Hey friends!! We are on the cusp of heading to Freeman Beach Week (FBW) with my family and that means I am making all the classics. Oreo no-churn ice cream is already in the freezer, and as you read this I am likely getting everything for homemade Chex Mix. And of course, I am making two batches of these brownies (recipe here)!! So many recipes at FBW are repeated year after year, and it’s something I really love. We have been going to FBW since I was a kid, and I still think of my Aunt Meme’s turkey barbecue, Aunt Ellen’s pimento cheese, and Aunt Leslie’s blueberry pancakes. I believe we even have a FBW Cookbook my mom made for everyone years ago. The recipes become tradition, and I hope when my kids are grown they don’t think about Beach Week without thinking about Chex mix, Kahlua Ice Cream, and Uncle Albert’s fried shrimp. We each pick a night to cook dinner as well, and I am doing Creamy Chicken Enchilada Bowls with all the fixings (black beans, guac, pineapple salsa, chips, etc.). I am the first night of the trip and I love how I can have the chicken warm in the crockpot and the rice ready to go and we can eat whenever everyone feels like it. Also, if you need help thinking for your own vacation week, we made this for you! There’s a button to easily print it below.

*black trash bags and painter’s tape are both extremely versatile in a pinch. Black out a kid’s room for better sleep and painter’s tape can be used to close chip bags, label things, etc.

Print the packing list

Athleta is back again with a summer sale on some of their most popular items! I recently bought a new suit for beach week — this bathing suit top (for under $30) is so flattering if you have a small chest, though the underwire and cup size choices also makes it perfect for larger chests too. The matching bottoms have great coverage while being a low-rise option (shockingly hard to find! most lower rise options are also super cheeky; this one is not). The momentum flex muscle tank top is so good. I have a few of them and love the higher neckline and thicker straps! They do run a tad small, so I would size up. The Momentum flex line also comes in a tee made from the same awesome material—I love this color! Jess got these 4” linen shorts last summer and loves them paired with a swimsuit. They are the perfect length and have a forgiving waistband. The Power Nap is free each week, and sponsors like Athleta help make that possible! Thanks for sponsoring this Power Nap, Athleta!

In Case You Missed It

1. Here’s another low-effort summer meal: Mediterranean Gyro Night. Recipe here.

2. Ruggable’s summer sale is still happening! We recently switched the rug at our front entrance to this one (the highest-traffic area of our house) and I am in love! It’s neutral but also busy enough to hide dirt. We also have this one in the hallway, this one under our bed, this one under our dining room table, and this fun welcome mat at the front door!

3. I answered every question you could possibly have about Canvas bags. The L.L. Bean Boat and Tote versus the Lands’ End Canvas Tote. Read the details here, or watch me explain in video form here!

4. You all love this American flag hat every time I share it! Perfect for the Fourth of July coming up.

5. The best two-piece set for summer I am wearing in the golf picture with Nate. It’s got a fun tie skort and collared tank with a built-in bra! Jess here— I got the skort in white and have been wearing it as a skirt with my bathing suit. Love it! I also got the tank in the pink color and it’s so pretty! I am newly postpartum and approve both of these items.

Nate’s Movie Reviews

Project Hail Mary (2026) — Watched in theaters. I loved the book. I would say I liked the movie. I think I went in with expectations that were too high; plus, since I knew the plot, I wasn't surprised by the twists. That said, I recommend seeing this. And I wholeheartedly support Hollywood taking a chance on a blockbuster budget for something like this rather than another Avengers or Spider-Man movie. More of a comedy than I was anticipating.

Traffic (2000) — This is a movie about the war on drugs starring Michael Douglas, Don Cheadle, Benicio Del Toro, and Catherine Zeta-Jones. Douglas is a judge tasked with stopping drugs from coming in from Mexico. Cheadle and Del Toro are cops. Douglas's daughter is also a drug addict and, honestly, some drug-use-related scenes were graphic and hard to watch.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid (2010) — Watched with the kids. Kate and I both enjoyed this movie about a boy's transition from elementary to middle school. Good "adult-humor" mixed in (not inappropriate, just moments we laughed at that the kids didn't get).

Knives Out: Wake Up Dead Man (2025): The third "Knives Out" movie, where Daniel Craig plays a Southern version of Sherlock Holmes trying to solve a clever murder who-dun-it. The first one was awesome. The second one stunk. And this one was somewhere in between -- but closer to "awesome" than "stunk."

Free Willy (1993) — Watched with the kids. I would say this was ok. Not as good as I remembered it. The Michael Jackson song during the credits, however, is still tremendous.

Blue Moon (2025) — I wanted to like this movie because I like the time period and the costumes and the music and all the literary/theater references. And I thought Ethan Hawke was good in this very different role than how I think of him. And I love Andrew Scott. But at the end of the day this was just a movie about a small, sad man drinking alone, and it's really hard to overcome that.

Hannah’s Art Obsessions

Hannah here! Art, in all forms, is something I’ve loved since I was a child, and I’ve dabbled in many different mediums over the years. I believe that enjoying art is deeply personal, and I love the idea of slowly growing a collection of pieces over time that speak to me and bring me joy.

I’ve recently fallen in love with Cherith Musta, a fine art and gold-foil printmaker based in Texas who paints sisterhood and motherhood in such an honoring and intimate way. Each of her paintings reminds me of small unseen moments of motherhood that we can all relate to. I recently purchased this print (bottom right in the pic above) to hang in my daughter’s room near her rocking chair because it reminded me of rocking her to sleep when she was a newborn and how rosy her cheeks would get after a nap.

I’ve also been eyeing Mary Benson’s work for years but haven’t had the privilege to purchase anything yet. Mary is an NC native (like myself!) who now lives in Charleston. Her work is highly influenced by post-impressionism and fauvism which gives her paintings a stained glass-inspired effect. She underpaints with bright acrylics and then layers oil paint over them which lets subtle pops of color seep through the cracks. She also sells the most stunning hand-painted Majong tiles and mats!

If you have any artists you’ve been following for years or a recent piece you purchased, comment below - I’d love to hear more!

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Thanks for reading!! Until next week,

Kate, Nate, Jess, Hannah and Molly

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SCREEN TIME UPDATE: Hello friends! HAPPY JUNE!!! We are full swing into summer and all the screen time struggles that go with it. If you saw my stories a few weeks ago I was one more question away from losing my ever-loving shit on my precious children. (There’s a tone that comes with a well-placed cuss word I need you to hear. Not “I was a little upset,” but rather full-on LOSING MY SHIT SMASH ALL THE SCREENS RAGE is what you need to picture). I thought it would be fun to record a little audio of what we tried, how it failed, and what we are doing now. We aren’t experts. This is me in the Moat of Low Status (aka sharing something I have in no way mastered). Enjoy.

CAN’T LISTEN? READ AUDIO TRANSCRIPT HERE.

Father’s Day is around the corner, and if your dad is anything like mine (aka the first call when something breaks) here are three gifts he’ll actually use — ON SALE!

1. I got my dad an electric screwdriver a few years ago as a gift and he has since gifted one to my siblings because he loves it so much. It easily recharges, has a built-in light, and is under $20! I have also gifted this to my father-in-law!

2. I recently realized how necessary a Shop-Vac is and this model is on sale! It can handle everything that a regular vacuum simply can’t, from sawdust to pollen on the back porch to car detailing. A few years back one of my kids dropped a snow globe that shattered into I kid you not 10,000 pieces complete with glittery gel substance and the shop vac sucked it out of the carpet like a champ.

3. Greenworks Pressure Washer: This is one of the most satisfying tools I didn’t know I needed until my parents gifted it to me a few years back. This model is even more powerful than mine and under $200!

Around here, we're big fans of gifts that earn their keep. Give him something practical he'll reach for long after Father's Day has passed. The Power Nap is free each week, and sponsors like Lowe’s help make that possible! Thanks for sponsoring this Power Nap, Lowe’s!

In Case You Missed It

1. Buggie’s Summer Salad is the prep-ahead salad of the summer.

2. A solid throw & go meal: here’s a cold dinner we had on a hot day eaten in a lawn chair. Containers we used here.

3. Here’s my review of Yesteryear. Are you confused? Same.

4. I got this skort and athletic shirt as a set last minute before golfing in PA and it was perfect! I love anything with a collar. Jess also got the skort and is wearing it over bathing suits for more coverage. We are obsessed!

Nate’s “Weird but Great”

Keeping with past Power Naps (and this one, and also this one), here is a running segment of “weird but great” people. Please send Nate submissions.

1. Marianne Wellington lives as a crane. “It can be tiring work,” she says. It’s a tough gig, but someone has to do it. via The Browser

   

2. Rahul Saggar is a self-described “calcuphile.” Yes, that means he collects calculators. Found by Hannah (NTK Team).

   

3. Richard Feynman is someone you should know. He was one of the most important physicists of the 20th century: he worked on the Manhattan Project as a young scientist, helped develop quantum electrodynamics, won the Nobel Prize, and later became famous for explaining physics in a way normal people could almost understand. But he also cracked safes at Los Alamos, played the bongos, drew, told stories, pulled pranks, and seemed allergic to taking himself too seriously. He said: “The first principle is that you must not fool yourself—and you are the easiest person to fool.” And “I would rather have questions that can’t be answered than answers that can’t be questioned.” He’s a great reminder to “stay curious.”

   

Keeping track of everyone’s water bottles is a full-time job in the summer. I’m sure we’ve all experienced the feeling of our arms overflowing with water bottles plus a coffee and trying to get everyone in the car. This drink carrier is such a simple fix but has been so helpful for me. It has six slots for drinks (don’t need all six slots? Fold up one of the sides and you can fit 3 instead), can fit literally every size water bottle/coffee thermos I own–it’s true I tested it, and it folds up completely flat for storage. It’s not only helpful for leaving the house but also at the pool or playground everyone knows where to find their water…no more leaving a beloved water bottle underneath the slide! Shout-out to my friend Anna for this genius idea!

Things We Devoured

Jess here. I’ve been making this salad dressing once a week for a few months. It’s a healthier Caesar dressing and adds a ton of protein to a salad, but I keep making it because it just tastes incredible! Guys this blog post is 11 years old — and Brooke was really ahead of her time using Greek Yogurt and a crap ton of parmesan back in 2015 #proteingoals. I prep it at the start of the week and make fancy lunches all week. My sister brings me fresh lettuce from her garden every few days because she’s an angel and I’m a shameless freeloader. I add this dressing, crispy chicken thighs I also prep at the start of the week, shred a carrot and call it a fancy lunch. I also paired this dressing and salad with steak and homemade croutons for dinner last week and I told my husband this was my death-row meal. With a side of mac and cheese because, balance.

Thanks for reading!! Until next week,

Kate, Nate, Jess, Hannah and Molly

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Hello friends! Not gonna lie it feels like a week ago I was doing the April faves and here we are, already starting June. It’s been 1 year of writing these monthly faves newsletters (a whole year!!! find my first one ever here) and I decided it’s time to get some of the team involved. Jess and Hannah are in different seasons of life than I am and therefore trying different things, cooking different things, wearing different things, and like different things. They are such a large part of what makes NTK function and (like me) love all things both fun and practical. We hope you enjoy May Faves!!

June is Acne Awareness Month, and Skin Clique offers incredible products designed to treat acne at the source. I spent years dealing with acne before finally starting Accutane at the end of 2024 (you can read more about that here; TLDR: best thing I ever did). After finishing Accutane last May, my dermatologist suggested I use SkinBetter AlphaRet because it’s an effective yet gentle retinol. I used to only be able to get it from the dermatologist…until Skin Clique!! Honestly I wish I had discovered Skin Clique earlier because they’re true experts when it comes to acne care and treatment. Right now they’re having a 15% off their acne collection. Since it’s Acne Awareness Month (and I deeply sympathize with anyone dealing with acne), I wanted to do a GIVEAWAY to allow someone the chance to try the Complexion Clearing Program ($224 value) AND AlphaRet!! Simply leave a comment on this post and we will choose a winner next week! *Giveaway is closed as of June 8* Congratulations to our winner, !

These newsletters remain free thanks to our generous sponsors. Thanks for sponsoring this one, Skin Clique!!

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OK, NOW LET’S GET INTO IT!

(To shop my May Faves in one place, click here. If you missed April faves, go back and read it here.)

Kate

FLYING!!

I couldn’t let this faves newsletter pass without sharing something that I hope gives some of you hope: I now rarely have anxiety when I fly. The biggest victory by far happened this month when Nate and I flew to London. Last time we flew overseas back in 2019 I was a total wreck; it did not go well. This time, I was completely calm and really not the least bit stressed. I brought medicine in case I needed it, and ended up taking something to help me sleep on the overnight flight, but didn’t need anything for anxiety. I could cry because this is not who I was, and I genuinely think it’s an area in my life where God has done the most work. I wrote about this in the control chapter of my book, and continue to see so much growth here. I’m so grateful, because I really love travel, especially the hustle and bustle of airports.

Something practical I do: years ago my friend Teresa told me when she would fly she would literally visualize the hand of God under the plane. I really liked that. Now, as the plane is taking off, I put my left hand out in front of me, palm side down. I then take my other hand palm side up and slowly bring it from my side until it’s below the other palm. In this, my left palm is the plane, and my right palm is the hand of God. As the plane takes off, I visualize the hand of God coming up underneath our plane, guiding it to where it needs to go. It might sound woo-woo, but it’s a small thing that really helps me and reminds me that I am not in control, God is.

Mahjong (and our fake league!)

I cannot believe it’s taken me until May to put this on my favorites list, but I absolutely love playing Mahjong. I love what it does for my brain!!

When everyone was playing it last year, I figured it was a trend I didn’t care about. Then I started sitting behind a friend while she played just for the social aspect. Next thing I knew, I was buying tiles and a mat, sending out the “bat signal” to neighbors, the whole thing. A group of us had paid to do a Mahjong league that ended up getting canceled. Since we had already blocked off Tuesday nights in May to play Mahjong, we decided to move forward with our “league” — all we needed was a location. I asked my parents if I could host the people who had signed up on their porch, so every Tuesday in May we played Mahjong on my parents’ porch! It was a highlight of the month for me! My friends coming over to my parents, setting up card tables, getting to chat with them, mom setting out an appetizer, and playing mahj as the sun set.

A note on why I think this matters: Mahjong, while amazing, is such an easy excuse to hang out with people. I think it’s taking off because it’s fun, but more so because women are looking for real, in-person relationships. Like men get together to watch sports, it’s an easy way to spend time with someone. So if you get invited to play, even if it feels intimidating, try it out. Who knows, you might make some great friends (or at least have an easy excuse to hang out with the friends you already have!!)

Carly Fortune Books

I read One Golden Summer last month and now I’m reading Every Summer After. I need to figure out what category these books fall into because they don’t quite feel like rom-coms. There’s definitely romance, but they feel a little deeper than that. Whatever you call them, I’ve really enjoyed Carly’s books.

The Brick Scheduling Feature

I have shared before that I love the Brick (essentially, it’s a device that allows you to block certain apps on your phone.) One thing about the Brick is that you can brick your phone when you’re not near it, but you can’t unbrick it until you’re back next to the Brick to physically tap in. That’s kind of the whole point.

What I recently realized, though, is that you can create schedules in the app that brick your phone for certain periods of time and then automatically unbrick it when that period is over, and that has proven to be way more effective for me.

During the school year, I had my phone automatically brick from 3:30–5:30 p.m. So during those two hours when the kids got home from school, I couldn’t be distracted by apps. Now that we’re in summer mode, I’m trying to think through some new rhythms. Maybe bricking it every other hour just to cut down on how often I check it. Maybe blocking mornings for productivity. I’m not sure yet, but I really, really like the scheduling feature.

Finding My Shirt Silhouette

This one is kind of funny, but figuring out my silhouette in shirts has been incredibly helpful. Over the last few years, I’ve realized that I love a cropped, boxy shirt (and if not boxy, at least cropped!). Now when I’m shopping, I can usually pull something off the rack and immediately know if it’s too long. I recently found a gingham button-down (also comes in white and the cutest red stripe), and finding a button-down that isn’t long is harder than it sounds. When I saw this one and realized it was cropped and boxy, it was an immediate yes. I also get asked all the time about my favorite T-shirt. It’s this one. Again, cropped and boxy. At this point, whenever I find that length, I know I’m going to like it. Very often when I buy a shirt that’s longer through the torso, I end up not wearing it.

Also on this note: Abercrombie recently offered to send me a few shirts and all 3 they sent were winners!! This crochet one, this scalloped one with a fun tie-back, and this white blouse. 2 of the 3 perfectly fit the crop length I love, and the third is slightly longer than I would like but still so lovely.

Survivor 50

We have never been Survivor watchers, but I think after watching Beast Games (which was a favorite in a previous newsletter), we realized how much we enjoy the game aspect of shows like that, so we jumped into Survivor 50. I know there’s already a winner (we do not know who it is, so please no spoilers!)

It has been really fun to watch with the kids. My biggest complaint is the Paramount+ commercials are insanely long and some are inappropriate for the kids. I know I could probably pay for the commercial-free version, but the thought of paying for yet another subscription to watch one show makes me want to scream. For now, we just mute the commercials.

