The Disaster That Changed Everything

Travel used to be my favorite part of life—cute outfits, a good book, headphones, one or two movies, maybe a cup of tea on the plane. Then I had kids, and it turned into a circus. Last year’s family trip was the wake-up call: I was a sweaty mess in mismatched socks; my 3-year-old turned a juice pouch into an airplane, soaking his pants and shirt in sticky chaos, so I had to change him in the tiny airplane bathroom while stressing about what I’d do if he did it again before we landed, and I forgot my charger. I looked like I’d been through a blender while other women with no kids on the plane somehow looked like superstars. I decided right then—I’m a stylish mama, and I’m not letting travel steal that from me. Here’s how I pack now to keep my cool (and my vibe) with two tiny humans in tow.

1. Three-Outfit Rule (Because You Don’t Need More)

I used to overpack— six to seven outfits for a four-day trip, just in case. Spoiler: I wore the same tee and pants three days straight. Now, I stick to three outfits: one for travel (comfy but cute, like a black jogger and oversized sweater or shirt), one for day (jeans and a nice simple blouse), and one for night (basically pajamas or a nice comfy shirt and pants). Everything coordinates, so I’m not carrying multiple bags and a suitcase.

2. The Blanket Scarf That Does It All (My Ride-or-Die)

A big, soft scarf is my travel BFF. It’s a blanket when the plane’s freezing, three travel pillows for me and my kid’s nap, and a cover when I was nursing in a crowded terminal. I use a fringed scarf, one from Old Navy—it’s $24.99, link here, looks expensive, and has a nice color.

• Real Talk: I used it to mop up a juice leftover on my son's face. Still wore it to dinner—nobody knew.

3. One Pair of Kicks (And They Better Be Cute)

I used to pack sneakers and sandals—then wear the same pair the whole trip. Now I bring one pair: Vans Slip-Ons in black; the price is $70; link here. They’re comfy for passing through security but sleek enough to pair with a dress for dinner. No more extra shoes for family photos or walks around.

• Real Talk: My 4-year-old stepped on them with his dirty shoes—I wiped them down, and they still looked nice.

4. A Tote That’s Not a Diaper Bag (But Totally Is)

I am using a nice, cute bag from lululemon called the Daily Multi-Pocket Tote Bag, which is $68; link here. It fits diapers, snacks, my laptop, bottles, and a change of clothes for the kids—but it looks like I’m just a fancy travel bag, not just a simple diaper bag. Bonus: it’s got a zipper, so nothing falls out when I’m juggling everything. It is also in black, which can match my every outfit and keep me in style for the trip while everything is inside.

5. Ziploc Outfits for the Kids (no need to mess the whole suitcase)

Each kid gets a Ziploc bag per day for our four days of travel for shirts, pants, underwear, and socks. I label them “Day 1,” “Day 2,” etc. They can grab their own bag for the day, which cuts down on “I don’t like this shirt!” tantrums. If there’s a diaper blowout or a juice spill. This made my life and travel so much easier so I can enjoy my vacation.

6. Mini Beauty Bag of MVPs (Glow in 60 Seconds)

I keep a tiny pouch with just the essentials: CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen SPF 30 (link here) to even my skin, Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Red (link here) for a nice fresh look, and Batiste Dry Shampoo (link here) to fake clean hair. I can go from “I didn’t sleep” to “I’ve got this” in one minute.

7. One Statement Accessory (Because We Moms Deserve to Shine)

Pack one bold piece to make you feel like you. I bring a Target chunky gold chain necklace (link here)—it’s light, takes no space, and makes my basic tee-and-jeans look perfect. Even if I’m covered in cracker crumbs, I feel like a stylish mama.

The Win: I Felt Like Me Again

These tips aren’t just about packing—they’re about holding onto the stylish mama I am, even when travel tries to break me. Last trip, I walked off the plane with my tote, my scarf, and my sanity—my kids were a mess, but I got a “You look so put-together!” from my brain. That’s the goal, right? You can do this too—pack light, pack smart, and pack with style.

Your Turn: What’s Your Travel Lifesaver?

How do you keep it together on the road? Drop your go-to travel hack below. Share your chic travel moments with #StylishMamaRoots—I can’t wait to see your vibe!

