mindful living, effortless style

Great list of books to get kids excited about the 4th of July
19 Jun

Books for the Fourth of July

Our resident children’s librarian, Janssen, is here today with her picks for injecting a little history into your 4th of July celebration.  Get those library cards ready!

Let’s be honest – on the Fourth of July, you’ll probably be outside, watching parades, having a neighborhood BBQ, and watching (or setting off!) fireworks. There may not be a lot of time for reading.

So we’re sharing this book list a little early so you’ll have time to read these books with your kids before the big day. This way, they can enjoy the celebrations with a little more understanding of what it’s all about.

  1. Those Rebels, John and Tom by Barbara Kerley and Edwin Fotheringham. This duo has written a couple of books and they’re all fantastic, but this one is perhaps my favorite. They point out the (many) differences between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson who certainly had a tempestuous relationship. But they were willing to put those aside in order to work toward their common goal of creating a new nation built on the ideals of liberty.
  2. Grandma Drove the Garbage Truck by Katie Clark and Amy Huntington. A light-hearted picture book about a grandmother who runs the town’s garbage collection, this intrepid woman drives the truck herself when all three of her sons come down with the flu. Leave it to Grandma to accidentally garner an award during the Fourth of July parade. Read More

0 Comments / posted in Janssen, The Book Nook

Finds to inject more fun into summer - the indoor rainbow is amazing!
18 Jun

Freshen Up Your Abode for Summer!

This time of year I always get the urge to spruce up my space with pops of color, snag some cute plates and towels for entertaining outside, and really take advantage of the happy season that is summer.

I envision myself taking a leisurely Sunday stroll and popping into cheerful storefronts to pick up a few unique items that my friends will notice, and love, the next time they’re over for a backyard BBQ.

But then I enivitably snap out of my daydream, look around, and realize that in the last two weeks alone we’ve painted our entire house, re-done a bathroom, landscaped, sold said house, bought a new house, found out our family dog has cancer after several trips to the vet, and are now – wait for it – potty training!… Leisurely Sunday strolls just ain’t in the cards for me this summer.

Which is why I’m so excited to be teaming up with our newest sponsore, Fab, to bring you a lovely collection of summer finds that can all be purchased while sitting on the couch, watching HGTV, and folding clothes at 10pm at night. 

In case you’ve missed their incredibly colorful and high energy commercials (which also make me want to add lots of pops of color around here), Fab is a design curated online shop teaming with quirky and colorful finds – i.e. not the same ombre throw pillow everyone and their mother picked up at the local big box store.

They offer designer products at both ends of the spectrum so, if you love a good deal like me, all you have to do is sign up for a free Fab account to browse their ever-changing inventory of newest design sales. To help get you started, I tried to make sure each of these picks will help us all inject a little more fun into summer – no matter how hectic it may be.  Enjoy!

  1. Kat Platter, $14 and Kat Platter Round, $20 – Such cheerful, bright colors on uber durable melamine, these platters are the perfect thing for your next backyard party.
  2. Four Seasons Tea Towel Set, $46 – This one is kind of a bonus as you get something fun for summer, but also for the rest of the seasons as well.
  3. 16″ Zig Zag Pillows in Orange Fuchsia and Gray Yellow, $30 each – I have a serious pillow addiction and my absolute favorite way to welcome each season is with a new set.  These are on the top of my Summer 2013 list.
  4. Table Grill, $80 – Such a great tool for partying even longer at the beach or your favorite park with friends.
  5. Cedar Tree Swing, $77 – Is there anything more quintessentially summer than this?
  6. Kites! The Delta Cascade, $40, and the Dori Fish, $28 are my favorites.  My kids have been begging to go fly a kite this summer and I’m stoked to introduce them to the activity with such bold, colorful kites. (I had one just like the Delta on the wall in my room as a kid and I still remember how awesome I thought it was.)
  7. And speaking of awesome things to put in a room – how amazing is this Rainbow in My Room apparatus? $16
  8. Finally, summer is a great time to slow down and bond with the kids over messy fun (and if it happens to teach them some science and avoid the dreaded no-school brain drain, then all the better!).  This Glowing Putty Gels & Slime Kit is just the ticket, $14.

Those are my picks, hope you find something to make you happy!

QUESTION OF THE DAY

What puts a summer smile on your face?

