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11 Budget Winter Activities & Pumpkin Cookies Recipe

Author

Danielle Sexton
November 11, 2024

Together with

"Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations."

Morning, Momma Bear! Can you smell the promise of a new week? Or is that just the diapers? 🤔 No matter, because we have exciting tidbits to brighten your day!

Today’s Mommy scoop:

  • ❄️ 11 Budget-Friendly Winter Activities

  • 🍪 Pumpkin-Choco Cookies

  • 🍼 DIY Baby Milestone Blanket

Budget Diapers & College Dreams

11 Budget-Friendly Winter Fun with Kids

Winter's chill got your kids restless and longing for fun? Don’t fret, thrifty mama!

Here are 11 creative, cost-friendly ways to keep little hands busy and big smiles bright—no snow required.

Volunteering
Teach kindness and spread joy! Volunteering is free and lets little ones make a big difference. From soup kitchens to donating gently-used toys, these activities offer feel-good fun.

Paper Crafts
Bring out the scissors and glue! Paper crafts turn everyday items into endless fun, boosting creativity and fine motor skills along the way (plus, they make great fridge art!).

Game Night
Put away the screens and gather for family game night! Board games or puzzles offer hours of entertainment and brain-boosting fun. Finished puzzles? Frame them for an instant keepsake!

Outdoor Play (Snow or No-Snow)
If you’ve got snow, grab a sled! No snow? Head to the nearest park with a ball or frisbee. Fresh air, no matter the climate, is always a win.

Build a Fort (Inside or Out)
Snow forts if you’re lucky; pillow forts if you’re not! Grab blankets and pillows for a cozy indoor hideout or build with snow bricks outside. Kids love their own special space!

Cooking Together
Whip up treats together! Cookies, soups, or even homemade bread bring warmth to the kitchen. Cooking with kids is fun, builds skills, and fills your home with delicious smells.

Check Out Local Events
Winter often brings free or low-cost community events, from outdoor festivals to light displays. Watch for local listings to find new family favorites.

Go for a Hike (or Snowshoe!)
Take in nature on a nearby trail—whether walking or snowshoeing! Play "I spy" for animal tracks, birds, or unique winter scenery for a little extra adventure.

Try a Fat Tire Bike
For a memorable adventure, rent a "fat tire" bike. These sturdy bikes are perfect for snowy trails or just rugged terrain, giving your family an exciting, low-cost day out.

Build a Snowman (or Leaf Pile Person!)
Snowy weather? Create a snowman family. No snow? Build a leaf pile character with hats and scarves. Let their imagination lead the way!

Holiday Light Drive
Grab some hot cocoa and take a neighborhood drive to see holiday lights. Play festive music and enjoy this simple, magical winter tradition.

These 11 budget-friendly activities promise laughter, learning, and lots of memory-making, with or without snow.

So bundle up, make a plan, and enjoy some winter fun! ❄️☕🎄

Keep reading here.

Mom’s Field Guide

Say ohai to an AI assistant...and bye to parental overwhelm

  • Manage your family calendar and to-do list with AI.

  • Scan emails for key dates and to-dos.

  • Make meal plans and Instacart grocery lists.

Mom's Mic: This Week’s Poll 🎤 

What is your biggest parenting challenge?

-> Vote to reveal what other moms think

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Poll Results From 11/8

What is your go-to method for dealing with tantrums?

 🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ Ignore until they calm down (19%)

🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️ Distraction technique (32%)

🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Time-outs (8%)

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Discuss feelings and find solutions together (41%)

Featured Response 💬 

“We do both, distraction after we talk about feelings and why they are feeling the way they do. If that doesn't settle her down, we try to distract her with a game, song, petting the dog also helps her relax. Example .. I know you’re upset that we can't go to the park right now, we can go another day. But I think we can have fun doing----. Let's see if Rosie the dog wants to play in the back yard.”

