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Handmade Halloween: DIY Costumes for Every Skill Level

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Last week I promoted the idea of getting that handmade Halloween costume look (without the work) by sharing my favorite Etsy finds.  This week I've got a round up for those of you who want to put in some man hours and do the homemade thing for real.  From embellishing store-bought clothes to a super useful step-by-step video class, these sources will provide all the help you need regardless of your skills with a Singer (that's a type of sewing machine and if you didn't know that, rest assured … [Read more...]

Handmade Halloween: Mess-Free Pumpkin Decorating

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It's become a tradition in our family for each member to get their own pumpkin on Halloween.  We usually hit the pumpkin patch in early October, then get around to decorating our finds a few weeks later.  (Which actually works out well because pumpkins become kind of a 2-for-1 family activity that way.)   So far the little ones have lost interest in carving after the first pumpkin, which leaves three more still needing to be decorated.  Paint is an option but it's nice to have a … [Read more...]

Hello, Autumn!

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Thanks so much to you all for another lovely week.  There's been so much going on, I'm not sure where to start.  How about with these amazing candy apples?  The shine on them is nothing less than perfection.  For the tutorial on those, as well as 5 more quintessential fall crafts (actually, 105 more to be precise), checkout my momtastic post from yesterday. Have a great weekend everyone! … [Read more...]

How to Make Like a Montessori Mama: Part 1 – Food Activities

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I'm of the belief that there's no single teaching philosophy that's perfect for every child.  While my husband and I ultimately decided on a more traditional play-based preschool for C, we certainly haven't ruled out alternative preschool environments for S in a few years (Waldorf, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, etc.).  I'm also of the belief that children can benefit greatly from being exposed to several types of teaching.  As such, I've been on the hunt lately for a few easy ways to incorporate … [Read more...]

Elsewhere

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Happy Friday everybody.  It's been a wonderful week and once again I have to thank you for all the love and support.  As I type this I'm only one little "like" away from 3,000 facebook fans!  With all your help, we're building a stellar MPMK community - THANK YOU!! In other exciting news, I was interviewed on one of my favorite topics, children's books, over at ohdeedoh this week.  You can check it out here. And last but not least, only one more day 'till October.  Sounds to me like … [Read more...]

Buying “90% Child” Toys – Blocks Edition

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I'm a staunch subscriber to the belief that the best toys are "90% child, 10% toy", meaning that it's lots of potential (not lots of bells and whistles) that makes the toy fun.  Instead of only being good for one specific type of use, these toys invite open-ended play which, consequently, encourages creativity.  That's good for learning and development as well as keeping the kids stimulated longer and giving you a chance to get stuff done.   With the holiday gift-buying season on the … [Read more...]

More Science at Home

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I thought now might be a good time to sharpen up our science skills. (Plus, the last science at home post was a big hit.)  So today I've rounded up 10 more experiments sure to surprise and delight your kiddos. In no particular order, here they are:   #1 - 5: Reactions! Fun Science Activities that Fizz, Foam, and Pop! My Pal Amanda over at Not Just Cute has five fun experiments to "keep kids enthralled and provide plenty of opportunities for learning through questions, experimentation, … [Read more...]

Jazzing Up Your Photos with Sidewalk Chalk

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We're FINALLY having professional family photos taken next weekend and I'm so excited!  (There is a small chance it might not happen due to C developing a very persistent stye in his eye - of course -  but I'm sticking my head firmly into the sand and moving forward with haircuts, outfit selection, and the like as if everything will go off without a hitch.)   I found this wonderful photographer through a question/comment she left right here at MPMK.  As shoot time approaches, we've been … [Read more...]

Glue Paints & Other Boredom Busters

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With all the fun we've been having over here, I've neglected to keep you informed about what I've been up to at my other gig.  First over at momtastic, C and I tried out what may be the most brilliant art activity ever.  He absolutely loves using these glue paints (asked for them three days in a row after we made them).   They're the perfect antidote to those days when you just cannot face trying to clean up a feisty toddler yet again.  Plus, with all the back to school sales going on, … [Read more...]

The Super-Sized-Mega-Big-Post on Playing with Shadows

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photos via Small Types   So I bet you're expecting a slew of shadow puppets and Halloween fun from this post, right?  You won't be disappointed - there's TONS.  That is, afterall, what sparked the idea for today's collection.   But in tracking down lots of interesting shadow activities, I found a surprising number of ideas that don't involve puppets or jack-o-lanterns.  In fact, I've found activities for every occasion - indoors, outdoors, daytime, nighttime, sun, or … [Read more...]

Counting Down with Kids Too Young for Calendars

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This is an impromptu post inspired by C yesterday morning.  As we were sitting at the table eating breakfast, he asked me, "How long 'till my birthday?".  I told him the number of days but that didn't seem to satisfy him.  Nor did my explanation that it's next month (he's entering into that wonderful phase where all he does is question, question, and question some more).  Finally I decided to show him.   Have you guys made this type of countdown chain with your kids?  They're such a … [Read more...]