0 Comments / posted in Style & Simplify, Uncategorized

Great tips for making laundry less of a pain!
17 Jun

Project Organize Your ENTIRE Life: Tackling the Laundry

Something fun today – we’re partnering with the one and only Martha Stewart to bring you a Project Organize Your ENTIRE Life laundry post sponsored by our friends at Tide HE and Maytag Powerwash. I’ve actually been meaning to do a POYEL laundry post for a while now but have been putting it off because, frankly, laundry and I aren’t exactly BFFs.

But it has to be dealt with none-the-less, and who better to learn the tricks of the trade from than Martha herself right?

She’s sharing 8 new laundry rules to live by, as well as tips to get it all done, and I absolutely love #1: The Grass is Always Greener on the Lawn. It goes so well with MPMK’s mantra of not being afraid to get outside and get messy with the kids.

So here’s your POYEL mission – go check out Martha’s laundry tips and then be sure to share your best tricks here with all of us.

QUESTION OF THE DAY

What are your best laundry tips?

Here are my current favorite ideas for tackling the never-ending laundry load:

  • Do it all in one day – I started doing this on accident (i.e. putting laundry off all week and then finally caving and doing several loads at once when no one had any clean underwear left). But I actually found that planning on doing several loads on Sunday, and not worrying about it the rest of the week, is much less stressful for me. I like it because I don’t feel like I’m behind all week.
  • Stop folding the kids’ clothes – My toddlers could care less if their clothes have a few wrinkles. Plus, I’m fostering their independence by letting them be in charge of putting away their clothes and getting them out to wear the night before. The net result is a lot of saved time for me.
  • Sort as you go – We have a separate hamper for colors, whites, and dry cleaning. Come laundry day I don’t have to spend so much time sorting before I even begin washing.

So there you go. I showed you mine, time to show me yours! And while we’re on the topic of laundry – do you all have HE washers? When we bought our house 5 years ago it came with an HE washer and dryer and I have to say I’ve loved them. The one thing about them, though, is you have to be sure to use the right type of detergent – this is key!

Ours broke last year and I’m convinced it’s because we used non-HE detergent after running out of our usual stuff. My hubby didn’t think so but the Tide people have clearly explained the benefit of their HE detergent and it makes sense to me, “Tide HE provides excellent cleaning with the right level of sudsing for high-efficiency washers. It creates few suds and disperses quickly to get great cleaning performance with only a fraction of the amount of water used in traditional machines”.

What do you guys think? Also, don’t forget to share those laundry tips – I can always use more!

13 Comments / posted in Cleaning House, POYEL

Excellent info. here on how to get through the teething stage!
14 Jun

Essential Teething Tips + Etsy Toy Shop Giveaway!

It’s been a while since we’ve had a giveaway on MPMK and I’m so glad this one came along.  Not only do I get to introduce you guys to a gorgeous new Etsy shop, I also get to offer up some super useful expert advice on teething (hooray for info. we can use!) PLUS a 10% off code for all: MPMK10 good June 14th – 21st, 2013.

Little Adventure Etsy Shop

Before we get to the giveaway and tips, I want to tell you guys a bit about Little Adventure.  It’s a lovely little shop that specializes in hand crafted toys and teethers and – I must say – I’ve been a bit smitten ever since laying eyes on it.

From their stylish logo to their fabulous mission (“to encourage creativity and bring imagination to playtime”) – really, I ask you, what’s not to love?  I have several friends right now who are either pregnant or have just had a baby and it’s highly likely they’ll be getting a handmade Little Adventure piece of their own soon. And today so can you (several, in fact)!

Don’t forget to enter below to win a $40 gift card to Little Adventure, or shop now and get a 10% discount with the code MPMK10 (Hurry though, ends June 21st, 2013).

First, though, lets talk teething.  For some kids this stage is barely a bump in the road, but for lots of others it can be a time of frustration and meltdowns (for both baby and mama).  So I asked Little Adventure founder and teething expert, Joni, to share some of her best tips on how to get through this phase with as few tears as possible.  Here’s what she had to say…

The Teething Saga

On average a child receives their first tooth between the age of 4 and 7 months, some as early as 3. And while, yes, it is a milestone needing to be recorded in the baby book, it can also become a parent’s greatest nemesis.  While sleep deprivation is at its all time high, for you, throw in the mix: fussiness, irritability, loss of appetite and more sleep problems for your babe.

