Results For

Motherhood

Best Baby Products: What I Actually Needed Before Baby

Preparing for a baby can feel like an exam you can’t ace. This honest guide shares the must-have products that truly earned a spot in our routine—why I chose a backpack diaper bag, how the Baby Brezza simplified night feeds, the Inglesina portable high chair we take everywhere, our Nuna Mixx stroller, the TushBaby I still use, and the BabyBjörn bouncer for newborn days—plus practical first-time mom tips to keep things simple.
Continue Reading

How to Start Introducing Solids: A Real Mom’s Guide to Beginning Baby’s First Foods

Starting solids can feel overwhelming when you’re a first-time mom. From knowing how to start introducing solids to choosing between baby-led weaning or spoon feeding, the learning curve is real. In this post, I share my personal journey of starting solids at 6 months, the products and tips that made it easier, and how to introduce solid food to an infant with confidence.
Continue Reading

20 Questions with Carlie Stanley – An Expat Mom in Cape Town

Behind the motherhood tips and Cape Town favorites, there’s the everyday Carlie. In this 20-question Q&A, I open up about childhood memories, expat life in South Africa, motherhood challenges, marriage lessons, and dreams for the future. It’s a candid glimpse into the woman behind The MODE—equal parts raw, polished, and real.
Continue Reading

Why Our Whole Family Switched to Happy Tooth Fluoride Free Toothpaste

When my daughter got her first teeth, I realized how tricky it can be to choose the right toothpaste for toddlers. That’s when I discovered Happy Tooth—a fluoride-free toothpaste made with Hydroxyapatite to strengthen enamel safely. With fun flavors like Vanilla Frosting and Sweet Orange, it makes brushing exciting for kids while giving parents peace of mind. Here’s why our family made the switch and why we’re never going back.
Continue Reading

Giving Birth in South Africa: My Experience as an American Mom in Cape Town

Giving birth in South Africa as an expat comes with unique experiences, from great maternity care to navigating costs and insurance. In this post, I share my journey of welcoming a baby in Cape Town and what other moms-to-be should know when preparing for this big life event abroad.
Continue Reading

Sleep Training: How We Did it With Our 6-Month-Old in Just 2 Days

Sleep training can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With expert guidance and my own tried-and-true experience, I’ll walk you through what worked for us, what didn’t, and how you can find a gentle approach that helps your baby sleep through the night.
Continue Reading

Pottery Barn Dupe Ideas for Kids Decor

Sometimes, the most beautiful designs are born from a roadblock. When our original plan for a custom toy cabinet hit an unexpected snag, it opened the door to something even better — a one-of-a-kind piece that blends clever storage, playful charm, and timeless style. From reimagining finishes to tailoring every detail for a child’s space, this project became more than just furniture; it became a statement in kids room decor. It’s proof that when vision meets flexibility, you can turn challenges into creations that spark joy for years to come.
Continue Reading

Changing Table Essentials: The Must-Haves This Real Mom Actually Uses

Setting up your baby’s changing station? Skip the overwhelm. In this real-mom guide, I share the tried-and-tested changing table essentials that actually made diaper duty easier — no fluff, no gimmicks, just what worked. From soft pads and smart skincare to diaper cream hacks and sleep sprays, here’s what I’d buy again in a heartbeat.
Continue Reading
Browse Other Categories
Subscribe To

My Weekly Blog