<![CDATA[Scary Mommy]]>https://www.scarymommy.comScary MommyWed, 13 May 2026 16:45:46 GMT<![CDATA[12 Pet Products Scary Mommy Editors Want From The Amazon Pet Days Sale]]>https://www.scarymommy.com/shopping/tk-pet-products-scary-mommy-editors-want-from-the-amazon-pet-days-salehttps://www.scarymommy.com/shopping/tk-pet-products-scary-mommy-editors-want-from-the-amazon-pet-days-saleWed, 13 May 2026 16:11:34 GMT

As someone who grew up with every kind of pet, from your standard dogs and cats to horses, chickens, cows, and even, once, a raccoon, I have used my fair share of pet products in this life. Like any product category, there are things that are 100% worth your money and many more that are not. This week is Amazon’s Pet Days Sale — it runs May 11 through May 15 — and there are countless deals and rollbacks on everything you might need, from litter and kibble in bulk to doggy life jackets and massive chicken coop kits (for real).

Amazon has a complete list of every brand offering discounts right now, but here are the picks I’m eyeing and products I’d recommend.

An Indestructible Crate Bed

My dog turns into a velociraptor at night — she has been known to shred and eat dog beds and blankets in the blink of an eye, which is incredibly dangerous for her. But still, I felt terrible with her just sleeping on the plastic tray that came with her dog crate. Thank goodness I came across this brand, which makes chew- and rip-proof padded beds that slide right into the crate’s bottom. We’ve had ours for five years and it looks and smells brand new. You can hose it off and vacuum it to clean. I can’t recommend it enough.

A Backseat Extender For Your Big Dog, Small Car Situation

I have a 90-pound dog and a not-so-spacious sedan, so her rides to the vet and the dog park were not the comfiest. Plus, I always worried about her getting the anxious poops or scratching the leather on my seats (both have happened). This car seat extender is solid enough to support her with no problem, and it protects my car from any pup-related scratches or stains. It lives in my trunk now.

A Litter Mat With Insanely Good Reviews

Cat litter outside the box is every kitty owner’s arch nemesis. With a 4.5-star rating and more than 50,000 reviews on Amazon, this mat seems to be the solution honestly. The mesh coils grab and trap litter so it doesn’t scatter onto the floor, and the textured backing holds the mat and litter box in place.

A Grooming Vacuum (Genius)

We’ve probably all seen the videos of people online vacuuming their dogs (and even the occasional cat) instead of brushing and having the clean up all the loose hair. Well, this grooming vacuum includes attachments to clip, deshed, and even grind your pet’s nails and suck up the dust.

A Mini Pet Cam, For The Pet Tech-Curious

If you’ve been interested in trying out a pet cam to watch your fur child during the day, Furbo’s mini cams are half off right now during the Amazon Pet Days sale. The price doesn’t include the subscription, but it’s a low-cost cam to keep an eye on things at home, if you’ve been considering it.

A Waterproof Couch Blanket To Keep Pet Hair OFF

Love our pets, hate their hair on the furniture. This waterproof, scratch-proof couch blanket is on sale right now and caught my eye because it comes in so many sizes and shapes for any configuration of couch. This is such a great price for a blanket to easily toss on your dog’s favorite spot and then be able to easily launder it instead of vacuuming or washing the damn cushion covers.

Cheese Puffs For Dogs

If you haven’t given your pup one of these Himalayan yak cheese chews, you should. They are pretty hard and durable so they take a while to chew on and keep pups busy, but if you microwave them, they puff up almost like a massive Cheeto. Sales like this are the best time to stock up on the fancy treats and entertainment your dog needs, and these are in my cart already.

Your Pet’s Flea & Tick Prevention

Um, yes, hello, I was unaware I could get my pet’s preventive meds on Amazon! Frontline is running 25% sales on their dog and cat products alike right now, so if that’s your usual brand, might as well grab a few for the rest of the year.

A Salmon Oil Additive For Skin & Coat Health

I've been adding salmon oil to my dog's food for a little over a year now, and it has made such a difference in her coat. She used to be a dandruff-y mess, and a little Googling revealed that apparently dogs' skin doesn't produce natural oils like ours does. They need a little help in that area. I've used this brand and others and liked them all, but Zesty Paws is 25% off right now and has 4.5 stars with almost 70,000 reviews.

A Smell & Stain Remover That Really Works

I've been using a bottle of this stuff for years; it lasts FOREVER. This is the stain remover we used on couches and rugs when we had a baby and puppy in the house at the same time, and I’m not sure what to say other than that it just straight up works. I don't love the scent of it, but whatever's in here prevents your upholstery from smelling like old pee for weeks after an accident, so I'll live.

A Deal For Senior Dog Owners

When our senior dog developed severe arthritis, our vet recommended we start giving her Dasuquin chews with her food each day to help support her joints as much as possible. If you’re in a similar boat, you know how pricey they can get, so snag them now while they’re $13 off.

A Chicken Coop To Begin Your Homesteading Dreams

If you’ve been thinking about keeping backyard chickens or ducks, now is the time to look for deals on coops and enclosures apparently. This chicken run is 19.7 x 9.8 x 6.6ft, meaning it’s tall enough to walk through and large enough for quite the flock. The sides are an all-weather polymer mesh, and you will need to predator-proof the coop by adding a floor, but I think this would give you a nice starting frame to work from. Be sure to add a place for your chickens to lay eggs and roost!

We love our pets, and we love a good deal. This week, we can have both.

]]><![CDATA[PCOS Got A New Name, One Experts Hope Will Change How Women Receive Care]]>https://www.scarymommy.com/lifestyle/pcos-got-a-new-name-one-doctors-hope-will-change-how-women-receive-carehttps://www.scarymommy.com/lifestyle/pcos-got-a-new-name-one-doctors-hope-will-change-how-women-receive-careWed, 13 May 2026 15:45:52 GMT
Javier Zayas Photography/Moment/Getty Images

Chances are you know someone with polycysitc ovary syndrome, or PCOS — it affects roughly 10% to 13% of women of reproductive age (or anyone with ovaries), according to the World Health Organization, though many who suffer with it go undiagnosed. But a change to the condition’s name, published yesterday in The Lancet, aims to change that. Thanks to the work of numerous international women’s health organizations and patient advocacy groups, PCOS will now be known as polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, or PMOS.

A consortium of 56 academic, clinical, and patient organizations surveyed nearly 15,000 people living with the condition and doctors who treat it about their experiences. Experts and patients alike agreed that the name PCOS was simply not accurate, and that is a massive problem for people trying to get better.

“The term PCOS is inaccurate, implying pathological ovarian cysts, obscuring diverse endocrine and metabolic features, and contributing to delayed diagnosis, fragmented care, and stigma, while curtailing research and policy framing,” the paper reads. “The condition formerly known as PCOS now has a new name: polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome.”

The new name was chosen because it eliminated the idea that cysts must be present for diagnoses, and because it captured the “endocrine, metabolic, and ovarian dysfunction” that define the syndrome — and often the lives of those living with it.

Dr. Helena Teede, an endocrinologist, professor of women’s health at Monash University in Australia, and the lead author of the paper, told The New York Times that when a condition is viewed as affecting a particular organ, all the funding, education, and treatment guidelines focus on that organ. In the case of PCOS, that meant the ovaries.

However, PMOS is a disorder of the endocrine system. While it can cause gynecological symptoms, like irregular periods and difficulty getting pregnant, it can also lead to excess hair growth, acne, unexplained weight gain, and more. Importantly, it can increase the risk of developing chronic health conditions, like Type 2 diabetes, endometrial cancer, cardiovascular disease, and high blood pressure. Changing the name of the condition will allow more funding to be put toward research into how PMOS is connected to these health conditions, and make clear to doctors worldwide that patients diagnosed with PMOS should be referred to specialists in these areas too — not just OB-GYNs.

The paper’s authors and countless contributors to the new name hope that by accurately describing PMOS, better care, treatments, and outcomes will now be possible for the estimated 170 million individuals who live with this syndrome.

“This change has global implications for health-care systems, policy, and research, and for advancing understanding and treatment of the condition,” the paper concludes. “Overall goals include greater awareness, enhanced diagnosis, improved care quality and patient satisfaction, and optimised outcomes across the broad features of the condition.”

]]><![CDATA[Simple Ways To Make Your Backyard Feel 100% More Staycation-y]]>https://www.scarymommy.com/lifestyle/ways-to-make-backyard-staycation-readyhttps://www.scarymommy.com/lifestyle/ways-to-make-backyard-staycation-readyWed, 13 May 2026 13:34:41 GMT

When the warmer months hit, I — a self-proclaimed plant nerd and avid gardener — spend as much time out there pulling weeds and watering as possible. But last year when I was recovering from major surgery, I realized my outdoor space was really lacking something: comfort. I had nowhere to sit, nowhere to escape to. Nowhere to relax and enjoy the garden I so constantly attended. And since travel was off the roster for the summer, I was having some serious vacation FOMO.

Between shorter school breaks, kids' summer activities, and the rising cost of travel, your dream vaycay may have taken a back seat this year. That doesn’t mean you can’t have a getaway right in your own backyard. If you’re trying to bring a little vacation to your deck or garden, there are plenty of options... even if you don’t have the budget or energy for a big landscape makeover.

Start Small

An entire yard transformation can be daunting and costly, so focus on one area that you can make into a sanctuary. For me, this was my deck. I found some inexpensive outdoor couches on sale, popped an outdoor rug underneath, and added a little fountain. The sound of the running water drowned out nearby traffic, and by choosing a couch over a table and chairs, I had a sunny spot to read. Every summer, my son and I hit up the public library and pick out books set in gorgeous locations we want to travel to, like the Amalfi Coast or the Scottish Highlands. This has become our favorite place to lounge and read.

Think In Zones

Like the idea of starting small, think of breaking up your outdoor space into zones. When creating an outdoor sanctuary, having several little spaces you can escape to is just as restful, and probably more realistic, than a total yard rehab.

Joe Raboine, VP of Design at Oldcastle APG, a company that specializes in outdoor living spaces, suggests “creating zones or ‘rooms’ that create a relaxing, layered experience.” Having a few spaces that allow you to enjoy the outdoors doing things you love to do on vacation is key. How you do this, as Raboine points out, will depend on your family’s lifestyle, but can range from shady reading nooks to a turf area for yoga.

Get a Hammock

There is nothing that says, “I’m on vacation!” like a hammock. After a trip to Mexico I came back determined to find a place for a hammock in my yard. Then my friend Kate suggested I just get a freestanding one, no trees or posts required. I set it up on my lawn during the hotter months, but when temps get lower in the fall, I bring it to my sunny deck with a blanket and extend its use.

Lighting Is Everything

Laura Bradburn, owner of outdoor lighting design company OLP of South Orange County, studied feng shui as part of her landscape architecture program at Cal Poly and suggests bringing elements into intentional outdoor lighting. “Feng shui is an ancient Chinese practice of bringing balance and harmony to a space,” explains Bradburn. One way to bring that balance with outdoor lighting is through the position of the lighting. “We address balance in our designs through using down, up and middle ground layers of light. Down lights in trees and overhead structures, up lights on the house and trees and mid ground layers with path lights,” Bradburn says.

The color of the lights is important, too. Bradburn tells us, “Harmony is achieved by using the right color temperature for the landscape and the home or building. Warm white creates intimacy with true white providing drama.”

There are so many affordable solar lights for gardens now. I’m a big fan of these inexpensive lights that cast a moon and star pattern onto the walkway. I have them lining my front sidewalk, but I also put them in my garden beds. String lights are always a hit: they say, “outdoor café at night” and can be left up well beyond the summer months.

Invoke Through Scents

Scent can take us right back to a beautiful place. The crush of eucalyptus transports me immediately to hiking in the San Francisco Bay Area. Sharp espresso in the morning reminds me of a cold sunrise in Italy. Hyacinths take me back to February in Amsterdam.

Raboine recommends easy ways to achieve this, “Borrow simple features from different regions,” he suggests, “Such as regional herbs in a garden like rosemary and lavender to evoke the scent of an Italian garden.”

Whether it’s lemon or basil or southern gardenias, finding a potted plant that brings you back to your favorite destination is a simple way to feel transported every time you catch a whiff.

Speaking Of Plants

Garden elements like water features and bird houses are grand, but the green stuff is the heart of it all. In many climates, tropical houseplants can be moved outside to create a lush space. Just be sure not to place them in bright sunlight, as most tropical plants prefer bright indirect light. Use an outdoor rug and sunshade, and invite your kids to play the ukulele while you relax in a cozy outdoor chair or swing in a hammock.

Bring the Destination to You

If you’ve been longing for a trip to London, throw an outdoor tea party this summer. If you’re craving the coast, fill up that kiddie pool with cold salt water and soak your feet. If you’re lucky enough to have an outdoor movie projector (remember when we all bought those in 2020?) show films set in your dream destination. Armchair travel is fine, but viewing from a zero-gravity chair in your own backyard is almost as good as it gets.

Whether you have a few square feet or a few hundred, personalizing your yard with a couple of items and a lot of imagination can make you feel like you’re on vacation every time you step outside.

]]><![CDATA[This Mom Asked Reddit How To Deal With The Monotony Of Making Meals]]>https://www.scarymommy.com/parenting/this-mom-asked-reddit-how-to-deal-with-the-monotony-of-making-mealshttps://www.scarymommy.com/parenting/this-mom-asked-reddit-how-to-deal-with-the-monotony-of-making-mealsTue, 12 May 2026 20:30:25 GMT
Marc Romanelli/Tetra images/Getty Images

There’s a specific moment in every mom’s life (sometimes it happens more than once) where it suddenly hits you — spatula in hand, a baby whining somewhere in the background, ground beef in the pan — that you’re going to be doing this forever. Making meals every single day for every member of your family, over and over and over. When they’re babies, when they’re picky toddlers, when they’re teenagers. When you’re exhausted, when you’re sick, when you’re overwhelmed. It’s a realization that often happens when we’re already pushed to the limits, and then we start thinking about all the unseen domestic labor we’re responsible for, over and over, day after day.

And one mom took to Reddit because she needed to know how she was going to survive this.

OK, maybe that’s a little dramatic. But in the subreddit /Parenting, the original poster (OP) shared that they are “dreading the repetitiveness of daily meals.” OP wrote, “I am having a slight meltdown about the prospect of having to make three meals, every single day, for at least​ the next decade or two. My baby is almost 10 months old and is now starting to have three meals a day. The idea that these meals are now a non-negotiable part of every single day is sending me into some kind of panic about the monotonous loop of domestic labor.” OP added that they are used to preparing one, maybe two, meals per day — sometimes none — and the thought of making three meals a day, that are often messy thanks to baby, is just too much.

“Is there anyone that can reframe this for me somehow or have any advice, or even just support that I'm not alone in this thinking?” OP asked.

Oh, I promise — you’re not alone.

I love that OP had the chance to share their woes, but then asked for real advice — they don’t want to feel like this forever, so what can they do about it? And Reddit came through, as the parents of Reddit often do. Honestly, I’m 11 years into this mom thing and I still struggle some days with the monotony of it all.

For starters, some parents were quick to point out that OP may end up with a picky eater — and then it’s less stressful, because you’re just warming up frozen nuggets and frozen pizza on rotation until your kid decides they don’t like those either. Others pointed out that OP didn’t need to set unrealistic expectations on themselves. “Babies/kids really can just eat the same stuff that we eat for the most part,” one wrote. “There’s no reason each meal needs to be completely handcrafted from scratch.”

Other parents suggested snack plate meals — meals that are just tiny portions of something your kid likes — as well as making the same few meals on repeat so it’s easier. Grilled cheese and canned soup, bean and cheese quesadillas, hamburger patties and frozen fries — those all totally count as meals.

One parent recommended, “Write recipe ideas down. Soups, casseroles, instant pot recipes etc. tweak them slightly and you have a whole new meal. I got really good at making white cream sauces for spaghetti or mashed potatoes. So sometimes I do an herb sauce, mushroom, or tomato cream sauce. Maybe I use spaghetti, maybe I top simple grilled chicken with it.” The idea is to go simple and easy and use less of your brain power on dinner than you thought you’d have to.

Because even some of the best comments were riddled with people saying things like, “I miss the days of a sandwich for lunch” as if that’s a thing you no longer can do. But you can! Feeding your kids doesn’t have to be Instagram-worthy or fresh and exciting — it’s OK for your kids to say, “Ugh, chips and a PB&J are boring.” You fed them. They’ll eat it. The end.

But even when you’re making the world’s easiest meals, even when you’ve meal-prepped, even when you have a plan — it can feel suffocating. And a few parents were able to give OP some ideas on how to push that desperate feeling aside.

“To quote Mary Poppins: ‘In every job that must be done there is an element of fun. You find that fun and snap the job's a game,’” one commenter wrote. “Find what makes it enjoyable for you: simplicity vs variety, efficiency vs leisurely, etc. Meal prepping can help. It also helps to find things where you make one and freeze one.”

But my favorite part? “It's still going to feel like Sisyphus a lot of the time, but there is fun to be had.”

It’s that kind of rebranding that helps so much. Instead of dreading the work or thinking about how it’s going to last forever, it helps to remember that even though there will be hard days, there’s almost always a solution to make it more fun or enjoyable or easier.

(And sometimes the easier thing is a sandwich for dinner.)

]]><![CDATA[New AAP Recess Guidelines Reiterate The Benefits Of Recess For Kids]]>https://www.scarymommy.com/lifestyle/new-aap-recess-guidelines-reiterate-the-benefits-of-recess-for-kidshttps://www.scarymommy.com/lifestyle/new-aap-recess-guidelines-reiterate-the-benefits-of-recess-for-kidsTue, 12 May 2026 20:28:48 GMT
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My oldest started middle school this year, and while it has been a wonderful transition from elementary school, there’s something she still really misses — recess. In her school, they do reward the kids with a lot of “walk-and-talks” which lets them go outside at the end of the day on Fridays to hang with friends, but it’s only every few weeks or so. Nothing like the recess she fondly remembers (and misses!).

But even the recess my kids have is nothing compared to my own memories of recess. I remember the time stretching forever — the entire grade level all mixed in so we could see our friends in other classes. I remember recess being so long that the teachers used it as a break, too — they’d sit in chairs with Diet Cokes and pull out their hats and sunglasses and it all felt like a mini vacation in the middle of the day.

Recess has changed a lot since the ‘50s and the ‘70s and the ‘90s, but one thing has stayed the same — the importance of it. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently updated their recess guidelines (the previous iteration was from 2013), making it absolutely clear that not only is recess fundamentally beneficial for kids in regards to physical health, but it also helps them manage stress, positively impacts their teaching-learning environment, and brings incredible social and cognitive benefits.

Honestly, it’s a nonnegotiable.

How long should recess be?

The AAP notes in their new policy statement that recess duration can vary from school district to school district in the U.S., with some having “less than 10 minutes” and some having up to “60 minutes per day or more.”

Based on peer-reviewed studies, “multiple breaks with a minimum of 20 minutes every day” is best for kids to receive the full “cognitive, physical, and social benefits of recess.”

The AAP notes that, at minimum, recess should occur “often enough and long enough” with a variety of play options for kids so that they can feel fully focused when they return to the classroom.

“The academic value of recess can be reinforced by including recess time as instructional minutes,” AAP’s policy states.

And while the AAP doesn’t mention it, I think it’s worth mentioning — teachers benefit from a longer recess, too. When I was a kid, I remember teachers getting to enjoy recess as an actual break. Now, my own elementary schooler says one teacher watches all of the kids play because the other teachers have work to do, planning to finish, or are in meetings. What happened to letting the teachers sit outside and enjoy the brain break, too?

Why does recess matter?

We all know there are benefits to recess, but the AAP recess guidelines reiterate them. There are three core benefits to recess: social and emotional benefits, physical benefits, and cognitive/academic benefits.

Emotional Benefits

  • Recess offers peer-to-peer engagement
  • Playing with others gives them emotional self-control, perseverance, cooperation, communication, conflict resolution, and leadership
  • Research has proven that social competence helps protect kids against victimization, substance use, and poor mental health outcomes

Physical Benefits

  • Recess offers an easy way for kids to have more moderate-to-vigorous physical activity
  • Allows kids the opportunity to be active “for the sheer joy of it,” which can promote a higher chance of staying physically active as an adult
  • Physically active play has “positive impacts on cognitive processing and development of executive functions”

Cognitive/Academic Benefits

  • Recess can provide the right conditions for kids to experience “wakeful rest” that briefly Frees their brain from cognitive activity so their neurons can be reactivated
  • Physically active play can aid memory retention, promote information processing, and help with executive function
  • Recess lowers stress and restores their attention and concentration, which makes it easier for kids to focus and retain learning when they go back to class

What type of recess should kids have?

The AAP is clear that there should be a good mix of safe, but “risky” play. Things for kids to climb and balance on, things that require speed, and “rough-and-tumble” play like sports.

“Risky play demands heightened attention, self-regulation, creative problem-solving, and a recognition of personal boundaries, all of which are fundamental to a child’s evolving independence. Providing opportunities for children to confront or create uncertainty, unpredictability, and even potential hazard as part of their play experiences should be viewed as an inherent purpose of play,” the statement reads.

Of course, this requires there to be well-trained recess monitors who know what risks to look out for to keep all the kids safe, but the bottom line is that kids should be able to play. Just play.

Because that’s another thing the AAP points out — kids should have autonomy over play. During recess, adults shouldn’t be controlling the type of play or how the kids play — they deserve free (safe) reign to play however they want during this time.

This new recess policy from the AAP reaffirms their 2013 statement: “Recess is a necessary break in the day for optimizing a child’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development. In essence, recess should be considered a child’s personal time, and it should not be withheld for academic or punitive reasons.”

The AAP followed this up by recommending that attention be paid to the “location and design of play spaces,” as well as training staff. “School and district policies should emphasize the crucial role of recess breaks for the whole child and protect the time allocated for recess to ensure all students’ right to a safe, quality recess experience every day.”

That means no more taking away recess for bad behavior or bad grades, no more skipping recess for more instruction time, and no policing the kids on how to spend their recess. Basically — let the kids outside and let them do their thing. Everyone will be better off.

]]><![CDATA[Some Days I Don’t Know Who I Am Anymore]]>https://www.scarymommy.com/lifestyle/some-days-i-dont-know-who-i-am-anymorehttps://www.scarymommy.com/lifestyle/some-days-i-dont-know-who-i-am-anymoreTue, 12 May 2026 15:55:58 GMT
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I woke up again this morning to a quiet house. I told myself I should be used to this feeling, again, but the truth is I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to this new role I find myself in.

I’ve had more than enough time to settle into a routine. It’s been years since my three kids got their licenses and jobs and big lives outside of these four walls. Slowly they started slipping away and spending less time at home, as they should. And I was free to invest in myself more. To take a breather.

Instead of being the one who kept all the plates spinning all the time for my kids, I had more time for me. I always thought I’d fill this time with travel and books and parties. But for some reason I’m frozen, not quite sure which direction to go in.

I’m still needed for things like grocery shopping and doctors appointments and the occasional piece of advice—only when asked, of course.

I thought I would enjoy this freedom. There were times as a single mom of three that I craved it. I wanted my mind to rest, to be able to sit down without beating myself up for taking a minute when there was so much to do.

I have all that now. I have all that and then some.

But the quiet is too loud. I feel so unsettled. There are days when I don’t really know who I am anymore. When I talk about this feeling — this void —some women get it. It’s a huge identity shift and when you spend years as a busy mom, the nurturer of the home, the caretaker, the nurse, the maid and the cook; you live and move a certain way. And for me, unlearning that way of life has been a harder transition than I thought. I didn’t know that such a huge piece of me would … leave. I’m not the same person I was when my kids were younger because they grew up. And it feels so strange.

Of course some say the fact I’m not sure who I am anymore is my fault. That I’m in control of my life and maybe I should have prepared for this by building more of a life of my own while my kids were home.

I don’t regret not doing that. I knew my time with them wouldn’t always be that way and I wanted to soak it up. I did that and I’m glad; I have no regrets. I didn’t want to miss a thing.

But I didn’t know I would feel a little lost. I didn’t know it would be so hard to figure out what I want to do with my free time. And I really didn’t know I would have to get used to not having to be the one to hold everything together at every moment. I didn’t know that I’d miss it so much.

I think every identity shift takes time to get used to. But going from being a full time mom to having grown kids is a big one.

I know I’ll find my way, we always do. But damn.

Katie lives in Maine with her three kids, two ducks, and a goldendoodle. When she’s not writing, she’s reading, at the gym, redecorating her home, or spending too much money online.

]]><![CDATA[60 Weird-As-Hell Things You'll Get A Sh*t Ton Of Use Out Of — & Wow They're Cheap]]>https://www.scarymommy.com/shopping/weird-as-hell-things-youll-get-a-sht-ton-of-use-out-of-wow-theyre-cheaphttps://www.scarymommy.com/shopping/weird-as-hell-things-youll-get-a-sht-ton-of-use-out-of-wow-theyre-cheapMon, 11 May 2026 22:00:13 GMT

Some things on Amazon may seem weird on the surface, but once they show up in the mail you realize they’re exactly what you’ve been missing. From fun decor pieces that double as super useful tools to quirky finds that instantly upgrade your daily routines, these oddball items are as practical as they are peculiar. The best part? They’re cheap as hell, so you can fill your cart with a ton of these gadgets that’ll make life easier (and maybe a little funnier) without totally draining your wallet.

A Motion Sensor Night-Light That Hangs Right On Your Door

This clever night-light makes finding your keys or navigating in the dark way less annoying. It hangs right on your doorknob and doubles as a glowing memo board for reminders, notes, or doodles. Equipped with a motion sensor, it activates within a 10-foot, 120-degree range, automatically shutting off after 15 seconds of inactivity. With a rechargeable battery and natural wooden design, the light is both practical and stylish for bedrooms, hallways, or kids’ rooms.

This Nifty Mouse Pad That Doubles As A Computer Program Shortcut Guide

This mouse pad doubles as your personal cheat sheet for Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Windows shortcuts. At about 12 by 10 inches, the pad is an ideal size for work or gaming, with a smooth surface that keeps your mouse gliding and stitched edges that help prevent fraying. The nonslip base also helps keep it in place, and the water-resistant fabric makes cleanup easy.

This 18-Pack Of Zip Pouches That Can Organize Anything & Everything

Organize literally everything — office supplies, school projects, makeup, puzzles, chargers — with this 18-pack of zippered storage pouches. Each bag is made from thick vinyl material that’s designed to be durable, moisture-resistant, and endlessly reusable. With sizes ranging from 4-by-9 inches to 10-by-14 inches, there’s a pouch for every oddball collection in your house.

A 2-Way Memory Card Reader That Works With Phones & Computers

Photographers, content creators, and more will love this dual-slot SD card reader that’s designed to work with any of your devices — iPhones, iPads, Androids, MacBooks, and even trail cameras. The reader can transfer files both ways (yes, you can move your pics onto an SD card). Just plug it in — no app required — and access your files instantly.

This Wall-Mounted Toothbrush Holder That Also Sanitizes

This toothbrush holder doesn’t just store your brush; it’s designed to also keep it clean. The wall-mounted device promotes ventilation to dry your brush and uses UV light to help sanitize it. With two universal slots, it can fit everything from manual to electric brushes, while the LED screen keeps you updated on battery life and cleaning status. The sanitizer is rechargeable and easy to install with the included adhesive strips.

Solar-Powered Outdoor Lights That Sit Flush With The Ground

Light up your yard without touching a single outlet. These solar ground lights charge during the day and automatically flip on at night, giving you up to 10 hours of cool white glow along your driveway, garden, or patio. They sit flush with the ground so you don’t have to worry about tripping over bulky fixtures. Just stake them in and let the sun do its thing.

A Cooling Blanket That Helps Dissipate Your Body Heat

If you’re a hot sleeper, this blanket is for you. It’s made from breathable material designed to absorb your body heat and help dissipate it — so you stay cooler even on hot, sweaty nights. The soft blanket is machine washable for easy cleaning, and it comes in a ton of cute colors and multiple sizes.

A Document Holder That Calms Glove Box Chaos

If your glove box is currently a graveyard of half-used napkins, ketchup packets, and random cords, this little registration holder is here to organize your important paperwork. It has six interior compartments and clear ID windows so you can show your ID or registration without even taking it out. It’s ideal for storing your car paperwork, insurance information, and other essential documents.

This Tumbler Lid Organizer That Maximizes Under-Cabinet Storage Space

If you’ve got a growing collection of reusable tumblers, chances are your lids are everywhere — cabinets, drawers, maybe even the car. That’s where this under-cabinet lid organizer comes in handy. It hooks over the cabinet edge (no tools required) and can hold up to 10 lids. It can also double as a paper towel holder when all your lids are in use.

An In-Fridge Storage Solution For Condiments, Packets, & Small Items

Small sauce packets or loose produce won’t get lost in the back of the fridge anymore with these mesh organizer bags. They hang right on the door, adding extra storage without taking up shelf space. Perfect for condiments, garlic cloves, or even chilled skin care bottles, the bags have a breathable mesh design that keeps things neat, visible, and easy to grab.

A Notebook That Organizes Your Important Passwords & Usernames

If you’re constantly resetting your Netflix password or screaming “forgot again” at your bank login, this little password book is the sanity saver you need. With A-to-Z organizational tabs and room for Wi-Fi codes, username info, and notes, it’s an analog cheat sheet for digital chaos. Available in 15 attractive colors, it even looks like a sleek notebook, so no one would know it’s hiding anything important.

A Nonslip Mat That Adds Counter Space To Your Laundry Room

If your laundry machine doubles as a storage shelf, this silicone washer or dryer cover is a total lifesaver. It’s heat resistant, waterproof, and nonslip — so detergents, baskets, irons, and more can sit securely on top. The raised edges catch spills before they drip down your machine, and if the mat gets dirty, you can just wipe it down or toss it in the dishwasher. Bonus: It can double as a pet mat or coffee station tray.

This Dual-Spout Olive Oil Dispenser That Pours & Sprays

Whether you’re misting veggies with oil for the air fryer or pouring some on a salad, this glass olive oil sprayer makes cooking easier. The nozzle switches between spray and pour, so you can control the flow. Plus, the BPA-free glass bottle will look chic on your counter, and it’s available with several cute cap colors.

Stone Soap Trays That Instantly Absorb Leftover Water

Begone soap dishes that stay soggy! These stone trays are a sleek fix. Made from natural diatomite, they instantly absorb water so your counters stay dry. Each tray has grooves to channel extra moisture and silicone pads underneath so they won’t slip (or scratch your surfaces). Use them in the bathroom for hand soap, under a dish sponge in the kitchen, or even on a coffee table as coasters.

Reusable Fabric Bowl Covers For A Sustainable Alternative To Plastic Wrap

Skip the plastic wrap — these reusable fabric bowl covers are cute, reusable, and practical. You get 10 covers in five different sizes, each with elastic edges that stretch to fit snugly over bowls. The fabric is designed to resist tearing, and it can even go in the microwave. And there are eight fun patterns available for your choosing.

This High-Voltage Electric Fly Swatter With Instant Results

Have a bug problem? This rechargeable fly swatter zaps flying insects on contact with 4,000 volts of electricity. You can actively wave it around or leave it on its stand for passive bug catching. The three-layer mesh design helps keep the high-voltage grid away from your hands, and a dual switch helps prevent accidental activation.

A Nonslip Sofa Organizer For Drinks, Snacks, & Remotes

This silicone and acacia wood couch caddy keeps your drinks, snacks, remotes, and even your phone neatly within reach. It’s designed to be sturdy and waterproof, with nonslip pads to help keep it in place. The rotating phone and tablet bracket lets you adjust your screen angle, making it perfect for marathon TV watching or scrolling without neck strain. Plus, it’s compact enough to take to the car, bed, beach, or even camping.

Magnetic Bar Soap Holders That Promote Airflow

Moist, slimy soap will be a thing of the past when you start using these self-draining bar soap holders. They use magnetic discs to suspend the soap and promote airflow. The strong adhesive backing allows you to install a holder on your bathroom or kitchen wall, and the wood design will look sleek against any decor.

Mesh Sink Strainer Bags That Catch Food Before It Clogs Your Pipes

Help prevent your sink from clogging with this giant pack of 400 disposable strainer bags. They slip right over the drain basket to catch food scraps, coffee grounds, or stray noodles before they sneak into your pipes. The fine mesh is designed to filter even small debris without blocking water flow. When the bags are full, just lift and toss — no messy scooping required.

A Stretching Strap Designed To Help Relieve Foot & Leg Aches

Are you dealing with foot or leg aches? You can try this multi-loop strap that’s designed to help with muscle tightness, as well as for conditions like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, heel spurs, and more. Made from durable nylon with six loops, the strap lets you adjust stretches to target your calves, quads, hamstrings, or feet. It’s lightweight, portable, and comes with a carry pouch so you can use it at home, in the gym, or even while traveling.

This Extendable Baseboard Duster That Lets You Clean Without Bending Over

Cleaning your baseboards doesn’t have to mean getting on your hands and knees like you’re scrubbing a medieval castle floor. This extendable baseboard cleaner stretches up to 56 inches, letting you dust trims, crown molding, and even ceiling fan blades without straining your back. The reusable microfiber pads are washable and tough enough to handle dirt and dust or even light moisture thanks to the built-in squeegee.

Slim, Stackable Ice Packs For Lunch Bags & Coolers

Keep your drinks frosty and your sandwiches chill with these BPA-free freezer packs. Each one weighs under 8 ounces, so they’re designed to be light enough for everyday lunch bags but powerful enough to keep coolers cold on camping trips. And their slim rectangle design is made to be stackable to save space in your bags and ice chests. You get four in a pack.

Magnetic Visor Clips That Keep Glasses Secure In The Car

These sleek car visor clips can keep your sunglasses, parking passes, and more exactly where you need them. The clip is made with soft leather to help prevent scratches and uses a hidden magnet closure for easy installation and use. Just pop the clip open with one hand and slide your glasses in; they’ll stay secure until you need them. The visor attachments come in nine colors.

A Memory Foam Device To Help Stretch Your Neck

Take a load off with this portable memory foam wedge. It’s a neck and shoulder relaxer that uses an ergonomic curve designed to cradle your cervical spine to help give you a gentle stretch. It’s made to be used for 10-minute sessions per day and is designed for individuals dealing with TMJ, poor posture, or neck stiffness. You can get the device in four other colors.

Rust-Resistant Magnetic Hooks That Can Hold 30 Pounds

These magnetic hooks are a super simple but effective storage hack. You can stick them to magnetized refrigerators, washers, metal shelving — even your cruise room wall. The hooks give you vertical storage space for towels, bags, hats, and more. Each one holds up to 30 pounds vertically and can rotate for horizontal use, where it can hold 10 pounds. The hooks come in a pack of six and are resistant to rust and corrosion for long-term use.

A Felt Purse Insert With 13 Pockets For Easy Organization

Turn your handbag from a black hole to an organized dream. This felt purse insert has 13 compartments, including a detachable zippered pocket that can double as a wallet. It also has a long felt key holder so you’ll never lose your keys at the bottom of your bag again. Available in seven sizes and 17 color options, this lightweight organizer will make your everyday bag so much easier to use.

Banana-Shaped Deodorizers For Smelly Shoes

If your sneakers smell a little funky, these Boot Bananas are a fun fix. The banana shape is designed to slip easily into shoes, skates, or cleats, and the deodorizing ingredients (a mix of salts, minerals, and plant extracts) are made to absorb odors and moisture. One shopper called it “more effective than any sprays or powders I’ve ever bought!” Bonus: The bananas slowly turn brown as they absorb gunk, so you’ll know when it’s time to swap them out.

A Quiet Fidget Toy Ideal For Offices, Classrooms, & More

These silicone-coated magnetic balls are part fidget toy, part desk art. Each one has a different texture for a tactile feel, and the magnets let you roll, click, or connect them into shapes that you can display. They’re made to be quiet enough for classrooms and offices, so they’re a discreet way to burn nervous energy. You can get the fidgets in three colors.

Dissolvable Soap Sheets For On-The-Go Washing

These dissolvable paper soap sheets are the ultimate travel hack. Formulated with plant extracts, each slim pack slips into your pocket or purse, giving you 200 single-use sheets that lather with just a splash of water. They’re perfect for on-the-go use and are designed to leave your hands fresh without drying out your skin. They come in several scent options.

A Waterproof Blanket That Keeps Beds & Couches Safe From Pet Messes

Keep your couch safe from muddy paws, fur, and accidents with this waterproof pet blanket. The triple-layer design is made to stop liquids from soaking through, while the quilted surface is soft and cozy. The cover is reversible, so you can switch up the surface color, and it’s machine washable for easy cleanup. It’s available in nine color combinations.

A Silicone Dragon That Steam Cleans Your Microwave

This adorable, dragon-shaped microwave cleaner breathes steam to help clean your appliance. Just fill it with water and vinegar, pop it in the microwave, and watch its steam-cleaning action help loosen grease and grime in minutes. It’s a fun and practical way to keep your microwave spotless, and the dragon is dishwasher safe for when it’s time to clean the cleaner.

Microfiber Gloves For Dusting Houseplants In No Time

Give your houseplants the spa treatment with these microfiber dusting gloves. Just slip the mitts on and gently wipe down your plant’s leaves. The machine washable gloves are designed to trap dirt and leave your plants looking better — and they’re “one size fits all,” so anyone in the house can help out.

A Korean Capsule Cream Designed To Boost Skin Radiance & Hydration

This Korean capsule cream is a dual skin care solution designed to boost radiance and make your complexion feel smooth and refreshed. It contains popping capsules in a gel base that can be blended together on your skin. The cream is formulated with ceramides and hyaluronic acid designed to moisturize your skin barrier while delivering a dewy glow. Plus, it’s made to be lightweight and gentle for daily use.

This Sturdy Metal Hair Clip That Looks Like A Bouquet Of Flowers

This tulip-shaped claw clip is as pretty as it is practical. Made of sturdy metal, the clip got rave reviews from reviewers for its strong grip. As one shopper wrote “I was nervous it was going to be flimsy [...] but this clip holds all of [my hair] securely.” Cute and durable, this claw clip comes in several designs and is a total upgrade from basic plastic options.

Moisturizing Shave Gel That Works Wet Or Dry

This travel-friendly shave gel stick helps you get a smooth shave in or out of the shower — and it doubles as a moisturizer. Infused with cactus water, glycerin, and mushrooms, the gel is designed to hydrate your skin — while notes of bergamot, jasmine, and sandalwood add a luxe scent. Bonus: You don’t even have to rinse the gel off when you’re done shaving; just rub in the excess.

A 6-Pack Of Wavy Glass Straws In Fun Colors

These colorful wavy glass straws make sipping anything way more fun. Made of durable glass, they’re designed to withstand high and low temperatures, so you can use them to sip both hot or cold beverages. Each set includes six straws in bold colors plus a cleaning brush. The straws are reusable, stylish, and made to be strong enough for everyday use — perfect for parties, cocktail hours, or just making your daily latte a little more fun.

A Loch Ness Monster Whiskey Chiller That Makes Drinks Cold In 5 Minutes

This Loch Ness Monster-inspired whiskey chiller isn’t just a conversation piece; it’s here to make your drinks taste better. Made of stainless steel with a silicone suction base, it’s designed to chill your whiskey in under five minutes without watering your drink down. Just freeze the stone, drop it into your glass, and enjoy bold flavor with no dilution. The Loch Ness tool is reusable, durable, and gift-ready thanks to the sleek box it comes packaged in.

This Reusable Dish Scrubber Made From Remnant Cotton Fibers

Ditch your disposable sponges for these reusable dish scrubbers. Made from remnant cotton fibers, the scrubbers are designed to be strong enough for cast iron but gentle on nonstick pans, glass, and ceramic. These sponges are dishwasher safe and designed with sustainability in mind, and they come in several fun patterns to provide a colorful accent to your sink.

Oversize Satin Scrunchies Designed To Help Reduce Hair Breakage

Forget tiny hair ties that snap after one twist — these jumbo satin scrunchies are the ticket. The soft satin texture is designed to help reduce breakage, frizz, and hair creases, while the durable elastic creates a strong hold on thick or fine hair. Suitable for everyday wear or even sleeping, the scrunchies come in a pack of four and are available in many color combinations.

A Beaded Wrist Strap For Your Phone That Blends Function With Style

Why settle for a plain phone case when you can accessorize with pretty beads that double as a functional tool? This sparkling wrist strap can keep your phone (or your keys, wallet, or whatever else you clip it to) from making a tragic dive to the floor or getting swiped while you’re out and about. It’s part jewelry, part protection policy — and all kinds of cute. It comes in 17 colors.

This Styling Wand That Tames Flyways While Hydrating Your Hair

Flyaways don’t stand a chance against this taming wand. This three-in-one styling cream and applicator is designed to tame baby hairs, smooth frizz, and define curls. The formula is infused with dragon fruit and prickly seed oil to hydrate and add shine to your hair, and shoppers loved that it didn’t leave their strands feeling crunchy or greasy.

Golden Metal Bookmarks That Stylishly Save Your Page

Elevate your reading game with these elegant gold metal bookmarks that double as jewelry for your novels. The leaf-inspired designs come with delicate chains that drape over the spine of your book to save your place. Lightweight yet stylish, they make flipping back to your page a treat. Whether you’re gifting them to a book lover or keeping them all to yourself, they add a little sparkle to every chapter.

A Sensory Journal With Embossed Pages & A Traceable Maze Cover

This isn’t your average notebook — this sensory journal is designed with an interactive maze cover and embossed, tactile pages that you can fidget with while writing. The set even includes two lava-filled pens and a stacking highlighter for all your notes and doodles.

An Absorbent Stone Toothbrush Holder That Dries In Minutes

This clever toothbrush holder is made from super-porous diatomite that soaks up spills and toothbrush runoff in minutes. This way, you can add a stylish, minimalist decor touch and cut down on mildew all at once. Shop it in a range of neutral earth tones that are bound to match your bathroom aesthetic.

This Dual-Purpose Balm That Helps Moisturize & Remove Sunscreen Residue

Stubborn sunscreen residue is no match for this sunscreen remover balm. It’s formulated with coconut oil and aloe vera to melt away zinc and mineral formulas, and the product doubles as an after-sun skin hydrator. The balm is made to be gentle on your skin and reef-safe for oceanside use. Toss the tin in your beach bag or hiking backpack and bring it on the go.

Blemish Patches That Help Reduce Redness & Come In The Cutest Designs

This blemish treatment is so cute you’ll almost want to get a pimple so you can use a sticker. Each hydrocolloid patch in the set is infused with tea tree, salicylic acid, and witch hazel designed to visibly reduce skin irritation and redness while sealing out dirt. The stickers come in super cute shapes (like cherries, cats, and bows) so you’ll get to look great while protecting your skin.

Reusable Grocery Bags That Fold Into Mini Fruit Shapes

These foldable grocery bags are as fun as they are functional, folding into adorable fruit shapes like strawberries or apples when not in use. When open, each bag can hold up to 20 pounds, and they’re machine washable if they get any produce juices on them. Pop one in your pocket, purse, or glovebox and you’ll always have a reusable tote ready for groceries, beach trips, or travel.

