This is the time of the year that we're all thinking about organization. So today I'd like to bring back I had a few years ago and see what you guys think... Turning the (often underused) dining room into an art room for the kids. Here's my original argument for the change.... I finally did it - I got rid of the old green couch (which was essentially a glorified dog bed) in our play room and replaced it with the mother of all tables and some clever storage benches. Thus creating the … [Read more...]
Family New Year’s Eve Idea: DIY Balloon Drop
Do you guys celebrate New Year's eve with your kiddos? In years past I've skipped it due to the whole, "there's no way my kids are making it to anywhere near midnight and, if by some some miracle, they do - I'm scared to see what will happen the next day" thing. But then I stumbled on the concept of "Happy Noonyear". Which is just what it sounds like, basically celebrating at noon instead of midnight. Kinda genius, right? Regardless if you decide "Happy Noonyear" or stay up for regular … [Read more...]
The 2020 POYEL Kit is Here!
Ready to take a deep breath and vow to make a fresh start? To help you out, we've got some big, exciting news to share today! When we launched our handbook to leading a more simplified life, Project Organize Your ENTIRE Life: The Quick Start Guide. It was a huge success and we've since sold well over 10,000 copies. But I also heard from you guys that you would like some handy-dandy printables to go along with your newly-formed action plans. So I worked really hard to make that wish a … [Read more...]
10 Perfect Last Minute Gifts for All
The bad news if you haven't gotten your shopping done yet, Christmas is only four days away. The good news, many stores still have 2-day shipping and/or the option to buy online and pickup! Below are my top picks for everyone still left on your list- enjoy! The best part?... Nearly all of them are on sale! For you mom/sister/bestie Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer & Volumizer Hot Air Brush Was $58, Now $38.99 I have seen this thing everywhere since folks started … [Read more...]
MPMK Gift Guide Glimpse: Best Toys for Burning Off Energy Inside!
Whether you're just starting your holiday shopping or have already finished up for the year, you might want to make room on your list for one or two things in today's glimpse! This time of year, a few toys the kids can safely use inside to burn off some steam can be an absolute sanity-saver! For those of you not exactly sure what I’m talking about when I say "glimpse", this is a day when we highlight one of our favorite sections of the: MPMK Top Toys Gift Guides Why? Because I realize that … [Read more...]
Free Printable: Family New Year’s Resolutions & Year-in-Review
How is it possible that we can easily countdown the final days of 2018 already? Whether I'm ready or you're ready, the end of the year is quickly approaching. It's just about this time when I always ask myself: Should I make New Year's resolutions this year? And if I'm making that plunge, which goals are both aspirational and approachable? This year we've come up with a simple tool to help you and your family make some goals for this year while reminiscing all the … [Read more...]
14 Books to Read to Your Kids Before Winter is Over
My friend and former teacher, Teresa, is back with her favorite winter reads and it's SUCH a good list. Other than Christmas books, children's books about the seasons are my favorite. It's such a great way to explore concepts and changes that occur with our children. While we may have just seen our few fleeting days of snow here in the Seattle area come and go, it's still fun to read about it! A few favorites around our house... Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner is such a wonderful … [Read more...]
Kid-Friendly Side Dish: Date Almond Rice
Are you a fan of sweet and salty? I most definitely am... and so are a lot of kids. It's the kind of thing where the sweet just needs a hint of salt to have that perfect satisfying bite. When I tell you about date almond rice, you might not be on board- but, you have to trust me on this one. Date almond rice is a Mediteranean-inspired side dish that will have you wondering why it tastes so good. The secret is a mix of salty and sweet. Dates are a source of antioxidants as well as … [Read more...]
Giant Chocolate-Dipped Marshmallows
I had grand ambitions of baking a fancy madeira wine cake for each of my neighbors this year... guess how far I've gotten. I think, instead, I'm going to make a batch or two of these over-sized chocolate marshmallows with the kids and gift a few to each neighbor. I love Janssen's idea of putting them on a stick and adding them to a decorative bag filled with hot cocoa mix in the bottom! Psst one quick thing... Christmas is coming SOON, be sure to check out our SUPER POPULAR toy gift guide … [Read more...]
Not a Drill: Black Friday Sales are Here!
Happy Black Friday, friends! But it’s only Wednesday, you say? I know, I know but a lot of the online retailers are taking the madness to the max this year and some of them are even starting BEFORE THANKSGIVING... right this very minute, in fact. I actually kinda dig it. (Note: this email contains affiliate links, see my P.S. for more info. and a brand new bonus offer.) I can get my shopping out of the way so I don’t have to wake up early and scramble for those … [Read more...]
How to Have Healthier Kids This Cold & Flu Season
Image Credit: © Taylor Mackenzie | Lifeless | CC by 2.0 We're on day EIGHT of my daughter having a fever of 101 or more. It's official- fall is here and winter is on the way. And while there's a lot to love about that (warm fires, cozy drinks and brown paper packages tied up in strings)... there's also the cold and flu season. It hits us every year and every year I vow that I'm gonna take some real steps to boost my kids' immunity. So let's get on it together this year, shall we? My favorite … [Read more...]
Gotta Try Dessert: Pumpkin Dump Cake
If you've never heard, can I introduce you to the concept of 'dump cake?' While the name is quite unflattering, the concept is genius! The cake consists of several pantry ingredients and some eggs...involves a few stirs and about an hour in the oven. And all the busy moms rejoiced! Any time I have to make a dessert on the fly, it's a dump cake. This particular cake is of the pumpkin variety. And hold the term cake loosely, because this tastes like a pumpkin pie … [Read more...]
Healthy Snack: Chia Seed Granola Bark
I love recipes you can't mess up. Add a little bit extra, you're still good. Short on something, it's okay. This granola bark has all the good stuff, little bits of chocolate to entice the sweet tooth and is fool-proof. The granola bark has a similar texture to Nature Valley crispy granola bars. It's a little chewier, which I like, because who wants to break a tooth? You break the granola into pieces after its baked. Smaller pieces are great for topping yogurt. Bigger pieces … [Read more...]
Christmas Toy Shopping: 3 Things You Need to Know
Thank you The Toy Association for sponsoring this post. Keeping kids safe while they play is the #1 priority for The Toy Association and its members. As you probably know by now, the 2019 edition of our much-loved annual toy awards was released last month. I work on them for months and always do my best to get them out by the end of October in order to give parents lots of time to research the very best toys for their kids this Christmas. I love being a trusted source for finding highly … [Read more...]