SUNDAY BITES 0012
FRIEND TRIPS, PARK GEAR, THE PERFECT BAG & MORE
A week late, but Sunday Bites is back. My return from the DR took two whole days, and whatever zen I had clawed back (after reading Let Them) was aggressively stripped away in the process. So yeah, we’re basically back at square one. Cute.
Not sure who needs to hear this, but: TAKE THE FRIEND TRIP. Leave the kids. Leave the husband. Just go. Everyone will survive—I promise. You’ll feel a tiny twinge of guilt on the way to the airport, but the second you’re in that plane/car/train/any moving vehicle without anyone needing you? Pure. Bliss.
Remember those days?
Anyway, the point is: put yourself first—because no one else will. And you need this. Like, medically. Taking a break does not make you a bad mom. It makes you a mom who understands that martyrdom is out, and well-rested, mentally stable mothers are very much in.
So go book the trip. And if you need a sign? This is it. Also, if you need a second sign, check your screen time report. You’re spiraling.
One of the main reasons I started this Substack was to learn, share, and attempt to make sense of this completely unhinged experience called parenting—aka raising tiny humans with zero guidelines and a lot of unsolicited advice. This week, I wrote about MOM RAGE because, honestly, I’ve been trying (and failing) to rationalize this wild, volcanic feeling that’s been taking over way more often than I’d like to admit. And wow—your responses have been overwhelming in the best way.
It’s way too easy to get stuck on the hamster wheel of anger → guilt → shame → repeat. (And let’s be real, that wheel is basically on turbo mode some days.) Like, one minute, I’m a zen goddess making heart-shaped pancakes, and the next, I’m rage-cleaning the high chair like it personally betrayed me. If you know, you know.
So if you’ve ever found yourself snapping over a spilled snack (or, let’s be honest, a millionth snack request), just know: same. And we’re in this together.
I have been obsessing over these cute kid pillows ever since I got this heart one for Atlas, and the new ones are just too much. Also, can we discuss how cute the one of the tooth is? It has a pocket for the tooth fairy to leave the $$!
This might be a very unpopular opinion BUT, I am not ready for summer. Not just yet, at least. So you might see me wearing this APPARIS jacket on repeat for the next couple of weeks. ( very into this spring colorway too )
Speaking of summer, I told you these would sell out on Instagram last week and there are only a couple pairs left, so don’t say I did not warn you - SUMMER IN A SHOE ( THESE will also sell out and have a kitten heel if you are feeling fancy)
My dear friend Claire Khodara invited me to her podcast, You Good? - so if you want to get to know more about my healer, rock bottom & my family trauma - you can LISTEN HERE / WATCH HERE
You guys lost your minds last time I posted THIS BAG, and honestly, same. It’s still as good and as roomy as ever (yes, it still fits my dog Frida), and I’m convinced it’s the closest thing to a mom-proof, life-proof, fits-everything-and-still-looks-chic miracle.
Made by artisans in Mexico, woven by hand from recycled plastic, and no two are exactly alike. It’s basically the ultimate park mom / beach day / throw-everything-in-and-go bag. Doesn’t get dirty, doesn’t fall apart, and somehow still looks effortlessly cool. Also, this colorway? Obsessed.
My son is obsessed with grocery shopping right now, so naturally, I had to find him a shopping cart that’s actually worth having in my house—and this rattan one is too cute. While I was at it, I figured, why not grab the mushroom toy storage too? Because let’s be honest, you can never have too many cute storage solutions.
As someone who is always wearing the wrong thing to the park (why do I never learn?), my quest for the perfect mom uniform—one that feels put-together without me succumbing to athleisure outside of an actual gym—has officially led me to striped polo shirts (blame Miu Miu). This one from Guest in Residence is chef’s kiss (and on super sale at TRR, you’re welcome), and this one over here? Under $100 and in the best colorway. And for extra points—J.Crew just dropped a collab with The New Yorker, and yes, it includes a striped polo. Because if I’m going to chase a toddler, I might as well do it dressed like an off-duty editor…
Roz was kind enough to send me some of their products and I have to say the Foundation Duo is IT, my hair is less unruly and more moisturized than ever —> highly recommend.
I just got this bag, and is everything and more. The color, perfect - The size, perfect - The price , reasonable—. GO.
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Last but not least the coolest girl on the internet - Amanda Murray - has launched her substack - and trust me you are going to want to follow
Ok, I am off — pray for fewer toddler meltdowns and more baby cuddles- we are on a relaxing winery mini road-trip for my husband’s bday without a nanny + the puppy (gasp)
Besos,
Victoria
If this made you laugh, nod in agreement, or immediately think of someone who needs to read it, go ahead and tap that little heart—it helps more people (including the lurkers) find this.
☕ Buy me a coffee – think of it as a casual situationship, but with better ROI.
Oh, and just a heads up: some of these links might earn me a small commission. So if you were already about to impulse buy, consider this your official sign from the universe (and a tiny win for me).
For more questionable takes and semi-useful life insights, come hang out on Instagram—follow me @victoriadela_fuente for behind-the-scenes nonsense, and while you’re at it, give Zillion Trillion a follow too. Because let’s be honest—your feed could always use one more mildly chaotic account.