Pause & Play

A weekly pause for Sioux Falls parents raising wild little hearts

Kyle Nelson
May 30, 2025

Hello again, friend

The school year is officially over.

And if you’re anything like us, your house is now running on vibes, snacks, and the occasional popsicle stuck to the floor.

The structure is gone. The days feel longer. And everyone’s trying to figure out what this new rhythm feels like without the pressure to get it right immediately.

This issue isn’t about planning your whole summer.

It’s about soft resets, small anchors, and letting this in-between season be gentle on them and on you.

You’re not behind. You’re right on time.

Play

Local Lowdown: Library Reset

Family Storytime + Explore at Prairie West Library

When: Thursday @ 10:15 AM
Where: 7630 W 26th St, Sioux Falls
Why: Books and songs, then open play with blocks, puppets, and puzzles
Bring: A snack, a travel mug, and summer-mindset flexibility

No RSVP. No pressure. Just AC, stories, and a soft landing into the week.

❝

Some of the best adventures start with a library card and no real plan.

Play Pick of the Week: M Tonies Carrying Case — $18.99

Let the chaos be contained.

This soft felt case organizes your Toniebox, characters, and accessories in one go with spots for every little figure that somehow always ends up under the couch.

Perfect for car rides, café mornings, or your kid’s new “I want to bring everything” summer phase.

Amazon.com : PISOSN Carrying Case for Toniebox Starter Set and Tonies Figurines, Travel Felt Cloth Musical Toy Folding Bag for Toniebox Accessories (Blue) : Electronics

amzn.to/4k4lM1R

Pause

Bean Break

Summer routines don’t have to be complicated or consistent.

It’s okay if bedtime slides because the sun’s still up. If lunch happens at 2 because morning felt too good to rush. If your planned activities become “let’s see what happens.”

This season isn’t about optimizing.

Let the day unfold. Let them explore. Let yourself breathe.

The Pause Point - Micro Reset

“Pick One Anchor, and only one”

Not a full routine. Just one steady thing while everything else finds its summer rhythm.

One snack you always prep
One outdoor moment, rain or shine
One chore that grounds you

Keep that one. Let the rest wiggle.

Parent Pick of the week: Tiered Wall Hanging Propagation Planter — $14.99

Because even parents deserve something beautiful to look at.

This wooden hanging planter holds test tubes for propagating plant cuttings; low effort, high reward. Hang it in a sunny corner and let slow growth feel like success.

It’s calm, it’s intentional, and it doesn’t yell at you from across the room.

Amazon.com: Hiuxume 2 Tiered Wall Hanging Planter, Wooden Stand with Glass Planter Test Tube Vase for Hydroponic Plant Propagation, Perfect for Indoor and Outdoor Decor : Patio, Lawn & Garden

amzn.to/4dGlIUh

Cafe Corner

A quick behind-the-scenes update:

We’ve officially brought on a marketing team to help us scale Branch & Bean before we open our doors. Their support will help us secure funding, fine-tune our launch plan, and build the kind of momentum this space truly deserves.

It’s a big step and one we’re excited about.

Our goal has always been more than just opening.

We’re building something lasting, something grounded, and something that serves this community well.

If you know someone who should be part of this vision—whether as a partner, supporter, or investor—feel free to send them our way. We’re just getting started.

With love and (hopefully hot) coffee

Gin & Evie

Branch & Bean