Winter Mode: Activated

 

We're Back: Life, Elves, and Hitting the Slopes

Sometimes life has other plans. And that's okay.

It's been over a month since I've sat down to write a blog post. If you've noticed, thank you for paying attention. If you haven't, well... welcome back anyway. Either way, I owe you an honest update on where BUBS has been, where we're headed, and yes, some real-life parenting chaos in between.

Here's the truth: life got ahead of us. Between juggling work, family, and building BUBS, something had to give. For a little while, that something was the blog. Development slowed down. The weekly posts stopped. And honestly? I felt guilty about it.

But here's what I've learned as both a parent and a founder: you can't pour from an empty cup. Sometimes you have to step back, regroup, and come back stronger. That's exactly what we've been doing.

We're Back on Track

The good news? BUBS is back in motion. We've been heads-down working on the platform, squashing bugs, improving features, and getting ready for what's next. The marketplace is about to get even better, and I can't wait to share more details with you soon.

For those who've been with us through the listing surge, thank you. Your patience while we built up quality inventory has been incredible. Watching real parents list real items that other families can actually use... that's the whole point. That's why we built this.

Going forward, you can expect more consistent updates from us. More blog posts. More community engagement. More of the honest, no-BS parenting content you've come to expect from BUBS.

The Elf Has Entered the Chat

Now let me talk about something I never thought I'd be discussing on this blog: Elf on the Shelf.

Look, I was firmly in the "that's not happening in our house" camp. I had my reasons. It seemed like extra work during an already chaotic season. I didn't want to commit to moving the thing every single night. And honestly? The whole "the elf is watching you" concept felt a little... much.

Then something happened. Other parents started talking about it. Our kid started hearing about it from friends. And before I knew it, we had an elf.

Here's the thing nobody told me: it actually works.

I don't mean the elf has magical powers (though ask my kid and he'd disagree). I mean that suddenly, our little guy is paying more attention to his actions. He's thinking before he does something. When he's about to make a questionable choice, he'll pause, look at the elf, and reconsider.

Is this healthy? Probably depends who you ask. But for us, it's created these little moments of reflection that weren't there before. And honestly, if a stuffed elf gets my kid to think twice before launching his cereal across the kitchen, I'll take the win.

Has moving the elf every night been annoying? Yes. Have I forgotten and had to quietly relocate it at 6 AM before anyone noticed? Also yes. But watching his face light up each morning as he searches for where the elf "flew" to overnight? Worth it.

If you're on the fence about the whole elf thing, I get it. I was you. But sometimes the parenting tools we resist the most end up being surprisingly useful. Sometimes the thing you swore you'd never do becomes a new family tradition.

Winter Break Is Coming

With December here, we're starting to plan for winter break. And this year, we're determined to hit the snow.

There's something magical about watching your kid experience snow for the first time each season. The way they throw themselves into it without worrying about getting cold or wet. The pure joy of sledding down a hill, or attempting (and failing) to build a snowman.

But this year is different. This year, we're taking him to the mountains for snowboarding.

He's finally at the age where we can do this. And I'd be lying if I said I wasn't more excited than he is. There's something about introducing your kid to something you love, watching them figure it out, fall down, get back up, and eventually find their balance. That's the stuff. That's what it's all about.

For us, winter break isn't just about time off. It's about creating memories. Getting out of the house. Putting down the screens and strapping on the snow boots (and now, apparently, snowboard bindings).

Planning Winter Activities Just Got Easier

Speaking of winter plans, here's something I've been working on that I'm really excited about: I built a tool that scrapes local events happening in the NYC and NJ area.

Right now it's focused on our region, but the idea is simple. Parents shouldn't have to dig through ten different websites and Facebook groups just to find out what's happening this weekend. Holiday markets, winter festivals, kid-friendly events, family activities... it's all scattered everywhere.

This tool pulls it all together. So when you're trying to plan a weekend with the kids or figure out what to do during winter break, you've got options in one place. No more endless scrolling. No more missing out on events because you didn't hear about them until they were over.

I'm planning to implement it into the app this weekend. So if you're in the NYC or NJ area, keep an eye out. Soon you'll be able to open BUBS and see what's happening near you, right alongside the marketplace.

It's still early days, but this is exactly the kind of thing BUBS is evolving into. Not just a marketplace, but a resource for parents trying to navigate family life. Finding things to do. Finding gear you need. Finding your people.

Pro tip from a fellow parent: If you're planning winter activities with kids, start hunting for snow gear now. Kids grow fast, and those snow pants from last year? Probably don't fit anymore. Check what you have, check what you need, and plan accordingly.

This is exactly the kind of thing BUBS was built for, by the way. Seasonal gear that kids outgrow in a single season shouldn't cost a fortune every year. If your kid outgrew their snow boots, someone else's kid is probably the right size for them. And vice versa.

What's Ahead

As we head into the new year, here's what you can expect from BUBS:

More consistent content. Weekly blog posts are back on the schedule. Real parenting stories, practical tips, and honest conversations about the chaos of raising kids.

Platform improvements. We've been working behind the scenes, and some exciting updates are on the way. Better features, smoother experience, more ways to connect with other parents in your community.

Community focus. BUBS has always been about more than just trading items. It's about building a village. Connecting parents who get it. Supporting each other through the ups and downs of raising tiny humans.

Your Turn

I'd love to hear from you. What's been happening in your world? Are you team Elf on the Shelf or firmly anti-elf? Any winter break plans we should be jealous of?

Drop a comment below or find us on the app. Because at the end of the day, we're all just parents figuring this out together.

Thanks for sticking with us. We're just getting started.

Getting Ready for Winter?

The BUBS marketplace is here to help you find affordable winter gear for your growing kids. Snow suits, boots, sleds, and more, all from parents in your community who get it. Because kids grow fast and winter gear shouldn't break the bank.

Download the app and join the community of parents who support parents.

Building a community where parents support parents is what BUBS is all about. When we trade items our kids have outgrown, we're not just saving money—we're reducing waste, connecting with our neighbors, and creating a calmer, more intentional way to raise our families.