"Mothers are like glue. Even when you can't see them, they're still holding the family together."
- Susan Gale
Good Morning Mommy! Friday's here, ready to jump into the weekend with fresh tricks and cozy eats?
Today’s Mommy scoop:
❄️ Freeze Stuffed Animals to Kill Dust Mites
🧀 Roasted Garlic & Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
🍂 DIY Leaf Stamping Fall Tree
Mom Hack
Freeze Difficult-To-Wash Stuffed Animals and Pillows to Kill Dust Mites or Pests
Source: thekrazycouponlady
Mom Hack
Got a beloved stuffie that’s not machine washable?
Pop it in a freezer bag and freeze for at least 24 hours to kill dust mites and other pests.
It’s an easy, no-wash solution to keep their favorite snuggle buddy clean and fresh!
Mom's Mic: This Week’s Poll 🎤
How often do you cook meals at home each week?
Poll Results From 11/26
Which educational activity does your child enjoy the most?
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Reading books (40%)
🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Arts and Crafts (14%)
🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ Science experiments (23%)
🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ Outdoor learning activities (20%)
⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Digital educational games (3%)
Featured Response 💬
“My son is a big reader even at the age of two he constantly wants to read books. We always read to him and we have books with a chair set up in both his bedroom and our living room so they are always accessible. We also do monthly trips to the library.”
That’s awesome! Sounds like you’ve really set him up to fall in love with books, and it’s so fun when they start choosing reading all on their own. -Danielle 😊
Mom’s Menu
Roasted Garlic and Cauliflower Mac and Cheese🧀🥦
Source: happykidskitchen
Imagine a Mac & Cheese that's not just a treat for your tastebuds, but also packed with veggies.
Let's dive into this healthier, roasted garlic and cauliflower version that even the kids will adore! 💛
❤ Why You’ll Love It
🧄 Garlicky Goodness: Roasted garlic adds depth to this creamy dish.
🌱 Veggie-Packed: Cauliflower boosts nutrition without sacrificing flavor.
🧀 Cheesy Comfort: Creamy, melted cheese for ultimate coziness.
📝Ingredients
3 to 4 large garlic cloves (not peeled)
1 small cauliflower (in small florets)
2 tsp olive oil
Kosher salt
8 ounces pasta (shells, fusilli, elbow or your fav!)
3/4 cup milk (your choice)
1/4 cup cream cheese (or non-dairy alternative)
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional, but oh so creamy!)
👩🍳Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F. Prep a sheet pan with parchment paper.
Toss garlic & cauliflower with olive oil and salt on the sheet pan. Roast until golden, about 25-30 minutes.
While they’re roasting, get your pasta cooked and ready.
After roasting, peel garlic and blend with cauliflower, milk, and cream cheese until you get a creamy sauce. Season as needed.
Pour the sauce over your cooked pasta, mix well, and heat a little if needed.
Optional: To make Baked Mac & Cheese, transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle cheese, and broil until browned. Yum!
Source: happykidskitchen
📌Note
Go dairy-free! Opt for unsweetened almond milk and cheese alternatives like Kite Hill or Daiya.
Boost it with Banza chickpea pasta or toss spaghetti in the sauce with some Parmesan.
Want more veggies? Add peas, broccoli, or even leftover roasted cauliflower!
Remember: Golden-brown roasting is the secret for that intensified flavor kids love.
There you have it, mama! A delightful twist to the classic Mac & Cheese.
Perfect for those days when you want comfort food but with a healthier edge.
Enjoy and let those kiddos dig in! 💖🍴🥳
Full recipe here.
Daily DIY (Kids Edition)
Leaf Stamping Fall Tree
Source: craftymorning
This craft turns a toilet paper roll into a stamp for making bright, fall-themed artwork.
Flatten a toilet paper roll slightly, then pinch one end into a leaf shape.
Dip the leaf-shaped roll end into fall-colored paints like red, orange, and yellow.
Stamp leaf shapes around a tree trunk drawn or painted on paper.
Add details like branches or extra leaves with markers or paint.
Kids will love seeing the fall tree come to life with their own stamped leaves! 😊
The tutorial is here.
Mom’s Choice
📖 I’m usually an audiobook gal, but The Nightingale had me hooked to the pages.
The blend of historical truth within a captivating story was truly something special.
It’s a lovely escape, worth every minute. 😊
The Nightingale
Engrossing: The story is a heartfelt tribute to the unsung heroes of WWII
Educational: Unveils a chapter of history through a beautifully woven narrative
Thought-Provoking: It’s a tale that lingers, prompting reflection on the resilience and courage of women during harsh times.
Game
Mama Knows Best: True or False?
Babies can see colors as well as adults can from birth.
(Answer below)
A) True
B) False
Mom’s Meme 🤣
Answer
B) False - They begin to see colors around 3 to 4 months of age.