mindful living, effortless style

Home science experiment: Elephant Toothpaste - kids go crazy for this one and you can make it REALLY big if you want to.
24 May

More STEM Skill Activities: Elephant Toothpaste Experiment

Happy Friday pals.  Any big plans for the holiday weekend?  We’re going to finish up last minute details on the house and hopefully get it on the market next week.  This won’t be my first time selling a house but it will be the first time doing it with kids in tow – I’m nervous!

QUESTION OF THE DAY

Who has tips on balancing having a home on the market and having kids home all day every day for the summer?  I’m all ears!

In other news – you guys seemed to really like the Gum Drop Engineering project I shared earlier this week so I thought I’d give you a peek at a 3rd STEM skills activity I put together for eHow recently. (#2 being the Inventor’s Box, in case you’re keeping track.)

I can’t take credit for this one.  I’d seen the classic Elephant Toothpaste Experiment floating around on pinterest several times but it was when the kids and I actually saw it performed in person that I decided I really wanted to try it at home.

We were at the Pacific Science Center and students from the University of Washington had taken the place over with all sorts of hands on exhibits.  The fast-acting reaction fascinated my kiddos and they had handy recipe cards to repeat the experiment at home so I figured, why not?

To try it yourself, you can find full instructions here.  (Hint: Use regular over-the-counter hydrogen peroxide and then do it again with 6% hydrogen peroxide that you get at beauty supply stores.)

Screen shot 2013-05-23 at 5.06.15 PMAnd speaking of fun stuff to do with the kids – Cliff Bar Kids is currently hosting their 3rd Annual Back Yard Game of the Year contest.  Kids ages 6-12 get to explore outdoor play by inventing their very own backyard game for a chance to win some very cool prizes including a $10,000 scholarship and a donation of $15,000 to the charity of their choice.

Last year the kids involved came up with some pretty great ideas (anyone up for a rousing game of “dance tag” or “zoombie hunt” later?).  Plus, encouraging innovation, outdoor play, and giving while winning prizes – what’s not to love?  Go here for all the details.

Finally today – I’ve been chatting away over on Sulia again.  Here’s what we’ve been talking about this week:

Happy 3 day weekend guys!

P.S. Memorial Day Weekend is the official start of summer – want lots more help planning engaging and educational activities for the kids?

Check out our Camp Mom: Summer Activities Pack.  It’s an 86 page download packed with 3 full theme weeks, over 45 detailed activities, plus reading lists, outing ideas and tips on topics like sibling rivalry, sensory play and lots more!  Learn more here.

Camp Mom: Summer Activities Pack

1 Comment / posted in Educational Activities, The Make & Play Vault

"Happier at Home" virtual book club - discussing the 2nd half of this great book.
23 May

Virtual Book Club: Happier at Home – Part 2

Hi friends – how are you?  I’ve been a bit distracted lately, have you noticed?  Hopefully not thanks to the continued great work of our MPMK contributing team.  I’m dealing with a lot that’s taking me away from the blog these days – getting ready to list our house next week, our dog begin seriously ill and hospitalized, and the end of school (eek!).

I hope to be back in the swing of things soon but until then Janssen has my back today with her wrap up of Happier at Home.  Have you guys grabbed your copy yet?  I think I could really use a lot of the messages in this book right now!

I’m so excited to share the second half of Happier at Home with you. I feel like the first half is slighlty more personal, while the second half focuses a bit more on family and community. I feel like this is a book I need to read with a pen and notebook so I can list all the things I want to read, focus on, improve, and experience. I’d love it if you shared your thoughts in the comments too.

TIME – CRAM MY DAY WITH WHAT I LOVE

GENERAL IMPRESSION

I am, like most people probably, endlessly interested in personal time management. This chapter is such a great way to jump back in to the book because it covers not only daily time management, but also larger, overarching ideals when it comes to taking control of your life. I especially appreciate her focus on taking control of your child’s time – I feel like that’s not a topic I see addressed often, but it’s been on my mind a lot since I first read this book.

