Thank you to our friends at UpWest for sponsoring this post. Pool season is here and these are some favorite outfits to wear to the pool or beach!

Pool season is here and you don’t need to pull my arm to get me to the nearest beach, lake, or pool. I love the water and I love summer, especially summer clothes. Rompers, shorts, tanks, cool tees…it’s what I wear all day every day. UpWest has some of my favorite summer clothes because they’re so light, airy, and just cool. If you’re looking for some fun and easy pieces to adventure in this summer, here are some of my faves. 

9 Favorite Swimsuits and Outfits To Wear Poolside

I love the trend right now that one-piece swimsuits are acting as body suits. This makes it easy to transition from home to pool and home again. I’ll even throw on a light cardigan and head to the store afterward to grab a few things for dinner.

If you’re looking for a one-piece that is super sleek and chic, this One-Piece Henley swimsuit from UpWest is the one.

*Plus, get in on the fun 4th of July sale going on right now, including swimwear and poolside outfits!

1. One Piece Henley Swimsuit

The Henley swimsuit is SO hot right now! And it really is so cute. It’s the same cut as your favorite Henley, now in swimsuit format and it’s just genius. I got the black one above, but it also comes in a lovely blue stripe.

I recommend sizing down on this one. And this is a pretty high-cut suit in the back, so own it! This was my first high cut swimsuit and it wasn’t nearly as scary as I thought it was going to be!

UpWest swimsuits have been price-slashed, so check them out!

2. Organic Cotton Swim Coverup

I love this light-as-air coverup. It’s part robe, part feminine kimono and it’s perfect for the pool, beach, or a romantic couple’s vacation. Grab one while it’s in stock and you’ll wear it for seasons to come. (I’m still wearing my favorite comfy UpWest items from seasons ago, like those denim wide leg bottoms in the photo above.)

3. Lightweight Cardigan

The crocheted look is so popular right now and summer layering has never been more boho-chic. There are so many times I’ve looked through my closet for something like this lightweight cardigan to throw on over a swimsuit, tank, or summer dress. I love the mudslide color too! This is going to be a tough choice.

4. Go-To Tank Dress

What a sleek dress to wear poolside this summer! I love the sportiness of the tank and the subtle slit in the side. You could also wear this to a summer concert and look a little bit country or a little bit rock and roll. Size down if you like a more fitted look.

5. Hemp Jumpsuit

How cool is this jumpsuit? It would double perfectly as a unique swimsuit coverup or a chic fashion statement for a day or night on the town. And it’s part of UpWest’s summer sale going on right now! (This piece is kind of like the UpWest pants that I own and love, but in jumper form.)

6. The Perfect Beach Pant

Oh my goodness, I’m in love with this flowing beach pant. These would have been perfect for our trip to the Oregon Coast last year. Picture them flowing in the breeze as you walk along the beach picking up shells. So comfortable, so cool, so easy. Put them on over your swimsuit for a simple yet chic summer outfit.

7. Washable Satin Lounge Romper

Again, another cool alternative for a swim coverup. This Satin Lounge Romper can easily take you from the pool to reading your favorite book on the back porch swing. And it’s washable satin which makes it so nice to care for without the hassle of dry cleaning.

8. Plisse Maxi Dress

Here’s another pretty summer dress for you. This one would be so lovely for family beach photos! It’s light, breezy, and just made to be barefoot in.

9. Plisse Tie Shoulder Sundress

Last but certainly not least on my list of favorite poolside outfits…this lovely Plisse sundress might just be at the top of my list. It’s so easy to toss on over a swimsuit and comfy enough that you could wear it all day long. Don’t miss this one!

And that’s not all. UpWest clothes were made for days by the pool, or a hike in the mountains, or a leisurely walk on the beach. Get in on all the summer promos going on at UpWest and see for yourself how heavenly soft and ultra cool these clothes are!

You might also like: 

12 Soft Clothes You’ll Want To Wear Every Day This Summer

The post 9 Favorite Outfits To Wear Poolside This Summer appeared first on How Does She.

Some families are naturally touchy-feely and don’t mind sharing hugs and physical touch while others prefer to show their love in more non-physical ways, like spending time together or verbal affirmations. But there is a huge body of research that says physical touch is more important than we think.

What Research Says about Touching Your Kids

1. It is a vital part of infant growth and development.

It’s not surprising that infants thrive on sensory experiences, the main one being touch. If you’ve seen a cat with a new litter of kittens or baby birds nestled up next to their mama, you’ll observe how instinctive it is for creatures just entering life to get close to one another.

Every living thing is born with the need for physical contact. 

According to the NCBI US National Library of Medicine, developmental delay is often seen in children who do not receive adequate or appropriate sensory stimulation, specifically touch. This study states that orphaned infants in the bleakest of conditions in Eastern Europe–babies who rarely get held–exhibited impaired growth and cognitive development, as well as susceptibility to infection. 

{Above: Holding infants on our trip to an orphanage in Guatemala.}

Research suggests that these orphans aren’t suffering from maternal deprivation, but from sensory deprivation. They need to be held, snuggled, touched. That’s why skin-to-skin contact is encouraged immediately after giving birth.

Bottom line: Significant evidence shows that touching your kids is vital to their physical growth and cognitive development.

2. Your brain releases certain chemicals when you experience physical touch.

A fascinating study reported by The New York Times says that our brains actually release certain chemicals when triggered by physical touch, and others are released in the absence of touch. The study was conducted on premature infants; a group of whom were left alone in their incubators and a group of whom were massaged for 15 minutes, three times a day. 

The babies who were massaged gained weight 47% faster than the ones who were left alone. They became more active and more responsive, even getting discharged from the hospital an average of six days earlier.

And it’s not just babies whose brains respond to skin-to-skin contact. Psychology Today shares a 2013 study on the importance of human touch. Researchers in the UK found that “loving touch, characterized by a slow caress or gentle stroking plays a big part in sustaining a healthy sense of self.”

Bottom line: Make touching your kids and spouse a point daily. Release those feel-good endorphins with a hug, arm around the shoulder, or simple rub on the back.

3. Touch is how we share compassion. 

Have you ever experienced a bad day that was completely transformed by a hug? Or have you had a sick child who only wants to be held? It’s because even the smallest gesture of physical touch can make us feel better.

The Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley has found, after years of examining the science of touch, that physical connections are far more important than we realize. It is a powerful language of compassion. 

“To touch can be to give life,” said Michelangelo.

Interestingly enough, we don’t touch nearly as much in the United States as in other parts of the world. In the 1960s, notable psychologist Sidney Jourard conducted a study where he visited various parts of the world and observed conversations between two friends over lunch. What he found was fascinating:

• In England, the two friends touched zero times.
• In the United States, the average was twice.
• But in France, it was common for two friends to touch up to 110 times.
• In Puerto Rico, friends touched 180 times just during lunch together!

Bottom, bottom line: Don’t be afraid to get more touchy-feely. Physical touch is more important than you know. Touching your kids can boost their development; hugging a friend can show compassion. And snuggling up to someone you love doesn’t just feel good, it’s good for you too.

You may also like:

Before You Brush Them Off: Human Touch

The post What Research Says about Touching Your Kids appeared first on How Does She.

The most amazing fruit salad parfait you’ve ever had and it comes together in minutes!

My mother-in-law only have to make it once, and we were all in love!

So, I got her permission to share the secret and I’m so excited to share it with you!

Easy Fruit Salad Parfait

Ingredients:

• Two 6 ounce raspberry yogurts (or your favorite flavor)
• One package of vanilla instant pudding (3.4 oz in powder form)
• 16 ounces of whipped topping
• about 16 ounces of your favorite fruits

Mix together the pudding powder and yogurt really well. (The powder doesn’t blend very well with the whipped topping. Believe me, I found that out the hard way. Thankfully those at the pot luck had never had it before and were too kind to say anything.)

Now you may go ahead and add the whipped topping and fruit!

You can add the fruit to the top for a fruit salad parfait effect (it is so pretty this way!):

Or mix it all in for a fruit salad effect:

This works great as a salad or a dessert and it truly is almost too beautiful to eat. I hope you enjoy our family secret fruit salad parfait!

Easy & Delicious Fruit Salad Parfait

Print

Ingredients

• Two 6 ounce raspberry yogurts (or your favorite flavor)
• One package of vanilla instant pudding (3.4 oz in powder form)
• 16 ounces of whipped topping
• about 16 ounces of your favorite fruits

Instructions

1. Mix together the pudding powder and yogurt really well. (The powder doesn’t blend very well with the whipped topping. Believe me, I found that out the hard way.)
2. Now you may go ahead and add the whipped topping and fruit!
3. Enjoy!

The post Easy & Delicious Fruit Salad Parfait appeared first on How Does She.

**This post is sponsored by Shutterfly. All opinions are our own. **

I’ve given a LOT of gifts in my lifetime. 
I’m sure some are still around and maybe even being used or worn, but there are so many gifts that probably just get thrown in the trash after some time.
That’s why I’m more often than not turning to the gift of memories!
Why not gift a heartfelt gift that will stand the test of time? 
All of us have so many precious memories, and way too many of us (myself included!) have all those precious memories preserved in the dark abyss of our computer or phone. Why are we not doing something with them? Don’t we want to share them with our loved ones and look at them every day!?
Shutterfly is the place to find all kinds of ideas of what to do with those photos!
(PS Read to the end for an exclusive money saving code!)

