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Book Week: Playful Learning Book & E-Course Giveaway

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For post #4 of Book Week, I have a special treat for you.  Not only is it a book I think every parent should own, reading it will help you to foster a love of reading (and other learning) in your children.   If you're a facebook friend or twitter follower, then you'll remember how excited I was when I received a copy of my friend Mariah's new book Playful Learning: Develop Your Child's Sense of Joy and Wonder.  As soon as it arrived, I knew this book was something special.  Much more than … [Read more...]

Book Week: Where to Find Books to Help Kids with Life’s Challenges

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  For post #3 of Book Week, I wanted to share with you an amazing resource I recently discovered via Made by Joel.  As a parent, I try to do everything I can to help my kids succeed and books are one of my key tools for doing so.  I've found that even for my 2 year old a quality picture book can be immensely helpful in prepping him for new situations or helping him understand new emotions.  Just this week, for example, we hauled ourselves (and baby sister) to the library and checked out a … [Read more...]

MPMK’s “Learning to Love Reading” Book Lists: K – 1st Grade

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We're back today with our second installment of "MPMK's Learning to Love Reading Book Lists" (note the name change - summer got away from us, as it often does, so the term "summer reading list" no longer seemed appropriate).  Before we dive in, here's a little refresher on the woman behind the lists: Lisa, who happens to be my cousin, is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Literature for Children and Young Adults at The Ohio State University. She reads everything from board books for babies to … [Read more...]

Book Week: How to Find Great Kid Books

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Welcome to the official start of MPMK's Book Week!  I hope you're excited about it as I am.  As I mentioned on Friday, we have lots in store - reading lists, projects, reviews, giveaways, resources, and more.  There's going to be so much good stuff that we're switching it up and posting more than once a day - so be sure to check back often!  It will all culminate in a big announcement at the end of the week.  Ready to get started?  Away we go...Sometimes the hardest part about promoting literacy … [Read more...]

First Day of School Comforts

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Yesterday on momtastic I shared 3 Steps to Starting Preschool Off Right, the last of which was to "leave them with a little comfort".  These first day of school hearts from Helen at Curly Birdsare perfect for doing just that - and I'm not the only one who thinks so.  Helen's daughters' teacher was so impressed by the idea that she asked Helen to make one for every student.If you just don't have the time or inclination to whip one of these up, this post all about separation anxiety also features … [Read more...]

Here, There and Everywhere

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Hey there friends.  I have the honor of being featured on a couple of my favorite sites this week and I'd love it if you stopped by to say hi.First up, is my very first interview (fun!) over at Classic Play.  The site's lovely founder, Jen, contacted me over a month ago to ask if I'd participate in her Creative Family Series.  I eagerly agreed and she graciously waited around for a few weeks for my responses.  It was such treat to take part - head over for a backstage glimpse into me and the … [Read more...]

DIY Decor: Modern Monograms

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Monograms may be classic kid decor but there's nothing traditional about these five examples.  They're fun, inventive, and the perfect focal point for a kid room.  Most of these DIYs are also simple enough for children to do themselves (with some parental assistance), which means this could be the perfect way for an older sibling to contribute to a new baby nursery.  Without further ado, here are my top 5 modern monograms (clockwise from top left).   Button monogram from Spearmint Baby … [Read more...]

Final Summer Fun: Pitching a Tent Out Back

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Monday we did back-to-school, Tuesday was summer vacation, and yesterday back to school again so today it's time for summer vacation again - yay!  Nothing says "summer break" to me more than a good 'ol fashion camping trip.  Unfortunately, there's also nothing that says "nightmare" to me more than the idea of trying to camp with a baby.     So instead of packing up the family and heading to the mountains, we did the next best thing and headed to the backyard.  Actually my … [Read more...]

Top 5 Back-to-School DIYs

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If you need an excuse to get crafty, it seems like back-to-school time is it.  What better way to get your kiddos excited about learnin' than a few fun crafts?  Plus sending the kids off with something made especially for them is great for easing first day jitters.  Here are my top five picks:   Easy book covers by Martha Stewart.  After reading my friend Mariah's new book (review and giveaway to come!), I've developed a serious thing for maps.  I want to put them just about everywhere … [Read more...]

Summer Vacation Treats

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We're in kind of a weird spot right now.  I feel a big rush to simultaneously get ready for school and take advantage of what's left of summer.  Just in case you're feeling the same, in between all the back-to-school stuff, I'll be peppering in a few final summer fun posts too.  Today I thought I'd share two special treats we indulged in during our recent trip to the lake.      Have you heard of ebelskivers?  They're these light and airy pancake pockets filled with anything you … [Read more...]

Top 3 Ways to Ensure School Success at Home

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photo via motherhood your way   Happy Monday everyone!  Before we kick off the week I wanted to let you know that I (finally) finished my post on the 12 things I want to teach my children every day for Bloom.  You can check it out here.   And speaking of teaching, it's officially back-to-school time.  How did that happen?  With C starting preschool this year it feels like summer went by extra quick!  In the coming days I'll have lots of goodies to get you and the kids … [Read more...]