Real talk, helpful recs, and smart shortcuts for moms who don’t have time to waste. From baby gear breakdowns to working mom survival tools, I cover what actually works — with a little humor, a little sass, and zero gatekeeping.
The Bestie Blog
Family-Friendly Mini Getaways in Southern California
Quick weekend escapes that are kid-approved and grown-up-friendly
If you're dreaming of a getaway that doesn’t require a plane ticket, a week off work, or a meltdown in security, this one’s for you. Southern California is packed with amazing family-friendly destinations that are perfect for quick weekend trips with kids. Whether you're chasing sunshine, fresh air, or just a new backdrop for your snack breaks, I’ve rounded up my favorite kid-approved getaways that actually feel like a vacation.
1. Palm Springs, CA – Desert Getaway for Families with Style
Looking for a warm, sunny weekend trip with the kids? Palm Springs delivers. With year-round sunshine, family-friendly resorts, and retro charm, this desert town is perfect for relaxing and playing. Visit the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens, ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for panoramic views, or splash all day in the hotel pool.
🧳 Travel Tip: Choose a hotel or vacation rental with kitchen access and make most meals yourself. Less time spent dining out with kids who don’t eat anything anyway.
2. Santa Barbara, CA – California Coast Charm for the Whole Family
Santa Barbara is where coastal relaxation meets family fun. Take a stroll down Stearns Wharf, visit the Santa Barbara Zoo (yes, it’s walkable and adorable), and let the little ones run wild at Chase Palm Park. Parents can sneak in a wine tasting or grab a fancy coffee while the kids build sandcastles.
📸 Bonus: It’s incredibly photogenic, with tons of stroller-friendly paths and ocean views.
3. San Diego, CA – Ultimate Southern California Family Destination
San Diego might just be the MVP of kid-friendly travel. With iconic attractions like the San Diego Zoo, LEGOLAND California, and SeaWorld San Diego, there’s no shortage of fun. But beyond the big-ticket stops, you’ll find family beaches, interactive museums, and beautiful parks that make it easy to relax while the kids stay entertained.
🌴 Pro Tip: Skip overpacking by using a baby gear rental service—less stuff, more fun.
4. Lake Arrowhead, CA – Mountain Retreat Without the Stress
Just a couple hours from LA, Lake Arrowhead offers a cozy, peaceful escape in the San Bernardino Mountains. Think lake views, forest hikes, paddle boats, and charming village vibes. It’s the perfect spot for unplugged family bonding, especially in fall or spring when the weather is crisp but not freezing.
🏕 Why it works: Plenty of spacious vacation rentals, low-key outdoor activities, and a slower pace that works with kids' rhythms.
5. Joshua Tree, CA – Desert Adventure That’s Surprisingly Kid-Friendly
Joshua Tree National Park is more than an artsy Instagram backdrop—it’s a wonderland for curious kids. Giant boulders to climb, open desert to explore, and a star-studded night sky that makes bedtime negotiable. Stay in a fun Airbnb or glamp it up nearby for a low-key adventure that still feels exciting.
✨ Insider Insight: Bring your own bedtime comforts (blackout curtains in the summer are KEY). It helps after a full day of outdoor exploring.
Quick Tips for Easy Family Travel:
Pack lighter. Baby gear rentals are available in most cities—skip the full trunk struggle.
One major activity per day. Keep it simple and leave room for spontaneous fun.
Look for walkable destinations. Less time in the car = happier kids (and parents).
Southern California is basically built for weekend family getaways. Whether you're craving beaches, mountains, or desert magic, there's a destination just a short drive away that's ready to deliver fresh air, fun, and fewer tantrums.
Ready to plan your next mini escape? Let me know where you're heading—and tag @sarahknowsherstuff if you spot one of my favorite strollers in the wild. ☀️
Mother’s Day Reflections: The Day Came, The Day Went
Well, Mother’s Day came and went. And if you're anything like me, you're probably still a little emotionally hungover.
Maybe you got breakfast in bed. Perhaps you were the one cooking it. Maybe you had a beautiful day with your family, or it felt bittersweet, chaotic, and flat-out exhausting. For moms, Mother’s Day rarely looks like the picture-perfect version we see online.
Now that the flowers are wilting and the cards are shoved in a drawer, I’ve been reflecting on what this day really brought up—and what it means to actually feel seen and celebrated in motherhood.
Mother’s Day Is a Mirror
Whether you're a new mom, a seasoned parent, or somewhere in between, Mother's Day reflects where we are emotionally.
It shines a light on how supported we feel (or don’t), what we’re still carrying behind the scenes, and how much unspoken labor goes into holding everything together. You can love your family with your whole heart and still feel invisible sometimes. That doesn’t make you ungrateful, it makes you human.
The Real Moments Don’t Make the Social Feed
No one posted the part where you were up late doing laundry so there’d be clean clothes for brunch. Or the moment you cried because it was just too much. Or that quiet ache for a mom you’re missing this year.
