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Mother Essentials: Cat Deeley

Written by Katie Hintz-Zambrano

Today’s Mother Essentials subject might look familiar to the T.V. fans out there who have tuned into Cat Deeley as the Emmy-nominated host of the light-hearted reality competition So You Think You Can Dance for over 10 years now—in addition to dozens of other televised gigs. Now, with the release of her first children’s book, The Joy In You, the mother of two sons (Milo, 4, and James, 2), is hoping to gain some familiarity on your children’s bookshelf, too. Below, the U.K.-born entertainer, who just moved back home to London after spending years in L.A., breaks down her current must-haves.

Liberty Print PJs. “I have embraced the fact that sometimes I am still in my PJs at 10 a.m. So, if I’m going to be, let’s make them luxurious! When they are falling apart, my youngest, James, takes the ties from around the waistband as his lovey. Design-wise, usually I go for floral, slightly flamboyant, and very colorful. I’ve embraced my inner Hugh Hefner!” Pia Silk Charmeuse Pyjama Set, $545, Liberty London.

Popsicle Moulds. “This is a great way to get extra fruit and veggies into your little ones when they think they are having a treat. These are the perfect size for small people with little hands.” Lekue Stackable 4-Piece Popsicle Moulds, $16, Amazon.

Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream. “This is a wonder balm. It’s soothing, healing, and moisturizing. I’ve even used it on the boys. I use it for dry skin, cuticles, lip gloss, and highlighter.” Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream, $24, Ulta.

The Joy In You. “I wrote this book as a love letter to my boys. I can relate to feeling frazzled at the end of the day and too tired to think. I wanted to write a book that said everything I wanted to say when I couldn’t find the words.” The Joy In You, $17.47, Bookshop and Amazon.

Zara Kids. “My boys grow so quickly, I constantly have to replace their clothes. Zara makes affordable, adorable clothes. And the shoes are fantastic!” Zara.com.

Room Diffuser and Essential Oils. “Wherever I take my boys, their rooms always smell familiar and like home. I use lavender oil for sleep—I’m currently using the Whole Foods brand. I use eucalyptus if they have a cold and often use Olbas Oil to help the boys breath, especially when they’re congested. And I use thieves oil for flu season. The cleansing oil option from Thrive is a blend of clove oil, lemon oil, eucalyptus oil, and rosemary oil. It helps with germs and infection, especially colds.” Whole Foods 365 Everyday Value Lavender Essential Oil, $21.99, Amazon; Whole Foods 365 Everyday Value, Eucalyptus Essential Oil, $9.99, Amazon; Olbas Oil Aromatherapy Inhalant and Aromatic Massage Oil, $18.64, Amazon; Thrive Essentials Oils, $9.99, Thrive Market.

Under Armor + Yoga. “If I do manage to get out of my pajamas, I often wear Under Armor. Then, if I can find a spare 30 minutes, I can do some yoga. I have the most amazing teacher, Claire Grieve, who makes yoga fun, gives me a workout, and reminds me to breathe.” Mid Crossback Sports Bra, $26.99, Under Armour.

BBC Radio 2. “The radio is constantly on in our kitchen. This station fills me in on the news, plays great tracks, and reminds me of home!” BBC.com.

Clinique Take The Day Off Balm. “This balm instantly melts all make-up and then you simply wipe it away with a warm damp cloth. Super quick and super easy.” Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm, $31, Sephora.

Charlotte Tilbury’s Brightening Youth Glow. “My friend Charlotte has built an amazing company in just 8 years. It’s a testament to her products. This one makes your skin look great, when you don’t want to wear makeup.” Charlotte Tilbury Brightening Youth Glow Primer, $55, Nordstrom.

London Zoo Membership. “We go to the zoo all the time, my boys never tire of it. They love animals. Buying a membership also helps the ZSL funding.” ZSL.org.

Mustela Skin Freshener. “My sons have incredible hair, I can’t bear to cut it. This helps when I brush it in the morning and smells divine.” Mustela Baby Skin Freshener, $9, Target.

Anine Bing. “I love Anine’s style. She has two gorgeous children herself so she understands the need for functionality. All the clothes she makes are practical and super chic.” Etta Jean, $229, Anine Bing.

Collagen Inner Beauty Boost. “This strengthens your skin from within. It has also made my nails and hair so much stronger. I started using it after I had James and I have been very impressed.” The Beauty Chef Collagen Inner Beauty Boost. $25, SkinStore.

For more Mother Essentials, peep our past columns with Curasalve founder Kelley Williams, Trade Street Jam Co. founder Ashley Rouse, Weelicious and One Potato founder Catherine McCord, Milky Mama’s Krystal Nicole Duhaney, mega-influencer Chriselle Lim, Matana Organics founder Gabriela Babila, interior designer Susan Work, author Tiffany Dufu, Les Gamins founder Veronique Nguyen, Lonny editor Angela Tafoya, Wiley Body founder Vanessa Wade, DockATot’s Roma Patel, designers Anna WallackCynthia RowleyRebecca Atwood, and Dana HaimOlympian Alysia Montano, cookbook author Hetal Vasavada, model and muse Slick Woods, children’s author Serena Minott, clean living expert Kristian Henderson, Oakland retail queen Sherri McMullen, wellness influencer Joanne Encarnacion, author LaTonya Yvetteand many, many more!

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