- Community Mom

Love this approach! Acknowledging her feelings first is so powerful, and then offering a comforting distraction like Rosie the dog brings such a sweet, calming touch—sounds like you've found a wonderful balance. -Danielle 😊 

Mom’s Menu

Wholesome Pumpkin-Choco Cookies! 🍪🎃

Source: happykidskitchen

Craving a treat that's both yummy and a tad less guilty?

Dive into this easy-peasy pumpkin cookie recipe that's not just delightful but also dairy-free, egg-free, and can be tailored for your little ones' preferences!

Why You’ll Love It

  • 🍪 Nutty & Sweet: Maple syrup and almond butter add rich, natural sweetness.

  • 🍫 Perfectly Spiced: Classic fall spices blend perfectly with chocolate chips.

  • 🌾 Wholesome Ingredients: Made with whole grains and less sugar.

📝 Ingredients

  • 1 cup canned pumpkin

  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar (or mix of coconut sugar & maple syrup for unrefined option)

  • 1/2 cup avocado or vegetable oil

  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or a simple cinnamon mix)

  • 1 tsp cinnamon

  • 1/2 tsp fine salt

  • 1 tsp baking powder

  • 1/2 tsp baking soda

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (with gluten-free options)

  • 1/2 cup whole wheat flour (or more all-purpose)

  • 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips (dairy-free if you want!)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and line it up with parchment paper.

  2. Mix pumpkin and sugar well. Add in oil, vanilla, spices, salt, baking elements and give it a good whisk.

  3. Gently add in the flour. When almost mixed, throw in those yummy chocolate chips.

  4. Scoop dough, flatten slightly, and press a few extra chocolate chips on top.

  5. Bake for about 12-14 mins till the edges get a golden touch. Let it cool, and voila!

Source: happykidskitchen

📌 Note

Feel free to customize! Whether you're going gluten-free or introducing your kiddos to the wonders of pumpkin (yes, it's a veggie!), these cookies are a fun and versatile treat.

Perfect for fall or any surprise snack-time!

Oh, and don't forget to get the kids involved - from mixing to scooping, it's a bake-fest they'll love.

Happy baking! 💖🍪

Full recipe here.

Budget Diapers & College Dreams

Veterinary costs are up 60% over the past decade

Unexpected vet bills can be a financial burden, with some procedures costing $10,000+. Without coverage, you’d have to cover these expenses out of pocket.

Pet insurance could provide up to 90% reimbursement.

Daily DIY (Mom Side Hustle)

Baby Milestone Blanket (Make & Sell)

Source: by-pink

This DIY milestone blanket is a lovely baby gift and a great Etsy option!

Customize it with numbers, floral designs, or names using heat-transfer vinyl and a Cricut EasyPress.

  1. Design and cut numbers, letters, or graphics in Cricut Design Space.

  2. Arrange pieces on the blanket and press with the EasyPress at 330°F for 30 seconds.

  3. Flip and press for 15 seconds more, ensuring full adhesion.

Perfect for marking baby's monthly milestones, and it’s easy to customize for boys or girls. 😊

The tutorial is here.

Mom’s Choice

😅 We all know the struggle of trying to get a temperature reading from a squirmy toddler, right?

With just a quick point and click, you’ve got the readings you need—without the usual wrestling match.

✨ It’s also a multitasker—checking milk, room, or bath water temperatures too.

No more chasing the kiddos around when you suspect a fever is brewing!

Non Contact Forehead Thermometer

  • Multipurpose Usage: It can measure surface and room temperatures too

  • Quick Readings: Within a second, you get accurate temperature readings.

  • Contactless Convenience: Being able to take accurate temperature readings without physical contact is a huge plus

Game

Parenting Pop Quiz

What is a common sign of a toddler ready for potty training?
(Answer below)

A) Staying dry for longer periods

B) Showing interest in the toilet

C) Disliking dirty diapers

D) Following simple instructions

E) Asking for privacy when changing diapers

Mom’s Meme 🤣

Answer

A) Staying dry for longer periods

Reply

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