It's been a while since I've debuted a new feature here on MPMK, so I'm excited to announce #FridayFamilyFinds. I regularly find things I want to share with you guys while going about my daily life... a favorite shampoo, a really cool toy, and - always - a good book for you or your kids.A few Fridays a month I'm gonna shop my house, take some pretty pics, and share these favorites here and on instagram with the hashtag #FridayFamilyFinds.Today, I'm starting with a Valentine theme. Ready? … [Read more...]
New Favorite Books for Valentine’s Day
I'm so excited to have one of my real life besties here today! Teresa is a former teacher, an amazing mama, and puts out the best posts on instagram on what she's currently reading with her three boys. So much so that I finally broke down and begged her to put together a list for all of us.Here she is with what her and her boys are reading this Valentine season... Admittedly, Valentine's Day isn't the biggest deal around our house. Maybe it has something to do with having three boys, but we … [Read more...]
2 Ingredient Valentine’s Day Treat: Mini Cherry Pies
It's hard to believe that something as cute as mini-cherries pies can be made with two ingredients.These are actually one of the easiest recipes I've made lately and the presentation is to-die-for cute. I'd whip these up for the kids' classes at school or just as a special treat on Valentine's Day.Just head to the market and pick up a 24 pack of pre-made sugar cookies and some cherry pie filling. I have a mini-muffin tin, but if you don't you can use a regular muffin tin. Your crust … [Read more...]
Top 10 New Year’s Resolutions for Families
Image Credit: © Shawn Spencer-Smith (text added) | family in shadow | CC by 2.0The New Year is a great time to come together and set some family goals for the upcoming year - and it doesn't have to be done on January 1st, it's not too late!In case you need a little help, I've put together a list of 10 New Year's Resolutions for Families.You'll notice that a lot of the items on the list are things that you're probably resolving to do for yourself this year - I just added a family … [Read more...]
3 Easy ways to Declutter After the Holidays
The holidays aren't even over yet, and I am already thinking of all of the things I want to declutter and purge before the new year.It always feels like December is filled with overindulgences and lots and lots of stuff. And we all tend to get so busy, there is no time available to even try to control the chaos.After the holidays are over, spend a bit of time on each of these 3 steps in order to have a fresh, clean start to 2017. Step 1 - One In, Two Out You (and your children) likely … [Read more...]
Top 9 Holiday Drinks for Kids
Let's face it, the holidays are for kids!All the activities and traditions are so our kids will have wonderful memories of this special season.My husband, for example, grew up with his mom making wassail during the month of December. She had a special crockpot she would put it in and the kids looked forward to it every year. Even as an adult, he still looks forward to it every year.You could keep things simple and buy packages of hot cocoa for our kids as a special holiday treat. … [Read more...]
How to Find the Perfect Christmas Book for Your Kid
I love to pick up one new Christmas book for our collection each year... or to put lots of holiday books on hold at the library for December. But I often have trouble settling on exactly which book to select.Sometimes, you're looking for a specific kind of Christmas book, but it's hard to find one because the bookstore or library has them all just categorized as "Christmas." Whether you're looking for a Santa story, a Christmas version of your child's favorite book, or a sweet story to read … [Read more...]
Parenting Styles: The Truth about the Elf on the Shelf
Image Credit: © Jon DeJong | The Elf is Shelved | CC by 2.0I watched my son lose a little bit of his childhood the other day, and there wasn’t a thing I could do to stop it.Two years ago – maybe three – we caved to the elf on the shelf hysteria, primarily because our kids were bewildered and a little hurt that no elves invaded our house come Christmas time to spy and create mischief.Fine. Bring on the elf, even though I find the whole idea a little creepy and I have a real aversion … [Read more...]
Treats to Make with the Kids: Candy Cane Truffles
You've heard those desserts with the word 'crack' in the title? Crack Pie or Christmas Crack...basically anything that makes your tastebuds go crazy.It's the type of dessert that makes you lose all self-control and the next thing you know, you've eaten half the recipe. These truffles should probably have the word crack in the title. The 4 ingredient recipe is delightfully simple and the presentation is magazine-worthy.Try these Candy Cane Truffles for your next holiday … [Read more...]