Modern Parents Messy Kids

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Valentine’s Day Favorites

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Valentine's Day is right around the corner, are you ready? If, like me, you've just realized that you still haven't gotten together class valentines or the treat you're signed up to bring to the class party- don't fret. We're here to help with some of our best Valentine printables, recipes and DIYs. Ready? Here we go... Books Check out our post on LOVE-ly Valentine Reads. The two books pictured above are still some of my kiddos' absolute favorites. And if you're looking for a brand new … [Read more...]

Homemade Valentine Treat: Chocolate Pomegranate Bonbons

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In the spirit of 'sticking to our New Years commitments,' I whipped up a better for you treat for Valentine's Day.  If you're eating clean, this is a treat you can indulge in but the kids will love it too. It's also super easy to make (hello two ingredients!) and it makes a pretty gift. There are several different ways of combining the two ingredients (semi-sweet chocolate and pomegranate seeds).  I decided to make it into a bonbon shape by using a mini muffin tin. They are so tiny and … [Read more...]

DIY New Year’s Eve Party Hats

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Spending New Year's Eve at home with the kids is as fun as you make it. You can mope around about the fact that you're not hitting the town, or you can pick some activities that the kids will really get into, celebrate it at 8pm and then toast each other when they're all tucked in bed. Last year we made our own balloon drop, drank some super yummy mocktails, ate sparkling Jello push pops, and even contemplated the 14 habits of happy families to fill out our FREE year-in-review/year-to-come … [Read more...]

Simple Holiday Baking: Peppermint Bombe Cake

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Don't you love those recipes that look way more complicated than they actually are?  You get all the credit for slaving away in the kitchen, when really you spent 20 minutes throwing it together and watched it turn into something amazing while you help the kids with their homework. I love this peppermint bombe cake because it looks so pretty on inside and out. You really can't mess up the frosting and when you sprinkle the outside with candy canes, it turns incredibly festive. Once … [Read more...]

An Inside Look: Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge

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It's about this time of year that the folks in my neck of the woods start making plans for family vacations come spring. (It's somewhat of a natural consequence of the start of the rainy season.) But our family isn't joining them this year for two reasons: We did the vacation thing BIG last year and it seems prudent to keep it much more low key this year Our youngest is at the perfect age (20 months) for making the idea of a plane trip or long lines at an amusement park sound … [Read more...]

A Veggie Tray for the Holidays

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Headed to potluck after potluck this season? Looking for something that's easy to assemble, festive AND healthy?  P.S. Speaking of Thanksgiving, did you hear what we’re doing to make your holiday shopping way easier this year? Veggie trays are a mainstay at parties year round, but I thought I'd add a little holiday spin to make things more interesting this year. … [Read more...]

Parenting: The Santa Question

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Image Credit: © Steve Wilson | santa-clause | CC by 2.0 I adore Christmas. I love the lights and the decorations, the music and the good cheer. I get all nostalgic about “the reason for the season,” lapsed Catholic that I am, and I especially love the whole notion of Santa, particularly through the wide eyes of our four kiddos. Really, it’s downright magical. But with an eight year old in the house, I’ve been thinking lately about what I’m going to say the day he stares up at me and … [Read more...]

Last-Minute Thanksgiving Craft: DIY Pilgrim Hats

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Happy Turkey Day!  Today Janssen is here with a classic Thanksgiving craft that takes me back to my own days spent at the kids table.   This one is simple, inexpensive, and can be used both for craft time and dramatic play afterward. P.S. Speaking of Thanksgiving, did you hear what we're doing to make Black Friday and all your holiday shopping way easier this year? NEW THIS YEAR: Check out our Alerts Page for Sales on All of the Toys from our Famous Gift Guides – Updated … [Read more...]

Cinnamon Chip Oatmeal Cookies for a Cozy Winter Day

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*This post is sponsored by The Quaker Oats Company, but all opinions are 100% my own. Who doesn't love a good holiday cookie? Fun to make with the kids, share with the neighbors and, of course, to eat! Plus they make the house smell heavenly. As part of our official role as a member of The Oat Authority, we’re once again teaming up with The Quaker Oats Company to offer you lots of simple and yummy ways to use their classic oats. Today is without a doubt one of my favorites. Here’s our … [Read more...]