November 1, 2024

Holiday travel tips, pumpkin spice recipes, and more!

November 01, 2024

In partnership with

Happy November, mamas! With Halloween behind us, we’re all recovering from the candy-fueled chaos that had our kids bouncing off the walls. Now it’s time to swap skeletons for Christmas lights—and let the holiday countdown begin! Grab your coffee (or pumpkin spice latte—paired with one of these other pumpkin recipes below 👇🏽), and let’s dive into the festive madness ahead. Who's ready to embrace the holiday vibes?

  • Sleigh the Holiday Travel Game: Kid-Approved Tips for a Smoother Trip

  • Winning the Little Moments: Small Victories, Big Smiles

  • Pumpkin Perfection: Savor the Season with These Easy Recipes!

TRAVEL

All aboard the holiday express.

Ah, holiday travel with kids—the adventure, the memories, the...potential meltdowns in aisle 23B. Whether you’re road-tripping or hopping on a flight, a little prep can go a long way. Here are some tips to make the journey as smooth as your favorite holiday eggnog.

1. Don’t Fear the Meltdown

Give each child a bit of one-on-one time before the trip to set a positive tone. And if the tears come, remember it’s OK! Kids may just need a little release, and they’ll be better at managing their emotions afterward.

2. Pack Like a Pro

Pack the essentials and the “just in case” items: extra clothes, snacks, medicine, and your pediatrician’s contact info. Because when it comes to travel with kids, “over-prepared” is just “prepared.”

3. Work with Their Sleep Schedules

Hit the road during nap time or bedtime if possible, and for flights, book early morning departures—less crowd, fewer delays, and sleepy kids!

4. Stock Up on Snacks

The secret weapon to stave off hanger? Healthy snacks! Keep those tiny tummies happy to avoid turbulence on the ground and in the air.

5. Get Them Moving

Kids and sitting still are rarely friends. Burn off some energy by encouraging jumps, hops, or even dance-offs while waiting at the airport or during pit stops.

6. Pack an Emergency “Bag of Tricks”

Yes, screens are great, but low-tech toys (think sticker books, puzzles, or surprise toys) keep boredom at bay and add a little magic to the trip.

7. Pad Your Schedule

Nothing makes kids move slower than a tight schedule. Give yourself extra time for bathroom breaks, airport security, and the inevitable extra minutes kids need.

Want more survival tips? Check out this list from the pros. Happy travels, and may your holiday journey be mostly meltdown-free! 🎄

MENTAL HEALTH

Crush the chaos.

Let’s be real, some days a win is just getting out the door with everyone’s shoes on. Life isn’t all about big victories like job promotions or milestone birthdays—it’s full of tiny triumphs that add up in meaningful ways. And they’re worth celebrating! Recognizing these little wins can be a game-changer for mental health, especially for moms juggling everything from kids’ schedules to self-care goals.

So, what counts as a small win?

It’s all about those seemingly minor moments that make your day a little easier. Things like:

  • Finally finishing your coffee while it’s still warm

  • Getting your kids to bed (mostly) on time

  • Managing a workout (even if it’s just a quick walk around the block)

  • Choosing a salad over fries at lunch

  • Getting through an entire day without raising your voice

Why does it matter? Celebrating small wins triggers a burst of dopamine — the “feel-good” chemical — that boosts your mood, motivation, and self-esteem. In fact, acknowledging these wins can even help you build healthy habits and keep you focused on long-term goals.

How to make it a habit? Try one of these simple ways to celebrate:

  • Write down three wins from your day, no matter how small

  • Treat yourself to a quick break outside or a favorite snack

  • Share a win with a friend or your partner for a little extra boost

Remember, big achievements start with small steps. Embracing these everyday victories is a reminder that you’re making progress — and that deserves a little happy dance.

CHILDREN

Get your pumpkin on.

Fall is in the air, and what better way to celebrate than with pumpkin everything? Check out these delicious and easy recipes that will have you and your family saying, “More, please!”

  • Pumpkin Chili: Cozy up with a warm bowl of Easy Pumpkin Chili. It’s packed with flavor and the perfect comfort food for chilly evenings. Get the recipe here!

