Cradle cap magic, an interview with two mompreneurs, last-minute dad day gifts and more mom things from around the internet
TGIF mamas!!!!
This week’s big discovery was *drum roll* the splash pad at the park. Sure, it’s nothing new—but to my toddler, it’s pure magic and a sure summer fave. We also had our last class of the 1-2 year-old level of Kindermusik (if you’re local, we highly recommend it!) and we got to watch the “neigh neighs” at our local race track. We love our little city! So please bring on alllll of the warm weather activities — it finally feels like summer is here and we’re ready for it! (PSA: This butter yellow tank and skirt set is my current mom uniform.)
CLICK IF DAD LOVES…
Exclusively travels with a carry-on sized bag
When his beer stays frosty and cold
Gadgets that keep him cool when golfing / doing yard work etc.
Want more gift inspo?! Click to read the full Dad Mail newsletter from last week.
REVIEW: Frida Baby’s Cradle Cap System
A few months ago, I noticed my 23-month-old was getting a bit of cradle cap on her scalp. I’d recently read (aka watched a TikTok) that said this usually clears up on its own, so I stuck with our usual haircare routine—which, yes, includes a Dyson blowout after bath time.
But then (almost like Target was in my brain), I ran into the Frida Baby cradle cap products: The Flakefixer and Oh Cr*p! Cradle Cap on an endcap, and I figured I’d give it a shot. Let me just say it's worth every penny. It only took two treatments for her scalp to be completely flake-free.
It’s super easy to use—there’s a sudsy shampoo-like cleanser, a foaming sponge to lather, a scrubby brush to loosen dry skin, and a fine-tooth comb that gently brushes it all out. It also comes with a leave-in conditioning treatment. Oddly satisfying (lol), and it totally worked.
MOM TALK: Kaki & Lauren of Dudley Stephens
I’m thrilled to launch a new section of Mom Mail where I’ll be interviewing inspiring moms—starting with Dudley Stephens co-founders and sisters Lauren Dudley Stephens and Katherine “Kaki” Dudley McGrath. Lauren has a background in fashion and beauty public relations, having worked with brands like Gucci, Calvin Klein, L’Oréal, and Lancôme, while Kaki comes from the world of sports and partnership marketing, with experience at Starwood Hotels and Momentum Worldwide. Along with their mom, Bonnie Dudley, they’ve grown Dudley Stephens from a family side hustle into a multimillion-dollar brand that’s as stylish as it is eco-friendly.
You’ve likely seen their iconic turtleneck pullovers on your favorite influencers—or maybe you already have one in your closet. I’ve been living in my waffle quarter-zip (currently sold out, but this one’s similar), and Florence always asks to wear her pink fleece (the kids’ collection is the cutest!). Even in the warmer months, I’m convinced a perfect pullover is a year-round essential—think morning walks, breezy beach days, and cool evening bonfires. And while their pullovers put them on the map, their collection now includes dresses, pants, shorts, and more—all made with the same thoughtful approach. Read on to meet the amazing moms behind the brand.
I’m always so inspired by ‘mompreneurs’—like you. What would you say to other moms (and grandmas!) out there who have a dream of starting something of their own but might feel a little nervous to take the leap?
Kaki: You will never regret trying, but you may regret not trying. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and ask for help when you need it. You will be surprised at how many people will want to give advice and help when they can.
Lauren: Also, all action requires some sort of funding—strategize about where and when you might be able to get funding and write down a tangible business plan, it can be very basic! There are a lot of ways to raise money: friends and family (which we did), contact your local bank for credit, or set up a Kick Starter campaign…to name a few ideas. We have a podcast called Two Sisters in Business, where we talk a lot about all of these things, give it a listen for more.
Beyond Mom Mail and my other writing, I help run my family's bed and breakfast in Upstate New York. Working with family is incredibly rewarding—but it definitely comes with the challenge of keeping clear boundaries between work and home life. Do you have any tips for making family business dynamics run smoothly?
Kaki + Lauren: We try to separate family life from work life. It is inevitable that Dudley Stephens will come up in conversation at family dinners and get-togethers, but we have been very good about talking about it quickly and moving on to another topic. When it does come up in a family setting, we always end on a positive thought that keeps us inspired.
Dudley Stephens is committed to eco-friendly fashion through your fabrics, manufacturing and give-back initiatives. How do you bring your brand’s focus on sustainability beyond fashion and into your own household?
Kaki: I try to teach my kids about recycling and general waste in everyday life. It is not something that we are overly strict about, but I would like them to be aware of it so they can make decisions that suit their life. Sustainability can be an overwhelming thing because there is so much that we can all be doing, but if every person does their own part, it adds up.
Lauren: So true, it should start small. Everything should start small in regards to sustainability, especially with our children, as to not overwhelm them. One thing I can think of is we do not purchase or use plastic bottles of water in our house. Small steps like this make a difference, and as Kaki said we can then all do our part!
What are you excited about for the future of your brand? Anything we should be on the lookout for?
Kaki + Lauren: It is our 10-year anniversary this fall, so we are bringing back some fun styles from our past and also celebrating our future with new fabrics and collaborations.
In one sentence or less, what is your motto on motherhood?
Kaki: Be a home base - I try to be a constant source of comfort and love for my kids. Similar to what our brand is to us.
Lauren: Everything in moderation! I say this so often to my kids… they now make fun of me for it.
Lastly, do you have a favorite episode of your podcast, Two Sisters In Business, for our readers to check out?
Kaki: Episode 22 when our mom joined us. It was so inspiring!
Lauren: Episode 2: How to Start a Side Hustle. This has been our most listened to podcast, meaning a lot of ladies out there want to start a side hustle! Listen to this episode and hopefully you might be inspired to take the leap.
FINDS: Warm Weather Fun
Summer is around the corner, the kids have energy to burn, and you’re fresh out of ideas? Don’t worry— I found some fun, sanity-saving stuff to keep ‘em busy while you sip your iced coffee (or cocktail!) in peace.
Bubble lawnmower | Adjustable basketball set | Little kid gardening set | Silicone sand toys | Unicorn water table | $12 inflatable pool | Bike with basket + training wheels | Wooden outdoor play gym
DAD MAIL BOOK CLUB: Wonderbly Custom Board Books
Repeating last week’s book club picks so you have one more chance to win one of these custom books for the dad in your life! Read on below for the giveaway entry steps.
We’ve been big fans of the Wonderbly brand ever since a friend gifted us one of their custom books when our daughter was born. And lucky for us moms, there are many sweet options for Father’s Day gifts, like Daddy’s Magic Hugs, We Love Daddy-O-Saurus, and Thank You, Daddy. (There are also books for grandparents, too!) One of the best things about this brand is that, unlike many other custom gifts that take forever to ship, the Wonderbly books are printed and dispatched in 2-4 business days (so you still have plenty of time to order one for dad!). It’s also worth noting that most books are available in 6+ languages, and not only are names customized in the book, but you can select the skin tone, hair color, and more for the characters (in these ones, for the dads and kids). Plus, you can preview every page of the book before ordering to make sure you like every customization and can add a personalized dedication or a photo of your own into the first few pages of book.
Don’t forget that you can be gifted a copy of one of these custom books by forwarding this email to a mom friend and encouraging them to subscribe. Each time you forward a Mom Mail email, it counts as one entry. When you forward an email, make sure to cc ‘mommailbymads@gmail.com’ so we can count your entry. The book recipient will be contacted via email so we can get the information to customize your book :)
Thank you for subscribing to Mom Mail! Until next week <3
Xo, Mads