Last-Minute Halloween Essentials From Amazon
29 October
Hey Mama!
If you’re anything like me, Halloween probably crept up on you this year. Between work, school activities, and all the day-to-day hustle, October seems to have flown by! But don’t stress—whether you need costumes, treat bags, home decor, or party treats, I’ve got you covered with last-minute Halloween finds that are just a few clicks away on Amazon.
Here’s everything you need to make Halloween happen without the scramble. These picks ship fast, so you’ll have everything ready for a spooky, fun-filled holiday!
1. Quick & Easy Costumes for Kids (and Moms!)
Finding last-minute costumes doesn’t have to be a headache. Amazon has tons of great options that are cute, comfy, and perfect for Halloween fun—whether you’re going to a party or just trick-or-treating around the neighborhood.
- Superhero Cape and Mask Set – Perfect for kids who want to be a hero this Halloween. The set includes a cape and mask in different colors, making it easy for siblings to have coordinating looks without matching exactly.
- Unicorn Costume Dress with Headband – This one is super cozy and absolutely adorable for toddlers and young kids. It’s one piece and comes with a headband, so no complicated dressing!
- Pumpkin Halloween T-Shirt – For the mom who wants to feel festive without a full costume commitment. Just throw it on with jeans, and you’re good to go.
- Inflatable Dinosaur Costume – Got a kid who loves dinosaurs? This hilarious costume is a crowd-pleaser for older kids, and it’s pretty easy for moms or dads to wear too for laughs!
2. Halloween Treat Bags and Containers for Candy
Don’t forget the treat bags! These Halloween bags and buckets are adorable and reusable, perfect for all that candy haul on Halloween night.
- Glow-in-the-Dark Trick-or-Treat Bags – These bags are not only cute, but the glow-in-the-dark feature makes them easy to spot as it gets dark. Plus, kids love them!
- Reusable Halloween Canvas Bags – These sturdy, eco-friendly bags have fun designs and can be reused year after year. They’re the perfect size for a good candy haul.
- Classic Pumpkin Candy Buckets – The classic option! These are sturdy, have a good handle, and bring all the nostalgic feels. Plus, they’re big enough for plenty of candy.
3. Simple, Spooky Home Decor to Set the Mood
Even if you’re short on time, a few well-placed Halloween decorations can make your home feel festive. These are simple to set up and give that spooky vibe with minimal effort.
- Halloween Window Clings – Just peel and stick! These are super easy to put up, and kids will love helping. Perfect for windows, mirrors, or even glass doors.
- Spider Web with Fake Spiders – Drape these webs over bushes or porches for that classic Halloween look. The little spiders add just the right touch of creepy.
- Battery-Operated Halloween String Lights – These lights are so versatile! Hang them outside, on the porch, or inside to create a cozy glow.
- Inflatable Ghost Yard Decoration – This one’s a hit! Just plug it in, and you have an instant yard attraction that kids (and neighbors) will love.
4. Easy, No-Mess Halloween Treats for Parties
If you’re responsible for party treats or just want some fun snacks at home, these Halloween-themed treats are simple, cute, and mess-free.
- Pre-Packaged Halloween Candy Mix – A huge bag with a variety of candies that’s perfect for keeping your candy bowl stocked or for handing out at parties.
- Halloween-Themed Mini Popcorn Bags – These individual popcorn bags are festive, easy to hand out, and don’t make a mess. Great for class parties or trick-or-treaters.
- DIY Halloween Cookie Decorating Kit – This kit comes with pre-baked cookies, icing, and sprinkles. It’s perfect for a fun, no-bake Halloween activity with the kids.
5. Fun Accessories for Extra Halloween Spirit
Sometimes, a few small touches can make the day feel extra special. Here are some fun add-ons that will help you (and the kids) get in the Halloween spirit with minimal hassle.
- Glow Stick Bracelets and Necklaces – These are a hit with kids, and they’re also great for keeping everyone visible while trick-or-treating.
- Halloween Face Paint Kit – If your kids want face paint, this kit is easy to use, comes with plenty of colors, and washes off easily (thank goodness!).
- Halloween Temporary Tattoos – For kids who aren’t into full costumes, temporary tattoos are a fun, low-key way to celebrate. They’re safe, easy, and kids love them.
