*Thanks to HSN and ShopStyle Collective for sponsoring this post!

I love my four children. I really do (bless their hearts). They run me ragged over the summer to the point that I find places to hide where for at least five minutes, I can’t hear their fighting, whining, or repetitive appeals for a snack. Oh, but they are the sweetest and I can’t imagine life without them! 

Until they go back to school. Then I remember the glorious feeling of freedom that comes only from sending them off and then looking at a beautifully full eight hours ahead where no one is bouncing a ball against the wall or running around giving atomic wedgies to siblings. The kids are all prepped for back to school, now it’s back to me.

Back To Me: 9 HSN Faves for Getting “You” Back

Every fall, after the initial chaos of buying school supplies and adjusting to new schedules, I take a breather and bring the focus back to M.E.

Me.

I get back into a much-needed exercise routine; I buy a few new things for myself that make me feel good, and I focus on re-centering my life. It feels absolutely wonderful and I suggest it to any parent who devotes most hours of a day to his or her kids.

Right now, here are some of my Back To Me favorites from HSN and you can use code HSN2021 to get $20 off your first purchase of $40 or more. Plus, easily split your purchase into multiple payments through HSN’s FlexPay option. Yay! 

1. New foundation

After a long summer of no makeup, I’m ready to get back into the routine of getting ready to really tackle the day. New foundation was definitely on the docket, but I wanted to do my research and choose one that was flawless, high quality, and would also be good for my skin. Skinn Cosmetics Scientific Color Foundation has rave reviews, was a great deal, and offers full beautiful coverage while nurturing your skin.

The slanted brush that comes with the Skinn Cosmetics foundation is phenomenal. It’s the best makeup brush I’ve ever used as it makes application and blending so easy. The Skinn Cosmetics foundation itself comes with the coolest applicator sponge that you can dip and apply to your face so no need for fingers. Get it here for a great price!

2. A brighter smile

Teeth whitening is just one of those things I let slide when I’m too busy taking care or everyone else. It’s the last thing to glean my attention when there are mouths to feed and carpools to drive. But now, when the kids are back in school, it’s time to get my white smile back.

Okay, I found the coolest new teeth whitening kit…it’s called Intelliwhite Fusion 2-in-1 Whitening Serum. There are NO strips involved, which I was thankful for. 

Instead of strips, you use the handy mouth guard (my kids laugh hilariously when I have it in) to paint the serum right onto your teeth. Wait 20 minutes, and you’re done! I’ve done several applications so far with fab results.

If your teeth could use a great whitening, definitely snag this kit. I’ve been impressed with how quick and easy it has made whitening my teeth.

3. New sheets

I took one look at my bed sheets the other day and realized something–kids can really destroy a set of sheets. Not sure how it happened…maybe it was all the jumping on my bed with the same dirty feet they were playing outside in, or the cheesy Cheeto fingers that ended up there. And don’t even get me started on the slime “accidents.”

One thing’s for sure, it’s time for new sheets.

This Concierge Collection Egyptian Cotton 4-piece set is luxe. These sheets just feel luxurious without the high price tag and I think my husband and I needed that for ourselves, to feel like high-rollers.

If you want to feel like a celebrity, slipping into these sheets will immediately take you there.

4. Making emergency food storage a priority

Heaven knows we’ve seen some pretty bizarre things these past few years…severe hurricanes, earthquakes, and a global quarantine that just isn’t seeming to go anywhere fast. It’s more important than EVER to make sure you have an emergency supply of food and water on hand.

Of all the things I’ve let slack, this is quite possibly the most vital to get back on track.

I found this Readywise 150-serving Emergency Meals Preparedness Kit at HSN and consider it the best purchase I’ve made for my family in a long time. 

It is packed literally to the brim with MRE-type meals that you just add hot water to and you’ve got a warm, sustaining, healthy meal that’s ready to go.

And these meals aren’t your typical dry rice and beans; these are meals like pasta Alfredo, chicken pot pie, brown sugar and maple grains, and more. 

The Readywise 150-serving kit has a sturdy handle that you can just grab and take with you. When my husband and I lived in Florida, you had to be ready every hurricane season to grab your essentials and evacuate. Luckily we didn’t have to do that, but we were without power for nearly a week and these meals would have been so valuable then. (There is actually a hurricane box as well.)

If you’ve never tasted Readywise products, you are in for a treat!

Their freeze-dried fruits are amazing. My 150-serving kit came with three free samples and I’m not ashamed to say I downed the strawberries and pineapple in less than an hour. It’s fruit. No shame.

Actually, these kits would be amazing for camping. Just boil some water and you’ve got a hot meal.

If you’re ready to get back to “you,” here are a few more other necessary indulgences from HSN I think you might like:

5. Benefit Cosmetics BADgal Bang Mascara and Liner duo – I mean, just sounds bad-A.

6. These Dolce Vita wedge sneakers – Love these! I’d wear them out to lunch with may girlfriends.

7. Bearpaw boots – One of my personal favorites for fall and winter. Absolutely LOVE the buckle-back detail on these!

8. These loungy Tech Jogger pants – Love them in camo and in Elderberry. These are pants I live in all day long when I can.

9. These collapsible mugs – my new obsession!

Remember, you can use code HSN2021 to get $20 off your first HSN purchase of $40 or more, including all of my favorites above.

The post Back To Me: 9 HSN Faves for Getting “You” Back appeared first on How Does She.

Thanks to our friends at UpWest for sponsoring this post!

I drink the last morsels of summer like the final drops of lemonade in a glass. You just don’t quite want summer to end, but at the same time, fall is ahead with its beautiful changing colors and fragrances. Fall fashion, while one of my favorites, is also tricky because the weather fluctuates every day. Here are my favorite transition pieces from UpWest that I think you’ll love as much as I do.

6 UpWest Pieces You Need To Kick off Fall

If you follow along, you may know by now that I love UpWest clothing. For me it was like discovering a cool new band, or finding my people–fun, comfortable, and the perfect fit for my personality and lifestyle. UpWest clothes are fresh, chill, and always perfectly on trend. 

If I could create a genre for them, it would be “comfy-chic.” 

Here are my top 6 faves, then you can search around to find your vibes. Oh, and here are some sweet codes to make UpWest shopping even more fun:

FIRSTORDER – 20% off your entire first order

1. This V-neck Peplum Tee

I snagged it on sale for $12 this month and I couldn’t be happier. It is perfection! And if you hurry, you can grab one at that crazy low price (comes in two colors and most sizes). The shirt is light, airy, and the color is so sweet. It’s a happy color that reminds me of my favorite flowers. Have fun layering with a jean jacket or cardigan.

And look at the back.

This is a shorter shirt on the torso and looks great with high-waist jeans. I’m glad I took the sizing guide recommendations and sized down as this shirt runs a bit large. (I’m wearing size XS.)

2. The Favorite Rain Jacket

You don’t really need a full-blown coat in the fall, but it’s cool enough (and in a lot of areas, rainy enough) to warrant a jacket. Plus, jackets are just fun for layering your favorite plaid shirts with. This rain jacket is long and lovely, perfect with tall boots!

3. Pretty plaid button down dress

It’s almost sold out (so act fast!), but this simply chic flannel dress just had to have a shout out. It’s the perfect piece for fall to wear with your favorite tall boots. What a nice family photo dress that you could actually chill out in afterward.

4. All Day Denim Overalls 

Farmer-chic is the latest craze and I for one, couldn’t be happier. It’s an ode to my childhood growing up around thousands of acres of farmland in Idaho. These cute denim overalls (look at the back!) could be worn with a tee or henley. Tie a flannel shirt around the waist and you are straight off an Instagram scroll.

5. The Go Anywhere Sweatshirt

I absolutely love a good sweatshirt; they’re practically all I wear in the fall and winter. And the thing that sold me on this UpWest sweatshirt was the pockets. How cool are those? They’re practically invisible, but still the most beautifully functional places to put your hands. And UpWest uses the most buttery fabrics that make you want to live in these clothes all day long.

6. This Super Soft Pocket Tee

This color just screams fall. Wouldn’t this tee look great with the All Day Denim Overalls? I own this  UpWest pocket tee and it’s probably one of my most-loved tees, so I know this one will be the same. Ladies, these tees are so deliciously soft. And the longer sleeves are my favorite! (It is a shorter tee that also looks great with high waist bottoms.)