These are the parts that matter most. They’re not photogenic, but they are real. And they are a part of your story.
Let the Day Be What It Is
This year, I didn’t try to script Mother’s Day. I didn’t force the magic or over-plan. I just tried to be present. Some parts were lovely, others were not, and I let both exist without guilt.
If your day didn’t go the way you hoped, you’re not alone. And if it did? Amazing, rub it in why don’t ya??? Just kidding. You deserve it.
A Little Self-Care Reminder
If you’re feeling the emotional (and literal) puffiness from all of it, treat yourself to these microneedle under-eye patches that work actual magic on tired eyes. I swear to you, these are like having a lower bleph overnight.
Motherhood is layered. Messy. Sacred. Exhausting. Beautiful. I hope you felt celebrated. And if you didn’t, I hope you at least peed alone a couple of times. That counts too.
What Moms Really Want for Mother’s Day
Heads up: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you click and purchase—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend stuff I’d give my own mom (or hoard for myself). Thanks for supporting Sarah Knows Her Stuff!
Looking for Mother’s Day gift ideas that’ll actually make her feel loved (and not just...tolerated)? Here's the real list of what moms truly want, with zero DIY candles or popsicle stick crafts.
Whether you're shopping for your partner, your mom, your BFF—or treating your damn self (do it)—this gift guide is loaded with thoughtful, practical, and pampering ideas. And yes, I made it super clickable. ADD TO CART, y’all!
A Professional Car Detailing Appointment
Let’s be real—if she’s hauling kids, snacks, and emotional baggage, her car could use a refresh. A professional car detailing gift says “I see your chaos, and I’m here to wipe it clean.” Literally.
✨ Gifting Tip: Don’t just buy a gift card. Book it, confirm it, arrange childcare. Take the mental load off her plate. Maybe even drive her there and have her fave bevie in the car. Its the little things.
Add-On Gift:
→ This handheld car vacuum is perfect for quick cleans in between details. Affordable and mighty.
A Massage—Without Her Lifting a Finger
Want to win Mother’s Day? Schedule a 90-minute massage—and take care of every detail. Book the massage, pre-pay the tip, arrange childcare, and put the laundry in the dryer. It’s time.
Not able to book IRL? Give her at-home vibes with:
Reed Scent Diffuser (I’ve repurchased this for myself and several other people because of how great it is. Smells divine and lasts forever)
Easyplant = Pretty + Low Maintenance
Flowers are out, plants are IN! Especially plants she won’t accidentally kill. Easyplant makes self-watering, low-maintenance indoor plants that look good and don’t need babysitting. I have a few of these in my house and they are the easiest plants to take care of- set it and forget it!
Perfect for moms who love plants—but not plant drama.
→ Shop with my link and treat her to a living gift she can actually keep alive.
Cozy, Indulgent Self-Care Gifts
These aren’t just “fun extras”—they’re gifts she wouldn’t buy for herself but totally deserves:
Silk pillowcase – fancy sleep, frizz-free hair, silkyyyy
Loop Ear Plugs - seriously, how did I live without noise-cancelling headphones?!?
Cooling Body Pillow - one of the best purchases of my life. I’m not kidding.
Time Alone—With No Guilt
Best. Gift. Ever. Plan time just for her—brunch with friends, solo shopping trip for things SHE wants, or three uninterrupted hours at home (no kids).
🚫 No guilt.
✅ Yes to quiet.
💡 Make sure she doesn’t have to coordinate a thing.
So skip the mug, ditch the candle, and give her something that says, “I get it. I see you. And I planned something just for you.” That’s all moms really want. That and their pre-kid belly button.
How to Grow an Audience with Smart Data Tools (No Spreadsheet Required)
If you’ve ever stared at your social media insights like they were ancient runes, you’re not alone. Growing an audience isn’t magic—it’s data. The good news? You don’t need to be a marketing wizard or open a single Excel file. You just need the right tools.
In this post, I’m sharing three must-have data tools for content creators who want to grow fast and smart, without losing their minds or their weekends. Trust me, I do NOT have time to be messin’ around on the internet for hours. I need to know what works and what doesn’t.
Why You Need Data to Grow on Social Media
Most people try to grow their following by guessing: posting at random times, hopping on trends a week too late, and wondering why nobody’s saving their carousel posts. The secret? Using analytics tools that tell you what’s working—and what’s not—so you can stop spinning your wheels and start growing your audience with intention.
Let’s dive into three tools I use (and love) for audience growth across TikTok, Instagram, and beyond.
1. InsightTok AI: The Best TikTok Analytics Tool for Trendspotting
If you’re creating content on TikTok or Instagram Reels, you need InsightTok AI in your life. It helps you track trending audio, discover what’s working in your niche, and optimize your content strategy using real data.
