Modern Parents Messy Kids

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Creative Play Easter Basket Idea: Water Bead Eggs

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Aren't these water bead eggs cool?  They were unbelievably easy and inexpensive to pull together and I think the kids are going to get such a kick out of opening them up and playing with the contents on Easter. UPDATE: check out how my kiddos played with these after cracking them open here.     If you're not familiar with water beads, they come in little plastic packets that fit in the palm of your hand.  Each "bead" is a teeny tiny ball which, when soaked in water … [Read more...]

POYEL: Examining Our Daily Routines

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Something I've realized about Project Organize Your Entire Life lately,  is that it really needs to be about more then checklists and systems.  It needs to be about how we live and think - how we prioritize.  In fact, when I take the time to consider my true motivations behind that first infamous post, I realize that what I'm looking for isn't perfection but a way to make space to be the parent I want to be. With that in mind, I'm doing things a bit differently today.  I was … [Read more...]

Parenting Cliff Notes: The No-Cry Discipline Solution

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Yesterday I promised I'd have some parenting book cliff notes for you and today I'm here to deliver.  Whitney from Rookie Moms is popping in to share her notes on The No Cry Discipline Solution.  Have you guys been over to Rookie Moms by the way?  If not, here in their own words is what they're all about:   Sometimes for new moms, it’s hard to think (admit it, you agree) and it’s just nice to be told what to do. Here we are. We’re telling you.   In 2005, we were both working … [Read more...]

Good Idea: Busy Bag Swap

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Ever since sharing with you guys about parents swapping cliff notes (and your resounding positive response to the idea), I haven't been able to get it out of my mind.  So here's the good news, tomorrow I'll have some bona fide cliff notes for you from a very special guest poster, Whitney of Rookie Moms.  And who knows, it could be just the beginning of a whole new venture here.   Before we get to that, though, I've got something else to share today.  I've been thinking about other great … [Read more...]

Easter Projects Circa 2011

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I can't believe it's time to start talking about Easter again!  This was a huge holiday for me last year - in fact I still run into lots of people around the web that know MPMK based solely on the DIY paint chip Easter garland above.  I've got some fresh ideas lined up for 2012 but before I delve into all that I thought it would be fun to remind of you of the good stuff still hanging around from last year.     Along with DIY decor, I also tackled some DIY Easter baskets.  My … [Read more...]

Fresh Finds: Starry, Starry Night

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The night sky is so full of wonder and possibility, it's the perfect place for design inspiration - especially for kids.  This month at houzz I'm sharing some of my favorite celestial picks.  Above is a small sample of what you'll find over there.  Head over and let me know which are your favorites.   Similar Stuff: Fresh Finds: Maps & Globes with a Twist More Magnetic Wall IdeasLoveable Robot Decor … [Read more...]

POYEL: Secrets to Successfully Getting Dinner on the Table

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Time for another Project Organize Your ENTIRE Life check in.  We've already addressed meal planning a bit but today I want to lay out the complete action plan for getting dinner time totally under control.     Step 1: Have a System for Finding Meals   The quickest and easiest way to conquer dinner planning is to have a system for finding recipes each week.  So far we've featured two options for doing this here on POYEL: Mel's 6 week meal plan (complete with recipes and grocery … [Read more...]