I have 5 unique ideas of ways to display those photo memories and each makes an awesome gift as well!


1. Photo Books
I’m sure most of you are familiar with photo books. I’m always absolutely delighted when I finally remember to DO something with our photos and books are a fantastic way to preserve our experiences. My kids just love looking back on vacations, and important family events and reminiscing. 
Recently, my son served a 2 year mission for our church in Arizona. I was able to take many of his photos from his time serving, and make them into a highlight book. 

I’m so glad to have been able to snap these photos because the joy was authentic! He absolutely LOVED seeing so many precious photos printed into this gorgeous modern and streamlined photo books. 
I mean, look at that smile!




I was really impressed with the process of making the book. It wasn’t overwhelming and I felt like the process was very simple.
Shutterfly has many different styles to choose from, but this modern style was so classy and clean. I thought the quality of pages and photos was spot on and well worth the price. 
Here’s your challenge to make a photo book of your family vacation, child’s school year, or to help remember your grandma.

These photo books are irreplaceable in our family!

2. Framed Pictogram

How amazing is this pictogram printed photo? Now you can take a collection of photos and make a large customized photo! 
This is our “couple’s” version and I absolutely adore it. I mean, look at all the awesome things we’ve done together!
These make fantastic anniversary or wedding gifts! I love looking at our bedroom wall and remembering all the fantastic times.

3. Photo Magnets
I’m always impressed with how much even my younger kids value photos. I find them flipping through photo books or old pictures all the time. I wanted their bright and shining faces somewhere I look every day – naturally, the fridge! 
These photo magnets can be customized with all your favorite people.
They are, as I mentioned, perfect for the fridge, but also for lockers. Teens love having photos of friends and family and these magnets are perfect for that!

I also use their individual picture magnets for chore charts.
It’s a great way for them to see what is expected of them that day and self direct without me saying a word!



4. Clip Photo frame

There are photo frames and then there are PHOTO frames. This clip frame it itself a display! You can choose the pictures to create the border and then they can choose what to clip in the middle. I love the natural wood grain of each frame and how unique it is. 

6. Photo Puzzles
       
Family time is the best time and puzzles bring us altogether – especially when there’s a surprise at the end!
Shutterfly can help you to customize a photo puzzle and I think it’s the coolest idea ever.
Not to mention, I can think of a LOT of grandparents who would not only love putting this together, but also to see the end result. 

The puzzle pieces were great quality and fit together perfectly. 
Plus, there are SO many styles you can choose from!
  

Aren’t these the coolest ideas? I love how unique some of them are, and because they’re customized, they’ll feel straight from the heart too!
Remember to use code SHOPSTYLEANDREA for an additional 5%off your entire order!
Happy memory keeping!

The post Giving the Gift of Memories appeared first on How Does She.

**This post is sponsored by Kohl’s and Shopstyle Collective. All opinions are my own.**

The kids are home. The sun is shining. You probably have some epic vacation plans!
Whether you’re opting for a close to home staycation to save a little cash or a European adventure, vacation memories are priceless!
I know every person, and every vacation looks a little different, but I’m always looking for COMFY clothes for our vacations.
I want outfits that are comfortable, versatile and that pack well.
Whether you’re looking for that perfect casual dress, or a lightweight romper, Kohl’s has the whole family covered!

Kohl’s is one of my most favorite, one stop shops for my family’s clothing. They have fantastic in house brands, as well as carrying popular brands you’ve already heard of. Not to mention, they have the most amazing options for saving some cash!
For example, right now, you can use code ENJOY15 to get 15% off your whole order!

I looked through hundreds of different items and wanted to highlight a few of our family’s favorite “on the go” items that pack well!

Sonoma Goods for Life Knit midi T-shirt dress – The perfect, casual t-shirt dress. Dress it up with wedge sandals or keep it casual with some slip on tennis shoes. It’s lightweight enough to wear in the Summer heat and if the nights get cool, layer with a jacket. It rolls up small in your suitcase. I’m grabbing multiple colors I loved it so much!



Women’s Sonoma Goods For Life® Sleeveless Shirttail Knit Midi Dress Currently only $16.99, this is another must have. It’s a knit material, but still very cool and breezy. I love the curved bottom hem and it makes an awesome swim coverup as I will wear it. It comes in many different prints and colors. I think the black would be my pick in regards to versatility. You could pair it with a pearl clutch and heels and wear it to a chic restaurant in France or throw on with a baseball hat and hit the beach!



Sonoma Goods For Life® Fennel 2 Women’s Platform Sandals – I’m all about a good espadrille in summer, and these 2 strap sandals fit the bill. I like that they’re dressier than a flip flop, but not a heel. You could wear these with jean shorts, a dress, or even some skinny jeans and a silky tank top!



Women’s LC Lauren Conrad Eyelet Smocked Midi Dress  – Headed to a wedding? Need something for a date night? This dress screams femineity and eyelet is such a classic material. The smocking adds such a nice detail and I find it flattering. This is a classic, yet modern, dress that will fit any occasion your vacation might entail. 

 Lauren Conrad Pleat Neck Top –  Everyone needs a basic tee, but this is no ordinary basic tee. It’s an elevated style with simple pleating at the neck. This makes it, in my opinion, even more versatile! It comes in several colors and is so affordable. 



Lauren Conrad Smocked Tank – Aren’t the straps and neckline so fun on this tank? I love a thick strap tank because you can wear it alone or use it as a foundation layering piece. Layer with a cardigan or a jean jacket for an evening look!

 

Men’s Nike Dri-FIT Flex Stretch Golf Shorts –  Now that we’ve covered the gals, let’s talk about the men. My husband swears by these shorts. I love that golf shorts are shorts (obviously), but that they have a more dressy look. They’re a bit more tailored and fitting, but still have some stretch for comfort. On a dressier evening, my husband would pair a short sleeve collared shirt and belt, or go casual with a Nike training tee. Again, versatility is key when on the go!


Men’s Nike Dri-FIT Training Tee – These training tees are a staple. They’re sweat wicking which means he can stay cooler in the blazing sun. They’re also loose enough to offer a wide range of motion, but not be so loose that they look sloppy. Did I mention they’re under $20 right now?



 SO® Knot Strap Romper  – When I’m packing for my girls, rompers are queen. I love that you have a shirt and shorts all in one! Less brain power for mom when planning outfits. They don’t wrinkle and are so dang cute. I also had to include this other romper that we really thought was darling as well! (It would work awesome for the 4th too!) Jumping Beans® Americana Tie Dye Dolphin Short Romper – In sizes 4 – 14, this Americana romper can act as an outfit or a swim cover up too!

Hope you loved these items as much as we do! Not only are they obviously darling, but they’re also so easy to stuff into a suitcase and have some versatile options to choose from!

Don’t forget to use code ENJOY15 to shop HERE.

The post Summer Vacation Outfits for the Whole Family appeared first on How Does She.

Thank you JCPenney and ShopStyle Collective for sponsoring this post! We’ve rounded up our summer faves at the most sizzling deals this month. Let the outdoor fun begin!

Is it just me or as a kid, did summer seem to last forever? And yet here I am already thinking it’s going by too fast. I want to squeeze every ounce out of summer, every calm summer night in the back yard with my family, every girls lunch I get to go to with friends, and every barbecue, pool party, and outdoor movie night.

This month, JCPenney is celebrating the BEST parts of summer with a gigantic sale event! Plus now until 6/19, use code BESTDAD9 for an extra 25% off with your JCPenney credit card or extra 20% off any way you pay! Here are 12 of my favorite deals for fathers, fashion, and outdoor fun right now at JCPenney. 

Getting the Most out of Summer: Father’s, Fashion, & Outdoor Fun

Father’s Day is June 19th! The guys in your life will love these Father’s Day gifts!

1. Father’s Day Tees

You can never go wrong with a good tee, especially these fun Father’s Day themed tees. My kids love picking out a t-shirt for dad every year and they especially lean towards the ones that make them laugh. It’s kind of a tradition that my husband looks forward to–what tee did the kids pick out for him this year?

2. Corn Hole Set

I love gifts that can turn into a whole lot of summer outdoor fun. Like Corn Hole for example–what a perfect gift for dad and grandpa! Guaranteed it will show up at every family barbecue or campout and it’s always a hit as those hot dogs are getting perfectly charred on the grill.

3. Make mouth-watering spiral dogs

Speaking of hot dogs, this one is random but so much fun! Turn regular hot dogs into a delish conversation piece with the NEW spiral hot dog cutter. It’s under $10 and a fun toy for the griller in the family. (I got one to stick in the camp trailer as well!)

4. 3 Target Golf Chipping Game

My husband has something similar to this and it’s a HUGE hit at family gatherings. It’s been used so much it’s about time to replace it. The golfer in the family will love honing their short game in the back yard with this 3-Target Chipping Game. (We’ve even played this on top of a house boat before for some real outdoor fun!)

