5 Reasons Why It’s Totally Okay to Sometimes Be a “Bad Mom”

Oct 22, 2016

There are creative moms who make art out of lunch and take Leibovitz-level photos of their children. And there are powerful moms who rock the #momboss role while ruling the roost at home too. For the rest of us mere mortals, it often seems like there is an imaginary goalpost that moves further into the horizon every. Single. Day. Between spit-ups and soccer practice or baby proofing and bathing yourself, the definition of being a “good” mom is open to interpretation.

1. You need a break. Give yourself a break and say no if you really don’t have the time or energy to take something else on. There will be plenty of chances for you to volunteer, chaperone or carpool in the future. If you don’t have the bandwidth for something at the moment, be honest and pick it up another time.

2. There are only 24 hours in a day. There’s always going to be something else you need to do. Maybe it’s the dishes piling up or the dirty laundry pooling around the floor. Whatever it is, give yourself permission to ignore the things that you don’t have to get done right this minute in favor of keeping your sanity in check.

3. You can enable your kids. Once they’re old enough, give your kids the gift of empowerment. Make it a routine for your kiddos to make their own breakfast before school, pick out their clothes for the day or to take on something else that you would normally do for them. Kids love being in charge of things, so let them lead the charge with self-reliance.

4. It’s normal to get emotional. Feeling stressed? Say so and take a moment to take a deep breath, even if your kids are watching. Your kids will feel stressed, overwhelmed, angry and a whole bunch of other not-so-great emotions over the course of their lives. Show them that it’s normal to have these feelings, and that there are positive ways to work through it.

5. You’re keeping it real. Meet your daily challenges head on and demonstrate how to manage setbacks, bullies and whatever lemons life throws at you. At the end of the day, parenting is about raising little humans to one day be kind, self-reliant and thoughtful bigger humans. Show them how to think critically through issues by letting them see that you are human too.

What are your best “bad mom” moments? Tweet us your tips @BritandCo!

(Photos via Universal Studios Home Entertainment)

Blake Lively Is In Ryan Reynolds' New Movie! Here's Your First Look At Her Character.

Blake Lively is as multifaceted as they come. She's an actress who has starred in titles like Gossip Girl, A Simple Favor, and The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (plus the upcoming adaptation of It Ends With Us). She's the founder of Betty Buzz, which has a variety of non-alcoholic mixers that taste just as good on their own as they do with liquor. And, she's also a mom. Lively has been outspoken about protecting her children from the paparazzi, making rare public appearances with them for events like her husband Ryan Reynolds' Hollywood Walk Of Fame Ceremonyandcozy date nights.

When Lively and Reynolds seemingly announced the birth of their fourth child last year, we melted. Here's everything you need to know about Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively's kids.

Is Blake Lively in any of Ryan Reynolds' movies?

Image via Paramount Pictures

Yes, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds have been in the same movies! After meeting during the production of Green Lantern, Blake Lively has a role as an imaginary friend in Ryan Reynolds' new movie IF. In the film, Blake plays a kitten, and it looks like the child who dreamed her up also loves the ocean! This spring movie follows Ryan Reynolds' character and his neighbor Bea, who set out to save all the imaginary friends. It looks like such a fun watch and I can't wait to see the role Blake plays!

The movie also stars director John Krasinski, Cailey Fleming, Fiona Shaw, Alan Kim, Liza Colón-Zayas, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Louis Gossett Jr., and Steve Carell.

How do Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively prioritize their kids?

Image via Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Michael Kors

Blake Lively recently joined an episode of her Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants' costar Amber Tamblyn's Further Adoand revealed the one unbreakable rule she made with Ryan Reynolds.

“When Ryan and I got together, we made a rule not to work at the same time,” she says. “So that we could always prioritize our personal life...That takes working really hard when we're not. Just like financial planning and sustaining that; it takes balance.”

I love that Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds are serious about their family life, and that they have identified what works for them and are sticking with it.

Is Taylor Swift friends with Blake Lively's kids?

Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images

Yes, Taylor Swift loves Blake Lively's kids! At the Philadelphia show of the Eras Tour, in which Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively attended, Taylor said hello from the stage.