Sleeping in Dry Shampoo

I have shared my love of powder dry shampoo before, but I can’t remember if it has ever officially made a favorites list. Sleeping in powder dry shampoo has been one of the biggest game changers for my hair, and I got the idea from y’all years ago! Multiple followers told me to put powder dry shampoo in before bed because while you’re sleeping it has hours to work into your hair and absorb oil. It has made a huge difference in how many days I can go between washes. I like the Acure Brunette Powder Dry Shampoo. I tap it into my roots at night, look a little bit like George Washington, and then go to sleep.

Fruit Salad (Random, I know)

And yes, you can make fruit salad any time of year, but there is something about taking that very small extra step of mixing raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, peaches, kiwi, or whatever you have on hand that tips it into actual fruit salad territory and my kids will squeal with delight when they see I have made a fruit salad to go with dinner. Now, they can even help make it!

Sidenote: ChrisLovesJulia has a fruit salad recipe with a minty syrup that goes on top. If you’re looking to be a little extra with your fruit salad, I really enjoy it.

The Weighted Vest (but not for walking?!)

We have a 12 pound weighted vest that I thought I would wear more when walking but have actually found it to be an easy way to add weight to workouts. Squats? Add the vest! Push ups? Add the vest! Side planks? Lay the vest on my hip to add some extra tension. It’s been great and very versatile.

Oval Sunglasses

I have been a staunch wearer of these and these for years, and on a total whim when Molly came to visit I put on an oval pair of sunglasses in Anthropologie. INSTANT LOVE. I have worn them constantly. I ordered a second pair from Amazon but they were too narrow? I looked funny. I then went to Target and found this cream pair for $17!!! Again, instant love.

Jess

Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke

I read the book everyone is talking about and WOAH. I flew through it in 36 hours because I could not put it down. It follows a ‘tradwife’ influencer who wakes up in the 1850s and quickly learns that the reality is much harder than the aesthetic. Part satire, part social commentary, this book was SO thought-provoking, and had me thinking about how easy it is to romanticize a season of life from the outside and the traps of social media. I want to note that I share many of the values associated with the main character— faith, family, and homesteading are all pillars of my life. I was still able to enjoy the narrative without centering myself and taking offense but I can understand how it could be interpreted as a criticism of that lifestyle.

Wearing a nightgown to bed

Specifically this nursing friendly nightgown from Solly Baby. I don’t know if I can ever go back to a pajama set after this. It’s comfy and cute without being as matronly as a typical muumuu. Hot take: dresses are comfier than shorts or pants and the same goes for sleeping. Now that I’ve converted to the nightgown life, I need more! Does anyone have any recommendations that fit this same bill? Must be nursing friendly.

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P.S. The irony of me reading this book while wearing what can only be described as a tradwife nightgown is not lost on me.

(Kate here — I loled at the coupling of Jess’s trad wife read paired with the nightgown and then laughed even harder when she too recognized it)

Hannah

The Calm App

My husband recently changed jobs and one of his company’s health benefits is an annual subscription to this app (but I would pay for it now that I’ve seen how great it is). It has peaceful playlists, guided meditations, stress management tools, and breathing exercises. I have started playing music or listening to it every night as I wind down to get ready for bed and it’s been so helpful in transitioning my brain and body to rest.

Chobani Creations

When I crave something sweet at night, these do the trick every time. Inspired by classic desserts, this product line from Chobani feels decadent but is still around 200-ish calories and 10-ish grams of protein! My favorite flavors are the cherry cheesecake and mocha tiramisu.

Lady Tremaine

How do I accurately describe that this is one of the best books I’ve ever read. If I could reach through this screen and hand each of you a copy, I would. This book is a retelling of the classic story of Cinderella through the lens of the ‘evil stepmother’ as the protagonist. If you think you know where the story is going, I promise that you don’t. It is a battle cry for a mother’s love, a social commentary on women who support themselves financially, and an expose on the golden handcuffs of social class & status.

Well that was fun!! And now I (Kate) have two new books to read and have added tiramisu chobani to my grocery list. Woo hoo!

Until next month,

The Naptime Kitchen Team

I have been so excited to write this one! I genuinely learned so much and am really thankful for the hundreds of you who reached out to share your experiences. We’re going to get into the nitty gritty and talk about what people are actually paying for help, how they found it, and what they feel like this investment gives them.

This whole post came about after I discovered the Instagram account @mischa.capra. I watched a few videos, and my jaw dropped. It was so satisfying to watch her tidy a room, unload a dishwasher, or fold a load of laundry. And the ones where she notices something that needs doing and simply does it?! DROOL. I genuinely love what she shares and put a few of her videos in my stories. From there, the comments came rolling in! So many of you, like me, were in awe of her videos. So many saying, “I would kill for this.” Or, “I wish I could afford this.” Or “I didn’t even know this existed!”

What Mischa does that is so powerful is that shows how much she can get done for a family in a few short hours. Her shifts are usually 2–3 hours in length, and in that time she gives her full, focused attention to whatever needs to be done in the household. It is possible that she goes to the same houses a few times a week, but I do not believe she is at any of the houses every day, nor is she at any house for a full day. So while on the one hand I watched her in total awe, on the other hand I thought, “This actually looks realistic.”

I decided to put it to my Instagram stories and asked my audience to email me if they had any experience with a mother’s helper/household manager and my inbox was flooded! I knew I had to write about it.

The biggest takeaway I had was that this is one of those conversations that a lot of women are quietly having behind closed doors while simultaneously feeling weirdly ashamed to admit they’re having it.

And if the amount of emails and comments I got about this tells you anything, it’s that this is a very universal feeling, and I really don’t think anyone should feel ashamed.

Women are wanting help (I am sure it’s not just women, but 100% of the responses came from women). And it’s not because they are lazy or entitled or don’t want to put in the work. They are already doing a ton of work and still coming up short. I have joked on my Instagram that I am either clean or the house is clean. You don’t get both. And while joking, it’s a mutual feeling! There are simply not enough hours in the day to do everything you want, so you will either have to ask for/hire some sort of help or lower your expectations of what you can accomplish. Easier said than done. Sigh.

I know hiring help like this is absolutely a privilege, and for some families it simply is not financially possible. But I also didn’t realize until after reading through the emails how many versions of “help” existed.

A few examples:

• A retired neighbor helping a few mornings a week

• A 13-year-old neighbor coming over during the witching hour so mom can make dinner without someone hanging on her leg

• A college student folding laundry every Friday afternoon

And yes, for some families, it truly was a professional household manager, but I realized I had mentally lumped all of those into one category when they are actually all very different. After reading all of these responses, I don’t think the goal is perfection, the goal is making home feel manageable again.

Here is everything I’ve compiled:

1. What people mean when they say “mother’s helper” vs. “house manager/assistant”

2. The biggest stress points (aka what tasks people outsource most often)

3. What people are paying.

4. How people found help.

1. What people mean when they say “mother’s helper” vs. “house manager/assistant”

People use the terms mother’s helper, family assistant, household helper, and house manager interchangeably. Really, the title doesn’t matter as long as both people understand the role, but for the sake of knowing the terms when looking to hire someone, there were a few patterns:

Mother’s Helper

This usually meant a younger person helping while a parent was still home (often a middle schooler, high schooler, or college student).

The jobs sounded more like:

• Playing with kids/taking them outside

• Helping during the dinner hour

• Folding laundry

• Tidying toys

• Keeping little people occupied while mom got something done

Honestly, this category felt much more accessible than I think people imagine. Several women talked about neighborhood girls coming over for a couple hours a week.

One family pays a 13-year-old neighbor $15/hour to come during the hardest part of the evening for 2 hours on the nights her husband works late. Another pays a neighbor $5/hour.

Another pays a younger niece $6/hour to play with the kids while she gets projects done around the house.

Many emails shared this sentiment of the win, win of finding someone who didn’t charge a high rate who was more so looking for babysitting experience:

“It’s my friend’s daughter who can bike to our house. She approached me saying she wanted someone to mentor her daughter and give her babysitting experience. She initially did not want me to pay her but we do $5 an hour which I feel like is so cheap! She has started taking my oldest on bike rides around the neighborhood, plays with the kids in the yard while I cook, helps me with feeding the kids, cleanup up etc.” – ME

And what was interesting was how many moms said even that small amount of help changed the feel of their week and helped them breathe a little.

Household Helper / Family Assistant

This seems to be the category most people are actually looking for. It’s usually someone who comes a few hours a week and helps keep the home functioning. This person is not necessarily deep cleaning, but more often helps with the ongoing maintenance of family life.

Things like:

• Laundry

• Kitchen reset

• Dishes

• Meal prep

• Errands

• Organizing projects

• Backpacks and school prep

• Rotating kid clothes

• Returns

• Sheets

• General tidying

One reader wrote:

“I identified a few tasks that I just generally do not enjoy doing, those include: folding and putting away our clothes, changing the sheets and cleaning the kitchen.” — M

I thought that was such a healthy framework. It’s not “How do I outsource my entire life?” But rather “What are the 2–3 things that drain me disproportionately every single week?”

House Manager

While often the same as the category above, others said this term is usually more professional and more extensive.

Think:

• Managing home projects

• Groceries and meal planning

• Scheduling appointments

• Household maintenance

• Coordinating other staff

A few women actually said they think people sometimes say they need a “house manager” when really they just need 4–6 hours of consistent support each week. I think there’s probably some truth to that, namely because:

2. The Biggest Stress Points

These responses were incredibly consistent. Women are overwhelmed by:

• Laundry

• Dinner/bath/bedtime

• Clutter

• Kid schedules and driving them to where they need to go

• Errands and returns

• Meal prep

• School logistics (teacher gifts came up over 5 times which surprised me, but also I get it!)

• Managing everyone’s stuff

• Feeling like they were constantly “on”

• Working all day and then starting the “second shift” at home

Another sentiment came up over and over again:

“I’d rather have someone help me with the house so I can be with the kids than hire childcare so I can clean.” — A

Women don’t want less time with their kids; they want less time managing the infrastructure around their kids. This matters because one has to do with mothering, while the other feels more like managing. If you lump them too closely together and don’t enjoy managing, you can feel like a bad mom, which simply isn’t the case.

One reader in Dallas wrote:

“I felt crazy at first because it felt like overkill to have someone here. And honestly sometimes meeting someone new and explaining her role still feels weird. But having her in our home has taken such a load off of me mentally and given so much back to my family. [...] Is this a forever thing? Unsure. But I tell so many moms in this season that she is the gift to our family that brought me back to life.” — M, who pays her household helper $23/hour

This ain’t just about folding towels! This is a feeling of relief. And if you can figure out a way to make it work in your family, I hope you get that relief.

3. What People Are Paying

The range was honestly all over the place depending on age, experience, city, and responsibilities, but generally:

• Younger teen mother’s helper: $5–15/hour

• College student/helper: $16–25/hour

• Experienced family assistant: $25–35/hour

• Professional organizer/household management services: $50–60+/hour

The most common range seemed to be somewhere around $20–30/hour.

A few examples readers shared:

• $5/hour for a 13-year-old neighbor helping during dinner hour

• $15/hour for a 13-year-old to babysit while the mom is home getting things done

• $23/hour in Dallas for 15 hours/week of household help

• $25/hour in Tucson for laundry, beds, trash, and kitchen reset

• $28/hour in Atlanta for school pickup, dinner, baths, laundry, and dishes

• $32/hour in Louisville for an experienced former teacher helping after school

• $60/hour through a local organizing company

One reader described her helper as, “Basically my clone. It was a dream.” — J

I appreciated this because it gets at what many of us want. It’s not about checking out and sitting by the pool while someone else does what needs to get done (though I do hope sometimes you go sit by a pool!); it’s the feeling of having another person come alongside you.

Something worth noting: I found it very interesting how many people decided this is actually what they needed more than a house cleaner. For some, this person did enough where they felt the cleaning portion was manageable for them to do, and so decided it was better to spend the money on a house manager than an extra cleaning session. If you pay a house cleaner $150/session and have them come twice a month, that’s $300. Let’s say you find a house manager that charges $25/hour. For the cost of that second session with a house cleaner, you could instead have a house manager coming every other week for 3 hours.

Now I know many of you might be thinking “shouldn’t that other person be your husband?” or, “can’t your kids help?” Here are some thoughts I have as well as messages from readers:

1. Many are two working parent households that resent having the time they get with their kids be spent cleaning, organizing, etc.

2. Many have a spouse working either outside the home or hours that do not allow for helping with all that takes to run a household. It isn’t that the spouse is not helpful, but that in the hours they are working they are unable to provide household support.

3. Most would say they have a really wonderful, helpful spouse, but the demands of life still feel hard and overwhelming.

On the note of getting the kids to help more:

1. Many have babies and toddlers not yet of the age to help, while others have school aged children that simply are not home during the day to do a lot of household tasks.

2. School as work: I know for Nate and I, we do have the kids do some very basic chores (cleaning their rooms, picking up common areas, the older two do their laundry), but we consider school to be their main job during the year and try not to ask a lot of them outside of what is asked by their coaches and teachers. If you add in homework and a sport if they do one, our kids are “working” 9 hour days. We really want any extra time they get to go to play.

3. While most everyone agrees that getting kids to help is important, most said having a household helper did not negate asking the kids for help, but allowed them to ask for different things from the household helper. For example, if your child makes their bed and takes out the garbage, those are things the household helper doesn’t need to do.

4. How People Found Help

A lot of people found help through:

• Neighborhood Facebook groups

• Church

• Local moms groups

• Teachers (especially in the summer)

• College students

• Word of mouth

• Friends of babysitters

Several women said their best helpers were not necessarily people with super formal resumes. They were just dependable, warm, proactive people who liked helping homes run smoothly. One thing I noticed repeatedly was that families who had the best experiences tended to be very clear about expectations. Very clear! Like actual written lists with specific recurring tasks. Which honestly makes total sense because “help me around the house” is incredibly vague.

But what if I already feel overwhelmed and don’t want to think of what to ask for?

I know it might sound like more added to your plate to have to come up with a list, but we started this post chatting about the repeated tasks that feel never ending. That being said, I think after a few weeks, the helper/manager would know what is expected of them, and would likely be able to anticipate needs over time.

One reader said she thought of four things (change bedsheets, wash all towels, tidy the playroom, organize mudroom) and had the helper rotate every other week which two they did along with folding and putting away laundry. So one week they did laundry, changed the bedsheets, and tidied the playroom. Another week they did laundry, a load of towels, and organized the mudroom.

I would start small. Pick 1-2 tasks and see where it goes from there. “Empty dishwasher, fold one load of laundry, prep fruit and veggies, reset kitchen” or “change the bedsheets, start a load of dishes, go pick up the grocery delivery and unload.” It could be that simply having someone tidy one or two rooms while also getting through 2-3 loads of laundry is all you really need to feel like a person again.

My Biggest Takeaway

I really expected this conversation to feel more about luxury than it did. And yes, again, having help IS a luxury. But the emotional tone of the emails I read felt much more like “we are trying to keep our heads above water,” than “we are trying to outsource our lives.”

One school teacher wrote that even just having someone come for two hours on Fridays changed her entire weekend because she no longer spent Saturday trying to recover the house and catch up on laundry. Just two hours was enough for her. That $50 made a massive difference in her weekend.

I also think this conversation is important because people have wildly different capacities and preferences. Some people truly enjoy managing a home. They are energized by cooking, laundry systems, organization—all of it. And some people are not. Neither person is morally superior; they are simply different, and perhaps in different seasons of life, too.

There are seasons where the wheels are on, and seasons where everybody is sick, work is crazy, kids are little, somebody isn’t sleeping, and suddenly the smallest tasks start feeling impossible.

So if you are someone quietly wondering whether asking for help would make your home function better, I guess my biggest takeaway from all of this would be: You probably do not need someone to solve your entire life. You probably just need relief in one or two places that consistently overwhelm you.

And apparently, according to hundreds of women in my inbox…that small shift can change a whole lot.

If you have a mother’s helper service you use or are one yourself, feel free to use the comments to advertise yourself!

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Hello, or shall I say — ‘Ello Loves!’ (wow, if you are reading this from the UK please forgive me). We are back home from London and I am still riding such a high. I have a lot to share there (namely the list I made of things I would do with the kids!) and plan to write a post in the next few weeks. Appreciate your patience there as I make it through the final days of the kids’ school year, watch Johnny graduate from elementary school (😭😭😭) and prep our family to fly to Pennsylvania in less than one week! A few days after school lets out we are headed to Nate’s hometown for some much-needed time with his family and the kids could not be more excited. We have had a countdown going on the Skylight calendar for months, and it’s finally in single digits!! If you missed the London content I did save all my story slides to a highlight called “LONDON.” Also, don’t miss out on the good advice Nate has read recently (I am thinking hard about the Moat of Low Status), and I bought two of Molly’s Must-Haves the moment I read it!!

FYI! I have used this same cleansing balm (with these washcloths) forever. I adore it. It’s hydrating (vital when I was on my Accutane journey) yet also so effective at getting my face super clean. I use original but there’s also a rose option, as well as a fragrance-free option now! Don't sleep on QVC! They run amazing sales. Right now, the Isle of Paradise Face and Body Self Tan Drops, and the Dyson Bladeless Oscillating Tower Fan I have in our home gym are also on sale! NOTE: QVC almost always has a code as well. Use HELLO15 for $15 off your purchase.