A Baseball Hat That Leaves Room For Your Ponytail

Finally, a hat that doesn’t make you choose between sun protection and a high ponytail. With crisscross elastic bands at the back, this ponytail hat has room for a low, mid, or high pony while still shading your face. It’s made from a cotton-blend material and has an adjustable fit. The hat is perfect for workouts, beach days, or casual weekends, and the distressed, vintage style makes it feel instantly broken-in. You can get it in dozens of colors.

A Shower Curtain With Pockets For All Your Beauty Products

If you don’t have a ton of shelf space by your tub, this shower curtain is a perfect solution. It has nine built-in mesh pockets to hold your shampoo, soap, face wash and more. The mesh material is designed to dry quickly, and the water-repellant lining can easily be wiped clean. Plus, the rust-resistant grommets allow for long-term use.

Decorative Plant Supports That Double As Modern Home Decor

Give your climbing plants the boost they deserve with this four-pack of decorative metal trellises. Standing 15 to 16 inches tall, each trellis features a unique geometric pattern that adds style while supporting vines, ivy, or flowering plants. The trellises are powder-coated to resist rust and designed to be durable enough for indoor or outdoor use.

This Cornstarch Pouch That Easily Removes Sand From Your Skin

Minimize the most annoying part of a beach day (leaving covered in sand) with this easy-to-use sand remover pouch. The bag is filled with cornstarch and designed to remove sand from skin with just a simple wipe. Packaged in a waterproof bag with a keychain attachment, this pouch is compact and portable for beach trips, cruises, and outdoor excursions.

Soft, Lint-Free Cotton Pads For Cleansing, Toning, & Skin Treatments

Forget flimsy cotton rounds that shed fuzz all over your face. These oversize cotton pads are triple-layered so they’re sturdy enough to handle anything from toner to heavy-duty makeup remover. The material is also designed to be soft and lint-free, and it even has a textured side for gentle exfoliation. You get 60 of these luxe pads in each box.

This Spacious Yoga Bag With A Hidden Pocket For Sweaty Clothes

This yoga mat holder is basically a Mary Poppins bag it can fit so much stuff. It has a roomy main compartment, a waterproof bottom pocket for sweaty clothes, and extra exterior pockets for your water bottle, keys, or phone. Lightweight and adjustable, the bag is designed to be easy to carry whether you’re biking to class or heading to brunch right after.

This Dimmable Lamp That Folds Flat For Easy Travel

This foldable paper lamp is basically origami meets mood lighting. It folds flat for travel, then expands into a glowing lantern with warm, dimmable light. The rechargeable battery supports four to six hours of illumination per charge, and the touch-sensitive controls allow for easy brightness adjustment. Take it camping or on a road trip — or just set it up in your home without hogging an outlet.

A Funny Bathroom Timer That Encourages People Not To Hog The Room

Tired of your friends or family disappearing into the bathroom like they’re writing a novel in there? Enter the Toilet Timer, a sand-filled countdown clock that serves as a reminder to get in and get out. The timer is set to last about five minutes, and it’s the funniest way to tell someone “time’s up” without banging on the door.

This Unicorn Tea Infuser That Floats In Your Mug

This unicorn-shaped infuser is perfect for tea lovers who like a little whimsy with their morning ritual. The infuser is designed to keep loose-leaf tea steeping while it bobs cheerfully in your mug. Made from food-safe materials, it can be cleaned easily in the dishwasher — and it’s way more fun than a soggy tea bag. Plus, the infuser comes in a flamingo and duck design as well.

Popsicle-Shaped Ice Packs Designed To Freeze Fast & Stack Neatly

Packing lunches just got a lot cooler — literally. These popsicle-shaped ice packs are made to keep food fresh for hours while looking downright adorable. Slim enough to slip into lunch boxes, picnic baskets, or coolers, the packs are designed to freeze quickly, and their stackable construction ensures they won’t take up a ton of room in your freezer. Made from food-grade, BPA-free materials, these ice packs add a little practical fun to your mealtime routine.

Cute Floral Vent Clips For Your Car That Double As Diffusers

These daisy-shaped vent clips are a cute way to make your car smell fresher. Each flower has a compartment where you can add your own fragrance, and they’re designed to resist rust for long-term use. Clip them to any vent — in your car or even in your home — and you’ll get instant floral vibes and a little mood boost every time the air kicks on.

A Projector Lamp That Mimics The Northern Lights Indoors

Bring the aurora borealis straight into your bedroom with this rechargeable projector. With 16 color options, four light effects, and seven brightness levels, this device can create party vibes or a soothing night-light glow — whatever you’re in the mood for. Portable and stylish, it’s perfect for kids’ rooms, gaming setups, or meditation corners.

A Floral Hair Catcher That Helps Prevent Drain Clogs

No more battling with shower drain clogs or pulling out slimy hair clumps by hand. These hair catchers use a chain design to slip easily into your shower or tub drain, where its rubber whiskers can catch hair before it causes a problem. The device works for up to four months, at which point you can just pull it out and toss the whole thing in the trash — no mess, no tools, no more expensive plumber visits.

]]><![CDATA[How To Teach Kids To "Read The Room" & Have Situational Awareness]]>https://www.scarymommy.com/parenting/how-to-teach-kids-to-read-the-room-have-situational-awarenesshttps://www.scarymommy.com/parenting/how-to-teach-kids-to-read-the-room-have-situational-awarenessMon, 11 May 2026 19:39:39 GMT
Juan Silva/Stockbyte/Getty Images

It’s a thing I’ve shouted at my children, a thing I’ve begged them to do, a thing I’ve whispered when I’m completely overstimulated and trying so hard not to lose my cool: “Read. The. Room.”

Honestly, enough of us have probably had to say this to adults we know — our loud friends, or boomer parents — but there’s something extra tough about saying it to your kid. Because how do you teach situational awareness? How do you effectively communicate “now is not the time, my dude” to a kid who still needs help wiping? What about older kids? There’s a layer of teaching them that the world doesn’t revolve around them in “read the room” awareness, and it can sometimes feel like criticism in disguise as a lesson.

But in the words of Bandit Heeler, it’s “gotta be done.”

One parent on Reddit asked how other parents are teaching their kids this valuable — and necessary — lesson. In the subreddit /parenting, the original poster (OP) wrote, “My 5-year-old is a typical kid — bright, sensitive, intelligent, and also self-absorbed. I want to explain situational awareness and understanding the room atmosphere, but in ways that don’t include yelling or screaming.”

They went on to describe a specific moment of dealing with a baby’s diaper blowout and having to clean baby in the tub, only for their 5-year-old to come into the room constantly to ask to play.

“Sometimes I just wanna say, ‘read the damn room!’ What are some phrases or ways to teach him to do this as he gets older?”

What is situational awareness?

You know when you walk into a room and immediately clock the “vibe”? That’s situational awareness. When you’re super excited and pumped to tell your best friend something at a restaurant, but you walk in and realize they look deeply upset about something — so you hold off. Or when you want to have a serious conversation with your husband about your budget, but you see that he’s stressed trying to fix the lawnmower, so you know now is not the time.

And it makes sense why everyone — but especially little kids — have a hard time seeing all of this. Kids are self-absorbed. And not in a mean way, but they are only responsible for their needs at this time, and they have to learn to think of others, help others, and be aware of situations — and they learn through us.

Why is it important for kids to learn situational awareness?

Not only is it important for a child to be able to “read the room” so they learn how to be empathetic and patient, it’s also a must for keeping your own sanity as you parent and do a million other things all at the same time. Kids who have zero situational awareness may end up being kids who feel scolded a lot or ignored or criticized because they often hear you losing your mind when they interrupt you in the middle of a shower to ask for Goldfish crackers.

Again, we all know a million adults who haven’t learned this yet — and maybe it’s because they never had a parent tell them to do it. “Read the room” honestly sounds like the most obvious phrase to say to a kid when they’re trying to get your attention for a yogurt during an emergency or when they see you elbow-deep in laundry and ask if you can drive them to the library right now for a project due tomorrow. But like OP pointed out, often the default response to this is for a parent to yell, “Can’t you see that I’m busy?” or “Please look at what I’m doing and ask yourself if your request is necessary at this very moment.”

No? Just me?

The thing is, asking a kid to “read the room” also means you’re probably in a very overstimulating moment. There’s baby shit everywhere or dinner is boiling over or the dog just got out or you’ve got a heavy family moment happening while you’re on the phone. Maybe it’s even a longer week of stress, of days more hectic than the last, and your kid just can’t see any of it (because you’ve been such a good parent at shielding them from it) — but they need to.

Five Tips To Teach Your Kids Situational Awareness

It sounds like a big undertaking, but honestly, a lot of teaching a child how to “read the room” is just the normal parenting stuff you’re already doing.

  • Teach them what an emergency is, and to only interrupt if an emergency is happening.
  • Remind them of their own senses and ask them to identify what they can see and hear. Based on what they can see and hear, is now an appropriate time to ask for something?
  • Instead of telling them what to do — “You’re about to knock that bowl over, can you please move it?” — ask them if they notice the area around them being an issue. This gives them the chance to use their own critical thinking and put a strategy into place.
  • Offer an arm hold or an elbow tap as a way to acknowledge that you know they need you, and they’ll feel better knowing they’ve asked for what they need — and you’ll get to it when you can.
  • Remind them how important it is to “observe” before talking. Sometimes simply looking around a room and taking note of what’s there before launching into whatever they need is enough for them to realize.

Like so much social etiquette, it really does take some level of understanding and a whole lot of “Oops, missed that mark, try again.” How many times have you said something and as soon as it was out of your mouth, realized it was the wrong thing to say? Or interrupted a friend because you were excited about something on your mind, or walked into a space with a very different vibe than the situation called for? It happens.

But by teaching your kids patience, teaching them how to notice the world around them (and other people’s facial reactions and cues), and to have empathy for people and situations, you can hopefully save yourself from yelling, “DUDE are you serious right now?” when they ask you if they can have McDonald’s for dinner while you’re changing a blown tire on the side of the road.

]]><![CDATA[Moms Are Feeling "Friendship Burnout" & Social Media Might Be To Blame]]>https://www.scarymommy.com/lifestyle/moms-are-feeling-friendship-burnout-social-media-might-be-to-blamehttps://www.scarymommy.com/lifestyle/moms-are-feeling-friendship-burnout-social-media-might-be-to-blameMon, 11 May 2026 14:41:50 GMT
Maria Korneeva/Moment/Getty Images

I know the ‘90s were a wildly different time to raise kids, so of course motherhood today is going to look different, but I’m always amazed by the one thing my mom didn’t feel burned out on as a mom: her friendships.

She met friends for dinner after long days at work, joined them (with us in tow!) for karaoke after our softball games, played Scrabble on their back porch for hours on a Sunday afternoon. She made phone calls and talked during basketball practice, and while I know she was exhausted by her daily work commute and taking care of three kids and a home, I don’t ever remember her saying she felt “friendship burnout.”

But there’s a whole lot of us now who do.

Times have changed, I know. And of course friendship drama and woes and pressure have always existed. But I truly think the ability to be in constant communication — and the millions of TikToks and reels and social media posts calling people bad friends if they miss a text message — and all of the ways we feel like we have to “perform” to be a good friend attributes to this “friendship burnout.”

Plus, you know, the billion other things we’re all handling each day.

“The expectation of being constantly reachable is exhausting on its own,” says Christina Mathieson, LMFT, founder of My Mental Climb, and a new mom. “Group chats accumulate messages even when you step away for an afternoon. Voice memos are wonderful, but they're also an unstated commitment to listen for ten minutes when you barely have ten minutes to yourself in the day. Social media adds another layer because moms are seeing curated versions of other women's friendships — the brunches, the trips, the book club, the daily check-in texts. How is anyone supposed to not get overwhelmed by all the ways we are supposed to connect with people now?”

But Mathieson also acknowledges that as our lives change — becoming a parent, adding more kids, having new responsibilities and commitments — our friendships do, too, over and over. And it can be incredibly hard to manage. “Now you have to plan everything, coordinate schedules, and stay current on each other's lives. That is a real workload, and it gets added to a plate that is already full.”

There’s also a heavy all-or-nothing mindset regarding friendships, and that’s often perpetuated on social media. You’re either expected to be the absolute best of friends and talk constantly — like the social media reels of women who seem to have 15 BFFs show up to their “dress like Ina Garten party” — or you’re an introvert with no real friends, just casual acquaintances you talk to at preschool pick-up or the high school basketball game. “This is one I see all the time,” Mathieson says. “Moms come in believing the only options are ‘I have a tight-knit village’ or ‘I have no one,’ and that binary is part of the burnout itself.”

Mathieson says there’s a whole “middle ground” of friendship that doesn’t get talked about. “Whether that is the friend you only see twice a year but feel like you can jump right back in with the moment you do, the playground mom you actually genuinely like, or the friend group where you drop in for trivia night when you can and step back when you can't. All of those count.”

And if you’re struggling with friendships that you feel like you can’t commit to — whether it’s the other friend involved who makes you feel that way or you just know you can’t meet the relationship’s expectations — it’s OK to step away from it. Mathieson says you have to let go of the belief that “friendship has to be high-frequency to be real” and that you have to accept that different friends can serve different roles in your life. “The friend you process hard things with is rarely the same friend you do quick playground meetups with, and you don't need both rolled into one person — just like you don't need your partner to be your everything.”

When it comes to friendships, everyone wants honesty to be a priority. We want our friends to trust us, to tell us how they really feel (even if it’s not what we want to hear), and to be their full, genuine selves with us. For a lot of moms experiencing “friendship burnout,” it’s that lack of honesty that makes it so hard. Like the friends who refuse to ever acknowledge the hard parts of motherhood, or the days we tell our friends “oh no thanks, we don’t need a meal” when our kids have been sick for two weeks instead of letting them help us. “That is one of the most direct forms of friendship there is, and refusing it because the house is a mess or you are still in pajamas is part of what drives mom burnout in the first place,” Mathieson says. “They are going to see you in pajamas, they are going to see the dishes piling up and that is fine, it really is.”

Mathieson shares that as a mom to a 3-month-old, she’s already learned that some of her most meaningful friendship moments are when she’s honest about motherhood. “That kind of honesty is what makes a friendship hold up under the weight of motherhood, and it also reshapes how you communicate. A text that says, ‘thinking of you, no need to respond’ is a real form of friendship. So is a voice memo you send when you have time and your friend listens to when she does. Friendship will ebb and flow depending on the season you are in.”

If you’re feeling friendship burnout, please know that you’re not alone — and that there is a solution. Maybe it’s time to look at your actual friendships. Are these “friends” making you feel like you aren’t doing enough when you’re already pushed to the brink? Are you setting your own unrealistic expectations and need to be honest with yourself? Does everything feel performative and exhausting?

“Friendship is one of the areas where less, done with intention and honesty, is more meaningful than trying to do it all,” Mathieson adds. “The friendships that actually survive motherhood are the ones where both people gave each other permission to be in different seasons, see each other messy, and tell the truth about what is hard.”

]]><![CDATA[The Worst Day Of My Life Was My Kids’ Best Day]]>https://www.scarymommy.com/parenting/the-worst-day-of-my-life-was-my-kids-best-dayhttps://www.scarymommy.com/parenting/the-worst-day-of-my-life-was-my-kids-best-dayMon, 11 May 2026 12:55:05 GMT
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The best day of my kids’ life was one of the worst of mine.

“Sweetie, Daddy is going to pick you up from preschool today,” I hesitantly explained.

“Boys lunch,” my four-year-old screeched with delight. After a run around the room, he stopped and looked at me quizzically. “Why?” In two years of attending preschool Dad had never picked him up.

“Mommy has to go to the hospital.”

“Why?”

I took a deep breath. How does one explain a breast biopsy to a four-year-old? My therapist instructed me to always answer his questions simple and direct. If his two-year-old brother is in ear shot, be aware of their developmental differences. Don’t offer up unnecessary-to-him information. Remind him I am healthy, and the numerous appointments are to ensure I stay healthy and don’t end up with young breast cancer, chemo, and die anyways like my aunt did. “The doctors need to check my breast to ensure it’s healthy.”

“How will they do that?”

I silently cursed his curious and beautiful mind. “It’s called a biopsy. It’s like a shot, but they take a little bit of the tissue out and test it.” I exhaled deeply. “I won’t be able to carry you until tomorrow night because my body will hurt. My doctors are being extra careful to make sure I stay healthy for a long time.” It was too abstract to explain I carried a mutated BRCA gene that put me at an elevated risk for breast and ovarian cancer, and too soon to share that in eight months I would have a prophylactic double mastectomy. He ran off, more interested in toy cars than this conversation.

As I left for the hospital, my husband informed me our child announced proudly to his teachers at drop off, “Mom’s getting her boob poked with a needle today. And Dad is picking me up!” I pleaded with the universe for benign results, and that my surgery would not be moved up because of a cancer diagnosis. Just get through the next moment became my mantra, even if that moment was as tiny as spreading jam on toast.

Even though I’d been screening with breast MRI’s and mammograms for eleven years, this was my first biopsy — at thirty-seven. I was lucky. BRCA carriers, who choose surveillance after finding out they are high risk often have handfuls of biopsies before forty. Would today be when my luck ran out? Could this be the day my life shattered cleanly into “before” and “after”? Scanxiety. Woof.

While not everyone is high risk for cancer, everyone has (or will) have something that sucks medically in their life. Sometimes it’s one person removed, and sometimes it’s you. But just like that classic children’s book Everyone Poops — if we eat, we poop; if we are alive, we will die. We can face mortality a gazillion different ways. Some of us do in our thirties, and some not until decades later. But face it we must. Dealing with medical uncertainty while a parent of littles can be like adding heat and moisture to an already unstable atmosphere over a warming ocean: it can become its own destructive hurricane. And if not careful, it can be catastrophic. Endless what ifs. Contingency plans. The fear of the unknown.

A few hours later, a friend picked me up from the hospital. I’d taken a sedative to calm my nerves, and thus couldn’t drive myself the few miles. I expressed my full range of emotions in the safety of her car. Upon exiting, I walked very slowly up our steep driveway, recognizing my sweet little boys had no idea how terrified I was in this moment. Nor did they need to. They just needed mommy present. As present as my drugged, anxious mind could be.

When I entered the house, my senses were overwhelmed with delight: spiced pumpkin pie aroma; squeals from my children licking home-made whipped cream off beaters; and the image of the three most important people in my life having a kitchen dance party to questionably appropriate music from my youth.

The fear of prematurely leaving the loves of my life engulfed me. But then my oldest noticed me, and beamed as he fast-talked and recounted how much fun he and Daddy had this afternoon. I inhaled deeply, grateful I’d processed and left some of my fear in my friend’s car. I was able to crouch down, and give a one-armed side hug to each boy, thankful to be home with them.

And then it hit me, just as strongly as my fear had hit earlier: today —one of the scariest days of my life— was going to be remembered as a core happy memory for my son. We are independent people, each the star of our own show. Today our scripts veered wildly from each other. And I didn’t want to tarnish that. I wanted to protect his joy and not sour that sweetened cream all over his nose. What a privilege to have that extra drop of resiliency to place my hardship aside and be able to honor his happy moment. Not all hardships allow us that extra drop. But when we can offer that protection to our children, their purity can shine an extra ray of sunshine through our storm clouds. We don’t need to put our fear of the unknown on them. That is parenting.

Jessie Lerner is a memoir writer chronicling her BRCA journey with honesty and humor. She’s a member of the Madison Writers’ Studio, a fabulous pesto maker, and a boy mom living in Madison, Wisconsin with her husband and two children. Read more at JessieLerner.com and connect @jtlerner on Instagram and Facebook.

]]><![CDATA[I Didn't Expect Losing My Mom To Affect My Relationship With My MIL]]>https://www.scarymommy.com/lifestyle/losing-my-mom-changed-my-relationship-with-my-mother-in-lawhttps://www.scarymommy.com/lifestyle/losing-my-mom-changed-my-relationship-with-my-mother-in-lawSat, 09 May 2026 18:02:55 GMT
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The grief of losing a parent is indescribable. You end up mourning not just the person you lost, but the person you were when they were still alive. In many ways, it feels like a piece of you died with them and you’re forced to create a new life that may look the same as your old life, but feels very, very different. I lost my mom over a year ago, and I still continue to notice how much her absence impacts my daily life. Some changes were easy to predict: holidays, birthdays, Mother’s Day, trips to my parents’ house. But there was one thing to come out of my mom’s death that I didn’t expect, and that’s how it’s affected my relationship with my mother-in-law.

Despite what years of watching Everybody Loves Raymond have warned me about regarding the stereotypical meddling behavior of mothers-in-law, I’ve consistently gotten along with mine pretty well. Back when my husband and I first started dating, I never noticed any red flags about their relationship with one another and always felt very welcome anytime I came over to visit. Even after my son was born, she never overstepped in her opinions or tried to give unsolicited parenting advice — something that I am extremely grateful for.

All in all, it’s been a fairly positive experience. Sure, we’ve never been the type to text each other privately outside of the family group chat, nor do we ever talk on the phone or go out to do something that’s just the two of us. But we enjoy each other’s company, and that’s always been enough. Or, at least, it used to be.

In the wake of my mom’s passing, there’s been a noticeable shift in our dynamic.

While some people have been hesitant to talk about my mom in front of me — no doubt out of concern that it would make me sad to think about her (but spoiler alert: I’m always thinking about her) — my mother-in-law has made a point of bringing my mom up to me on multiple occasions.

Sometimes it’s just to ask how I’m feeling on that particular day or to check in and see if things are getting any easier. But other times she’s simply taken time to listen — giving me the space to share stories about my mom, which is quite honestly the nicest thing she could do for me. Because when you lose someone dear to you, pretty much all you want to do is sit around and talk about that person.

Before this, our conversations had always been mostly surface-level topics, so I’ve really appreciated the effort on her part to bring us closer. It’s made me feel more comfortable opening up about what I’ve been going through and — for the first time ever — given me the desire for us to be closer. I’d never felt the need for it until now. My mom was always the person I turned to with my problems, both big or small, so it’s been nice to have that again... at least on some small-scale level.

Now, of course, the love I have for my mom and the special relationship we shared together is irreplaceable. It’s a void that can never be filled, not by anyone or anything. Despite the sadness and pain that have come with losing her, I know deep down that I was the luckiest person to get to have her as a mom and experience what it was like to be loved by her on a daily basis. But when the giver of all that love is suddenly gone, you can’t help but look for at least a small semblance of that love in others.

However, grief is complicated and messy and highly unreasonable. So while I may feel a little closer to my MIL as a result of losing my mom, I’ve grappled with much uglier emotions as well that bubble to the surface from time to time.

Sometimes when we’re with my husband’s side of the family, I can’t help but feel jealous and resentful of his relationship with his mother — or rather the fact that he still gets to have a relationship with his mother and can talk to her whenever he wants, when I can’t. Simple, everyday things like hugging my mom or texting her or hearing her laugh exist for me only in memories now. So seeing others still get to do it can feel infuriating. For the record, I’m aware of how completely unfair that is, and logically, I understand it’s just misplaced anger that can come with facing an impossible loss.

On the positive side, feeling this way has also prompted me to make sure my husband makes the effort to appreciate his mom and show her how much he cares.

My mom always knew how much I loved her (we never hung up the phone without saying it), and while I understand that every mother-child relationship is different and special in its own way, my story is now somewhat of a cautionary tale for my husband — a reminder to treasure the time you have with your family because it won’t last forever.

I might feel a small, fleeting pang of sadness when my husband and MIL share a special moment together that I’ll never get to experience again with my own mom, but the bittersweet truth is that I want those moments to happen. Because I care about my MIL, perhaps now more than ever before.

I’ll never think of myself as her daughter or be the type of person who can call their MIL “Mom,” but I’ve discovered there’s a certain comfort that comes with feeling supported in a maternal way — whatever that may look like. It doesn’t fix the ache in my heart or make the grief of losing my mom go away, by any means, but it does make it all just the tiniest bit less difficult to bear.

Kelly Schremph is an entertainment and lifestyle writer with bylines at Us Weekly, Refinery29, Bustle, Romper, Scary Mommy, and more. She lives in California with her husband, their son, Chris, and their yellow lab, Luna, who still acts very much like a puppy. When Kelly isn’t watching TV (or writing about it), she’s usually chasing after one of them.

]]><![CDATA[60 Insanely Clever Things That Make Decluttering Your Home So Damn Easy]]>https://www.scarymommy.com/lifestyle/insanely-clever-things-that-make-decluttering-your-home-so-damn-easyhttps://www.scarymommy.com/lifestyle/insanely-clever-things-that-make-decluttering-your-home-so-damn-easySat, 09 May 2026 16:15:11 GMT

Decluttering your home is supposed to make life easier, although sometimes the process makes you want to scream into a pillow. But I’m happy to tell you there’s an easier way. There are so many clever tools, ingenious hacks, and life-saving products that actually do what they promise: make your space look so much nicer without breaking the bank or eating up your valuable time. Tame the chaos, clear your surfaces, and finally find that missing sock with the help of these ridiculously clever things that make decluttering your home so much easier (and maybe even fun).

A Zipper Pouch Set With Multiple Sizes To Store Almost Anything

Part of organizing is simply getting similar items into the same container, and these zipper pouches help you do just that. Because they come in six different sizes, they can help you organize basically anything. From tchotchkes and art supplies to pencils and chargers, these plastic pouches are durable, reusable, and such an easy way to sort small things.

Over-The-Door Organizers With 5 Extra-Large Storage Tiers

The reason this over-the-door organizer is so amazing is because of how versatile it is. Hang it in the kitchen to store snacks, in the entryway closet for shoes, in the closet for linens, in the bedroom for sweaters, or in the bathroom for toiletries. Each one can hold up to 80 pounds and is divided into five compartments for simple sorting.

An Extension Cord That Completely Covers The Outlet & Hides Wires

Having cords and wires tangled everywhere makes your space look so much more cluttered. That’s where this extension cord comes in. Not only does it allow you to plug things in up to 3 feet away from the outlet, but the attached plate completely covers the wall outlet. This way, you can hide all the extra cords behind furniture or appliances and keep your space looking polished and clean.

A Wheeled Storage Cart That’s Super Narrow To Conserve Floor Space

There can be so many tight spaces around your home that don’t seem suitable for storage. That’s where this rolling cart comes in. It has four narrow shelves and it’s on wheels so you can store spices in the kitchen, toiletries in the bathroom, and supplies in the garage. And it comes in a bunch of colors — from neutral white to fun pastel green — to blend in or stand out in your space.

Large Zippered Bins That Declutter The Space Under Your Bed

If you’re hiding a cluttered mess underneath your bed, you need to check out these storage bins. Thanks to the wheels and low-profile design, they slide perfectly underneath your bed to get everything down there in order and easily reachable. Plus, the clear zippered top is great because it allows you to see what’s inside at a glance.

A Spacious Kitchen Caddy That Self Drains To Banish Water Buildup

This kitchen caddy is the perfect way to organize your sponges, brushes, soaps, and more. Not only does it keep your kitchen countertop looking fresh and clean, but it also has a wired design with an angled bottom and a spout that automatically releases excess water directly into the sink. You won’t be left with a wet mess on your countertop every time you wash the dishes, and all your cleaning accessories will have a neat compartment.

Best-Selling Hat Racks To Organize Your Baseball Cap Collection

If your baseball cap collection is overflowing from your closet, organize it in an instant with these brilliant racks. They can be installed vertically or horizontally on the wall of your entryway or inside the door of your closet to store anywhere from 10 to 15 hats. And since the steel racks hold them by the back straps, they help preserve the shape of the brims as well.

2-Tier Organizers That Let You Fit Way More Under Your Sink

These two-tier organizers were designed to perfectly fit in the space underneath your sink, allowing you to declutter and better organize your toiletries, cleaning supplies, and more. The best part is that the bottom shelf is actually a pull-out drawer, so nothing gets lost all the way in the back of the cabinet.

A Portable Label Maker With 1,000 Fonts, Borders, & Icons To Choose From

Use this portable label maker for everything from containers in your pantry to toiletries in the bathroom, and you’ll have your space looking like it’s been professionally organized. It connects to an app that gives you access to over 1,000 fonts, borders, icons, languages, and more, so you can fully customize the labels to your personality and needs.

Magnetic Stovetop Shelves To Organize Your Go-To Spices & Oils

These shelves magnetically attach to the top of your stove’s control panel, giving you a ton of extra storage space to organize all the spices and oils you always reach for during meal prep. They have divided sections for even more organization and raised edges to keep things from falling off.

Home Organization Activity Cards That Turn Cleaning Into A Game

These activity cards are a perfect way to gamify cleaning and make organizing your space so much more fun. Each of the 52 cards features a step-by-step guide to help you tackle one 10-minute task at a time. From cleaning your shower to decluttering your entryway to taking out the trash, these cards break down organizing into actionable tasks to make decluttering way easier.

Clear Drawer Organizers That Come In 4 Mix-&-Match Sizes

These clear drawer organizers can be used in the kitchen, bedroom, or bathroom to instantly turn a junk drawer into a tidy dream. They come in four different sizes that you can mix and match to fit the exact dimensions of the drawer or the size of the items you’re storing. They even have rubber feet on the bottom to prevent them from sliding as the drawer opens and closes.

A Multi-Hook Hanger To Expertly Store Tank Tops & Bras

Save space in your dresser and closet with this eight-hook swiveling hanger. It’s designed specifically to hold tank tops, bras, and sports bras — basically, all the strappy items that are notoriously difficult to store. Each of the eight hooks can hold up to three items, for a total of 24 items. And since the top hook rotates 360 degrees, it’s a cinch to grab the thing you’re looking for.

Soda Can Organizers That Automatically Dispense Drinks 1 By 1

Transform your refrigerator with these can holders. Each one can hold up to 10 standard 12-ounce cans. Since the back is slightly higher than the front, the cans roll gently forward each time a beverage is removed, automatically dispensing one at a time. They’re really easy to load up and the clear design means you can always tell when it’s time for a refill.

A Chic, Rotating Makeup Organizer With Adjustable Shelves

Between the high-end look, the rotating design, and the adjustable shelves, this makeup organizer is a gorgeous way to organize your brushes, palettes, and creams. It sits so effortlessly on your bathroom or vanity counter, not only elevating your space but also making it much easier to find what you’re looking for when you’re getting ready.

A Tiered, Angled Shelf That Maximizes Awkward Corners

The best part about this three-tier shelf is that it has an adjustable design. Keep it angled to fit snugly into the corner of your counter or open it up to keep it flush against your backsplash, depending on what you need. It’s a great space to store everything from makeup and toiletries in the bathroom to spices and decor in the kitchen.

Soft Drawer Inserts With Storage Cells For Bras, Undies, Socks & More

These drawer organizers give you the perfect divided space to store your socks, undies, bras, scarves, and more. The mesh cells are breathable to keep your clothes in great condition while they’re being stored. They instantly make your closet or dresser feel professionally decluttered.

A Tumbler Lid Organizer That Holds Up To 10 Lids

If you haven’t figured out a way to store your tumbler lids, this organizer is a brilliant solution. The rack holds up to 10 lids securely through the sipping holes, keeping them easily stacked and visible. It’s designed to be nice enough to sit on your countertop but compact enough to hide away in a cabinet for easy access.

An Organizing Workbook That Maps Out Decluttering For You

Calling all task tacklers: Here’s a new one for your collection. This workbook features 100 checklists, schedules, and worksheets to help you declutter your home in a way that feels attainable and maybe even fun. Written by the host of HGTV’s Hot Mess House, it’s also packed with helpful tips that aim to turn your home from chaotic to calm. There’s nothing more satisfying than checking off a box after getting stuff done around your house.

Stretchy Cable Ties That Prevent Cords From Getting Tangled

These silicone ties are such a simple way to instantly create a more peaceful, less cluttered space. They attach to your chargers, wires, and cables with a locking button feature that keeps them secure. Just neatly wind up your cords, stretch the organizer around the bundle, and instantly clean up tangles around your nightstand, behind your entertainment center, or anywhere else. Plus they can be detached and reused on different devices whenever you need.

Jumbo Vacuum-Sealed Storage Bags That Save So Much Space

These jumbo vacuum-seal storage bags help you organize while saving you a ton of space in your closet and dresser. They’re made to effortlessly compress your items, which means they’re perfect for storing linens, pillows, seasonal clothes, throw blankets — you name it. Plus the clear packaging allows you to see what’s inside at a glance so you can always find what you’re looking for.

Space-Saving Hangers That Hold Up To 5 Items Vertically

If you’re running out of room in your closet but don’t have anything you’re ready to part with, check out these hangers. They each hold up to five items vertically instead of horizontally to save you a ton of space on your closet rod. You can also use them to sort like items to even further organize your space.

Fridge Storage Bins With Flat Lids For Easy Stacking

These fridge organizer bins come in three different sizes that you can mix and match to find the most useful layout for storing your produce, drinks, snacks, and more. Not only do they keep your food organized and neat, but they have stackable lids and drain trays in the bottom to keep produce fresher longer.

Bamboo Wood Dividers That Adjust To Fit Your Drawers Perfectly

These wooden dividers expand from 17 to 22 inches, instantly creating customizable compartments to get your junk drawer, dresser, or kitchen utensil collection into tip-top shape. They’re spring loaded to stay in place and have padded foam ends that protect your drawers from getting scratched and scraped.

Apothecary Containers To Neatly Display All Your Bathroom Essentials

One easy decluttering tip is to swap out the original brand packaging for these simple apothecary jars. Not only do they eliminate the cluttered eyesore of stickers, brand names, and advertising, but the matching vibe makes everything look so much more cohesive. They’re great for cotton balls, cotton swabs, hair ties, supplements — you name it.

Magnetic File Folders That Hold Up To 15 Pounds Of Paperwork & Mail

These magnetic file folders can each hold up to 15 pounds of paperwork, mail, magazines, newspapers — you name it. They’re great for anywhere from your office to your entryway to your kitchen. Attach them to your refrigerator, file cabinets, whiteboards, or any other metal surface for instant storage.

A Double-Tier Garment Rack With A Bottom Shelf For Shoe Storage

Organize your closet and give yourself way more room with this garment rack. It has a two-tier, high-low design that’s great for hanging everything from shirts and sweaters to pants and dresses. There’s also a shelf on the bottom that’s perfect for shoes, bags, and more. The best part is that it’s on wheels so you can roll it all around your space.

Best-Selling Appliance Cord Organizers That Keep Wires Tidy

These organizers use adhesive tape to mount to the side of your appliance — think: stand mixer, blender, toaster, kettle, you name it — to keep the wires wrapped and tidy when the appliance is stored away. They work on both flat and curved appliance surfaces and they even have a clasp in the center that holds the end of the plug.

A Foldable Sink Cover That Doubles As A Makeup Brush Cleaner

Upgrade your makeup, hair-care, and skin-care routines with this foldable sink cover. It goes over your sink (without blocking access to the faucet) to give you more counter space so you can spread out and organize. Plus, the hole-filled design is textured so it can double as a scrubber to get your makeup brushes clean.

Acrylic Shelf Dividers That Look Like A Fancy Boutique Display

If your bags are stored in a pile on a shelf (or even worse, on the floor), you need to check out this organizer. It has adjustable compartments that you can customize to the width of your bags to keep them separate and easily organized, protecting them from getting damaged when you’re not using them.

Colorful Storage Crates That Fold Up Flat When Don’t Need Them

Part of decluttering is having a dedicated space for everything, and these colorful pastel crates are a great solution. Their multifunctional design makes them great for storing the pens and pencils overrunning your desk, the spices and tea bags taking over your kitchen, or the creams and lotions cluttering up your bathroom. Plus, they fold flat for easy storage when not in use.

A Wicker Cable Management Box That Looks Polished & Expensive

This wicker cable management box looks so polished and chic, but it effortlessly hides the tangle of cords around your entertainment center, bookshelf, nightstand, or desk. It has two entry and exit points and fits a power strip up to 11 inches long. Plus, it has a wicker lid that can double as a shelf for decor.

A Faux Leather Tissue Box With Sneaky Built-In Storage

This tissue box cover is such a great organizational piece for your bedroom nightstand or living room side table. The faux leather cover is not only a high-end way to make your tissues look so much nicer, but it also has built-in storage on the side that’s perfect for holding glasses, remotes, and phones to declutter your space while keeping it functional.

A Wall-Mounted Toothbrush Organizer That Even Dispenses Toothpaste

Declutter your bathroom countertop and keep your toothbrushes, toothpaste, cups, mouthwash — you name it — in this wall-mounted organizer. The bottom holds up to five toothbrushes, covering the heads to keep them more sanitary in the bathroom. The top has two built-in toothpaste dispensers and it can also hold four cups for mouthwash, rinsing, or drinking.

A Genius Bin For Keeping Wrapping Paper, Gift Bags, & Bows Crisp

This organizer is an absolutely genius must-have for preserving your wrapping paper. Designed specifically for gift wrapping and accessories, it’s long enough to fit entire rolls of paper without bending or damaging them. Plus, it has pockets designed for ribbon, gift bags, scissors, tape, and everything else you need to create the perfect present.

A Hanging Hair Tool Holder You Can Hide Behind A Cabinet Door

This wire basket mounts to the inside of a bathroom cabinet to store your hair accessories — think: blow dryers, straighteners, brushes, curlers, you name it — so they’re easily accessible but also out of sight and out of mind. What makes it especially clever is that it has a steel wire design that improves ventilation for safer storage of hot tools.

A Stunning Upright Rack That Looks Like A Sculpture

This stunning triangle-shaped rack isn’t just a work of art, it’s actually the perfect storage solution for mail, magazines, books, newspapers, records, and more. It comes in quite a few finishes to fit nicely into nearly any aesthetic. Display it on a bookshelf, side table, or shelf to perfectly balance functional storage and chic decor.

A Slim, Modern Shoe Rack That Organizes Up To 7 Pairs

If you have shoes cluttered in your entryway and hate the way it looks, this shoe rack is a slim, modern solution. It can hold up to seven pairs of shoes vertically to take up very little floor space. And it has a cool, geometric design with square, even lines and industrial colors that add a chic touch to your space while neatening things up.

An Elegant Watch Case That Protects & Displays Jewelry & Accessories

This watch box not only declutters but also boasts an expensive-looking design that will add to the decor of your space. It has cushioned slots to hold up to six watches with a clear lid to beautifully showcase everything inside. And then there’s a sleek hidden drawer underneath that’s perfect for smaller things like rings, bands, and other watch accessories.

Coffee Cup Inserts That Let You Stack Mugs To Save Space

These coffee mug organizers have a brilliant design that saves you a ton of space. They’re super slim and sit securely between the tops of two mugs, with an adjustable width that can fit multiple sizes of mugs. The set of six can stack up to 12 mugs, instantly making your collection look and feel so much more organized in your cabinet.

Slim, Clear Organizers Designed Specifically To Fit In Your Medicine Cabinet

These acrylic organizers have a narrow design that fits perfectly inside your medicine cabinet to give you so much more space to work with. One features a three-compartment shelf that’s great for all your skin care and makeup, and one features a three-compartment drawer for smaller things like cotton balls and cotton swabs. The best part is that they’re stackable to really take advantage of unused vertical storage space.

Beanie Storage Stands That Help Preserve Your Hat’s Shape

These holders are designed to store your beanies while also maintaining their shape to prevent wrinkles, stretches, and damage. Each rack holds up to 10 hats in a way that feels like you’re displaying them, not just shoving them in a drawer or shelf in your entryway. And thanks to the carbon steel construction, they’re sturdy, too.

Tip-Out Sink Trays That Discreetly Organize All Your Sponges

You know that drawer under the sink that slightly tips out? These trays help you maximize that extra storage so it’s easier and less messy to hold sponges and more. They keep sponges and brushes out of sight, but since they’re removable, they’re super easy to empty and clean if anything spills or leaks.

Stackable Water Bottle Organizers That Prevent Cabinet Avalanches

If your water bottles are always falling out of the cabinet whenever you reach for one, you need to check out these water bottle organizers. They can be stacked to save space and hold up to nine whole bottles — up to a 40-ounce size each. The assembly takes mere minutes and they will seriously change your life when it’s time to get a drink.

An Upside-Down Shoe Rack That Helps Keep The Shape Of Boots & More

This unique shoe rack has two rows of rounded spikes that go inside your boots to store them upside down, which extends the life of your footwear by preventing creases from developing and ruining the shape. Place it in the mudroom, entryway, garage, or closet to give yourself the perfect spot to store your shoes indoors or outdoors.

Space-Saving Hangers That Hold Up To 5 Pairs Of Pants At Once

These pants hangers can each hold up to five pairs vertically, saving a ton of space in your closet while keeping your pants neatly folded to avoid wrinkles. They have a velvet design that’s gentle on your fabrics and prevents items from sliding around. And the hanger itself rotates 360 degrees so you can easily access each individual scarf, skirt, or pair of slacks when you need it.

A Hanging Toiletry Bag That Organizes Your Makeup At Home & On The Go

If your makeup is currently in a jumbled mess on your bathroom countertop, you need to check out this hanging toiletry bag. Not only can it hang on your wall so it doesn’t take up any surface space, but it completely opens up to reveal all the pouches and pockets inside. This way, while everything’s stored, you still have easy access to it. And when it’s time to travel, you can roll it up and take it with you.

A Trash Bag Dispenser With A Wooden Lid That Doubles As A Shelf

Take the roll of trash bags out of its inconvenient container and instead use this dispenser instead. Not only does it look so clean and polished, but it gives you so much more under-sink storage where you need it. It has a front opening that allows you to grab one bag at a time, a bamboo lid that can double as a shelf, and an open back that can hold your go-to cleaning sprays and supplies. It instantly transforms your under-sink area so you don’t dread reaching in to find the cleaning wipes you need.

Hanging Utility Hooks For Kitchen Utensils, Garage Accessories, Closet Essentials, & More

These hangers each have six individual hooks that can hold everything from spatulas and spoons in the kitchen, to loofahs and brushes in the bathroom, and watches and bracelets in the bedroom. You can even use them for gloves and hats in the garage. They can be mounted underneath a cabinet for easy access and they rotate 360 degrees so you can grab what you need when you need it.

A Jewelry Organizer With 20 Protective Pouches To Keep Things From Tangling

This jewelry organizer is great whether you’re home or traveling. That’s because it allows you to put one piece of jewelry in each of the 20 small, protective pouches. This prevents them from tangling or getting damaged when you’re not wearing them. All the pouches fit nicely into the acrylic container — and if you’re traveling, you can just take the jewelry you want to wear on your vacation instead of everything you own.

A Narrow, Freestanding Magazine Holder That Fits Into Small Spaces

Whether it’s for magazines, books, papers, or records, this freestanding holder is a great way to collect whatever is lying around to instantly make your space look less cluttered. It has an open top and sides so you can fit tall and wide objects. And it has a super-narrow design that allows it to fit into small spaces — next to a couch in the living room, beside the toilet in the bathroom, and more.

