The kids are off from school tomorrow; which means they're going to be in my way as I attempt to prepare for the big Turkey Day feast and fete. I can't plaster them in front of the television the whole day (ha), so I need to get creative with my activities. They want to feel like ...read more
Camp Mom is in session. While my almost six year old big boy goes to our town's summer recreation program, my little lady bug is stuck at home with yours truly. She loves me and all, but I know my social butterfly would want to be playing and crafting and singing and running with ...read more
It is getting so close to St. Patrick's Day. And this year, we wanted to do more than just wear green and bake Irish soda bread muffins. To celebrate, we have been reading How to Catch a Leprechaun by Adam Wallace. My kiddos learned how quick leprechauns are, how mischievous they ...read more
The wind is howling the rain is pelting the snow is falling... somehow all at the same time! It's a noreaster and one last big blast of winter here on the East Coast. Schools are closed, and the kids are home. Keep cabin-fever struck kiddos entertained and engaged with a few easy ...read more
Gobble gobble! The kiddos wake up on Thanksgiving morning with energy and excitement for the day ahead. Before you watch the parade or head out on a family 5K, whip up a crafty-cute breakfast your kids will absolutely adore. These sweet cinnamon roll turkeys taste good and look ...read more
We've shared a few healthy swaps for Halloween throughout the last few weeks, but let's be realistic for a moment, shall we? Tomorrow is Oct. 31st, and the kiddos are going to want candy... at least a little bit of their fave sugary goodies and some caramel-stuffed chocolates ...read more
I never really loved Halloween… and then I became a mom. Now, I’m obsessed with every pumpkin patch, every not-so-spooky book, every slightly scary movie, every creepy craft, every trick, every treat, and all the adorable costumes I want to force my kids to wear. Yes, October ...read more
My son hated school up until midway through the "threes" program. But then, suddenly, it was like a light bulb went on in his little head and he instantly became excited about learning and playing and going to see his teacher. Seemingly out of the blue, preschool became something ...read more
I made these beautiful gilded watercolor eggs for our Easter display this year. As an adult I'm not longer happy with the simple cups of color for dying eggs. I need a more intricate more "adult" design. Something that's really pretty to look at with some detail. I made most of ...read more
Did you happen to catch our recent Facebook Live video about Easter egg-decorating hacks? We shared two fun and easy ways to make dyeing, coloring, and crafting those pretty-in-pastel eggs way easier. Unfortunately, both outcomes were sorta #PinterestFails... ah the beauty and ...read more
Easter is one of the greatest holidays in terms of desserts and treats and sweets and cute candy-crafting creativity. I mean, the major Hallmark spin on Easter revolves around sugary goodies and bunny-shaped chocolates and everything pastel, pretty, and candy-coated. It's no ...read more
It was a blustery cold day in NYC, but the Momtrends team was channeling spring at our #MTHalosFun event this past weekend, at the Children's Museum of Arts in downtown Manhattan. An event that combines two things we love: healthy food and family fun! What's not to love... ...read more
We love us some easy washi tape crafts, and now you will too! Washi tape is one of our favorite crafting supplies ever. It's so versatile and the patterns are endless and you can stick it to virtually anything and it won't ruin the surface. Yay for washi tape crafts! Amy ...read more
Happy Valentine's Day, lovies (a bit early)! I used to dread this holiday back when I was in high school... and then through most of college, as well. I never seemed to have a boyfriend on February 14, and I remember feeling totally hopeless. (Oh, the dramatics of adolescence and ...read more
Happy Valentine's Day! Who's ready for a super-cute Valentine's Day craft? We are loving all things miniature, and this V-Day is no different. We might express it in a tiny form, but our hearts are overflowing with love. You can turn a boring, regular old matchbox into a sweet ...read more
Now that Halloween is behind us, it's time to turn our attention to Thanksgiving. The stores are stocked full of cute little mini pumpkins and gorgeous fall colors that just perfect for crafting. The kids and I created this cute mini turkey pumpkin craft that can be used to ...read more
I'm currently swooning over all the doors I see on Pinterest. Their autumnal perfection is enviable. But I'm here to tell you that all your picturesque dreams are about to come true with these two easy fall wreaths. Valerie McKeehan (don't know her? Google her NOW, and you're ...read more
School is back in session, and to ease yourself in, why not do some easy crafting? This DIY cactus rock garden will not only provide some much-needed zen, it's also functional as a photo-holder. I love projects that are simple and fun---but I especially love when they use natural ...read more
Every child loves to celebrate his or her birthday. It's most likely a favorite day of the year! As parents, caregivers, friends, and family, we love seeing their little faces light up at the sheer joy and excitement of it all. Any way to foster their happiness ranks at the top ...read more
This summer, my daughter and I read Harry Potter And the Sorceror's Stone together. It's a little too advanced for her reading level, so I did most of the reading. But I knew she would love the magical story line. We had several other friends who were also reading the first ...read more
Tonight is the Opening Ceremony of the 2016 Olympic Games. Who's pumped?! You could say that I'm overly excited about this. I love the competition, the diversity, the strength, and support that the athletes bring to the games. I'm sure I'm not alone! Here are some super easy ways ...read more
Clearly we're big on our frozen treats over here at The Shopping Mama. So we couldn't let National Ice Cream month pass without a bang! To celebrate my little guy's fourth birthday (they grow up too fast!), I threw a colorful, fun, and festive pool party, complete with scoops, ...read more
It's National Ice Cream Month and in the summer the kids want it all the time. This DIY Ice Cream Stand is the sweetest and easiest way to give your kids the good stuff without giving them a sugar high. It's travel friendly and will keep them occupied at home or on the go. ...read more
I know it's hard to comprehend, but did you know that in the 1700's there were no cell phones? No emails? No texts?!? To communicate, everyone wrote letters. As I've stated many times before, letter writing is a major part of my correspondence with family members, co-workers, ...read more