084: Mom uniforms (from jogger sets to the under-$25 dress that’s perfect for spring), high-protein snacks & more
Plus: Cute cleats, collagen, Caldecott winners & more!
Welcome to Two Truths, a bestselling newsletter & media brand exploring the many truths of motherhood from journalists & maternal health advocates Cassie Shortsleeve & Kelsey Haywood Lucas of Motherspeak. Two Truths is rooted in the healing & affirming principle that two (or more) things can be true. It’s a “best parenting Substack” per Motherly and The Skimm says you should subscribe; also seen in Vox, The Bump, Popsugar & more.
This issue of ‘Send Me the Link’—where we send you links to the stuff we’re loving lately (the stuff that’s making us happier or healthier or just making life feel a little bit easier)—aims to bring you the breezy spring vibes that we’re all craving right now.
We’ve got links to cute kids’ fashion ideas (like a top-clicked slide-on shoe and the sweetest strawberry-themed duo), sunny-weather skincare essentials, and stacks of good reading material. Plus, Cassie makes the case for coaching a kids’ soccer team—paired with a design-forward cleat that young athletes will love—and Kelsey shares a surprising new style staple in her own wardrobe.
While many ‘Send Me the Link’ issues are exclusive to our paid subscribers, this edition is free to all readers thanks to support from Bobbie. If you haven’t already subscribed to Two Truths, make sure to sign up here; free subscribers get occasional issues (plus a special monthly edition that you can read about here), while our premium subscription includes every issue (like links lists, trending news updates, reported deep dives & more) plus access to our full archive of content, special giveaways, and other perks. Our paid supporters directly support independent journalism that centers maternal health — and make this newsletter possible. You can upgrade here for just $5 a month (or try the free trial).
Coming to your inbox later this weekend: A big news round-up with key headlines and takeaways you may have missed. (Because the news cycle is…let’s just say…a lot, lately, so we’ve been working to distill the stuff you need to know.) We’ll be back with you soon!
—Cassie and Kelsey
‘Send me the link!’ to…
🍼 This organic formula brand—which I used with two of my girls—just dropped the first and only USDA Organic Whole Milk Formula made in America. It’s made with full cream milk fat and fewer plant oils and is their closest-ever to breastmilk, making for easier digestion. (Use the code TWOTRUTHS15 to get 15% off an Organic Whole Milk infant formula subscription.) —C*
💦 In a quest for more protein, I’ve started adding these flavorless collagen packets (with 10g of protein) to my water every morning. —C
🧵 New personal goal: Learn how to stitch my kids’ names (plus flowers and other cute embellishments) onto their clothes. I just ordered this kit to begin my embroidery journey. —K
⚽️ Coaching my oldest daughter’s pre-K and K soccer teams has been one of the most surprisingly enjoyable and mindful choices I’ve made as a parent (you have no choice but to be present, you get fresh air, you spend quality time with your child, and you get to know their peers and parents). Now, if only cleats would fit for more than one season. We Primed these design-forward ones because the season starts Saturday. —C
🧴 I love this protective skin barrier cream from an iconic and affordable French skincare brand. When I most recently used it to calm my very dry, irritated face after too much desert sun + chlorine, it rubbed on thick as a diaper cream (FYI, that’s another one of its 45 different uses) and I woke with calm, glowy skin the next day. Love a product that I can share with the kids. —K
📖 As a magazine writer and reader myself, my kids have recently started asking where their magazines are, so I recently subscribed my older two to this monthly activity mag (things like color-by-number or hidden objects) for kids aged 4 to 8. They like checking the mail for them and bringing them on car rides. —C
🍓 My daughter is in her strawberry era—wearing these $8 scented jellies with this straw crossbody bag (stuffed with all her treasures, ofc). —K
☀️ It’s sunblock season. This mineral block stick for kids works well, blends nicely, and isn’t too $$$. —C
👚 I grabbed a few tee shirt dresses on a whim before my recent trip to California, and they became an unexpected wardrobe staple for my entire trip. They’re under $25, 100% cotton, and can be worn pretty much anywhere depending on how you style them. The maxi length is a bit low in stock right now now, but the shorter version is fully stocked in all sizes and colors. —K
📚 My daughter has been learning about Caldecott-winning books in school; I recently rediscovered this classic, featuring beautiful illustrations, at a local library. It has become a favorite in our book rotation, evoking a sense of simplicity and nostalgia. —C
📚 At a recent baby shower, I passed out the link to this book—an educational graphic novel all about dinosaurs with “Magic School Bus” vibes—to multiple moms of early readers. (My 5.5-year-old is hooked; she just started the rest of the series.) —K
The Stuff You Loved Most…
A look back at top links from the most recent issue of ‘Send Me the Link’. (If you want more lists like this one, upgrade here so you never miss a recommendation.)
I’ve shared this outfit in the past, but every time I post a picture in my favorite “mom uniform”—aka the coziest gray joggers and cropped sweatshirt—someone else asks for the link. So here ya go (again). —K
We just discovered this group that organizes 380+ monthly “mom walks” around the world for moms to meet up, make friends, and grow their villages.
These perfect-for-spring-and-summer kids’ slip-on shoes (available in 14 colors!) have me hoping for warmer weather in the Northeast. —C
Morgan Cutlip, Ph.D.’s work on the intersection of parenting and relationships has always interested me. Her latest book (this!) tackles the common and tricky topics of resentment, the mental load, partnerships, stress, sex, and more. —C
The simple, nutritionist-recommended snack pairing I always keep in my bag to battle my kids’ hangryness on the go: These are high in protein but free of sugar, while these are chock full of healthy fat. —K
I keep these dry skin sticks on both floors of my house and in my kids’ backpacks. —C
✨ Thanks for reading & thank you for supporting this work (done between naps, after bedtimes, and before school pickups). Hit the heart button to tell us you enjoyed this issue, share it on social media (don’t forget to tag @twotruthsmotherhood on IG), or forward it to a friend. We appreciate you. —Cassie and Kelsey
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Resources and Support For Maternal Mental Health
Emergency assistance is available 24/7 at 911
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 988
The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline (1-833-TLC-MAMA or 1-833-852-6262) provides access to a trained counselor 24/7 and is available in Spanish and English
Postpartum Support International provides educational resources on PMADs, free support groups, webinars, advanced trainings for providers, and more
Postpartum Support International’s provider directory includes a list of thousands of trained professionals organized by state
The Motherhood Center offers counseling, support groups, and webinars
The Postpartum Stress Center offers educational resources, counseling, a referral list of trained providers, and advanced training for providers
SUPPORT YOUR MENTAL HEALTH WITH POSTPARTUM SUPPORT INTERNATIONAL (PSI). PSI is a global champion for perinatal mental health that connects individuals and families to the resources and support needed to give them the strongest and healthiest start possible. Visit postpartum.net for information on perinatal mental health disorders, access to 30+ free, online support groups, an online provider directory, the PSI HelpLine, local support coordinators, a perinatal mental health discussion tool, specialized support resources, and more. Call the PSI HelpLine toll-free at 1-800-944-4773 for basic information, support, and resources. Support via text message is also available at 800-944-4773 (English) and 971-203-2773 (Español). Remember: You are not alone. You are not to blame. With help, you will be well.