- Witch Hat Headband – This one’s for the moms (or teens)! Just pop on this cute headband to add a little Halloween flair, even if you’re not going all out with a costume.
And there you have it, mama! These last-minute Halloween essentials are all available on Amazon, so you can get everything you need without a trip to the store. Halloween doesn’t have to be stressful, and with these fun, simple ideas, you’re all set to pull off a festive, spooky celebration—without the last-minute panic.
So, grab what you need, set the mood, and have an amazing Halloween with your family! 🎃
*Disclaimer* This post contains affiliate links that may provide a small commission to the blogger at zero additional cost to you.
Kickstart Your Digital Planning Journey
22 March
As a busy mom juggling multiple responsibilities, staying organized is key to managing your daily tasks effectively. One powerful tool that can help you streamline your planning and boost productivity is a digital planner.
In this guide, we'll walk you through 7 simple steps to start using a digital planner and take control of your busy life.
First and foremost, digital planners are used in an Apple iPad or Samsung tablet with a note-taking app such Goodnotes or Evernote, which are both available for Apple or Android. There are other note-taking apps out there, but make sure it is available in the device of your choice and has writing and highlighting features.
It is difficult to use a digital planner on a desktop computer or laptop unless you have a touch-screen and are willing to write and highlight through your touch screen. The scenario is NOT preferred by most digital planner users.
You do NOT need the fanciest, top of the line, Apple iPad to use a simple note-taking app! But make sure that app is available and compatible with your tablet model.
Here is the latest Apple iPad (10 generation, 2023) (You do NOT need the Air or the Pro, which are pricier.) Feel free to click the image for the Amazon.com listing!
Secondly, you will need an Apple Pencil or Stylus that is compatible with your iPad or Tablet. This is the 1st generation Apple Pencil that is compatible with the Apple iPad 10th generation showcased above. Feel free to click the image to take you to the Amazon listing!
As promised, here are the 7 steps in kickstarting your digital planner journey:
Step 1: Choose the Right Digital Planner
The first step is to choose a digital planner that suits your needs and preferences. There are many planners available for purchase on Etsy.com to fit any budget! These are going to be .PDF files that you will need to download from the seller. Instructions about your purchase and how to download your planner should be provided by the digital planner seller. Make sure you choose a digital planner that is HYPERLINKED! Carefully read the description of the product you choose when you shop online. It should clearly state that the planner contains HYPERLINKS or is HYPERLINKED in ALL pages! The hyperlinks are the unique feature that makes digital planners easy to use and enjoyable, and also differentiates them from paper planners.
Where to shop for your digital planner:
(These are only a few of my favorite digital planner online shops. You can search on Google for others, or if you have a favorite PAPER planner shop, check to see if they offer digital planners!)
Step 2: Choose the Right Note-Taking App Where You Will Use Your Planner
Since digital planners are .PDF files, you will need a note-taking app to OPEN, or IMPORT, your file in order to USE your new planner. The note-taking apps allow you to use your APPLE PENCIL or STYLUS and scribble in your plans.
If you are using an Apple iPad some popular apps include: Goodnotes, Notability, and Evernote
If you are using a Samsung Tablet some popular apps include: Goodnotes, Evernote, Penly, and Noteshelf.
Consider features like simplicity and ease of use, customization and action tools, syncing across devices, and the price or cost of the digital planner and note-taking app, when you are looking for the perfect planner for your device.
Step 3: Familiarize Yourself with the App and Your New Planner
Take some time to explore the technical features of your chosen note-taking app and digital planner. Familiarize yourself with tools like writing and erasing, adding and deleting, using or changing fonts, highlighting, changing colors, using stickers, and the ability to insert images, photos, or PDFs. Make sure you know how to use the tool bars and different buttons. It may take some time to learn everything your note-taking app is capable of doing for you.
Step 4: Explore Your Planner Pages and Familiarize Yourself with the Hyperlinks
Check out all the different sections in your digital planner and click away on the many hyperlinks included. Start to brainstorm how you can use each section or page of your planner. Consider the different areas of your life that you would like to organize, such as your daily tasks, appointments, meal planning, activities you do regularly, and your personal goals. Choose colors, fonts, and add photos, images or digital stickers you love! Then, start inputting important information into your digital planner, such as to-do lists, upcoming appointments, deadlines, and birthdays. You can easily categorize and prioritize tasks.