As first time parents out to dinner with friends, my husband asked how long to expect the teething process to last.  It was a rude awakening when we were told it could last for over a year.  Our son definitely struggled through most of it.  Not all babies respond as intensely to incoming teeth but most parents who have gone through it can acknowledge the need for support. While there are many helpful pointers out there (parent forums, google, etc.) one thing that they all have in common is the basic aknowledgement that your little one desires to chew on something! There are several great natural choices out there.

Here are some tips to consider during your teething saga:

  1. For babies that have already been introduced to fruit, a frozen banana can sometimes do the trick.  Remove the peel and stick it in the freezer.  Once frozen, give it to them to chew on.

  2. A fresh washcloth soaked in cold water can be perfect for them to chew on and bring relief.  Try soaking the cloth in a calming Chamomile tea and chill before giving it to them.

  3. Pressure is key. Whether with your finger, or a washcloth rubbing while applying pressure can bring so much relief to inflamed gums.

  4. Although it may seem like it, teething doesn’t last forever!  You will make to the other side!  This too shall pass.

Having a little one myself, I am always looking for safe and natural ways to aid in the growing phases of my child, whether it be teething, entering childhood or growing in self-reliance. Helping kids develop and grow in their own creativity and imagination – Little Adventure was started with this in mind.

The wooden teether, along with the other toys in my shop, were designed and handcrafted in my home studio in Grand Haven, MI. They are made from hard rock maple, which is not only a beautiful hardwood but also has anti-bacterial properties and doesn’t splinter, making it a safe toy for your baby. Each teether is sanded smooth and then sealed and protected with a homemade organic beeswax and olive oil finish. Safe, natural, perfect for your own child’s teething saga!

Thank you Joni!  So, you guys ready to get your hands on some handcrafted toys and teethers? Just use the rafflecopter below and you’ll be entered to win $40 to spend at Little Adventure. Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

0 Comments / posted in Fresh Finds: Playtime

great tips for neatly storing all my re-usable bags
13 Jun

How To Organize Reusable Bags

Guess what guys – Project Organize Your ENTIRE Life just got a big boost in the form of a brand new MPMK contributor dedicated solely to the project.  I admit, I recruited professional organizer Annie to help me get our upcoming new home in order as much as I did to add to POYEL.  But it’s still a win-win for all of us!

Annie will be here once a month or so sharing her pro organization tips and eventually I’m hoping she’ll help me tackle some spaces at home (which I’ll happily share here of course).  She’s starting off today with some small and practical tips we can all use…

For those of us environmentally minded folks on the west coast of the United States, reusable bags are like the law. But actually, they are the law. With the ban on plastic bags in full effect in some cities, stores now operate as BYOB—that’s: bring your own bag—establishments. It’s not just here, either. People the world over are beginning to wake up to the fact that using reusable bags is a small way they can be kinder to the planet.

The only hitch in all of this is that reusable bags are a bit of a nuisance, organizationally speaking. They aren’t rigid, so they won’t sit or stand where you tell them to, and while they can be hung on hooks, it seems a shame to waste a whole hook (and a whole lot of wall space besides) on some silly flat bags.

Here, then, are some helpful hints on how to tame your reusable bags. Read More

3 Comments / posted in Organizing, POYEL

Great idea/tips on making a video of the craft your little guys make for Father's Day - Bet Dad will keep it a lot longer than the art project ;)
12 Jun

Getting Crafty And Recording It – A Father’s Day Gift Idea

Yesterday we had tips on making a lovely little photo project for Dad, so how about taking it a step further with a video project today?

Our resident healthy living expert, Anna, is here with something a little outside her norm.  Some friends recently put together a sweet video of their girls making a craft for their Daddy on his birthday.  He loved it so much that Anna naturally thought the idea would make an amazing Father’s Day gift.  Here she is with all the details.  Hope you try it!

I am really excited to share a fun and sentimental gift idea that also makes a wonderful keepsake. With Father’s Day around the corner, this really couldn’t come at a better time. After our incredible – you’ll see why in a minute – friends and occasional babysitters created this special gift for my husband, I couldn’t help but wonder, why have I not done this or seen it done yet? 

My friends are geniuses, I tell you. Creative geniuses.

Katie and her husband Matt, who is a videographer, offered to babysit our daughters so I could take my husband to a yoga class on the morning of his 30th birthday. We left a craft project out for them to work on and Matt, who was testing out some new gear, captured the hour or so of fun that unfolded.