The Power Nap is free each week, and sponsors like QVC help make that possible! Thanks for sponsoring this Power Nap, QVC!

In Case You Missed It

1. Here’s a recap video the film team made about our time in London (because this is an advertisement for Barclays, I can’t post this on YouTube, so unfortunately this will link you to IG)

2. These are the questions I ask myself at the start of every summer. Get the worksheet here.

   

3. The perfect mom shorts do exist! Linked here.

4. Speaking of shorts, linking my beloved exercise shorts with a pocket large enough to fit my giant iphone. I have multiple pairs of these. Built in underwear, nice thick waistband, not too short, and that large pocket! Tons of colors, and all $20-$25.

5. Everything I wore in London can be found here. I really leaned into the neck scarf accessory and loved it!

Good Advice Nate Has Read Recently

• Learn to love the Moat of Low Status. The "Moat of Low Status" states that "the fear of being temporarily low in social status stops human beings from living richer lives." In other words, "when you start learning or doing almost anything interesting, you will initially be bad at it, and incur a temporary penalty in the form of looking dumb." If you can learn to embrace and even lean into temporarily "low status," you will gain big advantages over time by learning all kinds of new things. Put more succinctly: “To be a learner, you’ve got to be willing to be a fool.” - George Leonard

• Keep your identity small. This is a rule from Paul Graham. His point was that the more you identify with things—being a member of a certain political party, being seen as smart, being seen as someone who drives a fancy car or someone who belongs to this club or that ideology—the harder it is for you to change your mind or entertain new points of view. Stay a free agent!

• Change your perspective. Pronoia, the opposite of paranoia. Instead of believing everyone is out to get you, believe everyone is out to help you.

• Ask good questions. When Isidor Rabi came home from school each day, his mother didn’t ask about grades or tests. “Izzy,” she would say, “did you ask a good question today?” This doesn’t seem like much, and yet it is everything. After all, questions drive discovery. The habit of asking questions turned Rabi into one of the greatest physicists of his time—a Nobel Prize winner whose work led to the invention of the MRI. (“Did you ask any good questions today?” has become the first thing I ask the kids after school)

• Care about the world, but love “something small enough to carry.” Sam (from Lord of the Rings) saves the world almost by accident—not because he’s chasing significance, but because he loves something small enough to carry: Frodo, the Shire, a future with soil under his nails. He doesn’t dream of impact. He dreams of home (and this actually gives him impact!) Reminds me of Mother Teresa, who said, “If you want to change the world, go love your family.”

Flies drive me absolutely CRAZY in the summer. I feel like I am constantly going 1v1 against a pesky fly. Once when a fly got in our house, one of my kids said “Watch out fly, my mom is gonna kill you in the butt!”...I guess my dislike for flies knows no bounds. We have the indoor fly traps that Kate recommends, but last summer we were still battling the flies outside. We started keeping one of these by the outdoor trash can and it was absolutely disgusting and satisfying to see how many flies it catches (perhaps it also acts as an added layer to prevent the infamous #trashmaggots). We will add one to the backyard this summer too because it works so well.

Kate here!! While you’re at it, add these to your trash cans!!

Thanks for reading!! Until next week,

Kate, Nate, Jess, Hannah and Molly

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HELLO FROM LONDON!!!!!! In case you missed it, Barclays Bank invited Nate and me to come to London to watch a Premier League Football Match and explore the city. Gotta be honest, I totally thought it was spam. To Nate’s great delight (he has never been), it is not a scam!! So, here we are! I will be sharing lots of random tidbits on my Instagram stories as we explore the city. So with that, enjoy The Power Nap, and don’t miss Hannah’s Mantras for Messy Moms.

The brand that needs no introduction - Quince is the first place I shop if I need a wardrobe staple or something for the kids. I looked to see which Quince pieces were the most purchased by the Power Nappers and these were top of the list.

• The organic cotton stretch jeans that are only $50 and feel like designer.

• Jess’ organic cotton maxi skirt, which now comes in this fun new pattern. She has worn this weekly for over a year — even pregnant and postpartum and still gets the same size. It’s that good.

• A shoe that feels worn in the moment you put them on: the Italian leather woven ballet flat.

Also! These adorable red gingham, linen, high-waisted shorts would be so cute for Fourth of July or Memorial Day with the white version of my new favorite linen tank.

The Power Nap is free each week, and sponsors like Quince help make that possible! Thanks for sponsoring this Power Nap, Quince!

In Case You Missed It

1. This is the secret to the best cookies — and here’s the recipe I love more than any other.

2. I shared an emotional moment at Johnny’s tennis match that reminded me of God’s love.

3. I put these on the inside of my trash cans to prevent flies and maggots. They last 4 months and really make a difference. I also use these straps to keep the can closed and raccoons out!

4. I think these 5” denim shorts for $28 from Target are going to be my new everyday staple! Full outfit here.

5. Supergoop is still running their friends and family sale with all my favorite products (unseen sunscreen, play lotion SPF, and SPF stick) on really good sale. If you need to stock up, you should get this bundle for an insane deal!

“Someday you will be old enough to start reading fairytales again.” - C. S. Lewis

Nate’s Book Reviews

1. Asymmetry -- Lisa Halliday -- Two novellas stapled together. One is an intimate, semi-autobiographical relationship between a young editor and a much older, famous writer. The other is about an Iraqi-American economist detained at Heathrow. They don't relate. I very much enjoyed the first one, and the second one was ok. But I liked this joke found in the second one: "When I was a kid, I told everyone I wanted to be a comedian when I grow up, and they laughed. Well, they're not laughing now."

2. Run -- Blake Crouch -- A man, his family, a sudden catastrophe, and a nonstop flight across the American Southwest while something very bad hunts them. Once it starts, Run does exactly what the title promises. Short chapters, constant motion, zero downtime. Pure page-turner. Not my favorite Crouch book, but, like his others, it keeps you interested.

3. Art of Spending Money -- Morgan Housel -- I enjoy Morgan Housel's books and I think most people would benefit from hearing his personal finance advice. Psychology of Money remains, in my opinion, his best if you were to read only one.

4. Your Name Here -- Helen Dewitt -- Dewitt's The Last Samurai (not the Tom Cruise movie) is, I believe, my favorite book. Her The English Understand Wool is in my top 5. But boy is her new book bad. Way too outside the box. Come back in the box, Helen. At least come back around the box. DNF (did not finish). Dewitt was featured in the last "Weird but Great" here at the Power Nap.

5. The Best American Science and Nature Writing 2025: A Collection of the Year's Most Insightful Essays -- Jamie Green and Susan Orlean -- I enjoyed listening to many of these. Topics ranged from: a woman who could smell Parkinson's before medicine could detect it to do animals perceive death to a first hand account of the Hawaii wildfires to what's it like to camp in the hottest place on earth to wild animals in New York City and more. If I didn't like one, I just skipped it. Interesting if you like this kind of thing.

6. The Devil Reached Toward the Sky: An Oral History of the Making and Unleashing of the Atomic Bomb -- Garrett M. Graff -- An oral history, meaning it tells its story through first-hand accounts stitched together rather than a single authorial voice explaining events like a narrator. Compared to a normal history book, oral history is messier and more human: overlapping memories, technical obsessions, blind spots, and moments where no one fully understands what they’re building. This was the first one I've ever read, and I enjoyed it. In particular, this book’s strength is its fixation on the engineering and logistics of the atomic bomb—materials, timelines, construction, logistics, and coordination. Not just the science behind the bomb (it has that too), but everything else it took to pull it off.

Hannah’s 5 Tiny Mantras For Messy Moms

Hannah here! At the beginning of 2026, I chose stewardship as my word of the year and asked God to show me how to better care for what He’s given me (in all areas of my life - relationships, time, our house, work, my body, etc.). One thing that’s become clear in the category of my home: it’s usually the small messes I put off that create headaches later.

So for the past 5 months, I’ve focused on trying to do the slow, unglamorous work of taking care of things as they arise. It’s really not that fun or enjoyable in the moment, but shifting from an “I’ll deal with it later” mindset to an “I’ll take care of it now” mindset has helped our home feel a lot more manageable and grown my self-discipline in small sustainable ways. If you're a type-A queen with a kitchen counter so spotless you could perform surgery on it, none of this will be groundbreaking. But if you’re a liiiiittle more type B, here are my self-enforced ‘rules’ that have actually made a difference:

1. Don’t put it down, put it away.
If I pick up multiple items that have separate homes, I need to take ALL of them to their final destination. Otherwise, I’m just moving clutter around for my future self to deal with.

2. If I start it, I have to finish it.
If I start laundry, I have to finish it that day. If I start cleaning out the freezer, I can’t abandon it halfway through. Unless it’s a bigger project, it has a 24-hour deadline.

3. Don’t leave a room empty-handed.
Leaving the living room? Grab a toy that belongs in the playroom. Heading upstairs? Take the pile of clothes that have been sitting on the stairs for 3 days. Just pick up what you see.

4. Use YouTube timers for distraction-free cleaning.
When I need motivation to clean, especially when a task feels overwhelming, I put on a 30 or 60 minute timer video from YouTube like this one. It’s the perfect solution because it plays LoFi music, helps me visually see that I’m making progress, and I can’t get distracted by something on my phone until it ends.

5. Five minutes now saves 30 minutes later.
Most household tasks *actually* take less than ten minutes to deal with. Ignoring them is what turns them into overwhelming projects or me frantically deep cleaning our pantry on a Sunday afternoon when I want to be having fun or resting with our family.

Thanks for reading!! Until next week,

Kate, Nate, Jess, Hannah and Molly

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Hello friends! We have been brainstorming a way to do more Q&A’s without making this newsletter too lengthy. I also want you to be able to hear my tone when answering more personal questions so I may be sprinkling more audio snippets to do so — hear more on this below:

I know many of you have suggested a podcast, but if I am honest with myself I don’t think I have the bandwidth for that right now (nor am I sure I have enough interesting things to talk about!). From every person I have talked to who has one, they are a great deal of work. But I do absolutely love audio (that’s why we made The Home Reset audio!!). While I know this isn’t a perfect solution nor is it a podcast, for now, we will try it and see how it goes!

The 20% OFF Supergoop Friends & Family sale is here! They also have some amazing bundle deals for an even better value. You can restock on the products you already love in a bundled deal - or try all of the viral favorites for the first time if you haven’t yet.

Here’s the lowdown on my favorite Supergoop products:

• Play Everyday SPF Lotion: the easiest to apply on kids because it goes on like smooth lotion. We use this all over our bodies all spring and summer. Adults too!

• The Unseen Sunscreen: It’s seriously unseen. I use for reapplication throughout the day because it goes on dry, isn’t greasy or sticky, and blends like a dream. They now have an unseen sunscreen body version that I really want to try!

• The Play Everyday comes in a stick version that makes it even easier to put on the kids. NOTE: this stick is the best around. Way larger than any other we have used. Cannot recommend this brand enough!

The Power Nap is free each week, and sponsors like Supergoop help make that possible! Thanks for sponsoring this Power Nap, Supergoop!

ALSO! Tuesday on Instagram I said I would be giving away a set of Supergoop products to a subscriber of The Power Nap and that lucky winner is:

Jacquelyn.C.Taylor@gmail.com — reach out to hello@naptimekitchen.com to claim your goodies!

In Case You Missed It

1. We’ve been working with a local web developer to make something really cool: A website that takes the Amazon items I love, screens them to see if they are on sale, and if they are on sale, they show up here!

2. I am getting so much joy out of this new system for hanging my hats.

3. Here’s how it felt seeing my book in another language.

4. We are in our Great British Bake Off era. Here’s the recipe we made and here are 4 tips on teaching kids to crack eggs.

5. This is the secret to the best cookies — and here’s the recipe I love more than any other.

6. This is my newest supplement (re: parm is the new protein craze)

7. We’ve had multiple questions about bathing suits. Last week I talked about tall-girl friendly one pieces and you all loved this one. All of my favorites are here (and I included a one-liner about why I love each one).

“Laughter is the closest thing to the grace of God.” - Karl Barth

Things Nate Liked

1. Two ways social media is being used right. In other words, someone who is super into something niche does it fantastically and — due to the incredible power of social media — is able to connect directly to the people who are also into it. I predict that niche hobbies may save the world. A. Youtube Weatherman Max Velocity: A meteorologist named Max livestreams storms as they cross the country, looping in live storm chasers, updated weather warnings, and radar. First, really good if you are in the affected area to follow storms minute by minute. Second, like watching the Weather Channel, but way better? The kids and I watched it three times this week. B. My Analog Journey: Music Exploration Without the Algorithm — YouTube channel that curates niche music genres playing vinyl records in a plant-filled room. Brazilian gospel, Japanese 80s melancholy, Afro-Cuban Funky Grooves. Pick something you’ve never heard and hit play. via OSV Field Notes.

2. Two summer-related items from Recomendo: A. The US National Park Finder filters all 63 U.S. national parks by their best months to visit, as well as listing their top activities and best spots for stargazing. B. Midway is a tool to help people in different cities find a meetup destination they can each reach by a direct flight. You put in two or more departure cities and it shows you every destination reachable by direct flight from all of them, with filters for distance and flight time. Great for planning a girls/guys weekend with friends scattered around the country.

3. From Power Nap reader Lindsay Warren: A creative way to use Parmesan rinds.

4. 

Molly’s Must-Haves: Summer Prep Heroes

Summer is almost here which I know can bring both a mix of excitement and overwhelm as we look ahead to a change in routine. To prepare for the summer change, I have 3 items that have been very helpful for me in years past and will be using again this summer. The first is the Back of the Door Organizer (one of our first Molly's Must-Haves). I have four of them scattered throughout the house but the one that is most useful in the summer is kept behind the downstairs closet. I fill it with sunscreen, bug spray, hats, goggles, kids' sunglasses and any other hot-weather items so we can easily grab them before we head out for the day. Getting out the door is almost always chaotic in our house so having something that relieves that stressor is HUGE for me! Another item that brings a bit of sanity is this Garage Organizer that I purchased last year and gets constant use. Our garage easily spirals into disarray so having a place where balls, outdoor toys, buckets, water play items, etc. can have a permanent home is so helpful. It can be rolled out when the kids are playing with neighbors for easy access as well! The final item that may seem small but has been such a win for my kids is this Water Pump. It attaches to a large jug of water (purchased at the grocery store) and allows the kids to pump water freely without constantly running the hose and wasting water.

Jess here. I discovered this recipe in December and I’ve pretty much made it weekly since then. The kids love it because well, it’s pasta. I love it because it’s packed with protein. I use homemade bone broth, Rao’s Marinara, and Greek Yogurt instead of ricotta cheese for extra protein. I also make it in the Instant Pot because I pretty much make everything in my Instant Pot (IP) these days (I love that it keeps food warm if I want to start cooking earlier in the afternoon ahead of dinner). Pressure cook for 5 minutes once you add the noodles. It’s comforting, nourishing, and downright delicious.

Thanks for reading!! Until next week,

Kate, Nate, Jess, Hannah, and Molly

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I’m going to make you read through this email before you get any context as to why I look like I got a Mermaid hair transplant…

Hey friends!! I hope this email finds you well. First off, this is my monthly faves email, which we are sending in lieu of a Power Nap. Why? We have decided as a team we really want to limit the amount of emails we send you. I am in a constant battle with my inbox. I want less emails. And so, I also want to send you less emails. So when it’s time for a faves email, it will go in the place of a Power Nap for that week. Basically, we respect your inbox and want to respect your time. But also, I hope you enjoy these emails! I keep a running list on my phone and it’s really enjoyable to look back and write about what I loved.

One of my best friends, Molly, was in town for 48 hours and it was so lovely. Molly and I met our freshman year at UNC-Chapel Hill, and there’s just something about being with a friend who has known you through so many of life’s seasons. It was also very timely because last week was hard for me. I wish I knew exactly why. I had a ton of anxious energy, cried a lot, and felt a general sense of overwhelm living up to the expectations both as a working parent and as a present mom. I guess I just want you to hear that if you, too, feel like you’re doing the most and dropping balls left and right, I get that way too.

This month’s faves are a mix of media + a few repeat products (which in my opinion says a lot. If I’m still using it months later, it’s worth mentioning again). But first, Quince! It only seems fitting that Quince would sponsor a favorites newsletter because they have been featured as a favorite multiple times. I continue to be so impressed by them. The top I am wearing in that photo with Molly is also Quince! So comfortable, buttons up the back, love the length. I will be wearing this on repeat this summer. My woven flats I wear all the time are Quince, and I am pumped to see they have jean shorts (for $40!!)! Allie is living in these easy dresses all spring and summer long. The skater dress has been on repeat since March. We love their super soft leggings for under dresses too! JR just got this and it’s so soft he’s been sleeping in it. Jess bought these organic cotton baby socks and she swears she will never buy another — they stay on no matter how hard they kick and are so thick and soft! Also her 4 year old has these organic cotton pajamas and pitches a fit anytime they are dirty. (Scout also has the pajamas and loves them! She’s almost 10, and I love that they make big kid sizes). Could be the super soft quality cotton, could be because they are covered in cars (Same: Scout’s are covered in donuts!). These newsletters remain free thanks to our generous sponsors. Thanks for sponsoring this one, Quince!!