Step 5: Incorporate Time-Blocking Techniques
Use time-blocking techniques in your digital planner to allocate specific time slots for tasks, activities, and self-care. This helps you manage your time more effectively and avoid overloading your schedule. Also, set realistic goals and actions that can fit into your schedule, whether it's daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly.
Step 6: Track Progress and Reflect
Regularly review your digital planner to track progress on tasks and goals. Use reflection pages or notes pages and add your own journal prompts to assess what's working well, and notice the areas that need better organization or improvement. Stay consistent with using your digital planner daily, weekly, and monthly. It will help you stay on track and avoid forgetting tasks and due dates. Adjust your planning strategies as needed based on your evolving priorities, commitments, and feedback from using the planner.
Step 7: Sync Across Devices
If your tablet or the note-taking app allows the advanced feature, you can sync the contents of your digital planner across other calendar apps in your tablet, phone, or your laptop. This ensures seamless access, provides updates, and helps you to stay organized and consistent throughout all your devices.
Conclusion:
By following these 7 steps, you can kickstart your journey of using a digital planner as a busy mom. Embrace the flexibility, efficiency, and organization that a digital planner offers, and watch it transform your productivity and time management skills. Not to mention, you are creating less clutter with less paper, and helping the environment.
If you are interested in this simple digital planner I have created, check out my Etsy Shop in the link below!
Disclaimer: This blog article contains affiliate links, at no cost to you. If you click and purchase products through my affiliate links above, I may receive a small commission. I always appreciate your time and support!
7 Helpful Features That Are Unique to Digital Planners
15 February
There are many other formats that digital planners may be found in, including as apps, software tools, or even PDF files that can be annotated on your device.
These 7 features are unique to digital planners and an example for each are given:
1. Calendar Integration
In order to keep track of events and appointments, calendar integration refers to the process of synchronizing with digital calendars.Google Calendar: A widely used calendar app that syncs across devices and allows users to schedule events, set reminders, and share calendars.
2. Task Management
Creating and maintaining to-do lists and tasks with reminders is what we mean when we talk about task management.
Todoist: A task management app that lets users create and organize tasks, set due dates, and collaborate with others on shared projects.
3. Note-Taking
Users of digital planners are frequently given the ability to take notes and organize them within the software itself.
Evernote: A versatile note-taking app that allows users to create, organize, and search for notes. It supports multimedia content like text, images, and audio recordings.
4. Customization
Many digital planners allow users to personalize their planners by adding stickers or other items, as well as allowing them to customize the layouts and themes of the planner.
GoodNotes (for iPad): A popular note-taking app that allows users to create digital notebooks and customize them with various templates, colors, and handwriting options
5. Accessibility
Accessibility is defined as the availability of information across a variety of devices and platforms, which makes it simple to access and update information from any location.
Microsoft OneNote: A digital note-taking app that is accessible across multiple devices and platforms, enabling users to sync their notes and collaborate in real-time.
6. Search Functionality
The capability to look for specific information within the planner in a short amount of time is referred to as search functionality.Notion: A comprehensive workspace tool that combines note-taking, task management, and collaboration. It features a powerful search function to quickly find information.
7. Cloud Synching
Cloud Syncing is the process of synchronizing data by using cloud services across several devices in order to guarantee data consistency.Apple iCloud: iCloud syncs data across Apple devices, including calendars, notes, and reminders, ensuring that your information is up-to-date on all your connected devices.
The MOST affordable iPad (Air 10th gen) and Apple Pencil (1st gen):
Use the MomLife Digital Planners to get your tasks organized!
Available now on ETSY! Click below!
5 Simple Steps To Create Your Time Management System
25 April
As a busy mom, managing your time effectively can be a challenging task. Between work, household chores, and caring for your children, it can feel like there are never enough hours in the day. However, with a few simple steps, you can create a time management system that works for you.
Here are five tips to help you get started:
1. Identify your priorities
The first step in creating a time management system is to identify your priorities. What are the most important things you need to accomplish each day? Make a list of your top priorities, both at work and at home. This will help you stay focused and avoid getting sidetracked by less important tasks.
