We’re always so focused on our kiddos, aren’t we? I can’t tell you how often I spend 30 minutes getting the kids ready to go out the door only to spend 2 minutes throwing on jeans (maybe- it’s usually workout pants) and smelling my shirt to make sure it doesn’t stink before calling it good.
I’m trying to get better about this, but y’all, time management has not been my friend since having two littles. Even with my rushing out the door, though, there are just some things that are non-negotiables for me. These are the things I absolutely need to walk out the door, (almost) every single day. I’m calling these my “mommy-ssentials”. (I’m not even going to lie, I really like play on words.)
This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you purchase something through the link I may make a small commission. Thanks for your support! Please read my full disclosure policy here.
My Top 5 Mommy-ssentials
1. Younique Concealer.
Y’all. I do not ever leave my house without this concealer on my face. I never used to wear concealer; it just never covered anything and I was constantly reapplying. This stuff covers all of my dark circles, which is crucial. As mamas we have more than our fair share of dark circles, amiright?! This covers it all, so my face instantly looks brighter and I look more awake. My makeup routine doesn’t get used very often since I’m home, but I literally don’t step out of my house without this. Favorite part- this little bottle has lasted me OVER A YEAR. Wearing it every day. The best. Head over here and check it out! (This is not an affiliate link, y’all- I just truly love this stuff. And the 3D mascara is phenomenal. Check that out, too.)
Bonus- My cousin sells this, and she does amazing make up tutorials and is just so helpful- go join her Facebook Group to get in on that! I love watching her lives to help me get some adult time during the day!
2. Dry shampoo.
I’m way behind the bandwagon on this, guys. I just recently discovered it, but it’s already my favorite. I won’t say that it leaves my hair fresh, but it definitely makes it look less dirty, and that’s a pretty big step. Also- helloooo volume! My hair is super flat, but I’ve used this even after just washing my hair just to give it a little lift. I’m still trying out brands, though, so drop me a comment and let me know your favorite!
3. Comfy shoes.
I love flip flops, but I had to quit those. Oliver has this thing where he likes to try and stand on my feet and this other thing where he likes to run away from me without any warning. Flip flops just don’t hold up to those job requirements. The ones in the picture up there are from Ross for super cheap, and unless I’m gettin fancy, they are the only shoes I wear. They slip right on and are so. dang. comfortable.
4. A hat.
Let’s be real- sometimes we’ve stretched the dry shampoo just a day too far. And on these days, we wear hats. I don’t pull off hats well, guys. But sometimes fashion must be sacrificed for the sake of people not telling you to go shower. I’m partial to this hat because, #broncos. (Anyone else just a little bit ready for football season?! Shop this hat here if you’re also a Broncos fan!)
5. Backpack.
We have almost this exact one. The holy grail with 2 kids. I had a messenger style diaper bag with Oliver and loved it, but couldn’t imagine a car seat and a toddler and a bag banging against my side. We switched to a backpack and haven’t looked back. It’s not even a diaper bag style backpack, but it’s great and being hands free has made all of the difference!
So tell me- what are your favorite mommy-ssentials?
Have a phenomenal day!
26 Comments
Emily @ Pizza & Pull-Ups
July 25, 2017 at 6:30 amYour posts always make me laugh. Totally there with you on the dry shampoo, it is essential!
Alex
July 25, 2017 at 8:35 amHaha, thanks! It is, I can’t believe I went this long without trying it!
Darcy
July 25, 2017 at 7:15 amGreat tips! Is it bad I still leave the house with wet hair and flip flops? ? I love the advice on the shoes.. he’s 18 months and I’m sure about go take off soon!
Alex
July 25, 2017 at 7:42 amNot at all, girl! It puts you steps ahead of me in that you actually got your hair washed ?
Vanessa
July 25, 2017 at 7:57 amYes!! Love al of these! Will need tot try them out!
Alex
July 25, 2017 at 8:35 amOh good, thank you so much for reading! ?
Jackie
July 25, 2017 at 8:42 amGreat round up! Thanks for sharing !
Alex
July 25, 2017 at 9:06 amThanks for reading! ?
Audrey
July 25, 2017 at 9:02 amLove the backpack! With baby number three on the way, I’m re-evaluating our whole diaper back situation.
Alex
July 25, 2017 at 9:06 amYes, it makes such a huge difference to hands free and not have a bag banging against my side!
Casey
July 25, 2017 at 10:53 amI’ve been wanting to try dry shampoo. Thanks for the tips!
Corey | The Nostalgia Diaries
July 25, 2017 at 11:42 amI need to try that concealer. No sleep = dark circles! 🙂
Alex
July 25, 2017 at 12:00 pmYes girl, try it! I have naturally dark circles anyway and sleep deprivation does not help me ? and this stuff lasts forever so more than worth the price!
Ashle
July 25, 2017 at 1:14 pmNot Your Mother’s is a really great dry shampoo! I go 6-7 days before washing!!! LOL
Reg
July 25, 2017 at 1:22 pmHaha I like #4. I wear a hat way too much.
Brittany Bergman
July 25, 2017 at 2:19 pmDry shampoo has saved me so many days! Including today. 😉 I’ve been wanting to switch over from our messenger diaper bag to a backpack. It drives me crazy the way it swings around. Since we need less these days with just one 20-month-old, I may have her start carrying a small backpack with diaper supplies!
April Kitchens
July 25, 2017 at 3:44 pm2, 3, and 5, yes, yes, yes!! When my hair is straight, I use dry shampoo on it. And you definitely need a good pair of walking shoes and a backpack to keep your hands free.
Nancy
July 25, 2017 at 5:31 pmLove the shoes ideas, thinking of buying two pairs. I’ve never tried the dry shampoo any tips?
Brittany Ferrell
July 25, 2017 at 6:41 pmConcealer that covers dark circles! Oh, I NEED that! You are so right about the flip flops. I was wearing flip flops because they are so easy to put on when your little one also needs to have shoes put on, but they are not built to handle chasing toddlers! I absolutely love that backpack. I converted from the diaper bag and attempted a purse, but then I end up getting crushed Goldfish crackers at the bottom. A backpack is the way to go! I wish I had done it sooner! Every new mom needs your list!
Lexi
July 25, 2017 at 7:01 pmMy essential: chocolate! 🙂
And exercise. I have to be able to keep up with my kids.
Natasha
July 25, 2017 at 7:13 pmDry Shampoo and Comfy Shoes! Oh Yes!!
Keri
July 25, 2017 at 8:41 pmDry shampoo is definitely a must!!!
Juli
July 26, 2017 at 2:27 pmYES to comfortable shoes, and dry shampoo, and backpack diaper bags! These things need to go super mainstream – it’s not a sacrifice of style, it’s necessity!
heather
July 26, 2017 at 5:55 pmYES on the shoes!! I am so sad, but I have noticed my flip flops are not helping my feet anymore!!! Love your top 5!!! Great job mama!
Amanda
July 26, 2017 at 8:38 pmLove this list! I have been on the hunt for a dry shampoo, and this sounds perfect! AND I love my backpack…it is my everything!
Staying Cool in Pink Blush Floral - These Mama Moments
July 27, 2017 at 1:56 pm[…] I talked about in my mommy-ssentials post, comfort is key as a busy mom! I don’t have a lot of time allotted to get ready, and I need […]