Mom Hacks

From nursing a baby to nursing your ten year old’s scraped knee, let’s face it, moms are busy. Cooking and cleaning can be overwhelming when you have a full day of work, kids activities, and yourself to take care of. Today I am going to give you some simple mom hacks so you can not only feel good but get things done more easily.

No Time to Iron or Steam Clothes:

Most people do not enjoy ironing or steaming clothes and sometimes there just isn’t time. Rather than going out looking like you slept in your favorite shirt, throw it in the dryer on low for 10 minutes with an ice cube. Instant steamer! Some clothes may say “hang dry only” and this is not recommended for such clothing.

Play Date at Your House:

Is it your turn to host a play-date or moms group at your house but there isn’t enough time to give the house a good cleaning? No problem. Tidy up the best you can by storing away clutter. Take some clorox wipes or your favorite pre-moistened wipe of choice and give the bathroom and kitchen counters a quick once over. Give the rooms you will be in a quick spot vacuum. If no one will be nosing in your bedroom, leave that room for later. You can even just shut the door. 

Light a candle or add a few drops of your favorite scent to the diffuser and your house will smell amazing! If you are feeling wild or were supposed to prepare snacks, buy muffin mix or cookie dough and pop them in the oven. No one needs to know they weren’t made from scratch. After all, who doesn’t enjoy being greeted by the smell of baked goods?

So Many Snacks:

Do you like to snack? Do your kids ask for snack 10 times a day? Want to make snack time easy and healthy? Snack prep is for you then. 

Each week when you go to the grocery store, pick up fruit, carrot sticks, and celery for healthy snacks. Some fruit like berries, can be washed and immediately placed into small containers or mason jars. You can easily grab already sliced fruit out of the fridge right? Now do the same with some carrot sticks and celery. I also like to keep some hummus and peanut butter handy for dipping. 

Breakfast is Hard:

Not everyone is a morning person and that can make getting breakfast prepared hard. Having easy things on hand like whole grain bread to make toast with fruit spread and protein packed oatmeal are great. Meal prepping is also a great option for breakfasts. I know it sounds like a lot, to meal prep snacks for the week and then meal prep breakfast too but taking 2 hours once a week is often much simpler than the 20-30 minutes each day of thought and effort. Here are some easy breakfast that can be prepped in advance.

Egg Cups:

Preheat oven to 375. Liberally spray a 6 cup muffin pan (or 12 if you want to double the recipe). 

In a large bowl, beat 8 eggs with 1 tsp salt, 2 tsp black pepper, ¼ cup milk, add ¼ cup shredded cheese if desired. Dispense evenly into muffin cups and bake for 12 minutes. Allow to cool before removing from pan. 

These can be kept in a closed lid container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Before serving, pop in the microwave for 20 seconds or toaster oven for 5 minutes to reheat. 

Fruit Smoothies:

Serves 3

In the blender add 

1 cup orange juice, 

1 cup unsweetened greek yogurt

1 banana

1 cup strawberries

1 cup blueberries

Blend on smoothie setting for approximately 2 minutes, until you can no longer see chunks of fruit. Serve in glasses or store in mason jars. These can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. 

PB Kale Smoothies:

Serves 3

In a blender

1 cup water

1 cup unsweetened greek yogurt

2 bananas

2 cups kale

3 tbps peanut butter

Blend on smoothie setting for approximately 2 minutes, until you can no longer see chunks of fruit/kale. Serve in glasses or store in mason jars. These can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. 

Self Care:

Often times, as a mom, you may not get a lot of time to yourself but don’t forget how important self care can be. Self care doesn’t have to be getting pedicures or long lunches to yourself, it can be simple. Take a 20 minute bath with candles lit and a book to read or buy that flavored coffee you have been craving as a treat to yourself. Never forget that “Mama, you’re doing great!”