One funny detail about Ryan Reynolds' kids that I love is when he mentioned the girls finally realized Taylor Swift was a popstar. "I think what's most exciting for them is that for the longest time they just thought Taylor's just like an aunt, like a friend of Mommy and Daddy that's very, very close, almost family," he tellsThe Jess Cagle Show. "And then they went to a concert one day and were like, 'Ohhhhh, this isn't a hobby.'"

For Super Bowl Sunday, Blake Lively joined Taylor Swift to support beau (and KC Chiefs tight end) Travis Kelce. "Last week I left my kids for the first time ever," she says on Instagram. "I took pictures upside down and had no clue. I treated a friendship bracelet like a Flat Stanley for my husband like I didn’t realize it wasn’t ‘07. I borrowed more jewelry than the skeleton in the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. And I went clubbing. Now I know what my episode of TheTwilight Zone would look like."

How has motherhood affected Blake Lively?

Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Staff/Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images;Art by Claire Shadomy/B+C

Blake Lively recently opened up about how Ryan Reynolds and she monitor screen safety for their kids, which is definitely something top-of-mind in 2024. “This is not an ad. I get nothing out of this. I just love @tappityapp,” she said of the STEM-focused educational app. “It’s engaging, informative, fun and they care about safety."

She also jokes that she's learning new things right along with her daughters! But, no matter how educational or fun an app is, Blake Lively also emphasizes the importance of engaging with her kids' devices: "I’m always triple checking any kids app constantly for safety because that’s my responsibly not an app’s, but I do LOVE this one.”

Despite its fun and funny moments, the actress has admitted being a mom is hard, but she did it with her signature dry sense of humor. “BettyBooze at your service," she wrote in an Instagram Story announcing the new brand. "These are recipes I’ve been making for loved ones for years. But I have 4 kids now. And I’m tired. So here they are. In a can."

However, Lively absolutely loves motherhood, and says in a 2022 interview with Forbes that having children has made her feel more comfortable in her own skin. "Once I had children, that just became even more profound because my time was even more precious, but also I think having children for me made me feel so much more in my skin," she says. "I never felt more myself or at ease in my own body or more confident — not to say that there aren't a bevy of insecurities coming at me a million times a day, but I just feel incredibly settled."

Speaking with People in 2021, Lively also explains how important it is that her children see her accomplish things outside the home. "I want to be as present of a mother as humanly possible and I want them to feel my presence, but I also think the best way to be the best mother is to show them that you can have a life and have a passion and have an identity outside of just being a mother," Lively says.

While she acknowledges that motherhood is all-encompassing, and it looks different for everyone, she knows that having your own identity is very important. "Teaching them that they can maintain themselves and that everything is possible [is crucial]," she adds.

How many children do Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds have?

Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively's children are four girls. They welcomed their third daughter in 2019, making this new addition to the family their fourth kid.

When did Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds have their daughters?

Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Gabrielle's Angel Foundation

Blake Lively's children were all born in the last 10 years. Blake Lively's kids' names are James, Inez, Betty, and a fourth baby whose name they haven't announced yet. She gave birth to James in 2014, while Inez was born in 2016. Lively gave birth to Betty in 2019 and their fourth baby in February of 2023. I'm hoping that we might find out Ryan Reynolds' new baby's name in honor of her first birthday!

Why did Blake Lively name her daughter James?

Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

The couple decided to name their daughter James after Reynolds' late father. While the name connects both James and Reynolds to his father, it also gives Lively the chance to bond with her daughter over having historically male names. "I liked having a boy's name," Lively said on Good Morning Americain 2015. "I thought I'd pass it on."

Their third daughter Betty's name is a tribute to Lively's late father. We didn't know the name of the couple's third baby until Taylor Swift used all three names in her 2020 album folklore. Swift also used James' voice at the beginning of her 2017 track "Gorgeous"! Does that mean we'll hear one of Ryan Reynolds' children in Reputation (Taylor's Version)? I hope so!

What has Ryan Reynolds said about raising their kids?

Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images

Per People, Ryan Reynolds has made it clear he and Blake are wholly invested in the kids' daily lives. The doting husband and father enjoys the moments of "walking them to school and walking them back" as it deepens their bond. More than anything, Ryan and Blake's main goal is to make sure they teach their kids how to be introspective with Ryan saying, "...that's the thing we sort of hang our hat on the most is self-awareness with our kids."

