Modern Parents Messy Kids

The best ideas on how to raise engaged kids, organize your life, and create a stylish home.

Easy Halloween Decor: Mason Jar Mummy Votives

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The holiday season, and all the fun that comes with it, is here! Just in case your weekend to-do list has "decorating for Halloween" on the top of it in big bold letters like mine, here's one of my all-time favorite decor projects. These Mason Jar Mummy Votives are super, super simple to make and I love that it's one of those projects you can jump into with the kids without having to commit half a day to completing it. More MPMK DIY Halloween Decor DIY Spider Sacks Mess-Free Pumpkin … [Read more...]

Handmade Halloween: Make Spider Sack Decor with the Kids

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I'm so excited about this Halloween project, it turned out even better than I'd envisioned.   It's the quintessential MPMK project - easy enough for kids of all ages to get in on the action and the finished product is a decidedly stylish take on traditional Halloween decor.   And did I mention how inexpensive it is?   … [Read more...]

DIY Halloween Decor: Spiderweb Garland

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If you're looking for a simple DIY Halloween decor idea to try with the kids this year (one that - bonus - will keep them quiet and busy for a good chunk of time), check out my origami paper spiderweb garland. The process for making these simple webs is very similar to paper snowflakes, find the full tutorial here. More MPMK Halloween Crafts DIY Spider Sack Decor Mess-Free Pumpkin Decorating Duct Tape “Wicked” Inspired Doormat Dry Erase Ghost Votives Halloween Paper Bag … [Read more...]

Halloween Craft: DIY Stand-Alone Ghosts

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It's the time of year when I'm once again gathering my holiday resources and putting together a simple plan for making memories with the kids. (It might seem a little early, but I really find that things go so much more slowly when I get out ahead of it and just make a few plans). One thing definitely on my list this year are these spooky, stand-alone cheesecloth ghosts I put together for eHow a few years ago. Back then my kiddos were really too little to help much but this year I know … [Read more...]

Mother’s Day Idea: Tulips Grown in Vases

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I'm sure it hasn't escaped your attention that Mother's Day is just around the bend. Whether you're planning to spend it being pampered or going on family adventures, you're likely in need of a good gift or two for your own Mother and Mother-in-Law. (Not to mention any other special Moms that may be in your life.) This year there are two ideas I'm totally excited about. The first is the above vase of tulips. What makes this particular arrangement so special, aside from how stunning the … [Read more...]

DIY Easter Centerpiece: Leather and Felt Colorblock Vases

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I have to admit, with three small kids in the house, I don't have a lot of time for DIY projects anymore. These days I'm more about simple activities to keep the kids entertained more than pinterest-worthy crafts. There's something about spring, though, that always inspires me to want to do something to spruce up my abode. Even if it's something small. And, of course, Easter is always a great opportunity to get creative. I love this smart little project Julie put together for us. It's a … [Read more...]

Super Simple Art: Stained Glass Paintings

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My great aunt passed away at the age of 101 (she almost made it to 102) last week and baby M and I made a quick over-and-back trip for the funeral yesterday. It was actually a really nice trip but it meant that things have been pretty quite around here. … [Read more...]

Make It: Thumbprint Heart Jewelry Dishes

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Happy Friday guys! I’m stopping in to share a LOVE-ly little project I've put together for 31 Days of Love over at Red Ted Art. This has turned out to be one of my favorite DIY projects ever! It's so kid-friendly and the results are really stunning. These sweet Thumbprint Heart Jewelry Dishes would, of course, be perfect for Valentine's Day but I also want to really encourage you to make one with your kids and use it to store your #5ringstostopyelling. It will be just another powerful … [Read more...]

New Year’s Eve Hour-by-Hour Countdown Activity for Kids

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I have never attempted to let my daughter stay up until the New Year before. I am actually contemplating it this year, so I am armed and ready with an activity that will keep her entertained through all the hours until the ball drops. I made this fun poster with a little punch out circle for each hour leading up to midnight - kind of like an advent calendar for New Year's Eve. Each hour we have either an interesting question to discuss or an activity to do as a family. This is easy to put … [Read more...]