Author

momfad_com

Creative Gifts to Inspire Kids’ Play

by momfad_com

This post is sponsored by FAO Schwarz.

I can’t believe the holidays are already here. For some reason, Christmas sneaked up on me this year—I usually have my shopping done by mid-November, but I’m only just getting started. When I shop for my youngest (6 years old), I look for open-ended, creative toys. She has a huge imagination, and I want to keep that spark alive. Extra points for screen-free toys that encourage pretend play!

Creative Gifts to Inspire Kids' Play

FAO Schwarz is one of the oldest and most iconic toy brands, and I love that they offer so many unique, special toys. I remember being a kid and staring in awe at their displays, and it’s wonderful to see that same look on my children’s faces. Now families can enjoy FAO Schwarz toys at Target—both in stores and online—as well as at FAO Schwarz locations. This holiday season Target carries exclusive FAO Schwarz items, with over 120 toys and a special capsule collection celebrating FAO Schwarz’s 160th anniversary. Prices range from $9.99 to $149.99, including 50 toys under $20, so there are options for every budget.

Here are a few of my favorites, all available online (I linked them below) and at your local Target.

Giant 69″ Dance-On Piano Mat
My kids love music, so this went straight into my cart. It’s a giant 69″ interactive piano that mixes music, dancing, and play. With 38 notes, 5 tunes, and easy instructions, kids can learn, play, record, and dance their energy out. It’s big enough for more than one child to play at once and has an auto-off feature to save batteries. This will get a lot of use this winter!

Make-Believe Magic Vanity Mirror Makeup Set
This pretend vanity lights up with bright LEDs and comes with lots of fun accessories. It’s perfect for kids to use on themselves or to glam up dolls and stuffed animals. The large drawer is great for storing everything when playtime is over.

Make-Believe Bakery Oven Cookie Decorating Clay Play Set
This bakery play set is adorable and great for pretend baking. The 25-piece set includes tools to roll out dough, scoop cookies on and off a baking sheet, and decorate toy cookies. It even includes 5 bright colors of clay for decorating.

Glamour Purse Set Pretend Play Makeup Kit
This purse playset gives little divas everything they need for glamorous pretend play—without the mess of real makeup. The set includes a purse and accessories like pretend nail polish, compact, eye shadow, blush, lipstick, a hairbrush, a credit card, and sunglasses. Perfect for princess-obsessed kids.

Rescue Responders Wooden Fire Station Playset
I love this multi-level wooden fire station. It transforms from a firetruck into a fire station and features working gears, multiple levels, vehicles, and play characters—a total of 21 pieces for hours of imaginative play. When you’re finished, it closes up into the firetruck for easy storage and has a handle for on-the-go play.

Spread the love

Protecting Children: A Parent’s Guide to Preventive Health

by momfad_com

As parents, keeping our children safe and healthy is our top priority. In a world with many risks, taking simple, proactive steps can make a big difference. From vaccinations to teaching body boundaries, here are practical ways to support your child’s safety and well-being.

I’ve partnered with I Vaccinate to share my story, and this content is sponsored by I Vaccinate.

Protecting Children: A Parent’s Guide to Preventive Health

Nine important tips to help keep your kids healthy and safe:

1. Vaccinations: First line of defense
Vaccines are safe and one of the best ways to protect kids from serious illnesses. Making sure your child gets all recommended shots on schedule helps protect them and contributes to community immunity. With recent cases of measles appearing in Michigan for the first time since 2019, staying up to date with routine checkups and vaccines is more important than ever. Vaccines protect children and teens from 16 vaccine-preventable diseases, including measles, mumps, rubella, polio, and HPV (which can lead to several cancers). Vaccinating reduces the risk of outbreaks and helps protect people who can’t be vaccinated for medical reasons. As a mom and public health advocate, I rely on medical research to make decisions for my family. I chose to vaccinate my children because it’s a proven way to keep them safe. If you have questions, talk with your child’s pediatrician or visit reliable sources like IVaccinate.org.