Fashion

The Levi’s Event at JCPenney is going on RIGHT NOW (ends 6/19)! Snag a rare 30% off hot Levi’s styles for the whole family! Here are a few of my favorites:

5. Levi’s Trucker Jacket

I’ve been waiting so long for this jacket to go on markdown and it’s finally here! This gorgeous Levi’s Original Trucker Jacket will be just as classic 20 years from now as the day you bought it. The fit…perfection. Perfect for cool nights when the sun sets and a great concert jacket!

6. Levi’s Stretch Womens High Rise Straight Leg Jean

More and more I’m seeing these “mom/dad jeans” and gals are rocking them to the nines! Set off those 4th of July fireworks in style with these straight leg Levi’s that are so in with the in-crowd these days.

7. Levi’s Mid Rise 4 1/2″ Denim Shorts

That red tag on the back pocket is just as classic as apple pie and home-town parades and these shorts are marked down nicely this month. Pretty sure I had a pair of these as a teenager that I’d wear cruising Main Street with my friends in small town Idaho. Wish I’d kept them around!

8. Arizona Womens Dash Wedge Sandals

AMAZING deal alert on these cute wedges! Sandals this great under $20 and you know I’ve already got two in my cart. So fun for summer–especially to go with your favorite shorts or skirts. And they look comfy to walk in too.

9. a.n.a Womens High Rise Midi Denim Skirt

I love that this jean skirt is making a comeback! And I’ll take TWO for that price! Wow…pair that with the sandals above and that’s the perfect outfit for outdoor fun. Wear to a street fair or farmers market this summer. Love it!

10. Arizona Fireside Womens Footbed Sandals

Here’s another fashion find under $20 that could go with the skirt, shorts, or Levi’s jeans above. I’ve always loved the style of these sandals but I love the price of these even more. Seven great earthy tones to choose from and the reviews are great! And I quote: “These last a long time and I’ve bought several. Good price on them too when on sale.” Lucky day!

11. Mynah Women’s Floral Dress Swimsuit Cover-Up

Bring on the tropical vibes this summer! This fun floral coverup can also act as a dress at a summer BBQ or Luau. I love easy pieces I can just throw on and go. (And right now this is under $19!!)

12. Be by CHETTA B Petit Short Sleeve Fit + Flare Dress

And if you’re looking for something a little fancier yet still summery, this dress is perfect for weddings, garden parties, or church. And it’s on great deal right now!

So make sure you get in on JCPenney’s June promos going on all month long. You’ll find amazing buys when it comes to Father’s Day, fashion and shoes for the whole family, and endless summer fun!

The post Father’s, Fashion, and Outdoor Fun with 12 JCPenney Summer Faves appeared first on How Does She.

You were invited to a potluck cook out – and you completely forgot. It starts in half an hour! You want to “wow” but really? You’ve got minutes to pull something together. I’m here to tell you, you can knock the socks of the potluckers with this recipe that takes less than 10 minutes to come together. And, hey, if you know how to make rice krispie squares, then you are already ahead of the game! (oh, and honestly – if you really only have minutes until a potluck and you already have these ingredients on hand – just grab the oreos and run out the door. I mean, let’s be real – you’ll be too busy grabbing kids’ shoes, yelling for the sunscreen, and hunting for your keys, am I right?) Let’s learn how to make this Cookies N Cream Marshmallow Bars Recipe!

Ingredients:

• Approx. 6 cups large marshmallows
• 4-5 sleeves of oreo cookies (about 1.5 regular sized packages or about 30 cookies)
• 1/8 cup butter
• White icing (opt.)
• Oreo crumbs (opt.)
• Mini chocolate chips (opt.)

Disclaimer #1: the actual number of oreos may or may not have mysteriously started to decrease as cookies inexplicably ended up in my mouth. It was the weirdest thing. That’s why it’s a good idea to just get two bags of oreos – you know, for emergency cookie shortages.

How To:

1. Find a large, microwave-safe bowl and add in the marshmallows and butter. Microwave on high for about 1.5 minutes or until they puff up nice and poofy. Mine took almost 2 minutes.    
2. While the marshmallows are cooking, time to get those oreos going. If you have a food processor, you will pour those cookies in and pulse until they turn into coarse crumbs. Taste testing at this point is always helpful. If you don’t have a food processor (you are still a good person), just put the oreos in a large ziplock baggie and pummel those babies until you get the coarse crumbs.    
3. By now the marshmallows are done so take them from the microwave and stir in the butter until well combined. Then quickly add in the oreo cookie crumbs. Stir. You will want to work quickly at this point because it gets sticky. I was too busy getting this step done to stop and photograph it. I know you have imaginations – imagine me looking amazing in my domestic goddess apron, stirring cookie crumbs into marshmallows like a pro.
4. Press the mixture into an 8X8 pan that has been lined with some wax paper. Yeah, it’s time for disclaimer #2: I made two big mistakes at this point in the recipe. First, I used a 9X13 pan. That made for mighty thin squares. Second, I lined with tin foil sprayed with cooking oil, which was okay but I know that waxed paper lining would have been divine. Learn from my mistakes – don’t repeat them!   
5. Now, your squares could be done at this point – just cut into squares and you are out the door in less than 5 minutes! But, hey, I wasn’t going to let the other delicious additions go to waste, so they were going on these babies. I first spread a layer of white icing (from a can – I mean, we’re lazy  in a hurry, right?)  
6. Then top with the reserved cookie crumbs and the mini chocolate chips. Time to get our drool on! 
7. Cut into squares and enjoy the ooey-gooey-chocolatey-icingy-amazingness!

Yeah, mine were a little too thin (use that 8X8 pan, I tell ya!) so they were extra gooey, but WHOA NELLY! They were good. Like smack your neighbor good. (Disclaimer #3 – I do not advocate for anyone to smack their neighbor.)

If you make this in an 8X8 pan, it will make around 10-12 squares depending on how large you like your squares.

Yield: approx 12 squares

Cookies N Cream Marshmallow Bars Recipe

Print

A delicious dessert recipe that comes together in under 10 minutes!

Ingredients

• 5-6 cups large marshmallows
• 1.5 pkg oreo cookies (approx. 30 cookies)
• 1/8 cup butter
• 1 cup white icing (optional)
• 1/2 cup oreo crumbs (optional)
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large microwave-safe bowl add the marshmallows and butter. Microwave on high for 1.5 minutes or until they puff up.
2. Meanwhile, crush the oreos into coarse crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a large ziplog bag and pounding them into crumbs.
3. Retrieve the bowl from the microwave and stir the marshmallows and butter until smooth. Quickly add in the cookie crumbs and stir until well combined.
4. With greased hands, press marshmallow/cookie mixture into an 8X8 pan, lined with wax paper.
5. Optional: Add a layer of icing, cookie crumbs, and chocolate chips as toppings.
6. Cut into squares and enjoy!

We’re excited to be one of Google’s paid early testers for their Thank with Google pilot program. Thank with Google is an experimental feature that allows our audience (you!) to purchase a virtual sticker and directly show your appreciation for content on our website. These stickers are so much fun, and some are even free! If you love our content, you can connect with us by clicking on the “Thank the creator” button at the top of any post on our site.

There are so many fun stickers to choose from and every time you send a paid sticker, you can add a personal message which we absolutely love reading!

HowDoesShe is a collaboration of women and mothers who work hard to bring you yummy recipes, valuable parenting tips, and useful DIY projects and these virtual stickers can translate into direct revenue to support the work that goes into the content that you enjoy on our website.
Your encouragement also keeps the lights on and the diet soda stocked so we can keep bringing you the best of the best.

You can find the Thank with Google feature in multiple places on our site, including a button at the top and bottom of this and all blog posts, and a button on our sidebar. Try it out and let us know what you think! Thanks as always for your support. We love our readers!

Looking for even more super-fast dessert/snack ideas that you can make the next time you are lazy in a hurry? Check out some of these amazing recipes:

Easy Last Minute Orange Fudge

10 minute Rolo Cookies

Quick Delicious Banana Bread Dip : Perfect for Parties

The post Cookies N Cream Marshmallow Bars Recipe appeared first on How Does She.

15 Delicious Campfire Foods

Who’s ready for camping season?!  I know I am!  Hot campfire food makes camping much more enjoyable, especially on those cool nights or cold mornings.  Here are some recipes that are easy to cook over the fire and perfect to warm you up!

1. Make some yummy Parmesan popcorn for a perfect snack.

2. Warm and Melty Cheese Dip would be a great appetizer.

3. Grill some hot dogs and some yummy veggies in a foil packet.

4. Barbecue Chicken and Potatoes are perfect for scout camp or an easy dinner.

5. These Green Chili Cheese Fries are fit for a king!

6. Potato Boats are would be a a dinner everyone would love!

7. A quesadilla would be delicious around the campfire after a long day of fun!

8. For a yummy potato breakfast that will get you through the morning go here.

9. This Lumberjack Breakfast will be so yummy to wake up to in the morning!

10. Pizza + Nachos + camping = delicious!

11. A delicious Hobo Dinner would hit the spot!

12. Campfire pizza log would be a hit with my boys!

13. Campfire Pigs in the Blankets gets everyone enjoying cooking!

14. Having Apple Crisp while camping would be a real treat!

15. Campfire Cinnamon Rolls would be a favorite for my family!

Do you have a favorite recipe you cook while camping?  Do share!!

