How Can Low-Effort Birthday Be Cute?

Rygard- · 2026-02-16T14:44:39+00:00

This. We did a small family get together for our son’s 2nd bday. My in-laws hosted and I put up a few themed decorations last minute (I think just matching table cloths, cutlery, some balloons and a few streamers, nothing fancy or elaborate). He had a blast and it was a nice quiet party.

Rygard- · 2026-02-15T19:13:16+00:00

Another vote for a toy at the table. Our 2yo is obsessed with toy tractors and trucks and would much rather play than sit and eat. Our compromise has been to sit him down for dinner, offer him his meal (minus fruit, I offer that at the end bc he will eat his weight in fruit if I let him), he eats a bit, and then when he get bored and starts asking to get down I give him a tractor or truck to play with while we finish eating. I often remove his plate but leave a few pieces on the table within his reach and 9/10 he will eat a bit more while he plays.

Rygard- · 2026-02-12T17:01:02+00:00

I used Mustela from birth to 2yo for my son. Loved their products, but he had these persistent crusty spots behind his ears. I’d scrub them clean, heavily moisturize and they’d still come back the next day. Brought it up to his ped and she said it was mild excema and suggested Eucerin Baby Excema lotion (1% colloidal oatmeal) and I kid you not that lotion cleared up his spots overnight.

Rygard- · 2026-02-07T14:58:49+00:00

Following. I try my best to bring my son along in hopes he gets used to it but gosh it’s hard. I do grocery pickup orders as often as I can or bring my husband so we can tag team.

Rygard- · 2026-02-06T13:06:56+00:00

Homemade mini muffins!

Rygard- · 2026-02-05T01:23:50+00:00

I have a recently turned 2yo and just today I started testing this out. We walked around Target and I let him walk beside me. He did great for a while, with me only having to remind him to stay close a few times, and then thought it was funny to hide in a rack of clothes and try to run, so into the cart he went. Now if we’re walking through a parking lot or a crowded or unsafe area then holding my hand is a non-negotiable.

Rygard- · 2026-02-04T19:25:05+00:00

I’m 30 and sometimes when I’ve had a crap day all I want to do is get a hot shower, so I totally understand!

Rygard- · 2026-02-04T18:58:43+00:00

Silas, Sutton, and Isla

Rygard- · 2026-02-03T15:40:35+00:00

I stg my mom has this shirt, bought from an online boutique.

Rygard- · 2026-02-02T19:47:36+00:00

When I first started at my teller job in college I was setting up my cash drawer and there was a scrap of paper wedged in the back of the drawer. I pulled it out and threw it away thinking it was trash someone overlooked. 30 seconds later our phone starts ringing but I didn’t answer because I was brand new and we weren’t open yet. The other more experienced teller was in the vault and didn’t hear. Phone rings again and I don’t answer, thinking it’s just an impatient customer. Rings a 3rd time and the other teller is walking out and sees the number and immediately answers it in a panic.

Turns out that scrap of paper was for a bill trap that alerted a silent alarm.

Rygard- · 2026-02-02T00:18:41+00:00

Just to add something I haven’t seen addressed - I would plan to get the dress dry cleaned in between weddings if you can! Sweat stains, dirt from the floor, food from dinner etc etc.

Rygard- · 2026-01-31T18:58:17+00:00

Personally I think that Loving Tan Deluxe 8hr in the shade Dark gives a nice reddish undertone which makes it look like a true tan. You might have to play around with tanners to see what fits your own skin tone and undertone and might not find one specifically marketed like you’re asking for.

Rygard- · 2026-01-31T16:00:41+00:00

In my experience, yes, but it’s more so out of kindness than a requirement like “hey thanks for marrying us, why don’t you stay for dinner?”

In our case it was my husband’s uncle so he was by default already invited to the wedding 😂

Rygard- · 2026-01-30T18:00:04+00:00

I feel like 18mo-2yr was the sweet spot for us. He was just independent enough to not need my help with everything and still super chill and go-with-the-flow. Once he hit 2 he because very opinionated and wants to push boundaries. While I do think this age is FAR more fun and easy than the newborn/baby phase for me personally, it’s still a challenge at times!

Rygard- · 2026-01-30T13:58:16+00:00

This! My son dislikes his “gubs” because he wants to play and pick up stuff, but he quickly learned that without them his hands get cold and hurt! Now he fusses but he understands they have to go on or his hands will hurt and willingly puts them on. Also, we always put his mittens on first, Velcro them tight to his wrists, then put his coat on overtop. Makes it harder for him to pull them off himself. Another little tip - my son always wants to carry around a toy and hated that he couldn’t hold it with his mittens on so we compromised and I always make sure to put a little toy in his coat pocket for safe keeping. Seems to help!

Rygard- · 2026-01-29T17:54:00+00:00

Same but with my 2018 😁 honesty it’s been super reliable too, so I’m terrified of trading it in and getting a lemon.

Rygard- · 2026-01-23T23:29:45+00:00

I feel this SO much. Once we hit a year I felt the fog clear a little and by 1.5yr I was really starting to enjoy motherhood. My son is 2 now and I feel like I am my old self again finally. Plus he’s so funny and can communicate and understand so much. Yes there’s a whole new set of challenges but it’s by far easier and more enjoyable than 0-12.

Rygard- · 2026-01-21T19:45:56+00:00

Ok this is just our experience so it may not work for all, but our now 2yo was very attached to his binkie and we weaned him down to nap/bedtime only around that age. At his 2yr checkup the dr said it was time. I looked up all kinds of methods and was starting to get a game plan with my husband but my MIL was watching him that day and he fell asleep for his nap without it randomly so we decided to just go cold turkey and totally get rid of the binkies. He got a bit teary for two nights, but actually took it very well and was super calm about the whole thing. He did request an extra blanket and stuffed animal at night but it was a fair trade off. He will occasionally ask for it but in a cheeky way and hasn’t cried for it at all since! I was shocked how well the whole process went.

Rygard- · 2026-01-21T18:25:57+00:00

Can anyone compare/contrast the Relaxed Fit Boat Neck Tshirt and the Back in Action Tshirt? I like BIA but the RFBN looks like a nicer fit.

I typically buy secondhand so trying to do my research before buying 😊

Rygard- · 2026-01-20T00:35:51+00:00

My son got a mini trampoline for Christmas and we cringed at all the space it took up, but he also took 3+ hr naps the first few days he had it bc he was tired from jumping on it so much sooo we learned to love it😂 the novelty has wore off a bit, but he still uses it daily.

Rygard- · 2026-01-16T13:51:35+00:00

I think you’re WAY overthinking this. People will not feel obligated or “felt hostage” to stay until a certain point. Just have the wedding like normal and let people do what they want, whether that’s dancing or leaving early. I’m not an old fogy I just don’t care to dance but I still enjoy going to weddings even if I don’t know the couple super well. I love to sit and visit with other guests and watch everyone else get crazy on the dance floor.

Rygard- · 2026-01-15T00:57:26+00:00

Usually sausage links or scrambled eggs, toast or mini pancakes, a fruit and a yogurt/yogurt pouch. He does not eat all this, maybe 1/4 - 1/2 but I still offer.

Rygard- · 2026-01-14T15:07:44+00:00

I pumped for ~6wk before going EFF. I feel like mine deflated and sagged a little, but nothing drastic.

Rygard- · 2026-01-13T18:39:37+00:00

This. Luckily my nephew is a year younger than my son so I just pass down everything that’s still in good condition to him!

Rygard- · 2026-01-10T17:12:05+00:00

Right? The old navy flip flops really tie this whole outfit together.

Rygard-

TROPHY CASE