They surprised us with the video at his party that night, and we were all in tears as we watched. My husband later told me that it was his favorite birthday gift ever. Take that 1993 Schwinn bike! Read More

0 Comments / posted in Anna, Holiday Projects, The Make & Play Vault

How to make a custom Father's Day photo print - be sure to read the whole post, there are some super clever ideas!
11 Jun

Tips & Tricks for an Awesome Father’s Day Photo Print

You guys have probably seen this photo print idea floating around pinterest – isn’t the idea brilliant?  How amazing would it be to have one of these from every year showing how the kids have grown and changed?

I’m definitely putting this idea on the “to-do list” for this Father’s Day – which is why I’m so happy Kaley is here with us sharing lots of creative tips and clever ideas for getting it done right.

Father’s Day is this weekend (seriously, how is it June already?)  and we have a fun little project that you are going to want to do for the dad in your life, whether you add it to another gift or give it all on it’s own.

Materials needed:

  • cute kids – yep, we’ve all got a few of those!
  • letters to spell out your name of choice (dad, daddy, papa, grandpa, etc.)
  • some kind of camera – a point and shoot, a DSLR, a smart phone, even your computer’s web cam would work.

Start by rounding up those cute kids of yours, and going on a treasure hunt around your house to find all of the different letters that could be used to spell out your message.  You will be surprised by how many options you will find. Here are just a few ideas to get you started: Read More

1 Comment / posted in Holiday Projects, Kaley, The Make & Play Vault

"Dad's Stache" Tray - ha ha!
10 Jun

Father’s Day Craft: “Dad’s Stache” Tray

Father’s Day is less than a week away – everybody ready?  In case not, I thought I’d throw up one of my all-time favorite MPMK Father’s Day projects.  It’s super cheap inexpensive and easy to make. Plus, what Dad doesn’t like a funny gift?

2 Comments / posted in Holiday Projects, The Make & Play Vault

such a simple and classic summer craft
07 Jun

Crafting with Food: Apple Prints

Happy Friday everyone, any big plans for the weekend?  We’re going to be bike riding, house hunting, and BBQing with friends.  I’m beyond excited for a nice, chill weekend.

If you need something to do with the littles this weekend, I highly suggest this apple print activity I put together over on eHow’s mom channel.  There’s a reason this one is a classic, kids absolutely love painting with produce.

And if you need something to read, check out what we’ve been discussing over on Sulia this week:

See you guys back here Monday!

1 Comment / posted in Art + Kid Crafts, The Make & Play Vault

4 tasty ways to top of your busy summer day (alcoholic or not - whichever you prefer)
06 Jun

Four Summer Drinks for Tired Mamas

Today Natalie’s got four of our favorite summer drink recipes – perfect for capping off a hot and a busy day.  Pick you4 favorite and invite your friends over for a BBQ this weekend!

Summertime is full of fun for the kiddies, but us mamas need a little bit of fun, too, don’t you think? Like a fruity drink for relaxation after a long, hot day of chasing the kids around. It can get truly tiring and the grownups need some refreshment after a hard day’s work!

I’m sharing a few recipes today that fit the bill perfectly. Not only do they taste great, but they’re full of fresh fruit juices to re-energize you before your next summer adventure. Read More

3 Comments / posted in In the Kitchen, Natalie

so many great ways to look cute this summer without having to bare it all!
05 Jun

Mom Style: Look Cute While Showing Less

Before we dive-in today, just a quick reminder that our two FREE parenting webinars on How to Get Kids to Listen without Nagging, Reminding or Yelling are today, Wednesday June 5th!  First in the morning at 10am PST/1pm EST, then at night at 6pm PST/ 9pm EST.  Go here to reserve your spot.

It’s every woman’s favorite time of year – swimsuit season.  Do you guys struggle with this one as much as I do?  Of course there’s the usual body issues that a bathing suit can bring out in even the most secure lady, but post-kids there’s even more fun stuff to deal with (tummy pouch, vericose veins, saggy breasts… what have you).

As a result, I always find that I’m willing to spend a little more on a quality swim suit that will last me through the summer season and have me feeling my best.  And ever since I was about 16, I always tend to turn to the same place for said suit – J.Crew.

So imagine my delight when I popped over there today and found that this year they have a whole slue of offerings that go beyond the basic bikini and actually help to cover a mother up! Plus, they’re having a sale!!