2. Create a schedule
Once you've identified your priorities, create a schedule that allows you to allocate time for each task. Use a planner or digital calendar to map out your day, making sure to include time for work, family time, self-care, and any other important activities. Be realistic with your scheduling and make sure to leave some buffer time for unexpected events or emergencies.
3. Use time blocking
Time blocking is a technique where you schedule specific blocks of time for certain tasks or activities. For example, you might block off two hours each morning for work, one hour in the afternoon for exercise, and two hours in the evening for family time. This technique can help you stay focused and avoid distractions, as well as ensure that you have enough time for all your priorities.
4. Minimize distractions
Distractions are a major time waster, so it's important to minimize them as much as possible. This might mean turning off your phone during work hours, blocking distracting websites on your computer, or finding a quiet place to work away from the noise and chaos of your home. By minimizing distractions, you'll be able to stay focused and get more done in less time.
5. Review and adjust
Finally, it's important to regularly review your time management system and make adjustments as needed. This might mean reevaluating your priorities, adjusting your schedule, or finding new ways to minimize distractions. By regularly reviewing and adjusting your system, you can ensure that it continues to work for you and helps you achieve your goals.
Creating a time management system can be a game-changer for busy moms. By prioritizing your tasks, creating a schedule, using time blocking, minimizing distractions, and regularly reviewing and adjusting your system, you can take control of your time and accomplish more in less time. Remember, the key to success is to find a system that works for you and your unique needs. So, experiment with different techniques until you find the one that works best for you.
Implementing these five steps may take some time and effort, but the benefits of creating a time management system are well worth it. By taking control of your time, you can reduce stress, increase productivity, and create more time for the things that matter most to you.
Here are a few additional tips to help you make the most of your time management system:
1. Prioritize self-care
As a busy mom, it's easy to put your own needs last. However, taking care of yourself is crucial for your physical and mental well-being. Make sure to schedule time for self-care activities, such as exercise, meditation, or a relaxing bath. When you take care of yourself, you'll have more energy and focus to tackle the rest of your to-do list.
2. Delegate tasks
You don't have to do everything yourself. Consider delegating some tasks to your partner, children, or a trusted friend or family member. This can help you free up time for more important activities, or simply give you a much-needed break.
3. Be flexible
While having a time management system is important, it's also important to be flexible. Life is unpredictable, and sometimes things don't go according to plan. If something unexpected comes up, don't be too hard on yourself. Simply adjust your schedule as needed and try to stay focused on your priorities.
4. Celebrate your successes
Finally, make sure to celebrate your successes. When you accomplish a goal or complete a task, take a moment to acknowledge your hard work and give yourself a pat on the back. Celebrating your successes can help you stay motivated and positive, even when things get tough.
In conclusion, creating a time management system is a powerful tool for busy moms. By identifying your priorities, creating a schedule, using time blocking, minimizing distractions, and regularly reviewing and adjusting your system, you can take control of your time and achieve more than you ever thought possible. Remember, creating a time management system is all about finding what works for you and your unique situation. So, don't be afraid to experiment and try new things until you find the system that works best for you. With a little effort and persistence, you can create a time management system that helps you achieve your goals and live a more fulfilling life.
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Here is what's included:
- Daily Schedule
- To-do List
- Weekly Goals
- Weekly Schedule
- Monthly Calendar
- Monthly Goals
- Yearly Plans
- Life Goals
- Chores Chart
- Cleaning Schedule
- Daily Cleaning
- Cleaning Routine
- Meal Planner
- Grocery Shopping List (2 pages)
- Spending Tracker
- Income Tracker
- Includes a 6-page checklist tackling every room in the house.
- Kitchen
- Living Room/ Family Room
- Bathroom
- Bedroom
- Other rooms
- Garage Organization Checklist (2 pages)
- Kitchen Organization Checklist (2 pages)
- Pantry Organization Checklist (2 pages)
- Office Organization Checklist (2 pages)
- Home Project List
- Project Planner
- Project Sketches
- Project Shopping List (2 pages)
- Party Planner
- Holiday Gift List
- Travel Planner
- Travel Itinerary
- Travel Journal
- Vacation Packing List (3 pages)
Hello, I'm Kathy!