OK, NOW LET’S GET INTO IT!

(To shop my April Faves in one place, click here. If you missed March faves, go back and read it here.)

First up, some reading…

Theo of Golden and The Academy.

These are very different; I loved both.

Theo of Golden is everywhere right now, and for good reason. It’s warm, easy, and genuinely feel-good. If you’re in a funk, read this.

The Academy (by Elin Hilderbrand + her daughter, Shelby Cunningham) is set at a boarding school with just enough drama to keep it fun and a bit salacious. It’s the start of a two-book series, which I love because then I don’t have to learn brand new characters next time.

Other series I’ve loved: American Royals by Katharine McGee, Elin Hilderbrand’s Winter series, and every few years I always come back to Harry Potter. I am sure I am forgetting many. Any good series recs??

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A KITCHEN SHIFT THAT’S WORKING: bulk prepping chicken ahead

I shared how I do this with chicken as soon as I get home from the grocery store and how much time and mental energy it’s saving me!

• Buy in bulk → cheaper

• Prep all at once → faster

• Freeze in marinade → zero decision-making later

I’ll usually throw on a podcast and knock it all out at once. It’s made weeknights (or lazy weekends) noticeably easier. Now it’s just thaw and cook instead of thaw → prep → marinate → cook. These are the best shears for cutting chicken (they come apart easily to throw in the dishwasher. Use code NAPTIME20). I always do this on the handy-dandy parchment sheets for easy cleanup.

Also considering bringing back the “same 7 meals all month” plan we did last May (read about it here in an old Power Nap). It gave my brain a break in the best way and honestly my kids loved it.

Also ICYMI, I shared in Power Nap 131 a similar idea: The post-vacation meal plan. I’m excited for this one!

SUNSCREENS and SKIN STUFF

So I have tried a lot of sunscreens and love a lot of them, which is good news because I wear it every day. I decided it could be fun to give you a few I love and why in 3(ish) words. Especially in the summer, my sunscreen doubles as my foundation, so I usually go for tinted.

Colorescience: color-matching, high coverage, thick

EltaMD: lightweight, tinted, non-greasy

Barefaced Tinted Sunscreen: glowy, lightweight, easy application (Jess uses this too and loves it!)

Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen: afternoons, over makeup, matte finish

I was moisturizing my skin the other night and really thought I just love the two items I use for evening moisturizer. Both are drugstore and under $20.

The Ordinary squalane oil (~$10): acne safe, lightweight. I put a few drops into my plam, rub it around, and then press it into my face

Weleda Skin Food (under $20): This was what I used when on accutane so you know it’s good! Super thick and moisturizing and I love the smell. I layer this on over the squalane to sort of lock it all in.

HAIR STUFF

As my hair has gotten longer and I am blowdrying it more (because air drying takes hella long) I keep coming back to this for heat protectant. It’s very lightweight (that word is getting a lot of play in this newsletter) and smells great.

Also: still love my oversized round brush. The big barrel makes a, well, big difference.

WHAT WE WATCHED

Nate loves Andy Weir so for our 13 year anniversary we went and saw Project Hail Mary.

I went in totally blind and was in awe. I laughed, I cried. I remembered for the thousandth time why I love Ryan Gosling. It was so heartwarming! Nate read the book, so I’m guessing his upcoming review will be more critical (as we so often are when there’s a movie from a beloved book). But as someone who didn’t, I thought it was fantastic. Also, you could totally take kids. It’s long, so maybe not young kids, but I think Johnny (age 10) would enjoy it. I’m debating reading (or listening to) the book because everyone says it’s even better.

A NOTE ON HOW NATE AND I WATCH SHOWS: As you know bedtime over here is sort of a late night dumpster fire so we really aren’t “show after the kids go to bed” people. For that reason, Nate and I usually have one show we watch together once, maybe twice a week. We finished Paradise and are about to start Breaking Bad because it’s ranked the number one show of all time and we haven’t seen it! We also watch things separately because Nate’s threshold for suspense is so much higher than mine. 80% of what he wants to watch I find too scary. Also, I love comedy and he doesn’t. When all else fails, we can come back to our common ground: The West Wing.

I finished Shrinking Season 3 and really, really enjoyed this show. Fun fact: in middle school we got to write a letter to a celebrity and I picked Harrison Ford every year (I had a huge crush on Indiana Jones). He never wrote back, which does still sting a little, but he did redeem himself in this show. I will say, the ending of Season 3 was so good, I was sad to hear it had renewed for a fourth. It just felt like every bow was tied at the end of season 3. We shall see I guess.

I just started The Morning Show but it felt dark. I was already sad last week so I stopped watching it. Started Palm Royale on Apple+. Will report back!

BELOVED BRAS

I wrote about Neiwai bras back in January Faves, and I just feel like I need to come back to them. I have gotten texts from friends as well as emails from some of you thanking me for introducing you to these bras, and I am so happy we all found them. The main beauty of these is that the cup is sewn in. They say hand wash (I don’t, though I do air dry them). I recently got one with a clasp as well as a triangle shaped one that closes in the front and love both. Note: the triangle styles have thinner straps, so less support in the back—but great under tanks.

While on the note of washing bras: I put mine in these structured garment bags that do a wonderful job or protecting them and then dry them on my new massive drying rack I bought after having drying rack envy from seeing my sisters. It has made me happier than any drying rack should. Life in your late thirties…

A PHRASE I CAN’T STOP THINKING ABOUT

“Care creates contentment.”

I heard this from Carly Hill (@debtfree.mom) on this episode of the Carpool podcast over a year ago and I still think about it all the time. The basic gist is:

The more I care for things (cleaning out the washing machine, sanding and oiling the furniture, scrubbing the tile, etc.) the more I end up loving those things. The more I love what I already have, the less I want.

I realized after thinking about it that I wrote about this same sentiment in the home chapter of my book. The more I use my home, the more I love it. My home is meant to get used and dirty — it’s signs of life!

It’s got me thinking: instead of loathing the things I have to care for, what if I really saw it as caring for them? It makes sense to care for things I have spent money on and use often. I know there’s still so much to do in a day and it’s hard to care for everything well, but this phrase it helping me love (and take care of) my stuff with less anger and frustration.

MY AI HAIRSTYLES

I used ChatGPT to try on different hairstyles and it was equal parts helpful and utterly ridiculous. Helpful because it’s my face. Utterly ridiculous because when I said “give me longer hair” it heard “give me perfect mermaid hair.”
Also, somehow I look prettier in the AI version and I cannot explain why but it’s sketchy. It’s like they improved my bone structure or something ever so slightly. Anyways, enjoy my imaginary pixie cut and mermaid hair.

Lastly I wanted to report back on the long torso one piece question I asked a few weeks back! The top suggestions I got were for: Summersalt, J.Crew, Land’s End, CupShe (can attest, I have this one and it’s so flattering and fits my torso well), Target, and Honeymark. Many gave up and now prefer a tankini both for lack of wedgie and easier bathroom trips!

Until next month,

Kate

Hey friends! I am keeping this intro short because we have a great Power Nap for you this week! Namely — JESS IS BACK!!! (Praise) and she’s sharing some postpartum faves. Also, TOMORROW is the LAST DAY to order the “no pressure, mom” necklace I made with Goldbug. I have been alternating between the large heart and the small and honestly love both so much. The small has a paperclip chain, while the large has a slightly chunkier chain. Their site has a ton of images and if you have any questions, leave a comment below and we will do our best to get back to you fast!

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With everything gone digital (including the photos that live and die in my camera roll), so many great photos and videos never get seen. UNTIL NOW!! Aura has a great solution that our whole family really enjoys. We have the 12” Aspen Frame and my personal favorite feature is that it adjusts to your lighting and shuts off in the dark (this is major! You don’t have to go turn it off when you turn the lights off to watch a movie!). It truly looks and feels like an authentic framed photo but with all of the variety of a digital display! This could be an awesome Mother’s Day gift for your mom (don’t they always ask for photos of the kids that you forget to print!?) and you can add photos for her directly from your camera roll. The smaller 10” Carver Mat Frame is also on a great deal if you prefer a horizontal frame! The Power Nap is free each week, and sponsors like Aura help make that possible! Thanks for sponsoring this Power Nap, Aura!

SHOP AURA FRAMES

In Case You Missed It

1. A live reenactment of my first ‘everything shower’ after winter.

2. This is one of the best things (low stakes and high payoff) I have done in parenting.

3. I recently shared some of my best travel hacks and travel products on IG (if you’re on the app read about them here). Here are the links to the travel items mentioned, as well as a larger list of travel items I love.

4. I have loved doing this brain exercise every morning.

Philip Dormer Stanhope, on cultivating small productive habits: "Take care of the minutes; the hours will take care of themselves."

Nate’s Movie Reviews

Marty Supreme (2025) — New Timmy movie, where he plays a 1950s New Yorker who pursues his dream of becoming a champion table-tennis player. Absurdist humor — reminded me a bit of One Battle After Another. Just crazy thing after crazy thing. Music is A plus. One of the best movies I've seen in a while.

Age of Disclosure (2025) - Documentary arguing that governments—especially the U.S.—have long known more about UFOs/UAPs and non-human intelligence than they’ve admitted. To be clear, this isn't asking "are aliens real?” It's saying they are definitely real. Marco Rubio being involved added a lot of credibility for me. It's not just alien kooks; there are lots of senators, congressmen, etc. talking about this on the record. I am not a conspiracy theory person. But I also believe we will find out the universe is much stranger than we imagine.

Apocalypto (2006) — Directed by Mel Gibson, a young man in the Mayan kingdom is taken on a perilous journey to a world ruled by fear and oppression. Subtitles and not for the faint of heart. INTENSE, with lots of gore and blood. The first 2/3rds I was like "what am I watching here," but I really liked the last 1/3 of the movie, which consists of a chase scene through the jungle. This comes up on a lot of "great movie" lists, but I don't think I can recommend. Let's just say it made me glad I live in America in this age, not back then. One review said "borderline feral," which feels like the correct take.

Darkest Hour (2017) — Rewatch of this movie that chronicles Winston Churchill during a few weeks in May 1940. Gary Oldman is great as Winston and the movie does an awesome job of capturing the eccentricities of Churchill. Enjoyable even if you are not a history or WWII person. Recommend.

All Quiet on the Western Front (2022) — This WWI movie follows a young German soldier at the front. It is gut-wrenching, showing both the violence and pointlessness of war. Totally see why it was nominated for Best Picture. The costume and scenery were amazing, particularly the way they used the mud and water in the battle scenes. It leaves you feeling angry and sad. But I think that's the point.

The Rip (2026) — New Matt Damon and Ben Affleck movie where a group of Miami cops discover a stash of millions in cash. A who-dun-it. Who is good and bad, dirty and clean. Who can we trust? Is it on par with Good Will Hunting? No. But was it pretty enjoyable? Yes.

Jess’ Postpartum & Baby Must-Haves

Hi Power Nappers — I have missed you all! Kate and Nate gave me a generous maternity leave after having my third baby, Zeb, at the end of January. I’ve been soaking up all the baby snuggles, manhandling the toddlers, and managing our homestead during the busy spring season. We had 4 precious lambs born and 12 baby chicks. But my son is by far the cutest baby on the farm this spring.

I’ve been dying to share my third baby must-haves with you all! I’ve learned to get rid of the excess this time around and our small house is better for it. After all, the baby mostly needs a boob and diapers. Here are 5 things that saved me the last 3 months:

1. Souper Cubes MyMilk Breast Milk Freezer Trays + Milk Catcher. This is my second time using these postpartum and I still love this system. The beauty is freezing pumped milk in 1oz portions so when you go to make a bottle, you only defrost the exact amount you need (and can easily defrost an extra nugget or two if the baby still appears to be hungry without wasting that precious liquid gold!). I rarely ever pump, but the first 6 weeks while I was establishing my supply I used this to actively (not passively) catch letdown on one boob while I nursed on the other. Let’s just say my freezer is stocked and probably for no damn reason because my babies never take a bottle lol. But they are perfectly organized in 1oz nuggets if the occasion or miracle ever occurs!

2. All-season wool sleep sack. We have so many sleep sacks that I needed to purchase a new one like I need a hole in my head. But since raising sheep and experiencing the amazing quality of wool, I’ve been prioritizing buying more wool products, especially for sleep. Wool is incredible for temperature regulation (its fibers can trap air for insulation in cold weather, but also release heat and moisture when you’re warm). I got this sleep sack for Zeb and love how it works year-round no matter the temperature and grows with them from age 2 mo-2 years. There are little buttons under the armpit for when they are smaller so you can easily adjust for size. Plus it has a seatbelt flap for transferring from crib to the car seat!

3. 2-3 walks per day. Sunshine, movement, and perspective were what made this postpartum my best yet. Overwhelmed? Step outside. Crying baby? Driveway laps in the stroller. Having a baby on the cusp of spring also made this postpartum ideal for getting outside and taking walks. This is by far my favorite product I have purchased since having Zeb (and it’s under $30!). I got this watch/pedometer in February and can I just rave for a second about how life-changing it is? I love being able to check the time without lugging my phone around—or checking it 25 times, getting distracted by notifications, and completely forgetting what I opened it for (lol). I haven’t worn a watch since college and I know this isn’t revolutionary but I have LOVED it and I’m on my phone less. More importantly, it easily tracks my steps. No bluetooth, no smart features, just a basic pedometer that resets every 24 hours. Plus it’s beautiful! There’s something so satisfying about hitting 10k steps as a stay-at-home mom, especially on days when it feels like you accomplished nothing except cleaning up spills and playing Candy Land four times

4. I am a baby-carrier hoarder—I have them all. Because we have acreage and animals and a lot of farm chores, my babies and toddlers live in these the first two years of their lives until they stop demanding “Mama, hold you!” This is the carrier I used every day for the last 3 months. It’s the perfect newborn carrier when they are too small for the bigger ones that seem to swallow them. It’s like a combo of the Solly wrap (without getting frustrated trying to figure out how to mummify yourself) and a structured carrier that’s easy to put on with buckles. I’m passing it on to my sister who is due with her fourth next month. Now that Zeb is bigger I use my tried and true Mabe carrier I’ve had since my second baby was born. This is my ride or die and the thing I almost always purchase for a new mom (I’ve gifted it 4 times). My almost three year old still fits in it and goes on my back most days. 10/10 recommend!

5. Kudos diapers (available at target). I used to be a Coterie diaper snob. I still am since I use their pull-ups for my toddler at night, but I discovered the Kudos diapers recently and LOVE THEM. 100% cotton, non-toxic and super high quality. They are just as soft as Coterie but dare I say wick moisture better!? Like a newborn blowout is perfectly absorbed and doesn’t sit on their skin. I have noticed such a difference with diaper rash! And they are a bit cheaper than Coterie. They are cheaper if you subscribe for monthly boxes via their website which is what I do!

Thanks for reading!! Until next week,

Kate, Nate, Jess, Hannah and Molly

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Hi friends! This one has a special backstory. The week my book launched, one of my mom’s dear friends gave me a Goldbug necklace with my book title engraved on it. That same week, my sister gave me a handkerchief she embroidered with a mom balancing on a tight rope with the phrase “no pressure, mom.” She told me that line in the book was one of her favorites. It’s one of mine, too.

I went on to have those words engraved on the backs of Goldbug heart necklaces for the girls on my team, and later gave one to my sister for her birthday. My mom was actually the one to say, “What if you reached out to Goldbug and made this necklace something other people could have as well?”

And so, the “no pressure, mom” necklace was born!

I had the privilege of partnering with Goldbug Collection (local to Charleston!) to create a one-of-a-kind necklace with the phrase, “no pressure mom” engraved on it. This phrase is from my book, I Just Wish I Had A Bigger Kitchen, in my chapter on motherhood (I Just Wish I Was A Better Mom) and is a gentle reminder to meet yourself with kindness. In a world of endless options and choices, may you remember this: God made YOU the mother of your specific child(ren), and there’s no expectation you’ll do it perfectly. No pressure, mom. This reminder lives close to my heart, so I placed it on one you can carry close to yours.

The quality of Goldbug jewelry is impeccable. I own multiple of their pieces and they hold up well in everyday life. Also, 10% of all necklaces sold will help provide safe shelter and support for women experiencing domestic violence through My Sister’s House in Charleston, South Carolina.

We are only 17 days away from Mother’s Day, and I think this would be a great gift for moms in your life — or a gift to yourself! Available now until May 1st!!

We are eating outside!!!

Here’s the thing about Charleston. It’s very hard to eat outside. Bugs love it here. Flies, noseeums, mosquitoes…we have them all. For that reason, we have wanted a way to eat on the screened-in-porch, but seeing as we don’t have a garage, our screened-in-porch doubles as a catch-all for the bikes and stroller. When Lowe’s reached out to work together, I realized they had a solution that would allow us to eat outside while also working with the space we have! We got a new sectional (ours was 9 years old; it was time) that has a table and two ottomans that store underneath the table! We set it up this weekend and I kid you not we have eaten out here as much as possible. I am highly considering getting a few of these chairs that stack for additional porch seating (love the green color!) Also, I ordered this on Thursday afternoon, and it was here Saturday morning!! Less than 48 hours! The Power Nap is free each week, and sponsors like Lowe’s make that possible! Thanks for sponsoring, Lowe’s!