The post 15 Delicious Campfire Foods appeared first on How Does She.

We’re thrilled to partner with QVC and ShopStyle Collective on this sponsored post all about summer makeup and fun!

School’s out and during the summer, all I want to do is eat snow cones and hang out by the pool. It’s such a great time to relax on regular routines, including my beauty routine. 

In the summer, my makeup routine takes less than 5 minutes and consists of these favorites from QVC. What do I love about shopping QVC? They have some of the BEST flash deals on top beauty, fashion, and home items that are so fun to snatch. (And if it’s your first time…lucky you! Use code OFFER to save $15 off any $35 purchase!)

Here are the top QVC deals for June that will make your summer beauty routine a breeze and your summer activities a blast!

5-Minute Summer Makeup and the TOP June QVC Deals

If you’re spending more than 5 minutes on your makeup this summer, you’re missing out on more important fun, like paddle boarding on a crystal clear lake, hiking with friends, or impromptu pool parties! Here’s all you need to look amazing on the fly this summer for some sizzling prices.

1. Lawless Beauty Lip Plumping Gloss

This stuff is rad! Probably my favorite lip-plumping gloss out there. Forget the filler this summer…go with Lawless Beauty Lip Plumping Gloss which goes on smooth, hydrates to the max, and also PLUMPS your lips! You get maximum lip with every dip and this gloss is clinically proven to increase collagen synthesis by 351% and increase lip volume by 40%. 

I’m really picky about my lip glosses and can’t have a sticky consistency. Lawless Forget the Filler goes on so soft and smooth and has just the right amount of tint to give your lips just enough color for summer. With three great colors in this trio (Rosy Outlook, Cali Sunset, and Cherry Vanilla), I keep one in each bag so I can always have one at the ready. I love them so much, I’ve already ordered another set since I’ve been burning through the first–I wear this stuff everywhere!

So easy and looks so great.

A few minutes after application, you’ll start to feel a pleasant cooling that means the MAXI-LIP is doing it’s beautiful plumping job!

What a great snag for summer! Ditch the lipstick and get amazingly plump and glossy lips for endless days on the water or for a quick look on the go.

2. tarte tartelette Tubing Mascara 

Ooh, ladies, this mascara is gooood! And great things come in pairs, like this tarte tartelette mascara DUO that is so great for summer! I’ve always said, it’s all about the eyes and the lips in the summertime. And nothing is easier on the eyes than this mascara–it’s like having lash extensions in a tube!

Forget the appointments this summer. Take it easy by swapping out extensions for a lash extending mascara. Just one application of tarte tartelette provides a flake-free, smudge-proof lengthening that will give your eyes a “pop!” in the summertime without much effort. I was SO impressed by the length this mascara gave my lashes! (And I don’t have the greatest natural lashes but this mascara brought them to life.)

It’s on fabulous deal at QVC this month and the best part–you get TWO tubes to last you all summer long and beyond!

3. tarte Maneater Brow Mousse

NEW product alert and it is amazing! I really don’t want to worry much about my brows in the summer and that’s why I absolutely love tarte’s new Maneater Brow Mousse. This stuff is great! It comes in 7 shades from blonde to brown to black and the precision brush is genius and makes application a breeze. 

And because it’s a mousse rather than a powder, it stays on all day, giving you that full-brow look of a freshly powdered or micro-bladed brow without the pain. (Believe me, I’ve done micro-blading and I’d MUCH rather use this. It’s way less expensive and super easy to maintain.)

It completely filled in my brows (which are honestly kind of sparse) which made me so happy. The tiny brush makes it so simple to sculpt your brow shape and I love the consistency of the “mousse” (although I found it to be more like a very light clay). It went on so smooth. Probably the best brow product I’ve tried to date.

Grab the duo right now while it’s an amazing price! This is going to make maintaining your brows so much easier.

More June QVC Deals You Won’t Want To Miss:

ELEMIS Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash & Pads Home and Away – so great for all those trips you take during the summer. Just throw them in your travel bag for a clean face wherever you go. This high-end set is nearly $50 off at QVC this month.

Too Faced Sweet Peach Eyeshadow Palette: All the colors of summer and those sweet ripe peaches in one perfect palette. And it’s nearly half off this month!

This portable cooling fan: It’s nice and big and perfect for those hot mid-summer days and nights. What a good one to have handy to move around the house as needed. (I need a fan in my room at night!)

This Jimmy Choo perfume: On fabulous deal at QVC this month and has an air of exotic for the summer.

This new gel nails set from Perfect Formula: the perfect summer colors!

An air fryer: I cook as little as possible in the summer. Air frying makes for the quickest meals!

This tinted SPF 50 from Laura Geller: It’s a QVC best-seller! Get your daily SPF with a nice tint for coverage.

Keep checking QVC all month long for quick deals you won’t want to miss! And if it’s your first QVC purchase, use code OFFER to get an extra $15 off any $35 order!

The post 5-Minute Summer Makeup and the TOP June QVC Deals! appeared first on How Does She.

***This post is sponsored by Walmart and RewardStyle. All opinions are my own.***

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

And if you thought that was the Christmas holiday season, you are WRONG! 
It’s Summer, and particularly, the 4th of July!
Oh how my heart loves the fireworks, the parades and the red, white and blue.

Walmart is here to help you make the BEST Summer memories, and you don’t have to have a big budget, or even leave your own yard!
Summer fun has never been closer to home and never this patriotic!
Not only does Walmart meet all your red, white and blue needs, they’ll also ship most to your door in 2 days.
I found the most amazing wardrobe additions that will make your America loving heart skip a beat!

Here are a few of my most favorite patriotic finds for the whole family!

1. Red henley tank: The ultimate in Summer comfort, this tank is timeless and looks great alone in the heat or layered!

2. Embroidered Star denim shorts – Such a unique option with the perfect details. 

3. Flag cornhole set – Invite all your neighbors over for a classic game of cornhole. I love the flag details on this set and the fact it was made in the USA!

4. Flutter sleeve tank: I love the feminine details on this simple tank. It comes in a few colors and would easily pair with a pair of denim shorts.

5. Girls tank dresses: I ordered these for my 3 girls. They’re cool in the heat, but still the right color scheme. Plus, such a fantastic price for a set of 2!

6. Lobster swim trunks: No reason for the little one to be left out of the party color scheme. Now he can play in the water AND fit the color theme. These look so preppy and I’m here for it. 

7. Pearl covered 2 strap sandals: I love this unique addition of PEARLS to these 2 strap sandals. You’ll never see anything else like these!

8. V-neck dress:   I’m all about a good casual dress and this one fits the bill. It comes in many colors and sizes and can be dressed up OR down!

8. Chambray overalls: Overalls are making a comeback! These top sellers are a super light-weight denim that won’t get you too hot. Pair with a basic striped tee and you have a vibe that will have everyone humming “Yankee Doodle”.

9. Bunch O’ Balloons: These are a STAPLE in our family’s Summer fun kit! The best part? You don’t have to TIE them! Yep. They’re self tying, and the best water balloon ever invented. Game on.

10. Little Tikes Slide: A classic toy I think almost all of us have had at some point! There’s a reason it’s been around forever – it’s a winner! When my kids were little, they loved to add a little water and make it a water slide! It’s perfect for the little ones outside OR inside!

11. Tote: This bag is the perfect combo of pattern and color. Not too much. Not too little. Just right. It’s a pop of fun that would pair well with a simple white tee and jean shorts or even a casual dress.  

12. Striped tee: Every wardrobe needs a striped tee and I love the longer sleeve on this option. The blue and white stripes caught my eye, but there other color options too. All at a price you just can’t beat!

13. Maxi Dress: If the idea of layering and styling intimidates you, here’s a dress you can rock to the fireworks show without much effort. Just throw on and go! Did I mention it’s only $14!? (It would pair perfectly with the pearl covered sandals above!)

The post Let’s Get Festive: Patriotic Finds at Walmart appeared first on How Does She.

Kids (and even adults) who love superheroes will fall in love with these incredible superhero party ideas that will bring out the kid in everyone!  From decor ideas, party foods, and costume ideas to superhero-themed activities, we have all of your party needs covered.  These ideas will make you wish you were a kid again. Try some for your little superhero’s next party!

24 Incredible Superhero Party Ideas!

1. Condiments and beverages that really “POP!”

2. Comic strip cones to put all sorts of snacks in.  So easy for grabbing!

3. Easy no-sew superhero capes for party guests

4. Get a refrigerator box from Lowes or Home Depot and make a telephone booth for your superheroes to use to change into their superhero alter ego.

5. Or make a jail for the bad guys…

6. I absolutely love this superhero photo booth.  Just get a sky blue sheet, add some cereal box buildings and some clouds and snap away!

7. Oh no!  The Joker froze Batman in a big ice cube!  Party guests will have a blast squirting him to safety!

8. For some real fun, grab some silly string and call it Spidey’s web shooter.  Guests can practice shooting at a target or just go crazy in the backyard!

