Modern Parents Messy Kids

mindful living, effortless style

07 Feb

MPMK Continuing Ed: Course #1 – New Year New Rules: Nutrition for Real Life

*UPDATE: THE LATEST SESSION OF NEW RULES: NUTRITION FOR REAL LIFE STARTS APRIL 8TH – USE THE CODE MPMK20 FOR 20% OFF.

I’m rolling out something big today, so consider yourselves warned. Introducing – drum roll please – MPMK Continuing Ed.

What the hell is that – you ask. It’s a brand new, carefully curated collection of high quality online courses which we believe will be useful to modern parents everywhere. You see, I’ve recently realized that whenever I have a problem, want to obtain a new skill, etc. – I usually turn to the web, with mixed results.

There are a bevy of online courses out there these days on just about any topic you can dream up. Some good, some not so much, and a few that have the potential to be truly life changing. The challenge is finding the needles in the proverbial haystack. Which is where we come in.

We’re making it our mission this year to find the creme de la creme on all sorts of topics: nutrition, parenting, design, finances, photography and maybe more. These are courses we’ve tried, we’ve loved, and we think you will too!

But don’t worry – we’re not going to inundate you with course offerings. Instead, every 2 – 4 weeks or so we’ll update our course listings (and you’ll always be able to find our featured class in our right sidebar – often accompanied by an exclusive MPMK discount code).

We’ll also be introducing an MPMK Continuing Ed Course Catalogue that you can peruse whenever you like. (Kind of like in college when you got to pick your classes for the following semester. Did you guys geek out over that too – or was it just me? Regardless, the good news is there will be no 8am classes!)

Are you as excited to get started as I am? Good! Today we’re kicking off the whole program with our fist offering – New Year New Rules: nutrition for the real world. You may remember that I had a chance to participate in this program about a month ago and the lovely ladies behind it stopped by MPMK to share some ideas on snacking for energy. Remember? They were the ones that gave us that kick-ass granola bar recipe everyone was raving about? Yeah – them.

I’m going to tell you lots more about their program (which, full disclosure, I’m an eager affiliate for) and my experience with it. But for those that saw “nutrition” and immediately thought “sign me up!”, let me throw out the registration link now.

Go here and be sure to enter the code MPMK20 for your 20% discount!

Everyone else, read on for the details… Read More

13 Comments / posted in In the Kitchen, The Everyday

06 Feb

Simple & Special Ideas for Valentine’s Day

I’ve got a brand new Valentine tutorial up on the mom channel at eHow and – I must say – I’m pretty excited about it. It’s a jumbo, and much healthier, version of the classic conversation heart. Go check it out, if you’re so inclined, then head back here for 13 more easy ways to make the 14th special.

Two reminders first though:

The FREE parenting webinar we’re hosting with Today Show expert Amy McCready is tonight at 6pm PST/9pm EST. If you’re tired of yelling, nagging, etc. to get the kids to listen be sure to join us. RSVP is required – go here to grab your spot.

If you have a second, I’d love for you to chime in below on the question of the day:

Where do you stand on sugary snacks? Not phased by them, completely outlawed at your house, or somewhere in between?

05 Feb

Sponsor Spot: No Stain is Sacred

Did you guys see this ad during the Superbowl? (By the way – how crazy was the Superbowl?!?) I thought it was humorous as I was watching it but for some reason the tag line at the end really made me laugh. Which do you guys like better on Superbowl Sunday – the game or the commercials? For me, it’s a toss up.

P.S. Thanks for your support of MPMK and our sponsors.

2 Comments / posted in Uncategorized

05 Feb

Modern Kid Art: Valentine Graffati

Last Thursday morning I was standing in the kitchen dealing with two delimmas:

The natives were getting restless and I’d yet to make a plan for entertaining them.
Our fridge, which is not enclosed and thus has a big, ugly exposed side, was making me twitch. (This is actually an ongoing dilemma, not especially specific to last Thursday but it was extra annoying that morning… possibly because I’ve recently given up my morning iced coffees?)

As I saw it, I had two options:

Channel my inner Ana or Mandi, haul the kids to Home Depot, and get supplies for doing something akin to this.
Go the lazy route and enlist the kids to help create some massive Valentine art to cover the eyesore.

Guess which option I chose.