2. Car seat safety: Buckle up every ride
Always use the right car seat or booster for your child’s age, weight, and height, and make sure it’s installed correctly. Children under 13 should ride in the back seat to lower the risk from airbags.

3. Helmets: Protect their heads
Whether they’re biking, skateboarding, or scooting, kids should wear a properly fitted helmet. Helmets greatly reduce head injury risk. Help build the habit by wearing one with them.

4. Teach body boundaries
Teach children that their bodies belong to them and they can say no to touch that makes them uncomfortable. Use age-appropriate language to explain consent and encourage them to speak up if someone crosses their boundaries—even if it’s someone they know.

5. Teach stranger safety
Talk to kids about how to stay safe around strangers. Teach basic rules, like not accepting gifts or rides without a parent’s permission and finding a trusted adult if they feel unsafe.

6. Healthy habits
Good habits support safety and growth. Encourage regular physical activity, balanced meals, and enough sleep. Kids learn by watching, so model healthy choices.

7. Set screen time limits
Limit screen time and make space for creative play, social time, and physical activity. Try screen-free moments during meals and before bedtime to build healthier habits.

8. Teach hygiene
Show kids why washing hands, brushing teeth twice a day, and covering coughs matter. Use gentle reminders and praise to reinforce these habits.

9. Be prepared for emergencies
Make sure your child knows their full name, address, and how to contact you or other trusted adults. Teach them how to call emergency services like 911 and basic first aid suited to their age. Keep a stocked first aid kit at home and in the car, and discuss a family plan for different emergencies.

Keeping children safe and healthy takes being informed, proactive, and consistent. Small steps and steady routines help create a safe space where kids can grow and thrive. Let’s prioritize our children’s well-being, one preventive step at a time.

Spread the love

Memorable Family or Date Night: Cooking Classes at Sur La Table

by momfad_com

This post is sponsored by Sivan Social. All opinions are my own.
Now that winter is in full swing and the holiday break has begun, I’ve been looking for fun, different activities to do with my family and my husband. I was excited to find that Sur La Table is offering lots of cooking classes right now—some are even just $15. I’d love to take these with my family as a way to shake up our routines and try new dishes.
With both in-person and online classes available, there’s really something for everyone. They cover a wide range of cooking and baking topics, from cozy date-night dinners to holiday favorites, so you can pick classes that match your taste and skill level. An in-person class with my husband would make a fun night out and help us sharpen our cooking skills. They even have several New Year’s Eve date-night options, which would be a unique way to ring in the new year—the menus look fantastic (see all the details here)!
For a low-key family activity, I like the idea of taking online classes from home. They start at just $29, which makes them an affordable way to entertain the whole family. With classes covering everything from old-fashioned chocolate fudge to cinnamon rolls and even sessions geared toward teens, Sur La Table classes make great experience gifts for families.
Photo by Pavel Danilyuk from Pexels
Right now you can save $15 on select Sur La Table cooking classes through 12/21. To learn more and see the full list of classes, click here.
While I was browsing the Sur La Table site, I found some great deals on kitchenware that I added to my wish list. Through 12/26 you can save up to 40% on Philips kitchen products. I’m a sucker for kitchen gadgets and quality cookware, and these deals stood out:
Philips Avance XXL Air Fryer
Through 12/26, save $99.99 on the Philips Avance XXL Air Fryer (restrictions may apply). Air fryers make it easy to cook favorites with less fat. This roomy model can handle a whole chicken, two bags of frozen fries, or up to six portions at once—perfect for families. The removable mesh basket and drawer are dishwasher-safe, which makes cleanup simple.
Philips Viva Pasta Maker
I’m also eyeing the Philips Viva Pasta Maker. There’s nothing like fresh homemade pasta, and being able to make it at home easily would be amazing. This machine makes spaghetti, penne, and fettuccine by automatically mixing, kneading, and extruding dough in under 20 minutes—so many pasta possibilities! Learn more about it here.
Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine With Milk Frother
An espresso machine has been on my splurge list for years. This model gets great reviews and is fully automatic and customizable. It makes lattes, cappuccinos, espresso, and regular coffee, and includes a milk frothing wand that creates silky cappuccinos or latte macchiatos—so you can make your dream cup at home.
You can find even more great deals and lovely items at Sur La Table throughout the holidays and beyond.
What’s on your holiday wishlist?
Share the love — 9 shares