LIGHT BULB MOMENTS

  • “I do have time, if I make time for the things that are important to me.” I love the idea of cramming your life full of what you love. If something is going to fall off, it will be the things you don’t really value as much.
  • “Working is one of the most dangerous forms of procrastination.” I am so guilty of this! I can procrastinate all day long by doing things that “need” to be done like the laundry or checking prices of airline tickets or any other dozens of things that are necessary, but aren’t actually as important as whatever it is I’m procrastinating. Read More

0 Comments / posted in Janssen, Virtual Book Club

Gum drop engineering to build STEM skills - post has great tips on extending the activity too
22 May

STEM Activity: Gum Drop Engineering

A few months ago I was asked to come up with a series of educational at-home activities to do with the kids as part of a collaboration between eHow (who I regularly contribute for) and Target.

All together, I wrote 8 posts – many of which centered on developing STEM skills.  This gum drop engineering project was one of my very favorites (second only to the inventor’s box I shared with you guys last month).  Our whole family had a great time building and creating for almost an entire afternoon with this activity.

Go check it out for full details as well as ideas on how to extend the activity.  And if you’d like even more STEM ideas, you can also follow my new STEM Finds pinterest board.

Camp Mom: Summer Activities PackP.S. Want lots more help planning engaging and educational activities for the kids this summer?

Check out our Camp Mom: Summer Activities Pack.  It’s an 86 page download packed with 3 full theme weeks, over 45 detailed activities, plus reading lists, outing ideas and tips on topics like sibling rivalry, sensory play and lots more!  Learn more here.

 
 
 
 
 
 

3 Comments / posted in Educational Activities, Sensory & Interactive Play, The Make & Play Vault

4 delicious + healthy smoothie recipes for moms + kids - an incredible amount of info. here on what makes these smoothies so good for you
21 May

4 Healthy Smoothie Recipes for Moms & Kids

I’m very excited to introduce to you our newest MPMK contributor, Jodi.  She’s a natural foods chef with an incredibly gorgeous food blog, What’s Cooking Good Looking?  (I kinda fell in love with her based on her blog’s name alone) and a truly amazing amount of health food knowledge. Today she’s sharing with us not one, but four, healthy and yummy smoothie recipes to try with the kids this summer.

Before we get to that though – I’d just like to take a moment and say that our hearts and prayers are with the families in Oklahoma.

Now that we’re approaching summer, smoothies are my favorite way to enjoy an easy breakfast or a mid-day snack. Who doesn’t love a good, refreshing smoothie? Smoothies are also a fun way to get in some extra healthy vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Making smoothies at home is not only really easy, but it is also the best way for you to know that every single ingredient you are adding is natural and healthy (and not a sugary juice from a container). These smoothies are all created from whole, organic (when possible) ingredients. You can also make extra to keep around, saving you time so you don’t always have to break out the blender.

I created these recipes to taste great, but also to sneak in a few super-healthy ingredients that you might not always be able to get the little ones to eat. Each of these four smoothies are great for both mom and kids. Mom will like that they’re healthy and good for you, and kids will like the taste and how fun and colorful they are. Serve them in a colorful glass with a cool, bendy straw and they will be sure to be a huge hit!

A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THE INGREDIENTS

In the chocolate almond butter smoothie:

Almond butter has a high amount of protein and helps to lower blood sugar. In other words, drink this and you will feel super satisfied. You can have this for breakfast without feeling hungry until lunchtime.

This recipe calls for cacao powder, which is really good for you, unlike it’s counterpart cocoa powder. Cacao, also known as raw chocolate, is really high in antioxidants, and does not contain any sugar or dairy that a regular chocolate bar would contain. It adds a chocolaty flavor with out all the unnecessary ingredients and sugar. Read More

8 Comments / posted in In the Kitchen, Jodi

A dozen great books for kids who love trucks/cars/"mighty machines" etc. Our favorites are #s 1, 2, 11 and 12!
20 May

Honk! Books for Your Truck/Train/Car-Loving Child

After the popularity of Princess Books You’ll Actually Want Your Daughter to Read, Janssen and I knew we had to do a list for the boys.  We settled on vehicles because that’s what the little guys in our lives are into (and my little girl as well – of course this list is for both genders).  Hope you enjoy this roundup – #1, 2, 11, and 12 are especially popular at our house.

Last summer, my sister and I were driving in the car together, with no children. I interrupted her mid-sentence to say, “Look! There’s a . . . ” and then I realized she probably didn’t care that there was a cow grazing in a pasture.