Every mother deserve to feel beautiful

As a stylish mama, you don’t have time for a 12-step routine; spilled coffee on your shirt, kid screaming, and you’ve got five minutes before the school run—sound familiar? I’ve been there, drowning in laundry, feeling like a hot mess instead of a hot mama. But these 10 stupidly simple beauty hacks changed everything—now I look polished (and very fresh) in less time than it takes to bribe my toddler with cereal. Ready to steal my secrets? Here’s how to glow up fast with products you’ll wish you’d found sooner—like CeraVe’s Tinted Sunscreen or Batiste Dry Shampoo. Let’s dive in.

1. Tinted Moisturizer with SPF (Your One-and-Done Base)

Why fuss with separate moisturizer, sunscreen, and foundation? A tinted moisturizer with SPF cuts your routine all in one. It hydrates, protects, and evens your skin tone in under a minute—perfect for that “I woke up to shine” glow.

• Product: CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen SPF 30 ($13.99) link here
• Why It’s Great: Lightweight, non-greasy, and blends like a dream. The tint hides redness while the SPF 30 keeps you safe from the sun—ideal for school drop-offs, appointments, family gatherings, coffee dates, or park runs.
• How to Use: Dot it on your face, blend with fingers, and go.

2. Dry Shampoo Before Bed (Hair That’s Ready When You Are)

Washing your hair daily? Nobody has time for that. It is the best on days when there is no time to shower or if you are in a do it faster mood. Spray dry shampoo on your roots at night—it absorbs oil while you sleep, so you wake up with fresh, bouncy hair. Add a cute clip, and you're runway ready.

• Product: Batiste Dry Shampoo in Original ($9.97) link here
• Why It’s Great: Affordable, smells clean and nice, and adds volume without white residue (shake it out well!).
• How to Use: Section hair for easier spraying, spray 5 inches from roots, massage in lightly, and sleep on it. It won’t stain the pillowcase, but use a cloth on the pillow in case. Brush in the AM, and shine like a superstar.

3. Cream Blush as a Multitasker (Cheeks and Lips, Done)

A cream blush is your secret beauty—dab it on cheeks and lips for a rosy flush that ties your look together. No brushes, no fuss, just a natural pop of color.

• Product: e.l.f. Monochromatic Multi Stick in Sparkling Rose ($6) link here
• Why It’s Great: Creamy, blendable, and under $5—it’s a budget-friendly gem that doubles as a lip tint.
• How to Use: Swipe on cheekbones and lips, blend with fingertips. Takes 15 seconds tops.

4. Brow Gel for Instant Polish (Frame Your Face Fast)

Bold brows lift your whole vibe, and a tinted brow gel shapes them in one move—no penciling or precise drawing is required. It’s the fastest way to look awake and beautiful.

• Product: NYX Professional Makeup Tinted Brow Mascara in Espresso ($9) link here
• Why It’s Great: Holds brows in place, adds color, and doesn’t flake. The tiny brush gets every hair. Get the one that matches your hair color for a natural look.
• How to Use: Brush upward through brows—done in 10 seconds.

5. BB Cream Concealer Trick (Spot Coverage Hack)

Out of concealer? Use your BB cream. Use a small amount on blemishes or under-eye circles, let it set for a sec, then blend. It’s thicker coverage with zero extra products.

• Product: Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream ($11) link here
• Why It’s Great: 8-in-1 formula (hydrates, blurs, protects) with buildable coverage for spot fixes.
• How to Use: Apply as a base, then dot extra on trouble spots and pat with a finger.

6. Tinted Lip Balm (Hydration Meets Style)

Dry lips are a hard no, but who has time for lipstick? A tinted lip balm moisturizes and adds a chic hint of color—no mirror, no reapplying every hour.

• Product: Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Hibiscus ($6.97) link here
• Why It’s Great: 100% natural, super hydrating, and the soft red tint shows elegance and naturalness.
• How to Use: Swipe it on while chasing kids out the door—it’s that easy.

7. Messy Bun with a Scrunchie (Chic Updo in Seconds)

Bad hair day? Twist it into a high, messy bun and lock it with a scrunchie. Pull a few strands loose for that “cool mom” vibe—it’s stylish chaos at its best.

