Stretch your budget with these 24 legit ways to make extra money each month

This week we're doing something I don't think our team has done in 15+ years -- we are taking a full staff summer break. (Whoo!) Some of us are traveling, some of us are hanging with the kids, some of us are counting the seconds to Ted Lasso season 2, some of us are...

Making a Baby is the diverse, inclusive, very frank children’s picture book about sex and reproduction that we’ve been looking for

When my kids were in early elementary school, every parent I knew seemed to be looking for the perfect children's book about sex and reproduction. I cannot overemphasize how much I wish I'd had the beautifully inclusive and thoughtful Making a Baby by Rachel Greener...

Cerebral has been called the “best online service for mental health” and we can see why.

We are pleased to present this sponsored message on behalf of Cerebral We all know that we've been through a lot this past year. The need for affordable, accessible mental health treatment has grown immensely, and finally someone is doing something about it. Enter...

25+ amazing deals from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale because we’re SO ready to refresh our wardrobes!

Get ready, everybody, because the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is upon us. Liz and I have scoured their early announcements to find the very best, most amazing, super fashionable Nordstrom Anniversary Sale deals that we'll be snagging when it starts on July 28. (Yes, we...

We need to talk about our alcohol use, parents: An honest review of Quit Like a Woman

by Kristen Chase

This past December, I decided to stop drinking. While I've always had a complicated relationship with booze, I wouldn't consider myself an alcoholic. I've been drunk a handful of times in my life, and for the most part, just have a couple of glasses of something maybe...

On modeling body positivity for our kids: Where we succeed, where we can do better | Spawned Ep 245

When Kristen wrote a viral post last week about wearing crop tops over 40, in response to a conversation with her daughter, the comments from our readers were so inspiring, we knew we wanted to discuss body positivity further on Spawned. Interestingly, we each have...

Forget Hot Girl Summer. It’s about to be a Hot Mom Summer.

We've heard the buzz about having a Hot Girl Summer, and we're totally on board for living your best life this summer (and well, all the time). But as moms, we can't just toss a bathing suit on, pack a cooler, and head to the beach on our very own. Because there are...

This non-profit creates absolutely free, Instagram-worthy room makeovers for adopted kids and foster families

Several months ago I stumbled on the work of the non-profit group Bloom Family Designs on a friend and fellow adoptive-mom's Instagram feed. This organization creates beautifully designed rooms for adopted and foster kids — at absolutely no cost to the families. In...

Are Ruggable rugs really washable and stain-resistant? We bought one to see. | “Damn you, Social Media ads” series

by Caroline Siegrist

Those ads for Ruggable have been popping up in my Facebook and Instagram feeds for ages, but it wasn't until their Star Wars line of rugs debuted that I finally gave in and bought one. In my defense, the designs are super cool! And subtle enough that our house doesn't...

Yes, this celebrity-fave face peel is as good as they say it is. For a change.

I've been recommending Aloisia Beauty's Korean-inspired clean beauty products since they first launched. (Like, here for example!) The brand was co-created by a longtime colleague and to be honest, I've been so impressed by every product I've tried so far.Then, a...

How to wear a crop top in your 40s? However the heck you want!

by Kristen Chase

After an emotional conversation with my 12-year old daughter about body image, I decided I needed to set the example of "heck yeah, you can wear anything!" by taking on my nemesis: the crop top. I shared it on Instagram, and so many people (including The Today Show),...

These parenting tips from James Breakwell are lifesavers. Literally. | Spawned Ep 244

On this week's Spawned parenting podcast, we're bringing back a vintage episode with one of our very favorite guests on a very serious subject. Lifesaving, even. Because even though we made it through the pandemic, what are we supposed to do about unprincipled...

We found 8 stylish beach coverups for summer. Let’s get out there, already!

After a year of extremely limited social outings, I'm ready to be at the pool all the time. But, last year I also had skin cancer (I'm okay!), so in order to be safe with my very fair skin I'll need to stay covered up. I've been searching around for some stylish pool...

50 screen-free activities for kids to do over summer break, indoors and out

So many parents are looking for fresh ideas for screen-free activities for kids now that we finally turned a corner. I know I'm not the only parent with kids whose screen time increased significantly over the quarantine. It was their primary way to connect with...

Parenting teens: Expert answers to some of the toughest questions | Spawned Episode 243

10 fashionable beach totes we absolutely love this summer

Summer is officially here, and for those of you who are hoping to spend most of your time around the pool or at the beach...we've found some of the most fashionable beach totes to elevate your summer style. I know, you probably don't immediately think "pool bag" or...

Progressive 4th of July tees that you (and your kids) will love wearing long past Independence Day.

by Caroline Siegrist

Let's talk progressive 4th of July tees. We feature cool flag tees and clothing of all kinds every summer, but each year, there are more and more of us looking to celebrate the best of what this country can be and should be. "Freedom for all" is not an ideal we're...

I switched to reusable bamboo paper towels to help alleviate my kids’ climate change anxiety. Here’s how it went

I committed to switching to reusable bamboo paper towels recently, in part at the urging of my teens. The realities of climate change — and the constant important conversations about it in the media — is a very real stressor for my kids. Especially since COVID, when...

7 terrific new YA books with LGBTQ+ main characters: They’re not just for Pride Month

Happy Pride! It's been such a joy finding so many terrific YA books with LGBTQ+ main characters for this post. I always turn to books when I am looking for resources to help more kids feel seen and understood -- and to help kids see and understand other kids who may...

11 of the best Prime Day 2021 Deals from brands we trust. No “ACKHYDRO” or “PROFORL7” or whatever.

Each year, we try to go through all the clutter and crap, and put together the best Amazon Prime Day deals for you. I mean, with all due respect to the "flash deals" on Amazon Prime Day that look like your Great Aunt Hilda just cleaned out her attic, This year, I'm...

Finally, a genius hybrid baby bottle: The benefits of glass with the convenience of plastic