She laughed and told me that she and her husband find themselves pointing out construction vehicles to each other, by their proper name, when they are out without their little boys. It’s funny to see what things you start noticing when your child is really into a certain topic.

If, like my nephews, vehicles are what your children love, these ten books will probably be wildly popular at your house. Plus, many of them will give you (or your child) a chance to show off all the technical names of vehicles you know! Read More

6 Comments / posted in Janssen, The Book Nook

Chia Fresca - great healthy drink for hot summer day
16 May

Your New Favorite Summer Drink

I’ve got another tasty and healthy drink to share with you guys today.  Think of it as the summer version of the Happy Drink.  It’s courtesy of the lovely ladies at Prescribe Nutrition who are once again offering MPMK readers 20% off their New Rules: Nutrition for Real Life Course. (Use the code MPMK20.)

I’ve shared about New Rules several times since trying it myself (and loving it) back in January.  But in case you missed it, or have been on the fence, there’s a quick run down below.  Fair warning – this is the last time the program is running until next fall!

WHY

This is the big question right? So let’s start here… The answer that I learned during my time with the course is because EVERYTHING leads back to nutrition.  Katie and Megan, the nutritionists behind the goods, have a vast amount of knowledge on the subjects of digestion and nutrition and how they can affect everything from energy levels and mood to weight loss resistance and acne.

Personally, I felt like a whole new woman after my 15 days were up.

After having S I struggled with exhaustion, head aches, and mood swings.  At first I tried to figure it out on my own, then I sought help through my general physician, OBGYN, and even a naturopath. But I never found the solid answers I was looking for.  Of course, I assumed that at least some of it had to be due to diet.  But until completing this program I had no idea how much.

And here’s the part where I “keep it real”.  It wasn’t a cake walk (either literally or figuratively).  It was hard - especially the first week when my body was craving all the processed foods and sugar I usually fed it. But I did it – what’s more I got my husband to do it too and we both felt SO MUCH better at the end of two weeks.

When telling people about it I would say that I didn’t necessarily feel like I was ready to run a marathon but I did generally feel happier and less tired.  I also realized once I began the program that previously I’d been experiencing chronic stomach pains and bloating at night.  They’d become so commonplace that I didn’t even notice them, or think about doing anything to avoid them.  Then I started my 15 days, those symptoms disappeared, and I felt amazing.

Finally, the most profound outcome of this experiment has been how it’s affected me as a mother. Without the headaches and exhaustion, I’m so much more fun!  And I’m connecting with my kiddos in new ways – which is a huge gift and exactly what I was hoping to gain from the experience.

WHAT

A 15 day online nutritional program put together by two top-notch functional nutritionists (Katie and Megan) and designed to start you down the path of feeling like a brand new you.  In Katie and Megan’s words:

Why? Because life is busy, stress exists and healthy eating is challenging. Maybe you’ve tried a million diets. Maybe you can’t shake constant bloat or fatigue. Perhaps you’re dealing with some more deep-rooted concerns and don’t know where to begin. Yeah, been there.

Well, don’t worry. You found the spot. We work with people with concerns from weight loss to chronic health conditions. Guess what we realized? Across the board, no matter what, this protocol is where we start. 15 days to a cleaner life. And lucky you…we decided everyone should be in on this. Time to invest in yourself. Time to show 2013 who’s boss.

Screen shot 2013-02-06 at 6.09.18 PM

24/7 access to Katie & Megan – Ask anything you want, at any time via our members only message board! Like a personal nutritionist pager.

  • 5 step video series walking you through each step
  • Exclusive recipe package & protocol – kid friendly recipes included
  • Cheat sheets for each step
  • Unending support and guidance

WHEN

May 20th – May 29th (The last time it’ll be offered until next fall!)

Something I really appreciated about the program is there are no specific time-of-day requirements. You’re free to watch the videos and read the materials when you have the time.  Then check in with the group to have questions answered and get support.

Ok, I’m starting to feel a little Tony Robbins here so I’m gonna wrap it up.  But if you still have questions, the lovely ladies behing New Years New Rules have put together this  Question & Answer  Mp3.

Give it a listen and then head over and sign up using your 20% discount code: MPMK20!

Don’t worry – I didn’t forget the Fresca… here’s something to sip on while you wait to get started on a brand new you:

Our most favorite refreshing summer beverage. Believe it or not, this little drink will actually act as an easy mini-snack due to the high protein and fiber content of chia seeds. Enjoy!

