Press Pause: "Normal People," Mother's Day Movies and Banana Pudding

The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting us all in different ways. No matter your situation, sometimes you just need to press pause. Enter: our picks to help you take a break… ‎

1. A guide to creating the perfect bath. Nothing screams ‘me time’ like bubbles and essential oils. Draw me (a bath) like one of your French girls.

2. 17 gifts for all the moms in your life. This list has quarantine-friendly finds like a coffee subscription, soft AF loungewear, and a puzzle made of family pics. Oops, bought some for ourselves, too.

3. Instant Pot lasagna. For some of us, there’s an Alison Roman recipe. For the rest of us, there’s this lazy version. Whatever, they both have cheese.

4. Your fave pics, framed. Get a bunch for a gallery wall. Or try some canvas prints. You can do it all with Shutterfly. Because all Mom wants for Mother’s Day is you(r face). Order now to get your gift on time. Picture perfect.*

5. Something to watch with mom. Find the movie on this list that has you saying ‘this is so us.’

6. Something to not watch with mom. “Normal People” on Hulu. Based on Sally Rooney’s hit novel. There's love, lust, and plenty of NSFW moments. Oh and btw, we talked to the cast about the show. Don’t say we never gave you anything.

7. Homemade banana pudding. Banana bread was sooooo three weeks ago.

8. Eight books both you and mom will love. Because your best phone calls are really mini book clubs. Break out the wine and cheese.

9. Science and art projects for kids. KiwiCo’s monthly subscription box sends activities like a make-your-own biomechanical hand, and a soap making kit. Cue happy, occupied kids...and some free time for you. PS: Skimm’rs get 15% off.* 

10. “Family Meal.” The new digital cookbook that’s out tomorrow by a bunch of famous chefs (hi, Ina and Samin). And all the proceeds go toward helping the restaurant industry. Eat good, do good. 

11. A beginner’s guide to pressing flowers. For when you’ve given the same rose bouquet to your mom every single year. Now’s the time to try something new. April showers bring May (pressed) flowers. 

12. A behavior change program. Noom uses psychology to help you create better habits. And right now they’re offering a free 14-day trial. Healthy life, happy you. That’s the saying, right?* 

13. Shopping for a cause. Enter: Every Mom Counts. A charity that helps make pregnancy and childbirth safer for women around the world. For Mother’s Day, they partnered with some of our favorite brands (hi Clare V. and Cuyana). So you can shop their picks and give back at the same time.

14. A playlist to help you unwind. Because you’re tired of listening to kids' songs. Or your roommate’s FaceTime sessions. With this playlist, you too, can be relaxin’ all cool.

15. An herb garden kit. So you can spend your thyme growing a mini kitchen garden. Beginners are welcome. Seasoned gardening professionals are too. Ok we’ll chill with the herb puns.

16. A new internet read we loved: A deep dive on "Yoga With Adriene." And why everyone you know is doing her flows. Benji cameos included.

17. ...and an old one: Don’t Carpe Diem. Glennon Doyle wrote this rallying cry in 2012, before she became a bestselling author. The message to moms: no, you don’t have to enjoy every single moment.

18. And finally, three totally random things that made us happy this week: mermaid cookie cutters, the prettiest green tea, and happiness matches.

*This denotes a sponsored post.

PS: If you want to sign up more picks, click here. 

PPS: If you buy anything from this email, theSkimm may get something in return. Oh, and if something’s out of stock, oops, it was there when we published. Thanks.