Four Easy Ways to Entertain Kids with a Cardboard Box

Four Easy Ways to Entertain Kids with a Cardboard BoxIt is a parenting truth almost universally acknowledged that kids prefer empty boxes to almost any toy. All those expensive and beautifully designed toys we so lovingly picked out for our children have all been tossed to the wayside in favor of a giant empty box that once held our new toilet. We are revamping our bathroom, and after installing the toilet Christmas came all over again for my kids. They have been playing with the large empty box for DAYS. This is nothing out of the ordinary at our house. Any time a package arrives, the Bear asks if he can have the box. Use their interest to your advantage and try these four easy ways to entertain kids with a cardboard box.

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The Cutest Valentines for Loved Ones & Classrooms from Minted

Create the perfect Valentine for your special someone at Minted.Y’all already know I’m a huge fan of Minted. We use them for our Christmas cards every year, the Pearl Girl’s birth announcements, and for fun photo gifts. I had no idea until this week that they also have the cutest Valentine cards around. Send personalized Valentine’s Day Cards to your friends and family or pick out individualized cards for a few recipients. With designs from hundreds of independent artists, you’re sure to find something really special for your loved ones.

Find the cutest classroom Valentines ever at Minted for your kids.Minted is also the new go to solution for the cutest Classroom Valentines cards. It’s true! That unicorn card is about the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. I want it just for me.

Send personal Valentines to friends and family from Minted.

If you didn’t quite get those holiday cards out this year, what better time to send a card to share your love with friends and family than Valentine’s Day. Did a cute new Valentine arrive at your house this winter? Send a V-day themed baby announcement. Pick a design from Minted and use their free address assistant to knock out the job in minutes. The designs are gorgeous and fabulous. I’m obsessed with the foil pressed designs. Click the box below to get 15% off on a Valentine cards, or get a free set of stickers with your set of classroom Valentine’s Day cards.

Quick & Easy Indoor Play Ideas: Make a Simple Rice Sensory Bin

Make a Simple Rice Sensory Bin

DIY sensory bins can be a really fun (and cheap) way to keep kids entertained while giving them sensory stimulation and practicing important skills. Your sensory bin doesn’t have to be fancy, and the one I’ll show you today can be made with things you probably have in your kitchen in under 5 minutes. This simple rice sensory bin is so fun and my kids are obsessed with it. Read on to find out how to set up your own and also find other great quick and easy indoor play ideas from my friends in the Kid Blogger Network.

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Four Simple Tips to Help You Do Your Own Taxes Online (For FREE)


4 Simple Tips to Help You Do Your Own Taxes Online For Free with #TurboTax #Absolute0 #adI am terrible at math and numbers and all things accounting. So is my husband. Even so, we’ve managed to file our own taxes every year with the help of TurboTax and a little determination. You can do it, too. You CAN do your own taxes online. Really you can. If the idea of doing your own taxes stresses you out, I’ve got four simple tips to help you AND save you money.

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Preschool Fun: Painting and Lacing Hearts

Preschool Valentine's Day Fun Painting and Lacing HeartsToday I’m sharing a fun activity that pairs art, creative play, and fine motor skill practice for your preschooler. We painted cardstock hearts and then practiced lacing with yarn. The kids had a blast and were so proud of their finished hearts. Be sure to check out all the other Creative Valentine’s Day Activities for Kids from my friends in the Kid Blogger Network at the bottom of this post.

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Making Mini Popcorn Lollipops and Pillow Forts for Pop Secret Family Fun

This post is sponsored by Pop Secret. All opinions are my own.

Easy Popcorn Lollipops

One of our favorite afternoon rituals when the weather is yucky is to pop a bag of popcorn and curl up to read or watch a movie together after the kids wake up from their nap. Often this sweet time includes a little pillow fort building. This week we decided to take our snacking to the next level by creating the cutest little popcorn lollipops. The recipe is super easy and a fun way to get your kids involved in the kitchen. Be sure to jump over here to grab a $1 off coupon from Pop Secret.

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Build a DIY Boat Dock

Directions for Building a DIY Boat DockWhen we were at my parents’ house for Christmas, my brothers and Jed worked together to build a DIY boat dock for the backyard. My parents live on a small lake, and for my entire life we’ve launched the canoes and fishing boats off the muddy shore or a sad little log. Those days are over, my friends. The boys teamed up after my brother Matt came up with the idea, and made it happen. Matt was kind enough to write out the plan so you can make your own DIY boat dock if you’re so inclined. Thanks Matt!

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Read & Play: Read “The Biggest Valentine Ever” and Create a Giant Valentine

Read and Play Read The Biggest Valentine Ever and Create a Giant Valentine

In honor of Valentine’s Day, we read “The Biggest Valentine Ever” this week and worked together to create a giant Valentine, just like in the book. The idea behind our Read and Play series is to take a fun book for kids and encourage further learning through play. Check out our past Read & Play ideas here and find great Valentine’s Day Read & Play activities from other Kid Blogger Network bloggers here. Read on to find out how we used the ideas from the book for a fun and easy art activity with my toddler and preschooler.

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