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Pause & Play #002
A weekly pause for Sioux Falls parents raising wild little hearts
Kyle Nelson
May 08, 2025
Hello friend,
This week’s issue celebrates small wins.
Not the big life-changing stuff—just the kind that buys you a quiet moment, a little more space in your day, or one less mess to clean up.
As Mother’s Day approaches, we wanted to send a different kind of appreciation.
Not the flowers-and-brunch version (though we support both)—but the kind that says we see you in the in-betweens.
The showing up. The recalibrating. The holding it all.
You’re doing it. And we’re glad to be in your inbox while you do.
Play
Local Lowdown:
Skate City | Free for Moms – Saturday, May 11 | 12–6 PM
If you’re looking for something light this weekend—this might be it.
Skate City is offering free admission for moms on Saturday. No fanfare, no RSVP. Just a chance to move, laugh, or watch your kids wear themselves out under disco lights.
Where: 2901 W. Third St.
Admission: Free for moms | $9 for others
Skate rental: $4
Bring: Socks, a snack, and zero expectations
Play Pick of the Week:
Play Pick of the Week
Crayola Color Wonder Mess-Free Coloring Set – ~$14
Because markers on the wall aren’t the vibe.
This set’s magic markers only work on the included paper—so your kid’s next masterpiece won’t end up on your beige couch.
It’s quiet, clean, and calm.
Perfect for café mornings, car rides, or “please just sit here for five minutes” moments.
Pause
Bean Break
Some things won’t get done this weekend. And that’s especially true when you’re the one usually doing them.
The laundry might sit. The dishes might pile. The group text might go unanswered.
That doesn’t mean you’re behind—it just means you’re human.
And if someone offers you rest this weekend, take it.
Not because it’s Mother’s Day,
But because you don’t need a holiday to deserve a break.
The Pause Point - The Calm Voice Shortcut
Say this to yourself before you respond:
Lower and slower.
Not every moment needs a lecture.
Sometimes just lower your voice and slow your pace—and everything else softens with it.
Parent Pick of the week: TORRAS Shockproof iPhone Case – ~$29
Minimal, protective, and soft to the touch—this is the phone case you get when you’re over the loud patterns and bulky grip rings.
It’s slim but sturdy, has a velvety matte feel, and comes in calm colors like Clay Green and Soft Purple.
Because sometimes, the upgrade you need is the one in your back pocket.
Cafe Corner
This week we are sending out term sheets to our early investors
Our Kickstarter will be starting this Saturday, keep a look out in our next newsletter for the link! We are so excited to share our venture with you.
Until next week,
Forward this to a friend who needs a mess-free art project, a better water bottle, and a reminder they’re doing enough.
With love and (hopefully hot) coffee
Gin & Evie
Branch & Bean
