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Less Toys, More Fun: Save Money & Boost Kids' Creativity
"Kindness is never wasted."
Hey Mom! Happy Hump Day! If you're sipping cold coffee and your kids are painting the walls with ketchup—this one's for you! 😅
Today’s Mommy scoop:
Save money, spark joy: Less toys, more fun!
Mom hack: Make a mother's milk popsicle!
Oven-baked grilled cheese magic!
DIY fabric pumpkins: no sewing!
Little Scholars & Growing Giggles
Less Toys, More Fun: Save Money and Boost Creativity
Hey there Moms, buried under a mountain of toys?
What if a little toy detox could make you and your mini-me happier?
Let's unpack this toy story!
The Magic of Less
Bridget Shirvell bought her 3-year-old only 4 toys. Yup, just four!
She wanted to save money and be good to the planet.
The bonus? Her kiddo got super creative with less.
Pro Tip: Rotate existing toys in and out of storage. It makes old toys feel new again, and keeps your kiddo's imagination buzzing.
Big City, Small Space
Bridget lived in a shoebox in New York. Space was limited, and she didn't want to cram it with baby gear.
Plus, when your baby's crib is a hop and a skip away, who needs high-tech gadgets?
Space Saver: Ever try vertical storage solutions? Wall-mounted toy bins or hanging pocket organizers can free up floor space while keeping favorite playthings within reach.
No to Plastic, Yes to Heirlooms
Plastic toys don't last and aren't eco-friendly. Bridget opts for wooden or fabric toys.
Come Christmas, she even "regifted" a teddy bear from her own childhood.
Green Tip: DIY toy cleaning spray—mix water, white vinegar, and a dash of lavender oil. It keeps those long-lasting wooden toys fresh and germ-free.
Happy Moms, Focused Kids
With fewer toys, there's less to clean up and more peace of mind. Kids also focus better with fewer distractions.
Mom Hack: Create a toy “library” system. Your kids can “check out” a toy for a limited time, then “return” it and get a new one. Keeps them engaged and teaches responsibility!
Your Game Plan
Ready to cut back? Here’s your action list:
Reject plastic toys with a polite, “No, thank you.”
Let a toy craving simmer for a week before you act.
Scout toy swaps or second-hand finds online or among friends.
Final Thought
Pressing "skip" on that online toy store might be the new self-care.
It can put money back in your wallet, make room in your living space, and turn your little one into an imagination wizard.
So, before you cave into another "must-have" toy, remember: the magic might just be in the cardboard box it comes in. 📦
Keep reading here.
Mom's Mic: This Week’s Poll
How do you manage work-life balance?-> Vote to reveal what other moms think |
Poll Results From 9/11
How often do you read to your child?
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Daily (47%)
🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ A few times a week (29%)
⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Occasionally (6%)
🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ They prefer to read on their own (18%)
Mom Hack
Create a mother’s milk popsicle
Source: anwjohnston
Mom Hack
Craft the perfect teething remedy by freezing pacifiers in breast milk ice cube trays.
Just pop one out when your baby needs relief.
Mom’s Menu
Grilled Cheese in the Oven 🍞🧀
Ever tried making grilled cheese for a small army of hungry little ones, and thought there has to be a better way?
Say goodbye to that pan-flipping workout and hello to the dreamy ease of oven-grilled cheese sandwiches.
That's right, oven magic!
Let’s dive into this mouth-watering shortcut.
Ingredients 📝
For each munch-worthy sandwich:
2 slices of bread
Butter, for that golden spread
¼ cup of cheddar cheese
¼ cup of mozzarella cheese, for that melt-in-your-mouth feel
Instructions 👩🍳
Get that oven roaring to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. The hotter, the toastier!
Butter up those bread slices. Slap one slice, butter-side down, on your baking sheet.
Now, here comes the cheesy waterfall. Sprinkle on your shredded cheddar and mozzarella. Top it off with the other bread slice, butter-side up.
Pop them in for 6 minutes, then flip those bad boys for another 6 minutes. If they're playing hard to get and not browning, just give them a minute more on each side.
Note 📌
Want to jazz up your sandwiches?
Think about smoked gouda with fig jam for a posh feel.
Or get inspired by a spinach artichoke dip and sandwich it between those slices.
Brie with apple slices? Oh la la!
How about an avocado grilled cheese sandwich?
Oh, and if you're planning on turning this into a full-blown meal, think fresh green salads, maybe a pear or pomegranate salad, or dive into a warm bowl of classic tomato soup.
With this oven magic trick up your sleeve, dinner just got a whole lot easier (and cheesier!).
Keep rockin' the kitchen! 🎸🍽️
Full Recipe here.
Daily DIY (Fall Edition)
No-Sew Fabric Pumpkins on a Painted Board
Hey moms, Fall is here, and you know what that means—pumpkin everything!
No sewing needed, just some fabric and a hot glue gun.
Start by painting a wood board any light color you like.
Let it dry while you sip on that much-needed coffee.
Cut fabric into strips and give them a twist.
Glue them onto the board in a cute pumpkin shape.
For a stem, cut a small piece of board, paint it brown, and glue it on top.
Add a twisty wire for that extra wow factor.
Your little ones will love it, and so will you!
The tutorial is here.
Mom’s Choice
These scrunchies are my go-to hair accessory. They're gentle on my hair and come in such cute colors.
Plus, they're perfect for those days when I need to throw my hair up and focus on the little ones.
It's a small thing, but they make my mom-life a bit more stylish. 💁♀️
Kitsch Scrunchies
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Game
Tiny Faces, Big Names
This Easter bunny would grow up to be the king of dinosaurs. Who is it?
(Answer below)
Mom’s Meme 🤣
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Answer
It's Chris Pratt!
Reply