Welcome to Two Truths, a bestselling newsletter & media brand exploring the many truths of motherhood from journalists & maternal health advocates Cassie Shortsleeve & Kelsey Haywood Lucas of Motherspeak. Two Truths is rooted in the healing & affirming principle that two (or more) things can be true. It’s a “best parenting Substack” per Motherly and The Skimm says you should subscribe; also seen in Today, Fast Company, Vox, The Bump, Popsugar & more.

If the leap from August to September feels like a big one, we’re right there with you.

That’s why this week, we’re rounding up a few helpful essentials to make the shift a little bit easier: organizational tools (like a super simplistic fridge calendar that’ll help you streamline dinners), a live-in-it cropped cotton tee, back-to-school wins, and road trip must-haves—just in case you have autumn travels on the horizon.

This issue is FREE for all subscribers thanks to Yoto—the interactive audio platform bringing peace and quiet and learning into our homes. Some of our favorite Yoto picks are mixed in below; use the code AFF-TWOTRUTHS10 for 10% off your first Yoto order.

—Cassie & Kelsey

‘Send Me the Link’ to…

👑 When we need a little downtime, my girls huddle around this to listen to stories they love, whether it’s classics like Charlotte’s Web, their favorite princess tales, or something nostalgic from my childhood. —Cassie

🌸 I’m in love with the antique, hand-painted desk my daughter just inherited from a dear family member (shown in top photo). Get a similar look on any desk with this floral pad that’ll keep the surface safe from scratches. —Kelsey

🚗 Road-trip must-have: My kids like this for listening to music and stories in the car. (And if we’re traveling away from home and off our schedule, this nighttime meditation makes bedtime easier.) —K*

🍁 Speaking of travel: I stayed at this picturesque resort & spa in Hot Springs, VA with my family last weekend, and it would make the perfect fall getaway for leaf-peeping, horseback riding, hiking, s’mores over a fire pit, and endless outdoor activities for kids of all ages. —K

🍋 My girls picked out these under-$20 crossbody bags—which come in just about every color and rival Lululemon’s version in looks—with their summer earnings from lemonade stands. —C

👛 Celebrating the end of “diaper bag season”—meaning I’m no longer toting around