Ahh, don’t these UpWest pieces just make you happy too? Refresh your wardrobe for fall and get a great deal with codes FIRSTORDER. Now, go see what fun things grab your eye!

The post 6 UpWest Pieces You Need To Kick off Fall appeared first on How Does She.

Ingredients:

Directions:

(Crazy yummy looking)

Apple Fritter Cakes with Warm Caramel Sauce

(oh, mercy)

Pumpkin Maple Rolls

(My tummy is rumbling as we speak)

The post Chicken Stock That Rocks! appeared first on How Does She.

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

The mums are out at the stores and the smell of pumpkin spice is in the air.  September is GO TIME for Fall! Football season starts and Halloween is just around the corner. As the temperatures drop, I’m always about all the cozy things! Warm blankets, Fall decor, and some booties to replace the sandals. One of the best places to find unique Fall picks, is Zulily. 

It’s a fun surprise EVERY day when I check Zulily’s deals! They have new products and unbeatable prices that change daily, so it’s always a fun surprise to see what’s there!

Zulily is my one stop shopping for everything unique and even some well known, popular brands! Every day, they launch new sales featuring all the latest fashions, kids’ apparel, shoes, home décor, toys, and so much more. Some of the BEST prices I’ve ever found on products are found there!  They have a weekend shopping special too! When you place an order with paid shipping (Friday-Saturday), it opens a window of free shipping on additional orders for the rest of the weekend. Once you’ve paid that first shipping charge, they’ll try to consolidate subsequent purchases into a single shipment, and  give you the lowest-priced shipping option for free for all items ordered by 11:59pm PT on Sunday, Great way to save on shipping!

I rounded up 12 fun products I think you should check out for to make Fall a little more cozy!

 

 
Tie Dye CC Beanie:  Nothing says cozy like a CC Beanie! These are my favorite brand in such a fun, subtle tie dye! Now you don’t even have to do your hair!

Boots:  Booties are the epitome of Fall. I loved this style! The buckle on the side is a nice touch, don’t you think?

Cozy Open Cardigan –  In sizes up to 3xl, this cozy cardigan is not only a beautiful Fall color, but also a wardrobe staple. Perfect to throw over a tshirt and jeans.

Boutique Pumpkin dress: If you have a sweet little girl in your life, she needs this dress! This is something you’d find in an expensive boutique but for a LOT less.

Hey there pumpkin graphic tee:  Probably my most favorite Fall graphic tee there is. I love the unexpected colors! This would be a perfect tee to layer with.

LED Gold Mirror Candles :  I’ve always loved flameless, LED candles. They’re a great way to add some ambience in your home without having to worry about an open flame or dripping, hot wax. I love theses mirrored versions because they add a nice visual element when you set them out on a shelf.

Pumpkin Trio Wall Art:  This wall art has such a subtlety to it. It’s definetly FALL, but not over the top.

Light up Fall wreath: This wreath is a classic style, but has some built in tiny lights. It would be fun to have on your front door.

Happy fall pillow:  Pillows are such an easy and inexpensive way to decorate. This one would be perfect for a front porch rocking chair or bench.

Striped peplum tee :  In sizes up to 3xl, I love the unique style of this tee. The peplum looks wonderful worn alone, or layered under a jacket.

Beautiful Quilts:  This poppy one is a stand out! It caught my eye when I was scrolling and there’s a reason why. You can never have enough blankets ANY time of year, but especially in Fall and winter. I love the pop of color!

Green Fuzzy Button coat:  Fall is often freezing in the morning, and warm by afternoon. Layering is key around here! This fuzzy button coat is perfect! (Though I would reccomend wearing more under it than this model did.

Now, aren’t you even more excited for Fall?

Grab a few things and remember to check Zulily daily to see what other treasures you score.

And remember, if you grab something today, you’ll have free shipping all weekend! Winning!

The post 12 Deals to Help You Get Cozy for Fall appeared first on How Does She.

It’s my favorite time of year – in our side of the world, there’s a slight chill in the air and the leaves are changing colors. What a fun time to be a kid…. the ideas for fall crafts for kids are endless! Here are a few of the best ones around.

Fun Ideas for Fall Crafts for Kids

1. What kid wouldn’t love a chance to paint their hands? This acorn craft is such a fun way to welcome in fall!

2. Have you ever tried pom pom painting? Look how fun this looks!

3. Do you eat candy corn? Or think they’re gross? If you prefer to not eat them, save them for this darling candy corn flower!

4. Make some beautiful leaf Suncatchers to enjoy on your windows.

5. Such a smart way to stamp the leaves, the kids will love this leaf stamping project!

6. Save those pumpkin seeds for an art project! Color them and let the kids practice spelling their name!

7. It doesn’t get much cuter than this owl pinecone craft!

8. You’ve seen the melted crayons on canvas, right? Why not try it on a pumpkin? I have a feeling this would be a huge hit at our house!

9. I think these white paper plates are seriously a teacher’s best friend! How cute is this homemade paper plate apple? Great way to practice their cutting skill too!

10. Such a fun way to practice handwriting, this fall acorn craft even has a link to a downloadable acorn the kids can use!

11. These caramel apples look good enough to eat!

12. These pom pom apples are the cutest crafts around!

13. This pumpkin spice play dough looks super fun for me (Oh I mean the kids!) to play with!

14. Here’s one for the tweens! This fall leaf garland is to die for!

15. Make your own puffy paint for a good time!

16. Make a bird feeder for bird watching on those cool, crispy outdoor days.

17. I’m loving these fun pumpkin crafts you can make with your leftover egg cartons!

18. I remember gluing pasta to crafts a ton as a kid, how about you? This pasta shell autumn tree just takes it to a whole other level!

 Do you have any other ideas for fall crafts for kids?  We’d love to hear about them!

The post 18 Fall Crafts that Kids Can Do – Try Them Today! appeared first on How Does She.

*Thank you kidpik for sponsoring this post (and for saving me with back-to-school clothes shopping this year!).

I’m not going to lie, I wasn’t very prepared for back-to-school this year. Maybe it was because summer flew by way too fast, or maybe it had something to do with the back-to-back trips we scheduled in a solid attempt to make up for last summer (forever deemed by my kids as the 2020 summer of lameness). Needless to say, I didn’t have time (nor did I want to) go from store to store to get my kids new school clothes. Instead, I relied on kidpik, my go-to for each new season, to come through for me, and boy did they do an amazing job! 

Why do I love kidpik? Because they do all the hard work for me. I do literally nothing and my kids get a cute box of new clothes + a pair of shoes they love each season. I didn’t have to shop for them, I didn’t have to drive them from store to store, and I didn’t have to deal with long lines, traffic or parking. kidpik is the best thing I ever did and each season just gets better and better.

Get 50% off your first kidpik box today with our exclusive code HDS50.

Skip the Store Lines, kidpik for the Win This Fall

Is it just me, or are department store lines longer than ever? It’s a strange time, with most stores understaffed, causing lines that often wrap around the store. No thank you. With kidpik, you can get your kids styled for back-to-school from the comfort of your home. It is the best!

How does it work?

kidpik has a fun team of professional stylists who curate a box just for your child and send it right to your door every 4, 6, or 12 weeks. You choose. Typically, you can choose monthly or seasonally. I find that seasonally is helpful for making sure my kids are stocked up each time the weather changes and they’ve grown out of last season’s clothes.

To get started, you’ll take this 3-minute style quiz and pretty soon, a surprise kidpik box of fashion, packed with 3 mix-&-match outfits + one pair of shoes is delivered to your door, personalized for your child!

What’s in it?

The post Skip the Store Lines: kidpik for the Win This Fall appeared first on How Does She.

Chicken Recipes Under 400 Calories

Here are 10 healthy Chicken Recipes under 400 Calories.  Are you looking for some amazing dinner ideas that aren’t going to make you feel like you have to run a marathon to burn off all of those calories?  I have found 10 amazing chicken recipes under 400 calories that you (and your waistline) are going to love!

