"Life is what we make it, always has been, always will be."
- Grandma Moses
Morning Momma! It’s Monday, the day we re-enter the chaos with our best intentions and strong coffee.
Today’s Mommy scoop:
🛁 Prevent Mold in Water Toys
🍏 Caramel Apple Pie Treats
☕ DIY Sharpie Mugs: Cash in
Mom Hack
Prevent Mold From Forming in Kids’ Water Toys by Plugging the Hole With Hot Glue
Source: thekrazycouponlady
Mom Hack
Ever dealt with the gross aftermath of moldy water toys?
Before the mess even starts, just seal the toy’s hole with a dab of hot glue.
No water gets in, so mold can’t grow—easy and no more yucky clean-ups!
Mom's Mic: This Week’s Poll 🎤
What's your family's favorite weekend activity?
Poll Results From 11/19
How do you relax when you're feeling stressed?
🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ Exercise or physical activity (24%)
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Quiet alone time (43%)
🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Talk with friends or family (17%)
🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Engage in a hobby (14%)
⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Other (2%)
Featured Response 💬
“I have a bad habit of internalizing. So lately I’ve really been trying to lean on my people. There are a select few people who I allow into my every day day to days and know the ins and outs of it all. So when I’m having an issue or feeling over the normal amount of stress for my life, I try to reach out to those people. I’m a processor. So I’ve found that talking things out out loud with those specific people help me to process things more efficiently. I will often call my dad and be like ok, I need help. This is what’s going on. And by the end of me telling him what’s happening I’ve managed to usually find my own answer because a) he either asks the right questions, or b) I’ve just processed it out loud and made it easier to work through. I’m forever grateful for my village.”
I love that you lean on your people like that! It’s such a good reminder that sometimes just talking it out with our little village is exactly what helps us breathe again. -Danielle 😊
Mom’s Menu
Irresistible Caramel Apple Pie Treats! 🍏🍪
Source: foodlove
Ever been in a dilemma whether to bake a pie, cookies, or a cobbler?
Well, how about a fusion that your family will rave about!
Dive in for a quick and delicious treat that smells as divine as it tastes. 😊
❤ Why You’ll Love It
🍏 Apple Pie Flavor: Mini bites of classic apple pie in cookie form.
🍪 Handheld Delight: Perfect for snacking or gifting this fall.
📝 Ingredients
2 pie crusts
1 1/2 cups apple pie filling (diced apples preferred)
1 tablespoon white flour
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 tablespoon salted butter
6 individually wrapped caramel cubes
Special equipment: 3 5/8 inch round cutter, muffin tin
👩🍳 Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Cut out 12 circles (3 5/8 inch) from the pie crusts.
Mold each crust circle into the muffin tin forming shallow cups.
Spoon 1 tablespoon apple filling into each crust. Avoid overfilling.
In a bowl, mix white flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add butter and blend until you get coarse crumbs.
Sprinkle each cookie with the brown sugar mix.
Bake for 19-20 minutes.
As they bake, melt caramels as per their packaging.
Post baking, drizzle melted caramel on each cookie.
Let them cool for 10 minutes, then gently lift out with a fork.
Source: foodlove
📌 Note
For an authentic touch, homemade apple pie filling with diced apples is a winner!
If using sliced apples, just snip them to smaller bits. These treats are perfect for Thanksgiving or any day you feel like sprinkling some magic in your kitchen!
Happy baking and enjoy the shared moments of joy! 💕🍂
Full recipe here.
Daily DIY (Mom Side Hustle)
DIY Sharpie Mugs (Make & Sell)
Source: sixcleversisters
Create custom Sharpie mugs that last, perfect for gifting or selling!
Clean the mug with rubbing alcohol to remove oils.
Use oil-based paint Sharpies (not regular Sharpies) for durability.
Let the design dry for 24 hours before baking.
Place mug in a cold oven and heat to 300°F, baking for 1.5–2 hours.
These make unique, personalized gifts or shop items. 😊
The tutorial is here.
Mom’s Choice
This little kitchen has recently been living in our downstairs space, and honestly, it just fits.
The materials feel so much nicer than other play kitchens we’ve tried, and it doesn’t scream “kid toy” when you walk by.
Our toddler spent all weekend “cooking” meals, making coffee, and opening every drawer 50 times… it’s been such a sweet way to keep him busy and creative. 😊
The Play Kitchen by Lalo
Durable build that handles constant pretend cooking.
Neutral style that blends into your home without adding clutter.
Engaging details that keep little hands busy with real-life play.
Game
Parenting Pop Quiz
How many hours of sleep does a preschooler (3-5 years) typically need?
(Answer below)
A) 8-10 hours
B) 10-12 hours
C) 12-14 hours
D) 14-16 hours
E) Not enough.
Mom’s Meme 🤣
Answer
C) 12-14 hours