Traveling with young children this holiday? We know it can be daunting but don't worry! We've totally got your back... The Prime Directive: Realize it is you against them, and you’re outnumbered. Like in any hostage situation, appeasement is your best option.Remember, it’s just one day. It does not define your parenthood.Forget about eating vegetables or avoiding materialism or any other things that parents love and children hate. The goal is to keep them gruntled … [Read more...]
My Very Favorite Gift for Grandparents this Year
Back in September, I told you about the super cool Nixplay Digital Frame that I had just gifted my mom for her 60th birthday.With Christmas only a week away, I wanted to be sure to remind you of what a total win this one is as a grandparents gift! In fact, my mom loved hers so much that we're now gifting a Nixplay Digital Frame to my in-laws for Christmas.As I said before, what makes this digital frame stand out from all the rest is that I was able to set it up for her before sending it … [Read more...]
Free Printable: Like, Wear, Read & Need
Everyone wants Christmas morning to have the wow effect. Which is why shopping for holiday gifts can have a snowball effect.You pick up something here, another little something there, and the next thing you know there's a giant pile of 'stuff' in the closet. This year, we want to help you be more intentional in your shopping.Go for gifts that have meaning and purpose. This means asking our kids some questions.Have you heard of The Four Christmas Gifts Method?It's become … [Read more...]
Why You Won’t See Toy Lists Like Ours Anywhere Else
Last weekend was another crazy holiday weekend around my house and I wrapped it up with an hour or so at Target (naturally). As I passed by the toy aisles I was pleased to notice how far they've come in the last few years as far as the number of high quality and highly engaging toys.Nevertheless, I still think they have a ways to go, especially when it comes to which toys they promote the most in their mailings and end caps.So what's my problem, exactly?... So glad you asked.As a mom … [Read more...]
Two Things I’m Totally Loving Right Now
I don't know about you all, but I've been receiving a lot of UPS deliveries lately! (With all the sale going on this time of year, I guess it's kind of inevitable.) So today I thought I'd share with you the two things I was most excited about landing on my doorstep this month! #1 Swannies Blue Light Blockers for Kids At the urging of the older kids, our family has started a new mini-tradition of winding down by watching a show together a few nights a week before bedtime.When this idea was … [Read more...]
Parenting Hack: Free Printable Kid’s Coupon Book for the Holidays
Sometimes the best gifts are the unexpected ones. Haven't we all experienced giving a baby the latest and greatest toy... and all she wants to do is play with the box?Simplifying may be just what we all need this holiday season.We created this coupon book for you to print off and use as a stocking stuffer. All you have to do is think about what makes your kids the happiest.Skipping their vegetables at dinner or reading an extra story at bedtime might just elicit as much joy … [Read more...]
Free Printable: Advent Calendar with Jokes for Every Day
Advent calendars have become such a HUGE part of Christmas these days – have you noticed? We’ve tried several variations over the years from our DIY Freezer Paper Stencil Advent Calendar and our Family Activities Advent Calendar to LEGO Advent and our Reading Advent Calendar. This year, though, with three kids including a feisty 1 1/2-year-old, I’m once again opting to go the super simple route.Our free printable Christmas Joke countdown (created last year by our contributor … [Read more...]
Parenting Styles: My Biggest Birthday Party Success Was Also My Biggest Failure
I finished grad school a month before my youngest’s eighth birthday, so I had extra time (and guilt) on my hands. I was finally going to mother the way I had intended way back when I was pregnant—by doing everything with loving hands at home. This was going to make up for all the hours I’d done homework and only played half-heartedly with my children.I would emerge the Ultimate Queen of Birthday Mayhem. I would teach my children that making things really could be better than buying them. … [Read more...]
My Beauty Favs for Under $20 for Cyber Monday!
Cyber Monday is my favorite time of year to stock up on my go-to beauty items (both for the women in my life and myself!). This year I thought I'd share with you my favorite sale items so you can get in on the goods too.One small note: I've been on a mission this year to conquer both problem pimples and wrinkles. I took a DEEP dive into korean beauty and learned a ton. I'll have a complete post on my full regimen to come, but anything on sale will be mentioned below.The best part? It's … [Read more...]
I’ve Found You the Best Black Friday Deals on ALL THE THINGS
UPDATE: I'm adding new deals to the top of the post for the rest of the day! Just click on the photos for the dealsAs promised, I've been working throughout the day to find you the very best Black Friday deals around. While there will be a few more coming out tomorrow, most of them are already here!!Not gonna lie, I treated myself to a stick vacuum already (such a great deal!)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 … [Read more...]
DIY Thanksgiving Table Poppers w/ Free Printable
There's a lot of work that goes into Thanksgiving. We can all relate to the hours of pie prep and casserole making that happen days before and that turkey's not going to stuff itself.Even with lots for prep, the big day can be filled with setting the table and getting everything just right.The thing that makes all this work even more challenging is that children are off school. And usually they aren't too interested in peeling potatoes for more than 5 minutes.This year, set them … [Read more...]
7 Unique Holiday Finds to Grab While You Can!
After holding off as long as I could, I'm officially embracing all things Christmas! I'm talking, the holiday decorations are coming out from storage TODAY people... who's with me?If you'd like a fun find or two to help get you started, you're in luck because I've rounded up a bunch... #1 Peking Handicraft Pillow La La La Llama Printed Pillow $30 Now $18.97Happy Holidays Llama Printed Pillow $30 Now $18.97I'm all about bright and happy this season and these … [Read more...]
The 2018 Top Toy Awards are Here!!
How great would it be to get all of your Christmas shopping done ahead of time this year AND feel confident your kids are going to love their gifts and keep returning to play with them again and again?I've got some HUGE news today friends! Drum roll please...The 2018 Top Toy Awards are Here! The Toy Awards Parents In-the-Know Have Already Viewed Over 7,000,000 Times! I am such a fan of your website and emails! Thanks for working so hard, especially at Christmas … [Read more...]
Mom Hack: I May Never Buy Retail Again!
I know, never say never. But I'm not kidding, I found a new way to shop that is not only SO MUCH MORE AFFORDABLE than shopping in stores, but also makes me feel a lot better as a citizen of the world.The site/app I'm talking about is called Poshmark and it takes consignment shopping to a whole new level.Psst- If you want to try it, use my code "MPMK" for a free $5 credit.UPDATE: I've also just dipped my toys into becoming a seller, so check out my closet too!So what makes … [Read more...]