1. These Sour Cream Enchiladas would be a hit at my house!

 2. You can’t go wrong with a Grilled Chicken Salad 

3. Chicken Tortilla Soup is always so yummy!

4. Here is a Chicken Parmesan recipe that is well under 400 calories!

5. Looking for a recipe with a little kick? This Mexican Chicken Stew with Quinoa & Beans is perfect for you!

6. This Chicken Taco Soup would be perfect on a cool night.

7. Skinny Un-Fried Chicken looks like the real thing!

8.  This Creamy Chicken-Broccoli Bake will have the whole family begging for more!

 9. If you are looking for something a little different, this Chicken Tamale Pie if just for you!

10. You can’t go wrong with this Grilled Chicken Bruschetta.  It looks amazing!

Enjoy your yummy healthy dinner!

The post 10 Amazing Chicken Recipes Under 400 Calories appeared first on How Does She.

**This post is sponsored by Kohl’s and ShopStyle. All opinions are my own! I was SO impressed with what we found!**

  If you have a tween, you know what a headache finding clothing for them can be! I have twin (tall!) 10 year olds, and let me tell you, it’s been a nightmare back to school/Fall shopping. There’s just this gap in the market (at most stores) where you go from puppy dogs and Disney princesses on t-shirts, to crop tops and shorty shorts.
My girls don’t want to dress like “little” girls any longer, and heaven knows I don’t want them dressing like they’re 21. (And can we PLEASE be over the crop top trends!?) That’s why it is so refreshing to walk into a Kohl’s store, or look around online and have options that will work for them (and their mom)!

 

I know I’m not the only one with this issue, as I’ve talked to many other moms who share my struggle. 
That’s why I’m so excited to show you the fun things we found at Kohl’s! 
All were super affordable, especially when you factor in a few promos.
Kohl’s always has excellent sales and coupon codes to help you save money!

For example, right now, you can use the code “FAMILYSHOP” to save 20% off!

The best part?
I was able to find a few pieces that were almost all interchangeable! 
These girls love to swap clothes so I like to stick with things that are easily mixed and matched. 
Fall is always fun when it comes to rich color schemes, layers, and  a few fun textures!

We first looked for “dressier” look. And by dressy, I mean acceptable for church OR school.
My girls call it “casual dressy”.

We paired a basic white tee with a jean jacket and a rust orange colored corduroy skirt.
I feel like the jean jacket is a Fall wardrobe staple. I mean, what DOESN’T go with a denim jacket? 
This skirt adds a fun pop of color and texture. As the temperatures drop, layer over a pair of thick tights for added warmth.

This sporty dress is also a winner!
It’s basic, but still trendy with the athletic stripes on the sleeves. 
Not to mention, it comes in a TON of colors! Sticking with the Fall color theme, we choose an olive green!



Here are two more looks we had to snag!
(Did I mention we literally kept EVERY. SINGLE. thing we ordered? Usually, I’m returning things because the sizing is wonky or quality is subpar. NOT the case with this Kohl’s haul. Everything fit. Everything was GREAT quality.)

How darling are these overalls? I want them in my size.
The distressing is just enough, and paired with the camo ringer tee? 

Perfection – just like this cute girl of mine!

I have to call out these little booties too. Do you spy that bow? Such a fun detail! And we know, “it’s all in the details!”
Right?

Last up in probably my favorite combo. That could be because I own almost the same exact outfit!
My daughter was especially ecstatic about the jeans! She loved the high rise button fly, and commented about them being actually comfortable!

The cardigan is super cozy and comes in a variety of colors! This red reminds me of autumn blaze leaves.
She’s growing out of bows and opting for these knot style headbands. I think this style of accessory looks SO darling on her!



And don’t forget about THESE boots. I love the strappy look combined with the rich brown color! They will go with just about any Fall outfit.

Can you believe all this tween goodness?
I honestly have NEVER had so much success when it comes to shopping for these two girl – well at least not since we hit the “Big Girl” section! 
I was so impressed with the options, the fit, and the quality of everything we purchased!

Kohl’s is a fantastic place to not only shop for tween clothing, but also things for me, the men in my life and my home! I love their selection, and of course finding all the great prices!

The post Tween Fall Must Haves (No crop tops included!) appeared first on How Does She.

*Thank you GetXGo for sponsoring this post! Meet the GO Kit. All opinions are absolutely our own.

If the past year has taught us anything, it’s that absolutely anything can happen. Along with a global pandemic that ravaged the entire world, my small corner of the universe also experienced an earthquake with significant aftershocks and an unprecedented heat wave that has caused power outages and water shortages that will affect gardens, crops, and livestock in our area. Emergency preparedness has never been more important. And while we can absolutely look forward to the future with optimism, we should still be practical in preparing for the unexpected.

Being prepared for emergencies doesn’t have to be complicated or difficult.

If you are a no-fuss person, you are going to love the GO Kit from GetXGo. It’s one of the smartest adult moves you can make for your family’s well-being. 

Emergency Preparedness in One Simple Kit: Meet the GO Kit

What absolute most essential items would you need in an emergency? Food…water…tools?

If you can’t think of all of them off the top of your head, don’t worry, the GO Kit has. In one very organized compact bag, it contains over 40 essential items and tools, like:

• a complete First Aid Kit
• hand warmers
• quick dry towel
• 5-year shelf life water
• 5-year shelf life food bars
• solar power crank radio
• solar power phone charger

And there’s even more! You can see the complete supply list here.

All of the most essential emergency preparedness supplies in one simple kit. No bulky backpacks that you have to think about stocking yourself. GetXGo has done all of the work for you, all you need to do is pick a safe spot to store it.

Preorder a GO Kit Now

GetXGo Prep Kits are currently on preorder which means that when you order one now, you are guaranteed the kit of your choice, either the GO Kit or the READY Pack Combo for $40 more. Order now for estimated delivery as early as December 2021.

There’s an app for that

Not only is the GO Kit compact, convenient, and packed with essentials, it comes with an app that can also digitally store all of your important documents. 

I have a friend who recently moved to Idaho from California because her house was completely burned by the wildfires there. They lost everything. Her family evacuated with only the clothes on their backs and their dog. They lost family photos, birth certificates, and all documentation.

When you get a GO Kit, you also get a companion to keep checklists and digital copies of all your important documents.

The GO Kit is the modern emergency kit that every single household should have. It is peace of mind simplified and that my friends, is absolutely worth it.

No one likes to think about worst-case scenarios, but being prepped for an emergency is a must. Keep safety simple with GETXGO, the modern emergency kit. Complete with essentials to help you make it through any mishaps, this compact bag is organized with over 40 tools, like solar-powered phone chargers and first aid supplies.  Life is unpredictable, but with the GO Kit, you can enjoy every day with the peace of mind that you’re prepared.

The post Emergency Preparedness in a Simple Kit: Meet the GO Kit appeared first on How Does She.

Thanks to HSN and ShopStyle for sponsoring this post. You’re going to love these fab fall favorites!

Summer has been a whirlwind and while all of the road trips and family reunions were a blast, I always love this time of year when the kids get back into school and I can refocus. I can give the house a deep clean and start gearing up for fall. It’s a great time to pack away the summer clothes and start refreshing that fall wardrobe, as well as get back on track with some deep cleaning that just didn’t happen over the summer. HSN has absolutely everything you need to get ready for fall, along with some great promos you can use right now.

If you haven’t shopped HSN before, you’re in luck. Use these codes to save big!

o    HELLO10 – $10 off $20 New Customer Coupon

o    HSN2021 – $20 off $40 New Customer Coupon

You can also use FlexPay to break down your payments into smaller monthly payments. It’s a great option!

Here are some of my favorite new HSN items for sending off summer and welcoming fall.

6 Fab Fall Favorites from HSN

1. Halloween Witches

If you snag anything from HSN right now, definitely snag these Wind and Weather Halloween LED witches. I grabbed a set before they are sold out and I’m so glad I did…they are adorable. (And they’re $20 off with code HSN2021!)

They come as a set of 4 and have built-in stakes that you can stick in the ground. The witches are all tied together to look like they are holding hands. They glow and flicker at night time with a 6-hour LED light and timer. How fun for Halloween!

Grab a set now before they are gone (believe me, popular items sell out fast at HSN). Now help me decide which side of the house to put them on.

And if you like these witches, you are going to love this set of color-changing ghosts. So cute!

2. A Dyson cordless vacuum

I could not live life fully without my Dyson cordless vacuum. It has absolutely changed the way I clean. A broom and dustpan are pretty much relics in my house as the Dyson does three times the job that any broom could. 

