot of music together. In any given day, we might see them playing volleyball, paddle boarding, playing board games on the picnic tables, or just talking together in their tent.

Yes, we have to watch them on the water (and we have strict water rules that everyone in camp follows), but for the most part, the kids are incredibly independent as a group and take care of each other — freeing up more time for the adults to get their own rest in.

The adults can be kids again.

Awesome Camp is the week of the year where I get play, too. I look forward to playing board games and yard games with my friends — and there’s always a few “tournaments” that happen during the week, usually involving Kubb, corn hole, capture the flag, or Code Names, just to name a few.

During the day, when it heats up, we often all sit by (or in) the lake together, just snacking, chatting, and watching our kids play.

And there are so many adults around that it is incredibly easy to slip away to go on a solo kayak, hike, bike, or swim — all you do is let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll be back. At any given time, there are always a few adults hidden away in a hammock or camp chair reading, and we all naturally rotate on and off of kid and camp duties so everyone has time to themselves.

Camp nights are so much fun, too.

At night, the gears shift again and festivities ramp up. Cooking and eating begins, everyone gathers in the pavilion for eating, more games, and socializing. Individuals will often bring a random offering for everyone — just to offer a couple of examples, this year someone made a platter of Hawaiian sushi rolls, someone brought a selection of tinned fish and white wines and set up a tasting table, and someone made signature mixed drinks.

Then the camp fire is lit and we roast things over the fire, sit in a big circle, and talk the night away. Sometimes it strikes me: how often do we all get together and just exist, without some big life-changing event like a wedding or funeral to bring us together?

Saturday night is the big party!

On the last night of camp, everything crescendos. Each year we pick a theme (sample themes from past year: formal night, tropical luau, 80s summer camp) and everyone, kids and adults, dress up. There is even more food, music, playing, and laughter... and by this time, everyone is extremely dirty, sun tanned, rested, and happy from a week in the woods.

Awesome Camp doesn’t end when we all go home.

The really special thing about Awesome Camp is that it doesn’t just come once a year and then disappear from our lives. It gives us such a close week of bonding and friendship that our relationships only get deeper year after year. It is absolutely no mistake that I’ve drifted away from some friends during the busy working single mom years of my life, but I’ve only gotten closer with the people I see at camp each year.

They say that you have to invest serious time with people to make close friends — a recent study found that you need 80 to 100 hours of dedicated interactions to forge a real friendship with someone, and friendships will fade if those hours don’t continue. Awesome Camp is a built-in way to get those hours each year with dozens of people.

And those people are my village.

Believe me, it’s easier to ask someone to watch your kids when you’ve exchanged childcare daily at camp. It’s easier to ask to borrow something when you’ve lived communally and shared everything. It’s easier to ask for help when you have a history of helping each other.

It’s also not a coincidence at all that the people at Awesome Camp are also the people who have helped each other through divorces and deaths, job losses and career changes, broken hearts and failed dreams — and also the people who have celebrated each other’s wins and successes. After all, we live in the woods together for one week a year.

How to plan your own Awesome Camp

One of the biggest perks of Awesome Camp is that they are easier to plan than most other vacations — and once you have the basic gear (a tent, sleeping bags, etc.) it’s close to free.

Here’s how to get started:

• Find a good group campsite. The best place to start is recreation.gov, which is easily searchable and has tons of information, including reviews.
• Invite friends. You do not need to know everyone super well — and you can let friends invite their friends, too. You can also start with a smaller group of a few families and grow your camp over a few years to a size you like.
• Set some safety rules. Our friend camp has significantly fewer rules than some other groups we know of — but we do have some safety rules for the kids, mostly around water and fire. They also aren’t allowed to leave the immediate vicinity of the pavilion after dark. Other camps have more rules — like food restrictions and quiet hours — do what works best for your group!
• Share a packing list. Over 10 years, we have gotten very good at packing for this trip as a group and everyone brings things both for themselves and for the group. We have a Google group/mailing list where we keep everything organized.
• Honestly, don’t get too organized. Other camping groups we know have lots of daily events and scheduled group meals, but we feel like that can take away from the freedom of the week. I like that the “events” of our Awesome Camp are usually weird surprises (like a pop-up tinned fish table) and things that you can either take or leave. Don’t assign yourself too much work! This is a time to rest.

Here’s to Awesome Camp

We just got back from this year’s Awesome camp. It felt even more special since it was our tenth year — and because our kids are now old enough to anticipate it as much as we do.

On our last night, during our 80s Summer Camp theme party, I was chatting with friends, having a drink next to the fire, listening to a Kate Bush song, and watching my kids play flashlight tag, when I looked up. All above us, the Northern Lights were streaking and dancing across the sky. Everyone walked into the field next to camp, looked up, and watched it together.

As has become abundantly clear since the world first met Anna and Elsa of Arendelle in 2013, no one is ready to “let it go” when it comes to the Frozen franchise (at least not yet). And thanks to Disney, you don’t have to. During a Q1 earnings call in February 2023, Disney CEO Bob Iger confirmed Frozen 3 is officially in the works, but since then, details on the third installment have been few and far between... until now.

At D23, Disney’s annual fan expo where they share all their biggest announcements and updates, they spilled lots of new details about Frozen 3, including a release date and concept art. Here’s everything we know so far.

When will Frozen 3 be released?

Frozen 3 will hit theaters on Nov. 24, 2027.

While Disney did not release a trailer or even a teaser for the film, they did share concept art showing Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, Sven, and Olaf looking out over an icy, enchanted meadow with the Northern Lights glowing purple in the night sky above.

Who’s returning for Frozen 3?

Fear thee not, Frozen fans: All the key players are reprising their roles. At D23, Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel took the stage to announce the movie’s release date after singing “Frozen Heart,” a song from the original movie’s soundtrack. They were then joined on stage by Josh Gad, the voice of Olaf, for a little performance of his own about Olaf’s new love interest, Samantha. So, we can safely assume the three of them are all the way on board for Round 3.

Who else from the existing cast will return? Jonathan Groff is confirmed to return as Kristoff, according to Variety.

What will Frozen 3 be about?

We know from Gad’s song that we are finally going to learn more about snowwoman Samantha, and presumably why Olaf is so taken with her. Other plot details have been kept under wraps; all that has been made public is that this movie will center on Anna and Kristoff’s wedding, and there will be a villain.

In her presentation at D23, Bell described this movie as Elsa and Anna’s “biggest journey yet.”

“In this new adventure, love is in the air — for everyone!” Menzel chimed in. “Even Olaf,” said Gad, joining them onstage. Frozen 3 will take our characters to a wild and dangerous frozen landscape far from Arendelle, the group shared.

In Frozen 2, fans learned that Elsa is the fifth spirit, a magical being connecting humanity and the elements. Fan theories about the third movie’s plot suggest that Elsa’s character arc parallels Norse mythology. In previous concept art shared by Disney, Elsa and Anna are depicted approaching a magical kingdom in the sky, with a horned shadow wielding a spear approaching from behind. Could it be that an Odin-like figure is threatened by Elsa’s power? Will she have to ascend to some higher place and leave Arendelle in Anna’s hands?

We are still a long ways off from plopping down in a theater chair and seeing what unfolds for our favorite sisters, but rest assured, Frozen 3 is coming. Don’t even get us started on Frozen 4.