Did you know that within each of the 15 MPMK 2017 Gift Guides, there are several mini-gift guides? Actually, let me back up a second and say how much I've enjoyed all the comments I've already been getting from all of you on this year's guides. For example: These are awesome! I've waited to make Christmas lists until they came out- and now I"ve shared with all my friends. The past two years I've used them and the gifts are ALWAYS a hit! -Ellen and this one's another … [Read more...]
Parenting Styles: The Lessons that Sink In
One of the big things about being a parent is this idea of modeling good behavior. I mean, we talk about expectations for behavior, and I think that’s important, but then we have to actually put them into practice. Things, like being kind and treating others as you'd like to be treated yourself, are a big deal in our house. Around the holidays, we also talk about giving and the idea that you can experience real joy when you give to others. You’d think that would be a hard concept for kids, … [Read more...]
Project Organize Your ENTIRE Life: 9 Ways to Spend Less Time Doing Laundry
Doing laundry can seem like an endless chore, especially in large households with multiple kids. According to the most recent American Time Use Study from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, women spend two hours a week doing laundry. Here are 9 ways to get the chore done faster so you can spend more time with your family. #1 - Delegate Make laundry a shared responsibility. Teach teens how to use the washer and dryer. Get the free laundry cheat sheet here! Create a … [Read more...]
Found: The Best Black Friday Deals on Everything!
As promised, stayed up until the crack of dawn this morning (roughly 4:30am) to send you all the best Black Friday deals. Not gonna lie, I treated myself to a robot vacuum in the wee hours of the morning. But enough of me, let's get to the list... be sure you read all the way to the bottom- I've packed a ton of great deals in here for the whole family! For Baby High-End Strollers & Car Seats - Up to 35% Off Included BOB, Britax and more! For the Home Hot Gift … [Read more...]
What Dr. Sears and Huggies Taught Me About the Power of a Hug
We all know that hugs are good for our kids, but I recently got the chance to take a major deep dive into the science and culture of hugs with one of my personal parenting heroes, Dr. Sears. Today I’d love to share with you all that I learned. So- why was I in a room with Dr. Sears (a man whose books had a spot of honor on my nightstand for a LONG time once I started having babies)? And why was he so focused on hugs? As I’ve mentioned here before, I once again have the honor of being a … [Read more...]
9 Kid-Approved Fall and Winter Soup Recipes
As the weather cools, there's nothing like a big hearty bowl of soup to end the day. I personally love setting up my crock pot, so I can come home to a simmering soup, just waiting to be scooped into bowls and topped with a crusty piece of buttered bread. Even though this is where my heart is this fall, it may not necessarily what my kids would like for dinner. Let's face it... chicken nuggets, pizza and mac and cheese will always rule. But, what if we could come up with some … [Read more...]
236 Holiday Recipes You Won’t Believe are Allergy-Friendly
For the first time this Halloween, our family decided to offer a candy alternative to kids with allergies. It was something I'd heard about before but hadn't thought a lot about until we actually did it. I learned there are A TON of families out there dealing with food allergies! Which is why I am so excited to tell you about this incredible resource for families dealing with allergies - available for the next 2 DAYS ONLY. psst - the best part? YOU get to name your … [Read more...]
Parenting Styles: When Kids Call Your Bluff
Sometimes, in my weaker moments, when my three year old (the one going on, like, sixteen) decides now is the time to assert her three feet of independence, I bluff. The trouble is, it’s starting to backfire. Here’s a recent example. “Okay, ready to go? We have to go pick up your bothers and sister at school!” This is an exciting event ninety percent of the time, and she usually hustles to grab shoes and whatever miscellaneous items must accompany her - and there are a lot - but lately, … [Read more...]
30 Budget Finds for Your Fanciest Thanksgiving Table Ever
If you're hosting Thanksgiving this year, you might be stressing over all the planning that goes into such a feat. So how about we put all the family drama on hold and just concentrate on the fun stuff. Putting together a pretty table can be super satisfying, especially when done on a budget. Here are my favorite finds for doing just that, a few of which are on amazing sales. Get 'em while you can! JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this … [Read more...]
11 Brilliantly Simple DIY Halloween Costumes for Moms
I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that I'm going to my first adult Halloween party in years and I'm super excited about my DIY costume. That got me to thinking that there may be a lot of moms out there who could use some quick and easy ideas on how to throw together an easy costume for neighborhood parties, classroom parties, or just trick-or-treating with the kids. So I asked our contributor, Kristin, to throw together a list of costumes mom could throw together and she didn't … [Read more...]
Parenting Styles: We Suck at Bedtime
Close to a million hits in less than half a second can’t be wrong - bedtimes are important for kids. And that’s a bit of problem around here, because we suck at bedtime. But we can’t be the only ones, right? I mean, with the exception of my one friend who, every single night, spends a good twenty minutes listening and chatting and reading and, you know, just killing the parenting game with one child while her husband does the same with the other - and then they switch - how many parents … [Read more...]
Most Impressive/Easy/Comfy Halloween Costume Ever – Janine from The Handmaid’s Tale
My husband and I are attending our first adult Halloween party since before we had kids this year and I'm so excited! It's been at least a decade since I've thought about a costume for myself, though, and that's kind of a lot of pressure! Especially since Halloween costumes for grown women are notoriously ridiculous; i.e. "sexy _______" is basically our only option. Not only do I refuse to set that kind of example for my kids, I'm also all about being comfortable! Which is why … [Read more...]
A Day in the Life: What it REALLY Takes to Start a Thriving Diaper Drive
As a parent, you have probably heard of (or hopefully even participated in) a diaper drive in your area. But have you ever thought about what goes into getting an operation like this off the ground and running? Or how the need for diapers can truly be the difference between security and tough times for a family? Did you know, for example, that diapers aren't covered by federal subsidies? When I learned this while visiting the HomeAid Orange County, an emergency shelter for families and member … [Read more...]
Back by Popular Demand!! Re-Boot Your Parenting in 1 Hour
I don't know if it's just me, but I find that the beginning of a new school year is a great time for a parenting re-boot. Summer's over and we're doing our best to return to our normal routines (and to work on any behavior issues that may have crept up as we've all indulged in lax routines over the past few months). It just seems like the perfect moment to step back and take stock of our parenting techniques (what's working and what's not) as we embark on another year. Which … [Read more...]
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