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Our Modern Update on a Holiday Decor Classic

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Kristin's back today sharing a really smart way to bring your holiday decor up a notch this year. I'm already eyeing a large window in our living room to try it out! Decorating for the holidays can be so much fun!  I love changing things out and making each year slightly different from the last.  This year, I wanted to stray a little bit from all the greenery that I used last year. … [Read more...]

Gift Guide: Little Builders & Innovators

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Today I'm excited to give you a sneak peek of a big project I've been dilligently working on for quite a while. "Which toys should I spend my money on?," is probably the question I get asked most often by you guys, especially right around now.  So this year, MPMK is doing the gift guide thing bigger, bolder and just plain better! I considered laying out our picks by age, or gender, or even benefit - but then I got to thinking about how I shop for my own kids.  Ultimately, it's what my littles … [Read more...]

How to Make Designer Holiday Cards at Home

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I am head over heels in love with the gorgeous holiday stationery offerings by fabulous companies like minted. The problem is I send out a lot of holiday cards. A lot, as in over 100. Is that crazy? Am I normal? I’m not sure, but I do know that it adds up quickly, especially when you factor in postage. Despite the cost, what really holds me back is the commitment to one design. I like to tailor my messages and photos to groups of people. Close friends, for example, are likely to receive a more … [Read more...]

How to Buy Toys for Other People’s Kids

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When buying kids’ gifts for birthday parties or other celebrations we can be easily enticed by toys that aren’t necessarily what you would want in your home for your child. I try to keep in mind that no kid really benefits from a ton of toys and that every parent will appreciate a quality gift in the long run. Here are some ideas to keep the fun in that special present, with a forward-thinking, minimalist spin. … [Read more...]

DIY Advent Calendar to Make with the Kids

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Kaley's here today sharing a cheerful and modern DIY Advent calendar - the perfect home for our 24 Family Advent Activities. A kid's art activity that is easy enough for all ages, cute enough to use as holiday decor, durable enough to last year after year, and doubles as a fun Advent calendar? Yes please! I have been wanting to try freezer paper stencils forever, and I thought Advent bags would be the perfect time to try it out. These cute little bags can be used in a million different ways, … [Read more...]

MPMK’s Favorite Things

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                            Happy Thanksgiving!  I hope you're enjoying a cozy day of stuffing yourself silly with your nearest and dearest. Tell me, will you be participating in the mayhem that is Black Friday tomorrow?  If so, don't forget to check out MPMK's Favorite Things before you venture out. This is where we keep inventory of our all-time … [Read more...]

Our Advent Activity List

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image source Yesterday, I shared my favorite Advent calendars.  Today, I thought I'd provide some help filling up your calendar of choice.  I've decided to bite the bullet this year and go with an activity Advent.   Psst one quick thing... Christmas is coming SOON, be sure to check out our SUPER POPULAR toy gift guide (viewed over 7,000,000 times by parents in the know): You Won't Find a Toy List Like This Anywhere Else! Hint: Great picks for kids of all ages and interests on … [Read more...]

Do You Have Your Advent Calendar Yet?

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It's mid-November, you know what that means... time to figure out this year's Advent calendar. What?  You're still thinking about Thanksgiving?  Me too.  But December will be here before we know it. I'm hoping to pull together an extra special list of Advent activities for the kids this year (more on that tomorrow) so I need to start planning now.  Step number one is to find a snazzy calendar.  To that end, here's a list of my favorite offerings this year. … [Read more...]

How to Pull Together a Holiday Feast Fit for Everyone

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In years past, I would have been seriously rattled if someone coming to my holiday table announced that they were Vegan, Paleo or Gluten-free. I can just see myself scrambling around like a crazy person, trying to figure out what exactly to feed them. This year at Thanksgiving, I’m going to be that odd person out. As I’m thinking through my holiday plans, I wanted to share with you some tips on how to accommodate your friends and family members with dietary restrictions. … [Read more...]

Is the Elf on the Shelf Part of Your Holiday Tradition Yet?

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Are you guys familiar with The Elf on the Shelf phenomenon?  If not, I HIGHLY suggest you get familiar fast and jump on the bandwagon while there's still time.  Here's how it works, in a nutshell: The first year your elf joins the family via a special delivery from Santa, each year after that he reappears on a certain date - in our family it's the day after Thanksgiving. When the elf arrives, he belongs especially to your family and your littles get the distinct honor of naming him or … [Read more...]

DIY Gratitude Turkey

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With Thanksgiving coming up (here in the US) there are plenty of opportunities to talk about thankfulness with our kids. Here is a fun art project that adds a little more than just whimsy to the Thanksgiving table - the thankful turkey. This little paper turkey can be constructed in many ways. The fun thing about him is that each of his feathers has a thankful note on the back for each person at the table to read during dinner. … [Read more...]

How to Get Kids to Eat Their Fruits & Veggies

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Have you guys RSVP'd to Wednesday's Zmoms facebook chat yet?  Today, I'm honored to have Zmom, best selling author, and nationally recognized health expert, Frances Largeman-Roth, here talking about ways to add some color to your family meals. Last fall my daughter Willa’s preschool class studied “the colors.” They talked about the various colors of the rainbow, identified them in nature, painted them, and generally absorbed themselves in color awareness. Of course, as any curious toddler … [Read more...]

What to Wear this Fall (& Winter)

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Lately I have found myself somewhat obsessed with the concept of a capsule wardrobe. Have you guys heard of, or do you even subscribe to, this practice?  Basically you buy a certain number of items (37 seems to be the number I come across most), and mix-and-match them over and over to create an entire wardrobe. The idea being that you get only pieces you love and then don't have to think too much about what to wear in the morning once you're capsule is complete. Whether you think this sounds … [Read more...]