Chia Fresca

1 Serving

Ingredients

  • 2 cups coconut water (no sugar added)
  • 2 tablespoons chia seeds
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon or lime juice, or to taste
  • Zest of half a lime or lemon
  • Several drops of stevia (to taste)

Add chia and water/coconut water into a large jar or glass and whisk very well to combine. Let sit for 10 minutes to allow the chia seeds to moisturize and swell. Add lemon/lime and your preferred sweetener to taste. The chia seeds will eventually sink, so give it a good swirl as needed.

Cheers!

~ Katie & Megan

*Post contains affiliate links

1 Comment / posted in In the Kitchen, The Everyday

Great list for lunches to bring to the park - hooray for no moe PB & J!
16 May

Fresh Ideas for Summer Lunching

You know why I love having a team here on MPMK?  Because it allows me to cover topics I’m interested in but, frankly, are out of my wheelhouse.  This post, for example, came together like so…

Natalie: Any ideas for my next post?

Me: It’s getting on that time of year when Moms are spending lunchtime at the park.  Any ideas for creative, healthy, and portable meals?

Natalie: I’m on it.

And then, boom!, a few days later the following post arrives and I’m totally blown away (and also drooling).  Check it out, it’ll make your stomach do a happy dance, and don’t miss her smoothie tip near the end – genius!

Summertime is upon us. That means lots of running around, days out of the house and meals in the sunshine. Peanut butter and jelly can get old fast. So I’ve put together a few ideas to brighten up your on-the-go lunching.

Wraps and Spring Rolls. Wrapped items are very portable and perfect for adding extra veggies (unlike sandwiches, where all the veggies fall out the sides). You can make wraps with tortillas, pitas, lettuce leaves or crepes for a new twist on your typical sandwich. (And don’t worry, spring rolls are surprisingly easy – all you have to do is soak the rice papers in a bit of water for 30-60 seconds until pliable, then pile on your fillings and wrap ‘em up.)

Our favorites:

Cold Salads. We’re all aware of the typical garden salad, chicken salad, tuna salad and the like. But let’s think outside the box a little bit. Read More

2 Comments / posted in In the Kitchen, Natalie

Camp Mom: Summer Activities Pack - an 84 page PDF download put together by the best playtime bloggers around. With 84 pages of activities, adventure ideas, and reading lists - you and the kids will be set for the summer!
15 May

Camp Mom: Summer Activities Pack – An 86 Page Download to Save Your Summer

Summer…. long days, warm nights and kids home all the time. You know what the best defense against bored kids is? A good offense, or being prepared, or some other overly-used sports cliche… My point is, you need a game plan!

But scouring the web to find activities to fill the days just takes way too long. If you’re like me, you need simple ideas that will be successful for all of the kids – and lots of them. Activities that will allow for bonding time, but also independent play, and that will keep the kids happy and their brains stimulated all summer long.

That’s where the Camp Mom: Summer Activities Pack comes in. It’s an 86 page PDF I’ve been secretly cooking up with a group of the best playtime bloggers around… and it’s finally available for sale today! It’s really going to help you (and me!) make this the best summer yet with our kids.

The activities are open-ended so they’re great for a wide range of ages (I’d say 2 years to at least 9 years, if pressed). Here’s a peek inside:

Camp Mom: Summer Activities Pack - an 84 page PDF download put together by the best playtime bloggers around. With 84 pages of activities, adventure ideas, and reading lists - you and the kids will be set for the summer!

CAMP MOM: SUMMER ACTIVITIES PACK $14.99

plus order in the month of May and get:

great ebooks!

Total Value of Bonus: $69.37

We’ll make it easy to plan your summer fun.

Make a Summer Schedule that works for YOUR family. Do you need to work this summer and juggle babysitting? Are you trying to fit in nap times for the baby around big kids’ schedules? Maybe you’ve got travel plans?

Use our planning printables to make flexible routines that help you enjoy your kids AND take care of yourself. Print your Summer Bucket List and plan the things you most want to do this summer. Use the Theme Planning Sheet to get organized for summer fun – you’ll have all of your ideas, and a supply list in one spot.