9. Able to LEAP over TALL buildings!

10. Cute superhero sucker party favors.

11. Have guests decorate their own superhero shields.

12.  Too Groovy!  Check out directions to make this Captain America tie dye tee.

13. Play the Hulk Smash game and win a prize!

14. I love the tablescape of this superhero party, designed for a large group.

15. How cute…I mean MANLY!  Thor’s hammer cupcakes

16. If you’re having a superhero party, you better have a strength training session.  These faux barbells look real…good thing they’re made of styrofoam.

17. Try your hand at some cool superhero face-painting!

18. This Avenger’s pizza looks good enough to eat!  And the Iron Man chili dip…awesome!

19. Hulk smash cake.  Looks like he really did some damage.

20. Captain America shield cake with star piping.  Looks easy enough.

21. Incredible Hulk pudding cups.  

22. Have your little superheroes walk the fiery pit by setting up a fog machine (or maybe dry ice?) in a kiddy pool.

23. Comic strip juice boxes

24. Spidey strawberries

Have you hosted an epic superhero party?  Feel free to share your brilliant superhero party ideas below!

The post 24 Incredible Superhero Party Ideas that Will Make You Wish You Were a Kid Again! appeared first on How Does She.

Anniversary gift ideas for your husband can be hard, especially if you’ve been married for almost 20 years like I have. There have been some years we nearly forget our anniversary altogether, let alone remember to get a gift for one another! (When you get married December 16th, that tends to happen.) So I thought I’d throw together a list of the BEST of the BEST wedding anniversary gift ideas that strike gold every single time.

23 Never Fail Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas for Husband

These ideas are geared towards husbands, but honestly could go either way. As a woman, I’d love most of them as well!

Experience Anniversary Gifts

Experiences often trump things because you get to spend quality time together and create memories that last a lifetime and enrich your marriage. They also gives you plenty to talk and laugh about.

Event tickets: My husband and I love going to events like concerts and professional sporting events. Surprise your guy with tickets to something you’d both enjoy going to together.

Do a bucket list item: Like sky diving or climbing the tallest mountain in your state. Make it something memorable. A lot of times, accomplishing something difficult (or even scary, like cliff jumping in Lake Powell) with my husband brings us so much closer together.

Plan a trip: For those of you who love to travel, plan a trip for your anniversary. For our 15th anniversary, my husband and I did a weekend in Seattle and had so much fun! Whether it’s near or far, big or small, a trip is always a good refresh for a marriage.

Massage/couples massage: Everyday life gets hectic. A massage is the perfect anniversary gift and the luxury of a couples massage…even better. One year for our anniversary, my husband and I went snowboarding during the day and then booked a couples massage and private hot tub at a local hot springs. It was pure heaven.

Get Adventurous! 

Do a cooking class together: It’s a cool bonding experience, and sans kids, it’s so much fun! My sister and her husband did a pizza making class in Italy together and said that it’s one of their favorite things that they’ve ever done. And if you can’t do it in Rome, find a class in your own town. 

Paddle board date: I’ve seen couples doing this on the lake near our house and I’ve always wanted to plan this date. Rent paddle boards and bring along a picnic and a speaker and make a day of it.

Find a romantic vacation rental: There are some pretty unique vacation rentals out there, a lot of them close to home. Find a cozy vacation rental on Airbnb or Vrbo. (I’ve seen romantic yurts, pool houses, and even hobbit houses that look like they came straight out of Lord of the Rings!)

Book a theme room: These are fun to shake things up every once in a while. One year my husband and I booked the “Romeo and Juliet” room and we got a giggle out of it. It was fun to be playful and order room service.

Do a city food tour: I guess when you’ve been married almost 20 years, you try a lot of things. One of our favorite dates of all time was a walking food tour we booked in our city. A tour guide took a group of us around to different local eateries where we got to try all kinds of things like gourmet Mac and cheese, candied bacon, and locally crafted chocolates. It gave us the opportunity to try all kinds of new things together and then walk and talk while we did.

Thoughtful Anniversary Gifts

Books he would enjoy: Book shopping is a thoughtful experience. You have to really think about what your husband would enjoy. Maybe it’s his favorite author, or an old edition of one of the classics. Or maybe your guy digs self-help. I just bought my husband the book “Atomic Habits” by James Clear.

Your song: Have the lyrics or music notes of your song printed as a poster you can frame or a canvas you can hang.

Where we met map: How cool would it be to have a city map of the very place you two met? You could even do a few meaningful locations.

Custom cologne: You can find several places online that let you create your own cologne into one very personalized scent. Or try your hand at it by looking up a DIY recipe that uses essential oils.

An “adult” coupon book: Anything goes, from wash his car to…well, you know.

Unique Anniversary Gifts

The Green Egg: For the guy who has everything, but who also loves to grill, get him the raved about Big Green Egg. Apparently it is the bee’s knees when it comes to grilling. You might call it the “Holy Grill.” It’s not cheap, but for the guy who’s serious about outdoor cooking, this is as good as it gets.

Team memorabilia: If your husband is a sports fan, you can never go wrong with team memorabilia, especially from his favorite team. You can find some pretty cool vintage stuff on eBay.

Pickleball setup: It’s the fastest growing sport in the nation and highly addictive once you get started. Get your guy set up with a paddle and if you have space at your place, a portable net too.

Aventon eBike: How cool is this? Aventon eBikes have thousands of 5-star reviews and are for adventurers and casual cruisers alike. These electric bikes can go pure electric, pedal-assist, or self-pedal. The advantage of Aventon is that you can order to fit your height. The Adventure and SoCal Sand models are probably the most popular.

Weekender bag: If you like to travel as a couple, a weekender bag is a special and practical anniversary gift that will get used for years to come. If you’re like my husband, he needs a travel bag just for his shoes.

Smart toaster: Totally random, but if you haven’t used a smart toaster, you haven’t lived. These things will change the way you toast with perfectly toasted bagels, English muffins, and toast every time. No burnt smell ever again. They’re not cheap, but they are a super unique gift that you’ll wonder how you lived without.

Beef jerky bouquet: So cool and so funny, especially if your guy is a jerky fan. Make your own or have a jerky bouquet shipped to your door via the World Wide Web.

Pizza Oven: Pizza fans will love testing out their own pizza creations at home in their own kitchen or outdoors where you can really impress guests. You can even take them camping and eat in style! (Try our ham and cartelized onion pizza.)

That should give you enough wedding anniversary gift ideas for husbands to get you through decades. We hope you have the happiest of marriages!

The post 23 Never Fail Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas for Husband appeared first on How Does She.

If you think teenagers are too mature for a slip-and-slide, think again. Teens are really still kids at heart; I learned that as high school English teacher. They were just as thrilled at the chance to get out the crayons as they were in 2nd grade. So when I started thinking about throwing a party for my own teenager, I remembered that they’re never too old for fun and games. If you’re looking for creative party activities for 16-year-olds (or any teenagers for that matter), here are ideas that never fail.

39 Party Activities for 16-Year-Olds

Party activities for 16-year-olds inside:

1.Silly supper: We did this a big spaghetti dinner date for my senior prom and everyone loved it. Set enough table settings for your guests but set each setting with silly eating receptacles and utensils like tongs and a flower vase. So a person could end up trying to eat spaghetti out of a mixing bowl with chop sticks and drinking from a measuring cup. It’s hilarious and so much fun!

2. Plastic wrap game: Get several prizes that teens would like, like candy bars, lottery tickets, gift cards, chap stick, etc. Start wrapping them in a big ball of plastic wrap. The ball should be sizable when you are done. (Tutorial here.) Have a timer ready and each person gets 10 seconds to unwrap as much of the plastic as they can while wearing oven mitts. They get to keep whatever prizes fall out during their turn.

3. Have a “make-your-own” party: Teens love being creators. Form a party around this concept. Teens can make their own pizzas, shish-kabobs, nachos, cupcakes, etc. For activities, they could make their own graphic tees or tote bags.

4. Murder mystery party: Lots of ideas online.

5. At-home escape room: These can be so much fun! And challenging, which teens love. Again, you can find a lot of DIY escape rooms online (like these for a minimal price).

6. Just dance battles: Always epic, always entertaining.

7. Karaoke: Give kids a mic, they could go all night. 

8. Let your teen plan the party: Better yet, give your teen and his or her friends a budget and let them plan the party. They love the chance to flex their independence.

9. Games from the Tonight Show: Get on YouTube and make a list of some of these games to play. They’re perfect for teen parties or family gatherings. (“Can you feel it?” was a hit!)

10. Can you taste it? Get the trivia questions and some weird food combinations ready! For this teen party activity, players have to answer questions about current events, pop-culture, or each other. If they don’t answer correctly, they must eat whatever weird food combo is under a cup. (Think mustard grape, ketchup and pb cracker, pickle with Mayo and raisins, etc.) The kids loved it!

Party activities for 16-year-olds outside:

11. Have an epic water day (water balloons, blow up water slide, Water balloon tag)

12. Tie dye: You can tie dye SO many things! Towels (you can get these extra-large ones that are amazing for tie dying!), t-shirts (use painter’s tape to block out a name or turn into a graphic tee), and white canvas shoes. 

13. Hydro-dipping: Haven’t heard of this one? I hadn’t either, but our readers say it’s a blast to do! Spray paint into a bucket of water and immediately dip your item in and pull it out, like flip flops, water bottles, etc. Take a look at all the endless possibilities!

