I became a mom in April 2025 — six weeks earlier than expected — and was thrown headfirst into motherhood with no idea what I was doing. Between sleepless nights and learning how to care for a newborn, I was also juggling the chaos of keeping a home clean with three big, hairy dogs underfoot. When my husband suggested I leave teaching to be a full-time mom, I thought, What a wonderful idea! But I quickly learned this adventure was far from easy. I found myself asking: What’s safe for my baby? Which appliances and tools can tackle dog hair and messes without taking up all my time? Over the past few months, I’ve discovered products that truly make life easier, and now I’m sharing my favorite finds — and a few hard-earned secrets — with you.