recommendations

Texas babies tend to show up in late summer, which means spring is prime time for parents‑to‑be to enter their research era. One minute you’re casually browsing, and the next you’re deep in a debate about stroller wheels, sound machine settings, and how many onesies a newborn can possibly go through in a day.

That’s why we created the 2026 Baby Essentials & Baby Gear Guide — a fun, friendly roundup of the must‑haves, the nice‑to‑haves, and the “oh wow, that’s actually genius” finds that make preparing for a new baby feel exciting instead of overwhelming. Think of it as your cheerful companion for the months ahead.

My Brave Friend is a special book for young children. It focuses on Noah, a first grader, who notices his best friend Emma did not come back to school after winter break. His teacher explains Emma is in the hospital and she has cancer. The book uses calm, simple language that is easy for children to understand. It explains what it is like to be a patient in a children’s hospital and also that cancer is not contagious like some other illnesses.

Read Victoria's book review.

Welcome to the 2026 Garden, Backyard & Patio Product Guide—your fresh start for outdoor living this year. Whether you’re tending a thriving garden, upgrading your patio hangout, or simply dreaming of a backyard that feels a little more “you,” this guide brings together the most inspiring finds of the season.

We’ve curated a mix of innovative, practical, and just‑plain‑fun products designed to make your outdoor spaces more beautiful, functional, and enjoyable. From everyday essentials to clever upgrades you didn’t know you needed, consider this your shortcut to a backyard that works hard, plays hard, and feels like home.

Welcome to the 2025 Home & Lifestyle Holiday Gift Guide—where cozy meets clever, and every corner of your home gets a little more “ooh, where’d you get that?” Whether you’re gifting to a design-obsessed friend, a wellness-loving aunt, or just treating yourself (because yes, you deserve it), we’ve rounded up our favorite finds to elevate the everyday. 

So whether you’re hosting, hibernating, or just trying to keep the peace between the quiet and the chaos, we’ve got gifts that bring joy to every nook and cranny.

She leads, she listens, she multitasks like a magician—and this season, she deserves gifts that reflect every role she plays. Whether she’s chasing toddlers, building empires, or just trying to drink her coffee while it’s still hot, this holiday gift guide for moms is here to celebrate her with intention, beauty, and a little extra sparkle.

From cozy comforts to everyday luxuries, these handpicked favorites are designed to support her, surprise her, and remind her she’s seen. Scroll down to find gifts that go beyond the expected—and wrap her in joy this holiday season.

Summer is a time for exploration, creativity, and new experiences—and what better way to embark on an adventure than through books? Whether kids are relaxing by the pool, curled up in a hammock, or on a road trip, reading keeps their minds engaged and their imaginations soaring. Plus, with so many summer reading programs offering exciting rewards, kids can stay motivated while having fun!

Nestled in the heart of Liberty Hill, Texas, Simply Home Boutique stands as a charming yellow house brimming with unique treasures. Established in 2012, this delightful boutique has become a local favorite, offering an eclectic mix of home décor, fashion, kitchen treats, and gifts for all occasions. Whether you're stopping by for a fun shopping event, hunting for the perfect gift, or simply soaking in the boutique’s cozy charm, every visit feels like a little getaway filled with warmth, community, and delightful treasures.

School’s in full swing, the kids’ extracurriculars are in overdrive, the house still needs to function like a well-oiled machine (or at least not completely fall apart), and, oh yeah—there’s work, errands, and the endless to-do list that never seems to shrink. Sound familiar?

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, let’s talk about something you really deserve: a little self-care. Whether you’re dropping hints to your significant other or treating yourself (because, let’s be real, you’ve earned it), these handpicked self-care products are here to help you relax, recharge, and reclaim some much-needed “me time.” Because taking care of you isn’t selfish—it’s
essential.

Want to bond with your family, offer a break from screen time, and help kids develop critical thinking, teamwork, and communication skills? Bring out the family games!

We’ve just added a new game to our collection. As parents of two kids, we actually pat ourselves on the back for this one, since it is… can you guess?... yep, a game for 2! Not that we don’t like playing games with our kids, we absolutely do, but this game is perfect for just the two of them: when we’re still working when they get home from school or when we’re busy cooking or doing other things around the house, or – we just found that out – when we’re traveling! The game is small enough to take on trips and it can easily be played in the car or on the plane.

And pssst, want to know what’s also great about this game? The brain behind it, Project Genius, is Austin-based and woman-owned! Read on to learn more about the game and Project Genius.

‘tis the Season – so much to do, so little time. December is one of the busiest months of the year, whether you’re decorating your home, holiday gift shopping, preparing for the holidays, and oh-oh – winter break is just around the corner! Wouldn’t it be nice to have a friendly Elf, who allows you to do all that, while (s)he takes care of your kiddos?

Meet Babysitting Connection, owned and founded by local Austin mom, Beth Heyer, and her team of reliable and trust-worthy babysitters Whether you need consistent reliable care on a weekly basis or a few days or nights each month, Babysitting Connection’s got you covered.

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