Included in your 86 page Summer Activities Pack, you’ll find:

Planning Printables

  • Summer Bucket List – Make sure you don’t miss something you REALLY want to do.
  • Summer Routine Sheet – Combine your tasks and the kids activities.
  • Theme Adventure and Activity Planner – You won’t forget what supplies you need.
  • Summer Survival Sheet – Keep your most important data in one spot.

3 Comprehensive Theme Weeks

Each including playtime activities, ideas for getting out of the house, and reading lists:

  • Water: Splash and Play
  • Art: The Earth Without art is just “Eh”
  • Nature: Explorers in Your Own Back Yard

PLUS – Sensory Play Any Day theme with a printable list of ideas you can refer to any time you need an activity QUICK that will engage the kids and keep everyone happy. The Sensory Play section also includes links to loads of sensory activities that rank as favorites with our kids.

In total the pack contains 45 detailed play activities as well as TONS more ideas and resources.

Along with the planning printables, activity instructions, adventure ideas, and reading lists – we’ve also included bonus sections to ensure your summer runs smoothly.  Topics include:

  • How to Plan for a Mindful Summer
  • How to Keep the Peace Between Siblings
  • How to Put Together a Basic Summer Art Kit (Plus 20 more art ideas using just those basics)
  • How to Get the Most Out of Museum Field Trips
  • How to Discuss Art with Kids
  • Kitchen Sensory Fun
  • And more!

summer-activities-pack-sale

It’s basically what you’d get if you asked all of your favorite teachers, babysitters, and supermoms to make a summer curriculum just for you…

Don’t wait, order your pack today and be all set for summer (plus get lots of bonus goodies)!

8 Comments / posted in The Everyday, The Make & Play Vault

All sorts of good ideas for baskets used to organize here.
14 May

Project Organize Your ENTIRE Life Quick Tip: Baskets!

Who’s ready for a new Project Organize Your ENTIRE Life post?  ”A what now?” you may be asking.  (I know, I know – it’s been quite a long time since the last one.)

Ironically, the reason I haven’t done much posting on POYEL lately is because I’ve been spending all my extra time getting our house ready to list.  While that has involved quite a bit of organizing and cleaning, I just haven’t had the time to document it.

However, last week I did have the chance to snap this quick after photo of our linen closet.  I briefly considered posting the before photo here as well but, honestly, no one needs to see that.  Just imagine a black hole and you’ll have a proper visual.

So do you see what I did here?  I used the absolute best trick for half-hearted organization ever: baskets.  They really do make everything better. The simple act of taking the 200 or so random health, beauty and linen products in that closet and divvying them up into 8 happy looking baskets from Target magically turned my humble closet into organization Mecca.

To make this system functional on top of looking good, I went the extra mile and actually sorted what should go in each basket.  In total the project took about 20 minutes and the result – actually knowing where the cold medicine, ear drops, nail clippers, etc. are – feels fabulous.

Even if you don’t have an extra 20 minutes to organize, I still encourage you to try the basket trick. The next time you’re at your favorite box store, pick up a few cute ones.  Then head home, pick your most disorganized cupboard and just start putting stuff in them.

At the very least, the basket system will keep you from knocking down a dozen things each time you’re reaching for something towards the back of the black hole.  That in itself is worth it’s weight in gold.

Baskets aren’t just great in closets and cupboards either.  Here’s a sampling of my all-time favorite basket ideas straight from our Getting Organized pinterest board.  Hope you find some inspiration! Read More

2 Comments / posted in Organizing, POYEL

7 steps to feeling and looking better all summer - printing and putting on the fridge!
13 May

Swimsuit Protocol: Get Ready for Summer STAT

Hope everyone had a wonderful Mother’s Day.  As a late treat for all the moms out there, I’ve asked my girls Katie and Megan from Prescribe Nutrition to once again stop by.  Today they’ll be sharing their top secret “Swimsuit Protocol” – guaranteed to have us all feeling a little better this summer.

And if you want to take it a step further, they’re once again graciously offering MPMK readers 20% off their online clean eating class “New Rules: Nutrition for Real Life“.  Just use the code MPMK20 and get prepped to enjoy the sun!

Spring… and after spring comes summer.  How’re you feeling about it?  Ready to take on long days of playing and running around? Excited to have the kiddos home all day? Eager for outdoor BBQ’s and parties?

