I love the convenience of the disinfecting wipes that come in the nice little packages. But I don't like the chemicals that come in them, the waste that they produce, or the cost. Especially when my little ones are using them. Thankfully, the DIY versions are super easy to make and may even encourage the kids to help with the clean up. … [Read more...]
New Year’s Eve Hour-by-Hour Countdown Activity for Kids
I have never attempted to let my daughter stay up until the New Year before. I am actually contemplating it this year, so I am armed and ready with an activity that will keep her entertained through all the hours until the ball drops. I made this fun poster with a little punch out circle for each hour leading up to midnight - kind of like an advent calendar for New Year's Eve. Each hour we have either an interesting question to discuss or an activity to do as a family. This is easy to put … [Read more...]
Kid Craft: DIY Washi Tape Christmas Stars
Looking for a fun craft to do with your kids, that won't add any more stress to the holiday season? These little stars are festive, super quick to make, and just a little addicting. They are cute as ornaments, but work equally well strung together as a garland. Plus, they are … [Read more...]
Quiet Time Trick: Make Calming Lavender Play Dough
We've talked about the amazing benefits of play dough. We've shared the best play dough recipe ever. We've even made play dough toolkits. So we can all agree that we love play dough. But did you know that it can also be used as a great calming activity for kids? By adding the soothing, calming properties of lavender to our favorite playdough, this activity is sure to calm even the wiggliest of kids on those long summer days. … [Read more...]
Meal Planning Made Easy with The Home Collection – Part 2
Kaley's back today with an update on the custom meal planning system she put together with products sent to her by our latest sponsor, Post-it® Brand. Yay for organization! I thought this system was pretty impressive when she first set it up but now that I see it in action, I'm a little blown away. This fridge actually makes me excited about meal planning (one of the things I dread most in this world). My favorite part has to be the spots for snack ideas and an inventory of what's in the … [Read more...]
Meal Planning Made Easy with The Home Collection – Part 1
Why is it that I can never get enough when it comes to easy meal planning systems? I know I really only need one, but I'm still fascinated to see how everyone else makes dinner time work for them. Today our contributor Kaley is teaming up with our newest sponsor, Post-it® Brand, and using some of their uber cool new organizational products from the Home Collection by Post-it® Brand, Scotch Brand® and Command™ Brands to set up a meal planning system of her own. I have to say, this one is … [Read more...]
Healthy Homemade Banana Chocolate Ice Cream
Kaley's here today with one of our family's favorite snacks. My littles totally think of this as dessert, which I love because it's really nothing more than bananas. Be sure to read to the end for some of Kaley's favorite flavor variations as well as a list of MPMK's all-time favorite healthy kid snacks. I am trying to figure out why my daughter will only eat half of her banana then leaves the rest to get mushy and brown. And speaking of brown, if it has even one tiny brown spot, forget it. … [Read more...]
Kid Friendly Crunchy Kale Chips
I've never tried making kale chips at home, have you? Typically my go-to for getting some leafy greens in the kids is a smoothie - but that's getting a little old (and a little cold) for winter. I love how easy this recipe is and Kaley says her littles gobble up these healthy chips. Make sure you read to the end for her suggested flavor variations. Would you like your kids to eat a little healthier? Do you have issues getting them to eat enough dark leafy greens? Do you wish they would … [Read more...]
How to Create an Upcycled Inventor’s Box for Hours of Open-Ended Play
Have you ever noticed that no matter how many toys your kids have, they are always drawn to things like cardboard boxes and paper towel rolls? It seems that a simple box will usually entertain them longer and promote more creativity than the fanciest of store bought toys. Rather than fight this phenomenon, just embrace it and marvel and what natural upcyclers your kids are. Furthermore, encourage even more of this open-ended creative play by … [Read more...]