A Toilet Paper Holder That Doubles As A Mini Bathroom Cabinet

Replace your wall-mounted toilet paper holder with this small cabinet that not only dispenses toilet paper but also gives you a ton of chic storage to instantly refresh your bathroom. It has a top shelf that’s great for candles or plants, a middle shelf that can hold your phone or nicely folded towels, and a covered cabinet that can store all your extra rolls of toilet paper, so they’re handy but out of sight.

Wooden Plastic Bag Organizers With Handy Prewritten Labels

If you want your kitchen drawers to look professionally organized, ditch your plastic bag packaging for these chic wooden organizers. They come in two different sizes to fit gallon bags, snack bags, sandwich bags, quart bags, and more. Plus they even come with prewritten labels so you always know which bag to reach for.

Magnetic Racks To Store Detergent, Hangers, & More In The Laundry Room

Your laundry room is about to look better than ever when you install these racks. Two of them have a wired basket design that’s perfect for storing detergent, dryer balls, fabric softener — you name it. And the third in the set was designed to hold extra hangers, keeping them in a super convenient spot so they’re ready to hang dry your laundry when you need them.

A Chic Wooden Spice Rack That Makes Your Seasonings Easy To See & Reach

This spice rack is designed to sit on your countertop or inside a cabinet to instantly get your spice collection into tip-top shape. It can hold about 25 normal-sized spice jars in a tiered design that allows you to see all the front-facing labels so you know what everything is. It seriously makes your kitchen look so much more organized and it makes cooking so much easier (and more delicious) when you actually know where your spices are.

Stainless Steel Shower Bars Designed To Keep Things On Corner Shelves

If your shower has built-in corner shelves that are basically useless because your shampoo keeps falling off them, these bars were specifically designed to be the brilliant solution you need. They expand up to 13 inches to fit the width of multiple types of shelves and they install with adhesive tape that’s strong but won’t leave any goop behind when it’s removed.

A Coffee Organizer With 2 Drawers For Hidden Pod Storage

Keep your coffee pods close to the machine without turning your countertop into a cluttered mess with this organizing kit. It comes with two drawers that can store up to 30 pods, a two-compartment tray for sugars, and a nonslip mat that protects the drawers from sprays and spills if you place your coffee machine on top. It instantly turns your morning routine into something that feels so much more organized and intentional.

A Waterproof Pouch To Store Electronics, Chargers, & More

Whether you need to feel more organized when you travel or you want to get your charging cables into shape at home, this pouch is a brilliant solution. The portable size is so convenient and features multiple mesh pouches that keep all your wires, cords, and chargers organized. It has a zipper closure and a padded, waterproof design for extra protection.

Bed Sheet-Organizing Bands With Big Labels That Show The Bedding Size

Say goodbye to rifling through the linen closet only to reach for the wrong size sheets. These elastic bands can wrap around a set of sheets, labeling it in super big letters with the size of the bedding so you can grab what you need at a glance. They’re knitted with soft cotton so they’re gentle on your sheets, securing them without leaving them squished or wrinkled.

Shoe-Organizing Gadgets That Let You Stack Each Pair Vertically

These organizing slots are designed for stacking one shoe on top of its mate, saving you a ton of space and helping create a closet that feels professionally organized. They have four adjustable height levels to fit everything from ballet flats to sneakers to heels. Plus, they have small, nonslip bumps on the surface to prevent the upper shoe from slipping off the angled slot.

]]><![CDATA[65 Outfits That Are So Dope & So Cheap]]>https://www.scarymommy.com/shopping/outfits-that-are-so-dope-so-cheaphttps://www.scarymommy.com/shopping/outfits-that-are-so-dope-so-cheapSat, 09 May 2026 12:15:24 GMT
Scary Mommy/Amazon

Great style doesn’t have to come with a ridiculous price tag. Sometimes all it takes is the right silhouette, a cool detail, or one standout piece to make an outfit feel complete. A few tops, a couple of pants, and a dress or two later, and you've got a wardrobe you actually look forward to wearing. These looks bring all the energy — polished, current, and easy to wear, while staying true to your budget.

A Gingham Crop Tank For Some Cottagecore Charm

This sweet gingham tank leans all the way into the picnic-in-the-park, cottagecore aesthetic. It features a boxy, cling-free fit, a slightly cropped hem that hits at exactly the right spot for high-waisted bottoms, and a button-up back for an unexpected finish. Throw it on with denim and ballet flats for brunch, or a flowy maxi skirt and gold hoops for date nights.

  • Available sizes: X-Small — X-Large
  • Available colors: 25+

Ruffle Hem Pants That Are Pure Fashion-Girl Energy

These ruffle hem pants take a basic silhouette and elevate it into full main-character territory. The flowy, wide-leg cut has movement with every step, while the playful ruffled hem adds a soft, whimsical finish — a subtle diversion from regular denim. Better yet, they have a stretchy elastic band for that made-for-you fit.

  • Available sizes: 4 — 18
  • Available colors: 5+

A Floral Lace Vest That's So Dreamy

With a hollowed-out design, this floral lace vest will land you compliments left and right. It’s made to add texture and visual interest to your look. Layer it over a fitted white tank or silky camisole for a chic alternative to your basic cardigan, or throw it over a slip dress for a romantic evening-out look.

  • Available sizes: Small — X-Large
  • Available colors: 10+

An Off-Shoulder Top That's Instantly Elevated

This off-shoulder top elevates even the most basic jeans-and-top combo. The wide, asymmetrical neckline shows off your collarbone and shoulders. It offers a close but comfortable fit and a ruched silhouette. Pair it with high-waist denim and gold hoops for casual brunches, or tuck it into a satin midi skirt with strappy heels for date nights that call for a little extra effort.

  • Available sizes: Small — X-Large
  • Available colors: 10+

Barrel Jeans Available In Cool Animal Print

Go bold or go home. These barrel jeans — available in animal prints and cool, lived-in denim washes — feature a trend-forward, roomy leg and a relaxed feel. You can easily dress them up or down as their cropped silhouette looks amazing with heels, sneakers, and strappy sandals.

  • Available sizes: X-Small — XX-Large
  • Available colors: 5+

Oversized Sunnies With “Undercover Celeb” Energy

Shielding your eyes from the sun or hiding your identity from the paparazzi, these sunglasses do both. Their chunky oversized frames make them feel far more expensive than they actually are, while blocking 99% UVA and UVB rays. Choose from a range of stylish frames and lenses.

  • Available colors: 10+

A Backless Puff-Sleeve Bodysuit That’s A Little Daring

This bodysuit is polished from the front and a little more daring from the back. Puff sleeves and a square neck make for a chic combo, while the open back and tie detail bring an unexpected element to the silhouette. It’s simple enough to go with everything, but far from boring.

  • Available sizes: Small — X-Large
  • Available colors: 5

A Sheer Mesh T-Shirt That’s Perfect For Layering

If your closet only consists of graphic T-shirts and plain basics, give it an upgrade with this airy mesh tee. The semi-sheer fabric and printed floral details add a ton of interest. Try it over a black bralette for the evening, or under a tailored blazer for unexpected dimension at the office.

  • Available sizes: Small — X-Large
  • Available colors: 5+

Striped Gingham Boxer Pants That Are Right On Trend

Boxer-inspired bottoms are everywhere right now, and these striped pants are the chicest take on the viral trend. The breezy, drawstring-waist silhouette feels like pajamas in the absolute best way, while the playful gingham print and crisp side stripe keep things polished. Pair them with a fitted ribbed tank and ballet flats for a model-off-duty look, or a tucked-in button-down and sneakers.

  • Available sizes: Small — XX-Large
  • Available colors: 20+

A 2-Piece Set That Does All The Outfit Math For You

This matching two-piece set basically eliminates the "what should I wear" panic. The high-low crew-neck top and wide-leg pants come pre-coordinated in a soft, breathable fabric. Wear them together for a full matching set, or split them up to mix with other pieces — that's multiple outfit options for the price of one.

  • Available sizes: Large — 4X-Large
  • Available colors: 10+

A Relaxed Cap-Sleeve Tee With Extra Arm Room

This crisp T-shirt is exactly the kind of staple piece your wardrobe needs. It features cap sleeves for an elevated, modern touch and extra fabric under the arms so you aren’t unwillingly exposing your undergarments. The relaxed silhouette skims the body without clinging and tucks neatly into bottoms. Grab it in at least a couple of colors, and you’ll thank yourself later.

  • Available sizes: Small — XX-Large
  • Available colors: 25+

A Tulle Maxi Skirt That Dials Up The Drama

This tiered tulle maxi skirt delivers all the drama. The layered mesh tiers create gorgeous movement with every step and unapologetic volume. It sits comfortably at the natural waistline, thanks to a stretchy elastic waistband. Pair it with a fitted black tank and pointed-toe flats for full ballerina-off-duty energy.

  • Available sizes: Small — X-Large
  • Available colors: 10+

A Long-Sleeve Mesh Top That Looks Like A Splurge

Crafted from sheer mesh with delicate lettuce-edge trim, this long-sleeve top looks pricier than the price tag would ever suggest. It boasts a mock neckline and fitted long-sleeve silhouette that’s perfect for layering underneath clothing. With a semi-sheer fabric, it’s equally ideal for layering over clothes too. Try it over a fitted tank or black bralette, or layer it under jumpsuits, dresses, and T-shirt for some extra edge.

  • Available sizes: X-Small — X-Large
  • Available colors: 10+

Wide-Leg Denim Overalls That Are Throwback Magic

Overalls had their moment in the '90s, and these wide-leg denim overalls are bringing them roaring back with serious modern polish. The billowy, wide-leg silhouette feels current and cool. How you choose to wear them totally depends on your own personal style. Layer fitted ribbed tank and white sneakers, or a slim turtleneck and chunky boots for cooler days.

  • Available sizes: X-Small — XX-Large
  • Available colors: 5

A Chic Jumpsuit For A One-&-Done Outfit

This jumpsuit makes styling almost too easy. With a high neck, sleeveless cut, and wide-leg silhouette it’s instantly chic. It’s fitted through the top with ruching around the midsection, which reviewers love. Add sneakers and a denim jacket for a casual look, or throw on a pair of heels for a polished finish.

  • Available sizes: Small — XX-Large
  • Available colors: 20+

A Striped Maxi Dress That's So Coastal-Chic

This striped maxi dress is the definition of coastal chic. The relaxed silhouette glides over the body without clinging anywhere, the breezy fabric catches the wind beautifully, and the classic stripe pattern feels timeless and endlessly photogenic. Pair it with espadrilles and a straw tote for daytime, or wedges and gold hoops when the sun goes down — and consider vacation mode officially activated.

  • Available sizes: X-Small — XX-Large
  • Available colors: 5+

A Polka-Dot Blouse That Effortlessly Makes A Statement

Polka dots are in, and this batwing chiffon blouse absolutely nails the print. The lightweight, airy silhouette wears almost like a cape by the way it drapes and and flows over your torso. Tuck the front into wide-leg jeans and add red ballet flats for full Parisian-girl vibes, or pair with white denim shorts for warmer days.

  • Available sizes: One size
  • Available colors: 5+

Drawstring Wide-Leg Jeans That Feel Like Sweatpants

These wide-leg jeans are basically the lovechild of denim and your favorite lounge pants. The high-waisted silhouette has a drawstring design that lets you adjust the fit exactly how you like. Still, they boast a boyfriend-cut wide-leg that delivers on modern style. The soft, stretchy denim moves with you all day, making it the perfect pick for any day of the week.

  • Available sizes: 4 — 18
  • Available colors: 5+

A Ribbed Bodysuit That’s A Layering Goldmine

This three-pack of bodysuits is basically a starter kit for elevated everyday outfits. The soft, ribbed fabric hugs the body smoothly, and the snap-closure base keeps everything tucked in without bunching. Styling options are seemingly endless — tuck them into high-waisted jeans, layer under blazers, or pair with maxi skirts. They're the wardrobe workhorse you didn't know you needed.

  • Available sizes: Small — XX-Large
  • Available colors: 20+

A Printed Kaftan Dress That's Pool-To-Patio Ready

This printed kaftan dress is arguably your warm-weather wardrobe’s most useful staple; it works as a beach cover-up, a sundress, or a dinner outfit all rolled into one breezy silhouette. The flowy, free-spirited cut allows for maximum airflow on hot days when the last thing you want is your clothing to cling. Choose from dozens of bold prints and colors.

  • Available sizes: One size
  • Available colors: 25+

A Jumpsuit That Takes The Guesswork Out Of Getting Ready

A one-and-done styling solution, this spaghetti-strap jumpsuit offers a relaxed, breathable fit, pockets, and tons of layering potential (wear it over tees, tanks, sports bras, etc.). It’s perfect for busy days on the go that require both comfort and practicality. Reviewers love its cool, slouchy fit.

  • Available sizes: X-Small — 3X-Large
  • Available colors: 15+

High-Waisted Baggy Pants That Are Basically Trousers In Disguise

Polished and comfortable, these pants boast a cropped, ankle-length hem and a roomy leg. They can easily be dressed up (style with a tucked-in tank and slingback heels) or dressed down with a simple tee and sneakers. They’re lightweight, breezy, and perfect for everyday wear when you still want to look put-together.

  • Available sizes: Small — XX-Large
  • Available colors: 10+

A Maxi Dress With Pockets For Pure Convenience

With functional pockets and a cool, comfortable fit, this T-shirt maxi dress is a no-brainer. It’s designed with practicality and style in mind, featuring a side-split hem and cap sleeves for some structure. Pair it with sandals and a sun hat for dinner on a patio, or sneakers for a day on the go.

  • Available sizes: XX-Small — 4X-Large
  • Available colors: 50+

Leopard Print Wide-Leg Pants For Maximum Drama

These pants are leaning all the way into the print-mixing trend. They’re unapologetically bold, featuring a leopard print and a contrasting side stripe that adds an unexpected sporty touch. Not to mention, the wide-leg silhouette has serious runway energy. Wear them with a simple bodysuit or a graphic tee to lean fully into their cool-girl energy.

  • Available sizes: X-Small — XX-Large
  • Available colors: 25+

A V-Neck Ruffle Shirt With Romantic Vibes

This V-neck ruffle shirt is a softer, more frilly take on your average tee. Ruffle sleeves paired with a plunging neckline give it an elevated feel. It offers a close but comfortable fit that’s easy to tuck into denim or trousers. Reach for this option to make any bottoms feel more special.

  • Available sizes: X-Small — XX-Large
  • Available colors: 30+

Oversized Aviator Shades That Are Bold In The Best Way

Sometimes all you need is a stylish pair of sunnies to complete your look. These aviator shades feature an oversized frame with a double bridge design. The colored lenses not only look cute, but they also help cut down on glare while protecting your eyes against UV rays.

  • Available colors: 10+

Fashion Sneakers That Go With Everything

A reliable pair of sneakers that aren’t the same ones as you wear to the gym or outdoors for a run is essential; this stylish pair is a great option. Their minimalist design goes great with both denim and leggings and features a sporty swipe design that keeps them feeling current. With a nonslip rubber outsole and cushioned insole, they’re comfortable, practical, and fashion-forward.

  • Available sizes: 5.5 — 11
  • Available colors: 20+

A Cable-Knit Short-Sleeve Sweater That's Endlessly Wearable

This sweater will come in handy year-round. Featuring a textured cable-knit texture and a lapel V-neck, it offers a preppy, polished vibe. The mid-weight and short sleeves make it especially ideal for transitional weather. Tuck it into high-waist jeans for weekend brunches, or layer it over a button-down for that classic Ivy League vibe.

  • Available sizes: Small — X-Large
  • Available colors: 30+

A Ruched Mini Dress That's Date Night-Coded

This mini dress is exactly what you reach for when plans pop up at the last minute. The boat-shaped neckline, ruched bodice, and playful ruffle hem create gorgeous structure and movement. Add strappy heels and gold jewelry for cocktail hours, or pair with white sneakers and a leather jacket for a more downtown, off-duty vibe.

  • Available sizes: X-Small — X-Large
  • Available colors: 5+

Dress Pants With An Ultra High Waist & Front Seams

These pull-on wide-leg pants are the lazy genius of office wear. They’re fitted through the hips with an ultra-high waist before flaring into a wide-leg, creating a polished, business-casual look. A front seam design offers an elevated finish.

  • Available sizes: X-Small — XX-Large
  • Available colors: 3

A Square-Neck Floral Cami That's All Romance

This embroidered cami will put all your other tanks to shame. It has the kind of pretty, intentional detailing that makes a basic outfit feel completely styled. The square neckline and scallop-edged straps frame the collarbone, while the floral embroidery adds a romantic, almost vintage-inspired touch. Pair it with high-waist denim and ballet flats for weekend lunches, or a satin midi skirt and gold jewelry for date nights that call for a little extra effort.

  • Available sizes: X-Small-Small — Large-X-Large
  • Available colors: 20+

An Oversized Cargo Vest That's Effortlessly Cool

The cargo vest trend isn't going anywhere, and this oversized zip-up is the chicest way to embrace it. The roomy silhouette has serious utilitarian-cool vibes, while the multiple cargo pockets add functionality. With a zip-up front, you can adjust how cinched or open you want to look. Layer it over a fitted ribbed tank and baggy jeans for full off-duty model energy.

  • Available sizes: Small — X-Large
  • Available colors: 5+

Wide-Leg Jeans With A Raw Edge Hem

Give your denim collection a refresh with these wide-leg jeans. They boast a high-waisted silhouette and are made from a stretchy denim that moves with you through long days. The frayed raw hem adds an unfinished, lived-in cool to every outfit.

  • Available sizes: 2 — 18
  • Available colors: 15+

An Off-The-Shoulder Sweater With A Pretty Floral Design

This short-sleeve sweater is a cool upgrade to your top rotation. Made from a soft, knit fabric, it drapes effortlessly over the shoulders, and the slightly cropped ribbed hem cinches at the perfect spot for high-waisted bottoms. However, it’s the 3D-embossed floral design that really makes this year-round top feel special.

  • Available sizes: X-Small — X-Large
  • Available colors: 10+

Mary Jane Heels With A Chunky Low-Block Heel

Featuring a low-block chunky heel, these Mary Janes are practical and stylish. The adjustable double-strap design securely holds your feet in place, and the square-toe design is chic and roomy. Wear them with trousers, skirts, or whenever you want to elevate a pair of denim.

  • Available sizes: 5 — 11
  • Available colors: 10+

A Satin Midi Skirt That Belongs In Every Wardrobe

This satin midi skirt is surprisingly versatile. It’s available in fashion-forward animal prints — perfect for spicing up basic tees and tanks — or solid, rich hues if your wardrobe could benefit from a pop of color. It features a high-waisted fit and a midi length that feels timeless and adaptable.

  • Available sizes: X-Small — X-Large
  • Available colors: 20+

A Floral Quilted Jacket That's Endlessly Photogenic

This open-front quilted jacket looks like you dished out a pretty penny for it — that, or the thrift find of a lifetime. Its puffed quilted texture is great for adding dimension and warmth, while the floral print provides a pop of personality. Just be prepared for endless compliments whenever you throw this on.

  • Available sizes: X-Small — X-Large
  • Available colors: 5+

A Halter Cover-Up That's Pure Vacation Fantasy

This halter-neck cover-up is practically begging to be packed for your next beach getaway. The flowy, lightweight silhouette and crochet knit glides over swimwear; however, you can also style it as a dress. The halter neckline features a turndown collar and V-neck for a polished touch, while the fringe hem keeps it feeling vacation-ready.

  • Available sizes: Small — X-Large
  • Available colors: 10+

Stretchy Wide-Leg Jeans That Are Actually Comfortable

These stretchy jeans are proof that denim can absolutely be both polished and comfortable. Crafted from a cotton blend with 2% spandex, they offer just enough give while maintaining their shape. They’re fitted through the hips before subtly flaring out below the knee for something fresh and a fair compromise between skinny and wide-leg.

  • Available sizes: 14 Plus — 24 Plus
  • Available colors: 3

A Sleeveless Button-Down That's Made For Warm Weather

This sleeveless button-down is the office-friendly tank top your wardrobe has been missing. The lapel collar and structured button-front design read as serious workwear, while the sleeveless cut keeps you cool, literally and figuratively. It’s the kind of piece that can do both business meetings and weekend plans.

  • Available sizes: Small — XX-Large
  • Available colors: 20+

An Oversized T-Shirt That Punches Way Above Its Price

Watch as this oversized tee quietly becomes one of your most-worn items. Made from a soft cotton blend, the slouchy, drop-shoulder silhouette has that effortless, off-duty cool factor. A ribbed texture makes it feel a lot less basic and helps it stand out from other tees. With a tunic length, it’s easy to style with any bottoms, including leggings and denim.

  • Available sizes: Small — 3X-Large
  • Available colors: 15+

Linen Wide-Leg Pants For Effortless Warm-Weather Style

Ditch stiff denim for these breezy linen palazzo pants. Made from a rayon-linen blend, the flowy, wide-leg silhouette offers a breathable feel. They’re the perfect compromise between comfort and polish, which makes them easy to dress up or down. You’ll want to wear these so much that it may be worth scooping up a couple of colors.

  • Available sizes: X-Small — XX-Large
  • Available colors: 15+

A Crochet Tank That Isn’t Afraid Of The Fringe

This fringe crochet tank is sure to add some excitement to your wardrobe. It’s designed with hand-finished crochet detailing and a playful fringe hem. Consider styling it with high-waisted flare jeans and platform sandals, or layer it over a bralette with denim cutoffs.

  • Available sizes: Small — X-Large
  • Available colors: 10+

Bootcut Jeans From Levi's That You Can Easily Pull On & Go

What’s better than a pair of pull-on jeans? A pair of Levi Strauss pull-on jeans. These feature a classic bootcut silhouette and a stretchy fit — especially around the pull-on waist. They’re available in a range of washes (including black), so you may want to scoop up more than one at such an affordable price.

  • Available sizes: 2 — 28 Plus (available in multiple lengths)
  • Available colors: 5+

Mary Jane Flats With A Trendy Square Toe

These Mary Jane flats are a no-brainer for every shoe collection. Available in matte and shiny finishes (and dozens of colors), they boast a trendy square toe and a classic adjustable strap design. They’re a great way to elevate any outfit, including a simple tee-and-jeans combo.

  • Available sizes: 4 — 10.5
  • Available colors: 40

A One-Piece Jumpsuit That's Pure Outfit Magic

Jumpsuits are the ultimate "I don't want to think today" outfit, and this one-piece makes getting dressed practically effortless. Featuring a chic V-neck, the pleated torso and wide-leg bottoms feel like two separate pieces working in perfect harmony. Add strappy heels and gold hoops for evening events, or sneakers and a denim jacket for a more casual daytime moment.

  • Available sizes: Small — XX-Large
  • Available colors: 10+

A Vest Top That's Quietly Doing The Most

This vest goes the extra mile in its versatility. The clean V-neckline, classic stripes, and button-front make it work for practically every occasion in your life; pair it with high-waist trousers for the office, tucked into a satin midi skirt for evenings, or with denim for a casual daytime look.

  • Available sizes: X-Small — X-Large
  • Available colors: 15+

A Crochet Cover-Up That's Made For On & Off The Beach

This crochet cover-up is the chicest way to wear your swimsuit out in public. The hand-finished crochet detailing has an artisanal, vacation-house-in-Tulum quality, while the relaxed silhouette glides easily over wet swimwear. Throw it on over a string bikini for poolside lounging, then add gold sandals and a straw bag for seaside lunches — no outfit change needed.

  • Available sizes: Small — XX-Large
  • Available colors: 10+

A Built-In Bra Tank That Cuts Your Morning Routine In Half

This built-in bra tank has solved the eternal "should I wear a bra with this?" debate. The integrated shelf bra provides comfortable support without needing an extra layer. It’s got a classic look, made from a ribbed-knit fabric that hugs the body smoothly with a scoop neck. It’s got staple status written all over it.

  • Available sizes: Small — XX-Large
  • Available colors: 10+

Cargo Pants That Bring Y2K Energy To Now

Go cool and casual with these high-waisted cargo pants. They’re perfect for pairing with a fitted ribbed tank and white sneakers, or an oversized graphic tee for full early-aughts nostalgia. Made from a cotton-spandex blend, they offer a comfortable fit and six (!) functional pockets.

  • Available sizes: X-Small — 4X-Large
  • Available colors: 30+

Gingham Capri Pants You’ll Want To Live In

These palazzo pants check off two trends in one with a gingham print and a cropped capri length. Their easy, breezy silhouette is perfect for pairing with more fitted tops — think: a ribbed tank and ballet flats, or a cropped cardigan for cooler evenings. A pull-on elastic waist makes them effortless (and comfy) to wear.

  • Available sizes: X-Small — XX-Large
  • Available colors: 5+

Satin Tank Tops That Come In A Convenient 2-Pack

Two satin tanks for this price? Mathematical brilliance. These silky tank tops are instant elevated basics thanks to the liquid-like fabric and clean, simple silhouette. Tuck them into tailored trousers for the office, layer under blazers for date night, or pair with high-waisted denim and gold jewelry for casual brunches. The set comes in two colors, giving you double the outfit options for the price of one.

  • Available sizes: X-Small — XX-Large
  • Available colors: 15+

A Tulle Midi Skirt That's The Epitome Of Ballerina Drama

This tulle midi skirt is simply stunning. The pull-on design consists of three layers, including floral lace, solid tulle, and an inner satin lining that feels soft and comfortable against the skin. Together, these layers mesh and create gorgeous movement and volume with every step. Pair with a simple top and let the skirt do most of the talking.

  • Available sizes: X-Small — XX-Large-3X-Large
  • Available colors: 5+

A Maxi Flowy Dress That's Oh-So-Breezy

This maxi flowy dress features a roomy, swingy silhouette that glides over the body without clinging anywhere. The soft fabric feels lightweight against the skin, and the floor-skimming length feels endlessly elegant. Throw it on with sandals and a straw tote for vacation days, or wedges and gold jewelry for sunset dinners that demand a more polished moment.

  • Available sizes: X-Small — XX-Large
  • Available colors: 4

A Slouchy Oversized Tee That You Can Wear With Anything

This off-the-shoulder tee is basically a styling cheat code. The slouchy, oversized silhouette has effortless, off-duty cool, as the wide neckline frames the collarbone beautifully. It’s made from a soft cotton-blend fabric that feels lived-in from day one. Pair it with bike shorts and sneakers for athleisure days, or knot the hem and pair with high-waist denim for instantly elevated weekend casual.

  • Available sizes: X-Small — 4X-Large
  • Available colors: 30+

Wide-Leg Jeans That Are Endlessly Versatile

These wide-leg jeans are the kind of denim you'll reach for constantly without thinking. Fitted through the high waist, they boast a comfortable, wide-leg that doesn’t feel too wide or baggy. The structured patch pockets and a double-button design are details you’ll want to show off, so consider pairing these with crop tops, sleek bodysuits, or tucked-in blouses.

  • Available sizes: 2 — 18
  • Available colors: 10+

A Crochet Cardigan For Airy Coverage

This crochet cardigan brings instant vintage-inspired charm to any outfit. With an open-front design, it layers effortlessly, providing just enough airy coverage. Throw it over a slip dress and sandals for spring evenings, or layer it over a fitted tank and high-waisted jeans.

  • Available sizes: Small — XX-Large
  • Available colors: 25+

High-Waisted Pencil Pants That Are Office-Approved

These high-waisted pencil pants bring serious tailored polish to your nine-to-five rotation. The paper bag silhouette boasts a statement bow-tie waist and ties around the ankles to match. They’re made from a lightweight fabric with a relaxed fit. Style them with a pair of strappy heels that deserve to be shown off.

  • Available sizes: Small — XX-Large
  • Available colors: 20+

A Pleated A-Line Midi Dress That's So Chic & Polished

This pleated A-line midi dress deserves a place in every wardrobe. The classic A-line silhouette has a V-neck and tie-waist, making it easy to wear and tailor to your shape. However, it’s the allover Swiss-dot texture that makes it feel special. A sheer hem and airy ruffle cap sleeves won’t go unnoticed either.

  • Available sizes: Small — XX-Large
  • Available colors: 45+

Floral Wide-Leg Pants That Are Statement-Worthy

These floral wide-leg pants are the kind of piece that turns a simple outfit into a styled one. Available in bold floral prints and solid neutrals, the fluid, wide-leg silhouette creates movement and drama with every step. They feel just as great as they look, too, boasting a smocked, drawstring high waist and cling-free fit.

  • Available sizes: Small — XX-Large
  • Available colors: 20+

A Linen Wide-Leg Romper With A Flowy Bottom

This wide-leg romper is made from breathable linen-blend fabric that keeps you cool when humidity hits. The wide-leg silhouette feels effortlessly polished, paired with a fitted V-neck bust and keyhole cutout. Pair it with leather slides and a straw tote for poolside lunches, or strappy gold sandals and statement earrings for sunset dinners that call for a slightly more elevated moment.

  • Available sizes: Small — X-Large
  • Available colors: 15+

A Belted T-Shirt Dress That Combines Comfort & Style

Available in stripes, solids, and a few prints, this dress strikes the perfect balance between elevated and effortless. It offers the same level of comfort as your favorite tee with a close but comfortable fit and is crafted from a soft rayon blend, but the tie belt around the waist cinches, making the whole silhouette instantly more polished.

  • Available sizes: Small — X-Large
  • Available colors: 15+

Mesh Ballet Flats That Are Surprisingly Versatile

If you don’t yet own a pair of mesh flats, you’re truly missing out. This pair features an adjustable buckle strap and a rounded toe, giving them just the right amount of edge. They’re surprisingly easy to wear and go with practically anything. Consider them an airy alternative to your regular ballet flats.

  • Available sizes: 6 — 11
  • Available colors: 5+

A Chiffon Halter Jumpsuit That’ll Turn Heads

This chiffon jumpsuit is a showstopper. The flowy, lightweight fabric catches the breeze with every step, the halter neckline shows off your shoulders without going overboard, and the wide-leg silhouette has serious old-Hollywood drama. Pair with strappy gold sandals and a beachy waves moment for sunset dinners, or wedges and a clutch for poolside cocktail hour.

  • Available sizes: Small — X-Large
  • Available colors: 5+

A Wide-Leg Jumpsuit With A Corset-Inspired Waist

This wide-leg jumpsuit eliminates the "what should I wear" question entirely. The tailored bodice and dramatically wide-leg bottoms create that "I planned this for hours" effect, even though it's all one piece you stepped into in 30 seconds. Pair it with strappy heels and gold jewelry for cocktail hour, or white sneakers and a denim jacket for casual daytime brunches.

  • Available sizes: 0X — 4X
  • Available colors: 5
]]><![CDATA[Will There Be A 'Hope Valley: 1874' Season 2? Hallmark+ Just Answered]]>https://www.scarymommy.com/entertainment/hope-valley-1874-season-2-release-date-cast-updateshttps://www.scarymommy.com/entertainment/hope-valley-1874-season-2-release-date-cast-updatesFri, 08 May 2026 23:50:27 GMT
Jeff Weddell/Hallmark Media

Heads up, Hearties: We officially have more frontier drama in our future — Hallmark+ has renewed Hope Valley:1874 for a second season. Of course, while it’s always a little nerve-racking waiting to see if your favorite show made the cut, this renewal news shouldn’t come as a major surprise for those of us invested in the When Calls the Heart universe. The fandom is a loyal bunch! In fact, Hope Valley is actually the streamer’s most successful series launch to date.

The series, set in the early days of the frontier settlement, follows Rebecca Clarke (Bethany Joy Lenz) as she arrives in the town that will one day become Hope Valley. She and her daughter, Sarah, are looking for a fresh start and an escape from a tumultuous past when she finds unexpected community with a curmudgeonly rancher, Tom Moore (Benjamin Ayres), and a trading post owner, Hattie Quinn (Jill Hennessy). From there, she forges a bond with the rest of the growing settlement, finding a new home in the place and its people.

And with the May 7 Season 1 finale setting the characters up for some cliffhanger-style follow-ups, let’s just say the renewal news couldn’t come fast enough. Here’s everything we know so far about the next installment of Hallmark’s hit prequel series.

When will Hope Valley Season 2 arrive?

Hallmark has confirmed the prequel will return to our screens in 2027. So, we’ve got a bit of a wait, but it’s better than not getting a return at all, right?

What might happen in Season 2?

The finale leaves plenty unresolved for the characters, including Olivia’s (Roan Curtis) love triangle with Alexander and Clayton (Jedidiah Goodacre), Rebecca’s past catching up with her and, of course, the growing romance between Rebecca and Tom.

A big part of what the cast set out to do was tell a story with real emotional depth that doesn’t shy away from the complicated layers that come with love between people who’ve already lived a life.

"Two people meeting at our age, we're coming in with different layers of baggage than somebody who's young and doe-eyed about love," Lenz told us during a Season 1 press junket. "So I think that's been a really fun thing to work with."

For her, the show's recurring theme of second chances is something she takes personally. "I need second and third and fourth and fifth and sixth chances. I'm learning, every day, new things,” she told us, adding, “We’re kind of in a day and age where grace is sparse, and it’s harder for people to give each other room to grow. So maybe that’s something our show can bring to the cultural conversation.”

That theme of connection hits every corner of Hope Valley, now and as the series moves toward a second season.

Hennessy sees her character, Hattie, as a kind of anchor for the settlement. "She's the sense of humor in terms of diffusing conflicts," Hennessy said. "She brings a nice sort of stability even though she herself emotionally and internally is kind of fractured in a lot of ways."

Roan Curtis, who plays Hattie's daughter Olivia, described her character as bringing "a lot of sunshine" to a community full of people who've weathered hard things. "She's incredibly optimistic and bright," Curtis said, adding that Olivia has a gift for cutting through surface pleasantries.

And Lachlan Quarmby, who plays the newly arrived Constable Alexander Vaughn, noted that his character is very much figuring out how to earn his authority in a community that's been doing things its own way for a long time. "He finds that pretending to be confident is helpful," Quarmby laughed.

Is the cast on board for future seasons, too?

It seems like a safe bet. Behind the scenes, the camaraderie has been just as real as it is between the characters. "We had such a good time making this," Ayres shared, "and we feel confident in what we made, that at least we made what we set out to do."

Of working with her costars, Hennessy gushed, “I am so happy right now. I actually feel like we did some great work, and I genuinely enjoy and respect and love these people."

Lenz even brought that collaborative spirit to the show in a pretty unique way: She wrote the series’ theme song, recording the vocals in Hennessy’s trailer. "It was really fun to build," she said, "and we made it a real in-house, homegrown thing."

Season 1 of Hope Valley: 1874 is streaming now on Hallmark+.

]]><![CDATA['The Sheep Detectives' Review: Weird, Funny & Surprisingly Emotional]]>https://www.scarymommy.com/entertainment/sheep-detectives-movie-review-cast-interviewshttps://www.scarymommy.com/entertainment/sheep-detectives-movie-review-cast-interviewsFri, 08 May 2026 18:42:44 GMT
Amazon MGM Studios

I did not go into The Sheep Detectives expecting to cry. But you know what? That’s the thing about Craig Mazin’s gloriously unhinged premise — a pastoral murder mystery narrated by anthropomorphic sheep — that makes it so disarming. And charming. Between the British humor and genuinely funny ensemble performances, the emotional sincerity of the film just sort of sneaks up on you.

And don’t even get me started on little Winter Lamb.

In fact, after chatting with stars Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Chris O’Dowd, Molly Gordon, Nicholas Braun, and Hugh Jackman, it became very clear that everyone involved was just as taken with this quirky world and its colorful inhabitants as I was.

The Sheep Detectives, which opens in theaters Friday, is a crowd-pleaser without being condescending about it. It’ll make you laugh, and yes, cry. It’s subtly sharp about memory and grief and what it costs us to bury the things that hurt to remember.

It is, also, somehow, all about sheep.

“It’s Babe Meets Knives Out”

You might be thinking, “Where in the world did the idea for this story come from?” And, well, there’s an easy answer for that. It’s actually adapted from the 2005 mystery novel Three Bags Full: A Sheep Detective Story by German author Leonie Swann.

It’s admittedly a wacky premise. But once the cast read the script, they were immediately in.

“When I first heard about it, I was like, ‘Come on, what?’” Louis-Dreyfus, who plays “the smartest sheep,” Lily, admitted. “And then I read the script, and I completely fell in love and knew this was a project I had to be a part of just based on the material itself.”

O'Dowd, who voices memory-haunted Mopple, credits the script's unlikely tonal balance to Mazin. "He has this kind of very wholesome sense of humor at the center of it," O'Dowd said. "And I think you can see that throughout the film."

Jackman, aka George the farmer, also jumped at the opportunity to work with Mazin — especially after hearing the script was “Babe meets Knives Out.”

“Honestly, I would’ve played any character,” he joked. “I would’ve played one of the sheep.”

Wait, I’m Crying

Much of the emotional core of the movie centers around memory: what we hold onto, what we try to forget, and the question of whether painful memories are worth carrying at all. It’s that commitment to treating the movie sincerely, rather than winking at the audience the entire time, that probably makes it work as well as it does.

And why it gets all up in your feelings when you least expect it.

“This movie has no right to make us cry in the way that it did,” Gordon so accurately said.

For O’Dowd, it goes back to how we all “curate” our own memories. “We decide which bits that we're going to remember. We know now in the social media age that we decide to remember the little bits of hatred, despite all the glowing love. And so we are curating our memories as we go, whether we like it or not. If we can do it collectively, maybe it's more useful and hopefully that comes across in the film.”

Braun, who plays lovable but hapless cop Terry, had a similarly thoughtful response when asked whether he’d erase bad memories from his own life if he could. “At the end of the day, it would make me a different guy. And so I just, I have to include it,” he told me. “I think that’s just part of being a person.”

Even Jackman connected emotionally to the film’s “Winter Lamb” storyline, admitting there were moments in his own childhood where he felt isolated despite growing up in a large family.

Maybe that’s the biggest surprise: that beneath all the sheep jokes and mystery plotting, this movie is ultimately about feeling seen.

Everyone Got Weirdly Attached To The Sheep

That said, there are still plenty of sheep jokes. Many, many sheep jokes.

Jackman compared two ram characters to himself and his brother growing up. Braun revealed that after seeing the finished film, he stopped eating lamb entirely.

O’Dowd was thrilled when he got to see himself in sheep version. “I saw my big matted self and thought, ‘I've got a jumper just like that.’” Besides, it gave him a chance to really grow. “I’ve played a cockroach before and a slug,” he said. “I feel like I really came up in the world… I’m a mammal now, baby.”

Like, c’mon, that line alone should probably convince you to go see this movie.

See Also: Emma Thompson

It helps that the ensemble is stacked. Gordon, perhaps best known recently as Claire in The Bear, brings the same quality of being genuinely hard to read — you can't tell whether to root for Rebecca or be suspicious of her, which is precisely the point. "I liked playing the classic ingenue, but having her be criticized and annoying," Gordon said. "I liked flipping it on its head."

But for Gordon, the film's most memorable presence was Emma Thompson, whom she describes with something close to reverence. "Emma Thompson is the most inspiring soul — so curious, giving, political, kind," she said. "If she were the queen or the president, the world would be in a very different place." (From your lips to God's ears, Molly.)

A Subtle Message Worth Mentioning

As our conversation began to wrap, O’Dowd made a point that stuck with me: the villain’s plan involves industrial consolidation of the farm, the erasure of something small and local by something large and indifferent.

"In this time of mergers and this type of mass unemployment ahead of us," O'Dowd said, "it's important to remember to keep your food local if you can."

Louis-Dreyfus agreed: "Beware the commercialization of anything — and question it."

It’s one small thread in a much larger tapestry of The Sheep Detectives, and the movie wears it lightly enough that you might miss it entirely if you’re busy laughing or, you know, wiping your eyes during one very memorable scene in the third act.

But it’s there. Beneath the wool and the whimsy and the whodunit of it all, Mazin is asking what we’re willing to let disappear — from our farms, from our memories, from ourselves — in the name of convenience.

Who knew a movie where sheep are the emotional surrogates could work so well?

]]><![CDATA[Why Does My Dog Nibble On Me? It's Canine For "I Love You," Actually]]>https://www.scarymommy.com/lifestyle/why-does-my-dog-nibble-on-mehttps://www.scarymommy.com/lifestyle/why-does-my-dog-nibble-on-meFri, 08 May 2026 16:32:03 GMT
Westend61/Getty Images

Does your dog treat you like corn on the cob? Every so often, my pup will lie next to me on the couch or stop mid-play session to nibble with her tiny front teeth on my hand or arm. A quick Reddit search reveals that it’s actually pretty common for dogs to do this. So, if you’ve ever wondered to yourself, “Why does my dog nibble on me?” you’re not alone. Dogs have all kinds of quirky behaviors, from getting the zoomies to scooting their booties around on the rug. So, what’s the deal with this one?

The thing with the nibbling is that it’s not a bite or aggressive in any way. It’s such a gentle little front-teeth-only chew. Folks on Reddit seem to agree that the behavior is a way for your dog to show affection by grooming you. Others posted videos of their pups nibblin’ away and asked if they “should” teach them not to, even if it doesn’t hurt. I asked a veterinary expert what is driving my dog to nibble up and down my arms at night, and how I could kindly get her to quit — she’s a large breed, and sometimes it really hurts.

Why does your dog nibble on you?

First things first: If your dog is nibbling on themselves, you should definitely take them to a vet to rule out any medical causes.

“This behavior could be due to pruritis — aka itching — which is often secondary to allergies or fleas,” says Dr. Carly Fox, senior veterinarian in the emergency and critical care services at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center. “It could also be a sign of discomfort, especially if they nibble the same spot on their bodies repeatedly. In some cases, the nibbling can be behavioral because of boredom or lack of mental stimulation.”

Now, if your dog is nibbling only on you or another pet in the home, it’s likely their way of showing affection or being playful, Fox says. In puppies, you might notice they do their little corn cobbing bites more while they’re teething. Veterinarian Dr. Alex Crow told Yahoo! Life that the nibbling is “a natural behavior that they learn from their mothers as puppies” and plays a role in bonding.

So, if you’re cozied up with your pup and they start cobbing, they’re just feeling affectionate. If they wield their teeth while wagging, jumping, or pawing at you, they’re likely asking to play.

How To Teach Your Dog To Stop Corn Cobbing

If you like your dog’s nibble sessions and they don’t hurt you, then great — carry on. Just make sure it’s only you they’re after, not their own skin. “If your dog is nibbling you and you don’t mind, then you do not necessarily need to discourage the behavior. If your dog is biting themselves or seems uncomfortable, itchy, or develops hair loss or a rash, they should be evaluated by a veterinarian,” Fox says.

If, like me, you have a dog who sometimes nibbles a little too hard and you’d like them to stop, there are some things you can try to discourage the behavior, Fox says.

  • Give them something else to chew on, like a toy or bone.
  • Provide some mental stimulation, like a treat puzzle or a training exercise.
  • Start a game of fetch or play with their favorite toy.
  • Offer positive reinforcement, like treats and attention, when they are calm and not exhibiting the behavior.

If you are interested in specific instructions to help in training your dog out of being mouthy, look for reputable resources in the animal welfare space, such as the ASPCA’s guide, “Mouthing, Nipping and Play Biting in Adult Dogs.” It breaks down exactly how you can teach puppies, adolescents, and adult dogs to keep their teeth to themselves.

