Thank you all so much for the sweet feedback on my new website. And another thank you to everyone who participated in my new Working Mom Wednesdays series on Instagram and sent me messages about how excited they are for this forum to share stories, tips and advice on balancing it all. There were SO many awesome questions submitted and I cannot wait for all of our discussions ahead!
1. Pumpkin Picking
Last weekend the kiddos had so much fun running around the farmer’s market picking out pumpkins for the front porch! Also, the weather has been unseasonably HOT in Charlotte (in the 90s every day) and I am so excited for a 70 degree Saturday ahead! 
2. Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Cheesecake
If you haven’t picked it up already, you have to try the pumpkin cheesecake from Trader Joe’s! It is so dang good! I jazzed our cheesecake up with a little whipped cream and served it at bible study this week. Big hit!
3. Friday Family Movie Nights
Back when I was a kid, we had a movie night tradition every Friday night at home. My mom would let us wander the Blockbuster aisles forever (even though ultimately all 3 of us kids picked the same movies over and over again), and we’d order pizza for dinner. It was a tradition I loved, so we’ve started a family movie & pizza night tradition on Fridays in our home and it’s the perfect way to kick off the weekend as a family! So far we’ve watched Willy Wonka, The Sandlot, Sister Act, and Dennis the Menace. We also pick up a pizza from somewhere different each week and I love to whip up a treat for dessert — pumpkin dip, smores dip, etc. 
4. French Braids
We’ve been braiding Caroline’s hair every night before bed to help reduce tangles — and it’s helped so much. While Matt has been working on his braiding skills (which is the cutest thing ever), I’ve been practicing french braids — and finally, my braids are decent enough that Caroline has been asking to wear them to school! 
5. Top 5 Reader Recommended Natural Deodorants
I am almost out of my first stick of natural deodorant and am ready to try another brand. I actually really liked the Pink Hippo deodorant but wanted to explore a few more brands before I stick with one! So naturally, I polled you all! And per usual, you all came through with tons of recommendations. There were also quite a few requests to share the recommendations, so I’m going to share the top 5 today!
- Native: This was the #1 recommendation by a landslide. There were 63 votes for this brand and lots of shout outs to the Coconut & Vanilla scent. However, I did have 3 readers send me messages warning me they experienced rashes, inflammation or chemical burns from this. But then I also received half a dozen emails saying this product was life changing and that it’s a good brand for guys too.
- Schmidts: Coming in second place with 21 votes and several recommendations specifically around the Charcoal + Magnesium, Geranium Flower and Fragrance Free (for sensitive users) scents!
- Primal Pit Paste: 15 votes with specific recommendations for the stick version vs the paste.
- Kopari: 11 votes! I had expected this deodorant to come in at #1 and was surprised when I tallied the votes — and it tied with Megababe!
- Megababe: Tying with Kopari at 11 votes, this is Heather MacMahan’s favorite deodorant and has been at the top of my list to try. However, the price point on this one is a little high for me.
*I wanted to also mention there were a handful of recommendations for Lume (5 votes), Pink Hippo (5 votes) and Myro (4 votes)!
We also have a movie night tradition in our house! My kids love “Alexander’s No Good Very Bad Day” it’s a hit even with my husband and I!
Totally adding this to our list!!
I have used a lot of the above mentioned. Just stared Lume about a week ago, but already love it! It’s been so hot in Hershey, PA this ‘fall’, and it has held up well with controlling the odor. Love that you can use it on any all body parts – private, feet, etc. Worth a try! Love the backstory, too.
I loved the native deodorant! I started using it while pregnant. Now that I’m 7 weeks postpartum, it hasn’t been able to keep up with my hormones and this HEAT 🥵 and I switched back to my Dove deodorant temporarily. I can’t wait to go back. No issues with rashes or burns here!
Love Native! FYI they have a whole collection of scents for “sensitive” skin for those who had/are worried about rashes or reactions to the original formula (I use their Cotton & Lily sensitive deodorant).
I got a rash from the sensitive kind too!! Just my reaction though, I am sure it would work for most people.
I’m a recent Myro converter! A lot of the other natural deodorants would cause my underarms to be irritated and itchy and I found it was due to the baking soda (or powder, can’t remember which one) ingredient. I believe they are also selling Myro on Target now!
Yes! I had a terrible reaction to Schmidt’s due to the baking soda. It was so painful i was afraid to try again for a long time. I think I’m going to try Myro next, though.
I’m another one who had a terrible reaction to Native, I had these huge welts under my arms for over a week- I’m not sure what ingredient it is so I’ve sadly returned to my very non-natural deodorant until I feel brave enough to try another brand!
The baking soda in many natural deodorants is the culprit for most negative chemical reactions! I’ve been using the Schmidt’s lavender for a little over a year now, and I’ve found that hitting the deodorant with a blast of heat from the blow dryer (to soften it up a little) before applying helps, as well as making sure to wash it off every night. (I’m an AM shower-taker, and leaving the deodorant on overnight was adding to the irritation.) When I remember to do those two things, I usually have no issues!
I’ve tried SO many other brands, and for me, in sweltering hot, humid Memphis, the Schmidt’s is the only brand that keeps me (personally) DRY and smelling fresh- so I have stuck with it despite having to be a little high-maintenance around using it.
I too developed a rash after using Native. They are a great company and send me their sensitive skin one to try but it just didn’t do the job – it’s HOT here in Georgia. I’ve heard Myro is great – I’m planning on trying Myro this week.
I had irritation from both Schmidt’s and Primal Pit Paste. I haven’t had irritation issues with Native, though on occasion there are some breakthrough odor issues. 🙁
My friend suggested underarmed natural deodorant and I’ve been using it since last summer. I really like it. If I’ve been really sweaty, I’ll reapply to go back out in the evening but I had to do that with chemical deodorants too.
Hi! I always love reading natural deodorant round ups! I’ve gone through a bunch now and I’m starting to think it’s very personal and you have to find what works for you! I’ve also been rotating through a few and that seems to help keep them working. Lol My two favs didn’t make the list…all good unscented and primally pure charcoal! I live in Wilmington, NC and it seems they keep up until it’s above 90 or I’m having a really stressy day! Ha ha!
Oh I also keep a stick or two in my desk at work!
I didn’t see the initial vote, but I got severe rashes and eventually, a chemical burn with both Native and Schmidts. I use Vanicream now after a third natural deodorant gave me a huge cyst in my underarm and my dermatologist recommended Vanicream. Some people just might not be made for the natural stuff, I guess.