We survived exactly one week of school before the first round of germs took us down. (Send tissues — and groceries.)

Meanwhile, Christmas collections have officially dropped for all the major kids’ brands. I even joined one of the VIP Facebook groups for a sneak peek and… wow. People are serious about their jammies. One woman even casually announced her surprise birth (via cryptic pregnancy) in the group — like, “snuggling my baby I didn’t know I was having… in my new bamboo PJs.” Iconic.

In a rare moment of preparedness, I already have Halloween costumes figured out. I’ll be accepting my prize for that at any time. If you’re also trying to plan ahead, don’t miss the December readiness kit we featured below. You can check it off your list now and thank yourself later.

Cheers,
Meg

Taking it literally this week. I’ve been drinking wayyy too much caffeine. But hey—still in the newborn phase + a toddler + added in a virus to the mix this week. I made vanilla simple syrup to add to our afternoon iced coffees… game changer! And keeps me from running to the coffee shop twice a day.

Pro tip: use vanilla bean paste. Trust.

→ Your turn: submit your “gold star” moment from the week. Yes, “I read exactly one page of ” absolutely counts.

Elf on the Shelf season doesn’t have to mean late-night Pinterest stress. Beau & Hattie’s December Sanity Kit has everything you need to bring the magic — daily activities, fun props, and a keepsake ornament — without the overwhelm. After five years of creating these kits (without repeating a single activity!), owner + Ft. Mill Mom Nichole knows exactly how to help you skip the scramble and still bring the magic.

Snag Your Kit Before They Sell Out ➜.

We’re so excited to welcome Dr. Rachel Selman (PT/DPT/CSCS/CPSS + owner of Synthesis Performance + Recovery) to the Half Full family! She’s a women’s health specialist who knows her stuff (especially in pelvic floor wellness), and she’s here to answer all your burning questions — the scientific, the uncomfortable, and the “did nobody tell me this?” moments.

If you’ve ever wondered:

...Dr. Rachel is the one to ask.

👉 Have a question for Dr. Rachel? Send your questions here and we’ll feature her answers in upcoming issues.

Know a friend who could use expert advice and fewer taboos? Forward this to them (because we all deserve clarity).

I finally ditched my old dryer (RIP, it was literally falling apart…I was considering duct tape) and grabbed this beauty — and wow. Paired with this also pink brush, it gives the smoothest, shiniest, fastest blowouts and comes with magnetic attachments. If I get any self-care at all, doing my hair — even if it’s just going up five minutes later — is the thing that makes me feel human again. Totally worth it.

*Affiliate links! (I’ll only share products that I personally use or are highly recommended from our community!) Rest assured, this is not just random shit.

A few things worth penciling in (in between soccer games, work deadlines, and Googling “how many times can I use the nose Frida in a day?”

🌽 Farm Fun
Hall Family Farm is back this Friday, Sept. 19 — and this year’s corn maze is pirate-themed (ship, parrot, escape-room-style puzzles, the whole vibe). Big kids (and grown-ups) can tackle the full maze, while littles can do the mini version with stickers. Wear closed-toe shoes, bring water, charge your phone for the gaming addition this year — and grab a pumpkin (or twelve) while you’re there.

🎨 Arts + Eats
Festival in the Park is hitting Freedom Park Sept. 19–21, and it’s basically Charlotte fall in a nutshell: live music, local art, performers, food trucks, and just enough nostalgia to justify a funnel cake.

🛍️ Closet Refresh
The Edit Sale is coming Sept. 24–28, which means it’s time to start clearing space in your closet. This curated consignment event always has the best deals on higher-end brands — and the early birds really get the good stuff, but expect some serious lines.

This Charlotte gal is in the trenches of new motherhood with her 3-month-old — and keeping it real about all the highs and lows.

On what blindsided her most:
“My mind constantly being on my child or what I have to do next to care for her. There’s no room to breathe... I can’t even watch a hurricane documentary without thinking about her in the water and crying!”

Current win:
“She sleeps for 4-5 hours in the beginning of the night so we can watch sports or just chat about our days — and she’s doing well at daycare!”

Advice for other moms:
“If you’re struggling mentally, please just talk to someone. It can feel lonely and like the hard stages are going to last forever, but they don’t.”

Her “totally lost it” moment? “Probably when my mother and MIL kissed her…… like what are y’all doing actually?”

Read Kay’s full spotlight →

Do you have a supportive "Mom" community?

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Yes! So grateful. (100%)

⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Not yet! (0%)

We’re so excited to launch The Pregnancy Edit — a monthly roundup designed just for moms-to-be. Each issue is packed with bite-sized tips, real talk from other moms, and the encouragement you need through every trimester.

Whether you’re growing your first baby or your fourth, this is your new go-to for support, laughs, and the kind of advice you actually want to read.

👉 Sign up to get The Pregnancy Edit
Know a friend who’s expecting? Forward this their way!

Forward Half Full to a mom friend — because the only thing better than surviving the week is laughing about it together.

“See” you in your inbox in two weeks!