Portable Motion Lights Hack

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"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.

Together with Money.com

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Mom's Mic: This Week’s Poll 🎤 

Poll Results From 2/14

How do you manage work-life balance?

🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Strict scheduling (8%)

🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ Childcare/Help from family (23%)

🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Flexible work hours (11%)

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 I'm a stay-at-home mom (37%)

🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ Still trying to figure it out (21%)

Mom’s Menu

🍝 Pasta with Creamy Zucchini Sauce

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

1. 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.

2. Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente.

3. Drain pasta, reserving some water, and return pasta to the pot.

4. After roasting, transfer vegetables to a blender. Add parmesan cheese and broth, then puree until smooth.

5. Toss the pureed sauce with pasta, adding reserved water as needed to loosen the sauce.

6. Serve topped with fresh black pepper and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

📌 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

Create a simple hand drum using everyday materials like a cereal box, yarn, and beads.

1. Cut the cardboard into a circle, then decorate the drum's sides with colorful tapes, stickers, or paint.

2. Attach two cardboard circles on either side of the drum ring with sticky tape.

3. Thread yarn through holes punched in the ring, adding beads for sound.

4. 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

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 🤣

🎁 Share The Mommy

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

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Answer

False. Baby walkers can actually hinder walking development and pose safety risks.