However, that doesn't mean Blake and Ryan don't absolutely love being parents. "We're very excited [and] we wouldn't do this four times if we didn't love it," he says in an interview with CNBC's Power Lunch. "Everybody's doing great. Everybody's actually doing fantastic. I think if we hadn't figured it out by now, I think we'd be in deep, deep trouble."

"It's a zoo over here," he jokes. "This is my office here, this is where I'll probably — to be honest, I'll probably spend the rest of my life in here."

We love how much energy Ryan and Blake are pouring into their kids. It's always beautiful when parents are able to be present with their kids and teach them how to be present with themselves. Ryan Reynolds has also mentioned how having daughters "has been such a ride." Since he comes from a family of all boys, having daughters is something that was beyond his wildest dreams! “I love being a girl dad,” Ryan tells Access. “I have three daughters, which I never in a million years would imagine.”

He mentioned his newest daughter in June of 2023, when he announced his new series Bedtime Stories. "The idea for a show made to help everyone fall asleep was born the same day as my fourth child," he says on Instagram.

Did Blake Lively have a 4th baby?

Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for American Cinematheque

Blake Lively posted a pic on Super Bowl Sunday showing what appears to be a post-baby body with the caption "Been busy."

Lively confirmed her fourth pregnancy in September 2022 when she arrived at her Forbes event in NYC cradling a baby bump and by posting her own personal photos on Instagramhoping that "the 11 guys waiting outside [her] home for a 🦄 sighting will leave [her] alone."

What gender is Ryan and Blakes 4th child?

Image via Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively's newest baby, who was born in February of 2023, is a girl! Reynolds explained on the Today Show that they "never find out" until the baby is born, and whether they decide to reveal it is totally up to them. So, does Ryan Reynolds have a son? So far, not yet, but I'm a firm believer in never say never ;).

What is the name of Blake Lively's 4th baby?

Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

Since Taylor Swift used the Blake Lively's kids names in folklore, Swifties think they've guessed Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds' new baby's name.

"Calling it now Blake Lively & Ryan Reynolds baby is going to be named Daisy Mae," Kaitlyn Kersten tweeted after the release of Taylor Swift's Midnights in October 2022 (the name is mentioned in "You're On Your Own Kid.") While we don't have official word on what Ryan Reynolds' new baby name is, we do think that James, Inez, Betty, and Daisy sound great together!

Do Blake and Ryan have nannies?

Image via Jamie McCarthy / Staff

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds' children don't have a nanny. "I feel like I could sometimes have a bit of a short fuse, but there's just been this weirdly endless supply of patience," Ryan told GQ in 2015. "I have no problem waking up five times in the middle of the night and changing diapers, and as exhausted as you get, I have this stupid grin on my face all the time."

How long have Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively been married?

Photo by Steven Ferdman/Getty Images

Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively have been married for 11 years. The couple got married in 2012 at a former slave plantation in South Carolina, a location that the couple is "unreservedly sorry for," Reynolds told Fast Company in 2020.

How did Blake and Ryan meet?

Image via François Duhamel/DC Comics/Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds met on the set of their film Green Lantern in 2010. After they filmed the movie, they ended up going out with other people, until a train ride changed everything! “Next thing you know, she was going to Boston, and I was going to Boston,” Ryan says on an episode of the SmartLess podcast. “So we got on a train and rode together and then, you know, I was just begging her to sleep with me.” Their relationship quickly evolved to the one we know and love today!

Was Blake Lively married before Ryan Reynolds?

Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images

Ryan Reynolds is Blake Lively's first husband, but before they got married, the actress dated her Gossip Girl costar Penn Padgley and also reportedly dated Leonardo DiCaprio. Ryan Reynolds was married to MCU star Scarlett Johansson from 2008 to 2010.

Who is Blake Lively's half sister?

Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images for People's Choice Awards

Blake Lively's half-sister is Robyn Lively. Robyn also works in Hollywood, just like Blake's brother Eric Lively and brother-in-law Bart Johnson.

Check out our email newsletter for the latest celebrity news and trending content, and check back here for the latest news on Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively's kids!

Lead image via Arturo Holmes/Getty Images

This story has been updated.

