A Few of My Favorite Things
- Rachael Carreon PT, DPT
- Apr 21
- 4 min read
Some little things I use for self-care that make me a happier mama.
If motherhood has taught me one thing (okay, it’s taught me a lot), it’s this: I cannot pour from an empty cup. And yet, for a long time, I kept trying.
Like many new moms, I found myself constantly on call - feeding, changing, cleaning, chasing, soothing, repeat. Somewhere between diaper changes and school drop-offs, I realized I had completely stopped taking care of me.
But slowly, I started building in small moments that felt good, grounding, and honestly… just fun. These little things remind me that I’m a whole person outside of mom life - and when I take care of myself, I actually show up better for my babies.
So, in honor of my birthday, I thought I’d share a few of my favorite mom-things.
Nothing fancy. Just small joys that make my days feel a little brighter, lighter, and more me.
These Are a Few of My Favorite Things...
1. Eye patches: because we're all so tried
Let’s be real: sleep is… inconsistent. A pair of cooling eye patches in the morning makes me feel like I’ve got my life together, even if I was up three times the night before. Bonus: they feel luxurious while I’m multitasking.
2. My ice roller: because self-care doesn’t have to be complicated
It lives in the freezer and makes me feel like a refreshed goddess at 6:00 AM. Is it skincare? Is it stress relief? Who cares - it feels amazing and helps me wake up my face and my brain.
3. Goodr sunglasses: because the sun is bright and I haven’t slept in 3 years
They’re cute, stay put when I’m chasing toddlers, and don’t make me cry if a kid accidentally steps on them. That’s mom fashion practicality at its finest.
(I don’t have an affiliate for these, just love them — but you can find them at goodr.com)
4. Little Words Project bracelets: because words matter
These bracelets are tiny wearable reminders of truth. I love gifting them to new moms too.
5. Ryan & Rose hair ties: because mama needs a top knot that stays
If you know, you know. These are gentle on my hair, look cute on my wrist, and don’t disappear mysteriously like my old scrunchies used to (though I still blame my toddler).
👉 Shop them here (Amazon affiliate)
6. My Stanley tumbler — because hydration is essential and cute water bottles help
Yes, I’m officially a Stanley mom. And yes, it’s worth the hype. Keeps drinks cold forever, fits in my car cupholder, and makes it so much easier to stay on top of water (or iced coffee) while wrangling small humans.
This is the exact one I have (Amazon affiliate)
7. My Ceres Chill: originally for breastmilk, now also chilling wine
This one’s genius. Keeps breastmilk cold for hours without taking up cooler space, and later on? It’s also a very chic wine chiller, water bottle, or iced coffee companion. Multi-purpose. Very mom of me.
Shop Ceres Chill here and use FOUNDATIONS for 15% off!
8. My Laurel Denise planner: because my brain needs more than just the Notes app
I’m not exaggerating when I say this planner has changed the way I manage both work and mom life. The layout is brilliant - you can see your month, week, and to-do list all at once (which is perfect when your brain is juggling appointments, grocery lists, and preschool events). It’s structured but flexible, and honestly, it just makes me feel calm when I open it.
As I sit in this little pocket of time - birthday coffee in hand, kids playing (or maybe arguing) in the background - I’m struck by how much I’ve grown in this season of life.
Motherhood has stretched me in ways I never expected. It’s asked me to be present, patient, creative, resilient… and forgiving of myself, over and over again.
I used to think self-care was a luxury - something I’d “get back to” when things settled down. But now I see it for what it really is: a necessity. Taking time to care for myself isn’t selfish. It’s how I show up better. For my kids, for my husband, for my clients, and honestly, for the woman I’m becoming.
These little favorite things? They’re not magic. But they are reminders - that I’m allowed to take up space. That it’s okay to enjoy small pleasures. That motherhood can be both self-giving and soul-filling.
So here’s to more joy in the everyday, more permission to pause, and more confidence in the slow, steady work of becoming.
Thanks for being here. Whether you’re a new mom, a seasoned one, or somewhere in between - I see you. And I’m cheering for you.
Now, I’m off to eat cake, reheat my coffee, and pretend my laundry doesn’t exist
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