Welcome to the inaugural Birdie newsletter - we're thrilled to have you on board! Grab your coffee, and let's tackle the day together. I'm right there with you, although my family's battling the dreaded stomach bug 🤢 – a yearly tradition thanks to preschool. But we're on the mend and gearing up to share some seriously useful, mom-approved information. So, stay tuned!

• Cold and Flu Season: How moms can avoid getting all the germs their kids bring home this fall and winter.

• Let's give 'em pumpkin to talk about: Why is it so popular (other than because of the infamous Starbucks PSL)

• Halloween: it’s spooky season! Start a new tradition with a festive boo basket you and your kids can put together.

HEALTH

Ways to Survive (Hopefully Avoid) Cold and Flu Season as a Busy Mom

How can you tell a mummy has a cold? He starts coffin. Just some Halloween humor to kickstart your day. But seriously, this season brings inevitable school germs, and as parents, we're dodging everything from stomach bugs to coughing fits. Here are some mom-approved tips to stay healthy.

• Keep the kitchen off limits: according to Parents.com, the kitchen is one of the germiest rooms in the house. All that bacteria can live on countertops - add food to the mix and you have yourself a germ sandwich.

  • Keep kids out of the refrigerator: door handles are a top hangout spot for bacteria.

  • Change kitchen hand towels often to prevent germ buildup.

• Zone in on immunity-boosting foods: motherly.com has a few often overlooked suggestions for staying healthy in addition to the more obvious washing hands and staying hydrated.

  • Start at the first meal of the day, breakfast. Ditch the junk food and center your meal around whole protein sources such as meat, fish, dairy, eggs, beans, tofu, or nuts. Morning protein gives an immune boost and can help with tissue repair.

  • Incorporate ginger to liven up your food: Ginger is regarded for its antiviral and antibacterial properties, making it a strong immune system stimulant.

• One word: SANITIZE. Remember the "Happy Birthday" song while washing hands frequently to combat viruses. I always keep a pair of rubber or disposable gloves in bathrooms for added protection and post-illness cleanup.

  • Laundry: opt for hot water on sick days, as it effectively sanitizes linens and clothes at 140 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Don't forget those rubber gloves when collecting dirty linens!

  • Explore natural cleaning options: Insider.com suggests effective alternatives using items you likely have.

    • Create a disinfectant by mixing 2 parts isopropyl rubbing alcohol with 1 part water and letting it sit for 30 seconds before wiping.

    • Hydrogen peroxide, either at 3% strength or diluted to 0.5%, can work as a disinfectant; leave it for a minute before wiping.

    • Essential oils like patchouli and cinnamon, when added to agents like alcohol, can be effective against specific viruses and bacteria.

LIFESTYLE

Two Decades of Pumpkin Spice Mania: Why are We Still Under Its Spell?

That’s not a typo; it has been 20 years since Starbucks launched the pumpkin spice phenomenon. That may have been when it all started, but our unwavering love for the flavor and scent is because, according to the New York Post, “We love to be reminded of fall and the warm feelings of family, home, and nostalgia the season brings — and our brains associate those warm feelings with this particular flavor.”

While all that sounds lovely, I live in Florida so the fall season is a mythical unicorn. But fine, I’ll embrace my inner basic mom and bring in the fall with all these pumpkin spice-inspired items!

🍁 Move over Trader Joes, Aldi’s is serving up Clancy’s Pumpkin Spice Kettle Corn for only $2.29.

🍁 A Wendy’s classic got a fall makeover - Pumpkin Spice Frosty, anyone?

🍁 Make your trash even smell like fall with Hefty’s Cinnamon Pumpkin Spice scented trash bags - those babies diapers don’t stand a chance!

🍁Don’t count Fido out from all the PSL fun. Greenies have Pumpkin Spice treats!

BEAUTY

“Beauty is about enhancing what you have. Let yourself shine through.” —Janelle Monae

Whether you are into full glam or just rock a moisturizer, every woman should feel beautiful in her skin.

The “No Makeup” Trend - It’s all an illusion. The latest makeup trend taking TikTok by storm is the no-makeup look. How do you achieve this? With makeup, of course! The key to accomplishing this look is to highlight your natural features with minimal base foundation, glowy highlighters, and dewy lip oils.

Skin Hydration in Drier Months - I'm not a fan of lotions. I don't enjoy the heavy feeling they leave behind, yet I need something to get through fall and winter. Here are my current top favorites:

• OSEA Undaria Body Oil - $52 (BONUS: Makes a great belly moisturizer for all the pregnant mamas out there!)

• fresh Sugar Recovery Lip Mask Advanced Therapy -$28

At-Home Spa Day - the spa is a dream destination for most moms, but finding the time to get away is tough. The Pioneer Woman has offered up her simple six-step at-home spa treatment that will melt away all your motherly worries.

TRENDING

SNIPPETS

I’m all about making as many memories for my kids as possible - sometimes, maybe even too many, if I’m being honest. I love discovering new, fun ideas for celebrating even the smallest holiday. Halloween marks the kickoff of the holiday season, so it’s time to go big or go home!

• Neighborhood Boo Baskets - If you live on a street with lots of neighborhood kids, Boo Baskets are a fantastic tradition to start. Alternatively, if you simply love Halloween, these baskets are great to show a little extra love to, perhaps, a teacher or another loved one. I relish any reason to put together a basket for my kiddos!
  

• Mason Jar Fall Luminaries - Capture the essence of falling leaves with this sweet craft. These mason jar fall luminaries don’t require much from the supply closet just a mason jar (dollar store), Mod Podge, tissue and construction paper, a paintbrush, and a candle. Crafting with a purpose helps kids feel included in your holiday decorating efforts.
  

• Preserve Your Pumpkins - Keep those pumpkins looking fresh until Santa comes to town with this helpful trick from TikTok’s All Things Giselle.
  

• 6 Ingredient Creamy Roasted Tomato Soup - The weather is changing, so that means it’s soup season! My kids ADORE tomato soup. This easy yet elevated tomato soup, crafted by one of my all-time favorite food content creators, is absolutely delicious! Pair with a grilled cheese sandwich, and chefs kiss.

🎵 Hello Adams Family: 2023 Fall Spotify Playlist

🎃 Kids Halloween Entertainment: 15 shows and movies for your toddler to watch.

🌙 Calling All Stargazers: Catch the Orionid meteor shower this weekend! You can see the most falling star activity between the night of October 21st and the early morning of October 22nd.

🍔 Spooky Menu Additions: McDonalds, Burger King, and Wendy’s will have special Halloween menu items, like McDonald’s famously adorable “boo buckets.” These special items usually launch in mid-October.

🍩 In Case You Missed It: On the topic of food, don’t forget to grab a dozen creepy donuts from Dunkin’, which launched October 11.

SOMETHING TO MAKE YOU SMILE

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