7 Things

swimwear solidarity, the 8-second rule, a necessary summer car refresh, a secret shopping site & more

Hi! And welcome back to the second edition of 7 Things!

Today’s we’re diving into swimwear solidarity with the first bikini I’ve felt good in in forever, a much-needed summer car refresh, and the 8-second parenting rule that’s actually working for me. Behind the paywall: the secret shopping site I learned about from a friend who was formerly at VOGUE, the healthy dessert/snack we can’t stop making, the AI trend I can’t wrap my head around, and a poignant, tear-jerking share filled with beautiful life lessons. Hope you enjoy it!

Let’s get into it:

1. Swimwear Solidarity
Listen, I’m not a bikini-on-the-internet type of girl but in the spirit of solidarity, I have to share the first bikini I’ve felt comfortable in since having kids. I don’t know what kind of magic is in this bottom, but that forgiving high waist? A dream! I have it in black and have this top but there are tons of great top options.

And if you’re looking for just the right length sarong for perching on the pool steps, one that covers your bum but doesn’t trail in the water while wrangling a toddler, this is the one.

Lastly, my quick get ready for the pool routine (we’re there a lot!): Dreambeam SPF 40 for spf/bronze and glow in one + blush in Dreamland for a cheek pop + Air Brow (Kosas is 20% off sitewide this week, btw) + Tower cashew lip gloss + sunglasses. Fin!

2. Summer Car Haul
We stopped by a party where there was water play for the children but there was one problem: I didn’t have swimsuits or towels…and not having what we need when we need it? That is not how I roll. This of course prompted a summer car refresh so that we’re prepared for summer serendipity. Here’s what’s stocked:

• Trash cans in all the doors (byeee snack wrappers on the floor!)

• A first-aid kit (not sure how I never had one in my car before?)

• An oversized jumbo beach towel (comes in yellow too) - perfect for picnics or the beach

• Swimsuits for every child (we’re very into Minnow, for Jack too) and myself + 2 small towels + 2 swim diapers

• Sweaters for every child + change of clothes for Jack

• Sunscreen

• Hand-sanitizers for the girls (they prefer a spray) and myself

• Organic insect repellent

• Water wipes and Biom all-purpose wipes

• Hair ties and claw clips

• Coloring books + pencils (crayons might melt)

• A small cordless vacuum (for sand, crumbs, etc. - love this thing!)

3. The 8 Second Parenting Rule
The algorithm fed me this video about giving your child 8 full seconds to respond to you before asking again, saying their name, asking differently or saying anything at all and I’m truly amazed at how well it works.

The reason why it works? Children need the extra time to process the information. It’s so simple and so effective. Try it and lmk how it goes!