So, if you’ve ever been corn-cobbed by your dog, just know they’re using one of their communication tools to tell you how much they love you, or that they want to play with you. If you like it, you can let them keep at it. And if it’s a little too painful to bear, even when the nibbles are meant with love, you can find ways to show your dog you love them too that don’t involve teeth.

]]><![CDATA[12 Recipes With Meatballs, Because You Love ‘Em But You’re Sick Of Red Sauce]]>https://www.scarymommy.com/lifestyle/meatball-recipeshttps://www.scarymommy.com/lifestyle/meatball-recipesFri, 08 May 2026 16:30:03 GMT
Foodie Crush

When it comes to feeding a family, especially if you have one or more picky eaters, it can be hard to find recipes that appeal to everyone. My son is 5 (which is when picky eating picks, according to research), so we’re in the thick of trying to balance foods tame enough for him but not hospital bland to us. Recipes with meatballs have been a saving grace. You can make them nearly any flavor you want, with any ground meat, and simply set a few aside before saucing them up to your adult heart’s content. If you’re looking to add a little variety to your weeknight dinner rotation, maybe these meatball recipes will give you a little inspo too.

Slow Cooker Meatball Subs

Simply LaKita

Meatball subs are similar to spaghetti and meatballs obviously, but if you just want a little bit of a change-up, they’re the perfect alternative. Simply LaKita’s recipe will teach you how to make delicious, saucy meatball subs from frozen meatballs in the Crock-Pot, so there’s next to no effort required. Hallelujah.

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

All The Healthy Things

All The Healthy Things’ buffalo chicken meatballs are exactly the kind of unexpected weeknight dinner that makes me perk up a little instead of feeling like “ugh, spaghetti again?” You could eat this like an app with homemade bleu cheese dressing, carrots, and celery, or pop them into a wrap.

Bún Chả (Vietnamese Meatballs)

Budget Bytes

This Budget Bytes recipe will teach you how to make juicy pork meatballs, a homemade dipping sauce full of flavor, and vermicelli noodles, if you’ve never tried cooking them before. Served with an array of fresh, crunchy veggies, this is a light but satisfying meal that’ll really break up your usual dinner rotation.

Chicken Marsala Meatballs

A Sweet Thyme

Still meatballs, still pasta, just a little something different — that’s A Sweet Thyme’s chicken marsala meatballs recipe. This is another 30-minute dinner you could throw into your weeknight rotation to get out of whatever rut you’re in.

Butter Chicken Meatballs

Averie Cooks

I love Indian food but am always a little intimidated to try making it at home. Averie Cooks’ recipe for butter chicken meatballs seems like an accessible way to try, with the added bonus that I can set a few meatballs aside for my sauce-averse 5-year-old.

Turkey Meatball Soup

Foodie Crush

Slow cooker recipes are so clutch, and this turkey meatball soup from Foodie Crush is perfect for getting in lots of veggies and beans (and clearing out your produce drawer). Meatballs can sometimes be a little dry, but because these sit in the Crock-Pot on low for four hours in all that broth, I bet they’re incredibly tender.

Chicken Teriyaki Meatballs

Princess Pinky Girl

Sauce aversion and all, I could actually see my son digging into Princess Pinky Girl’s teriyaki chicken meatballs. Because it’s a sticky-sweet sauce and there’s plenty of plain rice to lean on, this seems like a dish that’ll please even the pickiest of kids (and their parents).

Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

Family Fresh Meals

Marry me chicken is a viral recipe from a few years back, involving a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce and chicken cooked just right in the skillet. This meatball version from Family Fresh Meals is the same concept in a different font, perfect for when meatballs are on the menu but you are simply not in the mood for spaghetti.

Spicy Vindaloo Meatballs

All The Healthy Things

All The Healthy Things’ spicy vindaloo meatballs is a 30-minute weeknight dinner you have to try. The meatballs are homemade, but the sauce and rice provide some time-saving shortcuts (and honestly, I think you could get away with using frozen meatballs here too if you wanted — they just won’t have the same flavor).

Swedish Pasta Meatball Bake

Princess Pinky Girl

Princess Pinky Girl’s Swedish meatball bake feels reminiscent of Hamburger Helper in the best way. Your whole family will enjoy the pan-fried meatballs and creamy sauce, all baked to ooey-gooey perfection. It takes its sweet time in the oven and setting afterward, so this is more of a weekend dinner option.

Sausage Meatballs & Kale Sheet Pan Meal

Budget Bytes

Sheet pan meals are one of my favorite kinds of recipes, because then I’m not having to make three separate items to create a main and sides. Budget Bytes’ recipe yields a big batch of flavorful meatballs, roasted potatoes, and tender kale (plus, she says you can just replace the meatballs with sausage if you’re short on time or energy).

French Onion Orzo With Meatballs

Foodie Crush

French onion anything is automatically 10 times better than the original. Foodie Crush’s French onion meatballs and orzo give you the same satisfying pasta-and-meatball combo your brain craves, but with all the cheesy, onion-y goodness you normally don’t get to enjoy at home.

Brb, making buffalo chicken meatballs and bleu cheese dip immediately.

]]><![CDATA[Can We Talk About The Hypocrisy Of School Sports Fees Please?]]>https://www.scarymommy.com/parenting/can-we-talk-about-the-hyprocisy-of-school-sports-fees-pleasehttps://www.scarymommy.com/parenting/can-we-talk-about-the-hyprocisy-of-school-sports-fees-pleaseFri, 08 May 2026 14:28:40 GMT
FatCamera/E+/Getty Images

When my youngest son decided he didn’t want to play football anymore after his first season, I nearly wept with relief. It’s over, I thought, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

My three older sons all played football every year of their high school career. They also played rugby, and the oldest two played basketball. I was always so impressed with how dedicated they were, so different from me. I halfheartedly played T-ball for two weeks one summer when I was around 8 and quit when I realized it might get in the way of swimming in my grandparents’ pool. Not my sons. They organized off-season practice in the summer for football and rugby, shot hoops in our driveway for so long after dinner every night I am triggered to this day by the rhythmic “thump, thump” of a ball on pavement. I loved watching them play. I never learned a single rule of any sport but showed up to every game, a mug of coffee in my hand, a crockpot of stew simmering for our return home afterwards.

I wish that was enough. But of course, there were those school sports fees. And of course, I could never, ever afford them.

I used to look at the other parents and imagine their kids were playing sports with all of their fees paid up and just hate myself. Because when my oldest son made the football team in the fall, then the basketball team in winter, and rugby in spring, his fees wrecked me. They were more than my rent payment, which I was already struggling to pay, and kept getting higher. Then his brother joined him on the teams the next year, then his younger brother joined them both two years later. And I was sunk.

I know now that I was not the only one. I know now that school sports fees have gotten out of control across the country. There are schools charging a fee to simply try out for the team and then asking parents to pay thousands of dollars for their kids to play. I know now that the average cost for a kid to play sports at a public school is around $1,000 per child in this country. And that’s just to get out on the field; that doesn’t even include the travel fees or uniforms.

I know now that the other parents in the stands were probably just as stressed out and guilty as me, that their big proud smiles were probably hiding sleepless nights of worrying about how they would ever keep up.

I was told there were subsidized programs for school fees to help out. I swallowed around the big lump of shame and applied for them early in the fall. These subsidies covered the basic school sports fee and nothing else. Which meant I had to find a way to cough up for uniforms and travel costs on my own, plus the extra fees for the specific sports they were paying. I sold old clothes on Facebook Marketplace to pay fees. My sons got after school jobs to help, every evening taken up with practice or work or homework or a combination of all three.

I was late with the fees every year and almost never got it together to pay the entire amount. My sons paid, in their own ways, for our poverty. They were outfitted in the bottom-of-the-barrel uniforms. Always dirty and grass-stained from whoever wore it the year before, always ill-fitting. Their equipment was never quite right, their cleats and shoes not exactly what they should be. A Scarlet Letter on their back, their punishment for having a poor mother.

Their coaches were worse. They called my sons out in front of their teammates for being late with fees. I could always tell when it had happened when my sons came home from practice. They wouldn’t look at me for a little while, mad at me for not getting it right and mad at themselves because they knew I was trying my hardest. When they finally told me, they begged me not to call their football coach and say what I wanted to say. “Just call me and yell at me,” is what I wanted to say. “Don’t humiliate them in front of their teammates. It’s not their fault.”

They told me I would make it worse, the classic trick of all bullies forever. And so I said nothing. My kids made it through, but they were not unscathed. They were captains of their teams, leaders of their teammates. They dug deep to get better, practicing in the rain and the snow, on weekends and in the early morning. They scored the winning touchdown at the big game more than once, ran in the final try in rugby, were written about in the local newspaper several times. If this were a movie, they would have been carried out on the shoulders of teammates, celebrated for their grit and determination.

Instead, they just handed in their uniforms and were told they would not be invited to the final awards ceremony because they were behind on their fees. At the end of the day, money mattered more than anything they did on the field.

Jen McGuire is a contributing writer for Romper and Scary Mommy. She lives in Canada with four boys and teaches life writing workshops where someone cries in every class. When she is not traveling as often as possible, she’s trying to organize pie parties and outdoor karaoke with her neighbors. She will sing Cher’s “If I Could Turn Back Time” at least once, but she’s open to requests.

]]><![CDATA[“I Masturbated While Thinking Of My Best Friend” & 27 More Mom Confessions]]>https://www.scarymommy.com/lifestyle/i-masturbated-while-thinking-of-my-best-friend-mom-confessionshttps://www.scarymommy.com/lifestyle/i-masturbated-while-thinking-of-my-best-friend-mom-confessionsThu, 07 May 2026 21:55:49 GMT

Normally when my brain is doing its thing — you know, running through all the things I need to do and the things I’m worried about and the things that randomly pop up like, “Remember Surge soda?” — I am completely oblivious. Someone will ask, “What are you thinking about?” and even though the answer can’t possibly be “nothing,” that’s what I always say. Because it’s mostly just a swirling mass of colors and noise.

The moms in this week’s Scary Mommy Confessions, however, definitely know what they’re thinking about. From crushes on people they can’t have to affairs to worrying about their kids to stressing about the family pet, these are the moms who will never answer “nothing” when someone asks what’s on their mind.

At least, not 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, head here.

]]><![CDATA[No One Told Me That Tweens Become Toddlers Again]]>https://www.scarymommy.com/parenting/no-one-told-me-that-tweens-become-toddlers-againhttps://www.scarymommy.com/parenting/no-one-told-me-that-tweens-become-toddlers-againThu, 07 May 2026 21:50:21 GMT
SrdjanPav/E+/Getty Images

Of all the ages I can remember being, the tween years are some of the freshest in my mind. Maybe because that’s the time when you really start to figure out who you are and what you want and who you hope to be. Maybe it’s because that’s the start of the BIG changes, like leaving elementary school and meeting new friends and everything shifting.

Maybe it’s the hormones.

But when my oldest daughter turned 11, I felt prepared for everything that was to come. I knew there’d be a lot of crying. I knew there’d be a lot of hormones she couldn’t control, that she’d feel unmoored and uncertain, that she may find herself upset and not have a reason why.

I just wasn’t expecting the tween years to basically be the toddler years all over again.

There’s a lot of crying, a lot of “stay with me,” a lot of clinging. There’s a lot of “Mama, whatcha doing?” and a lot of “Can I come with you?” to every move I make. There’s a lot of pouting, a lot of big reactions, a lot of anger they can’t explain. There’s a lot of worrying, a lot of nervousness, a lot of trying new things.

Sometimes my tween comes up to me while I’m cooking dinner, and leans her body against mine. Her hip almost meets mine now, but she can still rest her head against my shoulder. “What’s up?” I ask, stirring taco meat. “Nothing,” she mumbles. “Huggy?”

I put the spoon down. Hug. Always.

At bedtime, she tells me she’s not tired. “I don’t want to go to bed,” she says, sounding like she’s 2 years old again. “Sleep is good for you!” I say, like she’s 2 years old again. “Come lay with me,” she begs.

She sits against me as we read the stories her little sisters pick out. She plays Sims on her own computer, but sits on the couch with all of us. She asks me for a million snacks and eats every last bite. She gets emotional, crying before she goes to school some mornings because she says she’s going to miss me. A weekend away from us, even with grandparents, sometimes begins with me having to leave her crying in their house, sneaking out the door and cutting off goodbyes.

Like I did when she was just a toddler.

The tween years are the perfect blend of “I’m too big for all of this!” and “I’m still little and I don’t want to do anything new,” just like the toddler years. There’s a lot of pushing and pulling, a lot of wanting to stay home and be near their comforts, and a lot of wanting to run as far away as possible when they see something new they want to experience. So much of the toddler years is spent teaching your little one to be a big kid.

And so much of the tween years is spent teaching your kid to be an adult.

You don’t want them to grow up too fast in either age — but you know you have to prepare them for what’s coming. You’re weaning them off of sippy cups and bottles as toddlers to drink like big kids, and then suddenly you’re pushing them into the library by themselves as tweens because they need to know how to ask other adults for help finding something.

You’re teaching them manners as toddlers and appropriate reactions and how to be a friend.

Then you’re teaching them how to know when a situation with a friend is unsafe, and how being polite isn’t the same as being nice, and how to listen to their gut.

At every turn, just like when they were toddlers, you wonder how you got here so fast with your tween. Weren’t they just asking for you to hold them? Weren’t they just crying when you dropped them off at school? Weren’t they just climbing into your lap to read a story?

Oh, wait. Yes. They were.

Because the tweens are basically giant toddlers that need deodorant. And you’re going to knock your back out trying to hold them around the house again.

]]><![CDATA[Goldie Hawn Shares Her Advice For Raising Kind, Emotionally Resilient Kids]]>https://www.scarymommy.com/entertainment/goldie-hawn-interview-after-school-kindness-crew-book-minduphttps://www.scarymommy.com/entertainment/goldie-hawn-interview-after-school-kindness-crew-book-mindupThu, 07 May 2026 21:42:27 GMT

Goldie Hawn is one of those rare celebrities who is exactly how you'd imagine her: warm and kind, like sunshine incarnate. She feels like everyone's mom. But what's equally as gravitational about Hawn is how deeply knowledgeable and passionate she is about the well-being of children.

For more than two decades — in between movies, and raising her own kids, and spending time with her grandkids, and being one half of Hollywood's most beloved couple — Hawn has dedicated her time and energy to children's mental health through MindUP, the evidence-based program she founded to help kids better understand their emotions.

Now, she's bringing those same ideas to our kids through The After-School Kindness Crew: Pooch on the Loose, a humorous and heartfelt middle-grade book series co-written with Lin Oliver. The story follows a group of fourth graders as they navigate everyday challenges with kindness, curiosity, and mindfulness… complete with "brain breaks" woven throughout the book to help kids pause and reset alongside the characters.

When Scary Mommy caught up with Hawn, she discussed emotional resilience not as some trendy parenting buzzword, but as something profoundly human — a thing kids need and deserve just as much as food, sleep, and love. As the conversation moved off page, she opened up about raising empathetic kids, why parents need "brain breaks" too, and her hope that the next generation gets to experience more freedom, more connection, and more joy than the increasingly anxious world around them often allows.

In other words, more opportunities to simply be kids.

Scary Mommy: The book emphasizes kindness and curiosity as components of empathy. Why is that so important?

GH: It is. It really is. And you can teach empathy because the brain has plasticity and we actually, through experience, learn and have empathy. I think some children are born with more than others in terms of empathy ... I have a grandson who's extremely empathetic, and he's young — he's 5. Then there are other children who don't seem to have it, but you can develop it.

I think a lot of it has to do with the way our children are raised, because I know the way my grandchildren are raised, they all have empathy, and it has to do with how the parents are and how we show them kindness, and they need to feel that. So it's important for parents to know that. What you give your child will actually come back to you.

SM: Oh, absolutely. That's like my primary rule with my kids — be kind to others.

GH: Yep, yep, yep … I would get very strong if the children were unkind. Mistakes, accidents, experimenting — all this stuff didn't bother me; we just learned from them. But not when you're unkind to someone, and not when you don't look them in the eye when you say hello. There are a lot of things that I drilled into them because this is who we are. We're human beings, and we have to have this connection to other people in a good way.

SM: How does that translate in the book?

GH: The stories and the experiences the kids will be feeling when they read the book are really so healthy. I mean, Lyle, who's the bully, he's one of those kids that just — you feel kind of bad for them because they feel so little inside, and that was Lyle. But at the end, there was a moment where Lyle actually kind of broke down a little bit and asked them to help him with something. They went through a little confab in their group together, and they just said, "You know what? Let's do it."

They didn't say I forgive … but they did. And that's the showing, not the telling of how the book goes. There's nobody that preaches anything, but the experience they have is what our children will feel and learn from — and it's OK to help someone, even if they're not very nice.

SM: What role does self-kindness play here? Because a lot of kids are really hard on themselves.

GH: Well, being kind to yourself is becoming very aware. The awareness is what we want our children to experience, and that is something that we do in my MindUP program — the idea of self-care and also forgiving yourself … we want our children to forgive themselves, and we explain what's going on with their brains so they know that what's happening is the brain is deciding to get rid of all these connections that it used to have. It really is an interesting time.

Sometimes you do things or slam doors or get mad or whatever, and your emotions are up and down. That's what it is. But I want them to forgive themselves, and this is what you say: Understand where you are, become a witness to where you are — because we have that capability as humans in our brain, it's called metacognition. Let's watch ourselves. And I think for little children, we have to support them by being kind to them. That's the only way you learn.

SM: You’ve worked closely with neuroscientists, psychologists, and educators. Is there anything you wish more parents knew about kids’ brains or emotional development?

GH: I think that parents first need to understand their effect on their children. When we have children, there's no manual, but the one thing that the parent has to do is self-manage, which means it's going to be hard. Kids will try you, but how do you manage your own reactivity? A reactive parent can be very damaging for a child because it scares them.

We don't want to frighten our children — we want to enlighten them. But the parent has to understand how you calm down your brain. We have the brain break, of course, in every book we've done, because it's important that children learn how to do that. That actually reduces the stress, it reduces the reactivity of the amygdala in the emotional brain. That's the center brain. It's a very primitive section of the brain, but it's there to save us.

But it also doesn't understand that sometimes we have impatience, we have anger, we have frustration — we have so many things that ultimately can hijack your higher thinking, and you can't solve problems unless your executive function's online. When you're angry or upset or frustrated or tired or whatever, and you're just focused on other things, you really can't use your brain to decide how you should be.

SM: I love this idea of “brain breaks.”

GH: I remember when my kids were little, I was tired; it was at the peak of my career. Literally I would stop before I got in the house and do what I call a brain break. I've always called it a brain break. It's not meditation. The truth of the matter is that when you focus and breathe — which is what we call what is conscious breathing — it changes your brain, and that's just physiological.

What you want is to quiet your mind and breathe very slowly and get very calm. Then get ready to go back in the house and be a mommy, and just be present for your children. That was what I did because I was tired, but nevertheless, you stop and give yourself that time to just pull it together.

SM: We hear a lot from moms that they’ll sit in their car right before they go inside to create that separation.

GH: Yeah, exactly. Be right there for them because when they see you, it's like their day starts all over again. They're so excited you're home… they're so happy. So you need to match their happiness, and that's hard to do when you're all tired. But you can really reset your brain. It's quite easy; it's just intentional.

SM: If you were going to start your own “kindness crew,” who would be in it?

GH: There are a lot of people who need to just realize how much being kind brings you so much happiness. When you give someone something, your brain responds the same way as when you receive a gift. It's very interesting. It's the mirror neurons — when you watch someone feel happy, you have the same response. So it's a two-way street, and kindness actually helps both of you feel better.

SM: What does that look like in practice?

GH: I remember one time I was walking in my neighborhood and getting my exercise, but I saw an older woman walking with a walker. I could see she was really working. And I just had this overwhelming feeling. I didn't know her. I just wanted to hug her. I just wanted to go up there and hug her and tell her how proud I am, and I know how hard she's working. And I did. She looked up at me and said, "Oh, thank you." I said, "I don't go around hugging everybody.” But my point is, I felt so good after that because I followed an instinct, and she did too.

Kindness is very reciprocal, but I don't think enough people are actually experiencing that. So who would be in my club? It would be huge because you want to be like-minded, but you also want people to experience kindness. That's another kind of club — the experience of doing it.

SM: So true. After all your work in this space, what do you hope for this next generation?

GH: I hope that our children are more self-realized — that we can actually open their minds to more curiosity and also to inviting more people into their lives. Not to be fearful. We all know that community and connection are extremely important, and I'd like to see that.

We have issues around, of course, the internet. We've got issues around social media. We have children who are seriously dealing with anxiety and fear and stress and mental health. We really would like to have this feeling that the world is safer, their world can feel safe, and that every child should be able to be free to go outside and play and be a child.

This is where we are today. And no matter what the obstacles are … I do think that we have to go and come into a kinder world because if we don't look at our children as the future of tomorrow, we're not doing what we're supposed to be doing. They are the number one as far as I'm concerned.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

]]><![CDATA[Rejoice, Sistas — 'Hocus Pocus 3' Is (Finally) Moving Forward]]>https://www.scarymommy.com/entertainment/hocus-pocus-3https://www.scarymommy.com/entertainment/hocus-pocus-3Thu, 07 May 2026 21:36:23 GMT
Matt Kennedy/Disney Enterprises Inc.

Winifred, Mary, and Sarah returned from the dead once, but could the witchy trio cheat death twice? Ever since Disney+ released Hocus Pocus 2 into the world in 2022, fans have been clamoring for a third film in the franchise. After all, the long-awaited sequel became the most-watched original film for Disney+ within the first three days of release. And while the iconic stars admitted they'd love to continue the franchise, they insisted they'd only do so if the story proved compelling enough.

Well, they must have found that story: Former Walt Disney president Sean Bailey confirmed a year after the second film’s release that Hocus Pocus 3 is officially in development. Even better? After what seemed like a lengthy stall-out (it’s been three years!), Deadline reports that the newest sequel is finally moving forward.

Now that Hocus Pocus 3 is actually going to happen, here's what we know about the second sequel, and whether the Sander Sisters could return for another spin on their brooms.

Where did we last leave our favorite witches?

In Hocus Pocus 2, teens Becca (Whitney Peak), Cassie (Lilia Buckingham), and Izzy (Belissa Escobedo) accidentally bring the Sanderson sisters back to modern-day Salem 29 years after Max last lit the Black Flame Candle. The sisters immediately start causing chaos, as they're known to do, leaving the trio of friends to stop them before they curse the entire town.

Toward the end of Hocus Pocus 2, after Winifred has been reunited with her sisters, Becca, Izzy, and Cassie walk down the street — and Mother Witch in bird form flies behind them. Then, in the end credits, we see the black cat Cobweb perched next to a box in Gilbert's Olde Salem Magic Shoppe. What does the box say? "B.F. CANDLE #2." In other words, there's another candle right there in the shop that could bring the Sanderson sisters back.

So... what’s the status with Hocus Pocus 3?

In a 2023 profile with The New York Times, Bailey put anxious fans out of their misery, saying, “Yes, Hocus Pocus 3 is happening.”

Now, according to Deadline’s May 2026 report, a halt due to contract negotiations has been settled, allowing production to pick up steam.

Given the excitement surrounding Hocus Pocus 2 (not to mention the original Hocus Pocus' status as a must-see Halloween film), turning the franchise into a trilogy has felt like a no-brainer from the beginning.

Bette Midler, who plays the crafty Winifred, would love to keep playing the eldest Sanderson sister. "I'm envious of other actors who have franchises, and I was hoping for a sequel to First Wives Club, but we never got that," Midler said to Entertainment Weekly. "After 30 years with no sequel to Hocus Pocus, I've always been envious of people who get to do their favorite character more than once. The fact that we got to do this finally, after 30 years of promoting the idea, I'm glad we got to do it. I'd love to have a franchise — especially a character I love playing."

What would a Hocus Pocus 3 be about?

As you may have guessed, they’re keeping details about the threequel under tight wraps.

Midler herself had previously admitted that where the Sanderson Sisters go next would be a surprise to her, too. "I can't imagine what the story would be, but I love Winifred, Sarah, Mary, and our relationship. It's good for women. We stick together through hell and high water, but we do cause mayhem, and not many women cause that much mayhem!"

But since the Sanderson sisters have wreaked havoc on Salem twice, having them do the same thing again might start to feel redundant. That's why a third Hocus Pocus would need to take the witches somewhere they've never gone before.

There’s also the possibility that a third film could finally bring back more original stars, like Thora Birch. Speaking with ET Canada ahead of Hocus Pocus 2’s premiere, Birch explained of her character, “There were three options we had for how to bring Dani back, all of which I was excited by.” However, “By the time they got around to filming, I was already on something else.”

Then, Hocus Pocus 2’s new witchy trio revealed to Entertainment Weekly what one of those options was. “We almost had her. She was going to be our schoolteacher,” said Escobedo. “I remember talking to Anne [Fletcher, the director] about it being a thing where she was our teacher, and we went to her for help.” Explained Peak, “I think it would’ve been a bigger role if it was played by her.” At which point Buckingham added, “We had to have a mentor figure.”

As for Dani’s older brother, Max, screenwriter Jen D’Angelo hinted that they’re still holding out hope they can work him into the revived franchise, too. “We tried so hard to get the original cast back for cameos and then it just kept not working out for one reason or the other,” she told Variety. “But I’m hoping in Hocus Pocus 3, we’ll see Max and Alison living in California.”

Hey, it certainly doesn’t seem too late for that, or for Dani Dennison to move back to Salem, take up residence as a teacher, and become a mentor to this new little “coven.” We’d watch that.

]]><![CDATA[12 Summer Bags For 2026 That Are Beaded, Bright, & Bold]]>https://www.scarymommy.com/shopping/summer-bagshttps://www.scarymommy.com/shopping/summer-bagsThu, 07 May 2026 18:15:17 GMT

When it comes to what I’m wearing every day, if you guess “a black outfit” you’d be right 90% of the time. But when summer rolls around, even I want to shed my dark wardrobe staples and lean in to fun pops of color and seasonal looks. Of course, ain’t nobody got the budget to buy a brand new wardrobe each quarter of the year, but to me, that’s where accessories really come in — they can be affordable but statement-making additions to the clothes you already own. These summer bags for 2026 do exactly that by leaning into the current purse trends: beads, texture, and bright color. Yes, please!

A Bright Green Tote

Summertime means we’re spending more time outdoors and the kids are out of school, so I’m probably carrying more snacks and water bottles and sunscreen around than usual. These large canvas totes from GAP — available in hot pink, neon orange, and royal blue too — would be the perfect carry-it-all mom bags for this season.

This Gorgeous Beaded Clutch

Beaded bags are all the rage right now, and this one absolutely screams summer with those colors. This would be a perfect clutch for a summer wedding or nice vacation evening out. It comes with an attachable shoulder chain, and I love that the beading on the back is smooth stripes so it won’t snag on your outfit while wearing.

A Bright Red-Orange Tote To Accessorize As You Please

I recently browsed the bag selection from & Other Stories after a fashion influencer I love recommended a leather bag from the brand. Right away, this hot red-orange bag caught my eye. It’s the perfect pop of color to add to any summer outfit, and you can style it with scarves and bag charms to add your own personality to its already vibrant base.

A Soft, Summery Daily Driver

I am a huge fan of Baggu — I own one of their viral crescent bags, and it’s so spacious and durable I’ll probably be using it for years to come. Their shoulder bags are just as great, and the strap makes them look comfortable enough to wear daily without any digging in. The green stripes are just so cute.

A Beachy Going Out Bag

If you want a summer bag that’ll go with anything, this one from Shein should do the trick. The woven raffia-like material is neutral in color but adds a nice texture to any look, and the little gold accents make it perfect for dressing up or down.

The Perfect Sling Bag For Errands And Day Trips

Woven leather bags have been trending for a hot minute, and this one from Quince looks so high quality (it’s made with real Italian leather). Personally, I think sling bags are the best for day trips where you’ll be walking around a ton — they keep your hands free and your load light, but easily accessible, unlike a backpack. This lighter brown hue is a timeless color that feels appropriately light for summer.

A Jelly Tote (For Real)

Jelly sandals? Blister city. Jelly tote? Now we’re talking. These nostalgic little bags from Old Navy would be the talk of the table at drinks with your girls. Your kid will probably steal it from you, but until then...

This Little Handbag With The Coolest Handle

This is just an interesting little bag, and that’s really all it takes for me to want a purse. The blue-and-white stripes are a classic summer print, but the clipped hardware handle makes it feel completely new and inventive. I’d be happy to plop this down on a resort dinner table.

A Coral Beaded Beauty

So there’s actually never been a more perfect summer event bag, am I right? I love the unique shape of this, the delicate strap, and that va-va-voom blend of oranges. It’s a great size for those of us who can’t fit enough in a clutch, and who need a legitimate shoulder bag to wear when dressed up.

This Trendy Style Made Summery

Moms on the go, this Shein dupe takes that Lululemon bag shape you love and makes it summery, with beige and natural hues. I love the little pouch up top for keeping ear buds and chapstick handy, while the main bag keeps your wallet, phone, and keys organized. The wide strap makes it look comfy enough for hours of wear too.

The Quintessential Summer Bag

The gorgeous muted blue, the crochet material, the long strap and semi-boneless structure — yes, this is a true summer purse if ever I’ve seen one. There are a million cheap crochet bags on the market, but if you want a timeless one that’s made to last, shop one from a brand that stands by their durability.

A Denim Bag With Details

I know what you’re thinking: a white fabric bag is a big risk. But isn’t this one worth it? I love that it’s made with denim and has just the perfect amount of appliqué detailing to make it pop, even in white. The blue version is just as drool-worthy, though.

My bank account will never recover from this.

]]><![CDATA[Thrifting Has Helped My Daughter Understand Life’s Thornier Topics]]>https://www.scarymommy.com/parenting/thrifting-has-helped-my-daughter-understand-lifes-thornier-topicshttps://www.scarymommy.com/parenting/thrifting-has-helped-my-daughter-understand-lifes-thornier-topicsThu, 07 May 2026 14:09:27 GMT
Imgorthand/E+/Getty Images

It was on maybe my third day of parenting that I realized we would need to find a thrift store. My baby was already too big for about half her brand new outfits. A significant percentage of the rest were stained with various liquids which emerged from said baby on the regular. The tiny dry-clean-only sweater someone had gifted us seemed like a sick joke. So the sweet consignment shop we found a few neighborhoods away from our own seemed like a godsend.

We had no idea.

Much is made of the merits of preowned clothing as environmentally friendly, an end run around fast fashion, a path towards more mindful consumption. What’s talked about less is the boon this fashion approach is to parenting.

Just before she started first grade, my no-longer-a-baby disabused her father and me of an erroneous assumption we’d been making her whole life: She wasn’t really a boy. Instead she was a girl. Who needed girl clothes. A whole new wardrobe of them. I tried to argue that her clothes were gender-neutral, that girls and boys both wore t-shirts and shorts and sneakers to school, especially when they were six. But I was missing the point. Gender transition requires, first and foremost, transition. As any budding fashionista knows, you can’t be a new person in the same old clothes.

It was our consignment shop that saved us. They raised not a hair of an eyebrow when we switched from the boys’ section to the girls’. This, after all, is the whole idea behind preworn clothing stores. They provide the opportunity to try something different, become partly new, release what doesn’t work anymore not because it’s bad or wrong but simply because it no longer fits. My daughter was over-the-moon, not just to have girls clothes, but to have clothes that had actually belonged to actual girls. The store liked the term “rehoming,” which had always seemed sappy to me, but that’s because I had misunderstood. We weren’t giving the clothes a new home — clothes don’t need homes — the clothes were giving us one.

Older now, my daughter no longer needs an entire wardrobe in one go, but buying used continues to provide us with more than cute outfits. Shopping for preowned clothes allows one to pass on to one’s teenager important values to which teenagers are otherwise resistant: making financially responsible choices, differentiating between needs and impulses, accepting individual responsibility in the face of global catastrophe and political negligence.

Once, refueling between thrift stores in Manhattan, my daughter and I were listing our favorite-ever finds over pizza. “Velvet bomber jacket,” I said. “Brand new Kate Spade,” she returned. “Striped palazzo pants," I came up with. “Those platforms with all the buckles,” she said. I was about to volley back another item when she said, “What about me? You thrifted me.”

My daughter is adopted, proud to be adopted. As thrifting is her favorite activity, this joke was a not especially humble brag. But it allowed me the opportunity to reassure her, without getting mushy or being accused of — sin of sins — cheesiness, that I love her beyond words. “You were the thrifting find of a lifetime,” I said and knew she knew I meant that what I feel towards her is the besotted love and unutterable luck she felt when she found that Kate Spade bag with the tags still on. It also meant we got to have a conversation about how she was never unwanted or given away, how adoptive families are matched far more carefully than are thrifters with designer bags, how birth mothers who place their children for adoption don’t do so like placing an outgrown sweater in the donate pile but as the most difficult, complicated act of love I know.

Joyfully wearing used has even allowed us to talk about maybe the hardest topics of all: aging, illness, and death. My mother, just the other side of a health scare and nearing eighty, has instituted a “no new things” rule. She tells me, every chance she gets, she must get rid of everything she owns so that I won’t have to deal with it. When she dies, she means. But I don’t want to prepare for that before we have to. I don’t even want to think about it. I understand you can’t deal with anything after you’re gone, that preparation, by definition, occurs before it’s time. But understanding, of course, has nothing to do with it.

In contrast, my mother’s granddaughter, after all these years of practice, is much more amendable. It’s not that she wants to think of her grandparents gone any more than I do. But to her, the cycle of acquiring then adoring then shedding is natural, admirable even. Moving items along, getting rid of what’s no longer needed or beloved, is only making room for something new, freeing space for what comes next. So she helps her grandmother sort and organize: piles to donate, piles to trade for credit, piles to sell online.

And piles to go to a new home: ours. My daughter will say, “Can I have this?” and her grandmother won’t even look up to see the “this” in question before answering yes. My mother is thrilled to have someone to love what she doesn’t anymore, someone to whom to pass on items but also the stories that go with them. My daughter takes a beaded clutch along with the story of my grandmother stashing a transistor radio inside so she could listen to the World Series during High Holiday services. My mother hands over a gold signet ring with a tiny, secret door, and we laugh until we’re all in tears speculating what my great-grandmother might have hidden inside.

All of which makes a difficult task — sorting, letting go, getting ready for something none of us wants ever to happen and all of us know eventually will — lighter. There is lots of stuff to deal with, yes, but it’s brimming with gifts: stories, laughter, family history, a sense of ourselves in the world, a way to talk about hard things, an impulse to share, and the elusive, invaluable opportunity to declare undying love without — mea culpa — being cheesy before our teenagers.

Laurie Frankel is the New York Times bestselling, award-winning author of the novels Family Family, One Two Three, Goodbye for Now, The Atlas of Love, and the Reese’s Book Club Pick This Is How It Always Is. Frankel lives in Seattle with her husband, daughter, and border collie.

]]><![CDATA[This Carryon Has Preserved My Sanity Multiple Times]]>https://www.scarymommy.com/shopping/hang-on-buying-no-reception-club-baghttps://www.scarymommy.com/shopping/hang-on-buying-no-reception-club-bagThu, 07 May 2026 14:08:38 GMT

Picture it: screaming child, spilled juice, fidget toys flying through the air and everyone from gate C14 is staring at you. Maybe you don’t need to picture it, because you have lived it. Traveling with children is not for the faint of heart. Of course, you go into your first experience thinking you have thought of everything– then you accidentally put the wipes and the snacks in the overhead bin, realize you didn’t pack enough back up clothes and discover that none of your downloaded shows are actually downloaded. Once you experience a horrible travel day with kids, you vow to do it better the next time.

I have been traveling with my daughter since she was a few months old. Now that she is 5, my gear needs have shifted from bottles to iPads, but the secret to keeping your sanity and your snacks intact is organization that evolves with you.

I’m letting you in on a little secret: This carryon bag is my everything, my secret weapon, my “I will not leave home without it” item. Whether for a day trip to the park or a six-hour flight across the country, this is the best bag when you have kids. Kids are small, and their stuff is smaller. No rummaging around in a big bag filled with other small bags to find what you need. This backpack has a compartment for everything, internal shelves, perfectly sized for all your items. This thing is an absolute dream!

What I love most:

  • The side pockets: Being able to procure something for your child, one-handed, without taking your eyes off them is the biggest parenting flex while traveling. The side pockets on this bag make it easy to grab just what you need, without stopping and turning on your phone’s flashlight.
  • The collapsible shelves: First you have perfectly organized clean clothes. Then, as the trip continues and things get dirty, those shelves un-velcro and fold down to hold the dirty laundry. Brilliant.
  • The wet section: Sounds gross, but every parent knows that sometimes…things get wet. There is a built-in water-resistant compartment at the base! Great for swimsuits, “accidents” or big puddles that are just too exciting to walk around.
  • It’s for adults: Recognizing that grown-ups have needs, the designers not only included a laptop sleeve, they made it look like any other high end backpack. The design is modern and understated. It comes in three colors (Electric Navy, Olive, and Black). You don’t feel like you are carrying around a nursery. It’s not until you start un-zipping it that you understand its full potential.
  • I also really appreciate that No Reception Club has a social impact section on their site: For every Getaway Bag sold, Baby2Baby will distribute 20 diapers to a baby in need. Love that!

Candidly, I will use this bag when my daughter can carry her own damn stuff! I have dreams of it filled with adult beverages, sunscreen options and beach snacks- all perfectly in place. But for now, it holds wipes, back up clothes, kid snacks, chargers and a section for the “special rocks” my daughter will inevitably find during our travels.

]]><![CDATA[Everything A Beauty Editor Says You Should Buy During Amazon's Summer Beauty Event]]>https://www.scarymommy.com/shopping/amazon-summer-beauty-sale-editor-pickshttps://www.scarymommy.com/shopping/amazon-summer-beauty-sale-editor-picksThu, 07 May 2026 10:00:25 GMT

Amazon’s Summer Beauty Event is on and popping, and this is one of the best times of the year to stock up on your essentials. Buy all the sunscreen, body wash, lotion, and holy grails you know you’ll use in bulk while they’re steeply discounted, I say. As someone who tests products often for work and for fun, I’ve gathered up the best deals from the Amazon Summer Beauty Sale all in one place for you. These are products I love and would absolutely snag at these prices, plus some I’ve been eyeing and may finally add to cart now that they’re on sale.

Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum with Salmon DNA

This product is beloved by a few of us Scary Mommy editors — it hydrates your skin so deeply, you can genuinely see and feel a difference within one use. I’ve used much more expensive serums that don’t compare to this stuff. Over time, it plumps and rejuvenates to give you that glass-skin glow Korean beauty is known for. 11/10 highly recommend.

Viktor&Rolf Flowerbomb Ruby Orchid Eau de Parfum

I adore the original Flowerbomb, but the Ruby Orchid rendition is like its sexy, ambery older sister. I burned through a sample of this in no time last summer. This sale is the perfect time to snag a restock of your daily perfume at a deep discount, or grab a bottle to gift someone else later in the year for less.

ELEMIS Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads

I tried these resurfacing pads last year because my friend recommended them — her skin was literally reflecting the light and I insisted she tell me what she was using — quickly became one of my favorite products I tried all year long. They’re lightly exfoliating and buff away dry skin flakes immediately while also brightening and evening skin tone over time. They are normally pretty pricey, so I’d snag them while they’re so marked down.

Lancôme Monsieur Big Volumizing Mascara

I hate-hate-double-hate clumpy mascaras and formulas that glom your lashes together into like eight giant spikes. This is not that mascara. If you want to cause gusts of up to 25 miles per hour each time you blink, you want this Lancôme bad boy. It is so dark black and the brush coats every individual lash, creating this gorgeous fanned out effect I haven’t yet replicated with another product. If you’re prone to smudges, I do recommend getting the waterproof version.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream

I’ve waxed poetic about my love of the Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream before; I’ve used it nearly nonstop for over a decade now (and regretted it every time I did stop). That said, she’s pricey. If you know you love it, now’s a good time to snag the jumbo size for nearly $20 off, and then you’ll have the big jar you can buy cheaper refills for going forward.

Kitsch Plush Microfiber Hair Towel Wrap

If you struggle with frizz no matter what products you use, it could be your towels. Smoother microfiber towels, and even old T-shirts, will dry your hair without lifting away strands and creating frizz. I’m due to replace some of my old hair wraps — I have curly hair and dry it with gel in it, so my wraps all get crusty eventually — and I’m eyeing these super cute Kitsch brand ones while they’re on a little bit of a sale. I like that they’re larger than most brands’ wraps and suited for long hair.

APRILSKIN Pink Aloe Facial Polish Cleanser

APRILSKIN is a K-beauty brand whose products often have really interesting textures. They literally describe this potted cleanser as having a “gelato-like, chewy texture” that closely adheres to the skin to remove even the smallest impurities. It has a gentle grit within to exfoliate, and is somehow extremely gentle on the skin (thanks to the pink aloe, I assume) but tough enough to wash off makeup and sunscreen. Cleansers don’t often excite me, but this one feels truly unique.

Ohora Semi-Cured Gel Nail Strips

I love fun nail art, but I do not love sitting in a salon for hours, and press-on nails never fit my tiny little chiclet nails. I love Ohora’s nail strips because they’re still gel and cure hard, but I can trim and shape them as needed to actually get a decent fit. Some of their designs are on sale right now, like this super-fun rainbow set, a trendy tortoise pattern, and lots of solid hues (the sage green? yes, please).

Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

It’s a classic for a reason, folks. I have used this product for yearssss since first being put on by YouTube beauty gurus in, like, 2016. It truly helps reduce the congestion in my skin (I have very large pores, OK?) and helps make my skin look noticeably glowier.

IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream

This is another iconic product that has been popular for years for good reason. The coverage is buildable so you can wear it sheer or damn near full coverage, and it looks so radiant and healthy on the face. It has built-in SPF 50 and skin-loving, anti-aging serum, so you can feel good about sporting it on a daily basis. I love this stuff for literally any occasion, from looking polished on Zoom meetings to going out on a date night or to a formal event.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Light Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 60

This sunscreen has won, like, every beauty award on planet Earth at this point. It has always been on my radar to try, and then the price tag always stops me. No more, I say! This is a super light face product with the highest SPF of any face sunscreen I’ve seen, and the older I get, the more I want to be completely untouchable by that big ball of fire in the sky.

Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water

Micellar water is the best for taking off eye makeup, but they’re not all created equal. Bioderma’s is my favorite because it never burns my sensitive eyes. It removes every last trace of mascara and eyeshadow, and if you’re down to forsake a few more cotton pads, it can handle removing the rest of your makeup too.

There are truly countless beauty and wellness items on sale on Amazon right now — I spotted Native deodorants, bulk Dove body washes, and lots of men’s grooming products too. So type in your faves in the search bar and see what you can snag for less!