14. Big pie in the face: Fill a pie pan full of whipped cream with one piece of hubba-bubba bubble gum at the bottom. Players have to dig around (no hands) to find the gum and then blow a bubble. Hilarious!

15. Host a carnival with bobbing for apples, pie-eating contest, kiss the pig, etc.

16. Gourmet hotdogs and smores: Turn a regular hot dog roast into a loaded one with gourmet toppings like bacon, pickles, jalapeños, etc. And up your s’more game by trying Nutella and fresh raspberries (my personal favorite) or peanut butter and jelly. Let your imagination go crazy!

17. Crossnet: Is always a fun one to do with a crowd. 9-square as well.

18. Outdoor movies: Pull out the projector and comfy cushions and turn your back yard into a drive-in movie theater for teens, equipped with popcorn and snacks of course.

19. Supervised camping or bonfire: Teens love fire and especially experimenting putting things in it. Let them have their fun (with supervision) by providing different treats they can put on a roasting stick. Licorice, Star Bursts, and even bananas! (See our favorite campfire treat below!) End the bonfire with color flame packets which turn the fire fun colors.

Party activities for 16-year-olds out and about:

20. Host a tournament: Pickle ball, spike ball, kickball tournament, you name it.

21. Scavenger hunts: They never get old and they’re great to do with small and large groups. Send teens on a photo scavenger hunt at local shopping center, city scavenger hunt on motor scooters, or a farm scavenger hunt where they have to balance on a wooden fence, pet a goat, etc.

22. Go-cart racing (or K1 if you like it faster)

23. Axe throwing

24. Rent out the movie theatre (it’s surprisingly reasonable)

25. Paint balling

26. Gaming trucks: These are fairly new on the scene and tons of fun for teens who love video games. My son recently went to one of these parties for a friend on his football team. (You can see if your city has one.) A fully-decked-out gaming trailer pulls up and kids are having a blast for hours.

27. Mobile DJ’s: They became all the rage during quarantine. A DJ will pull up in front of your house and turn any party into a cool one!

28. Rent a moving truck and set up an epic movie station inside: We did this for a girl’s choice dance in high school and everyone loved it. We furnished the trailer with lots of bean bag chairs, food, and a TV and pulled up at the local park for an unforgettable movie night.

29. Bounce house: If you think teens are too old for them, think again. So many of our readers raved that renting either a water bounce house or an obstacle course inflatable was the greatest party they ever threw for their teen.

30. Lazer tag

31. Nerf tag

32. Rent a cabin/treehouse: Invite a few friends and make a weekend out of it.

Classes: They can be so much fun, especially when you come away with a new skill!

33. Cookie decorating class: Find a local cookie artist on Instagram and message him or her about teaching a private class for your teen’s party. It’s fun, creative, and yummy!

34. Painting class, succulent planting class: My kids have done both at parties and have come away having a blast.

35. Sushi-making class: Can I please come to this party?

Themed parties

36. Glamping

37. Movie-themed party: There are so many possibilities! Legally blonde, Top Gun, a teenage version of a Star Wars party, etc.

38. Spa party: If you don’t want to go to a spa, create one at home!

39. Casino night: Invite guests to dress up real fancy, play card games for tickets, and then exchange those tickets for prizes! I can see this one going into the late night hours kids would be having so much fun.

Well, there you have it–enough party activities for 16-year-olds to last a lifetime! Just remember, they really are still kids at heart and as long as you have food for their bellies, they’ll have fun with with about anything you choose. Good luck!

The post 39 Party Activities for 16-Year-Olds appeared first on How Does She.

**This post is sponsored by Zulily and ShopStyle Collective. All opinions are our own.**


Every mom/grandma dreads the infamous words that inevitably come once the kids are out of school.
“Mom, I’m BOOOOOOORED!!!”
“Grandma, what can we DOOO?”

In our house, I hear those words and you’re getting a list of chores.
That being said, it helps to have some resources in your mom, anti-boredom pocket and Zulily has a million different ideas to spice things up!
From crafting kits, to fine motor enhancing building blocks to water toys and outdoor games, Zulily has it all! 
Plus, they have fantastic prices! The secret is, they only last a short time at these prices, and then they’re gone!
I like to check Zulily every morning to see the best deals on the best products and not miss a thing.

Did you know if you shop Zulily on Friday, you lock in free shipping ALL WEEKEND. Hence, that’s my personal favorite day to shop the site!
I also like to note when an item will ship quickly. Just look for the red rocket on the image of the listing and you’ll know it’s ready to ship and coming fast.

Here are 11 of my most favorite items to keep my kids busy all Summer!

Picasso Tiles  – We have had these magnetic building blocks since my oldest was 2 (He’s now 13). Every single kid I have, at all ages, has loved them, at all ages. I have to admit even I like building with them if I can! You can make really neat things! I also love that they’re such great quality. If they can last in our house for 11ish years, they will in yours too!

Waterproof Marble Aqua Maze – There’s nothing like a classic marble run, that is, until you have an AQUA marble run. This will keep them entertained for hours and have a chance to cool off in the heat. 

Plus Plus building puzzles – I was first introduced to these in Thailand of all places. Combine the love of puzzles and Lego and you have Plus Plus building puzzles. They’re great for fine motor skills and will have even your older kids enthralled in no time!

Safety Knife Set –  I have several kids in this house that LOVE to help me cook and bake. These safety knifes enable even the younger ones to participate and learn how to cut! Even the littles can learn by cutting a banana or strawberry.

Goblie Throwable Paintballs – Want to be the fun mom? These are the answer. They’re even perfect for the teen boy crowd. They’re THROWABLE paintballs. Yes, they’re a little messy, but send the kids outside and let them go for it. The paint-like goo will stick to clothes but will wash right off too!

Lego Classic building set – Legos are nothing new, but I really like this classic building set. It allows kids to use their imagination and create rather than follow a specific plan. Pair it with this book and they’ll be creating for days!

Massive coloring table sheet-  We used one of these at Thanksgiving and it kept the kids busy (and some adults!) while we prepared the food. They’re big enough for several kids to color together and you’re left with a masterpiece to display. 

Octopus Splash Pad:  I mean, if this doesn’t scream Summer fun, I don’t know what will. One thing I really love about splash pads versus pools is that when you have toddlers, you don’t have to worry about any kind of drowning. I’m a little more relaxed with something like this!

Summer Activity Learning workbooks –  I always have the best intentions about my kids staying on top of reading and learning during the Summer months, but let’s be honest, it doesn’t always turn out the way I envision. I find having the right tools is always a recipe for success. These are highly rated work books and many are under $10!  A couple pages a day, at any age, will keep your kiddos learning and busy!

Seaside Cottage Outdoor Playhouse-  Not going to lie, this playhouse may be nicer than my own house, but it’s beautiful. Our playhouse is one of the best outdoor investments we’ve made for our 6 kids. Every single one has spent hours playing in it. This one is simply awesome!

Outdoor Slam Volleyball set-  This is similar to the more familiar brand “Spikeball”, and let me tell you, it is SO FUN. I’m not one to really LOVE sports, but this is an absolute blast. My tweens/teens want to bring it everywhere with us! It doesn’t take a ton of time and doesn’t require a lot of skill. We’ve even had grandma playing! 

Such fun ideas and prices that will knock your socks off, right?

Zulily is helping create Summer memories and combat boredom with you!

The post 11 Items To Keep Your Kids Busy This Summer appeared first on How Does She.

Time for some DIY USA wall art!

I may have an obsession with maps and globes. It’s my hope that it creates curiosity and a sense of exploration with my children. This wooden DIY USA wall art is my new favorite wall decor and it was easy. I’m not just saying that…really. In fact, I had a friend do this project with me. A friend who had never picked up power tools before and she will agree, this is much more manageable than it looks.

You’ll need:

• A sheet of plywood
• Planks of wood; pallet wood or inexpensive fencing
• Wood Glue
• Nails
• Projector of some type
• Jig saw

Instructions:

Start by cutting a sheet of plywood roughly to the size of your desired map size. Home improvement stores will gladly cut this to size for you. Mine is almost 6 feet wide.

Lay out how your planks are going to sit on your plywood. I chose inexpensive cedar fencing with a horizontal pattern. Glue the planks to your plywood. I used heavy buckets of wheat to keep it flat while drying. You could just as easily throw some nails in the back to keep it in place as it dries.

Once it’s completely dry, trace a backwards map on the plywood side using a sharpie marker. I used an LCD video projector, but an overhead projector would work with a transparency.

Once the map was traced, I reinforced the entire perimeter of the map (on the inside of my tracing) with nails from my nail gun. I knew that the jig saw would be reciprocating and may cause some of the smaller pieces to come unglued – this helped keep everything together.

With the plywood side up, using a jigsaw, slowly cut along the marker line outlining the map. There are a lot of intricate pieces in the USA map and I didn’t cut every little piece, a jigsaw isn’t meant for fine cutting. Some cuts you’ll need to come at it from several angles in order for it to work, but be patient.
At first you’ll want to try and follow every little curve and line, only to realize you really don’t need to. Depending on your size of map, the cutting out may take an hour or two. Go slowly. Take breaks – or else your hand may fall off from the vibration of the saw!