PS—I really truly madly deeply hate flies. Nate and I are thinking we might get one of these and mount it by the door as an added measure to keep flies out of the house (even on the screened in porch the kids go in and out so much they get in). Thinking if there’s wind by the door they won’t be strong enough to fly in? Wishful thinking? Anyone have intel here?

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In Case You Missed It

1. This purchase has made a major difference in hanging laundry! (I hang dry my athletic stuff, bras, and a good amount of my underwear! I think it greatly increases how long they last, and the pilling on leggings.) It’s also large enough I plan to hang our comforters in the sunshine and let them breathe a bit.

2. Last week on Instagram stories, I shared how I was feeling so overwhelmed by chores (Side note: 99.99% of you are too. Solidarity). Here is an account I can’t stop watching. But really, this made for some really good conversations in DMs that I have been thinking about and want to share more on soon. My wheels are turning.

3. This is the semi-homemade dinner from Costco that I *zhuzhed* on a busy weeknight with evening sports (the can of coconut milk in this is so good! Trust me.)

4. Doing this with your chicken as SOON as you get home from the grocery store will bless your future self. From video: scissors, parchment, gloves.

5. Update on Athleta bras from last week: I ordered three thinking maybe two would be winners and I would need to return at least one. I am very pleased to report I am keeping all three! The one with the pattern is more muted than the photo, which actually made me very happy (sadly pattern no longer on sale). This one I bought for the color (botanical) has a lot more support than I was expecting, and this one is the most minimal but good for yoga/pilates or just sweaty summer days.

6. When we have a longer car ride, we set up an adjustable tablet holder for the car and fade the sound to the back row. Everyone can see and hear and it’s lovely. I am sharing now because it’s on sale for under $10!!

When asked about the secret to his success and winning the Nobel Prize, Francis Crick replied:
“Oh, it's very simple. My secret has been I know what to ignore.”

Things Nate Found Interesting

If you are new, this segment is where I put articles I found interesting. It doesn’t mean I necessarily agree with everything in every article (sometimes I even disagree!). Also, I do my best to link to free articles, but occasionally articles may require a subscription or require you to create a free account. I try to note when that is the case.

1. According to the New York Times, these are the best potato chips. I’ll be honest I just refuse to believe this. Amazon also says they are not available in my area, so I can’t even try them. Would appreciate any intel here. I would put this in the “big, if true” category. via Marginal Revolution.

2. How far back in time can you understand English? I made it to the 1500’s, sort of. Those 1400’s are literally a different language. Wild.

3. We’ve talked about changing demographics in previous PNs. How’s this stat: In 2023, there were 3.6M babies born in the US, 6.3M born in all of Europe and Russia, and 7.5M born in Nigeria. via Friday Update.

4. A robot that makes drawing blood completely automated. We live in the future. via Watchlist Investing. (video shows needles, in case that makes you queasy).

5. How birds got human names. Some examples of what birds have been called in various regions: The arctic skua was called Dirty Allen. The hooded crow was Harry Dutchman. The great titmouse was Black-headed Bob. The heron was Jenny Longlegs. “Some of these epithets drew on stereotypes about certain human names. . . 500 years ago, Mag was a common generic name for a chattering, gossipy woman, Robin was a charming nickname for a little boy. . .” Other folk names didn’t include human names and instead were purely descriptive, based either on the bird’s behavior or on folk beliefs about it. For instance, the long-tailed titmouse was the nimble tailor. Or my personal favorite: the common Kestrel, who was known simply as the Windfucker. via Astral Codex Ten. Here is the little guy:

   

Collagen Cinnamon Roll Smoothie

So many of y’all got to meet Hannah on the book tour last year — she’s been on the NTK team since December 2024 and helped us with the book launch & book tour and continues to be a massive help with all things NTK. She’s based in Charlotte, NC and actually went to school with Jess! (Kate, Jess, and Hannah are all Tarheels!!)

Hannah here! I am a cinnamon roll LOVER, so anything cinnamon-roll-flavored is going to get my attention immediately. I first made this smoothie when I was pregnant with my daughter and trying to find creative ways to eat 6 dates a day to induce labor (IYKYK), and I’ve never looked back. I also love adding a scoop of the Vital Protein Collagen Peptide Powder — it’s unflavored, doesn’t dissolve into a clumpy or grainy texture, and I truly cannot taste it (I also add it to my coffee every morning and it dissolves so well.)

As with all smoothies, there’s really no way to mess it up. Tweak the ingredient amounts to your liking, blend, and enjoy:

• 3 Dates (pitted)

• 1 ripe banana (I like to use frozen)

• 1/2 cup greek yogurt or milk

• Heavy dash of cinnamon

• Light dash of vanilla extract

• 1 TBSP maple syrup

• Optional to make the smoothie more filling (like for a meal replacement):

  • 1/2 cup rolled oats

  • 1/2 cup peanut butter

  • a scoop of protein powder

  • 1/2 TBSP chia seeds

If you’re looking for more smoothie ideas, Kate’s Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Smoothie is delicious. And of course, you can never go wrong with the iconic Daily Green.

Thanks for reading!! Until next week,

Kate, Nate, Jess, Hannah and Molly

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Hey friends! Something I have been wanting to create is a summer “back-from-vacation” meal plan. This would be a meal plan of 4-5 meals that we always make the week after a trip. Here’s why:

1. After travel I tend to crave lots of fresh food to offset the large amount of chicken tenders, fries, desserts, etc. eaten while on vacation

2. After travel we need to unpack and do laundry and get ready for the week ahead; I do not want to also have to think for meals

3. After travel, we need groceries, and it would be nice to know the meals I am going to make have a set grocery list

I am going to pick 5 meals we make post vacation, make a note on my phone with the grocery list for those 5 meals, and (hopefully) repeat this all summer long! As dear Kendra (the Lazy Genius) would say, I’m deciding once!! I am going to share my meals, but really this is meant to be more of a METHOD to make your own (aka pick the meals you want!)

My 5 meals:

1. My crockpot/IP barbecue chicken over brown rice or a sweet potato with a side of my slaw. If you’ve never added ACV to your barbecue sauce you gotta try it! I will either do steamed brown rice (I use my rice cooker; see below for a second recipe that will use rice so I will cook double) or roasted sweet potatoes (my preference; rice for the kids). Due to the use of both a slow cooker and a rice cooker and making the slaw earlier because it won’t get soggy, this is a “set it and forget it” meal for me. I love that I can get everything going and focus on unpacking, etc. and come dinnertime it’s ready.

2. JennEatsGood Greek-style chicken and vegetable skewers + brown rice (from her cookbook, page 191): I double this to make a ton and love having the leftovers for lunch. I can easily serve it with steamed rice. Note: the chicken and veggies taste ah-mazing with this loaded bread dipping oil on the side (there’s a LOT of chopping involved so not ideal for post-vacation but I double and it keeps in the fridge for weeks.)

3. This creamy sausage pasta: I know creamy sausage might not scream post-vacation health, but this is comforting while still offering a nice veggie and I use Banza pasta. I love to add a ton of spinach (it really cooks down!)

4. Breakfast for dinner + smoothie: we usually have bacon and eggs and a can of biscuits on hand since this is a meal we have weekly and I will usually make a smoothie to go with it. Could also sub in sheet pancakes. My kids love breakfast for dinner so this helps with the post-vacation blues.

5. Pick your sandwich night + broccoli salad: At some point in the week, the travel/unpacking/getting back to reality will hit me and this is a very easy dinner with stuff we would have on hand because we always have sandwich stuff on hand for lunches. My kids get very excited to make their own sandwich, and I can eat one too or eat the leftovers from other meals. Will serve with fruit, pickles, and get a bag of BBQ chips because putting those on your sandwich is heavenly. Note: to amp this up from a veggie standpoint, I could serve this with Ambitious Kitchen’s Broccoli Salad (I like that this keeps for days).

It was time for new sports bras…

Throwing it out there that Athleta is so often running the best markdowns on items! Just yesterday I bought 3 new sports bras (I have had the same ones since right after Millie was born…she’s almost 8. It’s time.) I am trying three styles: I love the simplicity of this one, the fun (sweat hiding) pattern on this one (it’s also high impact), and the color of this one. All three were on sale! It’s worth noting that many colors in both the transcend legging (what I love for pilates/yoga) and the salutation stash pocket (slightly more compression; what I love for hiking/running — the pocket is clutch!) are on sale as well! During their last sale, I got this black tank to pair with the black transcend leggings and I love it as a set. The Power Nap is free each week, and sponsors like Athleta help make that possible! Thanks for sponsoring this Power Nap, Athleta!

In Case You Missed It

1. I talked about it in my March Faves, and in my workout programs I have tried post, but I love Madeline Moves so much. I have never experienced such a change to my physical strength as I have since doing her weekly moves program. To be clear: it’s not a sexy quick-fix. It’s daily choosing to show up and put in the work. Right now I do it 4x/week and pilates or yoga 1x/week. Her next challenge starts April 27th if you want to join me! It’s really just an extension of her normal programming, but with more momentum because a lot of people are doing it, plus you get 35 recipes and a custom macro count if you want it. This will be my second challenge (I did her fall one as well) and I love them! Transparency: I am partnering with Madeline for her Spring Move Challenge and did an ad for her on instagram. Prior to this (aka the last ten months) I have been doing her workouts consistently because I enjoy them. I know when it comes to supplements/fitness the “do you really love this or are you just being paid? is a real concern. I really love this.)

2. Actual footage from the first Monday morning post-vacation.

3. Because I shared workout stuff above, here’s the link to most everything in my home gym, minus the free weights (I bought them locally from Dick’s and have slowly added over time). It’s a 7x7 area. Small but mighty!

4. A very unsexy rec, but I have had 2 mouth ulcers in the last week (not cold sores; like inside the cheek ulcers), and nothing works better than this to get rid of them. Stings like hell, but then you’re numb for a bit and can enjoy eating. I also love this pen form for on the go.

5. I did not know this but Spanx makes bathing suits (last month they reached out to send me one). I took this top and bottom on our recent spring break trip and really love them. The bottoms are more cheeky though they have a less cheeky as well but the whole suit felt very secure in that way Spanx clothing does. Sadly, they also sent me a one piece but it was way too short in the torso. I very much struggle with one pieces and torso length, and I am only 5’7. Tall ladies — where are you getting one pieces?!

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“Perseverance, the secret of all triumphs.” - Victor Hugo

Nate’s Book Reviews

The Naturalist: Theodore Roosevelt, a Lifetime of Exploration — Darrin Lunde — A biography of TR, but from the perspective of his role as naturalist/outdoorsman. Teddy had a lifelong fascination with natural history and this book digs into his exploits in New England, the West, Africa, and more. Good if you like this kind of thing.

History Matters — David McCullough — Power Nap reader Meredith Vilarello of Simon & Schuster very kindly offered to send me a few books (thank you, Meredith!) of which this was one. Brief collection of McCullough’s essays, talks, etc. I have read a number of McCullough’s books over the years: Wright Brothers, Truman, John Adams, 1776, The Pioneers, Mornings on Horseback. This is a great little book for history lovers, with lots of excellent quotes I underlined. History remains underrated. As DM said: “I would be happy writing fiction. Real life, though, is so often so much more remarkable.”

Unreasonable Hospitality — Will Guidara — This came recommended to me by multiple people. Story of how a New York restaurant is transformed from very good to world-class by obsessing—not over food—but over how guests feel. The “plot” is a series of concrete stories about going wildly out of the way for people, then systematizing that mindset into a culture that compounds. It’s part memoir, part management manual. Good, particularly if you like restaurateuring or run your own business.

The Greatest Sentence Ever Written — Walter Isaacson — Short (like 50 pages) book on the history of the second sentence of the Declaration of Independence: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. Good if you like history. Heck, even if you don't, maybe worth reading this year as it is the 250th anniversary of those words being written.

The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny — Kiran Desai — This book was a finalist for the Booker Prize (best fiction written in English). Someone I respect called it the "best book of the decade." It's about India, familial relationships, class, America, and more. There’s also a social satire running underneath: intellectual pretension, elite education, moral signaling, and the cruelty of people who believe they’re enlightened. I must say though—I keep trying to read these Booker finalists and, frankly, they are just kind of boring. Long. Maybe it's going over my head? I don't think I could recommend this one.

Molly’s Must Haves

If you’re new to the Power Nap crew, Molly is one of my best friends who is FAMOUS for finding the highest quality items at super low prices that solve all kinds of needs you didn’t even know you had. If Molly says it’s worth it, then you know it’s worth it. Check out all of her previous finds here in one spot. - Kate

As the weather gets warmer and we find ourselves on the go for more activities and meals, I’ve been loving this snack tray that has individual compartments and a cutting board as a lid. Talk about genius!! Perfect for picnic dinners, school field trips or road trips, or snacks during sports practices/games. This would also be a super easy mobile charcuterie board for a girls’ night out at an outdoor concert or game night.

This portable snack container is a genius design and perfect as we are approaching (or very much in) the warmer months. It’s great for taking snacks or dinner on the go—hello poolside and park-side snacking! I absolutely love how the top doubles as a cutting board, one less dirty dish is ALWAYS a win in my book. I honestly can’t believe it’s less than $10. I sent one of these to my sister and she loves it too! Happy snacking!

Thanks for reading!! Until next week,

Kate, Nate, Jess, Hannah and Molly

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Hello friends!! I hope you are all having a wonderful week. We are on spring break with the kids and I am off social media!! The only work-related thing I am working on is a post on traveling with kids. Travel is one of our highest family values and something we have decided to give a good amount of time, money, and energy to. For that reason, I have tried many methods and systems, and I can honestly say I no longer feel overwhelmed to pack four kids and take them on an airplane. This is partly because as they have gotten older the stakes feel lower. We no longer need diapers and pack ‘n plays (moms of young kids: there’s a light at the end of the tunnel!!) Also, I genuinely enjoy the packing part from a logistics standpoint. It feels like a game of Tetris I want to win! I am working on an IG post with some of my favorite travel items/systems and I promise to translate it into newsletter form as well.

Until then, I hope you are all well! Enjoy this week’s Power Nap!!

🏀March Madness Winners🏀

Congratulations to our big winners in The NTK March Madness Bracket Challenge sponsored by The Chinet® Brand! Our winners are:

1. Lauren Hyslop

2. Jon Thompson (in a tiebreaker!)

3. Charlie Bateman

This is our second straight year with a female winner. Please email Nate at nate@naptimekitchen.com to collect your prize. Thank you to all of you who participated in the bracket challenge this year. It really is something that Nate, Johnny, and our family love to put on!

Ruggable Ad

I’m back sharing about my love for Ruggable rugs — they’re washable, durable, and made for everyday life. They fit so well into my philosophy that your home is meant to be lived-in and used, not a museum you’re scared to mess up. We have 5 (!!!) separate ones in our house, and I’ve started to convince my family to purchase them as well. For all of the links to the Ruggable rugs we have in our home, click here. We had a birthday dinner at my mom’s house the other week and she casually mentioned that she put her Ruggable rug over her railing and hosed it right off to get rid of the pollen (it lives on her screened-in back porch)! I thought this was absolutely genius, and yet again proves why Ruggable rugs are simply the best.

Look at this green plaid ‘hello’ mat for summer — it’s so happy! What I love about Ruggable’s welcome mat structure is that it’s two parts — a washable doormat that nestles into a separate rubber mat. It’s durable, doesn’t slip, and it is so easy to clean. If you’re just buying a new Ruggable doormat to change out for the season, make sure you check the box that says “doormat cover only” so you don’t accidentally purchase the rubber mat again (screenshot below).

The Fletcher pattern has multiple colorways that would work in any space with kids/pets/high foot traffic. It’s machine washable, water-resistant, and stain-resistant. This indoor-outdoor Talullah jute rug is just gorgeous and would be great for a back porch. The Power Nap is free each week, and sponsors like Ruggable help make that possible! Thanks for sponsoring this Power Nap, Ruggable!

In Case You Missed It

1. Nate and I celebrated 13 years of marriage. I am so grateful for him and what we have built together. God was immeasurably kind when He gave me Nate!

2. Here’s how to turn any vacation into an all-inclusive with one simple trick (kidding; love you mom!!)

3. If you get tension headaches or migraines like I do, then you know that the pain can be unbearable. I have tried allllllll of the tricks, and this heated eye massager that vibrates, heats, and cools offers so much relief — it’s great for eye fatigue or anyone who experiences headaches.

4. Four ingredients, one mighty bowl of pasta that even my picky eaters will enjoy (and it has hidden veggies!)

5. This body mist is my new favorite perfume. It smells like sunscreen and sand at the beach (very adjacent to Bobbi Brown “Beach” scent from back in the day). If summer could be bottled up, this would be it.

6. If you missed March Faves, catch up on that post here. It’s full of good stuff — the rewards system that works for our kids, a book my dad recommended to me, and an Instagram comedian whose videos make me laugh out loud.

7. Last week, Scout and I got Starbucks one afternoon and meandered around Target — no rushing, no naps to worry about, just blissful strolling. I asked my followers on Insta if there is anything they’re loving to build relationships with their tween/teen girls, and I’d love to hear the same from all of you! I know that we all hear, “just you wait” when it comes to raising girls, but I think there is a lot of good things worth calling out. What is working for you and your daughter right now? I’d love to hear from you.