I can’t stress how much we use and love this vacuum in our house. It makes cleaning up crumbs, dust, and messes twice as fast and a million times more convenient than sweeping.

The Dyson V11 Torque Drive cordless vacuum can reach all of those tough-to-get-to places where dust and dirt collect. It has powerful suction that does the job once. No need to go over and over a particular spot. And if you have pets, this vacuum is an absolute must.

We are always cleaning up after Hank, our big furry Bernese Mountaindoodle, whether it’s a potted plant he bumps into or crumbs from his doggy treats. And because the Dyson is so easy to use, my kids can all use it themselves, which is a heaven-send for me.

If you don’t have a Dyson cordless vacuum, just bite the bullet and do it. It will be one of those things that you wish you did a long time ago. It has made keeping our floors clean so much easier.

And HSN is a great place to get your Dyson vacuum at a fabulous deal. And with FlexPay, you can pay in small monthly installments rather than one big sum if you’d like.

One thing I really love about my Dyson V11 Torque is that it has it’s own grab-and-go docking station which allows you to move it from room to room to charge, rather than in one permanent spot. For me, that’s helpful for multiple rooms and especially if you have a multi-level home with lots of stairs.

3. A hoodie dress

It’s quickly become one of my favorite late summer/early fall pieces. This Laila Ali hoodie dress is so much fun and so cozy! It’s the perfect outfit to take to the lake. I threw it on every time we went out in the boat. It’s like your favorite hoodie in dress form. It’s perfect for fall gardening.

Here are some other fun fall fashions to get inspired by.

4. A personal blender

Fall is one of my busiest times of the year with kids back in school, sports in full swing, and me as their main mode of transportation. I swear I live in my car! That’s why this personal blender is one of my favorite things in the world. I can whip up a quick smoothie or protein shake in the morning and take it with me in the car when I’m running kids to where they need to go.

5. Professor Amos cleaning supplies

Have you tried Professor Amos cleaning products yet? They are amazing. The Shock It Clean Supreme kit is my absolute favorite. I use it to deep clean my car (my kids are disgusting), my bathrooms, you name it. This is a must for catching up on any missed summer deep cleaning.

6. Your best brows

I love the micro bladed brow look, but the one time I did it, the treatment and touch-ups were so painful, not to mention over $500, that it just wasn’t worth it to me. I found the BEST alternative. This Benefit Cosmetics brow microfilling eyebrow pen gives you that same micro bladed look without the pain and hefty price tag. It is one of my favorites for on-point brows.

(This Benefit brow duo is also amazing a great deal too!)

So welcome fall the right way by being prepped with these top 6 and more favorites from HSN. In fact, check in every day for a new “Today’s Special.” It’s always fun to see what’s new.

If you haven’t shopped HSN before, you’re in luck. Use these codes to save big!

o    HELLO10 – $10 off $20 New Customer Coupon

o    HSN2021 – $20 off $40 New Customer Coupon

The post 6 Fab Fall Favorites from HSN appeared first on How Does She.

*A big thanks to our friends at UpWest for sponsoring this post!

I’m not sure about your summer, but here in Idaho, ours was extremely hot and smokey. Actually, the NOAA reported that July of 2021 was officially Earth’s hottest month on record. Ever. I’m ready for the refreshing transition to fall and the clean crispness it brings.

If you’re looking to get cozy this fall, here are just a few of my favorite UpWest pieces for both you and your home. UpWest has quickly become one of my favorite apparel and home sites. It’s classy, cool, and comfy. Their clothes are ones I want to be in all day long because they feel and look good. It’s that cool coastal vibe any time you want.

Get Homey This Fall with My 4 Favorite UpWest Home and Fashion Items

This isn’t my first UpWest rodeo. I’ve been living in and loving their clothes since I first heard about them. From cardigans to dresses, everything I’ve gotten from UpWest has been a main play in my wardrobe because as you will soon find out, every top, bottom, or accessory they put out is made with your comfort and chicness in mind. In fact, their main purpose is to provide comfort through more sustainable fabrics. And the end result: some of the comfiest clothes I’ve ever worn. Here are some new pieces I whole-heartedly recommend.

The Sweatshirt Tee

This new trend is one that has me thinking: What took so long? The Sweatshirt Tee is pure genius. It’s lighter than a sweatshirt, has short sleeves, but is still as soft and snuggly as your favorite sweatshirt. I have this one from UpWest and couldn’t be happier. The color is a lovely salmon pink and the soft and simple cuff on the sleeves is my favorite.

It’s such a great seasonal transition top that can take you from summer to fall or spring to summer and I’m planning on many more sweatshirt tees in the future–I think this one is a must!

For me, sizing on this top was exactly true to size. I ordered a small and it fits perfectly while still being roomy and breathable.

The surplice pants that changed my life

Oh, the softness! Oh, the luxury! I’ve been eyeing these surplice pants for quite some time and finally sealing the deal was one of the best decisions I’ve made. They feel like air. Like you have absolutely nothing on, and yet you have these beautiful wide-leg, flowy pants that you could wear in all day or out with friends.

The waistband is soft and giving and the material just feels high quality. Now there is a significant slit in the sides of the legs that go up to about mid-thigh and can reveal a little leg when you sit down. But overall, anytime I wear these pants, it’s a good day.

Transitional sweatshirts

UpWest just released dozens of brand new items for fall and I feel like I need every single one. Oh my goodness, long-sleeve dresses, peplum tees, and the coziest sweatshirts that are perfect for the fluctuating weather of fall.

This sweatshirt has stolen my heart. It’s a light v-neck that is a cross between a long-sleeve shirt and a sweatshirt, so it is the perfect piece for fall. And the pockets…it has the best pockets!

I honestly and truly can’t rave enough about UpWest clothes. If you love Athleta and Lulu, these are right up your alley! I am absolutely confident you’ll love UpWest and if you haven’t tried them yet, use code FIRSTORDER to get 20% off your entire cart. Score!

UpWest Home

Along with great clothes, UpWest also has a mod home section where I’ve found some really great pieces. Like this pouf. It’s boho-chic and a lovely accessory to any room.

It ended up being more sizable than I thought and plenty significant to put your feet up on, sit on, or rest your back on while reading a good book or watching a movie.

I haven’t been able to find a pouf with such lovely details and it’s just one of those accessories that really rounds a room out. 

So go see for yourself which UpWest items will fit seamlessly into your life and get 20% off your entire debut order with code FIRSTORDER at checkout. I think I have something from every season that UpWest has released, and they continue to be clothes I wear over and over again. You know those pieces that are easy choices in your closet because you just know they fit and look good? Yep, those are UpWest clothes. 

Stay comfy friends!

The post Get Homey This Fall with My 4 Favorite UpWest Home and Fashion Items appeared first on How Does She.

There is something incredibly peaceful about spending time in a minimalist space. You’re not distracted by mess or clutter or projects begging to be worked on. However, there’s something incredibly difficult about creating a minimalist space, especially when you live with a family. Today let’s discuss how you can find your inner minimalist… even with kids in your life.

What is Minimalism?

Minimalism is the conscious pursuit of a more meaningful life through owning fewer material possessions. It can also include simplifying all aspects of your life. I like to think of it as carving away everything unnecessary so all that remains is what you truly need to be happy. More than just decluttering or a simple shift in physical environment, true minimalism is a lifestyle change. And it looks different for every person.

Benefits of Minimalism

Although minimalism will be different for every person, some of the benefits are universal. When you adopt a more minimalist lifestyle, you will notice you have more time and energy.

You will be more free to pursue your highest goals and your mind will be more clear and less distracted. Removing clutter from your home, your mind, and your life will leave you room to strengthen your relationships.

Picture having one book on your bedside table that you could focus on and enjoy, rather than a stack of 20 half-read volumes.

As you pare down your belongings, you will be more content and grateful for what you have and you will find yourself comparing less. Your goal will be to live a fuller life with less and not expend so much energy working for, purchasing, cleaning, and caring for stuff. So, you won’t be jealous of a neighbor who is achieving different goals.

You will save money because the less you consciously have, the less you will want to purchase.

I’ll write about this in more depth another time but what got me started in this process was a budget shortfall. We didn’t have as much money in the bank as I’d thought and I had to remove a much-desired home improvement project from our schedule. I was bummed but decided to make the most of it by reading up on less expensive ways to improve our home.