The 12 Best All-Inclusive Resorts In 2023

There's nothing more enjoyable than a vacation planned with your specific interests in mind. As someone with an endless sense of wanderlust, I love a unique travel experience or an off-the-grid adventure. I've climbed Machu Picchu and slept beneath the stars in a Middle Eastern desert and ridden Icelandic ponies through lava fields, and I'd do it all again! However, more often than not I return from PTO more exhausted than when I first departed.

Any adventurer worth their salt is all too familiar with this dilemma. You take time off for a relaxing vacation, but there are just so many exciting things to see out there in this big, beautiful world, and you end up using your remaining energy to go experience all the things, instead of taking the much-needed rest you deserve.

Enter: the all-inclusive resort. Once upon a time, I scoffed at these destinations — why would I want to be at a big hotel when I could have an *authentic* experience elsewhere? But upon further research, I've discovered that the all-inclusive resorts of yesteryear have come a pretty long way. Gone are the big box hotels devoid of character (they still exist, of course, but not in quite the same way) and culture-infused, 360 degree experiences for travelers of all budgets and interests have arrived in their place.

Here are the best all-inclusive resorts you should add to your travel list this year.

Are all-inclusive resorts worth it?

Image via Bungalows Key Largo

Yes, all-inclusive resorts are worth it! Especially for travelers who want to relax and leave most of the logistical planning up to the resort. When staying at an all-inclusive resort, all food, drinks, and on-site activities are typically already paid for, so you can go about your day without worrying about the price tag.

Where do they have the best all-inclusive resorts?

Image via O2 Beach Club Resort & Spa

While all-inclusive resorts are traditionally found in the Caribbean, today there are incredible 5-star all-inclusive hotels all over the world! We've seen great all-inclusive resorts in South America, Africa, and Asia — as well as the classics in Mexico and the Caribbean islands.

Does US have all-inclusive resorts?

Image via Mohonk Mountain House

Yes! There are dozens of all-inclusive resorts across every US state. Some of the best all-inclusive resorts in the United States are in Florida, the Southwest (Arizona and Utah), and the Northwest (Montana and Wyoming).

All-Inclusive Resorts in the United States

Miraval in Tucson, Arizona

If your passport has expired or you would simply prefer to stay (relatively) local, consider a domestic all-inclusive experience. While Miraval operates two other resorts in Austin and the Berkshires, we love their original location, which is set in the majestic desert of the Santa Catalina Mountain. You have the option to keep busy with a variety of daily workshops, classes, lectures, and wellness activities, or simply enjoy the resort's 400+ acres of majestic desert and mountain views.

Bungalows in Key Largo, Florida

The Florida Keys are the closest you can get to the Carribean water without the hassle of going through customs. Of all the locales, Key Largo is the most convenient and best for snorkeling. Bungalows is our recommendation for a luxurious experience, with options for a private waterfront, soaking tub, or outdoor garden shower. Despite being only 90 minutes from Miami, being at this resort truly feels like another world.

Red Mountain Resort in Ivins, Utah

When it comes to Utah, nature girls™ already have a running list of bucket list places to see, like Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon. Logistically, it makes sense to pick a hotel nearby, and nothing sounds better than a wellness-focused resort with luxe amenities after a long day of hiking. Red Mountain Resort is surrounded by the region's iconic red rock bluffs and offers kayaking, paddle boarding, guided morning hikes, meditation classes and a yoga studio.

Image via Mohonk Mountain House

Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, New York

Fans of The Marvelous Mrs Maisel know that long before the Hamptons, the Catskills in upstate New York were *the* place to "summer." And, while the region is still a total vibe in the warmer months, there's actually a whole host of fun activities to enjoy all year round, including hiking, horseback riding, and canoeing (and that's just on Mohonk Mountain House's property!). Come for the untouched wilderness (ahem, 40,000 square acre forest) and stay for the ultra-aesthetic Victorian castle vibes.

Carribean & Central America All-Inclusive Resorts

Jade Mountain Resort in St. Lucia

It's not possible to mention St. Lucia without instantly thinking of the iconic Jade Mountain Resort, so we figured this was a pretty great place to start. Nestled atop a lush tropical mountain, this stunning hotel features a full view of the beaches and rainforests that surround it -- thanks to the strategic absence of a fourth wall.