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“Angels can fly because they take themselves lightly.” - GK Chesterton

Nate’s TV Reviews

Death by Lightning — This is a mini-series on Netflix that follows US President James Garfield and his ultimate assassin. That sounds sort of boring, but this is actually a pretty crazy story from US history that I knew next to nothing about. One of those “history is stranger than fiction” cases. Plus the cast is fantastic: Nick Offerman is a great Chester Arthur (the VP) and Matthew Macfadyen is a perfect crazy guy. Good to see Bradley Whitford again, who will forever be Josh Lyman to me. Thanks to my friend Boon for the recommendation.

American Revolution — Ken Burns documentary. Yes, it’s slow. It’s six two-hour episodes discussing the American Revolution. There’s no way not to make it slow. But Ken Burns is a national treasure. The music is sensational. George Washington remains, somehow, underrated.

Night Manager (Season 1) — Rewatched this 2016 spy thriller with Kate. Tom Hiddleston plays the lead, an ex-soldier turned hotel manager turned spy who wants to take down Hugh Laurie as the arms-dealer villain. Based on the John le Carré novel. It’s very good. Season 2 just came out 10 years (!) after Season 1.

Night Manager (Season 2) — Unfortunately, Kate and I did not like Season 2. I did not like the plot twist, hated the ending, and it seemed like the plot had some serious stretches to make it all make sense. In other words, it seemed to me that Season 1 was based on a great book and Season 2 was made up by some people trying to make money on a TV show (and wanting to stretch Season 2 into Season 3 because....duh....more money).

Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (Season 1) — I enjoyed this Game of Thrones prequel significantly more than I expected. Much more of a comedy than GOT. Good music. Recommend.

Aldi Toddler Snacks FTW

From Kate: So many of y’all got to meet Hannah on the book tour last year — she’s been on the NTK team since December 2024 and helped us with the book launch & book tour and continues to be a massive help with all things NTK, especially as Jess is on Maternity Leave. She’s based in Charlotte, NC and actually went to school with Jess! (Kate, Jess, and Hannah are all Tarheels!!)

Hannah here! If you’re still deep in the toddler years like I am, you understand the power of the mighty snack. Trying to balance quality of food with convenience is a struggle — I’m a big fan of whole foods or making homemade snacks (like sheet pan pancakes, muffins, egg bites, oatmeal bars, etc.) when we’re at home, but also let’s be realistic: you need some easy packaged options when you’re out and about (or just plain tired!).

Obviously people love Aldi for the low prices and no-fuss efficient shopping, but I believe the real unsung hero of Aldi is the snacks — especially the ‘dupes’. If you’re on the hunt for Kodiak pancake mix, Fairlife chocolate protein shakes, Pirate’s Booty puffs, Lara Bars, etc. at a lower cost with similar ingredients, look no further than Aldi. Here are some of my favorite Aldi finds that are toddler-approved:

• Cheddar cauliflower crackers - gluten free and vegan!

• Dried fruit - strawberries and apples are my go-to’s

• Fruit Strips - no artificial dyes and only 8 ingredients

• White Cheddar Puffs - Pirate’s Booty dupe that’s half the price!

• Brekki Overnight Oats - dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan! The vanilla cinnamon flavor is absolutely delicious

• Sweet Potato Chips - three ingredients and completely organic. Chef’s kiss!

• Elevation Pure & Simple Bars - these are a Lara Bar dupe! My daughter loves the apple pie flavor but they also carry a peanut butter cookie that’s delish

• Yogurt Bites - If you are looking for a high-volume snack that keeps a toddler busy and buys you time, don’t skip these. They have Vitamin A, C, and E and have no preservatives.

• Organic Pouches - I love the one with oats & flax to keep her fuller for longer!

For my fellow moms…this probiotic spritzer has been *my* favorite Aldi find lately. It’s the perfect pick-me-up when I need to rally for the second shift of cooking dinner, bath time & bedtime. But it’s always 5 o’clock somewhere, and I think adding your favorite liquor + fresh mint would turn this into an amazing summer cocktail.

If you have any more snacks you love for littles (or yourself), please share them below!

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Thanks for reading!! Until next week,

Kate, Nate, Jess, Hannah and Molly

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We have gotten to watch lots of March Madness in the Strickler house over the past two weeks. A few key updates: Hannah, Jess, and I (all Tarheels!) are devastated that Carolina is already out (but unfortunately not surprised). We are also sad that Hubert Davis is out. In case you missed it, UNC wasn’t the only Carolina team with an epic collapse: Duke is also out. It was one of the best comebacks I have ever seen. Nate enjoyed this video of the announcers’ reactions to the buzzer beater.

The NTK March Madness Bracket Challenge sponsored by The Chinet® Brand is also having a banner year, with our bracket group totaling 20,845 entries. HOLY COW! We had almost 4x the amount of the next largest private group on ESPN. ESPN, what do we need to do to get some press coverage?!?! Anyone with any connections, please reach out to Nate at nate@naptimekitchen.com. He wants to see Johnny making picks alongside Jay Bilas and Jayson Williams on College Gameday. Also, Nate wants you to know that he is winning the family bracket and currently 61st in our bracket challenge (Nate: “No surprise there.”) lol. Here is the leaderboard heading into the Final Four this weekend and the Finals on Monday night. Ethan Shearer has the lead, but Katie Bigoness has the highest “max,” so it is hers to take if the Illini can find a way. Good luck to all!

March had some really fun favorites with a lot of things I either read, watched, or listened to. But first, Quince! It only seems fitting that Quince would sponsor a favorites newsletter because they have been featured as a favorite multiple times. I continue to be so impressed by them. On my recent trip to Rosemary Beach, I wore my Quince woven flats all throughout the airport and even packed in a Quince carry-on. Both were absolutely top-notch, and as we look towards spring, they have been my first stop for new kids clothing. I bought the girls bathing suits for spring break from Quince as well as easy dresses to put on all summer long. These newsletters remain free thanks to our generous sponsors. Thanks for sponsoring this one, Quince!!

OK, NOW ON TO THE FAVES!

To shop my March Faves in one place, click here. If you missed February faves, go back and read it here.

First up: I listened to the audiobook Unreasonable Hospitality (suggested by my dad!) and absolutely loved it. I feel like no matter what industry you’re in, there are really great takeaways about how to leave an impression on people through, as he calls it, unreasonable hospitality. Highly recommend.

Also, I’m really enjoying audiobooks in general. I feel like I get more done — I’ll do the dishes, vacuum, change the sheets — all while listening. It’s been such a great rhythm.

Pop culture moments with my girls. Specifically with Scout as she’s getting older, I’m realizing I want to be part of her first experiences, not be afraid of them. Getting her out of bed to snuggle and watch EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami perform Golden at the Oscars was really fun and special. I want those shared touch points with her and not to feel intimidated by any questions that may arise.

Next: the 🤩🤩COLLECTIVE STAR CHART🤩🤩. This has been one of the most successful reward systems we’ve ever done.

The kids really want to see Dude Perfect when they go on tour. Nate and I bought tickets (the kids don’t know this part, but they were selling out fast), but told them they had to earn them. At first we were going to have each child earn stars individually, but then we switched to one cumulative chart and had all four of them work toward 100 stars together.

They earn a star when we notice something good — kindness, initiative, responsibility, sharing, doing something without being asked. This isn’t a chore chart. This is purely a “we saw you do that, and we are really proud of you; we noticed” chart. And what’s been especially fun is they cheer for each other, because if we catch one kid doing something good, it’s a win for everyone.

Note: the amount of stars and reward can be anything. Ice cream for dinner or going to the movies. 20 stars or 50. You get to choose that part. Just something that would get your kids excited!

We are also trying something completely new when it comes to chores, and if it goes well, I will share in April Faves. But for now, just know that a piece of paper or poster board with a bunch of squares to fill in a star has been doing wonders in the Strickler household.

A return to tighter jeans?! I’ve been living in wide leg and barrel styles (I still love them), but Mother sent me a straight-leg pair that hugs the body more — and I forgot how nice that can be. They’re flattering, have great stretch, and it’s just been strangely nice to have jeans that actually touch my body again. These are so comfortable I wore them on the plane to Florida last weekend!

Also — the Ayr long sleeve tee. I did a partnership with Ayr about a month ago and they sent two long sleeve tees. They’re pricier than I normally spend on a t-shirt, but oh my gosh — they are the first ones I reach for.

They have beautiful colors (lots of stripes), and the fabric is thicker than a t-shirt but not as thick as a sweatshirt — just the perfect middle weight. They make a short sleeve version too, and I think I’m going to grab a couple for summer because I’ve loved the long sleeves so much.

Okay — Paradise, Season 2. I am obsessed. I can’t think of the last time I enjoyed a show this much — especially how much it makes me think and try to figure out what’s happening. If you haven’t watched it, start with Season 1, then watch Season 2 — and do it with a friend so you have someone to talk to about it. It’s exceptional. The first episode of Season 1 is one of the best first episodes of a show I’ve ever seen, and the way each episode draws out a different character is so well done. I don’t want to give any spoilers here, but let’s just say Season 2 finale left me with more questions than answers.

An easy skort. I got this skort off of Amazon and have been very impressed by the quality! The waistband is insanely soft, and I can report that after wearing it for multiple hours and going for a very long walk, it did not ride up and was incredibly comfortable.

Next: Heartthrob Rob on Instagram. Y’all, please just go watch his videos. They make me cry laughing. He’s a comedian who does breakdowns of movies, books, and pop culture. I first found him when someone sent me his commentary on Berenstain Bears, and I’ve been hooked ever since. There’s everything from a new show on Netflix to Lizzie McGuire to The Family Stone. I die. (Rated M for mature audiences!!)

Another big one: Madeline Moves. This year I’ve really been thinking about my workouts and my health, and I’ve gotten into such a good groove with her program. I adore her workouts. I love that they’re self-paced, there’s repetition that builds over time, and I can listen to my own music (find my playlists here). They’re also really interruptible, which matters in real life. I’m actually coming up on one year of doing her workouts, and I just really trust her approach — especially how she thinks about strength, core, and training as a woman. I am planning to get a discount code for her Spring Challenge (starts mid-April) so stay tuned for that. Her fall challenge was what actually sealed the deal for me on her workouts!

My Albion bathing suit. The bottoms have a waistband with more give and less rigid top stitching, so they don’t dig into my stomach the same way. I can immediately tell when I wear it — it just doesn’t cut in on the sides. Especially if you’ve had kids or have looser skin, it’s really nice not to have that tight waistband. This one is called the “Almost Cheeky.” I don’t find it super cheeky, but I’ve absolutely loved it. Even if you never try this suit, notice if your bathing suits have a stiff top stitching, or more give. It makes a difference!

The steam cleaner: I’m having the sad realization that while you can keep your house fairly clean there are lots of things that require more regular maintenance… Like showers, grout, lint traps, and washing machines… It's a lot. I recently purchased this steam pressure cleaner to work on some bad spots in our shower and I really am impressed by how well it works. It's not anything that's going to scrub, but if you have corners and build up, the super hot pressure and steam can really work wonders.

Until next month, and HAPPY EASTER!!!

Much love,

Kate

Spring Break is upon us! Whether you’ve got travel plans or are staying put, big kids or toddlers, I highly recommend embracing the fun and chaos of this season. We put together a list of all the Spring Break items that make the days easier here. Pssst…many of them are on sale for Prime Deal Days (and would make great Easter basket additions)!!

Something that’s been so successful in years past has been making a Spring Break Bucket List. While I made this pretty list, I highly suggest you get a poster board & make this a giant list to tape to the wall. Let the kids color on it. Go wild! Mind you, the ideas do not need to be extravagant. Things like “have a picnic at the park” or “make cookies from scratch” are perfect. The hope is that this list serves as a visible reminder of all the fun things you did together.

If you’re traveling, download the ‘Everything’ Packing List below and never forget that sound machine charging cord again.

Download Here

Camp Snap is having a sale on all of their cameras/video cameras and I have a bonus code!! My code — NAPTIME5 — gets you an EXTRA $5 OFF the sale!

Whether you’ve got a child headed to camp this summer or simply want an easy, screen-free way to bring back some 90’s nostalgia, look no further. We bought one last summer prior to going to Maine and I cannot even begin to tell you how much I cherish the photos my kids take. Because it’s screen free, you don’t kill the battery quickly (and I love that you can’t see the photos until you plug it in!). Because it’s digital, you can take a ton (up to 2,000!) and don’t have to worry about wasting film.
I plug ours in, delete what I need to, then send what we love to my Apple Photos, Aura Frame, or print them out. It’s truly an awesome product I would suggest to anyone, and don’t forget the code (NAPTIME5) to stack during their sale!

In Case You Missed It

1. The bracket wall I made for Johnny was featured on The Today Show!! (Also I just need to laugh and tell you that I spent two years writing and launching a book and turns out I am going to become famous for blue tape on my walls…lol.)

2. This is the cake I’ll be making again this spring (it went viral last year — for good reason).

3. I’ve been on a cleaning journey lately and this pet hair remover is insanely satisfying. Btw - if you hate mopping before you vacuum like I do, may I introduce you to this mop-vac that does it all at once (it’s also 40% off today!).

4. I’m almost embarrassed to say that this is the hot ticket item for my kids’ Easter baskets this year. Nothing says ‘I love Jesus’ like 36” of corn syrup.

5. One of Johnny’s buddies had a minor surgery and he loves this NTK pasta! We took it to his family this week. Also…this is one of maybe 5 recipes that all four of my kids will devour.

6. Y’all taught me that I’m supposed to be putting in my dry shampoo at night and I’ve never turned back since. I’ve reordered this specific dry shampoo 17 times on Amazon because it absorbs oil and adds volume.

7. Was deep into my feels last week reflecting on how blessed I am to be right in this specific season of life with growing kids & healthy parents. Some call it the ‘Sacred Window’ and I couldn’t agree more. Read about it on the blog here.

8. This video of Allie has me rolling…that fourth child attitude is so real.

“The world seems to be accustomed to delaying gratification less and less, which means the rewards of delaying gratification grow more and more.” - James Clear

Things Nate Found Interesting

If you are new, this segment is where I put articles I found interesting. It doesn’t mean I necessarily agree with everything in every article (sometimes I even disagree!). Also, I do my best to link to free articles, but occasionally articles may require a subscription or require you to create a free account. I try to note when that is the case.

1. An Indian restaurant in London called Dishoom has a promo where — during certain times — you can get your entire meal comped if you roll a 6 on the dice at the end of your meal. Your chances of rolling a 6 are 16.67% (1 in 6). So, it’s really not much different than a 20% off Happy Hour promo. But how much more fun!?! I’m 100% more interested in going to a restaurant knowing “this might be free” than just getting a known discount. Count me as a fan. Dishoom opens in NYC in 2026. Read more about it here.

2. Sarwagya Singh Kushwaha has become the youngest player in chess history to earn an official FIDE chess rating at the age of three years, seven months and 20 days. Alberta is already four, and she doesn’t even know the rules of chess. How embarrassing.

3. This talk by Rory Sutherland. I love the way he sees the world. If nothing else, two great nuggets in this talk: 1. Water is “tasteless” to us because in prehistoric times, we needed to know if something was wrong with it. Usually, if water has a “taste,” it’s bad, and so our taste buds learned to make it tasteless to make our bodies instantly alert if we needed to stop drinking. 2. This “speedometer,” which I share because it showed me how stupid it is to speed on the highway, and by sharing it, I just may save a life:

   

   You are familiar with the numbers on the inside (how fast you are going). The thing around the outside is a paceometer, which shows how many minutes at that speed it will take you to go 10 miles. Assuming you’re going 10 miles at 10 miles an hour, it’ll take you an hour. From Sutherland: “Now, most of you will have noticed something a bit strange about this, which is that whereas the numbers on the inside are completely regular, the numbers around the outside are anything but. If you’re going 10 miles, or 20 miles, or 30 miles, something in that order of magnitude, there’s a big time-saving by going at 30 miles an hour rather than 20 miles an hour. In fact, you’ll save a whole 10 minutes just by accelerating about 10 miles an hour. On the other hand, if you accelerate from 80 miles an hour to 90 for example, or 70 to 80, you basically save a minute.”

Molly’s Must Haves

If you’re new to the Power Nap crew, Molly is one of my best friends who is FAMOUS for finding the highest quality items at super low prices that solve all kinds of needs you didn’t even know you had. If Molly says it’s worth it, then you know it’s worth it. Check out all of her previous finds here in one spot. - Kate

Introducing you to the perfect “panic purse” snack. We’ve all been there…our doctor’s appointment is taking too long, the carpool line is backed up, the flight gets delayed and your kids are starting to lose it. You need a distraction and you need it fast. May I introduce you to the Smarties Lollipops! They’re the Smarties candy on a stick, and are awesome for kids because it occupies them like a lollipop does but without ANY of the stickiness. I keep a handful in my purse at all times and they help defuse whininess and tears in any situation. (NOTE: don’t give to a toddler you think will choke on one; use your judgement there.)