Memorable Family or Date Night: Cooking Classes at Sur La Table

The Complete Guide to Laser Hair Removal

by momfad_com

This post is sponsored by Milan Laser Hair Removal. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I hate shaving. I’d rather put on pants than shorts just to skip the razor. Between the time it takes and my super sensitive skin—razor burn, ingrown hairs, and that smooth feeling disappearing after a day or two—shaving is a real pain.

The Complete Guide to Laser Hair Removal

So when Milan Laser Hair Removal invited me to try their services, I was excited. They focus only on laser hair removal and offer an unlimited package for long-lasting results. With summer coming, I wanted to get started early and enjoy a no-shave, hair-free season. I booked a consultation right away, dreaming of throwing on a swimsuit without worrying about prickly legs or bikini-line issues.

Below I’m sharing my experience and answers to the common questions I had about Milan Laser’s laser hair removal.

How does laser hair removal work, and does it hurt?
First, you have a free consultation. The staff talk with you one-on-one about your needs, show a helpful video explaining the process, and answer any questions. They made me feel comfortable and walked me through everything—how the laser feels, how to prepare, and possible side effects.

Treatments are done by trained medical professionals using FDA-cleared lasers that are adjusted for different skin tones and hair colors. The laser targets the hair follicle and delivers a pulse that damages the root so the hair won’t grow back. Most people see smooth, stubble-free results after 7 to 10 treatments, usually spaced about five weeks apart.

For my first session, the provider recommended I shave beforehand and avoid lotion in the area. I put on a robe and protective goggles, and they treated my bikini area—my worst shaving spot. The pulses felt like little rubber-band snaps, but the machine has a cooling spray that makes it much more comfortable. It was far less painful than waxing.

My treatment took about 10 minutes. There was no downtime—just a bit of redness that faded within an hour and no lingering pain. About a week later I noticed hair starting to fall out naturally (a gentle exfoliation helps). After that first session I already had roughly 50% less regrowth.

Where can you remove hair?
Laser works on many areas of the body, including:
– Legs
– Underarms
– Bikini or Brazilian
– Upper lip and chin
– Back and shoulders
– Abdomen
– Feet
– Neck
And more—set up a consult to discuss your specific areas.

How long do treatments take?
Some sessions can be as quick as 10 minutes, depending on the area. Most people achieve about 95% hair reduction within 7 to 10 treatments. I’ve had two sessions so far and feel like more than half of my unwanted hair is gone. It worked faster than I expected.

What I love about Milan is their unlimited packages. That means you can get as many treatments as you need for a lifetime—no extra fees for touch-ups later if hormonal changes cause new growth. Once you pay, you’re covered for touch-ups and maintenance for life.

How much does it cost?
Cost varies by area treated, but Milan’s pricing is competitive and reasonable—especially with the lifetime coverage of the unlimited plan. Their website has all the pricing and process details to help you decide.

Why choose Milan Laser Hair Removal?
Milan focuses only on laser hair removal, so they’ve perfected the process for great results and a comfortable experience. I’m already thrilled with my progress after two treatments and can’t wait to see the final results. Summer swimsuit season will be so much easier.

To learn more or to schedule a consultation, check Milan’s website and find the clinic nearest you from their 70+ locations.

Have you ever thought about laser hair removal?

Gift Guide for Kids’ Creative Play

by momfad_com

This post is sponsored by FAO Schwarz.

I can’t believe the holidays are already here — it feels like Christmas snuck up on me this year. I usually finish my shopping by mid-November, but this year I’m only just getting started. When I shop for my youngest (6 years old), I look for open-ended, creative toys that spark her imagination. Extra points if they’re screen-free and encourage pretend play!

