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Parents Are Hunting These Viral Squishies—Here's What's Worth Buying
If your child has suddenly become obsessed with NeeDohs, sensory squishies, and the newest viral fidget toys, welcome to the club! Our family has officially joined the hunt, and let's just say... it's become an adventure of its own. From checking Target restocks three times in one week to walking away empty-handed while searching for NeeDoh Cool Cats, we've quickly learned that finding these viral toys can be just as exciting as owning them. So if you're wondering which NeeD
Pamela Shook
5 days ago4 min read


The Best Homemade Banana Pudding (From Scratch!)
I've never made banana pudding before, let alone homemade banana pudding from scratch, but I wanted to do something special for my hubby. ❤️ So I stepped out of my comfort zone—and now I totally understand why people love this classic Southern banana pudding recipe! This turned out rich, creamy, and full of flavor, and I’m so proud I tried it. I can’t take full credit for this recipe. I found it from Everything Just Baked on Facebook, and it inspired me to finally try making
Pamela Shook
Jun 272 min read


How to Find the Viral Squeeze Butter Shape and Banana Squishy Fidget Toys at Target This Summer
If you've been scrolling through TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube lately, you've probably seen the viral Squeeze Butter Shape and Banana Squishy Fidget Toys popping up everywhere. These sensory toys have quickly become some of the hottest fidget gadgets of the summer, and finding them in stock can feel like a treasure hunt. After searching for them myself, I discovered a few helpful tricks that can save you time, gas, and frustration. Check the Target App Before You Go The first
Pamela Shook
Jun 42 min read


Why Moms Feel Guilty Taking Time for Themselves (And Why That Needs to Stop like yesterday)
Mom burnout, self-care guilt, and how small daily habits can help moms feel like themselves again The Mom Guilt That No One Talks About If you’re a mom, you’ve probably said it before: “I’ll rest later.”“I don’t have time for myself.”“I feel bad even taking a break.” Mom guilt has a way of making even the smallest moment of rest feel undeserved. But in reality, constantly pouring into everyone else while ignoring yourself leads straight to burnout, exhaustion, and emotional o
Pamela Shook
Apr 172 min read


How to Find Viral Five Below Dumplings (Restock Days, Tips & What to Expect)
If you’ve been searching for viral Five Below dumplings , you are not alone. These trending dumplings have taken over TikTok and Pinterest, and families everywhere are trying to figure out where to find Five Below dumplings before they sell out . After multiple attempts, my family finally tracked them down—and I’m sharing everything we learned so you don’t waste time or leave disappointed. This is our video : https://www.tiktok.com/@momhustlelife/video/7623489096215727373?is_
Pamela Shook
Apr 13 min read


Are the Doors Closing on Professional Photographers ?
If you’ve searched for a photographer lately, you’ve probably noticed something: the industry is shifting. With AI-generated images, smartphone portrait modes, and instant filters, it can feel like the doors are quietly closing on professional photographers. As a visual artist serving families in Fredericksburg , I’ve been asking myself some hard questions: Is my business pivoting back to wedding photography? Are personalized portrait sessions becoming less valued? Is the thr
Pamela Shook
Feb 193 min read


Embracing the Garden Journey: From Mother's Day Flowers to Desiring a Harvest
🌿 Join Me on This Gardening Journey If this story encourages you, inspires you, or reminds you that it’s okay to start over, I’d love for you to stay connected. ✨ Subscribe to this blog so you don’t miss new posts about: Beginner-friendly gardening tips Gardening on a budget Seed starting and seasonal harvests Mom life, creativity, and growth 🎥 Subscribe to my YouTube channel where I share real-life moments from my Mom Hustle Life — gardening, crafting, photography, famil
Pamela Shook
Jan 162 min read