  • No-Bake Pumpkin Pie: Skip the oven and whip up a delightful Easy Double Layer Pumpkin Pie. This creamy treat will be a hit at any gathering! Check it out here!

  • Pumpkin Muffins: Start your day right with Pumpkin Streusel Muffins or try the super simple 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins. Both are sure to please! Find the streusel recipe here! and the chocolate chip version here!

  • Pumpkin Mac and Cheese: For a unique twist, give Pumpkin Mac and Cheese a try! It’s comfort food at its finest. Here’s the recipe!

  • Roasted Garlic and Pumpkin Hummus: Need a dip for your next gathering? Sunny Anderson’s Easy Roasted Garlic and Pumpkin Hummus is perfect for entertaining! Get the recipe here!

Get cooking and enjoy all the pumpkin goodness this season! 🍂

Paddlers take to the water in giant hollowed-out pumpkins! This year, over 300 participants embraced the spirit of Halloween at Belgium’s annual Pumpkin Regatta, showcasing their skills in these quirky vessels. Talk about making a splash with oversized fruits—who knew pumpkins could be such buoyant fun? Check out the video for a glimpse of this delightful tradition!

SNIPPETS

Walking pneumonia cases in children are on the rise, according to the CDC. This increase is attributed to Mycoplasma pneumonia, which can cause prolonged coughs and requires different antibiotics for treatment than commonly used options like amoxicillin. Doctors are urged to be aware of this trend, as the infection is typically manageable with alternatives like azithromycin.

Jimmy John’s has introduced a unique sandwich called the ‘Picklewich’ that uses giant pickle slices instead of bread. Launched on October 24, this limited-time menu item features all the traditional sandwich ingredients nestled between two halves of a kosher dill pickle. The Picklewich will be available from October 28 until November 14, coinciding with National Pickle Day.

Apple's latest software update introduces AI features that enhance the iPhone's capabilities. This update aims to upgrade Siri into a more engaging and versatile assistant, highlighted by a glowing light indicator while processing requests. Additionally, the AI will assist users with writing tasks, summarizing content, and providing photo editing tools for a more intuitive experience.

CALENDAR

Nov 3 - Daylight Saving Time Ends ⏰ – Don’t forget to fall back an hour! An extra hour of sleep or some extra minutes to savor your morning coffee? We’re here for it.

Nov 5 - Election Day 🗳️ – Need a hand with child care while you vote? Some states might actually cover the cost! Find out more here.

Nov 11 - Veteran’s Day 🇺🇸 – Honoring all who have served.

Nov 13 - World Kindness Day 💕 – Looking for a kindness boost? Check out these favorite books about caring and inclusion to read with your little ones.

Nov 28 - Thanksgiving 🍂 – Spice up the dinner convo with these thought-provoking questions. Because who doesn’t love a good "what are you grateful for" moment?

Nov 29 - Black Friday 🛍️ – Ready, set, shop! Here’s everything you need to know about scoring those deals early.

Second Brain Reporting for Duty: Try this AI Assistant

Your AI personal assistant from Ohai.ai can:

  • Manage your calendar and send invites and reminders

  • Track your to-do list and coordinate tasks

  • Scan email attachments for key dates and to-dos

  • Send you daily summaries to help you prep for your day and resolve scheduling conflicts

  • Create meal plans and grocery lists and even add items to your Instacart shopping cart.

🐢 Low-key vibes only. 15 shows for toddlers that won't overstimulate them.

🥤 Bubbles and benefits. Is sparkling water actually good for you?

🌱 Vegan feast alert. Discover America’s top 100 vegan restaurants to try!

📱 Political texts getting annoying? Meet the people behind the spam!

🎶 Love is in the air. This iconic 80s anthem is the ultimate wedding song!

An elementary school in Swedeborg, Missouri, just made a heartwarming move by naming its main building after its beloved janitor, Claudene Wilson, who has dedicated 30 years to the school. This thoughtful decision celebrates Claudene's incredible impact, showcasing her as more than just a custodian—she's been a bus driver, lunch lady, landscaper, electrician, and a friendly voice on the phone! Her story is a beautiful reminder of the unsung heroes who make our schools shine. 🌟

Hey Mom Squad! ❤️

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✨ Annalee and Karin ✨

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