Gift Guide for Kids' Creative Play

FAO Schwarz is one of the oldest and most iconic toy brands, and I love that they offer so many unique, classic toys. I remember being amazed by their displays as a kid, and it’s a joy to watch that same wonder on my children’s faces. This season, you can find FAO Schwarz toys at Target stores, online, and at FAO locations. There are over 120 toys plus a special capsule collection celebrating FAO Schwarz’s 160th anniversary, so there’s something for every child. Prices range from $9.99 to $149.99, with 50 toys under $20—making gift giving easy and budget-friendly.

Here are a few of my favorites, available online (I’ve linked them below) and in-store at Target:

Giant 69″ Dance-On Piano Mat
My kids love music, so this went straight into my cart. It’s a huge 69″ interactive piano mat with 38 notes, 5 tunes, and easy-to-follow controls. They can learn, play, record, and dance — it’s big enough for more than one child and shuts off automatically to save batteries. Perfect for burning off winter energy!

Make-Believe Magic Vanity Mirror Makeup Set
This light-up pretend vanity comes with LED lights and lots of fun accessories. It’s great for kids to play dress-up or to glam up dolls and stuffed animals. The large drawer stores all the pieces neatly when playtime is over.

Make-Believe Bakery Oven Cookie Decorating Clay Play Set
Adorable and full of pretend-baking fun. This 25-piece set has everything kids need to roll out dough, place cookies on a baking sheet, and decorate with the included tools and five bright clay colors. Hours of imaginative play!

Glamour Purse Set Pretend Play Makeup Kit
A perfect gift for little divas who love to pretend. This set includes a cute purse filled with pretend nail polish, compact, eye shadow, blush, lipstick, hair brush, a credit card, and sunglasses — all the glam without the mess of real makeup.

Rescue Responders Wooden Fire Station Playset
I love this multi-level wooden fire station. It transforms from a firetruck into a fire station and includes working gears, multiple levels, vehicles, and 21 play pieces for long-lasting imaginative play. When they’re done, everything stores inside the firetruck, which has a handle for easy transport.

Visiting Cedar Point with Kids: A Family Guide

by momfad_com

Cedar Point is packed with so many great memories for me. Starting at age 12, I went almost every year with friends. We’d have a sleepover the night before and stay up way too late, buzzing with excitement about our day at the park. I remember my first roller coaster there, school trips, trying the newest rides, and stuffing ourselves with our favorite park foods until we were completely full.

With 18 world-class roller coasters, Cedar Point is easily the best amusement park in the Midwest. Beyond the coasters, there are tons of other rides (71 rides total!) for every age and thrill level, a big waterpark, lots of food options, games, arcades, shows and events, plus on-site places to stay that make family trips easy and fun.

Visiting Cedar Point with Kids: A Family Guide

It had been a few years since our last visit thanks to babies and toddler life, but now that our kids are older, we couldn’t wait to bring them. Last weekend we packed the car and drove just over two hours to the Midwest’s best park. If you’re planning a road trip, check out my guest post on The Find by Zulily for a detailed packing list of road-trip essentials!

Since we planned to go more than once this year, we bought season passes for our family. Passes let you visit as often as you want (both the amusement park and waterpark), include free parking, and give discounts on food, merchandise, and lodging, plus other perks.

For reference, our youngest is 5 years old and about ___ inches tall. Our oldest is going into second grade and is 48 inches tall. The excitement before the trip was huge—and it did not disappoint. Our family had an amazing visit and the kids haven’t stopped talking about it. Our trip happened during Cedar Point’s 150th Anniversary Celebration, which included an incredible nighttime parade (we were honored to be the Grand Marshal!) and chances to win special VIP experiences and a “ticket of a lifetime.” We’ll definitely return soon—we’re already eyeing HalloWeekends in the fall (September 17 through October 31).

Below are some of my favorite tips, must-tries, and hacks for visiting Cedar Point with young or elementary-aged kids.

