The best five minute makeup routine, cutest spring outfits for babies, outdoor toys on super sale, our fave banana muffins and more mom stuff from around the internet
Happy Wednesday, mamas!
Oh, hey! How are you? Are you getting any sleep? We’re dealing with a stretch of very early wake-ups in our household. 😴 Our sweet girl’s internal alarm clock is set for *drum roll please* 4:59 am. Truly, on the dot! I’ve tried a later bedtime for a few weeks…but that doesn’t seem to change anything. I’ve read articles (aka watched TikToks & Reels) with tips about a spoonful of honey or a pat of butter before bed being the solution. Or maybe it’s just that she is overtired and needs to nap longer, which could certainly be it, but please share your sleep tips, and I’ll share a round-up of the responses soon!
Although sleep is slim, we have an abundance of cuteness going on over here, too! Florence’s current favorite task is feeding her orange cat, Beignet, treats. And when I say treats, I mean dozens of them. Their friendship is the cutest! But we may have to put the cat on a diet very soon…Xx
CLICK IF…
You can ever find 10 minutes for a nap (for yourself!) and want to wake up actually energized (Trying this asap!)
You’re in the Stockholm dad algorithm (or want to be lol)
You’re looking for a new DIY activity for an older toddler that you can make with basic household items
Everything is immediately better and brighter when you meet up with your mom friends
If you were once a dancer and need some inspo for entertaining your kids during the witching hour
SELF-CARE: Merit
To stay accountable in making time for self-care in my daily routine, I’ll occasionally be sharing some of my favorite, easy, mom-approved treatments, makeup and skincare products. And we’re kicking off this new section with the makeup brand I’ve used pretty exclusively since 2023: Merit. It was actually an Instagram ad promoting a five-minute makeup routine that inspired my first purchase, and truly, using all of the products only takes a few minutes. I’m no pro when it comes to makeup, so take it from me firsthand that these products are totally intuitive and easy to use.
Here’s what I’m shopping at Merit:
5 Minute Morning - This is my daily routine, and honestly, its been so easy to restock when I buy almost all of my makeup from one brand. Since becoming a mom, I try to simplify where I can, and this set has been key for my mornings. PSA: You save $30 when you buy these products together in the set. Includes everything you need for a complete daily look: Complexion Stick, Brush, Mascara, Lip Oil, Highlighting Balm, Blush and Eyebown Pomade. Shop Here
Great Skin Duo - I wear the Instant Glow Serum + Priming Moisturizer on their own when I don’t want to do full makeup. They instantly leave my skin feeling hydrated, glowy and healthy. And when I am using makeup, these two are my base. You save $8 when you buy the two products together via the Great Skin Duo. Shop Here
FINDS: Target Circle Week
ICYMI, it's Target Circle week (until 3/29), which means so many fave brands are on sale via the retailer. As we head into a new season, check out some of my picks if you need to stock up on new clothes or toys for your littles.
For newborns up to 12m, there is SO much goodness on sale from Carter’s Just One You, Cat & Jack and Cloud Island. My friend just gave birth to her new baby girl, which was such a special and fun excuse for me to go back into the baby section and do some shopping. Give me all of the baby knits, gauzey sets, florals, stripes and bunny prints, please!
If you have a toddler, you’ve probably been thinking, ‘How (the heck) will we entertain these busy, running kiddoes all spring and summer??’ Lucky for us, there are SO many great outdoor toys on sale at Target right now.
EATS: Easy Banana Oatmeal Muffins
I’m on a mission to waste less food this year and find ways to use everything in our kitchen. This recipe by @urban.apron is one we make whenever we have super-ripe bananas (that would have previously gone in the trash). We keep these muffins in the fridge and eat them throughout the week. They freeze great, too, and are a great breakfast or snack alternative to store-bought granola bars. I haven’t introduced my 21-month-old to chocolate chips yet…but if you make them with the choco chips, please report back!!
MOM MAIL BOOK CLUB: Moo, Baa, La La La!
We are big Sandra Boynton fans in our family. And Moo, Baa, La La La! is probably our #1 favorite, closely tied with Belly Button Beach or Barnyard Dance. They’re such great, silly stories for any age, but especially when your child starts talking. These short, quick reads are filled with rhyming and repetition, helping to reinforce words, animals, numbers — you name it! We've had this copy at my mom's house since I was little, and it's so special to see my daughter now reading it with her Gigi.
Don’t forget that you can be gifted a copy of this book 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 winner will be contacted via email :)
Thank you for subscribing to Mom Mail! Until next week <3
Xo, Mads