Modern Parents Messy Kids

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A Month’s Worth of Healthy Family Snacking

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Afternoons can be a busy time for parents. We get the kids in the door after school or practice and just as we start to think about preparing dinner, we hear those little voices asking for a snack. Active kids require almost constant fuel. Having healthy snack ingredients handy can keep them from lashing out or melting down.   I’ve pulled together 18 easy snack ideas for you - half are savory and half are sweet. That’s about a month’s worth of after-school snacks for you and your family. … [Read more...]

16 Mouth-Watering Summer Fruit Recipes

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Fresh summer fruit season comes and goes so quickly. It seems like just yesterday I was seeing the first watermelons in stores, and here we are in August already. That means the summer crop is ending and the autumn produce isn't far behind. Let's take advantage of the summer bounty while we can and get as much fruit as possible into our days! I'm talking watermelon, peaches, cherries - the works. As if the taste wasn't incentive enough, some quick health benefits on your favorite summer … [Read more...]

Chocolate + Vanilla Chia Seed Mousse with Summer Berries

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The first time I made chia seed pudding, I was amazed. I mixed these little black seeds with some almond milk, a few spices, some sweetener, and after a few hours in the fridge, out came a tasty pudding that reminded me of healthier version of a tapioca or rice pudding. Ever since then I find myself making chia seed pudding all of the time because of how easy it is, and I love to experiment with different flavor combinations. But it was not until recently, when I was looking for a totally … [Read more...]

Project Organize Your Lunch: Oatmeal To-Go Bars

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Having just survived a move with small children, a lot of my healthy eating habits seem to have flown out the window and I'm in somewhat of a lunch rut.   What better to pull me out than a delicious new recipe and a glimpse at how someone else tackles getting three squares a day, right? Here's Jen with the goods... Sometimes I need to remind myself that organizing isn't just about storing things in pretty jars with labels, or decluttering the front hall closet. Organizing is so much more … [Read more...]

The Best Foods for Fueling Your Kids’ Minds & Bodies

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The back to school ads are popping up again and you know what that means, time to start thinking about getting the kiddos ready to go.  A big part of school readiness is properly filling up your kids' tanks.   I've once again teamed up with my girls Katie & Megan of Prescribe Nutrition and brought them here today with their best stuff on how to feed your kids' brains as well as a few yummy recipes. Nutrition and the minds of your kids. Along with everything else on the back-to-school … [Read more...]

Best Camp Fire Dessert Ever: Banana Boats

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Did you guys know the majority of people's childhood memories involve being outside?  It's true! (Go ahead and think of some of your own favorite memories to prove it to yourself - it's ok, I'll wait.)  So why am I bringing up this fun factoid?  To drive home the point that now is the best season to be making memories with the kiddos. Today I'm sharing one of my very favorite things about being outside during the summer as a kid - making banana boats over a camp fire.  Ever tried 'em?  They're … [Read more...]

How to Eat Healthy While Traveling (or Moving)

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2013 is the summer of the move here at MPMK.  There are currently four members of our team (including myself) who have either already moved or are getting ready to move.  With interest rates rising and the housing market once again booming in many cities, I have a feeling there are plenty of you moving this summer as well. So today Natalie is here sharing how to eat healthy while moving.  Even if you're not moving, this stuff comes in handy when out on the road vacationing too, so take … [Read more...]

How to Raise a Health Nut

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Eating healthy is kind of the talk of the town these days.  But what about when it comes to the kids? Are they eager to dive into a raw kale salad?  Do you hear your little ones declaring, “Hey! You know what, I think we should ease up on the sugar.” Yeah, I didn’t think so. Kids are kids.  They are amazing and fun and witty and moody and uncensored and picky and above all, they like what they like. You want your kids to eat the meals they need to grow and to thrive and to be healthy … [Read more...]

How to Make Popsicles with or without a Mold

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I've got something extra clever for you guys today.  There are tons of recipes out there for homemade popsicles this time of year - but not so many that teach you how to save money by making your own molds.  And don't worry, we've got some gourmet recipes for you too. (We're talking blackberry, basil & yogurt and mango coconut.)  Here's Jodi with the goods... I have wonderfully vivid memories from my childhood of making popsicles in the summertime. I have always loved to bake and make … [Read more...]