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Top 3 Resources for Getting Out and About with Young Kids

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Very, very soon I'm going to find myself in the precarious position of being a mom to a 2 year old and a 1 year old.  To be honest, I'd say we've actually been managing activities, nap times, and errands pretty well since S arrived into the world.  For some reason, though, the thought of having two kiddos only a year apart kinda freaks me out!   This is partly because it can be a challenge to find appropriate activities that are fun and engaging for both of my little ones.  But believe … [Read more...]

Outdoor Kid Activities & DIYs for the 4th of July

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I'm at momtastic again today posting on lots of outdoor kid activities to keep the kids happy during your 4th of July cookout. And speaking of the 4th, click through for a special look book of my favorite patriotic goodies from around the web. As always, click on the pics (including the one above) for more info. Similar Stuff: Our Favorite Stuff to Play Outside with ALL Weekend! Summertime Fun Here and Around the Web Previous Look Books … [Read more...]

Modern DIY Bracelets – Perfect for Summer Crafting with Girls

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As a girl, I spent a lot of summer days lounging around making friendship bracelets of one form or another.  It started simply with trios of embroidery thread and eventually evolved into more intricate creations involving beads and other such adornments.  Lately, all sorts of inspiring DIY bracelet posts have cropped up around the web and it's made me nostalgic for those uncomplicated summers.     So today I've rounded up a dozen wonderful bracelet crafts.  Share them with a special … [Read more...]

Happy Birthday Eric Carle!

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It was Eric Carle's birthday on Saturday and to celebrate two wonderful child development blogs posted in his honor all last week.  Head over to An Amazing Child and The Imagination Tree for lots of activities, projects, and of course reading.  One of my favorite posts was this one (pictured above) on how to make initial art using the beloved illustrator's trademark tissue paper printing method.  (You can see a slide show of this method at his website here.) If you'd like to throw a belated … [Read more...]

DIY Window Paints & Reader Projects

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My little guy and I recently came across a recipe for washable window paints at our local craft store and just had to try it.  The process couldn't have been more simple!  Head over to momtastic for all the details.   And look what I found on the web this week.  Reader Fawnda over at Fireflies and Jellybeans tried out my Customized Baby Play Mat tutorial.  Didn't she do a great job? Be sure to check out our pinterest page of reader projects for lots more MPMK-inspired goodies and have a great … [Read more...]

Meet the Light Box – Your New Must Have Toy?

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photos via Play at Home Mom   Are you guys familiar with children's light boxes?  I recently ran across two different blogs (Play at Home Mom and Teach Preschool) that are having all kinds of fun with them and I'm kinda in love.  These blogs have shown me so many cool things you can do with a light box that I'm pretty sure it won't be long until I decide we absolutely have to have one.  Seriously, I think these could be right up there with our beloved sensory box.   From … [Read more...]

Good Stuff Around the Web & A Guest Post on Bloom

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Head over to momtastic for my weekly list of the best stuff popping up around the web.  I'm also at Bloom this week posting on intentional parenting.  Check out part 1 of "12 Things I want to Teach My Children Every Day" and get the corresponding free printable here. Also, congrats to Kelly and Katie - winners of our photo journaling e-course and $150 American Girl giveaways!!  Finally, here's a glimpse at one of the best (and most inexpensive) kid parties I've seen in a while!From the wall … [Read more...]

DIY Scavenger Hunts and I Spy Games

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Scavenger hunts (whether outdoors, in the car, or just in the living room) are a perfect kid activity.  Along with being a fun way to pass some time, they also provide children with opportunities to practice skills like observing, sorting, and classifying.  Today I've rounded up 9 creative posts to help you get in on the fun.  Click through for the goods.   First up is this super simple nature scavenger hunt from Curly Birds.  Head over for the easy instructions and free printable.  You … [Read more...]

Things I Want to Teach My Children Everyday

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I'm guest posting over at Bloom on Tuesday, writing on the topic of intentional parenting.  This is something I've been thinking a lot about lately and I'm excited to have the chance to put my thoughts into words.  For now, here's a little preview... I put together this print to remind myself of the things I want to teach my children every day.  It's available for free download here if you like.   And speaking of free printables, I've found a few more that might be useful for … [Read more...]

Last Minute Father’s Day Projects

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Still looking for an easy Father's Day project?  I'm over at momtastic sharing five sweet and simple ideas.  Also, click through here for some more easy (and free!) last minute DIYs. I spotted this quote book tutorial at Kinderpendent.  Filling one of these books every year with some memorable and dad-centric quotes would be a lovely tradition. Found via How About Orange, this huge collection of free printables will turn Father's Day into a real party. Also check out these free … [Read more...]

Quotes for Kid Spaces

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Isn't this play room stunning?  It was featured in the spring edition of Lonny Magazine (and spotted by me at Chic & Cheap Nursery).  My favorite part is the large scale quote on the wall.  You may not be ready to make such a grand statement in your home, but there are lots of other ways to incorporate the written word into kid spaces.  And I just happen to have a whole file of quotes saved up.      For example, I found this free printable over at Making It Lovely a while … [Read more...]

Summertime Fun Here and Around the Web

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I'm over on momtastic today sharing my latest family-friendly finds from around the web.  Check them out here.And this is one of the sweetest ideas I've seen in a while.  Danyelle at dandee recently picked her kids up from their last day of school and surprised them with a party in the park - complete with water balloons and all their friends.  My favorite part is definitely the sign proclaiming "Welcome to Summer".  Be sure to visit dandee for all the details. Also, if you're an MPMK facebook … [Read more...]