Guide for Visiting Cedar Point with Kids (+ Must-Try Foods)

Rides for All Ages, Heights, and Thrill Levels
Cedar Point really has something for everyone. I loved that there were plenty of options for little kids and plenty for thrill seekers, too. Many larger roller coasters require riders to be 48 inches tall, but there are several great coasters for younger kids as well—our youngest rode three of them. Sometimes we split up: one parent took the oldest on the big coasters while the other parent stayed with the youngest on kid-friendly rides. You can find rides sorted by height and thrill level on the park map or website.

For little ones, there are three areas made just for them: Kiddy Kingdom, Camp Snoopy, and Planet Snoopy. Each area has lots of rides and the lines moved quickly, which was a big plus.

Tips to make lines and rides easier:
– Fast Lane: Fast Lane wristbands let you skip the regular line on more than 20 rides and attractions all day. Buy them ahead of time since only a limited number are sold each day.
– Parent Swap: Parent swap lets families share rides when one or more kids can’t go on. One parent waits in line and rides, then gives the Parent Swap pass to the ride operator so the other parent—who’s been watching the little kids—can use the exit to board without waiting. Get an authorized slip at Guest Services (main gate), Town Hall Museum, or the Resort Entrance Gate near Magnum.

Characters and Shows
The kids loved seeing the Snoopy characters, especially in Camp Snoopy and Planet Snoopy. It’s a great chance for photos. There are also shows throughout the day that make for a nice break—perfect for sitting down, grabbing a snack, and enjoying some music and dancing.

Waterpark
We love waterparks, and Cedar Park Shores Waterpark is fantastic. It’s big—18 acres—and has options for the whole family: splash pads for little kids, lazy rivers, waterslides, lagoons, and drop slides. You could easily do a day at the amusement park and another day at the waterpark, so I suggest staying nearby so you have time to enjoy both. There are plenty of places to eat inside the waterpark, and the family-friendly changing rooms and restrooms were very convenient.

Arcade and Games
The arcade is huge, and there are carnival-style games at the front of the park and throughout. My kids’ eyes lit up at all the lights and sounds. From classic Skee-Ball to the newest machines, there are hundreds of games. Look into Play & Save specials before you go to find good deals.

Parade & Events
To celebrate their 150th year, Cedar Point has lots of special events. Don’t miss the Celebrate 150 Spectacular nightly parade—lights, music, entertainment, and a big finale in Celebration Plaza with dancing, pyrotechnics, and a full performance.

Food & Drink
Trying the food is one of my favorite parts. Cedar Point has so many options and fun treats. I highly recommend the dining and drink plans to save money and stay fueled during your visit.

Favorites to try:
– The Mac Shack: Gourmet mac & cheese where you can build your own bowl with lots of toppings. The kids loved it.
– Toft’s Ice Cream Parlor: Get the cherry milkshake—these giant shakes are amazing.
– Hugo’s Italian Kitchen: The kids enjoyed the pizza and the adults loved the caprese sandwich (focaccia, mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze). It’s family-friendly and a cool, air-conditioned spot to relax.
– French Quarter Confections: Finish the day with a funnel cake piled high with toppings.

Petting Zoo
The petting zoo was a big hit—kids loved getting up close to the animals, petting and feeding them.

Lots of Restrooms
Restrooms are everywhere, and we never had long waits. Anyone who’s traveled with kids knows how important that is!

If you have any questions about visiting Cedar Point, feel free to ask!

8 Simple Strategies to Help Kids Take Their Medicine

by momfad_com

This post is sponsored by FLAVORx. All opinions are my own.

When your child is sick it’s stressful, and it’s even worse when they refuse medicine they need. I remember my youngest as a toddler with a bad ear infection who wouldn’t take his antibiotic. I had to remind myself of tips I’d learned working as a pharmacy technician—simple tricks pharmacists often share to help parents with stubborn kids.