Then I stumbled across a book by Peter Walsh about financial minimalism and that sent me down a rabbit hole of reading and discovery. I’ll give you a list of my favorite books at the bottom of this post.

My first AHA! items were water bottles. Our kids were using several water bottles each week, leaving them stashed all over the house and never able to find one when they needed it.

So, I gathered up all the water bottles, stuck them in an out-of-reach spot and left one for each person in the usual cupboard. (I wasn’t ready to get rid of the extras outright and that’s okay. I’ll get there.) Now when someone needs a water bottle, we check the cupboard. If it’s not there, they have to retrace their steps and figure out where they left it. I guess the next step is developing routines to help us all keep better track of our stuff.

This was a big shift for me, deciding to keep the number of water bottles we ACTUALLY needed, rather than the number we COULD and WERE CURRENTLY using. This has been a big stress reliever for me!

What to Minimize

You can apply minimalism to any area of your life, anywhere you want more clarity and focus. Start with your possessions but this will lead you to other things.

You can minimize your schedule, your home improvement projects (do you really need new molding?), your screen time, your multi-tasking, your DVR schedule, your holiday traditions.

One of the most freeing things I minimized was my list of hobbies. I have always been interested in everything. I want to be a great musician and writer and jewelry maker and artist and seamstress and yarn crafter and dancer and and… Every single hobby comes with stuff, boxes of stuff.

The main problem is, every time I see a box of supplies from a long-forgotten hobby, I feel a pull, a tug of guilt. “Why don’t you use me anymore? You should be making jewelry. What a waste!” It zaps energy and brings down my mood.

So, I asked myself, “Which hobbies do I actually want to pursue right now?” And I let go of the rest. If I ever decide to take up cross-stitching again, there’s a craft store down the road I can hit up anytime.

Customize Your Minimalism

Do you love reading books? Do you spend a ton of quality time with your family and friends playing board games? You don’t have to give away all of your books or games. I have several shelves full of books, enough to make a dedicated minimalist gasp in horror. But I love books and reading. They are a huge part of our family culture.

I minimized my collection by getting rid of duplicates and books that we no longer enjoy or plan to read again. Then I gathered all of our favorite books and placed them on a shelf in a central area so we will actually use them. And now I think longer and harder each time I consider purchasing a new book.

Keep the things that matter most to you, that bring you joy, and get rid of the rest.

Start Small

The easiest way to start your minimalist journey is to start. And start with something easy and visible. Choose a space you use often but that won’t be emotionally or mentally draining to declutter.

I started with my kitchen garden window. This space was filled with pitchers, dishes, keepsakes, crafts, and a random assortment of other junk. I spend a ton of time here, washing dishes and preparing food. And it stresses me out. There are always crumbs because it’s hard to clean under and around a bunch of clutter. Also, clutter attracts clutter. So, if my family didn’t know where to put something, the garden window of doom became a bit of a dumping ground.

I started by removing everything and I only put back items that I needed to keep there or that made the space beautiful. I love that space now and it inspires me every time I look at it.

This is a long process. It may take years for me to find the perfect balance. In the meantime, there’s something magical about having a couple of clear spaces I can look at when I’m feeling overwhelmed by this massive undertaking.

What could you minimize today to add a little more peace to your life?

The More of Less by Joshua Becker

Lighten Up by Peter Walsh

Stuffocation: Why We’ve Had Enough of Stuff and Need Experience More Than Ever by James Wallman

Need a little extra help getting organized for the new year? Check out these other great ideas:

5 Reasons Death Cleaning is the Latest and Greatest Way To Live Your Life

8 Pioneer Lifestyles You Can Adopt To Be Happier and Healthier

What a Highly Efficient Organized House Looks Like

The post Find Your Inner Minimalist appeared first on How Does She.

My family and I order pizza out at LEAST 1 every 2 weeks. Not just because it’s convenient, but also because WHO DOESN’T like pizza?

What if I told you you could have the yummiest, restaurant worthy, wood-fire tasting pizza AT HOME?

The Ooni pizza oven is a total game changer.

(We took this picture inside, but use it only outside when actually cooking. Heads up.)

I first heard about Ooni from a friend. My husband and I were considering installing a big pizza oven in our outdoor kitchen area. After getting a few bids, and seeing some different designs, I just wasn’t sold. I didn’t like that it cost so much, or that it was such a monstrosity. It really blocked our view out our window due to our patio set up. 
This friend suggested I check out Ooni, and I was SO happy I did.
Let me tell you a little about these awesome ovens.

The Ooni ovens come in several different models, and options.

This chart is fantastic for choosing which option is best for your family and situation. It was helpful for me. 
We went with the Ooni Fyra 12 Wood Pellet Pizza Oven.
I choose this one because it was the lightest and most portable.
This is important to us because we can easily take it along when we camp, tailgate, or have a park picnic. Just pack her up and go!
The smaller oven obviously doesn’t make a big pizza, but I feel like it cooks so quickly, that the personal pizzas (or split between my littles) isn’t a huge deal.

Can we talk about the convenience?
I’ll make big batches of pizza dough, or buy them at the store (Trader Joes has some great dough) and freeze them. A little thawing out, and some toppings, and you’re ready to go whenever your kids friends stop buy or you need a quick meal. And yes, it’s QUICK. Most of our pizzas are ready to go in just a few minutes in this baby!

And yes, they taste SO dang good. Like that yummy fire blazed pizza you just can’t get enough of.
Our favorite toppings are pineapple and Canadian bacon, artichoke and chicken (with a balsamic glaze), and don’t forget to add a lot of arugula and sea salt any chance you get!

I’ve been using Oonis recipe for a classic pizza dough. You can find it below, or on their site HERE.
My only tip is to roll out the crust thin! This may be my personal preference, but that thin Neopolitan style crust is the BEST.

Classic Pizza Dough

 

Servings

4/5

Prep Time

260 minutes

Cook Time

1 minutes

Flour, salt, water and yeast – what do these simple ingredients have in common? They come together to create the perfect foundation for any good Italian pizza – perfect pizza dough recipe!

Makes 3 x 330g dough balls or 4 x 250g dough balls

Our Ooni pizza oven is honestly my most favorite addition to our kitchen in a LONG time. 

We ALL love it, and it’s been fun gathering together to create and eat!

The post Make the BEST Pizza at Home with an Ooni Oven appeared first on How Does She.

Stupid arguments—we’ve all been there, done that. Some are more silly than others and some spouse arguments last a few minutes while others can grow into Hulkish proportions. My husband and I seriously iced each other out for a solid two hours one time over #4 on this list.

Here are 11 arguments that in the grand scheme of things, just aren’t worth fighting over.

1. Wet towels

When found in a clump on the closet floor, a wet towel can be aggravating. And when discovered days later hiding under a pile of dirty clothes smelling all moldy, a wet towel can be grounds for war. But before things get bloody, talk about it first. You can surely land on a neutral place to put wet towels.

2. Who should apologize first.

If you’re waiting for the other person to apologize first, you may be waiting awhile. As in a whole episode of Grey’s Anatomy, five chapters of a book, and quite possibly while you organize your 5,382 emails. It’s okay to be the first one to say I’m sorry.

3. Your spouse’s lack of telepathy.

It’s so frustrating that males haven’t learned the art of telepathy yet and the fact that they can’t read our minds makes us ladies wanna beat our heads against the pantry door. Just know what I’m thinking already! But cut your spouse some slack—your head isn’t a crystal ball. Try saying what you are thinking to avoid any unnecessary disagreements.

4. How to properly make garlic bread.

Honest to goodness, this was our first fight as a couple. Before we were married, my husband and I took a trip with his family. One night we were making Italian and I offered to make the garlic bread. During the entire process, Zac was peering over my shoulder, pointing out all of the things I didn’t do correctly like his mother did.

5. How you’d spend the lottery money.

Forget about having an argument about actual money, try having a conversation about how you’d spend the 50 million lottery jackpot. Or don’t, if you like keeping marital harmony.

6. The thermostat.

Is there a couple on Earth who can agree on the thermostat? The secret of marriage lies in your ability or inability to compromise that one number. Even if one of you must patrol the house in a parka and the other in swim trunks, find a balance that works without the battle.

7. How to drive.

Nobody likes a back seat driver. When your better half is getting passed by geriatric drivers or getting a little brake-happy, just remember the Bambi Principle: if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say nothin’ at all.

