Gone are the days when you could spend hours playing with makeup at Sephora. It's hard enough to find a little alone time, let alone practice your former, pristine beauty rituals. Don't worry: you can still look your best with these six essentials. Just toss them in the diaper bag alongside the bottles and stay fresh-faced wherever you end up.

• Hair elastics: Sometimes mama just has to put her hair up and be done with it. If hair ties aren't already your newest wrist accessory, don't forget to pack a few in your diaper bag. Use them in an easy updo to switch up your look at a moment's notice.
• Multipurpose stick: Anything called "multipurpose" is a mother's dream. We absolutely cannot live without the NARS Multiple Stick ($39) for an easy, well-rested look. Try a neutral color like Maldives, and swipe the creamy formula on your cheeks, forehead, and lips for just the right amount of shimmer to achieve a healthy glow.
• Baby wipes: Since you're already carrying a pack of these for less glamorous reasons, put them to use beyond the changing table as makeup remover and freshening towelettes. They are far less expensive than beauty brand towelettes, and you'll always have them around to clean up a smudge and stay breakout free.

Keep reading for more makeup musts!

Inspired by back-to-school shopping and all the chalkboards in kids rooms on Pinterest, we think it's time to bring this functional accent home and allow our little rebels to write on the walls.

The options with this trend are endless: incorporate as little or as much as you want into your home or nursery. Our favorite part about this DIY is that it's something that both you and the kids will enjoy. Here are some useful tips and tricks to keep in mind before you get creative and chalk it up!

• Choose a place: Before you get going, choose where and how much to incorporate this bold, black accent into your space. If you love the trend, go big and paint an entire gallery wall in your nursery or playroom. If you'd rather use an accent piece, paint the surface of a craft table, the back of a door, or even a dresser, so your child knows where everything goes!

Keep reading for more chalk talk!

Sports are a great way for children to have fun, make friends, and learn lessons that also apply off the field. But it can be too easy for kids and parents alike to get caught up in hypercompetitiveness, especially on the heels of the Olympics excitement of the past few weeks.

Before you start fantasizing about signing day or gold-medal moments, teach your little athlete to enjoy the rewards that sports have to offer, at every level. Remember, it's just a game — and a growing opportunity! Here's how to be the encourager, not the coach, and let you and your child get the most enjoyment out of sports.

• Focus on fun: Fun is the first order of business for both you and your little tyke. This should be the biggest motivation for your child to stay in the game. Enjoy watching him improve, joining the pizza parties, and seeing him make new friends. If you remain lighthearted and appreciate your child's progress without getting too serious, then she can set her own goals and be accountable to herself for her achievements.
• Winning is NOT everything: Winning isn't everything, ever, especially when when your child is just starting out. Although beating a rival is thrilling, it won't make or break your kid's athletic career, so don't allow big wins to become the focus. Instead, focus on staying active, making improvements, and demonstrating sportsmanship throughout the season. Learning how to handle a loss is just as important as celebrating a win.
• For love of the game: Make sure your child is doing something she enjoys. Don't put her in a sport because you were a college track star or your carpool signed up. If your little one loves to climb everything in site, then maybe gymnastics is the perfect fit. If you haven't been able to get him out of the pool this Summer, then look into registering with a swim team. Be open to the idea of trying several sports before settling on just one.
• Dare to compare?: Yes, it is human nature, but do your best not to compare your child's potential to others. Factors like strength, ability, and coordination vary so much among children in their developmental years that it would be unfair to compare your child to his teammates, even in your head. Instead, help him set realistic goals within his own abilities that will challenge but not overwhelm him, keeping him interested without burning him out or discouraging him. It is important to want your child to be at his best, not the best.

Source: Flickr user Geomangio

If you are sending your lil swimmer off to Summer league, swim camp, or even a day at the pool with friends, they will surely have a good time, but it will take a bag full of tricks to make sure they are safe and satisfied! Here is a list of gear to pack before your kiddo gets ready to dive right in this Summer.

• The basics: There is a lot more that goes into packing for the pool than your average play date. The basics like a suit, towel, swim shoes, goggles, and an extra change of clothes are of course, essential.
• Snacks: Spending all day splashing around will not only lead to a great nap, but will surely have the kids hungry. Packing light snacks (to avoid an upset stomach while swimming) such as crackers, granola, and some fruit will help curb their hunger. Sandwiches make for an easy and healthy lunch and don't forget to include a few bucks in case of an emergency or snack bar treat!
• Sun Protection: Having you kids apply sunscreen is always a battle, but it is of utmost importance! Lather them up with kid friendly sunscreen before they even head out the door and remind them of the need to reapply to avoid icky burns. Sunglasses and a hat will provide even more coverage.
• Toys: Have a little fun packing, sometimes leaving mom for the day is hard! Include your child's favorite swim toy or "comfort" item to help them break the ice if they are shy, or even encourage them to get into the water. Pack an inexpensive toy like these fish rings ($2) for a secret surprise to get them excited about the day ahead.
• Floaties: For any young swimmer, these are a must and will give them the extra confidence they need to jump right in. There are so many options, it's just a matter of choosing what your swimmer is comfortable in. Whether they are something playful like these Swimways Fishbite Floaties ($10) or a Power Swimr Suit ($19), floaters will offer you and your tot a sense of safety while playing in and around the pool.

Source: Flickr User Yatmandu

• The Olympics are underway! Get to know Paula Radcliffe and other Olympic athlete moms.
• Explore an impressive tree house reminiscent of Hogwarts.
• Planning a baby shower? Try one of these adorable themes.
• Everyone loves pasta! Try some of these quick and clever recipes that the kids will love.
• Celeb style: check out the killer fashion sense of these little ones.
• Take a tour of some cool dollhouses.
• Save money and be fashionable with one of these diaper bags.
• We all scream for ice cream and cute photos of kids enjoying the Summer treat.
• Head to one of these best US beaches for families on your next Summer getaway.
• Channel your lil one's inner artist and chef with this edible finger paint recipe.