Summer means one big thing: it’s layer shedding time and a little something we call swimsuit season.  Oh yeah. Depending on where you are, this season shift is quite dramatic – here in Minnesota, it’s a BIG time shift.  Old man winter thought it would be best (or a really bad joke) to stick around well into the first week of May (yup, we had snow), and you could find us sporting Uggs and sweaters until about eight days ago.

Then it was 75.  Just like that.  Layers gone and pool covers came off.  Wouldn’t it be fabulous to not dread the upcoming pool party at your sisters house, or a birthday party at the beach?  Better yet, wouldn’t it be great to be excited to show a little skin?  Heck yes.

At Prescribe Nutrition we aren’t big into starting at the scale, but we are big into feeding our bodies what they were meant to have, and when all systems start communicating effectively, then WHAM, you see results.  It really does just happen.

So all of this sounds pretty good, right?  Or are you thinking, ”Alright Katie & Megan, that’s all fine and dandy, but I’m in a bathing suit NEXT WEEK and I need tips, stat. Time is of the essence.” Fair enough, we know that story.

OUR “SWIM SUIT PROTOCOL”

Here are our go-to steps to getting summer ready FAST. Eat a diet alive with nutrients and follow the rules below – you’ll be feeling better than you have in ages.

(If you want to take this protocol even further, use the code MPMK20 for 20% off Prescribe Nutrition’s New Rules: Nutrition for Real Life, which starts May 20th) Now, onto the plan… Read More

2 Comments / posted in In the Kitchen, Style & Simplify

Camp Mom Summer eBook - 84 pages filled with over 60 activities, adventures, and tips for successfully making this summer one of your best. Perfect for kids ages 2 - 9 yrs old.
10 May

Get Prepped for a Fabulous Summer Now!

Happy Friday friends.  I’ve got several items to make life a little eaasier today – starting with a top-secret exclusive.  Over the last few weeks, I’ve been quietly collaborating with a handful of brilliant playtime bloggers on something really special.

Camp Mom: Summer Activities Pack is an 84 page downloadable PDF that’s a phenomenal resource for parents looking for quality ways to engage the kids this summer.

 

UPDATE: WE’RE OFFERING A 15% DISCOUNT TO ANYONE WHO PRE-ORDERS THE BOOK BETWEEN NOW AND MAY 15TH.  JUST USE THE CODE “EARLYBIRD” AT CHECKOUT!

 

It doesn’t officially go on sale until next week so I’ll be sharing a lot more about it then – but today I wanted to let you know that pre-sales are now available.  Also, bonus, Amanda from Not Just Cute (my first positive discipline guru) is offering up a FREE eBook, Positive Parenting: The Basics, to anyone who purchases the Activities Pack.

Excited yet?  Here’s a sample page to give you a little taste of what you’ll get:

sample from the Camp Mom: Summer Activities Pack

Pre-Order Your Copy of Camp Mom: Summer Activities Pack Now!

$14.99  $12.75

Click here to purchase

 

As I said, I’ll have MUCH more to say about this labor of love next week.  For now, here’s a peek at what you’ll get:

  • Printable summer planning pages (art supply prep list, Summer Bucket List template, etc.)
  • Four summer themes with over 45 Simple and FUN activity ideas that are open-ended and perfect for kids aged 2 – 9 plus tons of bonus ideas.
  • Adventure ideas and tips – you can have adventures without leaving your backyard or use the ideas to get out and explore your community.
  • Tips for success: managing sibling conflict, what to do with the toddler, how to enjoy a museum with your kids, and etc.
  • Reading  recommendations to go with each of the 4 themes.

Basically, it’s the best early education minds I know, all putting together our best stuff to provide you with all the tools you’ll need to guarantee a great summer.  So what are you waiting for?  Go get your copy now!  Then kick back and wait for the summer sun to shine down on you.

P.S. Before I sign off, I also wanted to share some of what I’ve been dishing about over on Sulia.

  1. A pretty (and free) printable to keep you organized.
  2. An easy last minute Mother’s Day gift (surprise – it’s not a DIY!)
  3. And a pretty DIY card to go with the non-DIY gift.