8. The proper way to load the dishwasher.

You can’t fault a spouse for trying to be helpful, even when he puts the mugs where the plates go and loads your favorite cast iron pan into the dishwasher. He’s just trying to show you he cares. He’s not aware of your meticulous dishwasher loading regimen.

9. How long you should stay at church.

Couples, use this as a cautionary tale to avoid a very huge and needless argument. (This of course happened to a friend of mine.) When going to church, an awkward work party, or the in-law’s house, always set clear expectations of how long you will both stay.

10. Wiping your hands on the decorative towels.

Decorative towels are for display only. There doesn’t need to be a sign saying, “These are decorative towels. Not for wiping.” You should just see a decorative towel and know it’s off limits.

If you are the wiper and you love your spouse, do her a favor and use the non-decorative towels for drying your hands (even if it seems silly). If you are the decorative towel owner, understand that people make mistakes. It’s not worth clashing over.

11. Putting the milk carton back in the fridge with one drop left.

I know, this spouse argument gets me too. Every time I see that empty milk carton in the fridge with basically enough milk to wet a Cheerio, I want to stomp on it and yell, “Why? Why? WHY?” But there’s no use crying over spilt milk and there’s no use yelling over empty milk cartons either.

In the words of that famous 1960s anti-war slogan, make love not war. Knowing that some things just aren’t worth arguing over will make for one happy, healthy relationship, even if the garlic bread is never quite as good as your mother’s.

The post 11 Spouse Arguments Totally Not Worth Fighting Over appeared first on How Does She.

*We’re excited to partner with Sally Beauty on this sponsored post. DIY lashes and hair color couldn’t be easier!

Throw out the old notion that hair color only comes in blondes, reds, and brunettes. These days beauty artists are getting more and more requests for bright hair colors and bold lashes. We are a vivid generation with lots to say. And thanks to Sally Beauty, you can save big bills on professional treatments by doing your own bold hair and lashes right at home. It seems nowadays everyone is watching DIY YouTube videos and achieving their own amazing results.

Here are our favorite bold hair and lash results that you can test out in the comfort of your own home.

5 Favorite Bold DIY Hair and Lashes

Bright all-over colors

Shake up the norm with an adventurous color change. Dip your toes into aqua waters or test out tranquil lavender. Depending on your commitment level, you can drastically change your hue to last only 4-6 weeks or even longer.

Want to see what a certain color would look like on you? Try on any color right now with the Sally Beauty Virtual Hair Color! It’s so much fun! See what you will look like in any color of hair with just a few clicks. It makes choosing a color much easier.

You can achieve fearless all-over hair color with sprays (only last a day, great for a party or just something fun) drops (lasts between 3-15 washes, just add the desired drops into any conditioner and apply to your hair. So easy!), and creams (these are high-fashion colors designed to be especially vibrant).

I like these drops best because you have more control over what color you get. You can create any shade, or even an ombre effect, and control the intensity, from a light pastel to a vibrant bright. And the color washes out in 3-15 washes so it’s great on a whim. Fun for kids too!

(This purple would be lovely!)

Bold color highlights

When you don’t want to commit to all-over color, a few bright highlights is a fabulous option. 

You can use semi-permanent hair color paints from Sally Beauty to DIY your own colored highlights. There are so many vibrant color options from Raspberry to Teal to Wild Orchid. 

This color lasts up to 22 washes and you can do it yourself! (It may be helpful to grab a hair color mixing bowl and some gloves.) Start small and simply apply the color paint to selected sections of hair that you’d like highlighted. A popular trend is to start halfway down and focus on the ends.

This video tutorial is super helpful.

DIY colored hair extensions

If you want to add length and color, try coloring your own hair extensions. You can even go with a permanent color. If you don’t already have extensions, grab some here (the clip-ins will give you that amazing pop of color when you dye them).

This video will help you create your own pastel hair color extensions. How gorgeous! Dying hair extensions is probably the best way to play around with bold colors without the commitment. 

Products used: Good Dye Young semi-permanent hair color.

Embracing silver and gray

One of the most poignant emerging trends in hair color is deliberate silver and gray. Instead of covering up grays when they start to show up, many women have decided to embrace them, going full blown titanium. Going silver is no longer for the aging.

Explore silver and gray possibilities from Sally Beauty here. 

Bold lashes without the appointments

It seems nowadays everyone is going big and bold when it comes to lashes, and for good reason. Eyelashes are the sexiest part of the face, drawing attention to your beautiful peepers. If you’re a do-it-yourself kind of person, skip the lash appointments and do your own.

Right now at Sally Beauty, all Ardell lashes are BOGO 50% off, which is awesome. (Make sure you grab some adhesive too!)

If you’ve never applied false lashes before, don’t worry, it’s fairly easy. This video is a great one for beginners to watch. 

Want to go even more bold with your eyes? Snag one of these splashy palette and liquid eyeshadows. Va-va-va-voom!

Top 10 items to grab at Sally Beauty:

Sally Beauty has everything you need in the beauty department. Like everything, and it’s so much fun to shop around! Here are my top 10:

1. Big bottles – The whole family goes through them and they’re BOGO right now! It is the last time this year for this semi-annual sale, so stock up now!

2. Gel polish – I have my own gel nails kit and use it all the time. All you need is a LED lamp. Saves so much time and money on manis/pedis!

3. Gel nail strips – Perfect for when you want great nails FAST! And make sure to grab Dashing Diva’s new Red Therapy–it helps your gel strips and press-ons stay on even longer.

4. DIY Brazilian wax kit – If I can do it in the comfort of my own home, Ima do it.

5. Brow razors – So great for touch-ups.

6. This amazing brow volumizer – I use it to get that micro-bladed look without the pain (and huge price tag) of actual micro blading.

7. This lip plumper –  Gives you pouty lips without the injections. Plus the color is lovely!

8. This liquid eyeliner marker – It’s way easier to apply than a pencil in my opinion and I love the results.

9. This tanning lotion – Adds some bronze and shimmer to your base tan.

10. Kind of gross, but awesome at the same time. This whitehead/blackhead remover – Does the trick.

Check out Sally Beauty for all your beauty needs, and find new things you didn’t even know you needed! Get free shipping on $35 and follow Sally Beauty on social media for helpful beauty tips.

The post 5 Favorite Bold DIY Lashes and Hair Color appeared first on How Does She.

Nothing says summertime fun better than a rainbow! If you’re planning a fun party this summer, these rainbow birthday party ideas might be just what you need! I know I’m excited and my 6-year-old twins are sure to have a colorful day!

Fantastic Rainbow Birthday Party Ideas Kids Will Love

Your kids will love these fun and colorful ideas that include food, decor, and games!

1. Make this cool Surprise Rainbow Party Invitations. The party guests will love it when they open them.

2. Have the party guests make Rainbow Streamers. They’ll have fun riding in the wind with them.

3. Make these easy to make cereal Rainbow Bars. I know what our next family treat is going to be!

4. Another fun treat would be these rainbow wands! Looks delicious!

5. These rainbow pompoms would like fabulous at any party! Great instructions included!

6. I’m loving this rainbow punch game! A fun alternative to pinatas!

7. These cloud placemats are such a fun way to decorate your table!

8. You can’t have a party without a fun party rainbow backdrop! 

9. Bet you’d be surprised how many kids would go for this rainbow fruit cup! Looks amazing!

10. Of course, you’ve got to have a rainbow cake at your rainbow party!

11. This mini balloon rainbow arch would make anyone’s party the best ever!

12. What a great party favor that’s actually going to get used! Love the paint set idea!

13. I’m loving this fun rainbow cake! Looks like something even I could make!

14. Don’t you just love free printables? This rainbow one would make the perfect party decor!

15. Aren’t these colors beautiful? What a fun way to lead the kids to the treasure, with the rainbow yarn!

Kids and adults alike are sure to love these rainbow birthday party ideas.  I hope your rainbow party shines! Which of these ideas is your favorite?

The post 15 Rainbow Party Ideas to Make Your Party Shine appeared first on How Does She.

Whether it’s after school or on the weekends, we’re always on the lookout at this house for some easy and healthy snacks for kids. How about you?  Here are 40 amazing ideas that should help us all out!  I know my kids are seriously going to drool over these ideas.