(Hint: there’s a code for $1 off any method all-purpose cleaner at the end of this post, which is appropriate because we ended up making a bit of a mess – spoiler, the code is: APCBLOG) Read More

9 Comments / posted in Creating & Engaging

04 Feb

What You Need to Know About Kids and Probiotics

Are you guys familiar with probiotics? I have friends who swear by them but, for whatever reason, I’ve never really looked into them much. Today we’ve got a great guest post introducing all of us newbies to the who, what, when, where and why of probiotics.

P.S. Thanks so much to everyone who weighed in on the question of the day on Friday – it’s such a nice feeling to ask for conversation and actually get it! Hugs to each of you who took the time to comment – and don’t forget to check out today’s “question of the day” at the end of the post.

Until having children, I didn’t understand what probiotics were. I remember my husband bringing home a Goodbelly probiotic drink once and, truthfully, I was kind of grossed out. The idea that there were billions of live bacteria partying in a box in my refrigerator seemed, well bizarre!

These days our whole family lives for these “good bugs” as they are absolutely essential to our health. Without getting too scientific or above my own head, I can tell you that having a healthy gut (created largely by these healthy bacteria) will greatly improve overall health. I was shocked to learn that close to 80% of the immune system is housed in the gut. Say what? That’s a pretty significant bit of information, especially during cold and flu season.

Here are some probiotics rich foods that we try to incorporate into our girls’ meal plans on a daily basis: Read More

21 Comments / posted in Anna, In the Kitchen

01 Feb

Friday Share: Toydozer Giveaway

I’ve now been back for nearly a week from the mega-blogging conference, Alt, and guess what – I’m brimming with new ideas and goals for MPMK. All of which I want to institute, like, yesterday!

This week I’ve been starting with goal #1: Increase the Conversation.

I know, I know – we all love our social media these days and we’re so busy chatting it up on Instagram and the like that no one has time to actually comment on a blog anymore. Nevertheless – I’ve realized that compared to all of MPMK’s lovely social channels, the site itself is a little void of chit chat.

To get the conversation rolling, you’ll notice a few new features:

A “Question of the Day” at the end of each post – yes, like any icebreaker you’ve ever had to endure, this has the potential to be a little hokey. But I really do think it’ll be a good way for us to get to know each other better. And here’s the big upside – the better I know you the better I can tailor the site just for you. So, please, come discuss with me! Also, keep your eye out for some quick visual surveys using a really fun new app I’ve just become privy to.

A new hashtag: #MPMK - you can use this on any social media channel you please but I’ll especially by looking out for it on Instagram and Twitter. Doing something messy with the kids or got a tip us modern parents would love? Post it, hash tag it, and spread the love. You never know, I might just end up sharing it here to promote the conversation.

Friday Share - Think of this as a coffee date between us girls (and guys if you’re out there – although you may not be so into the occasional hair and makeup tips). Every Friday I’ll be sharing something fun: a product I’m currently loving, a tip that’s working great for me, or a giveaway for you. I’ll also be sharing my favorite comment on the blog from the week. (Nothing like seeing your name big and bold right? I’m totally not above bribery if that’s what it takes to get you guys to open up to me.) Finally, because I just don’t have the time for the Weekend Look Book anymore, I’ll also include some quality stuff others have been sharing around the web (the rest of the good stuff will go into MPMK’s newsletter).

So here we go with our first Friday Share: Read More

33 Comments / posted in The Everyday

31 Jan

DIY: Photo Valentine Favors

It’s that time of year again – time for the kiddos to get creative and show some love to their classmates… and possible neighborhood buddies, family members, etc. Kristin’s here today sharing her template for personalized favors – a simple trick for producing something fancy with minimal effort.

We’re also debuting something new this week – questions of the day. Today we want to know: do your kiddos share Valentines with family or just classmates? Share your tradition in our comments section.

Every year I like to help the kids make creative valentine’s for our friends and family. And, since I’m a photographer, I usually incorporate their photo into the valentine. One of my favorite projects was this super-easy-to-make bag of candy with a photo topper.

The next year I varied things a little with pixie sticks, but this year I wanted to come back to the candy bag. I love that you can put anything into the bag. If you want to get fancy, you can make marshmallows and roll them in colored sugar. But store-bought candy also does the trick. Read More

12 Comments / posted in Kristin, Tutorials

30 Jan

New FREE Webinar: Is Time Out a Waste of Time?