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Thanks for reading!! Until next week,

Kate, Nate, Jess, Hannah and Molly

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If you remember last year, I surprised Johnny by creating the bracket wall of his dreams in our dining room. This year, he got half the neighborhood gang involved!

QUINCE HAS DONE IT AGAIN!!! Allie has quickly become attached to this organic cotton skater dress from Quince and she requests to wear it to school often. YOU ALL…IT IS $20!!! If you felt this dress, you would definitely guess it was over $40. Depending on how cold it is (the weather is so fickle in spring, which makes dressing kids so hard), I’ll add these cotton leggings!

Last Easter, by some miracle, I was able to get all three girls in the same matching dress for Easter Sunday and NO ONE CRIED. Was it a one hit wonder or will I be able to do it again this year?! Only time will tell. This poplin tiered cotton dress is so cute for Easter, and FYI there are baby, toddler and kid sizes in the Pink Ditsy Floral colorway (featured in the image above). Someone please tag me if you dress up a chunky baby girl in this adorable outfit. The cardigan, which also comes in baby/toddler/kid sizes is just the cherry on top!

Also, DID YOU KNOW THEY MAKE LUGGAGE!? I am going on a trip with my mom, sister, and SILs next week and am using this olive green carry-on (also made in a full-size suitcase) — both expandable, super light, but still made of a sturdy outer shell. Nate got this slim travel backpack that’s made of durable nylon. I’ve linked all our favorite luggage & travel bags here.

The Power Nap is free each week, and sponsors like Quince help make that possible! Thanks for sponsoring this Power Nap, Quince!

In Case You Missed It

1. I absolutely love making these videos. The bloopers were so good! I pray when the kids are older we look back on these so fondly.

2. Unfortunately, there is going to come a time in your parenting journey that you will wish you had these. Do your future self a favor and order a box of them now.

3. The kids didn’t have school on Monday so I took them to see the Hoppers movie. They LOVED it!

4. This might be the most valuable heirloom I’m passing down to my children — I hope they fight over it one day!!

5. I was feeling ~frisky~ and got a cheeky bathing suit from Albion and I am so impressed with how flattering the bottoms are. The top seam is what sold me: it feels like the waistband on a quality pair of leggings. If you have looser skin around your midsection, whether because of having children, health reasons, etc. this swimsuit bottom hugs your tummy so nicely without digging in uncomfortably.

6. When I buy a big a** Costco piece of salmon, here’s how I use my food saver to prep & freeze individual pieces (with marinades!)

7. These and these are the sunglasses I get asked about weekly. They’re polarized, universally flattering, and come in so many colors.

Print the list here

“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” - Thomas Edison

Quotes Nate Liked

David McCullough quotes from History Matters:

• “It takes one kind of courage to fight a duel, but it is nothing like the type of courage it takes to tell a friend ‘No.’”

• Quoting Truman, on the politician’s duty to lead people, not just follow the tide of public opinion: “I wonder how far Moses would have gone if he’d had taken a poll in Egypt.”

• You can learn a lot about people by what they love.

• We don’t teach children. We just give them who we are. And they catch that. Attitudes are caught not taught. If you love something in front of a child, the child will catch that.

Walter Isaacson from The Greatest Sentence Ever Written:

• 18th century Puritan pastor Cotton Mather believed “people could best serve God by creating institutions that benefited the common good.”

• Compromisers may not make great political heroes, Benjamin Franklin liked to say, but they do make great democracies.

• Libraries as a great snapshot of the American Dream: “As one looks down on the general reading room, which alone contains ten thousand volumes which may be read without even the asking, one sees the seats filled with silent readers, old and young, rich and poor, black and white, the executive and the laborer, the general and the private, the noted scholar and the schoolboy, all reading at their own library provided by their own democracy. It has always seemed to me to be a perfect concrete example of the American dream.” -- James Truslow Adams

An iron rule of math is that 50% of the population has to be below average. It’s true for income, intelligence, health, wealth, everything. And it’s a brutal reality in a world where social media stuffs the top 1% of moments of the top 1% of people in your face. You can raise the quality of life for those below average, or set a floor on how low they can go. But when a majority of people expect a top 5% outcome the result is guaranteed mass disappointment.

“After observing him for years, the disciples didn’t ask Jesus to teach them how to multiply food, lead a revolution, or walk on water. They asked him to teach them how to pray.” - Mike Woodruff

Easter Basket Formula

If you’ve been following me for awhile, you will know that I love to build intentional Easter baskets for my kids that they get excited about AND also free from tchotchkes that I want to toss the next day. This doesn’t mean that I go overboard with high dollar items: I actually keep it pretty simple, but I always ask myself the question, “What was I going to need to buy for them anyways?” I recommend thinking about the activities, trips, or occasions your family has coming up this summer and make purchases based on those. My loose formula to build a basket that my kids love:

• book that encourages their relationship with God

• toy or game that encourages outdoor/family play

• summer clothing (hat, sunglasses, sandals, swim suits)

• their favorite snacks or candy

I’ve put together a list of all my favorite items in these categories here.

I think it is also important to say, you are in no way obligated to give your children an Easter basket, or any gift at all. When we choose to give our kids gifts at a holiday, we try to frame them as a small reflection of the greatest gift: God giving His Son to rescue us. We give gifts at Christmas to celebrate His birth, and at Easter we celebrate His resurrection. The gifts are just a small way to mark the joy of that truth. God is the greatest Giver, and we get to give like Him!

Thanks for reading!! Until next week,

Kate, Nate, Jess, Hannah and Molly

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We are thrilled to announce that Chinet® is BACK for another year as our NTK March Madness Bracket Challenge sponsor! The Chinet® brand makes disposable tableware products, including plates, cups, bowls, and cutlery. Chinet® products are our go to because they are high quality, built to hold their weight, and achieve both of those things while staying at a reasonable price point. Chinet Classic® plates/bowls are perfect for our watch party snacks because they make clean up a breeze and are easy for the kids to handle (particularly if you’re snacking in front of the TV). The brand loves to celebrate people coming together, and in turn is generously donating $15,000 of prize money for our bracket challenge winners. That’s right folks — 50% more prize money this year!!!!! THANK YOU TO THE CHINET® BRAND!

Shop Chinet products at a store near you

If you recall, last year NTK had the LARGEST PRIVATE BRACKET GROUP ON ESPN.COM with 15,720 entries, more than 5,000 more than the second largest group. Mariah Owen was our big winner last year, and since she lives in Charleston, Kate and I hand-delivered the check:

Enter Your Bracket

You will need to create a free ESPN account if you don’t have one.

Our group name is NTK March Madness Bracket Challenge. (You can also find the group on ESPN.com by searching by group name)

The password is ntk

There are no rules on who can participate – you don’t have to follow Kate, you don’t have to subscribe, you don’t have to like or friend request or anything, and it’s totally free!! That said most of the updates will come through the Power Nap, so if you are new to NTK and want to stay in the know about updates, prize collection, etc., we would recommend subscribing to this newsletter (if you have a friend, forward them this email, and tell them to subscribe because the Power Nap is so great!!).

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So invite friends, co-workers, spouses, and random strangers on the street. Tournament tips off on Thursday, 3/19 @ 12:15p ET. Make sure you’ve signed up and submitted your picks by then! Reach out to nate@naptimekitchen.com with any questions or issues. Without further ado, here are this year’s prizes:

First Place: $10,000

Second Place: $3,000

Third Place: $2,000

Enter Your Bracket

*password is ntk

Happy March (Madness!) friends. I know so many of you do not care one lick about basketball. I, however, went to a basketball school (Go Heels!), married a man who loves it, and then gave birth to a child who might love it even more (?!?). For that reason we decided years ago we would make the most of the bracket challenge, and what could be more fun than having a giant pool of NTK peeps? Having that giant pool with insane prize money!! We will send out an email on Sunday night with a link to our NTK group, as well as outlining all the prizes. I won’t give too much away, but let’s just say even if you have zero interest, you’re gonna want to enter a bracket. Thank you for indulging us in this.

PS — you will notice over the next month that John Robert cheers for Duke. I know, it’s weird. His godfather (who usually comes down to watch the final four with us) went to Duke, he was born at Duke Hospital, spent the first two years of his life being pushed around Duke’s campus in a stroller, and really, I think he just loves cheering against his mom. The featured image above shows the Devil (pun intended) in his eyes. Also, Nate would like it known he is only “sort of” a Tarheel. He went to UNC for Law School, NC State for undergrad, and cheers for Penn State in football. C’est la vie.

In Case You Missed It

1. Last week, I shared about our family’s deep love for REEF’s sandals. They transition from beach/pool to casual to church like a dream. Hot tip: these would make an awesome, practical Easter basket addition (you’re gonna need new summer sandals anyways, might as well add them to the basket)! My sitewide code for 20% off is NAP and I linked our favorites here. The Power Nap is free each week, and sponsors like Reef help make that possible! Thanks for sponsoring this Power Nap, Reef!

2. I’m still loving my Brick and not to be dramatic but it really is rewiring my brain on the weekends. It’s basically is a tool to block any app you want to be on less (for me that’s social media) but you could really use for anything — email, texts, Netflix, etc. I wish I had the self discipline to just not click the button, but, I don’t. (This is not sponsored, but when you buy one you get a referral code. Get 10% off by clicking here.)

3. We started talking all things food savers on IG and I’m going to do a deep dive over the next few weeks. My exact model is old, but it’s the food saver brand (this one is currently 30% off!) If you have any questions you want me to answer specifically, comment below - I’d love to answer them.

4. I tested out this Amazon skort yesterday and was so impressed with the quality. It’s under $30 and comes in many colors.

5. My top ten ways to turn your bathroom into a spa is on the blog here.

6. I have used this corner drying rack well over a year and gosh I love it. No more wet counters. Dries my sponge much faster, too! It’s under $10.

7. Madison Rauscher won last week’s Made In giveaway! Congrats Madison, and thank you for being a part of the Power Nap community.

FYI! I have used this same cleansing balm (with these washcloths) forever. I adore it. It’s hydrating (vital when I was on my Accutane journey) yet also so effective at getting my face super clean. I love this 3-pack because I use the larger sizes at home and the smallest is perfect for travel. QVC is the bomb at getting products I already use and love on major sale (also got my Dyson from them!) Right when I saw this deal, I purchased. PS — I use original, but there’s also a rose as well as a fragrance-free option now! Thanks for sponsoring this Power Nap, QVC! NOTE: QVC almost always has a code as well. I just used WELCOME15 when I ordered and got an extra $15 off!

"How much larger our lives would be if only we could become smaller in them." - GK Chesterton (paraphrased)

Nate’s Movie Reviews

Sinners (2025) — New movie where Michael B. Jordan plays twins. A lot going on here. Is it a Zombie-movie, a Jim Crow-movie, a time-travel-movie, a Southern Gothic-movie, a musical? The answer is yes. I think it was a bit much for me and didn’t really land.

Flubber (1997) — Watch with kids. We adore Robin Williams in this house but this is not one of his best.

Woman in Cabin 10 (2025) — Based on a book (which I did not read): a psychological thriller about a travel journalist who believes she’s witnessed a woman being thrown overboard from a luxury cruise ship—only to find that all the passengers are accounted for and no one believes her. This movie got poor reviews and I understand why. However, I sort of enjoyed it -- mostly because who-dun-it on a megayacht in the Nordics is a genre sweet spot for me. I think if you go in with low expectations it is watchable.

Frankenstein (2025) — I wanted to like this because Frankenstein was one of the few books I had to read in my college English Lit class that I ABSOLUTELY LOVED and was surprised that I absolutely loved it at the time. But this just wasn’t very good. Stick to the book.

Sentimental Value (2025) — I mostly enjoyed this movie about a famous director father and his actress daughter (and an old family house). Not a popcorn movie, it’s slow and plot-driven. And takes place in Norway with subtitles.

After the Hunt (2025) — I saw Julia Roberts, Andrew Garfield, and takes place at Yale and thought “how could this miss?” Well, it missed. Just not very good.

Relay (2024) — A broker of lucrative payoffs between corrupt corporations and the individuals who threaten them breaks his own rules when a new client seeks his protection to stay alive. I randomly watched this Netflix movie with low to no expectations and it ended up not being too bad.

5 Easy Costco Food Combos

If you’re new here, the concept of #TakeThemAMealMarch is near and dear to my heart because I love finding new and fresh ways to get others excited about loving their community through yummy food and thoughtful gestures. Whether that’s a takeout coffee and pastry or a homemade meal, the goal is always making people feel seen and loved.

Last year, I answered some of y’alls most asked questions about batch cooking with friends in Power Nap #87 and gathered some of my foodie friends’ favorite recipes when they take meals to people. Find that video here!

I’m currently in a season of life where the most attainable way to show up for my community is through easy, semi-prepared meals or freezer meals. The best part about meals like these is that I batch make them for my family AND the family I’m taking a meal to so I don’t have to use more brain power on a separate dinner.

Because life is busy, we put together a few super easy ideas using Costco ingredients (but if you don’t do Costco, you can find these staples most anywhere!)

1. Rotisserie chicken + tortillas + all of your favorite toppings = Easy Shredded Chicken Tacos

   

2. Croissants + cooked bacon + avocados + deli turkey + lettuce + tomato = Croissant BLTA’s

   

3. Ground beef + frozen stir fry veggies + sticky white rice + Japanese BBQ sauce =

   Asian BBQ Stir Fry

   

4. Prepared Caesar salad + frozen breaded chicken breast chunks + Avocado + Tortillas = Crispy Chicken Caesar Wraps

   

5. Amylu chicken meatballs + sweet potato + red onion + quinoa & brown rice + basil pesto = Pesto Chicken Meatball Bowl

   

To take it to the next level, consider including these other items. And again — with Costco sizes — there’s a good chance you can split these and keep some for your family as well.

• Prepared cut fruit + yogurt

• Stok cold brew + Chobani creamer

• Ghiradelli brownies + vanilla ice cream

Thanks for reading!! Until next week,

Kate, Nate, Jess, Hannah and Molly

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CAN WE HELP KELLY?!

I got this email a few weeks back and wanted to post this to the Power Nap community 1) because I think you are genuinely kind and helpful people and 2) I know we have got some working parents who have felt this same panic and are now on the other side!! Here’s what she wrote:

I go back to work full time in a week and a half. I have a 12 year old, 9 year old and an almost 6 month old. This time feels so different from the first two and the overwhelm of shuffling people to things with a baby in tow feels like so much. Admittedly, I am not the most organized or preplanned person but I know that I need to get better about those things soon. I’m hoping that you could ask your lovely audience what things really helped them not feel so drowny. Is there some life-changing magic that somebody has that will make me feel more prepared? Thanks for even considering. I really love following you.

Does anyone have any advice, be it words of wisdom or well worn systems, to help Kelly? Please let us know. I am sure we can all benefit from these comments!

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It is no secret that we love Ruggable in this house! I counted this morning, and we have five (yes, five!!) in our house. One in our bedroom, one in the hallway, one under the dining table, one right when you walk in the front door (many years old so sadly no longer made), and our newest: this Ruggable x Anthro Welcome mat (I got the larger size) that gives all the springtime joy. I love that the mat is actually two parts — the machine washable cover easily separates from the nonslip rubber base. Genius!!

My parents got this one for their screened in porch (sadly the blue is sold out), but this blue one caught my eye if you’re going for a similar vibe. I’m still in love with the Annika green runner I purchased for our hallway back in December. It brings so much warmth and color to an otherwise dull hallway, plus, it’s hard to find a longer runner. I love that they make this one to twelve feet!

Our emails remain free thanks to sponsors, so big thanks to Ruggable for sponsoring this week’s Power Nap!!

In Case You Missed It

1. A huge mistake I see people make when freezing food & how to fix it here.

2. My favorite snack lately is the fanciest toast you’ll ever have: sourdough + cottage cheese + nut butter + lavender honey drizzle + Maldon sea salt

3. This standing desk is life changing for my productivity (it’s also 44% off!!); I tried many and this one is a good bit taller than most!

4. Sunny afternoons outside are ☀️BACK baby☀️. This product is what I keep in the drawer by our front door and put on every single afternoon before I go outside. I love that it’s a clear matte finish, making it easy to throw on over any makeup I have on, and it’s matte, so it doesn’t feel greasy at all and dries super fast. Also worth noting: my tinted sunscreen I put on every morning is on sale.

5. I made all four of my kids split this one thing because (even if this fruit does) money doesn’t grow on trees…

6. As this email goes out, I will be posting about Reef on my Instagram stories!! We adore their shoes, and when we went on our big trip to Maine last summer, the only sandals we brought were Reef. My sitewide code for 20% off is NAP20.

"If you are going to get anywhere in life, you have to read a lot of books." - Roald Dahl

Nate’s Book Reviews

Demons of Unrest — Erik Larson — I tend to like Erik Larson’s books: The Splendid and the Vile, The Devil in the White City, Dead Wake — I’ve read and enjoyed them all. This one is about the five-month stretch between Abraham Lincoln’s election in November 1860 and the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter in April 1861. I liked it because (1) I like anything about Lincoln, who is, in my opinion, the greatest American, and (2) much of the action takes place in Charleston around Fort Sumter, so it was cool to read about places I see and go often.

