DIY Montessori Dyed Wood Toys/Teaching Materials

I LOVE Montessori toys and learning materials, I believe children thrive with order and simplicity. But, collecting the materials can get expensive. The surprisingly easy solution is to make them yourself! With little effort, you can make materials and toys that are beautiful, sustainable, sensory rich, and honestly can be passed down to future generations thanks to the incredibly resilient nature of wood! I made this entire collection below for a fraction of the cost of buying them ready made, and I easily did it in an afternoon (with toddler “help” and lots of interruptions!).

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Kidbox Review!

I have to confess that I’ve had a serious “brand crush” on Kidbox for some time and have just been wanting to collaborate with them sooooo much, so you can imagine my excitement when I received the opportunity to do so! Spoiler alert: they deliver on their promise for you to #unpackhappy !!! Need to shop now? Click here and use code mamaplaybook for 15% off your first box (which is in addition to the already amazing discount they provide!) Keep reading to see why we love them! In addition to the fact that each Kidbox is basically a magical Mary Poppins box (the clothes just kept coming!!!) and that they’ve seriously been the sweetest and kindest people EVER, here are a few reasons I adore them and am so excited to share them with you today:

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Remineralizing Tooth Powder Recipe

I’m really excited to share this recipe with you today! My family and I got on the DIY tooth powder train when I panicked and thought my kiddos were getting cavities (despite my obsessive dental hygiene habits). It turns out it was just a couple stains from a liquid iron supplement they were on for a bit, but at the same time my son was getting sore gums and I was noticing trouble spots in his mouth. Also at this same time, my entire family was having insurance issues and unable to visit a dentist for regular cleanings. Now, before I continue with this story, I want to say I fully advocate for regular dentist visits. I had the most wonderful dentist growing up and take my own children regularly now.  I ALSO believe our bodies are designed to heal themselves, and do not believe teeth are an exception to that rule. Meaning, our TEETH are also designed to heal. What?! RADICAL I know.

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Special Small Shop Feature

A few weeks ago we had the tremendous privilege to win a giveaway hosted by Hazel and Home! (she is a beautiful mama with a gorgeous Insta feed, follow her Instagram here!) We won a $25 dollar credit to Denim+Dot, Rebecca Gail Garments, AliJane&Co, Hello Charlie Shop and Dear Loa! (I will be adding pictures from Hello Charlie soon, her shop is on a temporary close so check back!) After just about falling off my chair with glee, I had the time of my life browsing these amazing handmade small shops, and counted the moments until our beautiful packages would arrive in the mail. We were not disappointed, the quality and love that every single one of these items is made with makes my heart burst with joy. These incredible small mama made shops are now among my most favorite places to buy from, and they have graciously agreed for me to feature them on here so that I can share them with you!

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Gear Guide and Tips for Keeping Littles Happy on Hikes!

Click here for the video, or keep reading for a brief written synopsis and the product links I mention in the video! 🙂

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SnoofyBee Excursion Changing Pad, Suction Bowl Set and Chewy Buckle Honest Mama Review

Click here to see my honest mama review of the SnoofyBee Excursion Changing Pad, Suction Bowl Set and Chewy Buckle!

Maintaining Joy in Parenting When Your Cup is Empty

I personally feel that, in motherhood, some seasons are more difficult than others. It’s been one of those for me lately as it’s been a little crazier at our house than usual. My husband is preparing for the biggest exam yet of his medical career and is literally studying 14-16 hours a day. I deliver food to his office door, and I honestly don’t know how he does it. His brain is amazing. Anyway, we don’t see him much/hardly at all. I’ve been going through a bit of postpartum overwhelm, my children are incredibly high energy and if I’m being completely honest, I haven’t been the mother I want to be lately. At all. My children are truly my world,the much desired beloved joys of my heart, and nothing hurts me more than feeling that I am failing in being the mother I want to be for them.

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Kids Say the Darndest Things-and Springtime with Lena’s Yard!

It’s officially SPRING! I. Am. So. Happy. In celebration, a bunch of wonderful folks have shared their favorite kiddo quotes with me and I have put them all together in this post to make you laugh and swoon, and I also have the honor to share some of the latest adorable rompers from our dearly beloved Lena’s Yard! Laugh, melt, cry and follow Lena’s Yard on their Instagram, Facebook, and last but not least, Etsy Shop! Scroll down for laughs, cuteness and the cutest comfiest rompers! Continue reading Kids Say the Darndest Things-and Springtime with Lena’s Yard!

Packing Tips for Hiking with Littles in Late Winter/Early Spring (and a muddy trail adventure)

Our latest family hiking vlog with our best packing tips for hiking with littles! Click below <3

Packing Tips for Hiking with Littles in Late Winter/Early Spring (and a muddy trail adventure)

When your inner Mama Bear comes out/don’t treat my kids differently due to your gender bias

I have realized lately that having children has definitely changed me, one area being my ability to deal with confrontation when necessary. But, this post is really about an experience we had recently due to the fact my children are not all the same gender. So, the twins had their first dance class this week. We’ve done gymnastics mommy and me classes but this was their first “real” class experience. They’ve been over the moon excited, and I found it’s a bit more difficult to find dance gear for toddler boys, which is ridiculous, I mean, boys dance too. Hello, heard of Mikhail Baryshnikov?! Anyway, they have both literally been counting down the days until class started.

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