(image source)

I’ve got some very good news to share today. Parenting guru, Today Show expert, and MPMK favorite Amy McCready is once again offering up a FREE webinar to MPMK readers next Wednesday, February 6th at 6pm PST/9 pm EST. The best part? It’s a brand new topic – Are Time Outs a Waste of Time?

I highly encourage you to drop everything and sign up ASAP – the last two webinars we hosted with Amy both filled up completely (all 1,000 spots!).

So about time outs – do you use them? Do they work for you? I’ll admit, we do use them in our house (mostly in moments of weakness) and – no – I’m not sold on them. In fact, I know I shouldn’t be using them. Around here time outs aren’t really used as a tool, more as a last resort. I find myself falling back on them when I’m at my wits’ end and just can’t think of anything else to do.

This, I acknowledge, is probably not a sound foundation for a parenting choice. So I’m kind of salivating to hear what Amy has to say. I could really use the refresher and I’ve truly enjoyed her previous webinars with us. Plus our general parenting philosophy falls very much in line with her positive parenting message. Here’s a little more straight from Amy on what you can expect to learn… Read More

12 Comments / posted in Fresh Finds: Parenting

29 Jan

Traveling Utah: Alt Summit & Sundance

Hi friends… how are you? Before whisking away to Utah last week, I scheduled everything ahead of time and I didn’t get much of a chance to check-in while I was away. I’ve missed you all.

Now that I’m back, I thought I’d provide a glimpse of the whirlwind that was Alt Summit and Sundance. If you follow me on Instagram you’ve already seen the majority of these photos (and may very well be very sick of #altsummit at this point – so sorry for that, more variety to come, I promise). Nevertheless, I did predict that it could be “the most fabulous long weekend I’ve had in YEARS”. So I thought I should follow up with a few more details.

Here, for your viewing pleasure, are my five days in Utah…. Read More

2 Comments / posted in Style & Simplify

28 Jan

LOVE-ly Valentine Reads for Kids

Have you guys noticed that holidays have become a much bigger deal post-kids? I used to only give much thought to the big ones, mainly Thanksgiving and Christmas. For everything else it was more like, “It’s Halloween/Valentine’s Day/4th of July next week? Huh.”

But now every holiday is a chance to make a memory, teach my kids something, or create a tradition. One of my favorite ways to do so is through books. Which is why I love putting out holiday book lists for the littles. To that end – here’s Janssen, MPMK’s resident children’s librarian, with some LOVE-ly recommendations…

I love Valentine’s Day – it’s such a bright spot in the middle of winter, and a nice excuse to put up some decorations (I like to save my Christmas cards to make a Valentine’s banner featuring our friends and family). And any holiday is a great chance to check out some themed picture books for your little ones and snuggle up on the couch together, pretending it’s not still freezing outside.

Also, chocolate and candy? Of course I love this holiday.

But since I can’t send everyone chocolates, let me share instead six books that are a perfect way to celebrate: Read More

6 Comments / posted in Janssen, The Book Nook

25 Jan

Getting Crafty for Love: Our Favorite Valentine DIYs

Yesterday we talked about a super simple way to share Valentine’s Day with your sweetie, even in a time crunch. And in the next three weeks we’ll be sharing lots more V-Day inspiration.

But why wait? With me still away at Alt, I thought now would be a good time to remind you of some of our ideas from years past.

Last year it was all about these little guys. Do you remember what we used them for? Click through for that idea plus a few more of our favorites. Read More

2 Comments / posted in Creating & Engaging

24 Jan

An Easy Way to Squeeze in Some Romance this V-Day

Not sure yet how you and the hubs are going to celebrate Valentine’s Day (or how you’ll find the time to do so)? This year we’re tackling the holiday Project Organize Your ENTIRE Life style. Natalie’s here sharing a clever recipe for romance at home – a fun tasting menu you can easily throw together in no time. Bon Appetit!

P.S. If you have a little extra time, plan ahead and make Natalie’s yummy chocolate coconut bites too – they’re fabulous!

Let’s cut to the chase, Valentine’s Day doesn’t always go as planned. (Am I right?) Schedules get in the way, sitters cancel, kids get sick. It can be hard to make alone time with our spouses a reality, no matter how well we plan.

My secret weapon in times like these is The Nap Time Date. This is a mini-date that can be assembled at home in under 30 minutes. You can pull it together quickly after the kids are asleep or even prepare it ahead so you have more quality date time. This is a great date if you’re on a budget or if your schedules are jam-packed.

