M+A Edit

There’s something special about a family movie night — no schedules, no screens (besides the big one!), and all the snuggles. Whether you're looking to start a new weekly tradition or just want a low-key night in, here's how to plan a cozy movie night your kids will actually remember. 1. Choose a Crowd-Pleaser Finding a movie everyone agrees on can be the biggest challenge. Rotate who gets to choose, or create a short list ahead of time. Family favorites like Moana, The Lego Movie, or Encanto are fun, feel-good...

Because the best summer memories are made in everyday moments By the time the sun starts beaming a little brighter and the days stretch long into the evening, many of us moms find ourselves both excited and a tiny bit overwhelmed. Summer holds all the promise—outdoor play, sweet treats, and the chance to slow down—but it also begs the question: How do we keep our kids engaged, happy, and off screens without burning ourselves out in the process? Whether you're caring for a curious toddler or a fiercely independent kindergartener,...

When Audra Lawlor traded a busy corporate job in New York City for a quieter life in the San Juan Islands, she wanted to reinvent what having a career looked like for her. “I was on a mission to create something different,” she tells Monica Royer in a new episode of The Mentor Files podcast. “Most importantly, to prove to myself that I could do it, that I could create a business and be an entrepreneur and build a company that did scale purposefully and could afford me some of...

There are treasures to discover everywhere–when you take the time to look closely! And what better way to do that on a warm day than with an outdoor scavenger hunt? Why Do a Scavenger Hunt? Scavenger hunts are more than just a fun outdoor activity. They offer a unique blend of adventure and education, which is perfect for keeping kids entertained while teaching them valuable skills. Plus, they can be easily tailored to suit different age groups and interests. Boosting Curiosity During a scavenger hunt, your child will be inspired ask questions...

Hint Water found Kara Goldin describes herself as an “accidental entrepreneur,” and her journey all traces back to amazing advice she received from her dad as she started her career. “What he said to me still sits with me today, and, frankly, something that I share with my kids is that go and find a brand that you want to support, that gets you excited, that has feelings inside of you or creates feelings inside of you that you get really excited about,” Kara tells Monica Royer in a new...

Welcoming a new baby into the world is a momentous occasion, one filled with joy, anticipation, and a dash of wonder. It's a time when every little detail seems to hold a deeper meaning, marking the beginnings of a lifetime of memories. Among the cherished items a baby receives, few are as symbolic and meaningful as their first blanket. A personalized baby blanket not only turns an essential item into a lifelong keepsake, but also wraps little ones in a story that is uniquely their own. The Significance of a...

Family getaways are equal parts magic and mayhem. Whether you’re jetting off to a new city or hitting the road for a weekend escape, the right gear makes all the difference. Think of this as your sunny-season survival kit—packed with soft, smart, and travel-friendly essentials from Monica + Andy to help make parenting on-the-go just a little bit easier.   1. BABYBJÖRN Travel Crib Light Let’s face it—babies like what they know, and that often means lugging half the nursery along for the ride. But the BABYBJÖRN Travel Crib Light...

Forever 21 is an iconic brand. But as the CEO who stepped into the leadership role with big shoes to fill in 2022, Winnie Park is propelling the company into the future–and that has much to do with responding to customers’ wants and interests. “The customer’s the creator and we’re along for the ride,” Winnie tells Monica Royer in an amazing new episode of The Mentor Files. Through her life as a Korean immigrant, career working with brands, and experience as a single mother of a daughter, Winnie knows a...

Embarking on the journey of motherhood is an extraordinary experience, one that transforms not only your life but also your wardrobe. However, with some strategic choices, you can build a maternity capsule wardrobe that transitions seamlessly into your post-pregnancy style, providing comfort and style at every stage. Building Your Maternity Capsule Wardrobe Your comfort should be a top priority as your body goes through changes during pregnancy. Choosing breathable materials like organic cotton can ensure that clothing adapts with you. Investing in maternity clothes with versatility in mind is the...

As professional nurses with hospital experience, starting a business wasn’t the expected course for Suzie Carroll and Michelle Shetty. But both women felt strongly called to create a medical aesthetic spa where every person could leave feeling better than when they arrived–regardless of whether they got a service. The result is The Fitz, a one-of-a-kind medspa in Chicago. In a new episode of The Mentor Files, host Monica Royer speaks with friends-turned-cofounders Suzie and Michelle about their path to entrepreneurship, their relationship as business partners, and their lessons. Back when...