8 Simple Strategies to Help Kids Take Their Medicine

Giving liquid medicine can lead to tears, tantrums, and longer illness if kids won’t take it. Whether it’s a short-term treatment or a daily medicine, there are things you can try to make it easier for both of you. If you’re asking “how can I get my child to take medicine?”, these tips should help.

8 Ways to Help Your Child Take Medicine

Have a positive attitude
Kids pick up on our emotions, so try to stay calm. If you get frustrated, they often act out more. Be steady and reassuring even when you’re irritated.

Improve the flavor with FLAVORx
Some medicines just taste awful, which is a big reason kids refuse them. FLAVORx lets pharmacies add kid-friendly flavors so the medicine tastes better. When I pick up prescriptions at CVS, I always ask for FLAVORx—it’s worth it to avoid the fight, and my kids love choosing the flavor. Flavors are sugar-free, gluten-free, dye-free, and casein-free. With more than 16 options that work with hundreds of drugs, there’s usually something even picky children will accept.

Talk it through
Ask your child what bothers them about the medicine and try to solve that problem. Explain why they need it, and make it clear it’s not a punishment. Be calm, firm, and understanding—you’re a team trying to get through this together.

Give them choices
Letting kids make small choices gives them a sense of control. Let them pick a FLAVORx flavor, how to take it (spoon, dosing cup, syringe), or where to take it (on your lap, in bed, on the couch). That little bit of control can cut down on resistance.

Fool the tongue
Use tricks to reduce the taste. A popsicle or ice cube before medicine can numb the tongue. Offer something sweet after (a spoonful of honey or a little chocolate syrup) to wash the taste away. Aim the medicine to the side of the mouth with a syringe to keep it away from most taste buds in the back.

Role play
Let little ones practice giving “medicine” to dolls or stuffed animals. Making it a game helps reduce fear and makes medicine time feel less scary.

Make it a routine
For medicines taken for a while or daily, build them into a routine. Give the medicine right before something they love—going outside, a favorite show, or playtime—so they have something to look forward to.

Reward them
Rewards can help motivate kids. Try a sticker chart or promise a small toy if they take their medicine all week. A little positive reinforcement goes a long way.

Spread the love — 2 shares

Sustainable Healthy Habits I Keep as a Busy Mom in My 40s

by momfad_com

Let’s be real — I don’t have time for 5 a.m. smoothie bowls

If you’re anything like me, life in your 40s looks nothing like your 20s. Between kids’ schedules, running a business, trying to keep your sanity, and carving out a little time for yourself, “healthy living” has changed a lot.

Sustainable Healthy Habits I Keep as a Busy Mom in My 40s

I don’t spend hours at the gym or make picture-perfect smoothie bowls anymore. I aim for realistic wellness. I don’t do everything perfectly (spoiler: no one does), but I’ve found simple habits that stick, are manageable, and make me feel better without adding stress.

Healthy habits that actually work for women in their 40s

1. Morning movement in comfy activewear
I’m not training for a race, but I move when I can — walking the kids to school, a short yoga flow in my office, or a quick bike ride. It all adds up, and the trick is making it easy.

I basically live in activewear. Cute, comfortable leggings and a supportive sports bra make it more likely I’ll move—even if it’s just stretching between Zoom calls. I’ve been loving adidas pieces lately; they’re flattering, hold up to mom life, and I don’t feel the need to change out of them unless I have to.

2. Prioritizing sleep — even if it’s not perfect
I can’t run on four hours of sleep anymore. I protect sleep like it’s precious: try to be in bed around 10, read a few pages, and put my phone out of reach. Yes, some nights are interrupted by kids, hormones, or an overactive mind. It’s not perfect, but winding down intentionally helps. For me that means limiting screen time in the evening, skipping caffeine after 2 p.m., and managing stress as best I can.

3. Drinking water like it’s my job
Hydration used to be an afterthought. Now I keep a big water bottle with me and aim to refill it several times a day. It’s a small change that helps my energy, digestion, and skin.

