Momtastic

05/19/2020

These Two Moms Launched a National Campaign to Donate Stimulus Checks

As the threat of coronavirus disrupts life all over, two moms from Portland, Maine are trying to help those in need through an online movement to spur generosity and mutual aid during this time of collective crisis. #wesaythanks #essentialworkers

Rev. Tamara Torres McGovern (left), Wendy Blackwell-Moore (right) As the threat of coronavirus disrupts life all over, two moms from Portland, Maine are trying to help those in need through an online movement to spur generosity and mutual aid during this time of collective crisis. #PledgeMyStimulus....

05/19/2020

Need A New Sensory Play Activity? Try This DIY Kinetic Sand

Although I’d love to buy my daughter her own Kinetic Sand kit at $15 per cup of sand, I just don’t think it’s worth the money.

Save money AND keep the kids busy by making your own DIY Kinetic Sand at home.

05/19/2020

Why Parents Need to Stop Saying, 'Trust Me, it Gets Worse,' To Each Other

I don't want to spend the rest of my life (or my kid's life) dreading the next phase because it's "so hard". I would like to actually enjoy each stage - the good parts and the difficult parts.

I am sick and tired of hearing these unhelpful words from other parents.

05/18/2020

Dinner in Minutes: Easy Tomato Basil Soup With Gnocchi

Get out of your dinner rut in a hurry with this pot full of deliciousness

We love us some quick and easy one-pot meals. And this tomato basil gnocchi soup is easy comfort food at it's finest. It's really a really simple weeknight soup recipe (and you might already have all of the ingredients in your pantry/fridge!) As we (impatiently) await for spring's arrival, we'll be....

05/18/2020

The 5 Best Outdoor Bubble Machines For Kids

Looking for ways to keep the kids engaged and active this summer?

Kids love bubbles. They love to chase them around, pop them and watch them float into the air. And while you can keep them busy for a bit with old-fashioned want bubbles, you can bring them ultimate joy and hours of fun with an automatic outdoor bubble machine. Many models can produce hundreds of bu...

05/18/2020

I'm Afraid Puberty Will Ruin Everything

"Puberty, that inner monster that’s been lying in wait for a decade, is slowing creeping into our lives. It’s likely to cause a lot of door slamming around here. Theirs and mine."

Right now, I’m in awe of my kids, and they're still in awe of me, too. So what happens when puberty hits?

05/17/2020

These Banana Bread Scones Are Easy Morning Treats

These banana bread scones have all the same flavor as classic banana bread but take on a different texture in perfectly sized scones.

One of the most common #MomGoals is to simplify our mornings. And having breakfast at the ready will increase the chances of that happening. Enter the simple scone. It's easy to eat, portable, tastes good - all the makings of an easy breakfast. These banana bread scones have all the same flavor as c...

05/17/2020

Why Parents Shouldn't Announce College Acceptances on Social Media

"The humblebrags, the FOMO, the InstaFamily #blessed posts—it’s exhausting to watch, never mind be the child that those parents keep posting about."

Let’s raise our teens with less outside pressure as they decide what to do with the rest of their lives, and keep our celebrations over what they decide to do after graduating high school limited to the small circle of people who really know and care about them. It’s their life, not our bragging...

05/16/2020

DIY Yard Yahtzee

Say it with us....YAHTZEE!

Here is an easy DIY to super-size one of your favorite board games to yard-game status. We are making a giant set of dice for a game of DIY Yard Yahtzee.

05/16/2020

Cinnamon Apple Dutch Baby Pancake

This Cinnamon Apple Dutch Pancake is so good you will almost feel guilty eating it for breakfast! Almost.

This delicious cinnamon apple Dutch baby pancake is filled with the rich flavors of cinnamon and fresh apple, a delicious combination for a breakfast treat!

05/16/2020

Why You'll Never Be Disappointed Getting a Tattoo Of Your Kid's Name

"I got my girls’ initials on my left wrist with an infinity symbol and tiny heart in the middle. I have never looked down at my wrist and regretted the tattoo."

Many years ago, I was dating someone who decided to get my name tattooed on his upper back. He had told me that he was going to do this and I remember at the time feeling a little odd. Like, what if our relationship didn't work out? He even asked my opinion and I remember saying, "it's your body." H...

05/15/2020

Why You Should Consider Keeping Your Baby Name A Secret

Almost as soon as you announce your pregnancy, friends and family start asking if you have chosen a name. This is one of the most asked-questions after “are you having a boy or girl?” and “when are you due?”