Here are some basic components for a great nap time date: Read More

8 Comments / posted in In the Kitchen, Natalie

23 Jan

Making Snowmen… Inside!

We’re taking another break from Project Organize Your Life today for a playtime activity your littles will adore. You know how we love a good messy sensory art project here at MPMK (for evidence check out the shot of C’s full-body sensory art birthday part on our new Instagram page).

So far we’ve tackled DIY finger paint, Jell-O Play Dough, DIY body Paint, and even Dr. Seuss’ Oobleck. So what’s next? Why, indoor snowmen of course! Kaley’s here today sharing with us…

I always think of sledding and building snowmen as the quintessential wintertime activities. Unfortunately, we don’t live anywhere near snow. I didn’t want to rob my little one of all that winter fun, so I had to get a little creative.

With a few boxes of cornstarch and some shaving cream, we made snowmen from the comfort (and warmth) of our living room. Now I just need to find a way to take her sledding in San Francisco.

To make indoor snowmen, you will need: Read More

20 Comments / posted in Creating & Exploring, Kaley, Sensory & Interactive Play

22 Jan

Learning to Eat for Energy

Not to be overly dramatic, but have I told you guys I’m doing something sort of life-changing right now? See, about a week ago I found out about this amazing new online course being put on by a pair of awesome nutritionists, Katie and Megan, and they graciously offered me a complimentary spot – despite the program being, literally, hours from beginning.

In their words, “New Year: New Rules is a 15 day program that tells you what foods work, what foods don’t, which habits are the hardest on your body…and most importantly, what to do from here on, because life is not a diet. Life is not a cleanse. In the words of Socrates, ‘Food is thy medicine.’ Time to invest in yourself. Time to show 2013 who’s boss.”

Sounds pretty rad right? Let me tell you – it is. I’m half way through my two weeks of “clean eating” and I already have so much more energy then I did before. In fact, I’m so enamored with the program that I asked the lovely ladies behind it for not one, but two favors and they came through on both (love them):

To guest post here on how we all can feed ourselves and our kids to have more energy (be sure to check out the recipes at the end – our whole family’s loving the protein power bars).

To let me become an affiliate for the program and extend to all of you a 20% off discount so you can get your 2013 started off right too - Hurry! The next session begins February 18th, 2013 and I hear it’s filling up fast.

Go here and use the code: MPMK20 at check out for 20% off.

All signed up? Good, now just read on to learn how to start eating for energy and feeling like a whole new you.

Energy. Who doesn’t want more of that? I mean really. As nutritionists we engage in countless conversations with clients about “feeling better,” where we discuss an array of different goals – better digestion, less headaches, solid sleep, hormone balancing, weight loss, fewer aches and pains…

The list goes on, but when we say “more energy…” you know what happens? Their eyes light up. “Yes, I want more energy… more, more, more.” Now, having more energy usually means working on digestion, sleep, and hormones, but today we are excited to break down the energy conversation in a way that is digestible! Read More

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

21 Jan

How to Store Your Digital Photos Like the Pros Do

One of the things I’ve been dying to tackle with Project Organize Your ENTIRE Life is digital photo storage. I have thousands (maybe even tens of thousands? I’m not sure – I’m too scared to look) of photos currently on my computer. Not at all organized, not even a little. I just haven’t been sure how to go about it.

Then it hit me… I have some stellar professional photographers on my team, why not ask them how they do it? So today MPMK’s own professional photog Kristin is here doing just that – sharing her fast and dirty technique for organizing her thousands upon thousands of photos.

My tip? Don’t get overwhelmed trying to catch up with photos from the past. Start implementing this system for all photos from now on and catch up with the rest on a rainy day.

One of my favorite things about going home is looking through the old photo albums with my siblings. Each photo represents a memory. But how many times have we wondered… where were we? How old was I? What were we doing?

We’re actually lucky that our parents took the time to document our growing up in the 70′s and 80′s! One of the benefits of living in 2013 is digital photography and the ease of taking and storing photos.

And yet, it seems silly that one of the most valuable things we own gets treated so carelessly sometimes. Taking the time to capture a moment in time should mean organizing and correctly storing it.

Here’s the process I use: Read More

29 Comments / posted in Kristin, Life: Simplified, Organizing, POYEL

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