"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Hello Mommy! Welcome to Friday, or as I call it, "Mom's Night Off." LOL, just kidding. But hey, let’s master multitasking with a side hustle, find a box that’s basically a babysitter, and get crafty with some non-basic fall décor.
Today’s Mommy scoop:
📦 The Box of Endless Fun
🥜 Peanut Butter and Jelly Pop Tarts
🎃 Chic DIY Hexagon Pumpkins
Mom Hack
📦 Cardboard Box Art Studio
bouncymustard
Mom Hack
Got a big box? Turn it into a contained art zone.
Pop your kiddo inside with washable markers or crayons and let them decorate.
Tape sharp flaps, add stickers, and slide a blanket underneath for comfy, mess-free play.
Bonus: all the scribbles stay in the box, not on your walls.
When interest fades, flip it into a mini fort or garage for round two.
Together with Fay Nutrition
A benefit most moms never think to check
Most moms don't realize they may already have access to a nutritionist.
And it's not just for weight loss.
Pregnancy. Postpartum. Hormones. Low energy. Tummy issues. Or simply wanting to feel better.
You get matched with someone who helps with exactly what you need right now. Visits are online.
And depending on your benefits, it typically costs nothing.
It takes about three minutes to check. See what yours includes.
Mom's Mic: This Week’s Poll 🎤
Which holiday is most cherished in your family?
Poll Results From 9/16
How often do you cook meals at home each week?
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Almost every day (42%)
🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️ 4-6 times a week (35%)
🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ 2-3 times a week (20%)
⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Rarely / Never (3%)
Featured Response 💬
“It’s funny, when it was just my husband and I, we had such a hard time meal planning and cooking at home. Now that we have a 3 year old and a 7 month old, we eat at home 90% of the time even though we are immensely busier. It’s easier than the chaos of a restaurant and better for our currently crazy evenings. We do still occasionally enjoy going out to eat - now it’s a treat to look forward to!”
Haha yes, not having to cook sounds great until you’re eating one-handed and trying to keep a toddler in their seat 😂 - Danielle 😊
Mom’s Menu
Peanut Butter and Jelly Pop Tarts 🍞🍓
weelicious
Got a hankering for a taste of childhood?
Got half-eaten jars of peanut butter stashed away in the back of your fridge? 🤔
Get ready to put them to good use with these adorable Homemade Peanut Butter and Jelly Pop Tarts!
Spoiler: your kids may fight for the first bite.
❤ Why You'll Love It
🥧 Easy to Make: Uses simple pantry staples like peanut butter, jelly, and pie dough.
🥄 Customizable: Try different fillings like Nutella, marshmallow fluff, or fruit preserves!
📝 Ingredients
1/4 cup smooth peanut butter
1/4 cup preserves (your favorite flavor)
1 recipe pie dough (homemade or store-bought)
Water (for sealing edges)
👩🍳 Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Roll out pie dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut into 2x3 inch rectangles.
Place 1 teaspoon of peanut butter and preserves in the center of a rectangle.
Brush edges with water, top with another dough rectangle, and seal with a fork.
Poke holes in the top for steam release.
Bake on a lined sheet for 18 minutes or until golden.
weelicious
📌 Note
You can also mix peanut butter and preserves together in a bowl, then spoon it into the center of the tart.
To Freeze: Toss them on a cookie sheet, freeze for an hour, and then store in a Ziploc.
Freeze up to 3 months. Reheat by following steps 6-7, just add 2 more minutes to the bake time.
Trust me, these are the pop-tarts you won’t feel guilty about serving, and you just might snag one for yourself.
Full recipe here.
Daily DIY (Fall Edition)
DIY Hexagon Pumpkins
Source: ourhomemadeeasy
Tired of the same old orange pumpkins?
Elevate your Fall decor with these chic wooden hexagon pumpkins.
All you need is some lumber, a little paint, and a few special touches like copper stems. Now go nail it!
The tutorial is here.
Mom’s Choice
I can't tell you how many times this bouncer saved dinner or let me enjoy a shower that wasn't a speed run. 🚿
It's like having a mini babysitter on call.
We did some research and went with this less expensive brand (as opposed to the BabyBjorn) and ended up loving it!
ComfyBumpy Baby Bouncer Seat
Freedom: Finally shower or cook without feeling like you're in a baby-wearing workout.
Support: Ergonomic design cradles baby's back, neck, and head like a pro.
Longevity: Suitable for kiddos up to 2 years old, so it's not just another "baby phase" item.
Game
Mama Knows Best: True or False?
Baby walkers aid in helping a baby learn to walk faster.
(Answer below)
A) True
B) False
Mom’s Meme 🤣
Answer
B) False