O2 Beach Club & Spa in Barbados

Barbados is home to Rihanna, Ross Geller's paleontology conference, and now a new hotel to watch: O2 Beach Club & Spa. It's a boutique hotel with all-inclusive perks (best of both worlds!) that's located on the dreamy south coast of Barbados. Come for the beach, but stay for the Hammam (aka Turkish bath) treatment - the only one of its kind in Barbados!

Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort in Dominica

Located on the oft-overlooked and underrated island of Dominica, Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort is a new breed of all-inclusives. Their mission is to encourage guests to get off the property so they can experience the island’s many highlights, from hiking and snorkeling to walking tours and visits to local eateries. It's also one of the region's top dive resorts!

Marquis Los Cabos in Baja California, Mexico

When it comes to Mexico, Cancun is to our 20s what Los Cabos is to our 30s. It's the luxe, tranquil escape where the desert mountains meet the Sea of Cortez. This elevated all-inclusive offers sushi and an extensive ceviche menu, as well as a holistic spa that includes one-of-a-kind treatments using crushed diamonds!

Coco Plum in Belize

Intrigued by the Great Barrier Reef, but less enthused about a 17+ hour journey to Australia? Belize is the answer. This picturesque island nation has all the beauty and convenience of the Caribbean, while giving travelers plenty of unique experiences. Coco Plum is our choice for a long weekend in Belize - this adult-only, private island resort will make you feel completely off-the-grid, while centrally located to fun activities and day trips to the country's own barrier reef.

International All-Inclusive Resorts

Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion in Peru

If you've ever dreamt of sleeping in a treehouse or visiting the Amazon rain forest, look no further. Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion is a true off-the-grid experience adjacent to the Amazon River. Canoe and make your own chocolate during the day, and take a night walk in the surrounding rain forest and unwind in the new full-service spa in the evening. The best part? Traditional Peruvian breakfast, lunch and dinner with locally-sourced ingredients. IYKYK.

Soneva Kiri in Thailand

Thailand may be an extremely long plane flight away, but once you arrive, the crystal clear water more than makes up for the journey. Award-winning hotel chain Soneva has multiple locations throughout Southeast Asia, but their Kiri location in Thailand is a standout. It's located on Koh Kood, widely regarded as the prettiest island in Thailand, and features 36 beachfront villas, each with their own infinity pool.

Mahali Mzuri in Kenya

For the traveler who wants to get Out There, there's nothing better than staying right in the center of the action. This action, of course, being Maasai Mara and the path of the Great Migration, one of Kenya’s most incredible safari sights. Travelers will have access to twice-daily game drives and a front row seat to the Big Five.

Sign up for our newsletter for more travel inspiration and let us know which all-inclusive resort you're eyeing in the comments 👀.

Header image via Jade Mountain Resort

This post has been updated.

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30 Mother's Day Gifts For Expecting Moms That'll Make Them Feel Appreciated

Figuring out how to buy gifts for new moms that they actually like — and need — can feel hard. Should you go with the generic postpartum gifts or knock it out the park with something extravagant? These are extremely valid questions that will have different answers based on who you ask. But, the main person you should keep in mind is the mom you want to surprise. After all, entering motherhood for the first time can bring on a lot of emotions — just ask Ylleya Fields, mother of 6 and author of children’s book series, Princess Cupcake Jones.

"The first couple of years [of motherhood] are not your own, especially when you have multiple children," Ylleya said. She also mentioned that postpartum depression is such a real thing that's not always fully understood until someone experiences it. Even if new moms don't experience it, she said, "Anyone can feel inadequate or have moments of sadness while going through it." It's something she felt with every child, but Ylleya and I both agree that these moments are temporary.

That being said, she believes it's important for moms to receive gifts that will help them with their babies and self-care. Whether you're gifting a food delivery subscription or making sure baby can safely practice independent play, here are top 23 essential gifts for new moms!

Gifts For New Expecting Moms

Frida Mom Pregnancy Skincare Set

Take it from a toddler mom — being gifted a skincare set is top tier. Sure things are shifting and stretching over a long period of time, so having items that prioritize a pregnant mom's skin is necessary.

Urban Skin Rx Super C Body Bright Oil

I can't speak for other moms, but I started developing body acne and more visible stretch marks when I was pregnant. I would've loved to use a body oil that's meant rejuvenate and refresh my skin. It also targets discoloration and premature aging of the skin, making it one of the perfect gifts for expecting moms.