• Product: IVARYSS Velvet Scrunchies (12-Pack) ($13) link here
• Why It’s Great:  Soft, no-crease hold, and the colors (like blush or black) elevate the look.
• How to Use: Pile hair up, wrap the scrunchie twice, and tug ends for texture. Five seconds flat.

8. Highlighter Stick for a Quick Glow (Fake That Rest)

A highlighter stick is your tired-skin savior. Swipe it on cheekbones and brow bones for an instant dewy glow that says “I slept eight hours” (even if it was three).

• Product: Wet n Wild MegaGlo Makeup Stick in When the Nude Strikes ($6.89) link here
• Why It’s Great: Creamy, shimmery, and dirt-cheap—it blends like a high-end product.
• How to Use: Glide on high points, tap to blend—10-second radiance.

9. Mascara as Eyeliner (Eyes That Pop, No Extra Step)

Skip the liner and use your mascara. Wiggle it along your upper lash line, then smudge for a soft, smoky effect. It defines your eyes in half the time.

• Product: L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara ($14.99) link here
• Why It’s Great:  Full coverage, no clumps, and the brush doubles as a liner tool.
• How to Use: Coat lashes, then swipe the wand tip along the lash line and blend with a finger.

10. Sheet Mask While Multitasking (Spa Glow on the Go)

No time for a facial? Pop on a sheet mask while you pack lunches or answer emails. Ten minutes later, peel it off for hydrated, glowing skin—no cleanup needed.

• Product: Garnier SkinActive Moisture Bomb Sheet Mask ($4.99) link here
• Why It’s Great:  Affordable, packed with hyaluronic acid, and leaves skin plump and fresh.
• How to Use: Unfold, apply, and do your thing for 10 minutes. Pat in the leftover serum.

These are the 10 hacks that can save your life. It did save mine, and I look ready and polished in minutes before school and big days. They are so easy to follow and so fun to build confidence for the day. Tell me your hacks; I love to hear from you all. 

Why I’m Obsessed with Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet

I don’t really buy fancy stuff—mama life keeps it too real—but Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet ([link here]) is my exception. This floral perfume isn’t just a smell; it’s a mood-lifter, a mental reset. One spritz of its light, timeless blend—think lily-of-the-valley dancing with peony and a sassy rose smell—and I’m not just the snack-packing, tantrum-taming mom. I’m me, unfiltered. It’s my glow-up in a bottle, turning heads from the playground to the grocery store. Mix it with my other fave, Dolce & Gabbana ([link here]), and it’s next-level—strangers can’t resist asking, “What’s that amazing scent?”

The Catch: It Fades Fast (Here’s My Hack)

Here’s the tea—it doesn’t last all day. On its own, Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet is a “spray and spray” situation; I’m reapplying two or three times for big days. Annoying? Sure. Worth it? Absolutely. My fix? I layer it with Dolce & Gabbana ([link here])—the combo clings longer, empowers the vibe, and makes it my signature scent. For short days—say, a quick coffee run—it’s perfect solo, still smelling like a spring garden in full bloom. When I apply it, I feel like I'm in heaven. Have you ever visited a cherry blossom park? it sure smells and feels like walking through a cherry blossom park.

Love It, Hate It: My Honest Take

• Love: That light, floral punch—lily-of-the-valley and peony—feels fresh, not overpowering. Compliments are a real thing when passing friends and strangers—it’s quiet elegance with a loud impact. Smells like confidence and spring roses in one.
• Hate: The staying power’s weak. If you’re out past lunch, you’re respraying—longevity can be fixed when mixing with your favorite perfume.

This perfume is your stylish sidekick—party, couch, chaotic mom mornings—it fits. Not flawless, but close enough to keep me obsessed.

Why It’s a Must for Busy Moms

For mamas juggling a million things, this scent’s a shortcut to feeling human again. It’s self-care you don’t have to carve out time for—just spray and let it work its magic. Pair it with a bold lip or wear it solo—it’s versatile, chic, and a total mood booster. Worth every penny of that pretty bottle. Every mom needs some "me" time, time to feel bold, confident, and alive; this perfume, when mixed or solo, can make it happen.

Your Turn: What’s Your Scent Hack?

Have you tried Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet? Layered it with something else? Drop your thoughts below—I’m dying to hear! Tag your pics with #ScentGlow if you’re feeling it. What’s your go-to smell-good trick for surviving mom life?

“Good scent, big mood—smell like you mean it.”