Together with
"Biology is the least of what makes someone a mother."
- Oprah Winfrey
Monday again? Already? If the weekend flew by and you’re questioning reality, same. Let’s make the week easier with smart lights, a sneaky veggie pasta, and a craft that might keep them entertained.
Today’s Mommy scoop:
💡 Light Up the Night Hack
🍝 Pasta with Creamy Zucchini Sauce
🥁 DIY Hand Drum Craft
Mom Hack
Portable Motion Sensor Lights
Mom Hack
Consider installing motion sensor lights or night lights in hallways, staircases, or beside your child's bed.
These lights are not only helpful in illuminating paths at night, but they're also detachable, allowing your kids to use them as portable night lights whenever they need a bit of comfort in the dark.
Healthy Habits
Feel Better, Without Overthinking It
Most of us don’t need a complicated routine. We just want to feel good, stay energized, and not think too hard about it.
AG1 Next Gen is a clinically studied daily health drink that supports gut health, helps fill common nutrient gaps, and supports steady energy. One scoop in cold water replaces a multivitamin, probiotics, and more, so your routine stays simple.
Start your mornings with AG1 and get 3 FREE AG1 Travel Packs, 3 FREE AGZ Travel Packs, and FREE Vitamin D3+K2 in your Welcome Kit with your first subscription.
Mom's Mic: This Week’s Poll 🎤
Which holiday is most cherished in your family?
Poll Results From 2/13
How do you celebrate your child's achievements?
🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Small family gathering (12%)
🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Giving a special gift (18%)
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Verbal praise or a certificate (67%)
⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ We don't make a big deal out of it (4%)
Featured Response 💬
“Depends on the achievement. Usually it’s verbal praise but reaching milestones gets her a special little gift… usually something from dollar tree that she gets to pick out ♥️”
I love that mix of heartfelt praise and a little “you did it!” Dollar Tree pick. - Danielle 😊
Mom’s Menu
🍝 Pasta with Creamy Zucchini Sauce
skinnytaste
This Pasta with Creamy Zucchini Sauce recipe is a fantastic meatless main dish that's both healthy and delicious. 😊
The roasted zucchini creates a creamy, indulgent sauce without using any actual cream!
❤ Why You'll Love It
🥒 Packed with nutritious zucchini and broth.
🍝 Easy to make with simple prep and quick cooking time.
📝 Ingredients
1 medium onion, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
6 cloves garlic, smashed
24 ounces zucchini, skin on, cut into 1/4-inch slices (3 to 4 medium)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 pound pasta (cavatappi, fusilli, or rigatoni)
👩🍳 Instructions
Toss zucchini, garlic, onion, olive oil, salt, and pepper together, then spread on a sheet pan. Roast at 425°F for about 25 minutes, until tender and browned, tossing halfway through.
Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente.
Drain pasta, reserving some water, and return pasta to the pot.
After roasting, transfer vegetables to a blender. Add parmesan cheese and broth, then puree until smooth.
Toss the pureed sauce with pasta, adding reserved water as needed to loosen the sauce.
Serve topped with fresh black pepper and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
skinnytaste
📌 Note
Substitute zucchini with yellow squash or use both.
Opt for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.
Add extra vegetables like tomatoes or proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp.
Garnish with fresh basil or mozzarella cheese.
Full recipe here.
Daily DIY (Kids Edition)
DIY Hand Drum Craft
handsonaswegrow
Create a simple hand drum using everyday materials like a cereal box, yarn, and beads.
Cut the cardboard into a circle, then decorate the drum's sides with colorful tapes, stickers, or paint.
Attach two cardboard circles on either side of the drum ring with sticky tape.
Thread yarn through holes punched in the ring, adding beads for sound.
Finish by attaching a pencil or stick as a handle to complete the drum.
This craft encourages creativity and musical exploration. 😊
The tutorial is here.
Mom’s Choice
🥣 This silicone pouch lid is a game-changer for moms tired of cleaning spills from every surface.
It’s designed to encourage baby-led weaning and make feeding time a lot less stressful (and a lot less messy!).
SoftSip Food Pouch Top
Mess-Free: Flow-control valve prevents spills from pouches.
Gum Safe: Soft silicone protects tender gums from hard plastic.
Versatile: Fits most store-bought and reusable food pouches.
Game
Mama Knows Best: True or False?
Using a baby walker typically helps a child learn to walk faster.
(Answer below)
A) True
B) False
Mom’s Meme 🤣
Answer
False. Baby walkers can actually hinder walking development and pose safety risks.