This week, we have questions about birthday gifts, diaper bags, what to do when your shampoo stops working well, and more. Let’s dive in!

Abra:

My sister in law turns 50 this year and while we don’t usually exchange gifts, this is a big one and I want to get her something special (but not more than $150). Yes, she has kids and a job, if that helps. THANK YOU! The Amazon pre-populated gift ideas list is terrible…

BN

I don’t think you can go wrong with a fantastic pair of earrings. Mejuri has some of the nicest pairs available. I love these chunky u-hoops for every day. For something a bit more modern, try these Patra hoops, which have a triangle shape. But the best choice for a gift are these convertible hoops, which come with an extender to give you an every day earring and a date night earring.

Hi there, I need some help. My brother is recently divorced an expecting a baby, which he will have sole custody of starting from birth. Everyone in the family was assigned part of the registry to help out. I was given the diaper bag, but I don’t have children of my own, so can you advise me on the best place to start? Arielle

Start with the bag itself. We have the Dagne Dover Indi Diaper Backpack in olive. It’s a great choice — a good size, washable, lightweight, gender neutral. I added the Joey diaper clutch because I have yet to see a clean changing table and the pad is invaluable. Plus, if you’re just headed somewhere for a minute, you can just take the clutch and not the whole bag.

As for the additions, a some of these wipes and a case of diapers from Costco. Oh, if he doesn’t have a Costco membership, he needs one. The diapers are a great buy. It’s also helpful if he chooses a formula brand he can buy there or at Target. Ours wasn’t always easy to find, and while I loved it, not being able to just grab a can somewhere made it tougher than it needed to be.

Lastly, if you haven’t settled on a type of bottle yet, Smilo are the only way to go IMO. They are designed to prevent air from getting into the baby’s system but, unlike Dr. Brown’s, with no small parts to wash. They cut my bottle washing time by 70%, which is huge when you’re surviving minute-to-minute those first few months.

Also, one of my girlfriends laminated a list of things to check for in the diaper bag and put it on a key ring. That way it hung inside the diaper bag and you could just run through the list quickly before you left. I was constantly forgetting burp rags, so this would have been a big help. You simply can’t remember everything when you’re not sleeping much.

From Instagram: Can you remind me which maternity t-shirt was your favorite?

Whether you are expecting or just want a great, semi-affordable t-shirt, this $48 Ingrid & Isabel scoop neck shirt is A-number-1 in my book.  Runs a hair small, which is why I am still wearing mine two years post-pregnancy.

Abra,

I hate to wash my hair, so I’m a 2x a week girlie.  Recently, I’ve noticed my hair doesn’t feel clean.  Any tips.  I use Kristin Ess shampoo from Target and I prefer to be in that price point or at least at that retailer since it’s also my grocery.

Katy

It’s probably time to change shampoo.  Shampoos, especially those meant for dry hair, build up over time.  Depending on the shampoo, you might notice a lack of efficacy after a few weeks or a few months.  

I recommend a three step change: a scalp scrub, a clarifying shampoo, and a change in wash strategy.

First, your scalp may need a good scrub.  There are plenty of scalp care products out there, but I like this one from Goop’s diffusion line.  I’m not a subscriber to the Goop cult, but some of the products are really good.  I like this scrub because it’s not too abrasive and a bottle lasts a long time.

Second, I use this K18 detoxifying shampoo, but it’s only available at Sephora.  So instead, I recommend this Odele shampoo.  No need to fully abandon the Kristin Ess, just use it once a week for daily washing or twice-per month for irregular washing to give your hair a boost.  

Third, have you tried washing your hair upside down?  It sounds odd, but I swear it keeps hair cleaner longer.  Just remember to wash your face after you wash your hair, since the soapy water will run everywhere.

 

Abra,

I need a not fussy work dress for a doctor’s office. Something that doesn’t look like I’m an extra on Suits. My colleagues all wear scrubs, and I feel underdressed to be their “boss” in jeans, but I don’t want to go all in on the managerial vibe.

TIA! Amelia

For something relaxed and work appropriate I would go with one of two choices:

1. MM LaFleur’s Emily Dress.  It’s a-line, comfortable, looks great on everyone, easy to wear, and it’s made from recycled fabric. Sizes 00-20.  You can also something find it on sale in the retailer’s pre-loved section.
2. Boden’s Ellen Ottoman Dress.  Washable, easy-wearing, lots of colors.  An acquaintance works in insurance and wears this dress with low-profile neutral sneakers all the time.  

Maybe a strange question.  Fake plants for my desk?  I can’t keep real ones alive.

I’ve found that no one notices that a fake succulent is a fake succulent.  This one from Target is nice and affordable.  A lawyer friend keeps this Nearly Natural dark purple orchid on her desk because you really can’t tell it’s fake.  Just remember to dust fake plants or else it becomes obvious they’re not real.

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