Time to admire your work!

Flip it over and admire your work. You may see areas you want to clean up just a bit – or be more intricate on and if that’s that case, flip it over and keep cutting.

I decided to keep this piece a little rustic so I sanded just a few of the edges to make them nice, but I didn’t sand the entire piece. Don’t you love the rough wood? It had character and charm. I also chose not to stain it, because I liked the variations of color in the wood. But you can choose what fits your house and style – sand and stain if desired!

See more of my adventures and projects at www.lifewithfingerprints.com

Since you’ve got your rustic groove on, keep going by adding some of these rustic touches to your home decor:

The post DIY USA Wall Art appeared first on How Does She.

Thank you to QVC and ShopStyle Collective for sponsoring this post! The outdoor essentials are so much fun!

After a long winter, it’s time to shake off the dust (quite literally) and gear up for an epic summer full of outdoor grilling, boating, and back porch lounging. And to prep for such festivities, here are a few of our favorite summer-essential items from QVC that are on AMAZING deal this month!

There’s a reason why millions of people around the globe shop QVC–they have the latest and greatest products in home and beauty, pared with so many deals that makes shopping so much fun!

Check out these HOT, HOT buys going on right now that are going to be game-changers for your summer. First timers…heads up! You can use code OFFER to save $15 off your first QVC purchase of $35 or more!

Two Outdoor Essentials You Gotta Have This Summer

The outdoor steam mop that is going to rock your world!

I live in Idaho where it gets windy, windy, windy. Which means all of my patio furniture gets extremely dirty and dusty. A broom can only do so much. This Bissell 3-in-1 Heavy Duty Whole Home Steamer is a MUST for every household. Oh my goodness, this thing cleans everything! 

It’s both an indoor and outdoor mop which means you can use it to clean your garage, your boat, your outdoor rugs (hallelujah!), AND your indoor hardwood floors. And my teenagers can easily use it which is so helpful.

And for a few days only, the Bissell 3-in-1 steamer is on special deal, making it an unbeatable price!

If you have a boat, this would be a great item to keep handy for cleanup after those fun days on the lake that might get a little messy with a beverage spill or two.

The Bissell 3-in-1 Steamer is a MUST! It thoroughly cleans:

• Hardwood floors
• Garage floors
• Showers (I’m absolutely THRILLED about this one!)
• Tile (also amazing!)
• Outdoor furniture
• Windows (hallelujah!)

Did I mention it’s very kid-friendly. It’s giving my kids a lot of opportunities to earn chore money this summer.

I PROMISE you, you’re going to want to get in on the Bissell 3-in-1 Steamer deal right now at QVC! This is a household item you will use pretty much daily and you’ll thank the stars above every time you do.

St. Tropez Self Tan Whipped Marshmallow Mousse

Get the glow of a sun-worshipping goddess without the damage to your skin. Ladies, this whipped tanning mousse is divine! Not only does it go on smooth and even, it smells heavenly.

Through the month of May, you can get this duo of TWO St. Tropez self tan whipped mousse at QVC for an amazing deal. And if you can pair it with code OFFER and save an extra $15, even better!

My favorite part about this mousse is the marshmallow aroma. This smells nothing like the old tanning cream my mom used to use back in the day. Things have come a loooong way.

Have bronzed skin before summer even starts. This mousse is easy to apply, goes on smooth, and comes with mitts so that you don’t stain your hands. It’s an even spread and the mitts and mousse makes it easy to get all the places without missing a spot.

My teen has already used this multiple times and gets rave compliments from her friends each time. At a party this weekend, she got asked several times about where she got her great spray tan. 

Two bottles of heaven-sent tan…an absolute MUST this summer!

Some Other Fun Outdoor Essentials:

• This Chef Robert Irvine Portable Grill: You can take it with you to the beach, camping, anywhere!
• Traeger Pro Series 22 Pellet Grill: Smoke a brisket like the best of ’em.
• These outdoor Wicker Tiki Flame lanterns: They’re huge! Would be so pretty on your back patio for ambience on a summer night. 
• String lights: Check out that price! Stunning for curb appeal.
• This garden tools set: How cute! 
• These comfy Clarks sandals in SO many fun prints
• This bareMinerals Tinted Moisturizer Duo: What a FAB deal on a product I love so much! It’s all I wear in the summer as foundation is just too much to fuss with.
• Tula Skincare Protect & Refresh SPF 30 face gel with Face Mist Set: Feel so refreshing and light rather than heavy like other face sunscreens.
• This sprinkler/splash pad: Oh my heck, the kids will have a BLAST!

We’ll be posting our favorite QVC deals all summer long, so make sure you check back so you don’t miss all of the fun HOT buys on items to fuel your summertime fun.

Go see what new products and brands you discover on QVC!

The post Two Outdoor Essentials You Gotta Have This Summer appeared first on How Does She.

The Perfect Gift For Fathers!

Somewhere along the way we grow up.

Fort building and tree climbing are replaced with jobs and responsibilities.  We lose interest in play and using our imagination. We find it difficult to live in the present moment as we let the worry and planning consume our mind. But what if I were to tell you that inside each of us is an inner-child just waiting to come out and play?

Albert Einstein once said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.”

 Kids get that.

They live in the moment, create, explore, and pretend. They see their world with wonderment and excitement. Why is it that we don’t take the time to do the same?

This year instead of socks, ties, or tools for a father’s day gift, I have decided to tap into my inner child and give something a bit different.

I call it, “An Adventure in a Box.” The perfect gift for fathers!

What’s in it?

I grabbed this bin that looks like a treasure box and filled it with these items which  most of them I picked up either at the dollar store or the dollar section at Target. Get creative… those ropes you see are actually jump ropes that I cut the handles off of. And that treasure map is a scrap piece of wrapping paper with burned edges. And those marshmallow launchers are made out of a PVC pipe and cost under $2.00 to make. Nothing too fancy here folks. Anything goes.

Looking through my counselor goggles, I can’t help but think about all the benefits that a child and parent can receive by adventure playing. 

Allowing the child to take part of the journey and the story helps them feel like they have a voice and their ideas matter. I encourage parents to let kids take the lead during play as much as possible.

Not having a plan fosters imagination and being able to be in the moment.

As adults we could use practice in setting aside the to-do lists and taking it moment by moment.

That’s what an adventure is all about right?

Exploring and discovering new things fuels the imagination and encourages children to ask and answer their own questions.

This fosters a love for learning.

Working together builds unity and bonding.

Using their environment in their story promotes creativity. Can you tell this is a bucket full of treasure?

 Exploring their surroundings through binoculars helps them understand perspective.

 Sitting on shoulders makes them feel big and in charge.

Taking the time to sit down and have conversations on their level increases trust and encourages them to feel heard and loved.

 I loved standing back and watching these two sit back and enjoy their time with one another.

 He couldn’t put the binoculars down!

After a great adventure, a child is left feeling loved, heard, and connected.

Give the father’s day gift that not only brings out that inner-child but creates memories that will be written on their hearts for years to come.

What else would you put in your “Adventure Box?”

xo.

You can find more of me at: weedstowishes.com

The post Adventure in a Box: The Perfect Gift for Fathers appeared first on How Does She.

Thanks to CurrentBody for sponsoring this post. This daily 5-minute facial is a game-changer and it’s $85 off right now with code HDS160!

If you’ve ever had a facial, you know how absolutely relaxing it can be. Not to mention the phenomenal benefits it has for your skin. But most of us splurge on a facial, maybe once a year? Imagine getting one every single day. The NuFace Mini from CurrentBody packs all the power of a professional facial into one mind-blowing little device.

It also happens to be one of the world’s most popular face-lift alternative, designed to give you a 5-minute mini face lift that daily tones face muscles and gives you more definition in all the areas you want it, especially under the chin and around the jawline where skin starts to sag, and the forehead where wrinkles like to collect.

So how does it work? We’re dishing everything here.

The 5-Minute Facelift Anyone Can Do

Have you started seeing signs of aging in your face? Many people start to notice their skin wrinkling or sagging in their 30s. This is due largely to a loss of elastin, a protein in the skin that diminishes with age. But did you also know that your daily habits can play a HUGE part in managing and even preventing signs of aging?

Drinking plenty of water, moisturizing with SPF and toning your face muscles are paramount in achieving and maintaining healthy skin.

NuFace facial toners use tiny, painless electrical currents to give your face a firming workout and give you noticeably younger skin after making it part of your daily healthy habits.

Daily Facial Toning Matters

Just like your body needs regular exercise to tone muscles, so does your face.

Facial toning matters people! And NuFace is the absolute best device on the market to give you daily facial toning with a device that will go the distance. Amazon knock-offs do not compare. This is the real deal and the men and women who use NuFace can tell the difference. Firmer skin, less noticeable crow’s feet, and smoother laugh lines and wrinkles.

I prefer the NuFace Mini Supercharged, which you can get solo, or for a limited time you can get it in this 5-minute mini facelift kit full of goodies for one incredible price!

And even more exciting…HowDoesShe readers can get the kit for $85 off right now with code HDS160. That is unreal!!

