wmlogo022021

It's the "Year of the Picnic"! Step up your picnicking game!

picnic
We picnic in The Woodlands as often as possible, but in the past, our picnics have almost always looked the same. But not anymore! I found this gem of a book - A Year of Picnics - at one of our libraries, and the author has planned 20 different themed picnics for us to sink our teeth into. It's really getting my creative juices flowing! I can't wait to implement some of these ideas along with many of my own. Each picnic idea includes a menu, packing listing, and suggested activities. While a "Breakfast Picnic" might include playing games like hide and seek, walking along a creek, or eating homemade biscuits and jam, a Bird-Watching picnic might implore you to pack binoculars and a birding field guide plus a lunch that includes pickled eggs and birdseed cookies.

14 of the Best Family Movies to Watch for Black History Month


When I was growing up, there were very few people on the big screen who looked like me – not that I necessarily noticed; but looking back, I can ascertain that it was a reality. I’m grateful that times have changed, and my daughters get to enjoy interesting movies with all sorts of remarkable characters including some who share their same ethnic background. I thought it would be meaningful to make an acknowledgement post during Black History Month, and, although the month is celebrated in various ways by different people, let’s have fun with it and discuss some good movies starring black actors! Here are 14 of our faves that you can (probably) watch with your entire family:

Super Bowl Sunday - Make it Festive!

super bowl pinterest board
The biggest game of the year is this Sunday and even though it's before a school night for some (though some school districts have the following week off), you can still have fun doing a little watching, eating, and cheering with your kids!
 
We put together a few ideas on our Pinterest page for food, crafts, and games.  Check out how to create your own charcuterie board or set up a make-your-own chili bar - easy, fun,  and bound to keep your kids entertained for at least a little while so you can watch a little of the game and the half-time show!  
 

SCAM Alert - Please don't fall for these scams

Scam Alert

Maaaannn... Scammers are out here scamming, and I would be heartbroken to learn that any of my WoodlandsMommy .com readers have gotten taken for a ride! I'm sure you've heard the stories. There's a whole culture of scamming that has been breeding for many years and has grown even worse with the use of payment apps and social media.

How to do Valentine's Date Night (at Your Own House)


Don’t dismiss Date Night just because you don't have a sitter! Here’s a quick plan to put some romance on the calendar for your special occasion: 

  1. Give the kids a bedtime. The older ones won’t like it (bedtime on the weekend?) but let them know they don’t have to go to sleep, but they do have to get in bed and stay in bed.

  2. Set the scene. Choose a setting ahead of time, and make sure that area of the house is clean and available. Consider the back porch, formal dining room, or a quaint corner of the home library.

  3. Set the mood. Dim the lights, light candles, and have a pre-arranged playlist to enjoy your favorite tunes.

Treat the kids REALLY special on Valentine's Day! Here's how:

valentinesforkids
What can I do with my kids for Valentine's Day to make them feel really loved and super special? Here are some ideas!

Groundhog Day is Feb. 2! Here's a super easy treat to make!

groudnhog snackHappy Groundhog Day! Here's a super easy and healthy treat to make for your little ones. In fact, your child might enjoy making this himself. Just pull out the ingredients and show him this photo.

Top Valentine's Books for Little Kids!

IMG 2620
Most kids love reading holiday-themed books, and the next holiday we're preparing for is all about L-O-V-E. Thankfully Amazon has a huge variety of Valentine's Day books for wee ones, and most ship free with Amazon Prime or Free Super Saver Shipping. Pack a blanket and picnic lunch, head to one of our beautiful parks, and enjoy reading these love-filled books with your little readers!

Plan your solo Overnight Getaway in The Woodlands

mommy staycation copy
Get ready to pack your overnight bag! 2024 is the year to get REAL about self-care time! Whether you're a first-time mom with a newborn babe at home or you have a house teeming with kiddos, a getaway is likely to do you a whole lot of good! Don't worry - we won't take you on a road trip far away from home. You can stay right here at a hotel in The Woodlands (your choice of lavish, quaint, or something in between), so you won't feel completely out of your element.

Simple Ways for Woodlands Mamas to begin their mornings REFRESHED

mom meditating
Ready, set… GO!

Or actually, don’t go. Wait. Stop. Breathe, even if it’s for just a few minutes.

Waking up and getting ready for the day shouldn’t be stressful and anxiety-inducing. Consider these tips to ease into your morning with purpose and delight.

Quick "King Cake" using a homemade Monkey Bread recipe

king cake happy mardigras
Ever made monkey bread? It's delicious! This fun recipe is something the kids will enjoy making alongside you, and you can add an extra couple steps to turn it into a "King Cake" for Mardi Gras or any other time of year. We adapted this recipe from the Abu's Monkey Bread recipe in the Disney Princess Cookbook [ad]. (All the recipes in the book are really delicious and easy to pull off.)