4. Meal prepping, but not for Instagram
I’m not prepping perfectly arranged meals. I do a little prep on Sundays—roast a big tray of veggies, make some grains, grill chicken, and chop produce for the week. Having easy options ready makes a huge difference. I usually look at the week’s schedule and plan simple meals for busy nights and nicer meals for quieter evenings.

The goal is making healthy choices easier, not making them perfect.

5. Saying no without guilt
Protecting my time and energy matters for my mental and physical health. I’ve learned to say no to things that drain me, even when it’s hard. Skipping an event or passing on dinner plans so I can decompress is a form of self-care.

6. Wearing activewear most days and owning it
Activewear is my go-to uniform. It’s comfy, looks nice, and makes it easy to move whenever I need to. Whether I’m dropping kids off, running errands, or fitting in a quick workout, I like being ready without a wardrobe change. I also wear workout shoes a lot—I’m on the go and need shoes that keep up.

Pro tip: choose activewear that’s breathable, high-waisted, and stretchy so it feels good all day. A solid backpack is great too—perfect for kid outings, gym trips, or quick weekend travel.

7. Taking 10 minutes a day for myself
Some days that’s journaling, other days a quick meditation or sneaking into the bathroom to listen to a podcast. It doesn’t have to be fancy—just intentional. Those ten minutes change how I show up for everyone else. It’s not selfish. It’s necessary.

8. Considering hormone support (because, hi, 40s)
We can’t ignore hormone changes in this decade. I’ve learned more about hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and how it can help with energy, mood, and metabolism shifts. It’s a personal choice, but it’s worth talking to your doctor if you notice changes. Feeling good in your 40s isn’t just diet and exercise — it’s whole-body health.

Final thoughts
Being healthy in your 40s isn’t about checking every wellness box. It’s about finding what works for you, staying consistent where you can, and letting go of the rest. Some days I hit all my habits; other days I don’t. That’s okay.

If you take one thing from this: your version of “healthy” doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. It doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful.

Spread the love

Switching to Shampoo Bars: Everything You Need to Know

by momfad_com

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Spring & Vine. All opinions are 100% mine.

One big goal for me this year is switching to more natural and responsible beauty products. It’s been gradual, but I’ve replaced most of my skincare and am slowly finding better hair care options. One of my favorite recent discoveries is Spring & Vine shampoo bars. I’m sharing my experience switching to shampoo bars, plus tips for using them and what to know if you want to ditch the bottle.

Switching to Shampoo Bars: Everything You Need to Know

Shampoo bars might feel new to many of us, but they’ve actually been around for years. They were common in the 1950s before plastic bottles took over, and now they’re getting attention again because they’re more sustainable and eco-friendly. A few months ago I did an “empties” post and was shocked at how much plastic I’d used up in a month. That pushed me to speed up my clean beauty and eco-friendly changes and try shampoo bars.

I’ve been using Spring & Vine shampoo bars for a few weeks and they’re now my go-to. The brand was started by a woman in the beauty industry who wanted better clean hair care options. Spring & Vine bars are made with PETA-certified cruelty-free and vegan ingredients and come in minimal packaging to reduce waste. They’re also convenient to buy since they’re available exclusively at Target and Target.com.

The bars are made with shea butter and essential oils to leave hair clean, healthy, and moisturized. There are four blends to choose from (scalp soothing is my favorite for dry skin):
– Volumizing – Grapefruit & Rosemary
– Moisturizing 2-in-1 – Oatmeal
– Scalp Soothing – Tea Tree & Mint
– Balanced Clean – Lavender & Orange Blossom

After using liquid shampoos for years, switching to a bar took a little getting used to. The first time felt strange, but after experimenting I found they’re easy to use, lather well, and leave hair smooth and clean.

How to use
There are two main ways to use a shampoo bar:
– Create lather in your hands: Wet your hair and scalp, rub the bar between your hands to make lather, massage the lather into your scalp, then use your hands to work it through your hair. Rinse thoroughly.
– Use the bar directly on your hair: Wet your hair and scalp, gently run the bar along your scalp and down your hair from roots to ends to avoid tangles. Work each section until a thick lather forms (add a bit of water if needed). Massage, then rinse well.