I mean, look at everything that comes in this kit! It’s a phenomenal value that’s too good to pass up!

Treat it as an investment into your skin, into your future. It only takes 5 minutes a day and is so easy–I like to do it at nighttime as I’m winding down in bed to a show.

Invest in yourself.

How and When To Use NuFace

NuFace is easy to use. Just charge it for at least 16 hours before the first use. I recommend taking a photo before you use it so you can see your results at the end of treatment.

Treatment time: 5 minutes

Initial treatment: For the first 60 days, use 5 times week

Maintenance: After 60 days, use 2-3 times per week to maintain results

Treatment areas: Large areas of the face, including jawline, cheekbones, forehead, and around the outside of the eyes.

NuFace treatments are done in a smooth gliding motion that start from the midline of your face and move outward. (Picture and imaginary line drawn down the middle of your face from the forehead to the chin.)

Steps for application:

If getting the NuFace Mini Supercharged Skincare Routine Kit (worth $363…only $160 right now with code HDS160!)

1. First, apply the Firming + Radiant Super Peptide Booster Serum with brush to your clean face.
2. Next, apply the NuFACE Firming and Brightening Silk Crème activator once the serum is absorbed.
3. Last, turn on your NuFace device and massage your face, going from midline out.

Clean your NuFace after each use and you’re done. That’s it! A 5-minute mini facelift you can do every day to maintain bright, tight, beautiful skin.

So grab this kit right now while it’s still available! Get your daily facial and 5-minute facelift for a future of gorgeous looking skin. Men facial toning a habit and reap the rewards for years and years to come.

The post The 5-Minute Facelift Anyone Can Do appeared first on How Does She.

For all of you non-conformists out there who like to shake things up a little and shy away from a traditional cake, check out these incredible, creative birthday cake alternatives that make my jaw drop. What kid wouldn’t love a ginormous donut cake? Forget kids…I would love a ginormous donut cake! Below we identify 17 sweet treats and easy recipes to make a spark at all the birthday parties. Next time you have a special occasion you will have a special dessert to match!

The best part is this is the real thing, check out the amazing birthday cakes available:

17 Incredible Birthday Cake Alternatives

1- The huge chocolate chip cookie ice cream cake

(Try THIS recipe) Although this isn’t a traditional birthday cake, it is a great way to say happy birthday to an ice cream lover!

2. The brownie tower
The first bite will have you in a chocolate ganache fantasy, try adding chocolate chips to surprise the birthday boy!

3. Rice crispy cake

This is a great birthday cake recipe for someone who might have dietary restrictions. You might not even have to go to the grocery store for the ingredients, it’s that simple!

4. Waffle stack cake
We’ve seen a cookie cake , but what about waffles?? Check out this delicious recipe and try adding some maple syrup!

5. I’m 100% sold on this yummy popcorn cake

6. This watermelon cake is a fresh and healthy alternative

This option is another one of the best ways to delight someone with dietary restrictions!

7. An impressive trifle cake (and it’s gluten free!)

8. Chocolate dipped strawberries & pretzels

This is a great option for someone who doesn’t prefer a traditional cake. Who doesn’t love fresh fruit?

9. Candy cake
What better birthday gift than a cake filled with candy! This is the perfect birthday cake for a person with a huge sweet-tooth.

10.  Too-many candles cake

This would be gorgeous for an 80th birthday celebration! Try adding different colors of candles to give a fun look.

11. Crepe cake

Yes, yes, and yes! Crepes are my birthday breakfast of choice…even better as a cake! Spread a little Nutella between each layer and top with strawberries…yum.

12. Decadent donut cake

Oh my forbidden fantasies…

13. Nutella crunch ice cream cake
This might not be the most elegant cake but it will certainly be a hit with all of your family members!

14. Peanut butter ice cream pie

And yes, it has a Nutter Butter crust. Make this for your next birthday party!

15. Jello cake anyone?

16. Macaroon cake

17. Stacked Oreo cake

Add a few gallons of milk and you’ve got a party!

The post 17 Incredible Birthday Cake Alternatives appeared first on How Does She.

Thanks to JCPenney and Shopstyle for sponsoring this post. These patriotic party musts are going to rock your summer!

Let the summer parties begin! There are so many great patriotic holidays during the summer worth going big for and right now, JCPenney’s HUGE Memorial Day Sale is going on RIGHT NOW where you can score BIG TIME on must have summer items for the whole family!

From May 23rd – May 30th save an EXTRA 25% off Memorial Day Sale items with code COOL25. And Rewards Members will get a $10 Bonus Reward for every $50 spent now through May 30th. (Limit 3). It’s a great time to become a Rewards Member!

These are going to be smash hits at your Memorial Day barbecue, 4th of July festivities, and Labor Day lounging. It’s a summer full of fun and here are our very favorite JCPenney items on HOT deal right now!

Patriotic Party Musts for the Whole Family

Thereabouts Little & Big Boys Short Sleeve Button-Down Shirt

Kids gotta have their parade shirts! This was one of my very favorite summer traditions as a kid. My mom would get us all patriotic shirts and the morning of the 4th of July, we would get all dressed up in her bathroom (she’d always do my hair in braids and my brothers slicked down) and head to the parade in hopes of lots of candy. Those photos are some of my happiest treasures.

Find patriotic clothes for the whole family here.

Americana Family Womens Short Sleeve One Piece Pajama

Can you say family reunion? How epic would it be for your whole family to get decked out in these pajamas for a huge sleepover? Amazing. These pajamas got RAVE reviews on our Facebook Save group…one reader even posted a picture of her whole family in them. LOVE!! Find patriotic pj’s for the whole family here. 

Cuisinart Snow Cone Maker

What would summer be without snow cones? And to have them on tap…priceless. We got our 6-year-old on a snow cone maker for Christmas one year and he ended up making $200 the next summer at his little snow cone stand! What a fun item for the whole family.

Nostalgia CLCM8AQ Classic Retro Hard & Sugar-Free Candy Cotton Candy Maker

And if you’re going to go big for summer, go big. This Nostalgia cotton candy maker is a HUGE crowd-pleaser! Pull it out at a birthday party or summer barbecue and you’ll instantly bring the festivities up five notches. What a great deal too!

Amazing Deal on Beach Towels at JCPenney

Have a pool or near a pool? How about a lake or beach? These incredible towels are regularly $22 and start at just $9.09 right now! That is unheard of!! Fabulous quality and a great item to keep stocked in your closet for summer.

South Beach Iridescent Inflatable Lounger Chair Pool Float

Speaking of the pool, this blinging lounge chair is a steal of a deal right now! It’s my favorite way to enjoy the pool.

Outdoor Oasis Little & Big Girls Striped One Piece Swimsuit

My girls are all about swimsuits right now, especially ones with these fun little cutouts. I love that they give a fashion flash flare while still being modest. JCPenney has so many fun summer and patriotic swimsuits on amazing deal right now for the whole family. Find them here!

a.n.a Short Sleeve Empire Waist Dress

This is the dress I want to party in all summer long! It’s fun, flirty, and perfect for any picnic or summer shindig. I promise, this is a dress you’ll want to have in your closet! Comes in so many great colors and…it’s under $30 right now!!

My teen daughter will be trying steal this all the time so I’d better grab her one too.

St. John’s Bay Womens Colt Wedge Sandals

After snagging the dress, I went on the hunt for the perfect sandals to go with it and came across these absolutely perfect wedges for an amazing deal. So cute! Love the straps and they look insanely comfortable. Now just to decide which of the 3 colors I love best. 

Can’t believe I just scored an entire party outfit for this price!

St. John’s Bay Short Sleeve Floral Maxi Dress

If you’re on the hunt for a longer dress, this one is so lovely and summery. (And would also go perfect with the sandals above…just saying!)

Arizona Womens 9″ Bermuda Short-Juniors

I love the Arizona brand from JCPenney; they go toe-to-toe with the more expensive names, but for a fraction of the price. This is a great Bermuda short for those looking for a longer look and a great fit.

Thereabouts Little & Big Girls Short Sleeve Puffed Sleeve Sundress

Jumpers and sundresses…that’s pretty much all my girls wear in the summer and this one is a great price! You can find more girls summer party clothes for great deals here.

Layerings Americana Serving Trays – Set of 2

No patriotic party would be complete without some festive serving trays! Just imagine those 4th of July cupcakes or cookies placed perfectly on these babies. An awesome deal for two.

Layerings 18×18 Americana Star Printed with Embroidery Square Throw Pillow

I want these pillows on my front porch all summer long. And I could hardly believe the price for such a big pillow! (Really, I’ve seen decorative pillows priced at over $50 each recently. That’s crazy!) Show your patriotism and class with these on your patio furniture.

Home Expressions Quick Dri® Bath Towel

Last but certainly not least, is the deal we’re screaming from the tops of the rooftops about…these amazing quick dry bath towels are only $5.59 right now!!! And that’s for the 30×54″ size! Those are nice big towels for an INCREDIBLE bargain! So many colors–snag some for your home, your cabin, and your vacation rentals.

Alright, now you have every reason in the world to plan that patriotic party! Let’s make this summer a great one!

The post Patriotic Party Musts for the Whole Family appeared first on How Does She.