Where has summer gone? I know it only officially started a few days ago but I'm already feeling like it's half over. Admittedly, this is probably because the second half of our summer is jam-packed with travel. So the leisurely, "lets just chill and not plan anything more than a 30 minute swim lesson every day", part of summer feels like it's rapidly disappearing. Never-the-less, we still have a few quintessential summer milestone to go. Not the least of which is the 4th of July. We already … [Read more...]
Go-To Get Together Recipe: Fiesta Dip
One of my favorite recipes over the hot summer months when no one wants to cook is this Fiesta Dip.It comes together in 15 minutes, tastes amazing and doubles as a side dish.I've become known for this recipe and I'm not giving up the secret that it's so easy to make! Most days I have the ingredients on hand, so I can serve it with grilled chicken for dinner any night of the week.When we're headed to a potluck or get-together, I serve it as a dip and never go home with … [Read more...]
5 Ways to Get Your Kids Off Their Screens and Playing Outside
Despite living in rain city USA, I believe strongly in getting the kids outside as much as possible (also, the summers in Seattle are gorgeous).So today I've asked Lea to stop by with her top 5 tips for getting your kids away from a screen and outside to play. (And added a few photos of my family because I just couldn't resist.) Playtime is serious business.Just ask the American Council on Pediatrics. In their concerns about the effect of media on young minds, they encourage pediatricians … [Read more...]
4 Steps to Start an Amazing Family Movie Night Tradition
Photo via Decoholic.Remember a time when technology brought people together? When the whole family would gather around the only TV in the house instead of spreading out to separate rooms and devices?These days personal gadgets tend to isolate people in their own cyber world. But you don’t have to feel hopeless. There are ways for you to use technology to engage your family as a unit—a movie night, for example! Here are some ideas for making the most of this evening activity while keeping … [Read more...]
4th of July Fire Cracker Popcorn
Who remembers Pop Rocks? The snap, crackle, pop candy from when you were a kid is still around!And it's the key ingredient in this recipe for firecracker popcorn that actually pops in your mouth. How cool is that?I love the way the snack comes together visually. When you put it in a cute container, it would be the perfect thing to bring to a 4th of July get together. In fact, I'm pretty sure this dish will totally steal the show.If you're having trouble finding this candy from … [Read more...]
Parenting Styles: I’m Giving My Kids a 1970s Summer
I meant to be a free-range parent (affiliate link). I love the idea of kids roaming through the neighborhood, devising their own games, riding bikes and climbing trees. Instead, I became a helicopter parent with an over-excitability concerning signing up for activities. And honestly, my social life mainly consists of chatting with my parent-friends at sporting events. I wouldn’t know what to do with myself with all that free time either. Yet, every summer, I declare that this year, … [Read more...]
Free Printable for Growing Bookworms: Kids’ Reading Scavenger Hunt
Scavenger hunts and reading make the perfect pair. Discovering new stories, interesting characters, or a great series builds your child's love for literature as well as her motivation to become an independent reader. As parents we want to grow our children's interest in reading but sometimes feel like we've run out of ideas on how to do just that. To help, we've created a fun and simple way to challenge your child to read and discover outside of their comfort zone. It's a … [Read more...]
4 Simple Summer Routines for Beating the Summer Slide
It's only a few weeks until the last day of school for us and I know summer vacation has already started for many of you! To help you prepare for a wonderful summer filled with lots of relaxing, playing, connecting, and - yes - even learning, I've asked my good friend Mariah of Playful Learning to stop by and share her tips. To say Mariah is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to education, is an understatement. She has 20 years of experience working in the field of education and a Master of … [Read more...]
Parenting Hack: Camp Invention
It's officially June- have you booked your kids' camps yet? Before you put the final touches on that summer calendar, I want to tell you about an amazing STEM camp that I am SUPER excited to once again partner with, Camp Invention®. HEADS UP: MPMK readers can use promo code FINAL10 to save $10 on your Camp Invention registration! This camp is a standout from other STEM summer programs because it's the only one affiliated with the National Inventors Hall of Fame® (NIHF) in partnership with the … [Read more...]
Easy Summer Treats: Banana Pops
Natalie's back today with a really fun alternative to summer ice cream - frozen banana pops. I can't wait to try these with S and C (and steal a few for myself too). The cream cheese breakfast versions are especially calling my name.Let me just cut to the chase with you guys, you and your kids are going to love these pops. I know this because: A) kids love anything on a stick B) kids love rolling sticky stuff in other stuff … [Read more...]
How To Organize Reusable Bags
For those of us environmentally minded folks on the west coast of the United States, reusable bags are like the law. But actually, they are the law. With the ban on plastic bags in full effect in some cities, stores now operate as BYOB—that’s: bring your own bag—establishments. It’s not just here, either. People the world over are beginning to wake up to the fact that using reusable bags is a small way they can be kinder to the planet. The only hitch in all of this is that reusable bags are a … [Read more...]
The Best Memorial Day Sales to Take Your Patio to the Next Level
Yesterday I sent out my finds of the very best Memorial Day sales on outdoor furniture, rugs, etc.The sales are still going on- you didn't miss it!- but hurry because some things are selling out.But I also promised that I would send you a picture update when I got my set all together. So here's another reminder of the sale items AND an update on our patio. Enjoy...As a reminder, here's what we got:Better Homes & Gardens Hawthorne Park 4pc … [Read more...]
Books for the Fourth of July
Our resident children's librarian, Janssen, is here today with her picks for injecting a little history into your 4th of July celebration. Get those library cards ready!Let's be honest - on the Fourth of July, you'll probably be outside, watching parades, having a neighborhood BBQ, and watching (or setting off!) fireworks. There may not be a lot of time for reading. So we're sharing this book list a little early so you'll have time to read these books with your kids before the big day. This … [Read more...]
Summer Budget Bucket List: 25 Ideas that Don’t Cost a Lot of Money
I'm all about the bucket lists. Let me re-phrase that...I'm all about lists in general. Maybe it's the first grade teacher in me? I have found that lists help me stay on task, focus and get things done.So, when it comes to summer fun, of course I would make a bucket list. Summer seems to go as quickly as it comes. I want to make sure that we soak up every moment of enjoyment.The only problem is that I don't have endless amounts of cash to spend on amusement … [Read more...]