If you have already picked a couple of would-be names for your baby, deciding to keep it as a secret from the world is your choice until the day of the baby’s arrival. You are not violating any rule for concealing the name of your precious offspring, it is fine if you and your spouse had already m...

05/15/2020

Mom's Hilarious Color-Coded Sign Keeps Kids Out of Her Office

Having trouble keeping the kids out of your office and Zoom meetings? This may help!

As many of us enter our fifth or sixth week of quarantine, we have been forced to set up shop in our homes to get some work done. And without access to school programs, babysitters, playdates or grandparents, working from home with kids has forced us to get somewhat creative in order to actually get...

05/15/2020

This Funfetti Ice Cream Layer Cake Is The Perfect Dessert

While the days are blending, make a Friday feel like a real Friday with this delicious treat for kids.

This irresistible ice cream layer cake features funfetti cake, two flavors of ice cream, M&Ms, and vanilla icing.

05/14/2020

How to Throw a Virtual Baby Shower

Now that we find ourselves in this unexpected moment of virtual learning, Zoom cocktail hours with family and friends and drive by birthday parties, expectant mamas are feeling the strain.

Social distancing is hard, especially if you are in a critical time of your life that should be spent in the company of others. I will always remember when I was pregnant and expecting my first daughter, and then my second, how much the presence of others meant to me -- from care packages to surpris...

05/14/2020

'LEGO Movie' Releases COVID-19 Song & Tips For Kids To Stay Healthy

“It is armageddon, it’s the apocalypse. Everything is not awesome.”

Okay, the coronavirus quarantine is no laughing matter. But in an effort to cheer us all up, Chris Pratt and Elizabeth Banks have joined forces once again for a new LEGO Movie PSA to help kids understand the coronavirus and share tips on how to stay safe through a fun new song. In the video, Pratt a...

05/14/2020

Make This Easy Recycled Bottle Airplane Craft With Your Kids Today

Sick of hearing your kids beg for new toys at a time when finances are tighter than ever? They can create a new toy with supplies you already have in the house.

With kids home ALL THE TIME right now, you're probably feeling a bit of cabin fever. And you may also be sick of hearing your kids beg for new toys at a time when finances are tighter than ever. Luckily, little ones often prefer random household items to the toys they begged so hard for, which makes...

05/13/2020

The Quarantine Me Is Drinking More Than The Pre-Pandemic Me. Anyone Else?

"Since shelter in place orders went into effect, I’ve noticed a slow but steady uptick in the amount of alcohol I’m consuming."

These past couple of months, while in lockdown, I’ve been getting intimately acquainted with a new friend. She loves to dance around the kitchen, sleep in, and doesn’t seem to care that her nails are a mess or that her grey roots are showing for the first time in 10 years. She lets her four teen...

05/13/2020

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05/13/2020

What You Need to Know About Kawasaki Disease and COVID-19

The number of children who are believed to have a serious illness tied to COVID-19 is increasing. Here's what you need to know:

As the pandemic crisis drags painfully, slowly on, our understanding about it has begun to evolve at a rapid speed, which has lead to conflicting information about how the deadly disease affects kids. We were all told in the beginning not to worry because kids simply weren't getting sick. The prevai...

05/13/2020

What Increases Your Chances of Having Twins?

If you could increase your chances of having twins, would you?

Whether you're hoping for twins or hoping to avoid getting a two-for-one pregnancy, there is no sure fire way to guarantee anything when it comes to conception. Yes, fertility treatments like IVF definitely increase your chances of becoming pregnant with twins, but what increases the odds of having....

05/13/2020

This Strawberry Jello Poke Cake Is Ridiculously Easy

True to its name, this is a cake that you poke holes in after you bake it. You then fill the holes with some type of a filling like pudding, cream, or fruit.

This Strawberry Jello Poke Cake is so easy and moist. It's filled with strawberry jello and finished off with a cool and creamy topping.

05/12/2020

Parenting Lessons I Learned from Schitt's Creek

It’s not the end of the world if you forget the little things sometimes, like your kid’s middle name or their birthday. Every parent does it!

I have watched Schitt's Creek from start to end too many times to count, and am a better parent for it. Here are some of parenting lessons I learned from watching.

05/12/2020

5 Backyard Water Toys That Just May Save Your Summer

Believe us, you are going to need these.