107 Days — Kamala Harris — I enjoy reading political memoirs. I find that they help me humanize people in a politics that is very much dehumanizing. That said, this one was pretty bad. It reads more like she’s getting ready to run again.

The Feather Detective — Chris Sweeney — Biography of Roxie Laybourne: the “world’s first forensic ornithologist” (that is: the first person to use bird feathers in forensic investigations) working largely at the Smithsonian Institution. I didn’t finish the whole thing. I did enjoy the parts about birds.

King — Jonathan Eig — Everyone knows the basic facts about MLK, but I learned a ton from this biography. What stood out most was how complicated “greatness” actually looks up close. King could be funny, irritable, terrified, strategic, and brave. His personal life was messy, too, and it’s hard not to imagine how he would have fared in the social-media age, where every flaw gets magnified. By the end, I realized he was both far more human and far more extraordinary than the simplified version I grew up with.

On the Calculation of Volume, Books 1, 2, and 3 — Solvej Balle — The first three of seven (short) books currently being translated into English. A French antique bookseller involuntarily steps off the train of time: in her world, November eighteenth repeats itself endlessly. She no longer experiences the changes of days, weeks, months, or seasons. I read it quickly. It is a hypnotic style of writing that I enjoy, reminding me a bit of another of my Scandinavian favorites: Karl Ove Knausgaard. Book 4 comes out in April.

Molly’s Must Haves (Double Feature!!)

If you’re new to the Power Nap crew, Molly is one of my best friends who is FAMOUS for finding the highest quality items at super low prices that solve all kinds of needs you didn’t even know you had. If Molly says it’s worth it, then you know it’s worth it. Check out all of her previous finds here in one spot. - Kate

Molly here! This is the best deodorant I’ve EVER tried that’s non aluminum. It’s the Real Purity brand from Amazon that’s a roll-on stick which I love. One stick lasts me around 5 months!

This refillable carafe that is dishwasher safe: my kids like to pour their own milk in the mornings for their cereal and this is a much smaller size and fits in the door of our fridge so they can reach it and also eliminates the possibility of spilling the whole carton of milk. They love it because it gives them some independence and I love that they can’t spill an entire gallon of milk!

Made In Sauté Pan Giveaway

Made In is such an amazing company that I love getting to work with. When I was doing my last ad, they offered to send me a new #PastaMonday pot, but the one I have from them is still in perfect condition, so I wanted to pass the gift on to one of you!! Leave any comment below and you’ll be entered to win! We will pick a winner on 3/9/26 at 12 noon EST and will message you here on Substack!

This giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Substack. No purchase necessary to enter or win. Limit one entry per person. Open to legal residents of the United States only. Void where prohibited by law. By participating, entrants agree to be bound by these terms and the decisions of the organizer, which are final.

Thanks for reading!! Until next week,

Kate, Nate, Jess, Hannah and Molly

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February Faves

Hey friends! First off, this February Faves is sponsored by Athleta!!! I know you have heard me rave about their athletic gear (it’s almost skort season!!!) but did you know they make a ton of styles that seamlessly transition to work and travel but with the athleisure comfort you love? These trousers would be great for an office job, and both the Venice straight leg and jogger are perfect for everything from a brisk walk with a friend to running errands to volunteering at your child’s school. Lastly, I could not share them as our sponsor without sharing the legging I cannot stop wearing to any sort of pilates/yoga class. Perfect amount of stretch without being too stretchy, tons of colors, many a matching top, such a winner — and on sale!! Our emails remain free thanks to sponsors, so big thanks to Athleta for sponsoring the February Faves!!

February was a short month (PTL), but I wasn’t short on faves! We have a few beauty, some closet, and then lots of random consumption, namely in food form. Let’s dive in.

Lip stain: I used a peel lip stain all through book tour, and sadly, I cannot believe how long I used it before discovering the wipeable version. Jess (my assistant you all know and love) gave it to me for my birthday, and it is absolutely amazing. Stays on for hours, and you can’t eat it off like I am prone to do with lipsticks (just me?😬). I use the color Whimsical.

I know I sound like a broken record this last week, but if you struggle to curl your hair, hot rollers are so much easier! I watched one youtube video from 2016 and caught on quickly. Also if your hair doesn’t hold a curl well — being able to let it cool completely in the roller makes such a difference. That cooling time really locks it in. Lastly the set I share comes with these larger clips that cover the entire roller, which if you struggle like I do, is much easier than the little wire hairpin clips many sets have.

My FebrWEARy Closet Challenge: I have too many clothes and I wear 10% of them. This month I gave myself a challenge to wear more of my clothes. The gist was once I wore something it would go to this large plastic tub I put in the corner of our bedroom, or get hung in the hall closet if it was a hang-up item.

Not gonna lie, the end of the month is sort of a struggle. I’m getting to the bottom parts of my closet — the pieces I’m a little less excited about — but that was exactly the point. I have worn a ton, and I’ve actually gotten rid of quite a few items that were just hanging there that I still didn’t want to wear. All in all, a success!

Anyways, I guess the fave here is giving a challenge a name and a time frame. It is so helpful for me. Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound…as they say.

When I first wrote this I was calling them “drop totes” but then realized the real term is “Bucket Bag” but in a mini size. What I mean by this is a small purse with an open top that I can just sort of drop all my stuff into. I discovered my love for these bags two years ago when Nate and I were in New York City and I chanced upon a small store that carried this tote. I bought it knowing nothing about the brand and fell in love with the ease and size. Recently, Cuyana reached out and generously offered to send me a bag, and I decided to try out another drop tote in a slightly different shape. They have two that are absolutely fitting the bill of what I am talking about and come in the most beautiful colors! I didn't get the circular-shaped one simply because I already have the one made by Nimes but if you are looking for a good drop tote bag, all of these are great options. Note: if you care about having a crossbody option, go Cuyana. Nimes does not have a strap option. Also worth noting: both LL Bean (get the mini) and Lands’ End (get the small - mini is veryyyy mini) have perfect canvas options for summer as a great price!

I have thought my entire life that I didn’t like pickles, and then I had a Grillo’s pickle. This was really a very random Costco purchase I bought for a recipe and knew my family would eat. I actually didn’t expect to even try one, but as I was cutting them I thought what the heck.

I know this sounds dramatic but WOW. It is such a good pickle!! Even typing this, I might actually be craving one — which feels wild to say.

All this to say I now like pickles but I am a pickle snob. If you have never tried them, check out Grillo’s.

Tru Fru is trulyyyy fantastic. I am not one to ever choose a chocolate and fruit combo but I am loving these! The raspberries have dark chocolate on the outside and white chocolate on the inside, and the strawberries have a layer of white chocolate then milk chocolate. I got a large bag of the strawberry ones at Costco and they have been such a treat in the afternoon/evening. Plus, because they are so cold I feel like they take me longer and I eat less of them?! Always a good thing because your girl has a major sweet tooth. Note: they say to take out and let them thaw for like 10 minutes; I agree.

This little thing turns any lamp into a dimmable lamp, and extends where the switch is! For me, it’s become this small, lazy treat by my bed. I don’t have to get out of bed or deeply lean over to turn off the lamp — I just reach over and touch the switch. Also, now the lamp is dimmable! You may need to swap in a dimmable bulb if you don’t already have one. But once you do, it’s kind of amazing how it changes the feel of a room.

Nate and I watched season 1 of The Night Manager (originally came out in 2016 —Nate watched it back in 2016 and then again with me last month) in preparation for season 2 coming out this year. Yes, the seasons are 10 years apart!! And both star the same cast! I really love the lead, Tom Hiddleston, and who doesn’t love Olivia Colman?! We just started season 2 and it truly picks up with the same cast but ten years later. Not sure how it will compare, but it’s just cool and rare to have a show with seasons so far apart. (It’s on Amazon Prime)

Funny aside: back in 2025 I told you we were loving The Residence. My dear friend McKenzie read “The Resident” and quickly got her husband on board to watch. While Nate and I were enjoying a witty White House mystery unfold, McKenzie and Brian were trying to understand what we loved so much about a subpar 2018 medical drama starring Logan from Gilmore Girls. It wasn’t until the 2025 Nappies Awards that McKenzie realized we were in fact watching two very different shows, but by that point she was 3 seasons deep in her hospital soap (pun intended?!). 3 seasons, still committed to wondering what Kate and Nate loved so much about it. That, my friends, is what you call trust in a friendship.

My Home Gym: This has been an ongoing project for me and I knew I needed a solution to get more stuff off the ground. I finally got a rack for the wall, and it has helped so much! I exercise in a space that is 7’ x 8’ and I gotta say I really feel like I make every inch count. Sure, there’s limitations, but I also love rolling out of bed and not having to get into the car to go to a gym. (Note: we do not have a garage, or a basement, which is why my gym is where it is. Cue the “I just wish…” lol).

Also, I asked people on IG if they had any questions regarding my gym. Here are the quick hitters:

• Wall paint color: Farrow and Ball Calke Green, at 50% (the room is color drenched. The walls are satin, the trim is high gloss, the ceiling is flat).

• Mirror: I had it custom cut and glued from a local place called Palmetto Glass. They were awesome!

• No more Peloton? What do you do for cardio?: In short, I just wasn’t using it. I stressed about this decision for months, made myself bike a few more times, and still wasn’t enjoying it anymore. My cardio has switched to more brisk walking and some running as opposed to biking (also, lifting heavy weights is definitely a cardio workout!). With the membership being $50+/month, it just didn’t seem like a great way to spend that money. That being said, if I had the storage, I likely would have kept the bike. HOWEVER, I gave it to my dad, which some might call free storage 😉😉😉

• Links to everything: I linked everything I could here!

• Workout plan I do: I am currently going hard on Madeline Moves. I wrote more about her program here as to why I like it.

• What I would want to add to the gym: If I had the space, I would 100% get a rack so that I could do pull exercises with actual weight and not just bands (this is what I mean), but the next thing I will likely purchase is a better pull-up bar or a 20-pound slam ball (which are shockingly pricey!)

• Fave thing: free weights; also Madeline has really unlocked using bands (with a door anchor) for back and pull exercises

• Where do I attach bands and cables? With a door anchor into the door; for instance, in this band set, you’ll see there’s this thing that looks like a loop with a fat ball on one end. You simply stick the fat ball on one side of the door and close the door — voila! Door anchor.

These two purchases fall into the category of “why did I wait so long to buy these?!”

They’re not super expensive and they solve those annoying little problems we all face throughout the day.

First, I finally purchased a fancy tissue box cover. It has a velcro strap across the bottom so it’s secure even when pulling a tissue from the top. I no longer have to care what ugly pattern Kleenex decides to put on the tissue box.

Second, we used to have a car trash can, and I did like it, but it kept getting sticky and smelly with lollipop sticks and gum and leaky items. I finally tried these car trash bags my friend Abbey suggested that hang over the back seat of your car. They are leakproof and smell-proof, which is great for any moms that are still in the diapering stage! NOTE: I shared on IG that I originally tried TidyPhil brand because they were cheaper and they are terrible. They rip off way too easily. Get the pricier Tossits ones. And also: if you have a ton of plastic grocery bags lying around (our grocery stores do not allow plastic), then you could also go this route and do 2 purse hooks with a plastic bag to make use of those bags.

NOTE ON THE CAMP SNAP!!

The Camp Snap was a June Fave (read about why I love it here) and I wanted to let you know I now have a discount code! Naptime10 works for $10 off.

OK! That’s a wrap for February. Hit me up with any questions in the comments if you have them, or please share your own Feb faves! I would love to hear them. Hope you all have a great weekend.

Much love,

Kate

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Hey friends! I hope this email finds you well. We have a loaded Power Nap for you. Nate is taking on a Q&A, I am sharing the link for the recipe mom and I turned into a bangin’ cottage pie, and I filmed live from Costco for the first time!! (Only received 5 weird looks, lol). But first, Rothy’s. I own one pair of their clogs which have essentially become my house shoes. The moment my feet slip into them, I feel relaxed. The issue is, I now want a second pair to wear outside of the house because they are just that comfortable, and the beauty is they really can be worn both indoors and outdoors! They have a rubber bottom and look great with a pair of jeans. Regardless of how you choose to wear them, they have my highest seal of approval! Also, if you’re in the market for a wear-to-work or out and about shoe, you gotta check out the Mary Janes!! I have seen countless teachers at the kids’ school wearing these, so you know they’re comfortable. Lastly, we have been struggling to find “nicer” shoes for Scout that she will actually wear and had the realization as I was typing this ad that we should get her some Rothy’s! I ordered these for her (in pink) yesterday.

The Power Nap is free each week, and sponsors like Rothy’s help make that possible! Thanks for sponsoring this Power Nap Rothy’s!

In Case You Missed It

1. I will be on the VeryVera show this weekend! I went to Augusta, GA to film this back in December and the episode airs later this week.

   

2. Nate and I got spiffed up to attend the Lowcountry Food Bank Chef’s Feast to raise money for their childhood hunger initiatives and it was a blast!! It was also for this event that I tried old school hot rollers for the first time and WHERE HAVE THESE BEEN ALL MY LIFE?! No one, and I mean no one, told me how much easier these are than a curling iron. At age 37, I might have just finally learned how to curl my hair.

3. I went to Costco and chatted pot and pan sets!

4. This small hack in my bathroom has cut my decision making in half. Get one here - your future self will thank you.

Recent Q&A

Nate here! We got this email question the other week and Kate asked if I would take a stab at it:

Does your family go to church regularly? Do your kids go willingly or is it a battle sometimes?

This is a good question. The answer is that we do go to church regularly. Our kids generally go willingly, but I would not say they generally “look forward” to going. Another way to say it: If given the choice, I’m sure they would almost always choose to skip.

We go because we believe that following Jesus is something that flourishes in community. And so we go to church to join with our community to worship, remember, learn, confess, pray, laugh, and more. Other benefits of going to church (these are not why we go per se, but they are great secondary effects of us choosing to go):

1. The kids get to be part of something over a long period of time. This is underrated. They are learning what it means to belong to something that isn’t built around them.

2. They get to interact with old people. One of Millie’s and Allie’s Sunday School teachers is often a man in his 80s. I love this.

3. They have to learn to sit and be quiet for extended periods of time. This is never fun. But it’s important to learn that not everything in life is optimized to be entertaining.

I think one area we could grow in is finding proactive ways to make church more enjoyable for our kids. At our church, kids are with us for the beginning of the service, are dismissed and leave for Sunday School, and then return for communion and the end of the service. We don’t usually make them “listen” when they are in there. My deal is that if you go to Sunday School, you can, for the most part, do “other stuff,” so long as you aren’t disturbing anyone. They color (they will bring art supplies) or flip through the kids’ Bibles that the church provides in our pew. If you don’t go to Sunday School (Johnny, our oldest, usually doesn’t — he sits with us), then you participate in church like a grown-up. You stand and sit and kneel and repeat the prayers and sing the songs.

One thing we have been toying with is whether we should have a routine after church that is “fun” to create an association that causes church to be remembered fondly. We want Sunday to feel like a rhythm, not just a requirement. For instance, we know one family that goes out for donuts prior to church. One thing we do from time to time is go out to lunch. We don’t go out every week, or honestly even every other week, but we do try to make a point of saying, “Hey, we all went to church together, and now we are all going to Jersey Mike’s together, isn’t this great?” We probably could do better at this. I like the idea of them growing up with memories of Sundays being about going to church and having extended “family time” too. I don’t expect them to fully understand or appreciate this now. But I do hope that in 20 years, it will make a difference.

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” - Winston Churchill

Nate’s Memes of the Week

LONG HAIR 🤝🏼 OLAPLEX

Olaplex just sent me some of their newest hair repair treatment. I have heard many people talk about their shampoo and conditioner over the years, and as I grow my hair longer, I am excited to try this product. It’s meant to be used BEFORE you shampoo and is for all hair types and all types of damage. It specifically says it “reduces future damage for length retention over time.” That’s what I am looking for! The Power Nap is free each week, and sponsors like Olaplex help make that possible! Thanks for sponsoring this Power Nap, Olaplex!

This is the recipe for my favorite pot roast, and I love it so much we had it for Christmas Eve this year. My sister’s family got sick and couldn’t come, so we had a good amount of leftovers and so decided to make them into a “cottage pie” of sorts but with pot roast. Here’s what we did:

We took a slotted spoon and filled the bottom of a casserole dish with the roast and veggies (it was still juicy but the slotted spoon kept it from being overly so).

We then put a layer of mashed potatoes over the top, using a spatula to smooth them into a thick layer. We let this cool (it was already pretty cool because we assembled this after dinner), and covered it in a layer of Glad Press n’ Seal (this is farrrrrr superior to your normal plastic wrap) and then a layer of foil. The Press 'n Seal really helps to keep the air out and help with freezer burn and the foil creates a great outer layer. A 1-2 punch, if you will.

Sunday, I took the frozen casserole from the freezer to the fridge to thaw. Monday evening, I removed the layer of press n’ seal then baked at 350°, covered in foil for 30 minutes, then uncovered for 10. It was hot and bubbly and you would have never known it was frozen!! All this to say, if you make a pot roast and want a good idea for the leftovers: look no further! (if you don’t have mashed potatoes, here’s another delicious idea to repurpose those leftovers).

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Thanks for reading!! Until next week,

Kate, Nate, Jess, Hannah, and Molly