]]><![CDATA[17 Skirt Sets We’re Wearing All Summer Long]]>https://www.scarymommy.com/shopping/skirt-sets-were-wearing-all-summer-longhttps://www.scarymommy.com/shopping/skirt-sets-were-wearing-all-summer-longWed, 06 May 2026 21:01:06 GMT

You know what I’m officially tired of? Feeling like a slob during the summer. For the longest time, I relied on oversized t-shirts or tank tops that made me feel meh and yoga pants or shorts to get me through all the summer fun with my kids. And while that’s fine if it works for you, it absolutely was not working for me — and I had to make a switch.

Skirt sets are officially my summer uniform, and I’ve rounded up some of my faves to inspire other moms.

I’ve always been a skirt girl, but sometimes finding the right top for a skirt is just more work than it needs to be. But when I realized how many cute sets there are — a matching top and a matching skirt/skort — I knew this was the way. These matching skirt sets make me feel put together, are light and easy to wear for summer, and work well for whatever activity we get into, whether it’s heading to the beach, the library, or to get ice cream. And because they’re full sets, I just hang them all together in the closet and grab it in one swoop.

Some of these may feel a little “fancier” than the others, but the mission is the same: make getting dressed in the summer easier and more fun.

The Perfect Tank & Maxi Set

I love a high-waist maxi skirt paired with a cropped top, and this Verona two-piece set from Lohnr is just so good. It comes in three colors, and a bunch of customer reviews say they own all of them because the set is just that good. The fabric is super smooth and drapey, so you could easily dress this up and down all summer. Bonus: It’s a great price for a two-piece set.

The Sweetest Cotton Set

The sweetest A-line cotton skirt with a matching loose tank? Yes, please. You do have to buy the top and skirt separately (the top is the same fabric and pattern at $59.95), but it’s worth it for this perfect summery set. It’s easy to wash and wear, and will look cute with everything from tennis shoes and flats to sandals and wedges. This is definitely a throw-it-on-and-go outfit, and we all need more of those on summer vacation.

The Coziest Skirt & Top Set

Now this is a summer mom uniform if I ever saw one. The color “coffee beige” is the perfect neutral for whatever you’re doing, and I’m obsessed with the rugby collar, the V-neck, and the slits in the skirt. This is a knitted material with some stretch to it, has pockets, and can be dressed up or down. It honestly has great reviews, too — over 250 people have reviewed this outfit, and it has 4.4/5 stars.

This Wrap-Style Skirt Set

How darling is this floral two-piece set from Lulus? It has a cropped tank — with adjustable straps — and a wrap-style skirt with smocking in the back for added comfort. It’s such a great date night look for summer, and I feel like every single person I know would look hot as hell in this.

The Fancier Skirt Set You Need

For a slightly fancier look, try this high-rise pleated maxi skirt from Abercrombie. It comes in three different colors/patterns, but the yellow is just beyond gorgeous. (The matching top is a strapless piece that zips up the back for $65.) The fabric is a faux silk with an elastic waist, and it has a sewn-in lining, so you don’t have to worry about sweat or the skirt clinging to you. Honestly, the skirt is pretty enough to wear with whatever top you have in your closet, too, but as a set, this feels like a high-end, fancier look.

A Classic Button-Down Skirt Set

Button-down skirts are classics for a reason, and this casual top-and-skirt set from Shein really makes me want one in every single color. The skirt is super light and flowy, but the structure of the buttons gives that classic skirt feel. And the top being loose makes it easy to have a more styled bottom without feeling like you’re too overdone for a summer day out.

The Perfect Vacation Skirt Set

The way I want to be wearing this on the beach with a drink in hand is unreal. From Amazon, this two-piece textured halter-and-skirt set comes in a bunch of colors and has some pretty great reviews. Some did say it’s a little bit see-through, so depending on what you wear under the halter top (if anything at all!), you might need to adjust. The skirt has a high, sexy slit, and the whole thing just looks like it’s meant to show off your body in the best way.

The Easiest Skirt Set For Chasing Kids

I loved skorts as a kid, and now I really love skorts as a mom to kids. Like, I need to be able to chase these children, you know? American Eagle understood the assignment with this sweet knit skort set. The top is sold separately (for just $14.95), and both the skort and top come in a ton of colors. There’s plenty of stretch in the knit material, and the little slit is just enough to make you feel like the hot mom you are.

A Free People Dupe

If you love a good Free People dupe, you’ll want this two-piece cotton activewear set from Shein. The reviews specifically call it out as an FP wannabe, and the shape of the tank (and that high slit!) makes this super flattering for everyone. I love that it doubles as loungewear while still looking cute enough to be out and about.

The Preppiest Skort Set

I love a bold color with a retro, preppy white trim, and this Meyhad blocked matching set from Amazon is just too good. It all comes together so well, and the whole set is made from a cotton/polyester blend with just enough spandex for some stretch and give. The skort has pockets, and both the skort and top have the most relaxed fit. Throw it on and head to the park, the library, a barbecue — wherever.

The Prettiest Midi Skirt Set

I have a million Old Navy midi skirts, and they’re always so great. I especially love this smocked waist midi set skirt (you can purchase the top separately for $14.99). It’s the most relaxed A-line fit, and with all the smocking, you know it’s super easy to pull on and look fully put together for the day.

The Pool Side Skirt Set

The colors of this adorable striped pool-side skirt set from Altar’d State remind me of a beach cabana, and it’s just such a vibe. It’s a knit material with easy pull-on, and you can purchase the top separately (it’s a tank for $58). I love the fringe detail and think this would look especially cute with some wedges or tennis shoes.

The Athletic Skirt Set

With over 900 reviews and a 4.4/5 star rating, you know this Casly athletic skort set has to be good. It comes in a ton of colors, has pockets in the skort, and a sleeveless tank for the ultimate comfy, athletic-vibe set. A bunch of the reviews mention how soft the fabric is, and that it’s perfect for running errands or going on vacation. A pair of flip-flops or tennis shoes would be perfect.

A Casual Skirt Set With T-Shirt Vibes

If you want a skirt set that gives music-fest vibes — but is still perfect for chasing kids — try this Emery Rose two-piece outfit from Shein. It comes in a ton of different colors, and the reviews say it’s a super lightweight wear that looks great with either the top cropped or tucked into the skirt.

The Soft Eyelet Skort Set

Another skort, hurray! This Wild Fable eyelet mini skort is just darling. The yellow is so pretty, and you can grab the matching top for just $25. The top has a few buttons and a cinched bottom, and the skort is fully elastic for extra comfort.

The Sweetest Striped Set

Another striped set, but I especially love the looseness of the skirt and top in this one. It all just flows so beautifully, and feels like a dressier version of other skirt and top sets. It has an elastic skirt, but the top buttons down the back, so it’s a nice mix of formal and comfort.

A Gauzy, Beachy Set

If you’re looking for a skirt set that makes you look like you belong on a beach somewhere, try this textured and layered skort set from Shein. The color is the perfect sea-glass, and the crinkly, gauzy texture really brings home the beach vibes. Plus, the skort on the bottom means those beachy breezes won’t show off anything you don’t want people to see for free.

]]><![CDATA[RFK Jr. Announces Plan To Target Psychiatric Medication “Overprescribing”]]>https://www.scarymommy.com/lifestyle/rfk-jr-psychiatric-medication-overprescribinghttps://www.scarymommy.com/lifestyle/rfk-jr-psychiatric-medication-overprescribingWed, 06 May 2026 16:22:39 GMT
SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has announced a new HHS initiative intended to “curb psychiatric overprescribing” by promoting “appropriate prescribing” and encouraging doctors to wean their patients off of meds when possible.

Kennedy alluded to his intentions to reduce the number of Americans taking psychiatric medications early in his tenure as HHS secretary, but this initiative marks his first step forward in doing so. Millions of Americans — somewhere between 16% and 20% of the population — take one or more psychiatric medications.

“Today, we take clear and decisive action to confront our nation’s mental health crisis by addressing the overuse of psychiatric medications — especially among children,” said Kennedy. “We will support patient autonomy, require informed consent and shared decision-making, and shift the standard of care toward prevention, transparency, and a more holistic approach to mental health.”

Kennedy outlined that HHS is calling on medical providers to stop overprescribing mental health meds — meaning giving them to patients who may not need them or who may have at one time, but no longer do — and to instead rely on other forms of treatment, including psychotherapy and even dietary education.

In a “Dear Colleague” letter to medical professionals, HHS reminded them that there are “a number of non-pharmacological services relevant to behavioral health care,” including “diet modification and medical nutrition therapy,” “group medical nutrition therapy,” and individual and family therapy. The initiative also encourages providers to clearly lay out the risks and potential side effects of medications throughout a patient's use, and to follow well-established tapering schedules when it’s appropriate to wean someone off a medication.

Over the summer, HHS will convene a panel of experts to develop “formal HHS clinical guidance on the appropriate use of psychiatric medications and tapering and discontinuation.”

However, HHS’ announcement does not include data verifying that there is an overprescribing problem. Kennedy has previously claimed antidepressant use may contribute to violence, increase the risk of birth defects, and incite withdrawal symptoms that are more severe than withdrawing from heroin. Doctors and researchers have said he is wrong about all three points, and that his statements are not based in scientific evidence.

Experts are supportive of HHS’ plan to invest in more research, but say honing in on “overprescribing” to solve the nation’s mental health crisis is a red herring. “We may take issue with this blanket ‘overprescribing’ hypothesis that underpins the secretary’s statements,” said Dr. Marketa Wills, the chief executive and medical director of the American Psychiatric Association. “There is probably overprescribing and underprescribing in all parts of medicine, and mental health care is no different. And there are people who still can’t access care at all who need it.”

For example, the most recent data from the NIH found only 40% of U.S. adolescents with depression received treatment. There is a widespread, nationwide shortage of mental health professionals, from therapists and counselors to psychiatrists, and many providers do not accept insurance because reimbursement rates for mental health care are so low. Patients often face long wait times for appointments, even when in crisis.

This new HHS plan does not elaborate on how the agency might make non-medication treatment options — like therapy — more accessible to Americans. Kennedy did state that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is introducing a mechanism that will allow providers to be paid for the time spent helping a patient get off medications, but he did not share how patients are supposed to access therapy more readily than they can today.

It’s hard to say how this initiative will affect actual patient-doctor interactions, since the idea that they are overprescribing is not borne out in actual data. The vast majority of psychiatrists likely do have in-depth conversations with their patients about medication use, side effects, and when and how to taper.

]]><![CDATA[17 Beach Reads We Can't Wait To Get Our Hands On]]>https://www.scarymommy.com/lifestyle/most-anticipated-beach-reads-summer-2026https://www.scarymommy.com/lifestyle/most-anticipated-beach-reads-summer-2026Wed, 06 May 2026 15:02:49 GMT

The best days of the year are upon us — sinking into a lounge chair, feeling the warmth of the sun on our bodies after an especially long winter, and diving headfirst into a good book. Whether your summer plans take you to the beach, the neighborhood pool, or a patio chair in your backyard (hey, whatever it takes), there are plenty of good books coming out for every type of reader.

From romance to thriller, these are the new reads debuting this summer that we are putting in our beach bag... including a few releases that are already on shelves.

New(ish) Releases Out Now

Ready to jump into a good book now? These titles have been published within the last six months and are some of our favorites.

Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke

Natalie, a trad-wife influencer with a following of more than 8 million, depicts a traditional lifestyle online — despite hiding her immense privilege behind-the-scenes, which includes producers and nannies. She’s fine to relish in her success, until one day she wakes up living the lifestyle she portrays... and none of it is curated anymore.

Kin by Tayari Jones

Motherless daughters Annie and Vernice have been best friends and neighbors their entire lives, but when the girls follow different life paths — one to Spelman College and the other to locate her absent mother — the distance between them is tested, ultimately revealing the true definition of family.

The Place Where They Buried Your Heart by Christina Henry

When Jessie Campanelli dares her younger brother Paul to enter an abandoned haunted house, she never anticipates it will upend her family’s entire life. Paul never makes it out and Jessie cannot explain what happened inside, but she knows one thing for certain: the house is hungry for more.

Into the Blue by Emma Brodie

AJ Graves has big city dreams, but she’s stuck in her hometown working at a video rental store — until actor Noah Drew walks in one day. The duo develop a deep bond, which shatters when Noah disappears without a word. Seven years later, the pair are reunited when both AJ and Noah are cast as co-stars, forcing them to confront the truth of what happened years ago.

Judge Stone by Viola Davis and James Patterson

Judge Mary Stone holds two things sacred in her small Alabama hometown: taking care of her family’s farm and upholding the law in her courtroom. When she is forced to preside over a controversial abortion case that splits her town down the middle, she finds herself caught between duty and devotion.

Books To Look Forward To In May

The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett

In Depression-era Mississippi, three women — an orphan, an outsider, and an out-of-luck drifter — join forces in a bid for independence that risks everything in a society where the odds are stacked against them. The Calamity Club hit shelves May 5.

June Baby by Shannon Garvey

When Ruth loses her mom to cancer at 17, her dad sends her to Block Island, where she falls in love for the first time. A decade later, a new tragedy unfolds, and a mysterious inheritance forces Ruth to ask herself if she has what it takes to rewrite her future. June Baby debuts May 12.

Books To Look Forward To In June

The Someday Garden by Ashley Poston

Sophie Mear has escaped to coastal Maine for the summer for a seasonal job restoring the grounds of Lilymoor House, where she dreams about falling in love with the land and flowers... not a man. But when a magical door appears — along with a man trapped inside the garden — Sophie is forced to reconcile love, loss, and the leap it takes to stop waiting for “someday.” The Someday Garden hits shelves June 2.

Whistler by Ann Patchett

When Daphne Fuller unexpectedly runs into her former stepfather at the Metropolitan Museum of Art decades after an abrupt childhood separation, their resurfaced relationship reignites a connection neither of them is willing to let go of a second time. Whistler debuts June 2.

The Lake Club by Lina Patton

At the elite Aldon Lakes Country Club, picture-perfect Danika Crawley and down-on-her-luck Augie Elling become dangerously entangled with Danika’s male nanny, Chat, unraveling a long-buried scandal that threatens to blow up their curated lives. The Lake Club hits shelves June 16.

It Could Have Been Her by Lisa Jewell

When a local teenager goes missing, Jane Trevally is led to a house in London she knows all too well. The mysterious house tied to her own past forces Jane to confront childhood trauma and buried secrets that threaten life as she knows it. It Could Have Been Her comes out June 23.

Books To Look Forward To In July

Helpless by Jessica Knoll

Former lovers Faye and Henry reunite after a whirlwind college romance, but everything is not as it seems. When a disturbing act of betrayal traps Faye in Henry’s dangerous orbit, she is forced to confront everything she thought she believed about their past. Helpless arrives July 7.

Crash Into Me by Robinne Lee

In the midst of a strained marriage and full-blown identity crisis among Los Angeles’ elite, Cecilia Chen’s life is upended when she reunites with Anouk Ferrand, a former lover. The chance encounter forces Cecilia to confront the past and ask herself who she truly is. Crash Into Me is available July 7.

Hot Girl Murder Club by Ashley Winstead

When Scout Sage, a rising star in Hollywood, is accused of a string of L.A. murders, she is determined to clear her own name. But a detective on the case is about to uncover a pattern of industry-wide violence that has been kept a secret for decades — including a link to the death of Scout’s sister 10 years ago. Hot Girl Murder Club debuts July 14.

Books To Look Forward To In August & Beyond

August typically means back to routines, schedules, and school, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be a late-season beach trip or a girls’ weekend on the horizon. Bookmark these new releases for August and beyond.

The Unknown by Riley Sager

When actress Marin Keane joins a film crew investigating an unsolved mystery on an isolated Vermont island, she becomes trapped in a new wave of eerie disappearances that suggest the island’s past is ready to repeat itself. The Unknown is available August 4.

You’ll Love It Here by Natalie Sue

In a single day, Mona’s life as she knows it is gone. After losing her job and reluctantly taking over as the super of her chaotic apartment building, Mona is pulled into the messy lives of her neighbors and discovers connection where she least expected it, forcing her to rethink what home really means. You’ll Love it Here debuts August 11.

Exit Party by Emily St. John Mandel

After the collapse of the United States, a rare night of post-curfew celebration in Los Angeles turns frightening for Ari Walker when a doppelgänger appears and the party’s host mysteriously disappears — drawing her into a disorienting unraveling of reality, identity, and the power in resilience. Exit Party hits shelves September 15.

]]><![CDATA[Birthday Party Etiquette: Do Teens Still Give Each Other Gifts?]]>https://www.scarymommy.com/parenting/do-teens-give-each-other-birthday-presentshttps://www.scarymommy.com/parenting/do-teens-give-each-other-birthday-presentsTue, 05 May 2026 22:16:39 GMT
Patchareeporn Sakoolchai/Moment/Getty Images

There’s something really wild about how much shifts in parenting when your kids become teens. While you’re still driving them places, helping them study, and buying them new clothes, they have this whole life outside of you — especially when it comes to their friends. Now, when they get invited to a birthday party, you’re not worried about making sure they get a nap in before or asking them a million questions about who the kid is; you’re just dropping them off at their bestie’s house and telling them to text you when they’re ready to be picked up.

But do you still help them buy a birthday present?

Birthday present etiquette is fraught with opinions and ideas. Don’t open presents at the party, do open presents at the party, don’t give any gifts — nobody wants more junk in their house, what are you, an idiot — of course you have to give a gift, and on and on and on.

But when it comes to teens, where you can be a little more hands-off with parenting, what’s the deal? One parent took to Reddit to ask this very question after noticing that her 11-year-old son received presents from all of his birthday party guests, but her 14-year-old daughter did not.

The original poster (OP) wrote, “We just had two parties with two vastly different experiences, and now I'm very curious why. It's not a greed thing — I'm just interested in social differences!”

OP explained that their 14-year-old daughter “did not receive any money or purchased gifts at all. There were two handmade things, like a small impersonal painting on cardboard, which was nice, but odd. There were six girls around her age, and some of them are part of wealthy families. We've also been to their birthdays before and brought gifts. While this party was at our house, they ate, painted pots, planted succulents, did a little spa day, and had goodie bags,” they wrote.

On the other hand, their 11-year-old son had a party at a bowling alley, invited six friends, and was met with enthusiastic gift-givers, begging their son to “open mine first!” and generally being excited about giving a gift.

OP wrote, “I am SO happy for my kids that their guests showed up, they had fun, and they didn't focus on gifts. They're happy, I'm happy. I am not holding any malice for the gift-less kids or parents. I am just.... confused.”

Is this a boy vs. girl thing, OP wondered? Or maybe something about the ages of the kids?

Honestly, I guess I’m with OP a bit. It would seem weird to me if my daughter invited a bunch of her friends to her birthday party — and at 14, I’m assuming if you’re inviting just six friends, these are the best friends she has — and didn’t receive gifts. Then again, I would just assume someone didn’t have time to get one, forgot to grab one, or simply doesn’t have the funds.

When the Reddit comments rolled in, lots of parents felt the same way. But there was one theory above all: teens just being teens.

“In my experience, at that age, it’s a ‘your presence is the present,’ and the girls are just happy to spend time together celebrating,” one comment read.

“I think it’s the age, teens many times are responsible for managing their schedules and social interactions. Could be that parents didn’t even know they were coming to a party, or by X age they are responsible to get gifts for friends’ parties or they’re only getting gifts for bigger parties (sweet sixteens),” another commenter wrote.

“Parents tend to be more hands-off with teens as well. The 11-year-old's parents almost certainly purchased the gifts. The 14-year-old's probably told them to take care of it, and they... well, didn't,” another parent added.

Several other comments pointed out that, at this age, sometimes the gift is something like a homemade friendship bracelet, a bag of candy, or a little trinket. It’s not always a big gift or even wrapped.

And when you think about it, buying for a friend’s birthday feels like something else a teen parent might need to plan and budget for. Much like letting your teen have a hygiene allowance or “fun money” to spend with their friends, maybe there needs to be a set limit given to teens every time they get a birthday party invite so they can buy a gift.

Or maybe we just need to let teens do their own thing.

Several commenters asked if the parents of the other party guests actually knew it was a birthday and not just a hangout, but that again brings up just how much parents need to be involved in their teens’ lives.

“At 11, I was still the one prodding my kids to remember gifts. At 14, I'll remind them but I'm frequently told they'll figure it out on their own. And I've noticed that it's more common for teens to gift something they've made, if anything. So... this seems normal to me,” another added.

Especially since OP’s daughter was happy with her birthday party and unbothered by her friends not bringing her a gift, I think it’s safe to assume this was just something that happened. Different teens may have different ideas around birthday presents — and clearly different parents will do different things — but when you think about how many teens struggle with feeling alone, I think having a fun birthday party where their six closest friends showed up is the best present of all.

]]><![CDATA[22 New Middle Grade Books For Your Middle Schooler To Read This Summer]]>https://www.scarymommy.com/entertainment/new-books-for-middle-schooler-to-read-this-summerhttps://www.scarymommy.com/entertainment/new-books-for-middle-schooler-to-read-this-summerTue, 05 May 2026 21:55:56 GMT
Cavan Images / Tatjana Aleksejeva/Cavan/Getty Images

Is there anything more wonderful than seeing your middle schooler read? It doesn’t matter if it’s a graphic novel or a thriller or even a romance, I think all of us just love seeing our growing-faster-than-we’d-like tweens and teens pick up a book. Once they read one, you suddenly want to make sure they read another — and summer is the perfect time to build out your middle schooler’s library.

Even if your kid isn’t a big bookworm, there are plenty of new middle-grade books to pique their interest this summer. All of the books on this list are new for the upcoming season, and there’s a wide variety, from romance and mystery to coming-of-age fiction and graphic novels. And because these middle grades can be such a tough age, many of the books on this list feature a lot of diversity and storytelling. Think LGBTQIA+ characters, neuro-divergent characters, themes of racism and sexism, and a whole lot of talk about identity and figuring out who you are.

Summer is such a great time of year to read. Long, slow days with nowhere to be? Sign all of us up — especially your middle schooler with these 22 new books.

(Disclaimer: All the books on this list are recommended for kids between the ages of 8 and 14, but use your own discretion on the books you feel are best for your child.)

Graphic Novels

Graphic novels count as reading, period. These are great options if your middle schooler hasn’t really found a book they love yet, but they’re also fantastic options for the kid who gobbles up novels in a weekend, too. There are a bunch of options as well, from romance and adventure to coming-of-age.

Landing in Place

A story of finding who you are — and rebelling against the path laid before you — Landing in Place is a gorgeous graphic novel with themes on identity, religion, and societal expectations. Anisa is an Egyptian-American who wants to focus on art, but she’s expected to follow in her sister Reem’s footsteps on the premed track. When her first semester ends in failure, she begs her parents to let her stay with her grandfather in Cairo to find herself, to find her voice, and to find her roots.

Release date: May 19, 2026

Neverlanders: Get Lost

The second installment in the Neverlander series, Neverlanders: Get Lost finds our heroes trying to relax after saving Neverland — but being met with horror instead. As the magic tree, the source of Neverland’s power, is slowly dying, the entire crew must get together with an old Neverland friend to save the place they love — before they grow up too much to return.

Even if your kid isn’t a Peter Pan fan, this graphic novel series is such a fun shift in the story with some beloved characters and a whole lot of adventure.

Release date: August 11, 2026

Bite Me

If you thought vampires were over, you’re sorely mistaken. Bite Me is a supernatural graphic novel about a vampire, Poe, who has a giant crush on a girl named Jolie, who turns out to be a vampire slayer. Poe ends up surviving a slaying by Jolie, but while she’s full of anger and wants vengeance, she’s torn when Jolie seems excited to see Poe return.

Release date: August 25, 2026

Opting Out

Themes around identity are abundant in Opting Out, this gorgeous graphic novel about a seventh-grader named Saachi, who’s having a real moment of stress as all of her friends, including her bestie, start worrying more about having boyfriends and girlfriends. And as Saachi’s body changes, she starts to wonder what it means to not feel like a girl or a boy. All the pangs of middle school are here in this story, and it’s a great choice if you’ve got a kiddo who’s feeling them, too.

Mixed Feelings

Sixth grade is a whole lot, and Mixed Feelings is the graphic novel that explains it beautifully. When Sara has her first day of middle school and learns that she’s suddenly got leg hair everywhere, that her bestie isn’t in any of her classes, and that her mixed race makes her feel like she doesn’t belong in any clubs at school, she’s pretty much done. But once she joins drama club, she hopes to find her people — and a whole lot of humor — along the way. This one is laugh-out-loud funny and beyond relatable.

Fruitcake

Everyone in middle school is struggling to find themselves, and in Fruitcake, that means eighth grader Rex is really having a tough time. All of his friends are coupling up, and he thinks he might have a crush on a girl named Charlotte — until his childhood best friend Drew kisses him. Now Drew pretends like he doesn’t know Rex at school, and Rex is incredibly confused. Why can’t he just be himself and not care what others think? (Been there, Rex. Been there.)

Romance

Your middle schooler doesn’t have to be “in” to dating or boys or girls or anything for these romance books to still hit. They’re just sweet and lovely.

Good Luck, Babe!

Besties Noelle and Yumi have been stuck like glue forever — until they have an awkward kiss the summer after junior year. Going no-contact, the two haven’t spoken in over a year until their favorite reality show offers them a last-minute spot... on an “all-couples” season. Can they pretend to be a real couple again to win the prize money? Or will it all fall apart in the absolute worst way? In Good Luck, Babe! there’s a whole lot of heart, humor, and nostalgia.

Release date: June 23, 2026

13 Little Love Stories

For the Swiftie middle schooler, there’s 13 Little Love Stories, a sweet anthology of thirteen contemporary romances inspired by Taylor Swift songs. Some of the YA authors include Julie Murphy, Sara Shepard, Jennifer Dugan, and Sloan Harlow.

Release date: June 30, 2026

Thrillers & Mysteries

Reminder: All of these books are meant for kids around age 12 and up. Thrillers, horror stories, and mysteries are always great choices for the kid who likes their adrenaline up. Just read the summary to make sure one of these isn’t going to give your kid nightmares all summer long!

Fatal Glitch: Camp Zero

A story set at a summer camp where an 11-year-old really doesn’t want to be and things are a little creepy? Oh, yes. Sign everyone up. In Fatal Glitch: Camp Zero, 11-year-old Sofia Mendoza does not fancy herself a camper — she’s a gamer. And seeing the camp through the eyes of a gamer really sets the stage for this creepy story where everything you do in Camp Forestjaw comes back to you. Reviewers are calling this a Black Mirror meets Goosebumps type of story about what happens when technology goes terribly wrong.

Release date: July 21, 2026

In Case I Go Missing

For a Fargo-like thriller, there’s In Case I Go Missing, a YA mystery about a teen detective, Sarah Vincenty, who goes missing. When the police refuse to put much effort into finding her, Sarah’s best friend Fenny must do the work instead. Luckily, Sarah left behind a binder titled “In Case I Go Missing.”

Release date: May 26, 2026

Doe

In Doe, high school cheer captain Maris is obsessed with her squad. She’s got a mom with depression and an absent father and lives in a crappy little town, and being on the mat and with her cheer team always makes everything better. When a new girl joins the team and a rivalry starts between the two, Maris turns to a supernatural, ancient creature for help. But we all know that the promises creatures like Doe make usually end up only working out for them — and not for the girls who need them.

Release date: June 23, 2026

The Hardest Ones to Fool

In The Hardest Ones to Fool, Amelia Wu takes great pride in being whoever she wants to be in her three different relationships. With each of her partners, she gets to be a different version of herself and reap the benefits of each relationship — but when her best friend ends up dead, all of her plans start to unravel. This is a story of identity, of what happens when you want something too much, and a perfect lesson in the effects of scamming.

Release date: August 4, 2026

I Know You Started It

A middle school fire leaves an entire student body wondering what happened in I Know You Started It. Was it an accident? A prank? Arson? Four friends really want to figure out who started the fire and why — and each of them has their own reasons for wanting to be the person who solves the mystery. But what happens when they can’t? Will the wrong person be blamed? Is the arsonist watching them and keeping one step ahead? This is a great kid-friendly mystery to start with if you’re unsure how much your middle schooler will love a thriller.

Fantasy, Sci-Fi, & Historical

If your middle schooler loves a fantastical world, a fight against technology, or just a big dose of whimsy, these books should top their reading list.

The Genie Game

Set in a reimagined Los Angeles, The Genie Game is about a girl named Valentine who must compete in a “magical system designed to exploit her” while trying desperately to uncover the whereabouts of her missing sister. But the powers that control the city — The Trio Trust — will do anything they can to keep her and the underground resistance, GENIE, she’s joined, in her place.

Lily Tripp: Diary of an Accidental Time Traveler

Summarized as Back to the Future meets Judy Blume, Lily Tripp: Diary of an Accidental Time Traveler tells the story of a 13-year-old girl who ends up traveling to a new century every New Year’s Eve. And if you thought being 13 now was tough, imagine trying to figure it all out in ancient Rome. This story has so many laugh-out-loud moments, is incredibly sweet and tender, and will feel extremely relatable to every middle school girl who felt like she had to figure it all out.

Release date: May 12, 2026

Strixhaven: Omens of Chaos

Your kids don’t have to know how to play the Magic: The Gathering card game to enjoy this fantasy novel, but they might want to after they finish reading. Strixhaven: Omens of Chaos is the story of a girl named Eula Blue who was supposed to be a mage before the war destroyed everything. But when she receives an invitation to study magic at a school called Strixhaven, she jumps at the chance and gets a whole lot more than she bargained for.

Facts & Niche Interests

Got a middle schooler who loves nonfiction and learning all the interesting “Hey, did you know?” stories? Then these are the books you want. Perfect for getting them off screens and relying on search engines, these books are going to start a whole lot of conversations.

Captivating History for Curious Kids

This one may start on the younger side of the age range, but the collection of nonfiction historical short stories is going to be perfect for anybody who loves facts and interesting tidbits. Covering over 5,000 years of human history, Captivating History for Curious Kids will have readers learning all kinds of incredible stories, like the baker who survived the Titanic and the emperor who had a pet polar bear.

Who Got Game? Football

For football-lovers, there’s Who Got Game? Football. In this book are facts about the NFL, trivia tidbits, and information on star players, stats, and records that sports fans will just gobble up. This is a must if your kid loves football but maybe hasn’t found a book they love yet — they’re going to devour this one. This series also has other sports history books if you find your middle schooler liking this one!

Release date: August 18, 2026

Family & Coming-Of-Age

For stories about family, friendships, coming-of-age, and just general life, these are the ones to add to your kid’s bookshelf. They, of course, all have some kind of lesson, but the relatability factor is high — a must for a middle schooler.

Don’t Feed the Lion

Hailed by Jake Tapper as a book that will give kids the tools to recognize and stand up to hate, Don’t Feed the Lion is a story about how antisemitism affects a Jewish family, especially 13-year-old Theo. No matter how much they want to ignore the hate, they know they can’t — and they need their friends and teammates to know they can’t either. This book will bring up all sorts of feelings and is the perfect starter to a conversation about doing the right thing.

Sleepless

If you’ve got a tween or teen who’d rather stay awake all night than even think about going to bed, Sleepless is going to be one of those epic stories they’ll love. The book is about five kids who are suddenly unable to sleep and up all night every night — and they have no idea why. They keep the secret hidden from family and friends, but when they each realize how many of them are going through this, they know they have to figure it out. It’s funny, it’s smart, and it really brings to light the conversation of what we’d all do if we just had the time.

Release date: July 7, 2026

Javier and the Cone of Uncertainty

The fourth in the The Kids Under the Stairs series, Javier and the Cone of Uncertainty focuses on the quiet, artistic one of the group, Javi. He seems so calm and pulled together on the outside, but as his sketchbook proves, there’s a lot more under the surface — and now a hurricane that shares Javi’s name is headed for his home on his 13th birthday. The fear and stress and chaos of a huge storm coming in bring to light some of Javi’s big emotions, and he’ll have to face them — and some big changes — as the storm surges.

Release date: May 12, 2026

The Chismosas Only Book Club

If you want your middle schooler to read something on par with The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, try The Chismosas Only Book Club. The story follows four Chicanas as they go through everything from their freshman year of high school to their first periods and crushes, talking about it all in their book club. One of the girls’ families owns a bookstore, where the girls find stories that reflect their own lives, giving them what they need to feel confident, stand tall, and keep going. It’s a beautiful story about friendship, identity, and confidence, and it all feels so cozy and magical in the bookstore setting.

Release date: May 26, 2026

]]><![CDATA[Jen Hamilton Isn't Trying To Be Everyone's Friend]]>https://www.scarymommy.com/entertainment/that-mom-jen-hamilton-interviewhttps://www.scarymommy.com/entertainment/that-mom-jen-hamilton-interviewTue, 05 May 2026 21:39:45 GMT

When Jen Hamilton dials into our Zoom, she’s seated in a familiar perch: on her linen-colored sofa, with a digital family photo just visible in the background. If you’re one of the six million people who follow Hamilton on social media, you’d probably recognize it, too. That’s the thing about Jen — you get the sense she’s not “creating content” so much as letting you in on something. She feels like a friend, telling you to come sit; she’ll scooch over a bit.

That familiarity has led to a massive platform, making Hamilton a household name. But she didn’t set out to become the internet’s go-to labor and delivery nurse. In fact, her first TikTok was just her trying to figure out what the “plus” button was.

Now a trusted voice for moms, Hamilton never shies away from saying what needs to be said, whether that’s about maternal care, patient autonomy, or the complicated intersection of faith and politics. Her debut book, Birth Vibes, takes that same approach, blending humor and hard truths into a practical guide for anyone navigating birth (or supporting someone who is).

And I’m happy to report that, yes, Hamilton in real life is exactly what you’d expect. She still works as a nurse on weekends. She still swaddles her chickens, IYKYK. And she has no interest in turning her life into a perfectly optimized content machine.

“I’m here to be a whole person,” she tells me. “If you want to be here, awesome. If you don’t ... that is OK.”

Scary Mommy: When did you realize social media had become something bigger for you?

Jen Hamilton: I think the moment that I realized, Oh, this is different than just being on the internet, is probably whenever I crossed that threshold over into 100k followers, because that was the first time that I had somebody come up to me and say, "I know you from social media." And having that happen at your workplace, patients that you take care of, that was a wild moment for me.

SM: You still work weekends as a nurse. How much does your social presence come up?

JH: With my friends at work, I mean, I'm just the same person. I saw someone comment on someone else's something about me and said that they've worked with me for years and they can tell no difference from before to now. So that meant a lot to me. But at work, I go into a whole lot of different rooms, even if it's not my patient, I go in to help people. And sometimes you'll get this like, "Wait, I know you from somewhere." Sometimes people get it right away, and then other people sometimes are like, "I know I know you somehow." So I probably get recognized three times a shift, depending on what rooms I'm going into, but it happens quite often.

SM: You're a mom and you have this career and you have nursing. Where does filming fit into this puzzle?

JH: It fits in wherever it is natural to fit in. One thing I don't do is make a content calendar or say from this time to this time I'm filming. A video that I did today, I was just sitting on my couch. I had a few minutes before a meeting and just got out my phone. It's only when I feel like it. I never make myself do something that I don't want to do. So there'll be maybe a day or two that I go without posting, or sometimes I'll do seven in one day. It just depends. But I really just fit it in where it's natural to fit in because if I feel like I'm making it a job or making it something that I have to do, then I won't want to do it anymore.

SM: What is the weirdest way that life has changed for you that maybe people wouldn’t expect?

JH: That's a good question. I think it would be in the way that my family interacts with me in the world. It's been the weirdest on my youngest son. We'll be at Disney or some random place, and he is like my security guard. I tell people, “If you come up to me in public, I'm going to be so nice to you. My son will not. He is going to be so mean to you.” And just to expect that. I don't want to make him be nice to people because I want him to think stranger danger. We don't want to tell everybody that we meet out in the world our personal information, which is why while you're standing next to me talking to me, he will come up to me and say, "Don't tell them our address,” like I'm going to bring them home with me or something.

SM: Good looking out, buddy! Well, you’ve had a lot of viral moments. Has anything about going viral ever made you actually feel uncomfortable?

JH: I think it was when people tried to report me to the Board of Nursing, I guess, for reading the Bible and talking about how I think that we should advocate for immigrants and sick people and stuff like that. The Board of Nursing reached out to me and was like, "Hey, we need you to know that you've been reported a lot. We're not investigating, but just so you know." That, of course, makes me uncomfortable in a way that people feel like they can have that kind of control over my life or my livelihood. So that part is not fun, but I'd say that most everything that's happened to me has been positive.

SM: As a white Southern woman, do you feel like people expect you to fit in a certain box politically, spiritually, whatever? And what has it been like stepping outside of those expectations?

JH: I think that being a white Southern woman, there's automatically a box that you get put in. And my favorite thing is when I decided that I wasn't going to try to be everybody's friend, if that makes sense. I'm not going to be everything to everybody. I'm going to tell you what I believe, and you can stay or you cannot stay. Divorcing myself from those expectations that people have of me and just living in a way that I feel good about and that I feel ethically awesome about has freed me from feeling like I have to be a certain way to certain people.

I say a friend to all is a friend to none. If you can't stick up for people when things are wrong, I mean, you have to be bold in the things that you believe sometimes. I'm very glad that I have not tried to be the kind of person who's just like, "Oh, I'm just here to make content. I'm just here to be your dancing monkey." No, I'm here to be a whole person. And if you want to be here, awesome. I would love to be your friend. If you don't want to be, that is OK. There's plenty of other corners of the internet where you can find that.

SM: Why do you think there’s this idea that being Christian and being progressive are at odds with each other?

JH: If you go back in history of when this Republicanism and Christianity — it was like Republicananity — came together, it was all a political movement in order to gain favor with that large group of people in our country. But I think that it still is very pervasive today and still being preached from the pulpit.

There are a lot of one-issue voters, so whoever's going to stop abortion, I think that's where people will always vote. So they will vote against not only their own interests, but also the interests of the people that Jesus called us to love. They will vote against those things as long as that one person follows their views on abortion. I think that it's highly intertwined these days, but I think that it's up to progressive Christians to show people, "Hey, you can be Christian and also be progressive." I believe that Jesus was progressive.

SM: You advocate for patient autonomy, and you’ve also said you don’t have to believe the same thing somebody believes to provide them care. How do you hold these two things together at the bedside?

JH: Absolutely. Number one, I never ask anybody what their beliefs are before I care for them. In nursing school, they did something that I was very grateful for, and that was that they required us as nursing students to go into areas of the community or areas of the hospital where we were in the place of a patient that maybe we don't have a lot in common with. So they would send us to AA meetings, NA meetings, and we had to be there as someone who is going through the throes of addiction. So it allowed me to be able to see people as human beings, and that everyone is trying to do the best they can with the information that they have.

It's easy to be an advocate for somebody if you agree with them about whatever course of treatment or whatever the topic is. But I think being a true advocate means advocating for someone even when you don't agree. And when that is an informed and empowered choice that that person has made, it doesn't matter their background, their race, religion, creed, whatever it might be — I'm going to care for you in the way that I would want to be cared for.

SM: 100%. OK, we have to talk about your book. What made you finally feel like this was the moment to put it all on paper?

JH: It wasn't until people started asking me to that I even thought about it, because I don't even journal. Me writing something was not something that I had in my mind as something that was a goal in my life. I had some publishers that reached out, and I really was feeling like imposter syndrome about it, like, why me? So I wrote a sample just to see what it would feel like, and I had a really good response from that. From there, I kind of got a book deal based on the sample alone.

It was really cathartic to be able to write about the experiences I had been through as a nurse and walked with my patients through. I'm just so honored to have had this happen and had this opportunity.

SM: You’re very candid about the “cascade of interventions.” What’s something that’s become normalized in birth that you think deserves more questioning?

JH: There's a medication that we use called Pitocin, and I feel like it is lifesaving. I want to preface that by saying Pitocin can be life-saving, but it also can be overused or used in a cowboy fashion, where we're just throwing it at people and cranking it when that might not always need to be the case. If somebody's coming in spontaneous labor and their labor is progressing just fine, is there a reason that we have to speed things up? Or if someone's water just broke, could we give them a moment to see what their body's going to do?

It can be used very safely, but also whenever it's used unnecessarily or in a way that is unsafe where we're just cranking it and cranking it, I think that it can cause some not-awesome things.

SM: You’ve said some people in the medical space might not love everything you say. What conversations are you hoping it inspires, even if they’re uncomfortable?

JH: I just hope it inspires people to be able to ask questions and to humanize their care. In the book I talk about the difference between birth plans, where you're checking off actions that you want to either happen or not happen, but birth vibes is more being able to know who you are as a person and what you need that's all the other stuff. How do you need to be communicated with in a way that makes you feel safe and informed? Who are you going to have there with you, and what are they going to do for you? What are the things that bring you comfort? What are the things that annoy you?

When we put all these other things together, you can have a birth experience that, yes, checks off every box, but if you don't have those other things, you can leave that experience feeling unfulfilled, disappointed, guilty, upset, traumatized. On the flip-flop of that, you could have a birth that goes completely off the rails … but if you do have that cocoon of safety of all those other things in place, you can leave that experience — even though it was wild and crazy — feeling fulfilled. It was a positive experience that you were informed, you were empowered, you were respected.

SM: So important. What’s your version of downtime? Do you have time to read or watch shows? I feel like I’ve seen you reference The Pitt.

JH: Yes, I do watch The Pitt. I love the show Company Retreat. Have you seen that one?

SM: So good!

JH: I do have chickens, and so I'll go sit out with them. But yeah, mainly just trying to breathe.

SM: What would be your dream day if you're just planning a day for yourself?

JH: It would be waking up naturally, no alarm clock, going to get brunch at a local place, spending some time outside with my family, being in my chicken coop. It's already cleaned out — someone has come in the nighttime and cleaned it for me. And I think I would end the day having dinner with my whole family, like my mom, my dad, my sister, and everybody.

SM: Oh, that does sound lovely. What is something you hope your kids understand about the work you're doing someday?

JH: That they don't have to do this.

SM: That's a good one.

JH: Yeah. That there's no expectation, honestly, to do anything that they don't want to do. My kids are not really a part of my social media stuff, and that's intentional. I've never kept them from it or anything like that, but I've also never invited them to be in one. I want to protect their sweet little innocent souls, and I think that social media can suck your soul a little bit … so I want to prevent that as much as possible.

SM: Very fair. What is one piece of advice you hear all the time that you secretly or maybe not-so-secretly hate to hear?

JH: Oh, I think it would be the pressure that aunts and cousins and sisters or whatever give to people who are already struggling that they have to breastfeed. I see so many people having such guilt and such defeat as a mom if it's not going well. Feeding your baby is such a personal choice, and however it makes the most sense to you is how you should do it.

The other advice that I tell people about breastfeeding is if it's important to you — if that's something that you really, really are wanting to do — people are going to give you so much advice about your nipples that you never thought would, and only take in the advice that makes sense to you. Because if it doesn't make sense to you or if it causes you stress or anxiety, let it go. Let it go. Let your boobs be your boobs or your babies or whoever's boobs it needs to be, but don't take everybody's opinions and feel like you have to do something about it.

SM: Your time on earth is coming to a close... what is your last meal?

