Oct 3, 2026 · 4 min listen · Last updated October 3, 2026
From storyflo. This is your daily audio brief. Chloe here. October 3rd. Health and longevity in ten — let's begin with what changed my mind this week. Let's get into it. First, from COFFEE + CRUMBS. For Those Who Come Next.
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Daily Parenting Brief · October 3rd
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For Those Who Come Next
The article reflects on the journey of motherhood through the lens of a woman who started as a lonely new mom. She describes her struggles with her first child, feeling isolated without the support of family nearby. Discovering a local moms’ club became a turning point, offering her camaraderie and understanding. As time passed, she and her friends transitioned into leadership roles within the club, creating a nurturing environment for new moms. The piece poignantly acknowledges how life changes, but the essence of community remains. Now, as her children grow older, she encourages the next generation of moms, reminding them that they’re ready to step into those supportive roles. It’s a heartfelt message about connection, growth, and the cyclical nature of motherhood.
How well do you know the history of standardized testing?
Standardized testing has a long and evolving history in the U.S., marked by six key milestones. It all began in the early 20th century with the introduction of intelligence testing, which aimed to assess cognitive abilities. This set the stage for more structured assessments in education.
In the 1920s, the SAT emerged as a tool for college admissions, designed to measure students' readiness for higher education. The ACT followed in the 1950s, focusing more on what students learned in high school rather than just their aptitude. These tests became staples in the college application process, shaping how students viewed their academic journeys.
The 1960s and 70s saw growing criticism of these tests, particularly around issues of equity and access. This led to movements advocating for alternative assessments that could better reflect diverse student backgrounds and learning styles. In recent years, many colleges have started to adopt test-optional policies, recognizing that standardized tests may not be the best indicators of a student's potential.
As we look to the future, the conversation continues about the role of standardized testing in education. With ongoing debates about fairness and effectiveness, it’s clear that this topic will remain relevant as we seek to create a more inclusive and equitable educational landscape.
The Sicilian Inheritance is on sale for just $1.99 on Kindle, so if you haven’t picked it up yet, now’s a good time. Also, if you enjoyed The Parisian Heist, it would really help if you could leave a review on Amazon and share it with a friend.
Tonight, the author will be at The Bookshelf on Church in Kilnarock, VA, inviting people to stop by and hang out. And there’s more—she’ll be visiting the DC/Virginia area soon, so keep an eye out for details on that event. Sounds like a great chance to connect!
The article shares a personal reflection on the importance of authenticity in consumer choices, particularly in baby products. The author recalls how the baby aisle used to be bland and uninspired, prompting her to ask whether there’s a real person behind the products she buys. This perspective stems from her background in luxury fashion, where she learned to value the story and care behind items.
She highlights Lambs & Ivy, a California-based company founded by Barbara Laiken and Cathy Ravdin in 1979, which broke the mold of the baby market by introducing colorful, imaginative designs. Their journey began with a simple rainbow quilt, and they’ve since created beloved products that resonate with families. The founders emphasize the importance of community and family values in their work culture, which has helped them thrive, especially with the support of platforms like Amazon that allow them to reach a wider audience. Their commitment to staying rooted in California reflects their dedication to quality and local craftsmanship.
Canasta, a card game with roots in Uruguay, has been a staple in Jewish American culture since the 1950s, especially among women. Dara Collins and Donna Miller-Small are now promoting it even further with their new online class, "Intro to Canasta," starting October 13, 2026. They’ve also released a comprehensive guide, “Modern American Canasta,” which aims to teach the game and its strategies.
The game involves four players in two teams, aiming to score 8,500 points by forming melds and canastas. Unlike mah jongg, canasta requires just two decks of cards and is more accessible for beginners. Collins and Miller-Small believe the game is seeing a resurgence as people seek more social, screen-free activities. If you’re interested, they suggest checking out RealCanasta.com for online play options.