I was so excited by the selection, and the discount, that I decided to skip today’s scheduled post and share my favorite finds.  Ready?  Here we go… Read More

7 Comments / posted in Style & Simplify

Homemade fruit chews only take 2 ingredients - healthy and the kids love 'em!
04 Jun

Simple, Healthy Snacking: 2 Ingredient Fruit Chews

If you aren’t familiar with the blog Small Fry yet, then you are in for a treat!  It was launched last year by three moms (6 boys between them!) and it is just one of the most beautiful, engaging, and frankly exciting things on the web today (in my humble opinion).  If you’re a fan of MPMK, then you will definitely love Small Fry.

As a special treat today, the ladies over there are stopping by to share one of their favorite special treats: fruit chews.  These 2 ingredient snacks are easy and healthy – did I tell you you were going to love these ladies, or what?  Here’s the details on what’s bound to be one of your new go-to summer snacks.

Two Ingredient fruit chews:

There’s little I love more then cooking while my children play around my feet. It may only last a few minutes but I love the togetherness I feel as I spend time preparing them something delicious & healthy to eat.

 

When I came across this fruit leather recipe I was shocked it was only two ingredients! I wanted to find a way to make it a family activity so I got out the circle cookie cutter & let the kids go to town making fruit chews. Here’s how to do it: Read More

7 Comments / posted in In the Kitchen

25 ideas for summer play - bubble snakes, sidewalk checkers, sponge bombs and more! (Part of a regular play theme series - a new theme with lots of activities, books, etc. each month)
03 Jun

Playtime Cheat Sheet No. 3: Warm Weather Play

It’s June – Hello Summer! This month’s playtime cheat sheet is all about playing in warm weather and it’s got something for everyone.  Without further ado, here’s Alli with a fun DIY sprinkler project and 24 more great ideas.

I’m so happy to be back sharing some of our favorite ways to play in the warm Summer weather!

I love Summer. But then again, who doesn’t? Kids do… for obvious reasons. But adults too (because I have a theory that Summer actually brings out the kid in all of us).

We had our first pool day of the season a few days back, so I decided to add some extra fun to the occasion by making a “soda bottle sprinkler” for my two-year-old. Read More

7 Comments / posted in Alli, Outdoor Play, Play Theme Cheat Sheets, The Make & Play Vault

Usable tips on how to stop fighting to get your kids to listen
30 May

Free Positive Parenting Webinar – Morning AND Evening Sessions

photo source
I’ve got a start-of-summer treat for all you parents out there today. How does a summer free of whining, nagging, and yelling sound?

 

You guys have loved the free positive webinar we’ve offered as an affiliate with Amy McCready in the past (like sold out all 1,000 spots loved!). And with good reason, even after participating in the free webinar three times, I still find myself learning a lot from Amy.

 

In fact, I’ve had more than one parenting light bulb moment during a session. But I heard from a lot of you that you either weren’t able to make the time or the class filled up before you got a spot.

So I’m excited to announce that we’re offering not one but TWO FREE POSITIVE PARENTING WEBINARS next week, Wednesday, June 5th, at 10am PST/1pm EST AND 6 pm PST/9pm EST. Read More

9 Comments / posted in Let's Discuss, The Everyday

tips on how to inject a little fun into family time - part of a series on how to build happier families 21 days at a time
30 May

Happy Family Habit #4: Staying Young (and Silly!) with Your Kids

It’s been another 21 days so Kristin is back again with a new Happy Family Habit. (By the way – how did you all do with daily unplugging? I found it hard but immensely helpful!)  This time it’s all about having a little more fun…

QUESTION OF THE DAY

How do you stay young and have fun with your children?  Do you find yourself being the serious parent?

Some people are born silly.  They don’t take themselves too seriously because they feel comfortable in their own skin.  I am NOT one of those people.  I take myself seriously.  I am a rule follower and I think about consequences. OFTEN.

So, in raising kids, my husband is often the fun parent and I tend to be the one holding the fort down.  Many of you moms will side with me.  Someone has to keep this ship afloat.

Over the past few years I’ve learned that there’s a time let go of the rules and what ‘should be done.’  There’s a time when the goal of having FUN is more important than anything else.  And being the organized mom that I am, I have a few tips on how to have fun. Read More

3 Comments / posted in Happy Family Habits, Kristin

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