Modern Parents Messy Kids

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Teacher Christmas Gift Idea – DIY Treat Kits

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I promised I'd be back today with ideas for teacher Christmas gifts.  For me, a handmade food-centric gift is the way to go.  And this year I'm loving the idea of a "make-it-yourself kit" instead of a typical fruitcake.  These cookie kits featured over at Lil Magoolie are a perfect example of what I'm talking about.  Who wouldn't love a gift like this? (Also check out this huge roundup of Gifts-In-a-Jar Recipes for lots more ideas along the same lines)     Another idea I'm … [Read more...]

Learning to Dress the Kids for the Cold with Polarn O. Pyret

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Several months ago I agreed to partner with Polarn O. Pyret to help get the word out to parents on how to properly dress their little ones for the cold.  Today is the day I (finally!) get to share with you all that I learned.  As a result I have a lot to say - but hang in there and you'll be rewarded with a video (shot by yours truly) and a discount code!   Are you guys familiar with the story behind Polarn O. Pyret?  I first heard about them via Design Mom last January and have since … [Read more...]

Holiday Roundup

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left: photo via unskinny boppy, right: photo via MADEI got an email yesterday from one of my lovely readers, Brooke, requesting teacher Christmas gift ideas.  I'm a little ashamed to admit my first thought was completely self-centered as I realized I only had a day and a half to pull together C's hard-working preschool teachers' gifts (how did that happen?!).  Also, my camera broke yesterday (boo!).  Also, tonight was C's very first Christmas Pageant (sigh). As a result, I'm neglecting you a bit … [Read more...]

Rainy (or Snowy) Day Projects for Bigger Kids

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  I know I typically focus on the younger set around here but, with Christmas Break looming, I figured you could use some ideas for the older siblings too.  What follows is a list of activities to thrill and entice kids ranging from first grade and up (although many will probably entertain your toddler as well).  Enjoy! 1. Every kid loves a magic trick, especially when they get to be the magician.  Set them up with this tutorial, plus a few supplies, and let them amaze you. 2.  … [Read more...]

Smokin’ Deal for Making Busy Bags + Christmas Past

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If you read our recent busy bags post and started wishing for a laminator all your own for under the tree - I've got a deal for you.  Today only, Amazon has this Scotch Thermal Laminator for only $16.99 - grab it while you can!Finally today, I thought it would be a good idea to post some of the Christmas posts from last year's sneak peek before MPMK even officially launched (just in case you weren't one of the 6 people reading this blog back then.)Presents: How Many & What Kind are Best? … [Read more...]

My Very Best Finds for Stocking Stuffers

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For some reason, this year I just can't stop coming up with stocking stuffer ideas.  Maybe it's because I'm really trying to stick to my guns and pare down the number of gifts under the tree.  The one thing I didn't set a hard and fast rule for were the stockings, so (of course) I'm on the verge of going totally overboard.   In an effort to curb my madness share the love, today I'm sharing my very favorite picks with you... First up is the Kimochis Mini Bag of Mixed Feelings.  I was … [Read more...]

Christmas Gift Idea: DIY Playtime Mail Center

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Between last year's Sensory Box and Easy Handmade Gifts for Imaginative Play posts and this year's DIY dress up box post, you've probably figured that I really like the idea of a homemade creative play box for Christmas.  So it should be no surprise that I'm back today with yet another idea along those lines - the DIY Playtime Mail Center.   Playroom mailboxes have been popping up all over the web lately and it's not hard to figure out why.  Kids absolutely love getting mail and parents … [Read more...]