Baby, it’s cold outside. And that means it’s the perfect weather for a hot cocoa bar. And eggnog… So why not combine the two? Enter: a festive hot cocoa bar with spiced eggnog whipped cream. I’m a personal fan of whipped cream on cocoa, instead of marshmallows. And when you are going the whipped cream route, it HAS to be homemade. To make the eggnog whipped cream, you will need: … [Read more...]
Play Theme Cheat Sheet #6: Fall Fun!
It's fall! My absolute favorite season. So, of course, I had to make it into a Play Theme Cheat Sheet. And really - cool weather, gorgeous leaves, pumpkins galore - what's not to love? I have always wanted to take my little family apple picking in the fall. (I've never actually been. Sad, right?) But since apple farms are few and far between where I live, I decided to bring apple picking to us–with a little educational value built in. We've been working on our numbers at home, so I thought … [Read more...]
Simple DIY Decor: Holiday Wreath
We've got another project from our new eBook, Hands-On Holidays: Simple Ideas to Make Memories October through December, today. This one is a favorite of mine because it's a great project to do with younger kids or to let older kids tackle alone. It's a money-saver too as it can easily transition from one season to the next with just a few tweaks. Enjoy! Welcome fall! Recently, I've been dying for a new wreath to don my door. And fall was the perfect occasion to make one. I actually … [Read more...]
Playtime Cheat Sheet: Carnivals!
Ahhhh...Fall. The leaves turn, the nights grow shorter, and the weather cools. It can all only mean one thing: Carnival season! Candy apples, petting zoos, and midway prizes. Oh my. I love me a Fall carnival. (A little too much, actually.) So I thought it would make the perfect play theme to kick-off fall. And no carnival would be complete without a few carnival games. Am I right? We started things off with this DIY, no-sew target throw. … [Read more...]
Play Theme Cheat Sheet: Space
Even though it's not quite August yet, we just couldn't wait any longer to post our latest Play Theme Cheat Sheet. We just know you're going to love it!... I am so excited about this month's playtime cheat sheet, just because of the theme alone....SPACE! I don't know why, but I was somewhat overly fascinated with space as a child (nerd alert). I simply couldn't get enough of it. I even asked for a toy planetarium for Christmas one year, which I've now passed down to my son. P.S. It still … [Read more...]
Holiday DIY: Kid-Friendly Sparklers
Although the 4th of July is certainly a kid-centric holiday, the younger set can get a little left out. Not only are fireworks too dangerous to be close to, they're also LOUD and usually take place after bedtime. Today Alli is here sharing her favorite project for getting her little man involved in the festivities, while keeping him safe and happy. We have a tradition in our family, of traveling to the family farm to celebrate, eat, and of course... set off fireworks. Now, I married into this … [Read more...]
Playtime Cheat Sheet No. 3: Warm Weather Play
It's June - Hello Summer! This month's playtime cheat sheet is all about playing in warm weather and it's got something for everyone. Without further ado, here's Alli with a fun DIY sprinkler project and 24 more great ideas. I'm so happy to be back sharing some of our favorite ways to play in the warm Summer weather! I love Summer. But then again, who doesn't? Kids do... for obvious reasons. But adults too (because I have a theory that Summer actually brings out the kid in all of us). We … [Read more...]
Playtime Cheat Sheet No. 2: Sports
Another month, another play theme cheat sheet to get you through. Did you guys enjoy trying out all our nature ideas from last month? Alli's back today with another stellar list of activities, books, etc. you can refer to all month long. This time our focus is sports - so grab a ball, get outside, and get those little ones running! May is the perfect month to get outside and get active with your family, which is why it's also the perfect month to focus on sports. When I first started … [Read more...]
Make it: Plant-able Paper Earth
Every once in a while we do a project here on MPMK that I'm over-the-moon excited about. That's how I feel about these plantable earths for Earth Day. They're so cute, I want to send a few to everyone I know. I loved making paper as a kid. I don't know why, maybe it's something about the mess. Or maybe it was the idea that I could make the very same thing I used so often in my daily life, all by myself. (just prettier) Regardless. I loved making paper, and this time was no different. It was … [Read more...]