Prioritize Yourself This Year: Embrace a Hobby and Tackle Your Goals with a No Spend Challenge
Starting a new year often brings a wave of motivation to improve our lives. For many moms and women, this motivation can quickly get lost in the daily demands of family, work, and endless to-do lists. Prioritizing yourself might feel like a luxury, but it is essential for your well-being and happiness. This year, challenge yourself to focus on self care by embracing a new hobby and setting meaningful goals. One powerful way to do this is by trying a challenge, mine is a no s
Pamela Shook
Jan 33 min read


How Moms With School-Aged Kids Can Earn Extra Income Through Substituting
As moms, we’re always juggling—homework, laundry, grocery lists, activities, and everything in between. But once your kids reach school age, a wonderful and flexible opportunity opens up: substitute teaching . It’s one of the easiest ways for moms to earn extra income without sacrificing family availability or routine. If you’ve ever thought about stepping into the classroom as a substitute, here are the top priorities that I feel make the experience successful, fulfilling,
Pamela Shook
Dec 11, 20253 min read


The Challenge of Balancing Photography and My own Family Sessions.
Every year, photographers face a unique challenge: capturing the perfect family photos for their own holiday cards. It sounds simple, but when your job is to create beautiful images for others, finding time to do the same for your family can feel impossible. The struggle is real, and it’s a balancing act between professional demands and personal moments. If you’re a mom who juggles photography and family life, this post is for you. Setting up the perfect family holiday photo
Pamela Shook
Dec 6, 20254 min read


🍂 Fun Fall Activities for Moms and Families
Fall is finally here, and I don’t know about you, but it always feels like a reset button. The air cools down, the leaves start changing, and suddenly everything smells like cinnamon and cozy sweaters. It’s the perfect time to slow down a little and enjoy the season with your family. Here are some fun, simple fall ideas to make memories with your crew — nothing fancy, just good moments that make you smile. 🎃 Visit a Pumpkin Patch or Local Farm You can’t go wrong with this on
Pamela Shook
Oct 15, 20252 min read


Why Everyone Should Have a Hobby That Brings Pure Joy
I truly believe that everyone should have a hobby—something that brings you joy without the pressure of turning it into a business or...
Pamela Shook
Sep 25, 20252 min read


Published Again – A Bittersweet Moment as a Visual Storyteller
I’m honored and excited to share that I was recently published once again in a local magazine — a moment that should be full of...
Pamela Shook
May 29, 20252 min read


Dear Mama, This Mother's Day—Do Something Selfless (For You)
Mother’s Day is almost here, and while it’s always sweet to be showered with love (or at least handed a slightly smooshed card and a...
Pamela Shook
Apr 24, 20252 min read


I Finally Took the Plunge: My 3-Day Juice Detox Journey with Witness True Fitness
This photo Includes my husband's 3 day detox also. Let me tell y’all something— the procrastination has been real. I’ve been talking...
Pamela Shook
Apr 16, 20252 min read


A Juicy Revelation - When Pineapple Met Yellow Pepper
This quick and easy juicing recipe is perfect for any who wants an easy start to their health journey. It is cost effective and delicious.
Pamela Shook
Feb 3, 20252 min read


5 Quick Mindset Shifts to Feel Less Mom Guilt
As moms, we wear many hats—caretaker, cook, chauffeur, teacher, cheerleader, and countless others. While we give so much to our families,...
Pamela Shook
Jan 23, 20253 min read


✨ New Year, New Blog Adventures! ✨
Honestly, I have no idea where this blog is going to take me this year. One thing’s for sure—it’s going to be a mix of all the things....
Pamela Shook
Jan 11, 20251 min read


Realizing what ANXIETY is....
Is there a weight on your chest? A feeling that you just can't shake in your head ? Constant concern or "worry" what may happen if you do...
Pamela Shook
Oct 10, 20242 min read


Balancing It All: The Life of The Mom Hustle
Being a mom is a full-time job. Add being a wife, a photographer, and managing a household into the mix, and you have the life of The Mom...
Pamela Shook
Jul 14, 20243 min read
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