I prefer running the bar directly on my scalp and moving the lather through my hair from roots to ends. It creates a nice, thick lather that rinses out easily.

Why switch to shampoo bars
– More sustainable: Using bars helps cut plastic. Spring & Vine says their bars use up to 95% less plastic and up to 90% less water in packaging and production.*
– Concentrated formula: One bar lasts as long as a 12.6-ounce bottle of shampoo. To make yours last, keep it on a well-draining soap dish and out of direct shower spray.
– Travel friendly: Bars don’t leak and won’t count toward TSA liquid limits.
– Cruelty-free and natural: Spring & Vine bars are PETA-certified cruelty-free and vegan, and they skip sulfates, parabens, silicones, dyes, phthalates, mineral oils, and synthetic fragrances. They use essential oils instead of synthetic fragrances, which is gentler on hair and better for the environment.

Have you tried a shampoo bar?

*vs. a traditional 12.6 ounce shampoo bottle

Spread the love — 217 shares

Homemade Honey Face Mask for Radiant, Deeply Hydrated Skin

by momfad_com

This homemade moisturizing honey face mask is quick to make and leaves skin feeling soft, hydrated, and radiant. It uses simple, natural pantry ingredients—a gentle, affordable way to treat your skin.

After the cooler months I noticed my skin needed a little extra care. Dry air, stress, and lack of sleep left it dull, congested, and dehydrated. I love creating DIY skincare in my kitchen to help restore that healthy glow.

Homemade Honey Face Mask for Radiant, Deeply Hydrated Skin

For more tips on radiant skin, check out my post “How To Get Glowing Skin” on The Find by Zulily.

I prefer a more natural beauty routine—many masks are expensive and full of questionable ingredients. This hydrating mask uses only a few natural items and gives great results. Manuka honey is especially powerful: while I enjoy it in recipes, it’s also amazing in skincare.

What is Manuka honey?
Manuka honey comes from bees that collect nectar from the Manuka plant (Leptospermum scoparium) native to New Zealand. It contains a compound called methylglyoxal (MGO), which gives it strong antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Those traits make it especially useful for soothing dry, sensitive, or acne-prone skin.

Why use Manuka honey for skin?
– Reduces breakouts: Its antibacterial and antimicrobial qualities help fight the bacteria that cause acne.
– Calms redness: The anti-inflammatory and healing effects can soothe irritated or sensitive skin and support cell turnover for healthier skin.
– Hydrates: Honey draws in and locks moisture, helping skin feel softer and more hydrated.
– Brightens: Natural enzymes gently exfoliate, removing dead skin cells to reveal fresher, brighter skin.

DIY Moisturizing Honey Face Mask
This mask is great for dry, acne-prone, or aging skin. Manuka honey soothes and hydrates while its healing properties support skin recovery. Oat flour gently exfoliates to remove dry, dull skin. If you have vitamin C powder, it’s a nice optional boost for brightening. Lavender adds a light scent and calming benefits, and rose hip seed oil can help renew skin and provide antioxidant support.

Use once or twice a week for a little extra skincare TLC.

Ingredients:
– 1 Tbsp oat flour (or grind oats in a blender/food processor)
– 1 Tbsp Manuka honey
– 1/2 tsp vitamin C crystals (optional)
– 2 drops lavender essential oil (optional)
– 1 drop rose hip seed oil (optional)

Mix all ingredients until well combined.

To use:
– Start with clean skin.
– On damp skin, gently massage the mask in circular motions, avoiding the eye area.
– Leave on for 5–10 minutes.
– Rinse off with warm water and a clean washcloth.
– Follow with your favorite toner and moisturizer.

Note: Vitamin C can increase sun sensitivity, so be sure to wear sunscreen.

Have you tried this mask yet? I’d love to hear how it worked for you.

You can find all the ingredients at nowfoods.com. Use code AMBER for 20% off.

Newer Posts
Older Posts