As remote classes start to wrap up and the temperatures start to rise, there’s no better way to help kids beat the heat and the boredom than with a fun, new batch of water toys. No matter what size backyard or patio you have, there’s a water toy to fit your family’s needs, space requirements a...

05/12/2020

10 Brilliant Ways to Organize Your Garage

It's time. It just is. Tag your spouse to drop a hint!

My family always have the best intentions for keeping the garage clean and organized. But our busy schedule throughout the year tends to prevent us from staying on top of this task. Now the warmer weather is back, and the kids are ready to try and unearth their bikes, scooters, and go-karts from the...

05/12/2020

I'm Not Just Raising a Son, I'm Raising Someone’s Future Husband

"I can’t guarantee that my future daughter-in-law will like me, but she will thank me. She won’t be alone in parenting or the partnership of marriage, at least not if I have anything to do with it."

I'm raising my son right. I can’t guarantee that my future daughter-in-law will like me, but she will thank me.

05/11/2020

Navigating Shared Custody During Quarantine

"We have kept the custody schedule the same because we believe our kids’ routine is important. But we’ve also agreed to be flexible with each other– he’s been working from home more and has asked if he can spend extra time with the kids on those days."

I’m lucky in that my ex-husband and I parted ways before our resentment and differences blossomed into not being able to stand each other. We’ve always parented well together but being divorced always brings new sets of challenges when it comes to kids’ schedules and the rules you each allow i...

05/11/2020

Chicken Pot Pie

The weather may be warming up but that doesn't mean your family wouldn't still benefit from some comfort food. Chicken pot pie is the perfect dinner that will make everyone happy.

Use store-bought crescent rolls for the top crust of this quick, easy and delicious chicken pot pie recipe. Dinner solved.

05/11/2020

Easy Tie-Dye Coffee Filter Art Craft for Kids

There’s something mesmerizing about watching the colors bleed into each other when you drop water on the markers scribbles and designs.

Kids love mixing colors and that’s why they love to tie dye. Plus, there are so many things you can try it on. This is the first time we tie-dyed coffee filters, and we are addicted. It's so much fun, and so easy. It's a stress-free craft, and we all need less stress in our lives at the moment. Am...

05/11/2020

I'll Just Say It: I Hate Mother’s Day

"I’d like to enjoy my day doing things I like to enjoy without the pressure to still be mom. But checking out for a day is nearly impossible, at least for every mom I know. So I’ve come to hate Mother’s Day, for all the pressure to enjoy a day that isn’t actually about me at all."

Before you think I'm the Grinch Who Stole Mother’s Day, let me explain.

05/10/2020

Babyproofing for Twins: Secure Your Home for Two Mobile Littles

A single baby can tear a room apart in a few minutes. Twins can do the same damage in a few seconds.

Knowing I would have my hands full with two, I reached out to more experienced twin moms to find out what I should know about babyproofing for twins.

05/10/2020

A Mother's Day Letter to My Mom (Because I Get it Now)

"The days are long and busy, and we talk a lot but I don’t always get the chance to put into words how much I really, really get it now."

As I celebrate my third Mother's Day as a mom, I just had to let you know how much I appreciate you.

05/10/2020

This Viral Video About Motherhood Is Guaranteed to Make You Cry

“There will be a day when you’ve made your final bubble beard. A day when you will no longer be greeted like a hero. Or get the privilege of carrying them up to bed in your arms. Nothing can prepare you for these days.” Happy Mother's Day!

Oh, Hallmark, you do know how to tug on a mom’s heartstrings. When I first had my kids, I would hear people telling me constantly how quickly time flies and to cherish every moment of motherhood with my little ones. But whether you are in a sleep deprived haze during the newborn stage or the nervo...

05/09/2020

15 Brilliant Uses for the Magic Eraser

The Magic Eraser has dozens of uses: Simply wet it, wipe it, and watch scuff marks, burnt-on grease, marker scribbles, and so much more disappear. You need this in your life.

Magic Erasers really are magic when it comes to cleaning dirt and grime off of surfaces. The "magic" comes from their ability to get into the grooves of most surfaces, even ones so tiny that you can't really see them. But did you know that those little white sponge-like things can do so much more? H...

05/09/2020

12 Innovative Uses for Tin Cans

After your next batch of chili, peel the label off that can of beans, and you have yourself some mighty fine crafting material.

Revamp those basic containers and give them new life by transforming them into art, vases, games, even lamps! These innovative uses for tin cans are...