Healthy Snacks for Kids that Everyone Will Love

1.  Fruit Kabobs.  A great healthy snack, that is simply irresistible!

2.  Frozen Yogurt Pops! Those look yummy enough for me to eat!

3. Apple and Grape Car Snacks.  I can pretty much guarantee this snack will be eaten! So fun!

4. Butterfly Snack Bags. These will fly off the cookie sheet they will be so popular!

5 – 7. 3 Great Easy On the Go Snack Mix Recipes. Includes tips on how to prepackage them!

8.  No-Bake Energy Bites. Super healthy and convenient! Try adding some yummy protein powder for bonus nutrition.

9.  Easy Apple Chips.  Love how simple this healthy snack for kids is.

 10. Did you know it is so easy to make your own Fruit Leather?  I’ve got to make this for the kids! They will love it!

*Bonus Mom-pick: This kids protein drink. My kids love the taste and they always ask for the “special chocolate milk.” Plus, look at all those nutrients!

 11.  Frozen Chocolate Bananas.  Takes a little time to freeze it, so plan ahead, but still super easy!

12. Here’s a great go-to Simple, Delicious, Fruit Dip that will for sure help your kids get their daily fruit in!

13.  Healthy Frozen Banana Treat.  This one blew my mind.  I like to add a scoop of this protein powder to get an even better health boost!

 14.  Breakfast Cookies.  Sounds like a great start to the day!

15. A guide to making the snacks not only healthy but adorable.  Check out the Easy Apple Turtles here.

16.  Witches Brooms.  2 ingredients, String Cheese and Pretzel sticks.  LOVE IT!

 17.  Sour Patch Grapes.  Just add grapes and jello powder make for an awesome snack! My kids LOVE these grapes!

18.  Easy and Delicious Coconut Oil Popcorn.  The coconut oil adds a bit of sweetness and nutrition!

19.  Homemade Frozen Yogurt Raspberries.  Yum! Super easy to make and takes no time at all!  Can’t wait until it’s raspberry season!

 20.  Frozen Yogurt Dots. Super cute and colorful!

 21. Fruit cones.  Looks like pretty much the perfect camping snack for kids and adults!

22.  Happy Toast.  Great for a good laugh as well as great nutrition!

 23.  Homemade Gluten Free Goldfish and Cheez-it Crackers.  Awesome step by step instructions!

24.  Mini Zucchini Muffins. A great way to use up all those zucchinis from the garden!

25.  Apple Teeth. Perfect after a preschool lesson about apples or even after learning about the dentist!

26. Mini Fruit Pizzas This version is a quick no-bake variety that is sure to please kids and adults alike.

27.  Homemade Creamy Pudding Pops.  Just a few ingredients and you’ve got a cheap knockoff Creamies dessert. Perfect for me because I’m a huge fan of Creamies!

28.  My kids always love it when I make a smoothie.  It’s a great way to sneak in some fruit and even some protein. Protein Smoothie for Kids looks delicious to kids. And for moms…you’ll feel like you’re cheating with this “grownup” shake, but it’s actually crazy-healthy!

29. Grinch Kabobs.  I think my kids would eat these any time of year!

30.  Great lunchbox treat! S’more Snack Mix.  You just can’t go wrong with these ingredients!

31.  These are a super creative way to celebrate Halloween! Mini Pumpkin Quesadillas.  Perfect for a Halloween lunch or an anyday lunch!

32.  This Lunchmeat and Cheese Roll Up is perfect for a great snack without the bread!

33.  UFO Apple Snacks is simple to make! Guaranteed to be a hit after school!

 34.  Even the kids get in on the action here!  These Fruit Trains are amazingly adorable!

35.  Monster Mix! Great way to use up the cereal!  Perfect for snacks at the park!

36. I love feeding my kids muffins!  Super healthy and they are bound to get filled up!  Try these Apple Oatmeal Muffins. They sound amazing!

37. Tree Snack for Kids.  Perfect for preschoolers who are learning their letters!

38.  Sourdough Pretzel Bites.  Great way to avoid the processed snacks from the store!

 39.  LEGO Snacks for kids. Perfect for the LEGO party your kids are begging to have!

40.  Homemade Healthy Fruit Snacks.  A great healthy idea and I can’t believe how easy it looks to make!

What’s a favorite snack at your house?

Bonus: I’m loving this Easy Way to Save $ on Snacks for Kids! You might too! The perfect solution for those days when the kids need a snack but you are swamped!

My favorite late-night snack? A glass of this –tastes just like vanilla cake (but it’s sneaky-healthy!)

For more snack ideas, check out our Pinterest Board, Snack & Salad Recipes.

Check out this round up of Slow Cooker Meals! 

These Sandwiches are way too fun!

The post 40 Healthy Snacks for Kids | Ideas to Make Snacking Healthier appeared first on How Does She.

You never get a second chance to meet your child’s teacher for the first time. So, why not make your first meeting a fabulous one? If you’ve spent some time around the school or your teacher is a member of your community, you may know each other already. But, for most of us, the first chance we get to meet our child’s teacher is at a formal meet-the-teacher night or back-to-school event.

You shuffle into a crowded room full of nervous parents and students and you really want it to go well. You want to love the teacher. It wouldn’t hurt if he thought your family was amazing. And, more than anything, you want him to recognize that your kid is the real deal, his future favorite student, the reason he got his teaching certificate.

At the very least, you want to start the year with positive vibes and an open channel of communication. But, meet-the-teacher events can be weird and stressful and you can come home thinking, “What did we even accomplish there? I can’t remember a thing we talked about. It all happened so fast.”

Here are a few tips gathered from my 10+ years of meeting teachers and from two of my favorite educators, Donna Calapp and Brianna Grant.

1. Keep an Open Mind

Brianna says, “No matter what you may have heard about your child’s new teacher, each student/teacher relationship is unique, so come with an open mind and a smile!” This is probably the best advice out there.

Some of my kids’ most successful learning experiences have come with teachers who seem universally disliked by my most vocal friends. Arriving with a positive attitude about how the year will go will always serve you well.

2. Turn off the Fire Hose

It’s important to share personal information about you child, her strengths and struggles. However, meet-the-teacher night is not the right time. With so many people in attendance, you won’t get the privacy or attention you need to express your thoughts and concerns. Set up another time to follow up and discuss needs in detail. Brianna even suggests writing a thoughtful note for the teacher to read later when she can give it full attention.

3. Put Yourself in the Teacher’s Shoes

Teachers get nervous too. Meeting all their students and families and trying to make a good first impression can be stressful. Be open and friendly and do your best to help the teacher feel at ease. Be interested and ask them questions but don’t interrogate.

4. Volunteer

Many teachers will have volunteer sign-up sheets available at meet-the-teacher or curriculum night. If they do, find something that fits into your schedule and jump in. If they don’t, ask how you can help. This is Mrs. Calapp’s number one tip and it’s important!

Volunteering is a great way to build a relationship with your child’s teacher, to get a feel for how the classroom works, and to observe your child in this new setting. It’s also a great way to meet the other kids and have a better understanding of your child’s world.

5. Help Your Child Engage

Build your child’s confidence by helping him interact with his teacher during their first meeting. Help them prepare one question before they meet for the first time. Practice it.

This helps avoid the Giant Mickey Mouse effect. You know how kids are when they meet one of their heroes at Disneyland for the first time? They freeze up and don’t know what to say. Teachers loom larger than life in our kids’ minds and helping them prepare to interact right away will minimize the stress.

6. Stay Positive

Ask your child what he or she likes about the classroom. Point out seating options or cool decorations or fun learning activities that will appeal to your child. Remember that you’re not only making a first impression on your child’s teacher, but the new school environment and the new teacher are making a first impression on your child. Help smooth the transition by showing them how much they have to look forward to.

7. Make a Plan

Take fifteen minutes before you go, to visualize what you want out of the experience. Write yourself a few notes about things you can do to ensure the experience meets your expectations. So often I just rush from one thing to the other and I don’t take the time to be intentional. This extra time can make all the difference for you and your child!

What do you do to make meet-the-teacher night a success?

We love ANY help with starting the school year off right – so here are a few more great ideas that might be helpful for you and your child:

7 Things You Can Do To Make Sure Your Kid Has the Best School Year Ever

Easy Way to Organize Your Kids’ School Papers at Home!

