Together with
"I am proud of many things in life but nothing beats being a mother."
Morning Mama! It’s Monday, aka the day you regret not meal-prepping yesterday. But it’s fine, we’ll wing it. Grab your coffee, and let’s get to it!
Today’s Mommy scoop:
🚪 Rubber Bands: Stop Locked Doors
🍓 Strawberry Aliens: Healthy & Cute
☕ Popsicle Stick Hot Cocoa Mugs
Denim, patches, and playful vibes—Platoon Kids’ new drop is adorable.
Mom Hack
Keep Doors From Locking With Rubber Bands
Source: thekrazycouponlady
Mom Hack
Loop a rubber band around both handles so the latch can’t click shut.
It keeps the door closed but impossible to lock. Great for potty-training when kids love slamming doors behind them.
Also handy for the early “privacy” phase when they still need eyes nearby.
Simple, cheap, and saves you from accidental lockouts. 🙂
Together with Platoon Kids
Playful Pieces for Little Ones
If you’re looking for something fun for the kids this season, Platoon Kids has a new merch line full of personality.
Think denim, bright colors, and playful little details kids love to wear.
And their patches?
Such a cute tiny surprise to tuck into a stocking. 🎁
Platoon Kids is also the kids and family division of the Grammy-winning Platoon label.
So everything connects back to a world of kid-safe, feel-good music you can trust.
Their holiday releases are so adorable.
“Shake Your Snowglobe” from Growin’ Up Holiday Vol. 2, is a favorite right now.
It’s festive, cheerful, and perfect for a quick dance break. ❄️✨
Mom's Mic: This Week’s Poll 🎤
What's your biggest challenge when it comes to family budgeting?
Poll Results From 12/5
How confident are you in managing your child's technology use?
🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ Very confident (25%)
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Somewhat confident (48%)
🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Not very confident (21%)
⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Not at all confident (6%)
Featured Response 💬
“I'm pretty lucky, in the terms of knowing what my kids are doing on their various electronics. I work for a telecommunications company that covers home and cellular devices. So I definitely know the ins and outs of all the devices. My husband is a gamer so he can handle that side of tech. And we have a very open relationship with them. They know what they're allowed to do (group chat while playing games as an example. Or not allowed to do (chatting on Roblox) and they know Mama and Dad are allowed to look through their devices if needed. Trust goes both ways, and they know the consequences if they break that trust”
I love how you and your husband balance the tech stuff together, and the open conversations you have with your kids is exactly what makes all the screen-time rules actually work. -Danielle 😊
Mom’s Menu
Strawberry Aliens: Fun & Healthy! 🍓👽
Source: weelicious
Ever felt the cringe at the sight of too much sugar at kids' bake sales? Me too!
But here's a refreshing twist - Strawberry Aliens. 😊
These cute, healthy, and absolutely adorable treats are not only lower on sugar but are a hit with the kiddos!
📝 Ingredients
1/2 cup whipped light cream cheese
2 teaspoons strawberry preserves
1-quart large strawberries (about 24)
48 mini chocolate chips
Blueberries, raspberries, blackberries
Pineapples (cut into small shapes)
Toothpicks
👩🍳 Instructions
In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese and strawberry preserves. Spoon it into a plastic bag, snip one end to make a mini piping bag.
Flatly slice the strawberry base to let it stand.
Carve a tiny notch on top of each strawberry, fill it with cream cheese mix.
Add 2 chocolate chips on the cream cheese to craft eyes.
Insert toothpicks on top of the strawberries, then skewer with berries & pineapples to fashion antennas.
📌 Note
These fruity aliens aren't just treats.
Watch your kids' eyes light up as they design their very own edible extraterrestrials.
Happy crafting, mama! 💕🍓
Full recipe here.
Daily DIY (Kids Edition)
Popsicle Stick Hot Chocolate Mug
Source: gluedtomycraftsblog
Nothing screams winter like hot chocolate!
Help your kids craft a spill-proof, festive hot chocolate mug with jumbo popsicle sticks and some paint.
Finish with a cute handle, cotton ball marshmallows, and perhaps a snowflake sticker!
The tutorial is here.
Mom’s Choice
I've been portioning out servings of purees and baby foods, and let me tell you, it's a game changer!
No more scrambling during meal times. Just pop out a serving, and voila, meal is served.
Easy Release Flexible Silicone Mold
Meal Prep Magic: This silicone mold is perfect for portioning out baby foods and purees
Safe & Reusable: Made from BPA-free silicone
Versatile: Beyond baby foods, it's also great for making ice cubes or even little treats
Game
Mama Knows Best: True or False?
Children should switch to a forward-facing car seat around 12-14 months old.
(Answer below)
A) True
B) False
Mom’s Meme 🤣
Answer
B) False - It's safer for them to remain rear-facing for as long as possible, at least until age 2.