6 Comments / posted in Fresh Finds: Playtime

Happy Family Habit #3: Go Unplugged for a bit everyday - part of a series on how to become a happier family 21 days at a time.
09 May

Happy Family Habit #3: Go Unplugged Every Day

Wow – hard to believe we’re already on Happy Family Habit #3!  So far we’re sharing our stories more and working on our gratitude.  What’s next?  Mini doses of mindfulness each and every day.

This time around I’m challenging you/me/us to try to find just a few minutes each day to step away from the phone/computer/tablet and pay 100% of our attention to the moment.  Notice, I said “to the moment”, and not, “to the kids”.

While I certainly think it’s a great idea to spend a lot of this time connecting with the kids – it’s also OK to spend some of it doing things you really love but never make time for; reading a book (even if it’s only a chapter), taking a long bath, or just sitting on the porch with a cup of Jo.

Don’t feel guilty about doing nothing – you’re setting an example for your kids and showing them it’s important to unplug and power down for a bit each day.

One of my favorite tips for success is Read More

5 Comments / posted in Happy Family Habits, Simple Ideas

Easy ways to get in the photo with your kids - because they'll want pictures with mom in them when they're all grown up!
08 May

Getting in the Picture with Your Kids

MPMK contributor and professional photographer Kristin is here today sharing easy ways to ensure that you show up in the family photos.  As moms, we’re often the ones snapping the pics (or sometimes even hiding from the camera), but we need to remember it’s such a gift to our kids to make sure they have photographic evidence of these years with you!

With Mother’s Day around the corner, I wanted to talk about some easy tips on getting into the picture with your kids.  As moms, we need to do this!  Kids want to have documentation of their childhood with their mom.

I promise, they won’t be thinking about how their mom needs to lose 5 pounds or use more eye cream.  Making memories with their mom is so valuable!  Here are my favorite tips for getting it done:

  • The first thing you need to do is download a timer app for your smart phone.  I use CameraTimer for my iPhone.  I love it because you can set it on a single shot or multi shot.  It also lets you choose how many seconds before the shutter clicks.  So, if you have your phone far away, you don’t have to lose your breath trying to run into the photo.
  • Take the time to get the kids together for a photo when you’re doing something fun and they are in the mood for it!  Milkshakes does the trick for my crew.

16 Comments / posted in Kristin, Style & Simplify

Make a healthy grains gift pack for Mother's Day (or just for yourself)!
07 May

DIY: Clean Eating Gift Pack in a Pretty Package

Martha Stewart Crafts recently offered to send over some supplies in exchange for a creative Mother’s Day DIY.  I happily agreed because I’m totally smitten with Martha’s craft line – something about the lovely looking tools just makes “making” a little more fun.  Want to see what I came up with?

Pretty DIY for whole grain containers

If you’ve been paying attention around here then it will come as no surprise that I continued on with my “help Mom help herself” theme.  So far this year I’ve made a cheerful Water Serving Set and an extra special Gratitude Journal (both of which, coincidentally, were also made with the Martha Stewart stencils and paints).

So what’s left?  How about a clean eating starter kit complete with recipes and some pretty containers? Read More

5 Comments / posted in DIY Projects, In the Kitchen, The Make & Play Vault

25 ways to play around a sports theme this month. (Part of a regular play theme series - a new theme with lots of activities, books, etc. each month)
06 May

Playtime Cheat Sheet No. 2: Sports

Another month, another play theme cheat sheet to get you through.  Did you guys enjoy trying out all our nature ideas from last month?  Alli’s back today with another stellar list of activities, books, etc. you can refer to all month long.  This time our focus is sports – so grab a ball, get outside, and get those little ones running!

May is the perfect month to get outside and get active with your family, which is why it’s also the perfect month to focus on sports.

When I first started toying with sports as a playtime theme, the same usual suspects came to mind: baseball, basketball, soccer, etc. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized how important it is to think outside the penalty box (forgive the pun) for this particular theme.

Because sports are so much more than just baseball or basketball…

Sports are anything that get us up and moving, active, and enjoying the great outdoors. Sports are for boys and girls alike, for kids at every skill level, and they’re a great way to teach teamwork, exploration, sportsmanship, and coordination.

And, really, who can beat that?

We decided to kick things off at our house with some Tin Can Bowling. Isaiah is still a wee little guy, so we wanted to do bowling on a much easier level – which is why we went with a light material like recycled cans.

Read More

1 Comment / posted in Alli, Play Theme Cheat Sheets

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