ESARORA Ice Roller

Sometimes a puffy face during pregnancy is inevitable. It can be a little jarring for an expecting mom who's not used to it, so I recommend using an ice roller to help with any puffiness she may experience.

Earth Mama A Little Something for Mama-to-Be Gift Set

As much as it's important to make sure you growing baby is nourished and taken care of, mams deserve to pamper themselves too. Let this gift set serve as a little pick-me-up on the days where she feels drained by pregnancy.

Boppy Multi-Use Total Body Pillow with Removable Pillow Cover

"I used a Baby Bjorn pregnancy pillow during my pregnancies and feel like this is hands-down one of the most important gifts to give," Ylleya said.

Michael Kors Extra-Large Pebbled Leather Reversible Tote Bag

Although it's tempting to make sure a new mom has all the essentials she'll need in her hospital bag, don't forget to give her a 'just because' gift. Help her become comfortable with carrying tote bags by surprising her with Michael Kors' reversible design.

Postpartum Gifts For New Moms

Frida Mom C-Section Recovery Kit

There are many recovery kits that moms should be gifted after giving birth, but I truly love that Frida mom has a c-section recovery kit. Not every mom experiences a vaginal birth, so this gift is a nice gesture to remind c-section mamas that their care is equally important.

Nurtured 9 The Peaceful Postpartum Gift Set

Help the postpartum mom in your life ease into her new normal with this thoughtful gift set. She'll appreciate drinking tea that helps soothes her uterine cramps while wearing soft slippers.

What's included:

Earth Mama Organic Periodic Tea
Blush Pink Slippers
Agni Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies for Postpartum
Nurtured 9 Bloom No. 2 Non-Toxic Candle
Nurtured 9 "Moment For Mama" Apothecary Matches

Nurtured 9 The Soothing Recovery Postpartum Gift Box

If you're truly in the giving mood, surprise a new mom with this soothing recovery postpartum gift box.

What's included:

Nurtured 9 Maternity/Postpartum Pajama Set
Nurtured 9 Bloom No. 2 Non-Toxic Candle
Mother Mother Organic Postpartum Herbal Sitz Bath
The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother

Untie The Bow Gifts Fall New Baby Gift Box

This cute little gift box is a congratulatory set that includes items for baby and mom.

Everyday Medical Store Post Surgery Abdominal Binder

Ylleya said, "After carrying a baby for 10 months, the diastasis recti muscles aren't going to be the same. Having a belt that helps those muscles contract — especially if a new mom isn't breastfeeding [for whatever reason] — is something that's needed."

Willow 360 Wearable Breast Pump

If you know a new mom who interested in breastfeeding her newborn, take the pressure off her shoulders by giving her a hands-free breast pump system. It can be isolating to use one that has a bunch of wires, so be sure to add this to the top of your 'gifts for moms' list.

Skims Maternity Nursing Sculpting Bra

Don't forget to give the new mom in your life a nursing bra to go with her hands-free breast pump!

Frida Mom Postpartum Disposable Underwear

Recovering from giving birth can get messy whether you've had a vaginal delivery or a C-section. One of the things that helped me tremendously during postpartum was investing in comfortable underwear things healed down there.

Ode To Us Wellness French Terry Breastfeeding & Pumping Hoodie

This breastfeeding and pumping hoodie is for all my cozy girls who love when fashion is combined with functionality. One of the best features are the dual zippers that'll make your nursing or pumping sessions super easy. If that's not enough to convince you, it also helps keep your temperature regulated.

The Essentials Gift Set

Made with no synthetic scents and organic ingredients, these bathing essentials are clean and refreshing for baby and their mamas. Enjoy the soothing scents of lavender and rosemary for a relaxing bath experience.

Aura Cacia Shower Tablets - Refreshing Peppermint

Chances are that a new mom won't be able to get to a spa, so bring it to her with these refreshing peppermint shower tablets.

Farmacy Honey Milk Hydrating Essence

Gifts for expecting moms should include something that's going to provide optimal hydrating for their skin. As their hormone levels balance out, they can experience dry and sensitive skin from head to toe. However, Farmacy's Honey Milk Hydrating Essence works to rebuild the skin's moisture balance with the aid of white honey, chamomile, and vitamin B5!