I’ve used it to find songs that actually boost my views and plan content around what’s trending now, not last week. It’s intuitive, powerful, and yes, kind of addicting.
✅ Best for: TikTok creators, short-form video marketers, trend-hunters
📈 Helps with: Trend analysis, content ideas, audience engagement
🔗 Try it here: InsightTok AI – affiliate link
2. Later: Instagram Analytics & Scheduling in One Gorgeous Dashboard
If you’re trying to grow your Instagram following, Later makes it easy to track what content performs best by time of day, hashtag, format, and more. Their visual planner also helps you batch content and maintain a cohesive grid (even when life isn’t cohesive at all).
Want to know which Reels get the most saves or when your followers are actually online? Later gives you all of that, and then some.
✅ Best for: Instagram creators, brand accounts, aesthetic lovers
📈 Helps with: Scheduling, hashtag tracking, post performance
🔗 later.com (free + paid plans)
3. Metricool: One Dashboard to Track Everything (Yes, Everything)
When your content lives on five different platforms, Metricool becomes your new best friend. It lets you schedule posts, view cross-platform analytics, and generate reports that actually make sense.
Whether you're on TikTok, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, or your blog, Metricool helps you stay on top of what’s driving growth—without opening 17 browser tabs. (just like in my head)
✅ Best for: Multi-platform creators, small businesses, solopreneurs
📈 Helps with: Scheduling, performance tracking, reporting
🔗 metricool.com
How to Grow a Social Media Audience (Even If You’re Not a Tech Pro)
You don’t have to be an influencer. You don’t need a content team. You just need smart tools that show you how to grow an audience based on data, not desperation.
💡 Pro tip: Combine InsightTok AI for trend discovery, Later for Instagram strategy, and Metricool for everything else. That’s your new creator starter kit. You’re welcome.
Final Thoughts (and a Little Affiliate Love)
If you’re ready to stop guessing and start growing, try these tools and thank me later. Especially InsightTok AI—it’s changed how I create content and helps me grow with way less effort (and more results).
👉 Use my referral link to try it: insighttokai.com/?ref=sarahci
Want more content creation tips, audience growth hacks, and affiliate income strategies? Follow me on Instagram at @sarahknowshersstuff. Because yeah, I really do. ☺️
Things I Bought from Amazon in April That I’m Lowkey Obsessed With
I don’t know what kind of mood I was in this April (chaotic? self-improvement era? nesting even though I don’t have a baby?), but my Amazon order history was thriving. The good news: I regret nothing. Every single one of these things has earned a spot in my regular rotation.
Let’s break it down — what I bought, why I love it, and whether you actually need it too.
(These are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission — but trust me, I paid full price and would do it again.)
1. Travel White Noise Machine
Link: [https://amzn.to/4lTSV2f]
I'm easily overstimulated…by everything. White noise is essential for me to block out annoying sounds when we’re traveling, in the car, or trying to relax. This one’s small, USB rechargeable, and doesn’t sound like a haunted fan. Sppppppoooooky. YogaSleep is the leader in sound machines, and honestly, I’m about to start keeping this one in my purse for emergencies.
2. Scalp Massager
Link: [https://amzn.to/3YmJ8HP]
I read an article (ok, ok, I watched a TikTok) about scalp massage and its impact on hair growth. After losing literally every strand of hair after having two kids back to back, I can use all the help I can get. Pro tip: Use this scalp massager with a silk bonnet on to stop snags!
3. Sandalwood Wide Tooth Comb
Link: [https://amzn.to/3GviUN6]
It’s wood. It’s wide. It smells like a fancy forest. I got it to loosely comb out my curls that never stay, and it's actually helpful, but it also feels like a dream on my scalp. A small luxury that lives in my bathroom and makes me feel like I’m the kind of woman who has routines.
4. Cooling Side Sleeper Pillow
Link: [https://amzn.to/42EwAhD]
Night sweats? Yeah, I got ‘em. In my desperate attempt to find something to help keep me from waking up drenched at 3am, I purchased this cooling pillow. It really is cooling and makes a huge difference in my heat levels. Be prepared to buy a few- my first THREE were stolen by pillow-hungry family members with no respect for their mother’s perimenopause symptoms. Rude.
5. Hiccapop Toddler Mattress
Link: [https://amzn.to/42EwAhD]
Yes, my kids are older, but this went in our kid’s room for sleepovers, and we bring it out into the living room for movie nights. It folds up, comes with a little travel bag, and is actually comfy. Like, I’ve laid on it. I’d sleep on it. Way better than a lumpy couch cushion or sad inflatable.
I don’t always hit it out of the park with my Amazon orders (RIP to the frother that leaked everywhere, I don’t even drink coffee), but these April finds? Super solid my guy. They’re functional, a little luxurious, and make everyday mom life feel slightly more, you know, together-y.
If you're adding to cart, start here. These are all wins.