JH: Ooh, this is a good one. OK. It would definitely include crab legs, which I did have last night. Crab legs, a rare steak. We just got a really good crust on it. There would probably be some key lime pie, Graham Central Station Ice Cream — it's like graham cracker; it's delicious. Sides, probably a good corn... No, elote. The Mexican street corn. Yeah, that sounds about right.

This has been edited and condensed for clarity.

]]><![CDATA[7 Things That Make Your House Feel Messier Than It Actually Is]]>https://www.scarymommy.com/lifestyle/things-that-make-your-house-feel-messier-than-it-actually-ishttps://www.scarymommy.com/lifestyle/things-that-make-your-house-feel-messier-than-it-actually-isTue, 05 May 2026 18:03:47 GMT
Nikola Stojadinovic/E+/Getty Images

Cleanliness isn’t a virtue; you can have the messiest, dirtiest house on Earth and still be lovable, deserving of rest, all the things. Cleaning and organizing are skills, ones that some of us were fortunate enough to learn from our parents (likely our moms). Personally, I have been polishing wood furniture and scrubbing toilets since I was a kid, and my mom organizes homes in her retirement now. She always taught me everything you own should have a home — a place where it can be put away — and that flat surfaces are for using, not storing things on top of.

So when I look at my house and get that icky feeling of “God, it’s so messy in here,” I don’t automatically think of myself or my family as gross little goblins for just living in our space (even though, yes, sometimes we live hard). Instead I think, OK, what’s happening in this room that doesn’t jive with my brain? Why does the mess keep reappearing, and how can I fix that problem? These are the things that make your house look messier than it actually is, and what you can do about them.

Daily-Use Items That Don’t Have A Home

Mom’s lesson No. 1: If you own it, it needs to have a home. Decor items can sit out, sure, but everything else should have a storage place out of sight — behind a closet or cabinet door, in a drawer, in a basket — to reduce the visual clutter in your space. This is especially true of the things you take out and use daily. Are you tossing your bag and keys on the kitchen counter when you get home every day, or hanging them up in the entryway closet?

Yes, “just put your sh*t away” seems like an obvious tip, but sometimes we’re not putting things away because we’ve never considered where, or the place we picked doesn’t flow with our lives. I moved all my shoes and my daily bag to an entryway closet near my front door instead of in my bedroom for this reason. Those things are now where I actually need them and will put them away when I arrive home.

Items On The Floor

Any parent knows your kid being home and taking their toys out over the course of a Saturday is automatically going to make your house look and feel insanely messy. But aside from the toy mess, I find that when other items are sitting around on the floor — shoes near the front door, a pile of jackets lying on the stairs to carry up later — it only adds to the feeling that the house is a hot mess. If the mess in my house is making me hive-y, I start by clearing the floors.

Again, if you give all your items a home, that’s a start. I also find that having baskets around is a huge help. I can quickly gather everything in a room that doesn’t live there into a basket and carry it around the house to put those things away instead of making 10 trips back and forth. Even a basket of things sitting on the stairs to put away later is less messy-looking than a pile of loose stuff.

Not Running The Vacuum Often Enough

In my house, there are two chores that happen every single day: we vacuum, and we do dishes. I have a 5-year-old, and yes, he eats in the living room a lot, so there are always crumbs underfoot. And when I’m walking around barefoot and have to keep wiping my feet off on various rugs, I quickly start feeling like my house is disgusting and I should probably just burn it down and start over.

If you have pets and kids, you probably also deal with shedded hair and crumbs everywhere. Spending 10 minutes vacuuming every day might be the thing that single-handedly makes your house feel clean again.

Having So Much Stuff That It’s Hard To Use Your Items

You try to pull a book off the shelf and have to hold up all the sideways ones on top to prevent a literature avalanche. You reach for one blouse in the closet and the tightly packed hangers tangle. You pick one giant Stanley cup from the cabinet and all the others come tumbling out at you.

If it’s hard to get to an item you want because you simply have too many stored in one place, it’s time to declutter. When there is friction in your life as a result of clutter, your brain feels that as mess — even when everything’s put away neatly.

Cords. Cords everywhere.

My husband loves a 10-foot phone charger and has them stashed all over the house. Or rather, I stash them, because seeing them hanging out of the wall outlet and tangled on the floor immediately makes a room look messier. I loop them up and tuck them into end tables often.

Cable management around TVs and home computers is also a whole thing, but I think it’s worth the trouble in the long run. A little effort to conceal cords and power strips always makes a room feel so much cleaner. Nothing collects dust and is harder to clean than a pile of cables anyway.

Too Much Clutter On Flat Surfaces

Tables, desks, countertops — these are work surfaces, not holding areas for stuff. As a maximalist who loves decorations, I have to remind myself of this all the time.

You can certainly keep things on your countertops or desk that you use often, and a few decorative items too. It’s when the kitchen island becomes the place for junk mail to rot and backpacks to get thrown on that you’ll start to feel the mess level rising. When your work surfaces have room for you to work on them, when you can walk up and just start using them, your brain feels a lot clearer.

Company Coming Over

Real talk: If you have house guests coming, it’s probably going to throw any messy parts of your house into stark relief. I love having people over, mainly because it’s a hard deadline that compels me to make my house spotless. I don’t recommend living like that — and actually I believe in having people over no matter what your home looks like inside — but still, nothing will make your house look messier than worrying about how your mother-in-law might perceive it.

]]><![CDATA[When PPD Shows Up As Rage Instead Of Tears]]>https://www.scarymommy.com/when-ppd-shows-up-as-rage-instead-of-tearshttps://www.scarymommy.com/when-ppd-shows-up-as-rage-instead-of-tearsTue, 05 May 2026 15:53:53 GMT

One (very) early morning after my son was born, I went into his room to change his clothes and diaper after a bottle. I turned to toss his spit-up-covered sleeper into the hamper and noticed clothes hanging over the side, inside out, half-zipped, not fully buttoned. As someone with OCD, I would never leave things like that. So, naturally, I decided it had to be my husband on the night shift.

I laid into him for having the audacity to toss dirty clothes into the hamper… where they belong. After my outburst, I followed it up by calmly asking him to put them in the “right” way — my way. And even as I said it, there was this small, quiet thought in the back of my mind: This isn’t a normal response.

It turns out my postpartum depression (PPD) wasn’t just sadness. It was showing up as postpartum rage. It’s something far more mothers experience than you’d think, and something that still doesn’t get talked about enough.

The Rage No One Warned You About

Let’s just say PPD has a serious PR problem. Most depictions still center on a tearful mom staring blankly out a window or struggling to get out of bed. And while that can be true, it’s only part of the story.

“Anger and irritability are present in roughly half of PPD cases,” says Karen Kleiman, MSW, LCSW, Founding Director of The Postpartum Stress Center. “However, the standard screening tool for PPD (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale) is weighted toward tearfulness, lack of pleasure, and sadness, and has only one narrow question about irritability, so a woman presenting with rage can score below the clinical threshold and get sent home.”

Let that sink in: A new mom showing up with rage can pass a PPD screening and leave without any real support. And that’s not the only gap. Andrea N. Clark, J.D., deputy chief executive officer of Postpartum Support International, says, “Often when [moms] do report [fits of anger], providers dismiss it as part of the adjustment to new parenthood.”

In other words, the very system designed to catch PPD isn’t always set up to recognize what it can actually look like.

Sad Is Acceptable. Angry Is Not.

“As a culture, we tend to be more comfortable with a sad mother than an angry one. Tears invite compassion, while anger tends to invite judgment, even though both can come from the same overwhelmed brain,” says Kleiman. If you were to picture two moms holding their babies, one crying and the other cursing under her breath, most people would be more sympathetic to a sad, seemingly caring mom as opposed to the one who seems angry at her innocent newborn.

Kleiman continues, “Rage toward a partner, the baby, or oneself carries much heavier stigma, such as fear of being labeled a bad mother, or in extreme cases, fear of child protective involvement.” This shame and legitimate fear keep women silent — and the cycle continues.

What’s Actually Happening To Your Body

Hormones, hormones, hormones. When estrogen and progesterone crash after delivery, serotonin and dopamine destabilize with them, according to Clark, leaving the nervous system with no regulatory buffer. Kleiman adds, “The postpartum brain is neurologically primed for threat-detection to protect a newborn, so when the nervous system is this taxed, the brain’s threat center becomes hyperreactive and can misfire as rage.” Not to mention, sleep deprivation, identity shifts, relationship stress, and the pressure to feel instantly bonded with your baby.

This Is More Than Just A Bad Day

Sure, every new parent has bad days — but that’s not what this is. Postpartum rage is distinguished by its intensity, the loss-of-control quality, reactions that feel wildly disproportionate to the trigger, and the shame spiral that follows. It could even involve yelling, slamming things, or throwing objects. “This isn’t just being short-tempered after a long day. It reflects a dysregulated stress response,” says Kleiman.

The Shame Spiral Is Real

And the aftermath is awful. Personally, it left me feeling flat-out embarrassed. Postpartum rage takes a toll on your relationship with your partner, causes isolation on both sides, and can leave you feeling like a stranger to yourself.

Clark says, “When a mother is experiencing inexplicable feelings of detachment, bouts of anger and rage that seem to come out of nowhere, a mother’s internal dialogue can turn into one that harps on shortcomings and mistakes a treatable hormonal imbalance for inadequacy.”

The Good News: It’s Treatable

According to Clark, treatment for postpartum rage overlaps with standard PPD treatment and typically includes a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness practices, and social support. The one additional element that rage-predominant PPD needs targeting is — you guessed it — shame.

It’s what keeps rage entrenched because shame is a dysregulating emotion, so it “lowers the threshold for the next episode,” says Kleiman. “When we name the anger without judgment and attend to what’s underneath it — the mood disruption, anxiety, hormonal shifts, nervous system overload — that’s when things can actually shift.”

If you think you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of postpartum rage, call the Postpartum Support International helpline or search the online provider directory to speak with a healthcare professional.

Presented by BDG Studios

]]><![CDATA[Why “Just Ask For Help” Is Terrible Advice For Moms With PPD]]>https://www.scarymommy.com/why-just-ask-for-help-is-terrible-advice-for-moms-with-ppdhttps://www.scarymommy.com/why-just-ask-for-help-is-terrible-advice-for-moms-with-ppdTue, 05 May 2026 15:51:56 GMT

You show up at your friend’s house excited to meet the new baby. But when she opens the door, she doesn’t look like the tired-but-glowing new mom you’d imagined. Something feels different. She seems overwhelmed in a way that’s hard to name. She’s clutching the baby tightly to her chest. You offer to take him for a bit so she can rest, even just for an hour. She declines, quickly.

On your way out, you scramble for something helpful to say. You can tell something isn’t right, even if you can’t quite explain why. So you land on what feels safe: “Please, just ask for help.” The door closes and you’re left standing there, unsure what just happened.

“Just ask for help.” If only moms experiencing postpartum depression (PPD) could do exactly that. But that’s so often not the case. And it’s not for lack of wanting to, or even trying. There are so many reasons why “just ask for help” can land as especially cruel to a postpartum mom. For one, the very condition itself makes it difficult to face anything head-on. When you’re dealing with fatigue, worthlessness, shame, guilt, a persistently low mood, and overwhelm, even an undefined task like asking for help can feel impossible. A mom with PPD might not even realize that her inability to reach out, find a therapist, or put words to what she’s going through is part of the illness itself.

According to a recent study, women with PPD face overlapping barriers to seeking care, from self-shame and the stigma of speaking up to not having the time for appointments or adequate insurance to cover them. It underscores just how tightly psychological and structural challenges are intertwined during the postpartum period.

So how is a new mom supposed to “just ask for help” when she’s the one who needs it most? When, exactly, is she meant to find the time to figure out how? Life with a newborn is already a constant juggling act: doctor’s appointments, family drop-ins, unpredictable sleep, feeding schedules, milestones you’re told to track but barely have the bandwidth to process. And that’s before you factor in the baseline exhaustion. Most new moms are already running on fumes, even without the added weight of depression.

When I experienced postpartum for the first time, all the things associated with being a new parent — fatigue, hormones, anxiety — were there, exactly as promised, so I wasn’t especially concerned. And that was part of the problem. Because it all looked so much like what everyone tells you to expect, it was nearly impossible to recognize when it had tipped into something else entirely.

Everything felt hard, but life with a newborn is supposed to be hard. So instead of questioning it, I explained it away. I told myself, “This is just what it is.” Even when people told me to ask for help, it never quite landed. Ask for help, how? Ask for help, for what? Ask for help — from who, exactly?

“Just ask for help” is terrible advice for moms with PPD because it’s not really advice. It’s a command with no guidance. Instead, if you’re close enough to the person, get specific: “I’d like you to talk to a postpartum therapist. I have a number you can call.” Or, “I’m coming by tomorrow to hold the baby so you can sleep.” Or even, “Can I text your partner and help coordinate some extra support?”

The tiniest hurdles can feel enormous for new moms. Looking up a provider, making a call, explaining how you feel, it can all feel like too much. Make the steps smalle

r. Remove as many decisions as you can. Baby steps, if you will.

Presented by BDG Studios

]]><![CDATA[18 Mother's Day Breakfast & Brunch Recipes To Serve Mom In Bed]]>https://www.scarymommy.com/lifestyle/mothers-day-breakfast-brunch-recipeshttps://www.scarymommy.com/lifestyle/mothers-day-breakfast-brunch-recipesTue, 05 May 2026 15:25:43 GMT
Damn Delicious

Mother’s Day is this weekend, folks, and that means it’s go time. If you haven’t gotten your gifts lined up, it’s time to go shopping. Grocery lists? Write ‘em! Whether you’re hosting a Mother’s Day brunch or attending one, or you want to make breakfast in bed for the mom you love, we’ve rounded up some of the best Mother’s Day breakfast and brunch recipes to make (and some of them are perfect if you have kids who want to “help” in the kitchen).

If you’re going to be going across town for a brunch with family or friends, you should definitely check out the lemon zucchini bread, blueberry doughnut muffin, and French toast casserole recipes. They’re pretty much travel-proof. And as for at-home dishes that will really impress Mom if you serve them up with her coffee in bed, please see the ricotta and tomato toast and waffles with fresh whipped cream and strawberries.

Strawberries & Cream Buttermilk Waffles

Damn Delicious

Waffles are always a welcome sight on a brunch spread, but you have to jazz them up for Mom. Damn Delicious’ strawberries and cream waffles take them up a notch with fresh sliced berries and a quick and easy homemade whipped cream.

Homemade Chai Cinnamon Rolls

A Cookie Named Desire

If the mom or moms you’re baking for are always grabbing a chai latte on their way to run errands, these homemade chai cinnamon rolls from A Cookie Named Desire will be a smash hit. Whether you have a teen who loves baking and wants to make their mom something special, or you’re looking for something impressive to bring to brunch, these bad boys will do the trick.

Gruyère Leek Quiche

A Beautiful Plate

Quiches are easy to make, but you can make them feel special with some elevated ingredients Mom wouldn’t normally eat at home. A Beautiful Plate’s leek and gruyère quiche does just that, resulting in a savory and satisfying breakfast dish. Serve with a salad, fruit, potatoes, or whatever else Mom likes.

Blueberry French Toast Casserole

All The Healthy Things

All The Healthy Things’ French toast casserole is the perfect recipe if you need something that will travel well to get to your brunch destination across town. Note that you’ll need to let your bread dry out for a few hours before making this to prevent it from turning soggy.

Whipped Ricotta Toast Crostini With Roasted Tomatoes

Foodie Crush

Foodie Crush’s whipped ricotta toast with roasted tomatoes feels like the kind of fancy toast you’d order out at a trendy brunch spot. This is a pretty great recipe to attempt with kids — there’s a lot of shaking on of seasonings, dumping of ingredients into a food processor, and tossing of tomatoes, plus the fun of assembly. Mom will be seriously impressed when they walk in and present her with this.

Banana Buttermilk Pancakes With Pecans

Biscuits & Burlap

Pancakes are an easy breakfast you can make en masse and quickly, but Mother’s Day calls for more than plain pancakes. Biscuits & Burlap’s recipe combines the sweetness of ripe banana pieces with the crunch and nuttiness of fresh chopped pecans — so good and so satisfying.

Sweet Potato and Sausage Frittata

All The Healthy Things

Sweet potatoes don’t get enough love at breakfast time, but All The Healthy Things’ sausage and sweet potato frittata is here to fix that. It’s a great savory breakfast or brunch recipe that adds a lot of color (and protein!) to Mom’s plate.

Blueberry Doughnut Muffins

A Cookie Named Desire

A Cookie Named Desire’s blueberry doughnut muffins really are the best of both worlds — they’re light, fluffy, and just sweet enough. They’d be a really great addition to a brunch spread, whether you’re hosting or attending and need to bring something (muffins travel well).

Pistachio Lattes

A Sweet Thyme

A Sweet Thyme’s pistachio latte looks so incredibly delicious. The recipe explains how to make it either with espresso or strong coffee, so you don’t need fancy machines at home to pull this off — just grab a jar of pistachio butter from the store, and maybe some toppings for added effect (moms love added effects).

Turkey & Cheese Croissant Bake

Dude That Cookz

I love an easy brunch recipe that’ll feed a crowd, and that is easy to make the morning of so it’ll be fresh upon arrival. Dude That Cookz’ turkey and cheese croissant bake uses day-old croissants as the base for a quick and easy breakfast casserole of turkey, eggs, and cheese. It requires about 15 minutes of actual effort before popping it in the oven so you can go get ready.

Nectarine Salad With Burrata & Tomatoes

A Sweet Thyme

If you’re in charge of a light brunch side, try A Sweet Thyme’s nectarine, tomato, and burrata salad. It’s bright and fresh and loaded with flavor, and it’s so colorful it will make any Mother’s Day spread look all the prettier.

Bacon & Egg Toast Cups

Damn Delicious

How cute are these toast cups from Damn Delicious? These would be really fun to assemble with kids, and you can customize them to include whatever ingredients Mom enjoys the most.

Lemon Zucchini Bread

Averie Cooks

This lemon zucchini bread from Averie Cooks looks so delicious, especially with all that glaze. It’s an impressive but easy brunch-y item that’s perfect to bring along to a potluck-style celebration.

Shakshuka

Foodie Crush

Shakshuka is one of those dishes that feels so special and restaurant-like because, really, how often are you making this at home? If you know Mom loves it, whip up Foodie Crush’s version with some crusty bread for dipping. She will feel so spoiled, we promise.

Sheet Pan Breakfast

Princess Pinky Girl

If Mama likes a classic breakfast, Princess Pinky Girl’s sheet pan breakfast will help streamline getting all her faves to her warm at the same time. This is an easy way for older kids to help put together Mom’s breakfast without dealing with bacon popping in a skillet.

Glazed Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Averie Cooks

If Mom loves pumpkin spice everything, help her celebrate being halfway to Halloween with a delicious pumpkin spice coffee cake. Averie Cooks’ recipe is easy and quick — it only takes 15 minutes of prep!

Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

Dude That Cookz

Hashbrown casserole is the best dish to take to a big family brunch because it’s easy to make and is big enough to feed a crowd. This version from Dude That Cookz boasts plenty of cheddar, along with onion and red bell pepper to flavor up all those tender potatoes.

Biscuits & Gravy

Biscuits & Burlap

Old-fashioned sausage gravy piled on top of homemade biscuits is honestly a top contender for my death row meal. Use Biscuits & Burlap’s sausage gravy and three-ingredient buttermilk biscuit recipes to pull it off yourself at home. Her expert tips will help you get the perfect flaky biscuits and flavorful gravy.

So, what will you be requesting for Mother’s Day breakfast this year?

]]><![CDATA[I Stopped Being A 'Good' Daughter On Mother's Day]]>https://www.scarymommy.com/parenting/i-stopped-being-a-good-daughter-on-mothers-dayhttps://www.scarymommy.com/parenting/i-stopped-being-a-good-daughter-on-mothers-dayTue, 05 May 2026 14:51:33 GMT
Catherine Falls Commercial/Moment/Getty Images

I was great at Mother’s Day when I was a little girl. I always treated it like my mom’s own personal Christmas Day, like I was her mom and she was my only child. I got excited about spoiling her, about picking flowers from the neighbor’s garden and putting them in a vase for her, about writing her a poem in a homemade card at school. I remember not being able to sleep on Mother’s Day eve for all the excitement, the joy I planned to spread for her the next day. In some ways, we were both at our best on Mother’s Day. I loved being the boss, and I think she loved to be seen for the day. To be the center of my world in a way she never got to be on any other day of the year.

I kept it going through high school and I remember it brought me a lot of joy. I loved arranging a Sunday brunch for her. I loved being the person who made sure she got recognized. Loved reminding my younger brothers to buy a card. Paying attention to her little wish list and getting her something special. A cute top. A pedicure gift certificate. The delight on her face when she opened a present, like a child again in all the best ways.

Our ritual petered out and died completely when I became a mom myself. I was so young, just 21 years old at the time. I was so very focused on all of my new roles. New mom, new adult, new person with my own future. I think my mom got lost in my past. I think I became such a mom that I forgot to be a daughter. Especially when I became a single mom trying to figure out how to teach my sons how to celebrate me, an awkward lesson for us all. I wanted them to grow up to be thoughtful men, thoughtful partners, thoughtful sons.

This is a lesson I’m just now realizing I forgot for myself. In all the prioritizing of raising kids, of being the center of my own universe, I forgot my mom for the past 25 years. I forgot that the mother-child relationship is for our entire lives. I forgot it’s not just a one-way street of her loving me and me talking at her. Because I’ve been telling myself that I talk to her all the time but really what I’m doing is talking at her. Unloading all of my grievances and worries over the phone to her while she soothes me and agrees with me and tries to make me feel better. I’m realizing now that I’ve still been expecting her to parent me, to be my mom first. I’ve treated her like the same mom she was to me in high school, making me breakfast on a Sunday while I sat at the table and complained about my life. I just haven’t been the same daughter to her at all.

And all of a sudden, I miss being a good daughter to her. I miss surprising her. I miss knowing the snacks that make her happy. I miss being on the path we once were on together, where we were building a friendship that would see us be adults together. We have some of that now, of course we do, but I think it’s time for me to keep up my end of that particular bargain.

This year for Mother’s Day, I’m going to be a good daughter again. I’m excited about it. I am going to spend time at my mom’s house in the spare room. I’m going to make her breakfast, eggs benedict like she likes but with only half an English muffin because she doesn’t like filling up on bread. I’m going to take her shopping and out for lunch at the mall, one of our favorite shared pastimes. We will get shirts and skincare products, try on shoes and eat Chinese food. I will drink wine on her front porch in the evening and I will not suggest watching a movie even though I just want to lie on the couch and watch a movie because this is not what she likes. She likes to sit together and talk. I’m going to make her some sort of a dessert with whipped cream and fruit but not chocolate. She does not like chocolate.

I’m going to make sure she feels seen. Because I finally have stopped looking in my own motherhood mirror long enough to see her. And I’m kind of excited about it.

Jen McGuire is a contributing writer for Romper and Scary Mommy. She lives in Canada with four boys and teaches life writing workshops where someone cries in every class. When she is not traveling as often as possible, she’s trying to organize pie parties and outdoor karaoke with her neighbors. She will sing Cher’s “If I Could Turn Back Time” at least once, but she’s open to requests.

]]><![CDATA[The Best National Nurses Week 2026 Freebies & Discounts We Could Find]]>https://www.scarymommy.com/lifestyle/national-nurses-week-2026-freebies-discounts-dealshttps://www.scarymommy.com/lifestyle/national-nurses-week-2026-freebies-discounts-dealsTue, 05 May 2026 14:14:56 GMT
MoMo Productions/DigitalVision/Getty Images

National Nurses Week comes around each May as a reminder to extend our gratitude to the frontline healthcare workers who keep our whole system running. Because when you’re nervous before your first mammogram or pacing the halls while your kid is getting their tonsils removed, it’s nurses who are right there, doing the important work of listening and caring and just making it all feel OK. While there are many brands and chains that offer National Nurses Week freebies, deals, and discounts, not many advertise them or confirm them online. So, we’ve gathered the verifiable ones here, along with some that seem to happen year after year and are worth calling ahead about.

(One note: This list does not include year-round discounts brands offer to nurses, like Samsung’s 30% for medical professionals or 15% off at New Balance, always. Make sure you’re taking advantage of those deals too; these are just the specials for National Nurses Week.)

All Seasons Uniforms

The brand is offering a 20% discount on their entire line of scrubs and lab coats during National Nurses Week.

Buffalo Wild Wings

In past years, the chain has offered 20% off your bill if you show your nursing ID. Call your local BWW and see if they’re running the same deal this year.

BurgerFi

Show valid ID and receive 20% off your meal, now through May 12.

Caribou Coffee

Stop by a Caribou Coffee location on Wednesday, May 6, and receive a free large cold press or coffee of the day. Don’t forget your work ID! (This offer is only available in person, not via app or delivery services.)

Chipotle

Get your free burrito here! Chipotle wants nurses to register to win a gift card for a free burrito online. You’ll verify your work ID and be notified if you’ve won a free entree e-card on May 13.

Dunkin’ Donuts

Dunkin’ usually gives nurses free hot or iced medium coffees on May 6 with a valid work ID. Call ahead to confirm!

Einstein Bros. Bagels

On Wednesday, May 6, nurses (and teachers) can visit Einstein Bros., show a valid work ID, and leave with one free bagel and shmear with the purchase of any other item.

FlutterHabit

From May 4 to 12, nurses can take 30% off FlutterHabit’s products (excluding bundles and kits) after registering through ID.me.

Insomnia Cookies

From May 5 through May 12, nurses who are Insomnia Rewards Members get BOGO cookies in-store with valid work ID. For anyone catering treats to an entire unit, Insomnia Rewards Members receive 20% off online orders of 50 to 200 cookie packs with code EARNEDIT26.

JAANUU Medical Apparel

The brand founded by a woman and pediatrician is offering 25% off sitewide with the code NW25. The sale is on from May 6 to May 12.

Kura Sushi

From May 4 to 10, nurses receive 20% off on dine-in orders. You must present valid ID, badge, or be in uniform.

McAlister’s Deli

From May 4 through May 8, nurses can enjoy a free large sweet or unsweet tea, lemonade, Arnold Palmer, or any other combination of those beverages. Just bring your hospital ID.

MOD Pizza

For teachers and nurses, MOD Pizza is offering BOGO pizza and salads from May 4 to May 7. Just show your badge at the register when you order in restaurant.

Noodles & Company

This is a deal intended for anyone looking to cater lunch for a unit of nurses. From now through May 5, take 10% off orders of $150 or more with the code APPRECIATION2026.

Potbelly

Nurses will receive a complimentary cookie or regular-sized fountain drink with the purchase of any entrée between May 4 and May 12.

Premier Protein

Use code Premier30 at checkout on Amazon to save 30% of Premier Protein 12-pack shakes, starting May 6.

Shake Shack

Between May 4 and May 12, nurses can enjoy a free single ShackBurger (or veggie option) with any purchase. This deal can be redeemed in-Shack only with a valid work ID.

Wink Scrubs

Get 25% off all scrubs and accessories during Nurses Week — no code or proof of ID required here!

Again, there are so many good discounts this week and year-round that nurses can take advantage of. You deserve all the savings available to you, we say.

]]><![CDATA[Stop Apologizing For Your Kid's Personality]]>https://www.scarymommy.com/parenting/stop-apologizing-for-your-kids-personalityhttps://www.scarymommy.com/parenting/stop-apologizing-for-your-kids-personalityMon, 04 May 2026 21:50:07 GMT
Cavan Images/Cavan/Getty Images

A good parent is one who builds their kid up, who makes them feel confident, who loves them deeply for who they are.

But even good parents who do all of those things find themselves in the middle of a summer barbecue, apologizing to neighbors they don’t know very well, because their loud, energetic, life-of-the-party 7-year-old keeps taking over the karaoke machine and belting Hamilton tunes to the adults. “I’m so sorry,” they say. “She’s such a ham.”

When their kid keeps an adult stuck for more than five minutes, listening to them describe the latest Pokemon card they found, a good parent — who takes them to Pokemon drops and trades cards with them and loves their kid’s hobby so much — might still run up to the adult, apologizing, saying things like, “He’s just so social and obsessed with Pokemon, I’m so sorry about that.”

Even the best of us, the parents who don’t want our little ones’ light to ever, for a single second, dim even the tiniest beam, will find ourselves outwardly apologizing to friends, to family members, to strangers, telling them how sorry we are... for our kid’s personality.

And it’s not a good feeling.

Because good parents don’t want to apologize for their kid’s personality — but they know how the world is. They know what it means to conform. Sometimes it’s a way to keep ourselves safe, small, hidden. Sometimes adjusting our weirdness or our quirks or our loud mouths helps us avoid getting our feelings hurt.

You aren’t rejecting your kid’s personality; you’re trying to save it. Because the last thing anyone wants is for their bright, happy kid with the fun personality to be scolded for being themselves or to be made fun of for their light and joy and suddenly feel like they have to dial themselves down.

“These parents are responding to a culture that treats difference as a problem,” says Dr. Rachel Loftin of Prosper Health. “A child who is loud, expressive, emotionally intense, or socially unconventional isn’t doing anything wrong. They’re simply not conforming to a narrow definition of what’s considered acceptable in public.”

Our intentions are good, but even the most subtle apologies can do the exact damage to our kid that we’re trying to avoid. “Kids may absorb the message that who they are is inconvenient or embarrassing,” says Loftin. “Over time, that can shape how they see themselves far more than any stranger’s reaction ever could.”

She says a more affirming approach is to shift from apology to “context and confidence.” So when your kid has a big reaction to the ice cream cake at the birthday party or gets emotional in a way that you know other people may think is different, you can say something like “They process things a little differently” or “They’re really excited, this is how it shows up.”

Loftin even says, if needed, you can say, “I’m not concerned about their behavior” to set a clear boundary with other adults that you don’t find your child’s personality to be a problem... and this can model self-acceptance for your babe.

“Letting go of the urge to apologize is hard, because many parents are also navigating their own fear of being judged or excluded,” she adds. “But it helps to ask: Is my child actually causing harm, or just making others uncomfortable? Discomfort often comes from unfamiliarity, not from something being wrong.”

Honestly, your kids are going to build confidence by being themselves, fully and unashamedly, over and over again, by knowing that you aren’t embarrassed by them or apologizing for them. “The goal is to raise someone who knows they don’t have to shrink to belong,” says Loftin. And if they find themselves being judged for their behavior or made fun of or treated differently, seeing your reaction — the way you remind them that their personality doesn’t warrant any kind of apology or disclaimer — will stick with them more than anything else ever will.

And they’ll just keep going.

]]><![CDATA[Juno Temple On 'Swapped' & Why “The Act Of Listening” Matters More Than Ever]]>https://www.scarymommy.com/entertainment/juno-temple-interview-swapped-movie-netflixhttps://www.scarymommy.com/entertainment/juno-temple-interview-swapped-movie-netflixMon, 04 May 2026 21:48:33 GMT
Christopher Polk/Getty Images; Netflix

In Swapped on Netflix, a whimsical animated adventure about a tiny woodland creature and a regal bird, Ted Lasso star Juno Temple finds herself (literally) walking in someone else’s shoes. On paper, it’s a classic body-swap setup: chaotic, funny, full of mishaps and adventure. The premise feels instantly familiar, the setup playful and visually rich. What I didn’t expect — and genuinely loved — was how surprisingly earnest and heartfelt it all turns out to be.

This is one of those rare kids’ movies that works just as well for the adults watching alongside them. If The Wild Robot made you teary-eyed, well, consider yourself warned: Director Nathan Greno, in his first full-length animated film since Tangled in 2010, leans into big themes like empathy and perspective. Swapped blends stunning animation with meaningful messages about seeing the world through someone else’s eyes, without losing its sense of fun, making it an easy yes for family movie night.

When Scary Mommy caught up with Temple, she reflected on the emotional core of the movie (“I was weeping”), the challenges of voice acting, and why truly listening to one another might be one of the most important — and overlooked — skills we have.

Scary Mommy: You’re playing this regal bird who suddenly has to navigate life as a tiny woodland creature. What was the most fun or challenging part of bringing that physicality to life just through your voice?

Juno Temple: I remember one friend saying to me I use my eyebrows a lot, which I don't have many of them left anymore. So it's quite funny. I'm like, ‘Well, there goes that tool.’ But I do move my body a lot, and I was still learning about how to be still, I think. So the biggest challenge was to not move too much with your voice... you have to try and stay still and face the mic to get the words out, otherwise they won't catch it. But also things like jumping up and down, you have to make sure all your jewelry is out.

SM: The detailing in the animation is beautiful!

JT: When I first saw Ivy, I was like, ‘Oh my God, they've thought about my hair for her. I can't bear it. That's so dreamy.’ These details make a big difference, and I loved that.

With the snippets that I was seeing as they were coming to life, and also the combining of the nature in a way of animals and environment, the pebbles and the moss, and the water and the leaves, and then all these little creatures and how they kind of morphed them into one in place — I was like, ‘Wow, this is breathtakingly beautiful.’ You could freeze-frame it, and it was like a painting.

SM: You had such great chemistry with Michael B. Jordan. How was that dynamic?

JT: We were partners… but I have to tell you, I haven't met him.

SM: Which is so crazy.

JT: Isn't that crazy? So you're reacting to each other in the way that you're hearing each other's voices, but I hope I get to cross paths with him one day, because I think he's absolutely bloody amazing.

SM: Absolutely. I also felt like the movie was more emotional than I expected it to be. I don’t know; maybe I’m in my luteal phase.

JT: They showed me an early cut of the last 20 minutes on its own. I was weeping like a baby.

SM: Same.

JT: Weeping.

SM: How do you tap into that emotionality when you’re in a recording booth?

JT: I'm a very emotional human, and so you can read things and just a scene in itself can move me quite a lot. Sometimes it's a problem when I'm actually the person on camera, because I'm not supposed to be crying or I'm not supposed to be triggered into that emotional place yet for a storyline reason. I sometimes find that really hard, because I think things should feel as real as possible. I'm a strong believer in that.

With this, I was really moved in certain scenes. What was great with working with Nathan [Greno, director] was it's like, well, you should be allowed to feel that, so let it be. Because it shows in your voice, doesn't it? Our voice holds a lot of our emotions, and I think that was so integral.

SM: This story is really about understanding someone else’s perspective. How do you try to model it in your life?

JT: By always being interested in other people, never be afraid to ask questions. And also, if you get something wrong, really listen to somebody as to why it was wrong and take that forth with you. I think the act of listening is something that is kind of disappearing in our lives.

Somebody very close to me was studying to be a therapist quite recently, and one of the things that they had to do was sit with somebody else and talk at each other for 10 minutes, and then repeat back what you heard from the other person. If you really think about the importance of that, really listening to what somebody has to say, taking it in, and then responding, paying attention to who, what, why, where somebody else is in their life is only going to allow you to spread your wings further.

Sharing experiences with people and then understanding how their perspective was from it, and also being able to share your perspective from it, is only going to make us grow as humans. In a time in our lives where it feels like there's just a lot of people wanting to spread hatred and wanting to make things about separating cultures and people, it's the most useless thing I think humans can do right now is separate each other. I think all you can do is try and love each other, and also really try and understand each other.

SM: Agree. OK… what’s one totally random skill you have that would come in handy if you were actually dropped into the wilderness?

JT: I'm a crafty person. I like doing arts and crafts, but not for protection or not for any useful reason probably is the only thing I would say. So if somebody was with me and they were good at building a shelter, I would make it look pretty, I think. If you ever see a script that I'm working on, it will always have rhinestones and different colorful tabs, and I use different sparkly gel pens. There is importance to that, but there's also the initial like, ‘God, that looks really pretty. I want to open it.’

So I'm good at doing the aesthetic things, but also I'm good at weaving things. I feel like out in the wilderness, maybe I could make a good blanket out of stuff.

SM: I feel like it'd be a morale booster if you're trapped in the wild to have a pretty shelter.

JT: Totally, totally. Also, I would want to learn. There are just some things that I wouldn’t be able — I'm quite dyslexic, so sometimes my brain does things slightly... yeah, we might have an upside-down house. But that's OK too!

SM: Last question: If you could swap lives with any of your past characters, who would you pick?

JT: Oh my God, I don't know. I've loved a lot of the women I've gotten to play. I mean, Keeley Jones was such a bundle of joy for me and brought a lot of lightness into my life. I think it would be pretty epic to be her, but at the same time, I don't want to give up being an actress … But she's the first one to come to mind in the sense that I think she puts positivity out into the world.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

]]><![CDATA[The 12 Best Sunscreens For The Whole Family, According To Scary Mommy Editors]]>https://www.scarymommy.com/shopping/best-sunscreens-for-whole-familyhttps://www.scarymommy.com/shopping/best-sunscreens-for-whole-familyMon, 04 May 2026 19:17:38 GMT
Drs Producoes/E+/Getty Images

Summer is upon us, which means it’s time to stock up on some essentials — popsicles for the freezer, bug spray for the patio, and sunscreen for all the outdoor adventures your family will take in the coming months. If you are tired of lugging around multiple types of SPF because everyone in your family likes something different, or the bottle you bought last year just didn’t do a great job keeping UV rays at bay, look no further. These are the best sunscreens for the whole family, as well as a few that are especially great for Mom’s face, according to Scary Mommy editors. Because yes, we too want to look glowy without getting fried to a crisp at the beach.

Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion

I have lived in Florida my entire life and feel like I’ve worn 90% of the sunscreens on the market. I was a Neutrogena Sheer girl for the longest time, but a few years back, all chemical sunscreens started making my eyes burn. Even if I wore them on the rest of my body and not my face, it’s like the fumes still affected my eyes.

Anyway, I tried a bunch of new mineral formulas, and I can say the Blue Lizard Sensitive is far and away my favorite. It never burns my eyeballs, and I’ve never gotten a sunburn while wearing it. It rubs in fully and leaves no white cast. It’s not super greasy (a little, but in the way I kind of want from an SPF so I know it’s actually water resistant). I love that I can use this on myself and my 5-year-old instead of toting around multiple SPFs. It’s just reliable and always what I throw in my cart. — Katie McPherson, Associate Editor, Lifestyle & Entertainment

Tula Protect + Go Sunscreen Stick

Nothing makes me feel more like an actual adult woman than keeping this Tula sun stick in my bag. I swipe it on before runs, before park days, at the pool — it’s the best. It's super light and clear and so easy to glide on — no catching on the skin around your eyes, IYKYK — and it gives the most perfect dewy glow. It's also been used on my kids when they need extra, and not one child of mine has ever cried or said it stinks or that it's stinging their eyes (and I have very sensitive children who love to whine). — Samantha Darby, Senior Editor, Lifestyle & Entertainment

ALAB Anti-Pollution UV Sunblock SPF 50

Calling all sunscreen haters! I highly recommend ALAB’s anti-pollution SPF; whatever you don’t like about wearing sunscreen daily, this product probably eliminates it.

It sinks into the skin like a moisturizer and doesn’t feel greasy or smell like sunscreen at all. It’s specifically designed not to pill (which so many face SPFs do on me) so it can be worn under makeup, and I find that it really lives up to that promise. It doesn’t leave a white cast behind either, so you can wear it bare-faced too — it leaves you with a lovely, hydrated glow. It’s just really good stuff that’ll make wearing SPF daily so much more enjoyable. — Katie McPherson

Banana Boat Kids Sport Sunscreen Spray SPF 50

Spray sunscreen is better than no sunscreen at all, and the Banana Boat Kids Sport version is the best way to make sure my kids are completely covered and safe. It’s easy to use, doesn’t take a whole lot of product to work, and is super easy to apply. We’ve even impatiently sprayed it on before the kids are fully dry, and it doesn’t bead up and run off their bodies like other sunscreens. I’m pretty proud of the fact that my three kids have never had a sunburn like I had every summer as a kid, and this is the stuff we always use. Pool, playground days, soccer games — it works for everything. — Samantha Darby

Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion

This sunscreen is genuinely one of my favorites. It goes on smoothly, absorbs quickly without that heavy or sticky feeling, and leaves your skin looking healthy rather than chalky or white. It’s reef-friendly, vegan, hypoallergenic, and enriched with vitamin E to protect against free radicals. But that classic coconut scent is honestly half the reason I reach for it every time. — Katie Garrity, Social & News Editor

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50

To say that I’m obsessed with this stuff is quite possibly an understatement. I’ve long loved a tinted moisturizer moment, but too often they don’t come with built-in SPF protection. This does, plus it gives you a nice glow. It goes on very smoothly, hydrates, and is kind to your aging skin (read: it blurs nicely). I think I’m in love. — Kate Auletta, Editor in Chief

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50

I recently went on a vacation in the Southwest with a bunch of friends, one of whom brought a big bag of sunscreen samples for us all to try out while there. Out of all the options, this was the clear winner and crowd favorite! It’s just perfect in every way. It does its job, it feels great going on, the bottle design is great, and it works as a primer under any makeup. Yes, it’s more expensive than some of the other options out there, but this is a case where you can tell why and the value is there. My brand loyalty to Supergoop! continues. — Sarah Aswell, Deputy Editor, News & Social

Evie & Kay Neroli Nourishing Sunblock Body Oil

Body oil with SPF feels extremely counterintuitive at first, but I promise I have had every opportunity to burn to a crisp wearing this one and it has protected me fully every time. I love that this product feels hydrating and nourishing rather than sticky, and it smells so light and pretty. It’s just an interesting product category and, for $15, is totally worth a try if you don’t love the feel of traditional sunblocks. — Katie McPherson

Banana Boat Sheer Sensitive Body Lotion, SPF 50

My whole family recently used this entire line — they have a nice spray and face lotion, too — on vacation, and none of us got burned. It went on smoothly without any cast, and for the first time in like forever, I didn’t break out from face sunscreen. Highly recommend. — Kate Auletta

Cove Suncare Mist Me SPF 40

If you’ve been skipping daily SPF because every sunscreen feels greasy or heavy, Cove’s Mist Me is the one that will actually change that. It’s a zinc oxide mineral spray that goes on light, absorbs fast, and feels like skincare. It’s reef-safe, Leaping Bunny certified, free from parabens and chemical actives, and gentle enough for sensitive and acne-prone skin. — Katie Garrity

Naturium Dew-Glow Tinted Moisturizer SPF 50+

This is my go-to, everyday face SPF. The tint is barely there, but it’s just enough to even out my skin tone. It definitely adds some glow, and I like that it has a higher SPF than many other face sunscreens, which hover around 30. Plus, one tube lasts a really long time, even putting it all over my face and neck each day. — Katie McPherson

Tula Protect + Glow Daily Sunscreen Gel

I’ve always been an SPF moisturizer gal, but now the Tula Protect + Go gel is my absolute must-have for my face. Not only is it super light and not greasy or white cast-y, but it also has this magical, almost glitter-like glow to it that makes my whole face feel bright and fresh and lovely. Sometimes I wear this with no makeup on top during the summer and just a little mascara, and I feel like a sunshine fairy. No stinging, no watery eyes — just the perfect dewy face. — Samantha Darby

If you’re not happy with the occasional burns of last year’s sunny season, we hope one of our holy grails will help you protect your skin this summer.