Food-Related Gifts For Expecting Moms

Hello Fresh Subscription

This is self-explanatory, but the last thing a new mom will be thinking about is buying ingredients to cook a full-course meal. Gift her with a Hello Fresh subscription so figuring out what to cook doesn't feel like another chore.

Stanley Cup The Quencher H2.0 FlowState Tumbler

Whether she's breastfeeding or not, a new mom is going to be thirsty. Luckily, Stanley Cup has a 64 0z. tumbler that'll quench her thirst and then some.

Keurig K-Mini Single-Serve K-Cup

And if she wasn't a big coffee drinker before, she'll likely need as much energy as she can get via coffee. Trust me — you can't go wrong with Keurig's single-serve coffee maker.

Dunkin' French Vanilla Flavored Medium Roast Coffee Keurig K-Cup Pods

Just don't forget to include a box of Keurig K-Cup Pods when you surprise her with a new coffee maker!

Gifts For New Moms & Babies

Ergobaby Omni Breeze Baby Carrier

If your new mom wants to do light housework without worrying about keeping an eye on her baby, she absolutely needs a baby carrier. "Baby carriers make things a little easier," said Ylleya.

Nature Friends Baby Activity Chair

Activity chairs are so adorable and will entertain a newborn like no one's business. Help the new mom in your life out by bringing this with you during your next house visit.

Skip Hop x pbk Animal Friends Classic Activity Gym

If a new mom isn't really keen on the idea of an activity chair, gift her this activity gym instead. It's one of those gifts for moms that'll help them encourage tummy time.

Dreamland Baby Weighted Sleep Sack

Weighted sleep sacks are a dream according to some moms I've talked to. It helps keep the baby safely in place while promoting a peaceful rest.

HONEST Diaper Cake - Pandas, Deluxe

I'm going to be candid — newborns go through a ton of diapers. This diaper cake by HONEST will be a blessing to a new mom for at least a month.

Hatch Rest 2nd Gen

Speaking of restful sleep, this dream machine is — wait for it — a dream for new moms. It helps baby get used to resting at night with soothing sounds that lull them to sleep.

Nanit Baby Monitor with Camera

Ylleya said, "I'm one of those moms who still has a baby monitor, especially for my younger kids. I like to see what's going on." To help ease any fears a new mom may have about letting their babies sleep in nurseries, bring this baby monitor with you if you plan on visiting after she's given birth.

Pottery Barn Paxton Swivel Glider & Recliner

Recliners are essential for a new mom who will likely be up for late-night or early morning feedings. I spent countless hours in a rocking chair during the first few weeks after giving birth. It probably explains why my toddler prefers to be rocked to sleep now!

For the new moms who may be taking notes to share with their loved ones, Ylleya wants you to remember a few things. She said, "Don’t be hard on yourself if you're experiencing different emotions during postpartum. If you can, ask people to support you mentally or physically as you make the transition from being pregnant to caring for a child for the first time."

By far, one of my favorite things she said during our conversation is, "Being a parent is a learn-as-you-go process. Even with being a mom of 6, I'm still learning and that's okay. You just have to trust yourself and the process."

Which gifts for new moms are you thinking about adding to your holiday shopping budget? Let us know and sign up for our newsletter for more holiday gift guides!

Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

Lead image via Nurtured 9.

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Flights Of Fancy: Luxe Travel Experiences For Any Budget

Imagine sipping Champagne above a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, or indulging in a heavenly spa treatment with the Manhattan skyline in view. Even if your wallet can't quite stretch to a full-blown luxury getaway, sprinkling a touch of luxe into your travels can turn an ordinary trip into a memorable adventure. That idea sparked our new series, Flights of Fancy, where we take you along for a trip to the luxury experiences around the cities we adore.

Dallas-Ft. Worth

Photo: Hôtel Swexan

This Secret Dallas Speakeasy Hotel Is A Luxe Experience For Any Budget

Situated near Dallas’s Uptown, the Harwood District spans 19 city blocks filled with dozens of shops, restaurants, and luxury office buildings (Rolex was the first tenant, back in 1984). This trendy area of the city has become known as a great place for a bistro lunch or happy hour cocktails, and last year welcomed its first luxury boutique hotel: Hôtel Swexan. Our writer takes you inside the luxe experiences, from cocktails to lodging.

