Remember when back to school used to mean a new Trapper Keeper and a fresh, clean Jansport backpack? One that would soon be covered in Sharpie drawings to make it uniquely yours? Well, backpacks have come a long way, especially for the preschoolers / kindergarteners. … [Read more...]
Tools for the Modern Mama (Plus a Giveaway)
Recently, I had the pleasure of attending a conference put on by Disney especially for "Mom-preneurs" (a term I wasn't even familiar with, let along associated with myself, until then). The keynote speaker was uber inspiring and I met lots of great ladies. Since that time it seems like brilliant Mom-preneurs have been falling into my lap left and right. So I'm planning on highlighting some of my favorites in this little space of mine, to give you all a look at the awesome stuff moms out there … [Read more...]
MPMK Continuing Ed: How to Raise Happy Kids
If you're a regular here, then I'm sure you've noticed the happiness revolution that has been slowly taking over MPMK. From our new Happy Family Habits series to our recent virtual book club selection, the science of happiness is quite ubiquitous around here. I'm not sure exactly where or when it became so prevalent, but I do know why. A few months ago, the day after announcing MPMK's new Continuing Ed feature, I was contacted by a representative of Dr. Christine Carter of UC Berkley's Greater … [Read more...]
Do You Have Your Advent Calendar Yet?
It's mid-November, you know what that means... time to figure out this year's Advent calendar. What? You're still thinking about Thanksgiving? Me too. But December will be here before we know it. I'm hoping to pull together an extra special list of Advent activities for the kids this year (more on that tomorrow) so I need to start planning now. Step number one is to find a snazzy calendar. To that end, here's a list of my favorite offerings this year. … [Read more...]
Recreational Reading
If you have young children, summer might not be the time of year where you get in a lot of your own reading. But now, with the summer reading lists tucked away and a routine emerging as school starts up, perhaps you'll have a chance to get some reading of your own squeezed in. If you're looking for suggestions, here are eight books I'd put on my "Not-Summer Reading List:" … [Read more...]
The “Make Life a Little Better & a Little Easier” Mother’s Day Gift Guide
Just in case any of you out there are procrastinators like me, I thought I'd offer up one more Mother's Day gift guide before you're really and truly out of time. Before we get to the goods, have I ever told you how fun gift guides are to put together? They're like cyber window shopping. Honestly, this one is nothing more than all the stuff I'd buy myself for Mother's Day. As I was putting it together I noticed a theme, or rather two themes. Half of the products are all about taking care … [Read more...]
Nothing Says Love Like a Little Cast Iron
How sweet are these little pan gifts? Apparently, you can get a 5" cast iron skillet for under $10 and you can find the free printable here. I love the idea of presenting these guys to just about anyone but your husband for Valentine's Day. The message "you'll think of me over cheese and eggs" becomes less cute (and more than a little pushy) when you live with the gift recipient. The real beauty of this gift is that its more than just a charming gesture. For health reasons, we … [Read more...]
A New Year’s Tradition
Happy (belated) New Year! Do you have any traditions for starting off the year? My mom and I have sort of stumbled into one. I'm not even sure if she realizes it, but for the past several years she's bought me a new purse for Christmas. Until recently, I didn't realize that I've come to rely on getting a spiffy new tote to start off each new year. Cleaning out my old purse and stocking the new with only the necessities is such a nice way to start fresh ever January and this year's pick is … [Read more...]
20 Pretty Ways to Get it Together for the New Year
Christmas is officially over (sigh) and though I'm sad to be giving up all the holiday magic with the littles, I'm also eager for 2012. The new year always feels like a fresh start and there are lots of ways I'd like to get more organized this year. I'll be sharing more about all that over the next week. For now, head over to houzz and check out my ideabook on 20 Pretty Ways to Get it Together for the New Year. … [Read more...]