]]><![CDATA[Will There Be An 'Imperfect Women' Season 2 On Apple TV+? Release, Renewal & Cast Updates]]>https://www.scarymommy.com/entertainment/imperfect-women-season-2-updateshttps://www.scarymommy.com/entertainment/imperfect-women-season-2-updatesMon, 04 May 2026 18:10:41 GMT
Apple TV+

When Apple TV+ first announced Imperfect Women, the buzzy new show was billed as a “limited series.” And, sure, sometimes that means no cliffhangers, no multi-season arcs, no waiting around for renewal news. That’s all she wrote, folks. But if recent TV history has taught us anything, it’s that limited series don’t *always* stay limited. Big Little Lies? On its way back after an extra-long hiatus. The Four Seasons? New episodes drop this May.

And after an explosive finale that left just as many questions as it answered, Imperfect Women has fans wondering: Could we possibly get a Season 2?

The Apple TV+ drama wrapped its central mystery — aka who killed Nancy (Kate Mara) — in its April 29 finale. On paper, at least, it’s a complete, self-contained story based on the book of the same name by Araminta Hall. Still… if you watched that ending, you’re probably right there with me in hoping we get more closure.

So, here’s everything we know about the possibility, including what the cast thinks.

So, will there be Imperfect Women Season 2?

Right now, Apple TV+ has not renewed the series for a second season. Thus far, it remains a limited series contained to one season.

That said, the door is still open.

Kerry Washington and Elisabeth Moss, who both star and serve as executive producers, have hinted that the story doesn’t quite feel finished yet… especially when it comes to the complicated dynamic between their characters, Eleanor and Mary.

In fact, some of Season 1’s most lingering questions center on that connection. What is really in these women’s history? And there’s a wink in the final few moments suggesting there may be something more between Mary, played by Moss, and Nancy’s widower Robert, played by Joel Kinnaman. Who, oh you know, just so happened to have a past fling with Eleanor. One year after the truth comes out, Mary and Robert are seen together again, and the show keeps it cryptic.

As Moss put it in post-finale interviews, that ambiguity was the point: The show wants viewers to ask questions it doesn’t answer. Washington has even encouraged fans to “demand” a second season to explore what comes next.

In other words, no confirmation — but definitely not a hard no.

What could Season 2 actually look like?

Because Season 1 fully adapts the book, any continuation would need to go beyond the source material.

However, there are a few clear directions the show could take:

  • The aftermath of the finale, especially Mary and Robert’s dynamic
  • Eleanor and Mary’s friendship, which ends on complicated but not broken terms
  • Prequel storytelling, potentially bringing Nancy back into the narrative by exploring the early years of the trio’s friendship

The creative team has also emphasized how collaborative and character-driven the show is, which makes a continuation feel entirely possible, even if it’s not planned yet.

What the cast thinks about what’s left to explore

When I spoke with Kinnaman and Corey Stoll, who plays Mary’s husband Howard, it was clear that the series’ biggest strength is how complicated and unknowable its characters are.

“The title itself is sort of sarcastic,” Stoll said. “Everybody is imperfect… it’s the pressure to be perfect, which is ludicrous. So in some ways the show is a celebration of everyone’s messiness.”

Kinnaman, meanwhile, took a more… personal approach to the show’s themes. “I think that I just don’t understand women,” he joked. “I’m going to therapy … I’m just really trying to figure it out. And this show was another piece of that puzzle.”

(It’s safe to say the show raises just as many questions as answers for viewers and the people in it.)

That ambiguity shows up in the relationships, too. When asked whether it’s more dangerous to be misunderstood or to assume you fully understand someone, Stoll didn’t hesitate: the latter. “I think this show certainly shows you that you can think you know somebody and be very wrong,” he said.

And, honestly, that overarching theme feels like a pretty deep well to mine. When asked whether he’d trust his character in real life, Kinnaman’s reaction was immediate: “Hell no.”

The trouble stems from Robert's lack of a clear sense of self. “[He] just doesn’t really know who he is, and I feel like he doesn’t have a strong set of morals,” explains Kinnaman. “He’s operating from this kind of empty place. I think to be a morally just person, you have to have a foundation where you know who you are, and he doesn’t. So I think he’s capable of betraying almost anyone.”

Which, if anything, makes the idea of a second season even more compelling. Because while the mystery may be solved, the people in it are far from being figured out.

]]><![CDATA[What To Know About ‘Know Your Rights University,’ The ACLU’s New Kids’ Series]]>https://www.scarymommy.com/entertainment/aclu-know-your-rights-university-kids-showhttps://www.scarymommy.com/entertainment/aclu-know-your-rights-university-kids-showMon, 04 May 2026 16:51:40 GMT
ACLU

For a lot of parents right now, one of the hardest parts of raising kids is the questions. Our kids are seeing and hearing and experiencing things that are practically unprecedented in our lifetime. So, the questions come. Big ones. Unexpected ones. Ones about fairness, rules, why things work the way they do (or don’t). I can’t even tell you how many times just this year I’ve found myself mid-conversation thinking, How do I even explain this in an age-appropriate way?

And that’s part of what inspired the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) to step into kids’ programming with their new animated series, Know Your Rights University. Designed to help kids understand everything from free speech to how laws are made, the stop-motion YouTube Kids show gives parents a much-needed assist in starting those complex and oh-so-important conversations at home.

Scary Mommy spoke with Brandon Lake, who conceptualized and directed the series, and Emily Patterson, Head of Marketing Channels at the ACLU, about why this show feels especially urgent right now... and what it looks like to teach kids about their rights in a way that feels engaging, not overwhelming.

Scary Mommy: For people who might not expect the ACLU to create a kids’ show, what made now the right time to step into children’s media?

Brandon: Feeling that kind of void in education, especially for civics right now, really made us want to use our own voice as an organization, to use our 100-year history and our vault of knowledge and lawyers, to try to help with the education of our country. I myself am a parent, educator, and animator. So, to me, it was very close to my heart to try to do something and create something positive for the world as well.

Emily: I feel like now is the perfect moment, and we really wanted the show to meet the moment — and it does. These kids feel like kids you know, they're asking questions that you hope that your kids are going to ask. And the teacher, Mr. Charles, he's answering the way that you hope you'll be able to when those questions are brought up.

Right now, one of the worst effects actually of the spate of attempts to ban books and censor what we're teaching in classrooms is the way that it chills other speech … it's convinced people, parents know well, that every facet of life is so highly politicized. But it's not controversial at all to teach kids about the power of their own voices, or how a bill becomes a law.

SM: What age group is this really best for, and how should parents watch it with their kids?

Brandon: We were thinking about the age range of about 8 to 11, but in the world of animation, you always still capture older and younger than that. That's the beauty of animation. It's such a visually interesting medium that younger kids can watch and still find things funny and playful. They might not get all of the content, but they can still enjoy what they're looking at.

Then, for adults, you kind of get to under-the-radar still watch content that's also maybe been distilled down a little bit. So you're like, ‘Oh, that is what that means. I did not think about that.’ If you were to watch the old school Schoolhouse Rocks, they still have value in them, and I think that's important, that it can capture all mediums and still be a playful thing.

SM: The episodes contain cultural touchstones like Tinker v. Des Moines, but also James and the Giant Peach. How did you decide which specific real-world things to pull?

Brandon: When we were coming up with the ideas, part of it was trying to think of what is foundational to what we are at the ACLU. What do we think is important to convey to our audience, to kids, especially at times when people might be looking for answers? And having a kid myself, I can't answer every question he asks. There are so many questions. But I can try to at least build a base that he can then hopefully infer other ideas from, or come up with his own conclusion. He's only 3. So I mean, that's a stretch, but at its core, that's I think what we were striving for here.

Emily: We wanted to make sure that Know Your Rights University taught kids the power they already have and the way they have a role in the world around them and in the systems they're starting to figure out and make connections about. And these felt like topics that are timeless. They're showing up no matter where in the country you live, no matter what grownup is watching this with you. It could be your educator, it could be a caregiver who's not a parent, it could be your parent. It feels like something that there are real-world examples, if a child were to especially light up and have a lot of follow-up questions from there.

These just felt like a really good entry point for showing kids that the things they're paying attention to don't happen accidentally. They happen through systems and choices that people make, and that kids are powerful enough to affect.

SM: We're talking about reaching kids who maybe aren't getting a strong civic education in school, and maybe even at home. There's a gap there. What does knowing your rights look like for a kid in their everyday life?

Emily: One of the things we talk a lot about at the ACLU is the way that once you know this information, it's not a magical solution. It doesn't mean that violations of those rights never occur. It means that you recognize that when it happens to you, you know that you might have recourse and what you can do next.

So to us, a child knowing their rights after watching this program would have follow-up questions if they're told that the book they would like to get at their public school library is not available to them. Or if a unit that has been taught in their social studies course for many years is suddenly removed after a school board vote. What we would like is for kids to raise their hand and ask to know more about that, and know that they're not just showing up to school — especially as public school students — beholden to what adults have decided for them without any sort of friction in that conversation.

That's something adults have to grapple with as well. Knowing my rights does not necessarily mean that all systems will do what they should do. It means that I can recognize and advocate for myself.

Brandon: Just that idea of feeling confident enough to ask a question. In school sometimes you might be wondering whether or not something's right or wrong, but you don't know if you heard it somewhere before, so then you might keep quiet. Ask questions; there's no end to what you can ask.

Just ask more questions. Yes, as parents, we get tired of questions, but still those questions are really what help us grow, and I think it's so important.

SM: What else should we be doing? What can I do that’s attainable and actionable as a regular parent who, like everybody else, feels very overwhelmed right now?

Brandon: We have already started creating a bunch of supplementary materials on our website, so KYRU will have a page dedicated to it that can hopefully assist parents, kind of as an informational jumping-off point. The general ACLU website has a bunch of extra information too … that's one thing we want parents to also look into. And obviously not just us, the world exists, the internet exists, but parents also finding out more helps all of us in the end.

Emily: Go to the ACLU Know Your Rights landing page, and look at other things that are relevant for your child, or family, or for your community. There are immigrant rights, protestors' rights. If you are going to vote this fall, talk to your kid about what's on the ballot, and how it's going to impact their life, what money that a politician gets to decide to spend on their behalf, and laws that will be passed, and how it will impact their life.

Showing kids the friction and the uncertainty of existing in our democracy is one of the best ways to prepare them for an adulthood where, I think we can all agree, we don't have all of the answers. We're still also trying to assert our autonomy and power in the world.

You can watch Know Your Rights University here, and check out supplemental materials on the ACLU’s companion page.

This conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.

]]><![CDATA[The Swedish Sleep Hack That Might Save Your Marriage]]>https://www.scarymommy.com/lifestyle/the-swedish-sleep-hack-that-might-save-your-marriagehttps://www.scarymommy.com/lifestyle/the-swedish-sleep-hack-that-might-save-your-marriageMon, 04 May 2026 15:09:16 GMT
Photo and Co/The Image Bank/Getty Images

Generous parental leave, amazing meatballs, decluttering that just makes sense… Sweden famously gets a lot of things in life right. But what if the secret to a happy marriage is also hiding in a Scandinavian bedroom?

You see, in Sweden (and other parts of Scandinavia), it’s totally normal for couples to each have their own duvet. Yes, two blankets for one bed. The idea is simple: no more middle-of-the-night tug-of-war over covers, and everyone can sleep under whatever thickness — or thinness—they prefer.

Swedish photographer Cecilia Blomdahl shows how it’s done in this TikTok:

“Yes, we have two duvet covers here, and I could never live with one,” she explains. Her video blew up, with commenters chiming in: “2 duvets save relationships” and “I’ve been with my husband 15 years and I always recommend separate blankets!”

As a Swede myself, I thought this was normal. My husband, however, is not Swedish, and so in our house, we’ve just always had one duvet. That is, until our sleep started to get complicated. Thanks to some bizarre weather (is it winter or spring? Who knows) and a radiator acting up (don’t ask), we were basically living zombies every morning. Except we were waking up sweaty, cranky, and resentful. (Is there anything that screams “marriage” more than two people arguing over who is more tired the next day?)

My husband is a hot sleeper who insists his feet escape the duvet. I am a cold sleeper who wants to cocoon myself in warmth. One duvet was supposed to satisfy both of us. Instead, it became a nightly tug-of-war, alternating between shivering and sweating as we wrestled for blanket dominance. (You’d think he could just sleep with less of the blanket and I could just sleep with more — but somehow, this never happened.)

Maybe your situation is different: maybe you’re the hot sleeper, and your partner is living the blanket taco dream. But just like two people cannot be married and agree on how to properly load the dishwasher, I firmly believe two people cannot be married and agree on the perfect sleeping environment.

Enter the Scandinavian sleep hack. Now, we each have our own duvet and, well, it’s been awesome. Here’s why:

  • Temperature control: Thick, cozy blanket for me; thin, airy blanket for him. Everyone wins.
  • Uninterrupted sleep: No more waking up buried under stolen covers or being jerked awake by a rogue foot trying to get some air.
  • Kid-friendly flexibility: When a tiny person inevitably joins the bed, it’s a little easier for everyone to get the right amount of warmth. (They’ll still kick us, however, but you know… slightly less.)

We don’t have any furry friends at home, but I’d bet this Scandi set-up would be ideal for pet owners too, even allowing the dog to jump in without starting a full-blown blanket battle.

As for cuddling, it’s basically the same — especially if you’re like us and have a king-sized mattress that naturally gives you a little personal space. (But that’s a story for another article.)

The only real hiccup is aesthetics. You’re probably going to want matching duvet covers. Our first attempt involved stealing one of the kids’ covers, which worked fine but definitely lowered the “adult cozy” vibe of the bedroom. And yes, it does add another bed sheet to the laundry basket each week, but with three kids, I’m forever doing laundry anyway.

Bottom line: Two duvets and one bed means zero blanket wars. Honestly, I’d call that a marriage win.

Alexia Dellner is a mom of three, writer, and editor with bylines in PureWow, Women’s Health, SHAPE and more. She writes about parenting, travel, wellness, life hacks, and surviving the chaos. You can find her on Instagram @adellner.

]]><![CDATA[All The Teacher Appreciation Week Freebies & Discounts We Could Find For 2026]]>https://www.scarymommy.com/lifestyle/teacher-appreciation-week-freebies-discounts-2026https://www.scarymommy.com/lifestyle/teacher-appreciation-week-freebies-discounts-2026Mon, 04 May 2026 14:47:22 GMT
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Teachers are some of the most heroic, influential people in our country — dealing day in and day out with so many challenges, all because they care about our children and their futures. In a world where things often feel bleak, thinking about the work you educators do every single day is truly a light in the dark. You deserve so much more than one week of discounts, but at the very least, we here at Scary Mommy want to gather up the verifiable discounts we could find so you don’t have to hunt them down. These are the best Teacher Appreciation Week freebies and discounts of 2026 we could find. May you never pay for a single lunch between May 4 and May 8.

(One note: This list does not include year-round discounts brands offer to teachers, like Tarte’s year-round 40% off discount and Adobe’s big savings on creative programs. You can take advantage of those anytime.)

ALDI

From May 4 through May 8, anyone can nominate their favorite teacher to win $2,026 in ALDI gift cards at ALDIHonorRoll.com. No one will be mad if you nominate yourself, teachers!

Caribou Coffee

This one’s for teachers and nurses: Swing by a Caribou Coffee location on Wednesday, May 6, and receive a free large cold press or coffee of the day. Don’t forget your teacher ID! (This offer is only available in person, not via app or delivery services.)

Chick-Fil-A

Many Chick-Fil-A stores offer Teacher Appreciation Week freebies. Each franchise owner makes their own rules, but call the locations near you and ask if they’re running any specials for educators.

Chipotle

From now until May 12, visit Chipotle’s Teacher Thanks website to enter for a chance to win an e-gift card for a burrito on the house. Winners will be randomly selected on May 13 and asked to confirm their employment as an educator via ID.me within 48 hours.

Einstein Bros. Bagels

On Wednesday, May 6, nurses (and teachers) can visit Einstein Bros., show a valid work ID, and leave with one free bagel and shmear with the purchase of any other item.

FlutterHabit

From May 4 to 12, teachers and nurses alike can take 30% off FlutterHabit’s products (excluding bundles and kits) after registering through ID.me.

Hilton

Need a little vacay this summer? Four Hilton resorts in South Florida are offering special deals for teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week.

Hilton Cabana Miami Beach Resort — Get 20% your stay and a waived resort fee, complimentary valet parking for one vehicle, and $100 in resort credit. To book this rate, teachers can use this link or booking code P1 over the phone. Offer is available for travel May 1 through September 7, 2026, with a minimum two-night stay.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Deerfield Beach Resort & Spa — Receive 30% off your stay and complimentary self-parking. Book using this link or booking code PL5. Offer is available for travel May 1 through September 7, 2026.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Fort Lauderdale 17th Street — Save 30% on your stay and receive complimentary self-parking. Book using the link here or booking code PL5. Offer is available for travel May 1 through September 7, 2026.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Miami International Airport — Educators get 20% off their stay and complimentary parking. Book at this rate here or mention booking code PK5. Offer is available for travel May 1 through September 7, 2026, with a minimum two-night stay.

Insomnia Cookies

You deserve a warm cookie after a long day. From May 5 through May 12, teachers who are Insomnia Rewards Members get a BOGO cookie deal with valid ID, in-stores only. Additionally, Insomnia Rewards Members receive 20% off of online orders of 50 to 200 cookie packs with code EARNEDIT26 — perfect for anyone catering a school event.

McAlister’s Deli

From May 4 through May 8, teachers and nurses can enjoy one of their delicious large sweet or unsweet teas, lemonade, Arnold Palmer, or any combination of those beverages. Just be ready to show ID.

Melissa & Doug

This beloved brand offers a year-round 15% off discount for educators, but from May 4 through May 8, they’re doing 25% off to show their appreciation.

MOD Pizza

For teachers and nurses, MOD Pizza is offering BOGO pizza and salads from May 4 to May 7. Just show your badge at the register when you order in restaurant.

Noodles & Company

This is a deal intended for anyone looking to cater lunch for teachers or nurses. From now through May 5, take 10% off orders of $150 or more with the code APPRECIATION2026.

Oka Brands

This reflexology-inspired footwear brand is offering 25% off with the code TEACHER25. The deal applies on all three of their websites: Oka Recovery, Okabashi, and Oka-B.

Peet’s Coffee

On May 5, visit Peet’s Coffee for a free small drip coffee, hot tea pouch, cold brew, or iced tea pouch with a valid school ID.

Potbelly

Teachers (and nurses) receive a complimentary cookie or regular-sized fountain drink with the purchase of any entrée between May 4 and May 12.

RaceTrac

During Teacher Appreciation Week, RaceTrac is offering teachers a free breakfast deal to recognize their dedication in the classroom.

From May 4 to May 8, teachers can receive one free 13.7-oz Dunkin’ Iced Coffee and a free RaceTrac classic breakfast sandwich. You’ll need to verify your teacher status with ID.me in the RaceTrac app or online at RaceTrac.com. Once verified, teachers will then receive an in-app coupon.

Samsung

Sign up for Samsung’s Education Offers Program, where the brand is offering exclusive deals for Teacher Appreciation Week. Teachers and educators can save up to 30% on eligible mobile phones, watches, accessories (like headphones), and more.

Scholastic Teacher Store

Use code TEACHERS at check-out during Teacher Appreciation Week and you’ll save...

  • $5 off orders of $50–$99.99
  • $20 off orders of $100–$149.99
  • $35 off orders of $150–$199.99
  • $50 off orders of $200+

Shake Shack

From May 4 to May 12, teachers and nurses can enjoy a free single ShackBurger (or veggie option) with any purchase. This deal can be redeemed in-Shack only with a valid school ID.

Whataburger

On May 7 from 5 to 9 a.m. local time, teachers can stop by Whataburger for their choice of a free breakfast on a bun, honey butter chicken biscuit, or breakfast taquito. Just bring a valid school ID.

Aside from these specials and deals, there could be many more out there. Many businesses don’t advertise their discounts much online but have run them year after year — we say there’s no shame in calling Applebee’s and seeing if they’re still doing free apps for educators. You deserve those mozzarella sticks.

]]><![CDATA[80 Genius New Things That Are Getting Super Popular]]>https://www.scarymommy.com/shopping/genius-new-things-that-are-getting-super-popularhttps://www.scarymommy.com/shopping/genius-new-things-that-are-getting-super-popularSun, 03 May 2026 23:31:13 GMT

These genius new things are gaining popularity — and once you see them, you’ll get why. Let’s just say they’re the clever, solve-a-real-problem kind of products that start off under the radar and then take over group chats, carpool conversations, and late-night scrolling sessions. Check them out, so you can tell your friends that you discovered them first.

Scented Gel Pens That Smell Like Coffee

These coffee-scented clicky pens have an average 4.6-star rating from over 11,600 reviewers. Each cushioned grip is infused with a different fragrance, and the black gel ink is bold, smooth, and quick-drying. “These gel pens smell so delicious,” wrote one reviewer — plus they “feel comfortable in the hand and write perfectly.”

A Handheld Scrubber That Makes Cleaning So Much Easier

Clean any flat surface in record time thanks to this handheld scrubbing brush. The top has an ergonomic handle for a comfortable grip and easy leverage, while the bottom uses a stiff yet gentle textured sponge to remove built-up grime without scratching your fixtures. Use it on tiles, shower walls, tubs, sinks, and countertops to make chore day a breeze.

A Powerful Suction Vibrator Shaped Like A Strawberry

This strawberry-shaped suction vibrator is shockingly powerful for its size, with 10 intensity settings and the ability to run for an entire hour on a single charge. The waterproof silicone design is easy to clean (and compatible with shower activities), and the vibrator is so quiet, you'll be wow'd by how strong the suction is. It comes with its own charging cord, so you'll never forget to plug it in between uses. Act fast for an extra 15% off at checkout with the code EXTRA15BERRY.

An Under-Eye Stick Infused With Caffeine

This under-eye balm is designed to give you bright, rested under-eyes in one easy step. Caffeine boosts circulation to reduce dark circles, retinol minimizes unwanted wrinkles, and ceramides infuse the skin with moisture to improve elasticity. Last but not least, it comes in a convenient twist-up tube for easy, mess-free application, no matter where you are.

A Rechargeable Bunny Night Light That Changes Colors

It looks adorable sitting on your (or your kid’s) bedside table, but this bunny night light is actually a practical addition to your space. Squeeze its satisfyingly squishy silicone tummy to turn it on, creating a soft glow that lights your way around the house after dark. It’s rechargeable for up to 10 hours of cord-free use and lets you choose between 16 color options. You can also get it in dinosaur or unicorn designs.

An Endoscope Camera With Countless Uses

You’ll find countless uses for this waterproof endoscope camera, including exploring HVAC vents, looking inside wall cavities, peeking behind furniture, inspecting clogged drains, and peering under the hood of your car. On one end of the 16.4-foot cord, it has an HD camera with an LED light, and on the other, it has a three-in-one adapter plug that fits Micro USB, Lightning, and USB-C phones, so you can use your phone as a screen. This set also includes hook, magnet, and mirror attachments.

A Gel Polish Set For Jelly Nails At Home

The jelly nail trend features an ultra-shiny, semi-sheer finish, and this gel nail polish set helps you achieve a satisfying jelly nail manicure at home. It includes six polishes in varying shades of purple, and the formula is buildable so you can adjust the coverage from sheer to opaque. When cured underneath a UV light with a base coat and top coat, they’ll last up to four weeks without chipping.

A Brush That Detangles, Smooths, & Defines Your Curls

“My curls have never looked this good,” one reviewer wrote. The curl-defining Candybrush has rounded nylon bristles to detangle, boarshead-like bristles to distribute oils, and an edge-tooth design to automatically separate strands into curl-friendly clumps. It also has a vented spiral paddle that hugs your scalp and a pointed straw handle for sectioning.

Cute Straw Caps For Your Travel Tumbler

Designed to fit 30- and 40-ounce Stanley cups, these straw caps come in a set of 10 different colors and look like adorable mini tumblers. They’re made from food-grade, BPA-free silicone, and they slip onto the end of your straw to mark your travel cup, prevent leaks when you’re on the go, and keep your beverage free from dust, bugs, and germs.

A Callus Shaver That “Works Disgustingly Well”

“Works DISGUSTINGLY well,” wrote one reviewer who tried foot buffs and chemical peels to soften their callused heels, but this callus shaver set blew those methods out of the water. Made from stainless steel, it has an angled handle for leverage and 50 replaceable blades that aim to remove dead, rough skin in record time.

Anti-Fatigue Mats That Cushion Your Joints

Place these anti-fatigue mats in front of your sink, stove, washing machine, standing desk, or bathroom vanity. The thick foam interior cushions your feet and joints to make standing way more comfortable, while the waterproof PVC surface wipes clean of dirt, spills, and splatters. They’re also undeniably stylish thanks to their scalloped edges and quatrefoil texture.

A 3-Tier Organizer For First-Aid Essentials

Declutter your medicine cabinet and keep all of your first-aid essentials in one accessible, portable place. This medicine organizer has three tiers of storage for pills, supplements, bandages, wraps, ointments, and more. It also has reinforced buckles to seal the trays together and a swing-up handle so you can grab it and go in an emergency.

A Dishwasher Magnet Cover Panel That Helps Bring Life To Your Kitchen

Liven up a dull kitchen with this design-forward dishwasher magnet cover panel that brings a bold floral touch. The magnetic backing lets it snap right onto most dishwashers, while the size and shape cover the front neatly. It’s easy to reposition, can be trimmed, and doubles as a decorative accent that can also work on metal cabinets or the fridge.

An Under-Sink Organizer That Keeps All Of Your Necessities Together

This under-sink organizer keeps trash bags, dishwasher pods, and laundry detergent powder all in one spot. It’s designed with separate acrylic compartments for each type of item, making it easy to see what’s running low. It includes accessible tops for quick refills and a layout that keeps multiple items organized without taking up extra space.

An Indoor Hanging Planter Set That Can Hold Up To 20 Pounds

Step up your plant mom vibes with this three pack of hanging wall planter stands. With a modern design, the metal frames and integrated hooks make mounting on walls, windows, or entryways straightforward. The stands fit 3- to 5.5-inch plant pots and can hold up to 20 pounds.

Solar Stair Light With 13 LEDs & A Waterproof Design

Outdoor lighting gets a big upgrade with this six-pack of waterproof solar stair lights. Each unit features 13 bright LEDs that cast a warm white glow, along with a built-in solar panel that powers everything without wiring. The triangular design fits against steps, decks, patios, and sidewalks, keeping the light directed downward. An auto on/off function handles operation from dusk to dawn.

Motion Sickness Glasses & Liquid-Filled Horizon Travel Aid

If motion sickness is real in your family, check out these quirky yet helpful motion sickness glasses. The circular, lens-less design uses fluid-filled rings to create what’s called an artificial horizon in your field of view, meant to line up visual cues with your balance sensors. Made with a flexible TPE frame, the glasses bend to fit adults or kids. “The design is genius,” wrote one reviewer, who added, “no hassle, no side effects, just relief.”

A Plant Terrarium Propagation Station With Heart-Shaped Glass

A plant terrarium propagation station like this gives you a spot for greenery while doubling as a conversation piece. It consists of a wooden stand with a natural finish that holds three heart-shaped colored glass vases. The glass vases are removable and sized for cuttings, bulbs, or small stems.

A Car Lip Balm Holder With A Clip-On Design

A car lip balm holder keeps your lip balm exactly where it belongs: front and center. Designed to clip onto your car’s vent, visor, or console edge, this compact accessory adds a designated slot for a standard-size tube without cluttering your dashboard. The black finish blends in with most interiors, while the snug cylindrical opening keeps the balm upright and visible. “Genius invention. Absolutely my favorite car accessory. Getting everyone one for the holidays,” wrote one reviewer.

A Craft Ice Cube & Design Tray That Works In 5 Seconds

Turn a basic ice cube into a presentation, all thanks to this modern craft ice mold. It offers wind, fire, water, and earth-inspired patterns embedded right on its surface. It pairs a metal mold with a food-safe silicone base and warms quickly enough to transfer the themed designs onto your ice in about five seconds per side.

A Keychain Tracker With Apple’s “Find My” & A Bottle Opener

A handful of practical features that you might not expect from a key accessory exist within this keychain tracker. It connects with Apple’s Find My app for Bluetooth-based tracking via iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch, and it plays a sound when prompted. It’s built with a spring-style clip, a rotating hook, and two rings for sorting different keys, plus a built-in bottle opener.

Car Headrest Hooks For Backseat Storage Organization

With this two-pack of car purse hooks, your car organization will be on point. The hooks are made from faux leather and are designed to hang from your headrest posts. The shape curves to hold purses, bags, coats, or even grocery bags without slipping. The set includes multiple hooks, letting you spread storage across the back seat. Choose from black, beige, and brown.

A Squishy Hair Claw Clip With A Flexible Hold

This squishy hair claw clip is great for all hair types, with a durable design that grips without slipping. But more importantly, it’s flexible and so easy to use. The clip’s wide claws hold sections of hair securely, making it easy to style hair in twists, half-ups, or casual updos — and that’s true for thick, thin, or layered hair.

“For the first time ever, I have found a banana clip that actually stays in my hair. I am still in disbelief. It’s brilliant and incredibly comfortable,” wrote one reviewer, who added, “Genius design.”

A Rechargeable Mini Car Disco Ball With A Magnetic Base

Bring the fun to your commutes and road trips with this mini car disco ball. A sound-activated sensor syncs the RGB strobe patterns to nearby music or noise, while multiple color modes cycle through bold red, blue, green, and mixed combinations. The magnetic base includes adhesive metal plates for easy mounting on dashboards, ceilings, or other flat surfaces. It has a rechargeable battery and a USB charging cable.

A 2-Tier Magnetic Organizer & Hanger Holder That Multitasks

This genius multitasking magnetic hanger organizer for washing machines brings order to laundry rooms without taking up floor space. Its magnetic backing sticks to any metal surface, keeping any type of hanger in place. Two tiers hold a surprising number of hangers, and the compact design lets you slide it into tight spots.

Adjustable Closet Hangers That Can Each Hold Up To 18 Pieces Of Clothing

This five-pack of space-saving telescopic hangers comes with six holes that expand to nine, letting you tweak the width depending on what’s in your closet. The metal construction keeps them from bending under heavier jackets. Since each hanger can hold up to 18 pieces, the set can save approximately 85% of closet space.

A Candle Warmer Lamp With A Timer-Controlled Glow

This candle warmer lamp heats your candles and looks great while doing it. The 3D glass globe shade catches the light, while the antique-style base gives it a vintage nod without looking dated. It’s designed with a built-in timer with auto-off settings, as well as dimmable controls to adjust brightness levels.

A Sheet Pan Roasting Scoop With A Thoughtful Angled Design

This sheet pan scoop is built with thoughtful touches that make handling your veggies and other oven-baked goods simple. The wide, slightly angled scoop slides under items with minimal effort, while the low sides let you slide food onto plates or serving trays without tipping. It has a nonslip handle and heat-resistant construction.

A Rechargeable Candle Set With A Remote & Timer Feature

These rechargeable flameless tea lights come in a set of six with a compact charging station that keeps everything organized. Each of the six LED tea lights flickers with a realistic flame effect and runs on built-in batteries you can top off instead of replacing. A handy remote lets you switch them on or off, set a timer, or adjust brightness without getting off the couch.

Fruit & Veggie Peelers With Clever Finger Grips

These clever fruit and vegetable peelers come as a set of three, each designed ergonomically to comfortably slip over your fingers like a tiny kitchen glove. The stainless steel blades are sharp enough to tackle potatoes, carrots, and more, while the silicone body and rubber grip keep them from sliding around.

An LED Compact Mirror With Dimmable Light Settings

This LED compact mirror comes with double-sided 1x and 10x magnification, making it easy to see every detail. The 3.9-inch round design features three adjustable light settings that are dimmable, with an auto on/off sensor and memory touch switch that remembers your last brightness. USB charging keeps it ready for action.

A Fox Night Light With A Cute Design & Adjustable Glow

This adorable fox night light brings a playful touch to any desk or nursery with its soft LED glow and charming animal shape. Made from food-grade silicone, it’s built with safety in mind and is easy to clean. The two-level dimming lets you choose between a gentle nightlight and a brighter one. If foxes aren’t your favorite, there are four other animals you can choose from.

A Mulberry Silk Scrunchies Set With Brown & Neutral Tones

Standard elastics have nothing on this four-pack of mulberry silk scrunchies. Each scrunchie has a smooth satin finish and a gentle elastic core that keeps hair in place without pulling. They’re perfectly sized for ponytails or buns, and they come in warm neutral tones and various other color options.

Adorable Goldfish Magnets That Look Just Like The Snack

Hold photos, drawings, notes, and other fun stuff on your fridge with this set of six goldfish magnets. They are shaped as the classic snack everyone recognizes, the color pops against any fridge or magnetic surface, and the little details, from fins to smiling faces, give each magnet a playful personality. “They are really cute, and everyone who has seen them loves them. Magnet is strong!” wrote one reviewer.

An Ultra-Sharp Nail Clipper & Catcher That Keeps Things Clean

These stainless steel no-mess nail clippers bring precision to your nail care routine. The clippers feature an anti-splash design that traps clippings, so cleanup isn’t annoying. Built for both fingernails and toenails, the heavy-duty blades are ultra-sharp, cutting through nails with a clean edge every time.

A 3D Wooden Flower Puzzle That Doubles As Decor

This 3D flower puzzle brings together tiny wooden pieces that click into place without glue. The chamomile design comes with detailed petals and a layered structure that makes it look surprisingly lifelike, but you can also choose from 16 other types of flowers. The kit includes everything you need, from numbered pieces to an instruction guide. When it’s done, it serves as a memorable piece of decor.

A Clever Cat Clock That Includes Built-In Sleep Training Cues

Give your kids (or perhaps yourself) a better routine in the morning with this “OK To Wake” clock. It features visual wake and sleep cues with color-coded lights and eye expressions to communicate bedtime versus wake time, plus a night light with 10 lighting modes to suit different moods. You get two alarms, so morning and bedtime reminders are separate, an auto-off timer to stop lights/sounds when you want, and built-in sleep-training cues.

Magnetic Cable Organizers With Adjustable Clips & Strong Adhesive

This six-pack of magnetic cable organizers keeps cords in line. Each clip has a one-second lock system that snaps your wires in place, and the magnets let you adjust positions. The strong adhesive sticks to nightstands, desks, kitchen counters, or car interiors, and the smooth design lets cords slide in and out without hassle.

An Instant Smudge Fix For Nails That Reviewers Call A “Game Changer”

If you DIY your manicures at home, this instant smudge fix will be your new best friend. It comes in a 0.4-fluid-ounce bottle with a precision brush that makes application simple. Its clear formula dries quickly and doesn’t leave streaks, letting your polish stay sharp during those on-the-go touch-ups. “This product is a game changer! It does a great job smoothing any small imperfections and has saved me so much time,” wrote one reviewer.

A Stainless Steel Crinkle Cutter Knife For Veggies

Create fun shapes in your fruit and veggies with this crinkle cutter knife. The sharp stainless steel blade is designed to make wavy cuts in potatoes for homemade fries, and also works with carrots, cucumbers, and more. Its handle offers a simple grip while the blade’s ridged design ensures consistent, even cuts every time.

An Ocean Wave Bath Mat With Coastal Charm & A Nonslip Design

This ocean wave bath mat brings a coastal vibe to any bathroom or bedroom. Its tufted texture adds a funky, playful look, while the nonslip backing keeps it in place on tile or hardwood. Machine washable for easy cleanup, this rug works in kitchens or small entryways, too.

A Wooden Stacking Toy Set That’s Earned 4.7 Stars

This 40-piece wooden stacking set brings a rainbow of “rocks” in all kinds of shapes and sizes. Each piece is nontoxic and crafted for safe play, while the natural wood adds a classic touch. Already racking up an overall score of 4.7 out of five stars, the variety of colors and shapes makes arranging and stacking endlessly interesting for little ones.

A Golden Girls Dishwasher Magnet That Brings Retro Charm

This dishwasher magnet brings a bit of retro charm to your kitchen with a playful nod to the iconic show. It has a clear “Clean” indicator on the front and “Dirty” on the back. The magnet sticks firmly to metal surfaces. If you’re going to empty the dishwasher, you might as well have Rose and Blanche’s support.

Korean Exfoliating Gloves That Are Chemical-Free

These Korean exfoliating gloves are reusable and chemical-free, making them a simple, low-maintenance addition to any bathroom routine. They are designed for deep exfoliation, and the gloves are lightweight enough to maneuver easily around arms, legs, and hard-to-reach spots. The set includes two gloves.

An Adjustable Kitchen Organizer That Slides For Accessibility

Reshape your kitchen drawers with this sliding drawer bin. Its expandable design stretches to fit different drawer widths, and a sliding mechanism lets you move the bin from side to side to reach stuff underneath. The adjustable compartments mean you can store utensils, snacks, or small gadgets. “If you have deep drawers,” wrote one reviewer, “this slides side to side so you can access items underneath it. Genius!”

A Nighttime Retinol Oil With Vegan & Cruelty-Free Ingredients

If you’ve been looking to add to your nighttime skin-care routine, check out this retinol oil. The oil combines retinol with a blend of plant-based oils that are vegan, cruelty-free, and made without harsh additives, letting you layer it under your favorite moisturizer. The dropper makes measuring easy, and the bottle’s design keeps the oil protected from light and air.

Plant Grow Bags With Water-Permeable Fabric

These plant growing bags come in a four-pack of 5-gallon containers sized for balconies, patios, or backyards. The bags are made with water-permeable fabric that allows excess moisture to drain through the sides and base, helping maintain balanced soil conditions. Reinforced handles are stitched onto the sides for convenient lifting and repositioning.

An Expandable Desk Hutch & Organizer That Has Adjustable Shelves

Organize your desk in the way you’ve dreamed about with this easy-to-assemble shelf organizer. Available in light and dark brown in a wood finish, the organizer fits over most desks. The shelves are adjustable, letting you change the height depending on what’s on display — books, supplies, or decorative bits. Open compartments make it easy to see everything.

A Cream Blush & Lip Tint That Adjusts To Your pH

This pH-activated cream blush stick comes in a twist-up stick that makes application quick and precise. The color is designed to adjust to your natural pH, so each time you apply it, it delivers a slightly different tint, adding a custom touch to cheeks and lips. It’s multi-use and suits many skin tones.

A Mini Food Keychain Set For Soup Lovers

You’ll be impressed with the tiny details that make up this 10-piece set of mini food keychains. Perfect for soup lovers, the keychains, crafted from high-quality PVC, consist of tiny noodle bowls with bold, intricate paintwork. The designs don’t repeat, so you get 10 different keychains to keep or give away to your favorite people.

A Mini Coloring Book Set For Adults With No-Bleed Paper

Small but thoughtfully made, this adult mini coloring book variety pack keeps details front and center. The set includes five different books (you can choose from a variety of designs), each measuring 3 by 3 inches, making it easy to tuck away. Each book has 50 pages and a lay-flat binding that stays open while pages are being used. The paper is thick to prevent bleeding.

Hydrating Sheet Masks With Retinol & Hyaluronic Acid

These USA-made collagen face masks come as a set of seven two-piece cloth masks designed to sit over your T-line & V-line for targeted coverage. They’re formulated with a blend of collagen, retinol, and seven types of hyaluronic acid to bring a concentrated essence that’s comparable to a full bottle of serum. The masks are meant to conform to facial contours without slipping or bunching.

An Ocean Wave Shower Light With A 3D Water Ripple Effect

Use this fun shower light to project moving ocean waves with a 3D ripple effect in your bathtub. The rechargeable shower light is waterproof and sits right in your tub or shower without any cords getting in the way. The color settings are easy to switch with a simple button, and the battery charges quickly for next time.

A 40-Inch Weighted Llama Plush & Body Pillow That Steals The Spotlight

Get ready for this stuffed llama plush pillow to totally steal the spotlight on any bed it sits on. This 40-inch llama is all about coziness. The bold presence of this body pillow consists of a weighted body that adds a little extra heft without being overwhelming. The details — from the tiny ears to the embroidered facial features — keep it playful.

Easy Hair Boost Clips With A Curl-Friendly Design

The 10-piece set of root clips fits thick or curly hair without slipping. Each clip has a curved, claw-style shape that lifts roots for natural bounce and adds dimension while keeping strands separated. The spring mechanism is strong enough to hold sections in place, yet the lightweight design lets you stack them for more volume.

A Portable Laser Level With Magnetic & Multipurpose Lines

The portable laser level packs a lot into its mini torpedo frame. It projects a 15-foot cross leveling line and clings to metal surfaces thanks to its magnetic backing. Measuring edges, corners, or walls is easier with the built-in bubble indicators, while the compact size keeps it handy for tight spots.

Star-Shaped Keycaps That Bring Some Whimsy To Your Work Station

Made for customizing a mechanical keyboard, this four-pack of star keycaps lets the light shine through in four vibrant colors. Designed for gamers and keyboard enthusiasts alike, they bring a whimsical touch without feeling overwhelming. They’re easy to swap in and make a subtle, yet fun statement.

An Absurd Yet Fun 30-Minute Party Card Game Of Choices

Priorities Game is packed with cards that put bizarre scenarios side by side, asking players to pick which option they’d rather face. The deck is organized by categories that range from everyday dilemmas to outlandishly ridiculous situations, keeping rounds fresh and unpredictable. It’s designed for two or more players, runs about 30 minutes, and comes in a compact box that’s easy to bring to parties or on trips.

A Heat-Resistant Bathroom Sink Cover for Extra Counter Space

Made from heat-resistant silicone, this bathroom sink topper is perfect for holding your hair tools, makeup brushes, skin care, or small beauty gadgets. Its foldable, compact design fits most small sinks, giving you extra counter space in cramped bathrooms. The mat’s simple, flat shape makes it easy to position over the sink, and the material cleans easily.

Beeswax Bread Bags That Can Be Reused

If you’ve taken up bread baking, or you enjoy buying a fresh loaf, this two-pack of cute beeswax bread bags will come in handy. The 17-by-13-inch bags are lined with natural beeswax, making them reusable while only requiring a gentle wipe-down. The size works for everything from loaves to rolls.

A Disposable Hair Catcher That Saves Plumbing & Patience

While using this hair catcher shower drain mesh sticker pack, you’ll notice how well each sticker fits most drains and how the mesh design stops rogue strands from slipping through. The pack of 35 disposable stickers features strong adhesive on each one to keep the mesh in place, helping you save on both plumbing and patience.

A Wooden Chalkboard Tag Set With Pre-Cut Holes & String

Organization looks a little more put together when you’re working with wooden chalkboard tags. You get a pack of 24 tags, each measuring 4.33 by 2.5 inches, giving you plenty of space for clear labeling. The black writing surface is designed for classic chalk. Each tag comes with a pre-drilled hole and coordinating string.

A Portable Bluetooth Sticker Printer Featuring Ink-Free Thermal Tech

This sticker printer brings a host of thoughtful features to small-format printing. It pairs with Bluetooth, so linking to the companion phone app is painless and lets you tap into templates, QR code printing, charts, and basic edits right from your device. It uses ink-free thermal tech, meaning no cartridges or ribbons are needed, and it accepts a variety of 2-inch label and sticker papers.

