We Asked, You Answered

Answers are in—see what you said!

02 Dec

In partnership with

The Carry All

Edition #202 | Read time: 5 Minutes

Hi Mamas -

We went straight to the experts for this week’s edition of The CARRY ALL: you. 

We asked our Carry™ community what’s actually helping you survive and thrive as working moms, and your answers were equal parts practical and genius. These are the things you’d repurchase in a heartbeat, the “I need to feel human again” essentials, and the small rhythms that make life feel a little easier.

This is your inside look at what working moms really find helpful, thoughtful, and worth the money this season. Whether you’re building your Christmas list, shopping for someone hard to buy for, or just looking for ways to lighten your load, you’re in the right place.

Finally, since it’s the first newsletter of the month, don’t miss our December Must Reads at the bottom. Enjoy!

—Paula (Founder, CARRY™ Media)

Instead of the Big 3, we’re handing you the mic. Here are the questions we asked (and the answers you’ll find inside) THE CARRY™ ALL this week:

  • What is something that actually makes your life easier as a working mom?

  • What is your go-to “I don’t have time but I want to feel put together” item?

  • What is one thing that helps you switch from work mode to home mode?

  • If you had a $50 gift card for yourself, where would you spend it?

  • What is your favorite $30 or less gift that feels more expensive?

  • What is one thing you’d immediately repurchase if it was broken or lost?

  • Anything you can’t quit talking about or sharing?

Spoiler: The most mentioned item across multiple questions was an Owala water bottle. If you need a home run gift for someone, this seems to be the WINNER! 

Holiday shopping check-in 🎄

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Is this the cutest heating pad ever?

Meet the Menstruation Crustacean—the microwaveable, ultra-soothing lobster heating pad that brings major comfort and a little comic relief. Just pop this plush crustacean in the microwave and let its warm weight melt away period cramps, backaches, or any random aches life throws at you. Plus, it features a soothing lavender scent to boost your mood when it’s that time of the month. This little guy is hilarious and functional – the perfect Secret Santa gift or stocking stuffer for this holiday season! Check out the rest of the Menstruation Crustacean gang, too.

🎤 WE ASKED, 💬 YOU ANSWERED

  
WE ASKED ⬇️

 

YOU ANSWERED 💬

  • #1 ANSWER: Grocery pick up / Grocery delivery

  • Prepare as much as possible the night before

  • Roomba / mop vacuum

  • Paying for a house cleaner

  • Having a laundry system and sticking to it

  • Same day every week - meal plan, order groceries, pick up/delivery

  • Skylight calendar

  • A visual with schedule and/or meals for everyone in family to see

  • Meal subscription service / Weekly Take & Bake meals / Rotating meal plan

  • Laundry service (Ex. Poplin)

  • Items on subscribe & save that you don’t have to remember

What did we miss? Drop a comment and tell us your life-saving rhythm, product, or tip as a working mom. 💬

  
WE ASKED ⬇️

 

YOU ANSWERED 💬

  • #1 ANSWER: Mascara

  • Other make up responses (concealer, tinted sunscreen, eyebrows, etc)

  • Having a simple go-to outfit / set / cute tennis shoes

  • Earrings / jewelry

  • Fixing hair

Seems like a mascara stocking stuffer would be a winner for almost any lady in your life. This one came highly recommended!

  
WE ASKED ⬇️

 

YOU ANSWERED 💬

  • #1 ANSWER: Switching to comfy clothes

  • Taking shoes off / putting on slippers

  • Work music vs home music

  • Quiet car ride

  • Spend time outside / short walk

  • Use “brick” for phone or set screen time limits

  • Put away phone / computer

This can be easier said than done sometimes. What works best for you? Leave a comment with your best tip!

  
WE ASKED ⬇️

 

YOU ANSWERED 💬

  • #1 ANSWER: Amazon/ Target

  • Sephora / Ulta

  • Hobby Lobby

  • TJ Maxx/ Homegoods / Marshall’s

  • A facial / nails

  • Aerie

  • Loft

  • Anthropologie

  • Old Navy

  • A Garden center

  • Home Depot

  • Tennis shoes / DSW / shoes

  • Nordstrom

It seems a few mamas are craving a $50 splurge — and let’s be honest, a gift card never disappoints.

  
WE ASKED ⬇️

 

YOU ANSWERED 💬

  
WE ASKED ⬇️

 

YOU ANSWERED 💬

  
WE ASKED ⬇️

 

YOU ANSWERED 💬

📚 Click here to grab a copy of these reads. Read anything lately that you can’t stop talking about? We’d love to hear it! Just hit reply to this email or drop it in the comments at the bottom of the newsletter. Your rec might be exactly what another mom needs!

BEEN THERE, DONE THAT 🤎

This month on The Paula Faris Show, Paula is joined by her husband, John, for a totally unfiltered Ask Us Anything series. Expect plenty of “oh, they really said that?!” moments, but also plenty of honesty and laughs. It’s a hot mess, it’s real, and always a favorite — full of their takes, insights, and relatable moments you won’t want to miss.

🎧 Listen to the full series here!

Last week’s poll results: We asked what kind of gift you like to GIVE the most. Over 53% of you lean towards sentimental and thoughtful ✨ Keep reading for a few of your thoughts and comments!

➡️ “I struggle so much with choosing gifts! I have friends/family who give/make the most thoughtful gift and I feel like I can never do as well with it - it makes me feel so guilty!”

➡️ “I love when I hear something earlier in the year and remember to get it for Christmas!”

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If you’ve made it this far — we’ve got a comment section where we’d LOVE for you to chime in! 🎉 

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