Pack N Play Outdoor Hack

Author

Danielle Sexton
September 01, 2025

"If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way."

-Martin Luther King Jr.

Happy Labor Day, Mama! Pour that cup of ambition and let’s kick this week off with an assortment of tidbits that'll make you the neighborhood guru on all things "Mom."

Today’s Mommy scoop:

  • 🌞 Outdoor Pack N Play Hack

  • 🥒 Zucchini Fritters

  • 🛍️ DIY Chic Wreaths to Sell (or Keep!)

Mom Hack

Bug-Free Outdoor Playpen Hack

Source: littlebabywatson

Mom Hack

Want to take your little one outside but keep the sun and bugs at bay?

Just move the playpen outdoors and stretch a fitted sheet over the top. Instant shade. Instant bug barrier.

Your baby gets fresh air, you get peace of mind.

Make it extra cozy:

  • Toss in a soft blanket or favorite toy.

  • Bring out a few safe snacks or a sippy cup.

  • Add a book for some quiet outdoor story time.

✨Pro Tip: Use a light-colored sheet on hot days to keep things cooler, or a darker one if you want a bit more shade for nap-friendly vibes.

And the best part? While your little one is happily playing, you can garden, sip your coffee, or finally sit down for a minute. 🙌

Free Resource

Wish chores could do themselves? 

Our chart gets kids excited to help out, cutting down on your stress and upping their pride.

Just download now, customize, and let the fun begin.

Mom's Mic: This Week’s Poll 🎤 

How much daily outdoor playtime do you aim for with your children?

-> Vote to reveal what other moms think

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Poll Results From 8/29

How do you introduce your kids to the concept of chores and responsibility?

🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ Assign age-appropriate chores (26%)

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Lead by example, they help me with my chores (51%)

⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Make it a game or challenge (7%)

🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ We have not introduced chores yet (16%)

Featured Response 💬 

"We use a chore chart, but every chore is assigned a 'monetary value,' and when each chore is completed, the kids get the value earned in Monopoly money. The prizes when the kids were little were dinner out alone with Mom or Dad, a campout in the living room with Dad, and playing video games all night—easy, fun stuff for littles. But now that the kids are mostly older (7 kids ages 10, 17, 18, 19, 23, 27, 28) and out of the house for the most part, the youngest gets allowance based on chore money redeemed. And he gets to save for fun stuff, like an all-night video game party with Dad."

- Community Mom

Seven kids, mama—you’ve totally crushed it (and I love how you’ve kept it fun through all the different ages and stages!). - Danielle 😊 

Mom’s Menu

Zesty Zucchini Fritters 🥒🥳

healthylittlefoodies

These Zucchini Fritters are a great way to sneak some veggies into your kids' meals.

They're crispy on the outside, tender inside, and packed with fresh herbs for extra flavor.

❤️ Why You’ll Love It

  • 🥒 Perfect for Picky Eaters: A fun and tasty way to serve veggies.

  • 🍋 Fresh & Zesty: Lemon zest and herbs add a bright, refreshing taste.

  • 🧑‍🍳 Versatile & Easy: Enjoy as a snack, side dish, or light meal.

📝 Ingredients

  • 500g zucchini (about 3 medium)

  • ¼ cup chopped parsley

  • ¼ cup chopped mint

  • Zest of 1 lemon

  • 1 egg, whisked

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour

  • 1 tbsp avocado oil

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Grate those zucchinis and wrap 'em up in a clean dish towel or nut bag. Squeeze away to get rid of as much water as you can.

  2. Combine zucchini, parsley, mint, lemon zest, and egg in a large mixing bowl. Give it a good stir.

  3. Sprinkle in the flour and stir until it's just mixed in. The batter will be nice and thick.

  4. Time to season! Just remember, if you're serving to your little one, you might want to skip the salt.

  5. Scoop out ¼ cup of the mixture and form into a little patty, about 1cm (⅓ inch) thick. You should get about seven to eight patties from this.

  6. Heat up that oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Pop half the fritters in the pan and cook for roughly 3 mins on each side. Watch the heat and lower it if they're browning too quickly. Repeat with the remaining fritters.

healthylittlefoodies

📌 Notes

  • You can replace the egg with a Flax Egg! If your fritter mixture ends up too dry, add a bit (½ - 1 tablespoon) of zucchini juice to the mix.

  • Try chickpea flour instead of regular. Using almond flour? Add an extra egg.

  • Use any oil; non-stick pans need less.

  • Squeeze out zucchini liquid to avoid soggy fritters—save the juice for sauces or smoothies!

Full recipe here.

Daily DIY (Mom Side Hustle)

Stylish Wreaths (Make and Sell)

missiontosave

Want a front door upgrade that’s budget-friendly and adorable?

This rustic wreath is simple to make and can even turn into a little side hustle on Etsy or at a local market.

Steps to Make It:

  1. Start with a plain wreath base.

  2. Cut fabric + burlap strips, then crisscross wrap & glue.

  3. Cinch with hemp cord in an “X.”

  4. Add a pretty flower embellishment.

  5. Tie on a hanger & display proudly!

✨ Easy to customize for seasons or gifts too.

The tutorial is here.

Mom’s Choice

Traveling with kids usually means total suitcase chaos.

These packing cubes keep everything neat, tidy, and stress-free. No more digging through piles just to find that one tiny sock.

Pair them with custom labels for each cube so everyone knows what’s theirs 🧳.

✈️ 8 Set Packing Cubes

  • Organization: These cubes keep everything tidy and easy to find.

  • Space-saving: More room for your little one's favorite toys or that extra outfit.

  • Durability: These cubes are built to last.

Game

Parenting Pop Quiz

How many words should a two-year-old child be able to say? (Answer below)

A) 50 words

B) 100 words

C) 200 words

D) 300 words

E) Enough to negotiate their candy intake

Mom’s Meme 🤣

🎁 Share The Mommy

Share The Mommy with friends & family, get free stuff, and feel the joy of growing a community where every mom helps another.

It’s like swapping secrets over playdates, but better. 😊 

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Answer

C) 200 words

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