“The inkless thermal tech is pure genius, producing crisp prints without the hassle of messy ink or pricey refills,” wrote one five-star reviewer. “Plus, it's a total team player, working seamlessly with both iOS and Android devices.”

A Magnetic Bookmark Set With Snarky Sayings & Secure Page Grip

A reader who tends to drift off mid-chapter can appreciate these two magnetic bookmarks that call it like it is. The page markers are printed with perfectly snarky phrases: “You Fell Asleep Here” and “You Were Right Here.” The magnets fold over the page to clip in place, creating a secure hold without being too thick.

A Charging Rack & Organizer That Can Power Up To 5 Devices At Once

This charging organizer corrals up to five phones or tablets into one of five vertical slots, all of which sit wide enough to hold devices with cases. The nonslip rubber feet help keep the rack where you set it without sliding around on your desk or nightstand. It currently has an overall score of 4.7 stars, with one reviewer saying, “It is sturdy, well made, and I think it will last for years.”

A Prank Kit That Includes 20 Fun (Yet Safe) Pranks

In this prank kit, you get a box packed with 20 practical jokes that take classic gags to the next level. It offers whoopee cushions, fake bugs, and wacky props that set up mischief with a wink. Clear labels on each piece make it easy to pick the right prank for any moment. It makes a good ice-breaker, plus, it was designed with child safety in mind.

A Ceramic Smiley Face Planter With Built-In Drainage

This rocking chair planter pot might just be exactly what you need to bring a little daily joy into your life. It’s made of ceramic and has a built-in drainage hole that keeps soil from sitting in water. The planter works for succulents, small flowers, or herbs, and it’s just as functional as it is adorable.

Mini Figurines Shaped Like Ocean Animals

Decorate your fish tank, add personality to your potted plants, or stuff them in goodie bags and stockings. These mini ocean animal figurines come in a set of 36 adorable designs — or you can opt for land animals, mushrooms, and holiday sets. They’re made from resin with semi-sheer, jelly-like colors, plus they’re waterproof and fade-resistant for durability.

A Mouse Pad With An Excel Cheat Sheet

This Excel cheat sheet desk pad has an average 4.7-star rating from over 3,000 reviewers. Yes, it protects your desk from stains and scratches while doubling as a cushioned, smooth-gliding mouse pad — but reviewers especially love its dozens of tricks, keyboard shortcuts, and formulas for navigating Microsoft Excel spreadsheets like a pro.

A 15-Foot Clothesline That Retracts Into Its Base

Mount this retractable clothesline indoors or out for up to 15.1 feet of drying space when you need it, and a barely-noticeable profile when you don’t. The sag-resistant steel wire pulls out of the base and locks into the bracket on the opposite wall to support up to 40 pounds of clothing and bedding. It’s also waterproof, rust-resistant, and comes with all the hardware you need for installation.

Metallic Markers That Write On Almost Any Surface

With over 23,000 five-star ratings, these bestselling metallic paint pens are a no-brainer for anyone who loves DIY projects. The non-toxic acrylic ink has a shimmery, vivid finish that’s compatible with tons of different materials, including plastic, wood, ceramic, glass, paper, and rocks. This set includes 12 colors, each with a medium-sized bullet tip that resists jamming and flooding.

Terracotta Disks That Keep Your Ingredients Fresh

Soak one of these terracotta disks in water and put it in your brown sugar container. The clay will release moisture over time to keep the sugar soft and fresh between uses. You can also bake them in the oven at 200 degrees Fahrenheit to remove all the moisture. Then put them in bags or jars of chips, cookies, crackers, rice, and spices to keep them dry or crispy.

A Minimalist Wallet With A Pop-Up Sleeve

This minimalist wallet has everything you need and nothing you don’t. Available in eight color options with RFID-blocking technology, it holds up to five credit cards in its pop-up sleeve, so you can push the lever to fan out your selection. It also has a clear window for your ID and a faux-leather pocket for cash, a housekey, or an AirTag — all in a slim, lightweight profile that fits comfortably in your pocket.

Bed Sheet Organizers That Transform Your Linen Closet

These bed sheet boxes let you stack your bedding vertically or horizontally on your shelves, transforming your linen closet so it’s neat, organized, and accessible. Each box holds a four-piece sheet set or a three-piece duvet cover set, zipping closed and folding up into a compact rectangle. They also have clear windows and label sleeves to identify the contents at a glance.

Cute Sheep Holders For Your Toilet Paper

Turn your extra rolls of toilet paper into adorable bathroom decor. These free-standing sheep holders are comprised of two pieces: cute, googly-eyed heads that stick into the cardboard tubes, and feet with curved bases that hold virtually any roll size. Since they’re 3D-printed from hard material, they’re durable and easy to sanitize.

A Portable Printer For Labels & Colorable Stickers

Available in five color options, this portable sticker printer uses thermal sticker paper instead of ink, so you can make black-and-white labels on the cheap. With Bluetooth, it syncs up to an app on your phone, where you can design tags, bar codes, and black-and-white photos. You can even print outlines, so you can color your very own stickers.

A Drill Attachment That Removes Car Decals & Bumper Stickers

Made from soft rubber, this eraser wheel is designed to remove decals and bumper stickers from your car without damaging the paint, stripping the enamel, or scratching the metal. It attaches to most standard handheld drills to reach up to 4,000 RPM with minimal effort on your part, and according to one reviewer, it “works like a champ.”

A 3D Puzzle That Creates A Planter Pot

Gardening and jigsaw puzzles are two of the most relaxing activities on the planet, and this 3D puzzle planter combines them into one. Available in 18 classic-inspired patterns, the project includes 80 curved pieces that fit together to create a waterproof succulent pot. It also comes with an insert that has drainage holes, so you can plant real greenery inside.

Secure Duckbill Clips That Don’t Poke Into Your Head

Unlike standard claw clips, these French duckbill barrettes have flat profiles that securely hold all types of hair in place without jutting into the back of your head. As a result, they’re comfortable to wear when you’re driving, working out, or lounging around on the couch. They also have a matte finish with a circular cutout design that grips hair while looking chic.

Rubber Ducky String Lights You Can Power 2 Ways

Power these multicolored rubber ducky string lights with AA batteries (not included) for cord-free use, or plug them into any USB port, including power bricks, laptops, and portable chargers. They span 10 feet and come with a remote control that lets you adjust the brightness, set automatic timers, and choose between seven lighting modes.

Clear, Easy-To-Clean Cases For Organizing Toys

Legos, building blocks, beads, art supplies, jigsaw puzzles, game pieces — store all of the aforementioned in these toy organizer cases, which file neatly on the shelf. They’re made from transparent, easy-to-clean PVC with double zippers, built-in handles, side labels, and external mesh pockets for instructions or manuals. You can also use them to store cosmetics and electronics.

]]><![CDATA[65 Bougie Things That Are So Cheap On Amazon & Utterly Brilliant]]>https://www.scarymommy.com/shopping/bougie-things-that-are-so-cheap-on-amazon-utterly-brillianthttps://www.scarymommy.com/shopping/bougie-things-that-are-so-cheap-on-amazon-utterly-brilliantSun, 03 May 2026 12:00:25 GMT

There are lots of little ways to make daily life more bougie and fun. Best of all, spending a fortune isn’t necessary: You can upgrade your home decor, beauty routine, and more for just a few dollars. Everything on this list not only happens to be brilliant, but also proves that “expensive” is more a state of mind.

A Hair-Identifying Spray That Shows Strands You Usually Can't See

This hair-identifying spray has gone mega-viral, and it’s easy to see why. You can spritz it onto your face and body to reveal hair you can't usually see. This helps you dermaplane and shave with the utmost accuracy. It's made with plant-based ingredients and has a subtle floral scent, so it feels like a spa treatment.

A Shower Steamer Tray That Lets You Control Water Flow

This shower steamer tray sticks to your wall or floor with sturdy suction cups. All you have to do is stick it on, add a shower steamer, and unwind. You can control its water flow with the top knob, which also lets you indirectly adjust its scent to be stronger or more subtle. After your shower, you can throw out your residue instead of clogging the drain.

Mini Magnets Complete With Faux Bouquets

These mini magnets are 3D, sticking out of your fridge for a charming touch. They come in a pack of eight, with faux bouquets in tiny jars. They're made with high-quality ceramic and glass, and all their materials are nontoxic and waterproof. Despite their small size, they're strong enough to hold drawings and report cards.

A Car Door Light With A High-Definition Projector & Motion Sensor

This car door light gets the party started before you even hit the gas. Its high-definition projector has 14 patterns, so you can choose the one that best matches your mood. Its motion sensor turns it on when you open the door, then off again when it's closed. You don't need a drill — or any tools at all — to install it. Choose between multiple design options.

A Projector Night-Light That Can Turns Off In The Morning

This projector nightlight works with any standard AC outlet. Its dusk-to-dawn sensor turns it on at night, then off again in the morning, saving power. Backed by a 4.7-star average, it projects a pattern on your wall and floor, bringing the starry night sky into your bedroom. You can choose from three brightness levels.

Under-Cabinet Lights With Motion Sensors & 3 Color Temperatures

These under-cabinet lights turn on when they sense you’re nearby. With three color temperatures, they're not just functional — they set the mood. You can use their built-in magnets or included adhesives, and either way, they won't budge. With bright LEDs, they're energy-efficient, lasting up to 50 days (yes, you read that right) on a full charge.

A Waterfall Incense Burner That Comes With 10 Aromatherapy Cones

This waterfall incense burner is made of sturdy ceramic. It comes with 10 aromatherapy cones, and it creates a stunning smoke effect that looks like a real waterfall. It also holds incense sticks, catching ash while they burn. Because it’s so visually appealing, it’s great for any room of the house, as well as yoga studios and spas.

A Stained Glass Window Film That Blocks UV Rays & Wandering Eyes

This stained glass window film protects your skin, furniture, and privacy. It blocks UV rays, preventing sun damage and keeping furniture from fading. While it allows natural light in, it obscures your home from outside eyes. You’ll also love its ornate design, with an intricate ironwork pattern that goes with any space.

Stackable Pantry Bins Made Of Recycled Materials

These stackable pantry bins instantly double your storage space. Their open-facing design lets you retrieve your food with ease. Each bin is 6.6 by 8.8 by 10 inches, fitting lots of produce, dry goods, baking supplies, and more. Best of all, they're made of recycled materials, making them a more eco-friendly choice.

A Pitcher Designed To Fit Into Tight Spots

This water pitcher has a gorgeous textured surface that makes it a great centerpiece. It works with hot and cold drinks, so you can use it for coffee and tea, too. It’s made of borosilicate glass, with a stainless steel lid and a food-grade silicone ring. With its ingenious flat design, it fits into fridge doors, and its handle adds a fun pop of color.

A Backseat Car Organizer With A Charging Hole In The Base

This backseat car organizer keeps snacks, drinks, and devices within reach. The hole in the base lets you charge your devices while you're on the road. Two seat hooks keep it fastened on car seats in any vehicle. It's easy to install and remove; all you have to do is hook it on. It measures 11.02 by 2.95 inches, and its carbon fiber printing matches most interiors.

A Cherry Blossom Lamp With 36 LED Bulbs & A Waterproof Design

This cherry blossom lamp turns any season into spring. With 36 colorful LEDs, it fills your space with a warm glow. You can bend and reposition its copper wires to create the custom branch design of your dreams. It's made of waterproof materials, and its nonslip base holds tightly to your desktop.

Flameless Candles With Remotes To Change Their Brightness & Set Timers

These flameless candles flicker and glow, just like the real thing, but without the fire hazard. You can use their remotes to set timers that turn them off after two, four, six, or eight hours. There’s no smoke or hot wax to worry about here. You can also brighten or dim them — try that with actual fire. (Just kidding. Please don't.)

A Sliding Appliance Tray That Does All The Heavy Lifting For You

Instead of picking up your blender, toaster, and air fryer, you can try this sliding appliance tray. It lets you move appliances around without straining your upper body. It can handle appliances that weigh up to 30 pounds. Plus, its minimalist design disappears under your gadgets, so it won’t mess with your kitchen aesthetic. Reviewers love it so much that they’ve given it an overall score of 4.5 stars.

Scented Drawer Liners That Are Non-Adhesive & Won't Leave Residue Behind

You can freshen up your dresser with these scented drawer liners — and leave no residue behind. That's because they're nonadhesive, with a linen scent that's subtle but noticeable. Each set comes with 10 sheets, and you can cut them down to fit your drawers. They release their fragrance slowly over time, keeping socks, underwear, and other clothes ready to wear.

A Mushroom Table Lamp Made Of Hand-Blown Glass

This mushroom table lamp is filled with LED lights for a whimsical glow. It’s made of hand-blown glass, with a colorful luster that's spray-painted for durability. It comes beautifully packaged, making it a great gift, and you receive four lamps with every purchase. Each lamp is a different height, but they're all under 5 inches tall.

A Fridge Deodorizer That Absorbs Unwanted Smells For Up To 10 Years

Talk about a smart investment — this fridge deodorizer lasts up to 10 years. It's made of stainless steel and fits in fridges and freezers alike. Using catalytic decomposition technology, it eliminates odors at the source, instead of just covering them up. It’s also fragrance-free and chemical-free, making it safe for sensitive noses and airways.

Toilet Bolt Covers Made Of Durable Ceramic With A Smooth Glaze

These toilet bolt covers are a cute, subtle way to add whimsy to your bathroom. They’re made of durable ceramic, with a smooth glaze for protection and shine. All you have to do is put them over your bolts — you don't need any tools or expertise. Their turtle designs make your bathroom feel like a beach house, even if you’re landlocked.

A Large Set Of Napkin Rings With Ornate Herb Designs

Anyone would love these napkin rings, but gardeners might actually be able to identify them. Each ring looks like a different herb, including parsley, sage, and rosemary. They're made of a sturdy metal that resists fading and corrosion, and they're highly unlikely to break or deform. Each one measures 1.5 inches in diameter, fitting nicely into napkin drawers.

Under-Bed Storage Carts With Clear Lids That Show You What's Inside

These under-bed storage bags are a smart way to stash out-of-season clothes. They hold up to 70 pounds, making them suitable for heavy linens, outerwear, and shoes. Clear lids show you what's inside at a glance. You can roll them out on their silent wheels, which swivel 360 degrees. Plus, they come in a two-pack, so you’ll have an extra.

A 3-Tier Shelf That Expands To Fit Your Space

This three-tier shelf doesn't just add storage space — it makes your sauces and spices more visible. By using your vertical space, it helps show you what you have and what you need to refill. You can expand it between 14.56 and 25.79 inches to fit most pantries, and each shelf is 3.5 inches deep.

Stackable Storage Organizers With Flat Bamboo Lids

These storage organizers fit trash bags, cleaning staples, and so much more. Their flat bamboo lids make them stackable, giving you double the storage. Stainless steel baskets make them waterproof, and they have smooth edges that won't poke. Large openings make them easy to refill when you run out of supplies.

A Crystal Beaded Curtain That’s Surprisingly Durable

This bougie crystal beaded curtain comes with 20 strings, each one a different height to form an arch. The beads are threaded with stainless steel wire for durability, and they let light shine through. You don't need to punch or drill into your doorway to install; you can just hang up each string in numerical order.

A Self-Draining Soap Dish Made Of Durable Ceramic

This self-draining soap dish is made of ceramic with a gorgeous marble pattern. It's positioned at an angle to let water drain away, keeping each bar dry. It has a weighted base for stability, and it measures 4.25 inches tall. You can use it on countertops, in the shower, and even in the kitchen to dress up your dishwashing station.

Sparrow Hinge Heads That Stick On With Sturdy Magnets

These sparrow hinge heads have sturdy magnets on their bases to stay in place. With an overall score of 4.6 stars, their detailed designs feature lifelike feathers, claws, and inquisitive eyes. Each set comes with three hinge toppers, measuring 1 by 0.7 inches. You can also stick them onto anything magnetic, like picture frames or fridges.

A Bathtub Tray Made Of Smooth Bamboo You Can Fold Flat

This brilliant bathtub tray has a cupholder, a screen stand, and extra compartments for your other bathing needs. Made of smooth bamboo, it has a beautiful wood grain. It expands between 28.5 and 40.1 inches, fitting the vast majority of bathtubs, and it has nonslip pads for extra safety. When it’s not in use, you can fold it flat.

A Boar Bristle Brush That’s Backed By 19,000+ 5-Star Reviews

If you’re looking to invest in a quality hair care, you’ll want to take a look at this popular brush with boar bristles. Created with natural wood, it’s great for redistributing oil, especially on dry hair. It’s known for its ability to detangle with ease, and as a benefit, can help massage your scalp. Backed by over 19,000 five-star reviews, one reviewer said it’s “Perfect for my thick curly hair when I need it to be pulled back!”, adding that it has a “Brilliant and sleek design”.

Picture Lights That Charge Fast & Last Up To 13.5 Hours Per Charge

With these picture lights, your paintings and posters will pop more than ever. They charge in just two and a half hours, then last for over 13 continuous hours. You can choose between three color temperatures, flash and fade modes, and 12 different shades. They come with a remote, but you can also tap to turn them on and off.

A Rain Chain That Makes A Soothing Sound During Stormy Weather

You’ve heard of sun catchers and wind chimes, but have you tried a rain chain? During stormy weather, it catches rain with a soothing sound. Its flower design brings brightness to dark skies, and its durable iron resists rust. It comes with everything you need for installation, and it's easy to DIY in minutes.

A MagSafe Car Mount With A Flexible Arm & A Strong Adhesive

This MagSafe car mount helps you see the map hands-free while driving. It sticks to your dashboard with a strong adhesive, and its flexible body lets you navigate from any angle. You can use it with just about any iPhone, too. Plus, its hook-and-loop fastener lets you remove it when it's not in use. “I am very satisfied! Its design is very clever. It can not only adjust the angle 360 ​degrees, but also bend easily to perfectly adapt to various angles and needs in the car,” wrote one reviewer.

A Clear Fridge Calendar That Comes With 8 Colorful Markers

With this clear fridge calendar, you can color-code your whole schedule. It’s also great for families and roommates, since you can give everyone their own color. Each calendar comes with eight markers and six powerful magnets to hold it in place. Extra space on the top and bottom lets you write notes and motivational messages to your loved ones.

Solar-Powered Garden Lights That Are Weatherproof & Turn Off At Dawn

These solar-powered garden lights charge during the day, then glow all night. At dawn, they turn off again, so you won’t have to deal with light switches or off buttons. Made of weatherproof materials, they'll shine through snow, rain, and sun. Their sharp stakes stay put, even in fierce winds, and their LEDs are both bright and energy-efficient.

A Ring Holder & Trinket Tray With A High-Quality Glaze

This ring holder and trinket tray looks like a little plant, but unlike the real thing, it lasts forever. Its high-quality glaze keeps it shining for years and years, just like your heirloom jewelry. Made of sturdy ceramic, it protects each piece from loss and damage. At 5.1 by 3.9 inches, it fits perfectly onto nightstands and dresses.

A Cordless Shower Lamp You Can Brighten With The Touch Of A Button

This cordless shower lamp is IP54 certified waterproof, making it safe for the bathroom and shower. Its battery lasts up to 16 hours on a full charge, so you can bring it into the great outdoors. It’s 10 inches tall, and it comes with a charging cable to keep it powered up. You can turn it on and off or brighten it with the touch of a button.

Soft Claw Clips With Sturdy Teeth For A Secure Hold

These flexible claw clips give you a perfect ponytail or updo in seconds. Made of bendable silicone, they let you painlessly lay back or rest your head. Each claw clip measures 4 by 2.56 by 1.37 inches, holding hair of any length. They work on curly and straight strands, pulling hair back so you can go about your business.

A Propagation Station With 3 Mushroom Vases Made Of Glass

This propagation station comes with three vases, so you can grow three beautiful plants. They’re shaped like mushrooms and made of a colorful yet clear glass. The glass lets you watch your plants grow in real time, tracking their progress like a proud parent. The set also includes a wooden tray that provides a sturdy, stylish base.

A Tablet Stand With Built-In Storage Compartments & 2 Pen Holders

This tablet stand turns beds, couches, and even cars into work stations. Its storage compartments and two pen holders let you carry work essentials from place to place. You can also adjust the angle of your tablet to protect your posture. With its faux suede fabric, the stand is both stylish and soft on skin.

A Sun Visor Extender That Also Blocks UV Rays

Driving on bright days is easier with this sun visor extender. With UV400 protection, it blocks up to 99% of UV rays, protecting your skin from the sun. It can also help with eye strain and fatigue, leading to increased safety on the road. It measures 12.6 by 5 inches, which means it fits in most standard vehicles.

Toilet Lights With Lots Of Colors & A Motion Sensor

These toilet lights help you safely use the bathroom without waking anyone else up. Their motion sensors turn them on and off, saving power, and they provide 16 color choices. They run on three AA batteries, and their materials are ultra-water-resistant for longevity. Plus, they come in a pack of two.

A Toilet Paper Storage Basket That Holds Up To 9 Mega Rolls

This toilet paper storage basket holds up to nine mega rolls. Its flat bamboo lid lets you store other things on top, while its handles make it easy to move around. Its Oxford fabric is waterproof, and through its clear side panel, you can see when you're fully stocked and when you need to refill.

An Olive Oil Sprayer With A Precision Nozzle & Measurements On The Side

With measurements on the side, this olive oil sprayer dispenses the right amount every time. The measurements are in ounces and milliliters, so you don’t have to do mental math while you cook. It's made of a BPA-free glass that's nontoxic, heat-resistant, and designed for repeated use without deteriorating.

Glass Stirring Spoons That Are Heat-Resistant Up To 1,472 Degrees Fahrenheit

These glass stirring spoons resist heat up to 1472 degrees Fahrenheit (though if your coffee is that hot, you should probably wait a second before sipping). They come in a set of five, packaged in a gift-ready box. Each spoon is made of borosilicate glass and has its own unique color scheme. With smooth surfaces and curved handles, they’re easy to use.

A Cord Management Box That Comes With 10 Cable Ties

This cord management box comes with 10 cable ties to keep you extra organized. Its sleek design makes a stylish addition to any desk setup. Made of sturdy materials, it's safe to use with electronics that might heat up. The slots on the sides let you charge your devices while staying organized and hiding clutter.

A Shopkeeper's Bell With A Magnetic Backing & Double-Sided Tape

This shopkeeper’s bell has a magnetic backing and also comes with double-sided tape, so you can use it on any surface. It rings when you open your door, making your (or your visitors’) presence known. Professionally tuned, it makes a soothing sound that can help clear away negative energy.

A Wall Outlet Extender With 5 AC Outlets & 4 USB Ports

This wall outlet extender is perfect for big families and roommates, since it charges up to nine devices at once. Its shelf is perfect for those chargers that, inexplicably, have teeny-tiny cords. Each extender has five AC outlets, three USB-A ports, and one USB-C port. It also has a nightlight, and it turns on automatically in the dark.

Rechargeable Shower Lights That Turn 15 Different Colors

These rechargeable shower lights turn 15 different colors, turning any shower into a dance party. You can pick one color or cycle through all of them. With their smart timers, they'll shut off after 30 minutes, an hour, or two hours. Their waterproof rubber covers protect charging ports and prevent damage.

A Wool & Cashmere Spray That Helps Remove Wrinkles

This wool and cashmere spray helps remove wrinkles and creases from your knitwear. You can choose the scent that best fits your vibe, from woodsy cedar to calming lavender. In addition to wool and cashmere, it also works on mohair, merino, and blended knits. Each bottle has 8 ounces, and just a spritz or two should do the trick every time.

A Colorful Wall Sconce That's Rechargeable & Remote-Controlled

This colorful wall sconce has a rechargeable battery, so you can use it in areas without an outlet. You can turn it on and off with the remote, as well as set a timer to shut it down after 30, 60, or 120 minutes. With its tulip shape and brass back plate, it combines the best parts of vintage and brand-new fixtures.

Floating Lotus Lights Made Of Waterproof Materials With Bright Bulbs

These floating lotus lights turn pools and birdbaths into magical gardens. Each light is made of soft foam with a bright bulb, and all their materials are waterproof. When you buy, you’ll receive 12 lights, giving you lots of decor options. They’re 5 inches in diameter, and they turn on when they touch the surface of the water.

A 2-In-1 Oil Diffuser & Salt Lamp That Fills Your Space With Soothing Scents

This two-in-one oil diffuser and salt lamp has an eye-catching faux flame. Compatible with any essential oil, it adds aromatherapy to your routine. It also has Himalayan pink salt crystals, which help boost the energy in your space. You can set a timer to turn it off, saving energy, and it’s quiet, which is great for bedtime.

A Couch Cup Holder With A Nonslip Base & Grooves For Mug Handles

This couch cup holder has a nonslip base that keeps it from falling off furniture. It also has three grooves that are specifically designed for mug handles. You can use it with sofa arms of 4.5 inches wide and above. Made of smooth bamboo, it’s easy to clean with a damp cloth and won’t stain in case of spills.

A Stovetop Cover Made Of Silicone To Resist Heat Up To 400 Degrees Fahrenheit

You can put pots, pants, and other hot cookware on this stovetop cover. Made of heat-resistant silicone, it can take temperatures up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. With raised ridges, it catches spills before they can reach your kitchen floor. It measures 28 by 20 inches, and if it needs a deep clean, you can toss it in the dishwasher.

Ceiling Fan Filters That Use Coconut Shell Carbon To Trap Allergens

Dust, pollen, and other allergens get caught in these ceiling fan filters, making it easier to breathe. Their coconut shell carbon is both effective and a highly renewable resource. As your ceiling fan spins, the blades will catch contaminants without using any extra energy or machinery. To replace them, you can simply peel them off and stick new ones on.

A Plush Couch Cover That Stops Spills & Is Machine-Washable

This plush couch cover stops spills from reaching your furniture. With its soft surface, it's perfect for snuggling with four-legged friends — and its waterproof backing can handle their accidents. Because it's machine-washable, it's easy to clean, and it won't fade or shrink over time. You can also use it outdoors for cozier camping trips.

A Coffee Mat Made Of Absorbent Diatomite To Keep Spills Off Countertops

This bougie coffee mat soaks up spills, keeping countertops clean and dry. It's made of diatomite, which is known for its fast absorbency, and it hides stains. With a rubber backing, it stays in place and keeps liquids from reaching the furniture underneath. You can choose from three sizes to find the best match for your office or kitchen.

Solar Garden Lights With Realistic Butterflies That Sway In The Wind

These solar garden lights bend and sway but they won't break. Made of weatherproof materials, they can last outdoors all year long, no matter the climate. Each butterfly is highly realistic, with vibrant, eye-catching colors. Their flexible iron stems keep them secure in the ground while they sway in the wind.

A Purse Organizer With Adjustable Dividers For Bags Of All Sizes

This purse organizer has two sturdy bases and eight dividers, which you can adjust. That custom spacing element lets you store bags of all shapes and sizes. Each divider has a curved edge that won't scratch or snag your bags. Because it's completely clear, it lets you see every bag in your collection at a glance.

A Satin Pillowcase That Protects Skin & Hair While Keeping You Cool

This satin pillowcase is definitely the most low-effort step in any beauty routine. It helps skin retain moisture, making products even more effective. It also reduces breakage, so your hair can grow long and strong while you sleep. Because it's made of satin and not silk, it's vegan-friendly. Curls, waves, and straight strands can all benefit.

Decorative Books With Textured Covers, Structured Spines, & Gold Lettering

These decorative books are a secret storage solution for anyone with a literary soul. Their textured covers and gold lettering make them look like real first editions. Meanwhile, structured spines make them sturdy enough for everyday use. You can open them up to stash remotes, reading glasses, and other living room must-haves.

A Ceramic Incense Burner That Also Works With Wood & Cones

In addition to incense sticks, this ceramic incense burner works with wood and cones. It's handmade in Jingdezhen, China, widely considered a world capital of ceramic art. It measures 7.5 by 5 inches, and it's made to handle heat. Since it weighs less than a pound, it’s easy to pick up and move when you redecorate.

A Waterproof Mouse Pad With An Extensive List Of Microsoft Office Shortcuts

If you use Word, Excel, or PowerPoint, this waterproof mouse pad is essential. It features an extensive list of shortcuts on all those platforms, plus a more general list of Windows shortcuts. It's 27.6 inches long and 11.8 inches wide, fitting onto most desktops, with a nonslip base. Plus, it’s fade-resistant, keeping it legible for a long time.

Peel & Stick Floor Tiles With No Grout Or Tools Needed For Installation

These peel and stick floor tiles don’t require any commitment on your part. All you have to do is, of course, peel and stick them into place, and their strong adhesives will do the rest. They come in a pack of 10, and each tile measures 12 by 12 inches. This way, you won’t need any grout or special tools to revamp your kitchen.

A Light-Up Note Board With 7 Colorful Markers & A Dry-Erase Cloth

This light-up note board might be the cutest way to leave reminders for your family. You you can also change the color of its lights for a customized look. The lights can also be customized to adjust how they blink and how brightly they shine. It also comes with a dry-erase cloth to refresh and rewrite, and seven colorful markers. “Perfect for both quiet play and fun family evenings. A brilliant mix of art, light, and endless fun in one frame!” wrote one reviewer.

A Toilet Paper Holder Made Of Rust-Resistant Metal With A Space-Saving Design

This toilet paper holder fits between the tank and the lid, saving floor space. It's compatible with most toilets, and you don't need any tools or hardware to install it. It fits up to three rolls at a time, keeping them within reach while you do your business. Made of rust-resistant metal, it’s scored a whopping average score of 4.8 stars.

Laundry Pod Containers With Pre-Printed & Customizable Labels

These laundry pod containers are crystal clear, so you can see when you need to refill. Each container has a smooth wooden lid and a wide mouth. When you buy, you'll also receive 16 waterproof labels; some are pre-printed, while others are blank. They come in a pack of four, so you can also store dryer sheets, scent boosters, and more.

]]><![CDATA["I Have To Shower Before Sex & It's Killing The Vibe"]]>https://www.scarymommy.com/lifestyle/i-have-to-shower-before-sex-its-killing-the-vibehttps://www.scarymommy.com/lifestyle/i-have-to-shower-before-sex-its-killing-the-vibeFri, 01 May 2026 21:46:59 GMT
Israel Sebastian/Moment/Getty Images

This story is an “as told to” and anonymous. The mom in this story is a mother of two, in her 30s, living in the Southeast.

I have never been fully confident in the bedroom. Even with my husband — and we’ve been married for eight years — I always feel a little nervous and never that sexy. He does all the right things. He encourages me, he physically and verbally validates me, he proves to me every day how much he loves me and how into me he is — and it’s helped, a little bit. But when it comes to our sex life, I’m still not great at initiating, I always feel like I’m doing something wrong, and there is zero spontaneity or getting carried away with the passion of it all...

Because I always have to shower before I have sex, and it’s kind of killing the vibe.

I think it started after I had our second kid. I wanted to be intimate with my husband, but I always felt gross, with curdled spit-up in my hair and unshaven arm pits and just generally not like myself. So I’d shower, shave, do all the things to make me feel good, and then we’d have sex.

From that point on, it kind of became a thing — if I said to my husband, “Hey, I’m going to take a shower” he knew I at least would be somewhat interested in him propositioning sex.

But now it’s gotten out of hand. Because if my husband tries to kiss me randomly or starts flirting, giving me his “let’s have sex” face, I immediately worry that I’m gross. I’ll do the math in my head, realizing I went to the gym the day before but didn’t shower, and now that’s old dirt with sweat dried on top of it and then new dirt and yuck. I’ll tell him, “I need to shower first” and while he’ll totally wait for me, I hate it — it feels like I’ve killed the whole vibe.

I was in therapy before all this started and have made sure it’s not some compulsion thing — it’s not like I’m a germaphobe or a freak about being clean. It’s just when it comes to sex. And I know I’m lucky — I have a husband who is so into me, he’ll wait an hour for me to shower and feel like my best self before we pick up where we left off — but I’d love to get rid of this weird thing of mine and just jump into my husband’s arms, even if my legs are hairy and I haven’t showered in 24 hours.

He promises me he doesn’t care, that I’m never “gross” to him, but he’ll do whatever it takes for me to be comfortable.

One of my friends always turns it around. “Do you think he’s disgusting if he hasn’t showered in a day?” and of course I say no. But why can’t I give myself that grace?

Maybe couples therapy would help. Maybe there’s something causing this insecurity of mine that I can’t quite name. But I don’t want my husband to think he’s done anything wrong. It’s just me. It’s all in my head.

Even a shower every day doesn’t help. Unless he suggests sex right after I get out, I just know that a few hours of chasing after kids, cleaning the house, and cooking meals makes me feel so gross and not sexy at all. Maybe the shower represents something else for me.

Or maybe I’m just that scared of my postpartum BO.

]]><![CDATA[“I Want To Eat My Friend’s Taco” & 44 Other Mom Confessions]]>https://www.scarymommy.com/lifestyle/i-want-to-eat-my-friends-taco-44-other-mom-confessionshttps://www.scarymommy.com/lifestyle/i-want-to-eat-my-friends-taco-44-other-mom-confessionsFri, 01 May 2026 15:16:50 GMT

Phew. I need everybody to get a nice beverage ready. A seltzer, a Diet Coke, a tequila soda — whatever you want — because we’re about to read some mom confessions regarding parenting, marriage, and a whole lot of sex, and I need you to be ready.

Because moms have a lot on their mind, day in and day out. And this week, our Scary Mommy Confessions show that moms are reaching the tipping point. Whether they’re fed up with their disobedient kids or officially over their tired, boring marriages, the moms have a lot to think about. And I really hope the one mom in here who wants to eat out her friend gets the chance (with consent and enthusiasm!) at some point.

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, head here.

]]><![CDATA[17 On-The-Go Summer Beauty Products & Essentials A Beauty Editor Swears By]]>https://www.scarymommy.com/shopping/on-the-go-summer-beauty-products-essentialshttps://www.scarymommy.com/shopping/on-the-go-summer-beauty-products-essentialsFri, 01 May 2026 15:01:43 GMT

Just like your wardrobe, your beauty routine probably changes with the seasons. In wintertime, don’t we all find ourselves drawn to jewel-toned nails and wine-red lips? As a Florida native and beauty-obsessed editor, I think summer beauty should lean into looking like you’ve been on a tropical vacation and laid out in the sun, without actually letting a single UV ray have access to your skin. Your products should stay put no matter how hot and humid it gets. They should be travel-friendly, able to tag along on flights, beach trips, and everything in between. Most importantly, they should not be fussy — “summertime and the living’s easy,” remember? We don’t want to be reapplying blush or checking for mascara smudges in the mirror all day.

These are the tried-and-true products I’ll be reaching for all summer (I know because I’ve leaned on them in many summers past) to make me look like I just spent two weeks in Tahiti, when actually I’ve been standing in my backyard near a sprinkler, at best.

A Gorgeous Summer Fragrance I Keep In My Pool Bag

You’ve probably seen Vacation’s very cool, nostalgic sunscreen packaging in your Instagram feed by now. If you’ve never tried anything from the brand, I say start with their Grand Cuvée body mist. It’s slightly warm and sweet, but elevated and just unlike anything else I’ve smelled. It boasts notes of argan, chardonnay, vanilla bean, sun-washed sails, cognac, and amber. I keep it in my beach bag to spritz on when I’m sweaty after being outdoors all day and we’re stopping for dinner on the way home (the slim bottle and sprayer design is perfect for on the go).

A Big Bottle Of Toner... For Your Armpits

If you haven’t seen people doing it on TikTok yet, many swear by using this stuff on a cotton pad and dabbing it under your arms to reduce discoloration, ingrowns, and body odor. You should definitely patch-test a small area if you want to try it, but I have found this trick drastically improved the razor bumps I always get in my armpits. Plus, anything that kills bacteria will help tamp down the stink when you’re sweating, and this seems to help on that front too.

A Gripping Skin Tint That Stays All Day

Summer makeup is all about two things for me: It should make me look fresh, sun-kissed, and glowy, and it should stay put through sweat and humidity. Milk Makeups Hydro Grip gel skin tint is my go-to most days, but especially in the summer. It’s a long-wearing formula that looks like your skin but better, and the coverage is buildable. I have to wear it a pretty long time for it to crease in my smile lines, but even then it’s only a little, and I can tap it out with my fingertips to fix. It’s just a solid, reliable product I reach for again and again.

The only downside is the packaging — it dribbles a continuous stream of skin tint, so you have to cap it immediately to prevent leaks. The fact that I continue to use it so often despite the annoying user experience should tell you everything you need to know about how good it is.

This Sunscreen Stick That Lives In My Purse

As fair-skinned Florida residents, we wear a lot of sunscreen in my family. This Sun Bum stick lives in my purse so I can pop it onto my son’s cheeks (and my own) when we make a spontaneous stop at the playground. It’s the perfect size and shape to apply to small nooks and crannies of the face but wide enough to handle the back of the neck in a few swipes, and is perfectly clear so there are no white streaks left behind. It doesn’t sting my sensitive eyes, smells like bubblegum, and is just all around the best — it has been to every theme park visit, beach day, or pool hang we have since I discovered it.

A Spray That’s Part Tanning Water, Part Skincare

Mine Tan’s Dark Ash is my holy grail fake tanning product, and they just released what is now my very favorite product for tanning the face. This mist is the first of its kind, a “bi-phased” blend of blue tansy oil and hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin beautifully and a cool-toned tanning water for a natural, orange-free glow. I’ve used it many times already this spring, and it’s so easy. There’s no buffing or brushing; just spritz evenly over the face and it’ll do the rest.

This Tanning Lotion That Provides Super Even Color

While the aforementioned gray-based tan works well on my super fair, cool-toned skin, I want to shout out the Loving Tan Express Tanning Lotion for those of you with warmer tones. This stuff applies so evenly — even the areas where you might normally struggle to get an even tan (like the hands, feet, and ankles), this product makes it happen. I love that it develops in two hours so I can pop it on after my kid goes to bed and rinse before my bedtime, then be tan and ready for a vacay or beach day by morning. It wears off really evenly too, so you won’t be patchy after you shower.

A Foaming Shave Oil For Barbie Legs

I’m a huge fan of shave oils over creams to get shiny, super-smooth legs (I call them Barbie legs) — the hydration from the oils is a huge help if that’s your goal. I love the Tree Hut shave oils, but this new product from Billie has stolen their spot in my shower. I love that it thickens up a bit and you can see where you’ve shaved (no more missed spots!), and it clings to the skin instead of disappearing off your thigh while you were focused on your shins. The coconut vanilla smell is so yummy for summer, too.

A Sunburnt Blush

We’re not getting real sunburns anymore, OK? We’ve outgrown that. However, there’s something about looking like you got a little sun that defines summer beauty. To get the look without the sun damage, I reach for a terracotta-colored blush to make me look more bronzed and sun-kissed than the cool-toned blushes I usually wear. Patrick Ta’s blush duos have incredible cream and powder formulas in one compact, which is ideal for traveling — it’s the blush I pack for any trip. In the past, I’ve also really enjoyed Saie’s liquid blushes (I think the shade Spicy would be perfect for a sunburn shade), and e.l.f.’s Putty Blush in the color Bali (which is only $8).

This Product For Perfectly Soft, Smooth Sandal Feet

I have been using Baby Foot for over a decade at this point, and I can’t recommend it enough — I use one every spring before sandal season fully kicks into gear. It’s basically two plastic booties filled with a jelly. You pop them on your feet and wear for an hour, and all the calluses, rough patches, and thickened skin on your heels will literally peel and slough off over the next week or two. I live for it every year.

One note: There are a ton of counterfeit Baby Foot peels on Amazon, so I suggest buying directly from the manufacturer’s website.

The Best Highlighter I’ve Ever Used For Face & Body

I have tried a thousand highlighting, glowy products, and none have ever compared to this bad boy. First of all the bottle is huge, so that $29 is going to last you, I promise. This illuminator is invisible on the skin but makes you look so healthy and glowy in the most natural, gorgeous way. I love wearing it under makeup or on its own, and in the summer, I rub it all over my chest and shoulders when I’m in a tank top or sundress.

A Roll-On Ingrown Hair Preventer I Swear By

I have never known anyone who gets more ingrown hairs than I do. If I shave my legs, I’m getting like 10, and let’s not even discuss my underarms and bikini line. But this roll-on tonic from Topicals actually prevents them — I have repurchased it many, many times over the years, and I rely on it year-round but especially in the summer, when I am, well, keeping my bikini line in order more frequently. It takes seconds to apply and dry down, and works to reduce dark spots and scarring as well (bless).

A Creamy Bronzer Stick In A Travel-Friendly Size

I’ve said before that Well People’s formulas are designed to look good on adult women’s skin, and this creamy bronzer is no exception. It blends out so easily, and the way it melts into the skin makes it look like a natural kiss from the sun. The size of the tube is so perfect for travel too — it requires very little room in your toiletry bag.

An Antiperspirant That Just Plain Works

Yeah, so ever since that whole aluminum-in-deodorant-causes-breast-cancer shtick was debunked, I have never given natural deodorants another chance to disappoint me. All I use — especially in the thick, soupy days of summer — is Secret Clinical Strength. It just works, keeping me drier and less stinky for longer compared to other brands I’ve tried. If you are tired of smelling like patchouli and armpit, come back to the aluminum, friend.

This Award-Winning Tubing Mascara That’s Flake-Free & Smudge-Proof

Look, when you’re sweating or near water, your mascara is just going to smudge. If I’m not sure where a summer day will take me, I lean on this tubing mascara instead of a traditional formula. It comes off cleanly and easily with just water, so if my neighbors invite us over to the pool and we hop in, so be it. It doesn’t smudge on my upper or lower lids either, so I can rely on it to look good throughout a summer night of patio margs with the girls.

Another On-The-Go Purse Essential For Moms

TMI alert, but those of us who struggle with body acne even at our big age know that a good hypochlorous acid spray is *the* way to keep it at bay. This new one from Pipette is a great size to keep in your bag so that when you’re sweaty, you can step into the restroom and spritz it on your torso to nuke acne-causing bacteria trapped between your skin and your godforsaken, soaking wet bra. It’s also great to have on hand for scraped knees and boo-boos.

A Workhorse Primer With SPF To Keep Your Skin Protected

Ciele’s products all include SPF, which I absolutely love and appreciate as someone whose loved ones have had skin cancer scares on their faces. This primer is something I’m keeping on my vanity this summer to pop on under any makeup I already own that doesn’t include SPF, which is honestly most products on the market. It’s available in glowing bronze and champagne shades, as well as a natural finish, so you can pick your preference — they’re all fantastic at helping your makeup stay in place all day.

A Plumping Lip Gloss With SPF, Because Your Pout Needs Protection Too

I started using this lip gloss last year, and it’s a forever repurchase for me now. I wear SPF on my face daily, but somehow had never thought about protecting my lips before! This gloss plumps and pulls circulation into the lips so it naturally amps up their color too. Also, the fact that it smells like watermelon candy is too perfect for summer.

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