San Francisco Bay Area

Photo: Ritz Carlton, Half Moon Bay

These Fancy Bay Area Brunch Spots Are Worth The Splurge

From Marin to Half Moon Bay, these fancy brunch experiences are more than just a meal; they deliver picture-perfect ambience and a memorable feast to enjoy with your best people. So pack your weekend best and head to the Bay for mimosas with a twist and a meal to savor.

Follow along for all your travel needs with our Flights of Fancy series and Jetset Journeys series.

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Reese Witherspoon Shared The Cutest Memory About Bringing Her Daughter On The "Friends" Set

Reese isn't the only Witherspoon woman with undeniable beauty, grace, and talent! Her daughter, Ava Phillippe, is basically her twin, but she's managed to carve her own path throughout her life in the limelight. While her mom makes headlines for her adorable friendships with Jennifer Aniston, her highly successful Hello Sunshinecompany, and the upcoming season of The Morning Show, here is everything you should know about Reese Witherspoon's daughter, Ava Phillippe.

Ava's Early Life

Image via Instagram

Ava was born to Reese Witherspoon and her first husband, Ryan Phillippe, on September 9, 1999, in Los Angeles, California. In an interview with Jay Leno, Reese shared that she named her daughter after Ava Gardner because she was the only woman who was able to break Sinatra.

Reese has been open about how difficult the transition to new motherhood was, sharing on The View: "I had a baby really young — I was 23 years old — and so I was raising her by myself. I don't have any sisters, I don't have any aunts. I was alone in a new city, in Los Angles, and I literally had no friends. I would cry."

In 2000, The Morning Show actress guest starred on Friends, and Reese Witherspoon's daughter plays a huge role in Reese's memories from set. "I remember [Jennifer Aniston] and Courteney [Cox] running to my dressing room going 'Can we see the baby?!'" she tells People. "Ava was on set and I got to put her on the couch in Central Perk."

The cast of Friends "had a natural rapport with each other [and] I've never seen it again," she continues. "It was just these six people working in rhythm together and you could tell they truly loved each other."

Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

Despite the difficulties of not having a strong support system, Reese powered through and welcomed her second child with Phillippe, a son named Deacon, in 2003. In 2006, Ava's parents split up.

While the split was likely very difficult for Ava, she was still able to help her father cope with it. In an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2007, Ryan shared that his daughter is his inspiration and helped him get through the toughest time in his life.

Ava's Very Open About Her Anxiety

Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Following in her mother's footsteps, Ava has been candid about her struggles with the public. She shared on Instagram during a Q&A that she has "dealt with anxiety for as long as I can remember, and it was especially intense for me as a kid and teenager". She also offered advice to those dealing with something similar, saying "Don't invalidate your feelings. You have every right to feel however you do, even if it seems weird to others, and being hard on yourself won't help you feel better or find a solution."

Reese Witherspoon's Daughter Ava Has A Successful Modeling Career...

Image via Rodarte / Instagram

Despite her struggles with anxiety, Ava continues to push forward and make her dreams a reality. She made her modeling debut in Rodarte's Fall 2018 collection and has starred in ads for her mother's clothing company, Draper James. Since then, she has continued to make a name for herself in the modeling industry and became the face of Pat McGrath's Bridgerton collection in 2021 and modeled for Beyoncé's fashion label, Ivy Park.

...And A Potential Upcoming Acting Career

Image via Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images for Fendi

When Instagram account Deuxmoi posted a blind item about a new actress breaking into acting, we couldn't help but hope they're talking about Ava Phillippe. We saw her attendThe Golden Bachelor finale, but we would love to see Reese Witherspoon's daughter light up the screen! "We haven't seen [this celeb's] acting chops before but if she's anything like her A-list mama we can't wait!!!" says the blind item.

Ava Graduated From UC Berkeley

Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images

Beauty and brains! Ava attended UC Berkeley and graduated with her Bachelor's degree in 2022. Upon graduating, Ava has continued to model and nurture her artistic talent. Her Instagram is filled with pictures of her stunning portraits and sketches of things like animals and nature scenes. She also spends her days being a dog mom, and she's not shy about that on social media either!

Looking for more entertainment news? Sign up for our weekly email newsletter! You can also check out The Latest News On Blake Lively And Ryan Reynold's Kids for more of your favorite celeb families!

Header image via Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Critics Choice Association

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