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What to Make, Eat and Do (with the Kids) this Valentine’s Day

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It's been an inordinately busy weekend here at MPMK.  Things starting getting exciting on Friday, so much so that I felt compelled to do a bonus post on Sunday.  If you haven't already, make sure you check them out so you'll be up to speed with the rest of us!  And just so you don't think I'm completely changing the spirit of this little blog of mine...   V-Day is tomorrow and I'm going to assume/hope that you've at least got the whole Valentines for the class thing under control (psst … [Read more...]

So How Exactly Are We Going To Do All This?

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After reading all of your responses to Friday's post, all I could think was, "you get me, you really get me!".  And I'm so glad because a small part of me wondered if you would.  I needn't have worried.  You all reacted exactly as I would have in your shoes.   There was palpable relief that you wouldn't, it turned out, have to form a lynch mob and show up, pitchforks in hand, on my doorstep.  By the end your envy had faded and most of you were chuckling (a few mentioned full out belly … [Read more...]

The Beginning – READ THIS FIRST!!

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I've been trying to figure out how to write this without sounding ridiculous.  What I want to say is this: I finally did it you guys, I completely and totally organized my life!  It took a lot of hard work and a lot of late nights but I now have a plan, routine, or system for everything. I've compiled and categorized enough healthy, inexpensive and easy recipes that I have a 90 day dinner menu (complete with theme nights like pasta Monday and slow-coooker Thursday) and I have the … [Read more...]

Valentines for Her

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I wasn't quite sure what to title this post (What to Want for Valentine's Day?).  It seems a little odd to put up a collection of gift ideas for her... I'm well aware that the husband's reading this blog are few and far between.  But I know of several women who have the sweet tradition of either gifting their girlfriends or treating themselves for the holiday.  Just in case that's something you do (or would like to start doing), here are 9 items to brighten any woman's day. (There are a few … [Read more...]

Sweet V-Day Stuff to Make for (or with) the Kids

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If you're looking for a way to forgo the chocolate this Valentine's Day, consider gifting your kiddo one of these lovely DIYs instead.   You'll find goodies here appropriate for every age, and even one or two perfect for the little men in your life.  Some are super simple, a few take a little more effort, and many would make great projects for siblings to gift to one another.   top left: Pillow Talk Pillow top right: Hex Nut Pendant bottom: Painted Heart Bag Love Bugs - My … [Read more...]

Everything You Need to Know to Pick the Right Preschool

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I recently realized it's that time of year again... preschool picking season!  I can't believe it's already been thirteen months since we went through the frustrating/exciting/overwhelming process that is enrolling your child for their first school experience.    Just in case you're in that boat this year, I wanted to re-post all the good info. I gathered up back then and also to remind you that I've written about our experiences with an all outdoor preschool. Hope it … [Read more...]

Pinned: 5 DIY Activities to Stimulate the Kids

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image via Childhood 101   Did you know I've been on pinterest longer than I've had this blog?  It's true.  In fact, it was pinterest that finally made me believe I could actually offer up something interesting here on a daily basis (aside from Sundays that is).  As it stands right now, I have 20 boards, 1178 pins, and over 2000 followers on pinterest.  So maybe it's time I share some of that good stuff here on MPMK.  What do you think?   Today I'm drawing from my "playtime" board … [Read more...]

Giving your child P.R.I.D.E.

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Did you know it only takes 5 minutes of quality time a day with your child to give them a sense of emotional connection with you?  That's it!  Just 5 minutes of down-on-their-level, one-on-one time per day - you can do that right?  And to make that time even more valuable, mix in the 5 things mentioned above: praise, reflection, imitation, describing behavior, and enjoyment.   If you're wondering where all this is coming from, it's one of the simplest things I learned in that Love and … [Read more...]

Groundhog Day and Shadow Play

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Pre-kids, quirky little holidays like Groundhog Day didn't really do much for me.  Post-kids they provide the perfect opportunity to easily add a little magic to a typical day.  To see what I mean, check out my latest kid craft over at momtastic: groundhog shadow puppets.  It's a simple little project you can do next Thursday with the kiddos (there's a secret weapon that will help you impress them even if you couldn't draw a straight line to save your life.)   And to extend the fun, … [Read more...]

Elsewhere

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Isn't this Family Calendar cute?  It's one of my favorite products currently available from The Organized Parent.  Head over and check it out.  While you're there, you can also read all about my kids' rabbit diet.And here's another spot I'm popping up at this week.  The kind folks over at Mommy Page are featuring me as a "mommy of the moment".  See the full interview here for my tips on kid-friendly design and storage on a budget.See you back here tomorrow for something fresh.  Until then, don't … [Read more...]

DIY Projects Just to Make the Kids Smile

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One look at The Make & Play Vault and you know I'm not one to shy away from a good DIY.  For playtime, for learning, for getting organized, for sprucing up the place and etc.... but how about DIYing for no other reason than to make the kids smile?  Isn't that a lovely thought?  Today I've got a handful of projects which, while they may not revolutionize your life, your little ones will be sure to think are pretty darn special.   I love everything about the space on the top right … [Read more...]