Ease Back-to-School Jitters: DIY Worry Monsters

The post Winning Meet-the-Teacher Night appeared first on How Does She.

*Thank you UpWest for sponsoring this blog post!

What’s the hottest trend of the summer, if not the year? Matching sets and we couldn’t be more thrilled!

The fashion world is getting matchy-matchy and it’s so much fun–it’s a party on the top and the bottom. And UpWest is leading the game with cool, chic prints and the softest, most sustainable materials out there. We’re crazy about UpWest’s coastal comfy style and these matching sets will put stars in your eyes.

Snag your favorite one today and use FIRSTORDER to get 20% off your entire first order.

12 of the Cutest Matching Sets To Make You Swoon

1. The sweatshirt tee & shorts

It’s like your favorite sweatshirt in t-shirt and shorts form. Comfy, cozy, and still cool for those warm summer nights. Make it a perfect matching set with this top and these shorts. I’ve found that the shorts run a little large so I like to size down.

2. Subtle floral matching set

I own this one and it is absolutely perfect. Super soft fleece shorts are perfect for the pool, a beach vacation, or hiking around on a mountain trail. Again, size down and you’ll be super happy.

Make it a matching set with the sweatshirt tee in floral print.

3. Twist-front sweatshirt and shorts set

It’s one of UpWest’s most popular sweatshirts, now with a fun front tie detail. Not only is the fit cozy, but you can pair it with these ribbed shorts for a perfect matching look.

4. Matching satin sleep set

Oh my velvety soft heavens. Slipping under the sheets in this satin sleep tank and matching satin side-slit sleep pants would induce the sweetest dreams. Both are made of washable satin and a soft smocked waistband to maximize your Zzzs. (And the pants are on huge markdown!)

5. T-shirt romper

It looks like a matching shorts and tee set, but it’s actually a romper! This lightweight one-piece is perfect for gals who tend to lose matches (what, you saw my hand raise?) in the dryer. How does it happen? No one knows, but this adorable romper is the solution.  

6. Jungle safari at home

Tap into your playful wild side with this fun matching sleep set. The smocked tank and coordinating sleep short (on sale!) is optimal for sleeping in and catching breakfast in bed. The little key hole fringe detail is to die for!

7. Cozy ribbed set

Sunny days were made for matching sets and this one could swing both day and night. Wear it out while you walk the dog or wear it in with a good book in your hands. You can find the tank here and the super soft ribbed shorts here (with pockets!). Both run a little large so size down and you’ll be a happy camper.

8. The softest sweatshirt/jogger combo on the planet

This isn’t your typical heavy sweatshirt and sweatpants. These buttery soft joggers will make you want to live in them all day, every day. And the matching sweatshirt…oh, the sweatshirt…uses WhisperSoft brushed cotton for a light and airy top that makes this chill outfit absolutely addicting.

Forget separates…try out the trend of coordinating colors for a matching set.

9. Leopard henley set

This sweet matching pj set has the perfect amount of stretch and soft. The top is a cozy henley with petite buttons down the front. The bottoms have a ruffled wide-leg that makes hanging out in them so lightweight and comfy. I mean, you could wear them separately, but where’s the fun in that?

10. Unwind matching set

Strip down after a long day with this uber comfortable matching set that sends me to stripe heaven. I’ve always gravitated toward stripes and the fact that this Unwind crewneck stripe sweatshirt is exceptionally soft is a huge bonus.

Join the viral matching set trend by pairing it with these Unwind Terry shorts. (And they’re on sale! It’s a great bargain for matching separates!)

11. Lovely tie dye for days

Forget your Dad’s bold and crazy tie dye vacation tee, this discreet and lovely tie dye sweatshirt tee has me swooning. It’s chic enough to wear out and about on any summer day and comfortable enough to snuggle up in on a warm summer’s night.

Make it a matching set with these fleece turn-back shorts.

12. The best vacation matching set

This Plisse matching set would be stunning to take on any vacation. From walking the streets of Rome to the beaches of Maui, these high waist Plisse shorts are both airy and light. And that tie at the waist is lovely. The coordinating pocket tank actually comes in three colors, but I think matching them is so chic.

So don’t be afraid to match! It’s a hot trend that isn’t going anywhere soon. This season it’s all about matching sets and UpWest has even more here. Grab your favorite matching sets now before separates sell out and you’re left flying solo!

Enjoy free shipping and returns and make sure to use FIRSTORDER to get 20% off your entire first order at UpWest.

The post 12 of the Cutest Matching Sets To Make You Swoon appeared first on How Does She.

*** This post is sponsored by Kohl’s and ShopStyle. All opinions are our own.***

 I have a few friends I’m convinced are really unicorns. Every time I see them, they’re dressed in these beautiful, coordinating outfits. They’re rocking edgy accessories alongside their perfectly coiffed hair. They may even have a bag other than a diaper bag in tow. I’m a little bit mystified by these beautiful women. HOW in the world do these ladies accomplish such a feat? For me, I usually have my work out clothes (sans workout) still on by mid afternoon, and if I can steal a quick shower by pick up at 3 pm, I’m truly living the life. 

One of the best solutions/creations ever is the concept of athleisure. I could kiss the face of the genius woman who invented this genre of clothing. I’m sure many of you share my fond feelings of this comfy, yet versatile option. More often than not, I run into a fellow woman who shares this affinity for a solid pair of stretchy leggings or even a patterned jogger and we throw virtual fist bumps with just our eyes. 

We know we can take on the world thanks to these blessed stretchy pants (And by the way, I found THE most awesome pair below!)

In all seriousness, I love to find active styles to live and play in at a one stop shop – Kohl’s. Kohl’s has a wide assortment of activewear and athleisure that will keep you properly outfitted for any thing that might come your way. They also have active styles for those cute little rugrats that live with you (You know, the kids…). The prices are ALWAYS on point. I’ve honestly found some of the best deals (on the hottest brands) around perusing their virtual shelves and they often have fantastic promos and coupon codes. For example, currently (and soon) you can take advantage of one of these offers.

• Take 15% off General Public Offer. 7/16-7/25 with code TAKE15
• Friends & Family Sale! Take 20% off. 7/29-8/1 with code SHOPFAMILY

Here are a few of our favorite pieces, as well as some ideas to take your athleisure to a new level.

First up, because this cute face deserves to be first, the most darling athletic set for those back to school kiddos.

Can you even with this darling Nike set? My girl is the next US Women’s Soccer  team member in her mind, and she has to dress the part! 
This cute little number is perfect for the hot temperatures and an active little one. Kohl’s has TONS of athletic sets similar to this to choose from for all your kids!

My all time favorite shoes for kids, hands down, are these Nike Flex runners. They’re light weight, and pair well with just about anything! The best part? They’re so easy to get on and off. When you’re a kid on the go, quick shoes are essential. Plus, they come in lots of fun colors and styles HERE!  
I love the grey and pink combo!

Now let’s talk about a few ways to dress up YOUR athleisure.

Every wardrobe needs a solid, quality pair of black leggings. These Gaiam capri leggings are just that!
They compress, tuck, and aren’t sheer at all. I feel like I can move freely and not worry! They also wash well. 
I felt they run a tick small. I am a size 4/6 and the medium fit well!

A graphic tee pulls the look together!
Plus, isn’t this one super motivating? MAKE THINGS HAPPEN!
I paired it with a denim jacket around the waist. 
This serves two functions. One, my bum is covered effectively. Two, I can carry this outfit into Fall when layers are essential.

ACCESSORIZE!
There’s no better way to take an “athletic” outfit up a notch, than with accessories. I mean, when you think about it, accessories are money well spent. You can wear them over and over with a variety of outfits and you never grow out of them!

I grabbed this cute crossbody purse. Not only is it a dream when it comes to quality, but it is also the perfect size for when you’re on the go. I can fit all the essentials and even a diaper and small wipe package in it! I love that isn’t big and bulky. It’s a classic that will last  for years!

I also need to give a big shoutout to this gorgeous cuff bracelet. I’ll be honest, I’m not a huge jewelry lover. I like simple pieces that aren’t too “loud”. I prefer delicate pieces that stand on their own. This bracelet was a total winner. Unique, but classic.
I also had to snag these cute sunglasses. 
To, you know, hide the inevitable dark circles. 

Let’s talk shoes. 

I absolutely fell in LOVE with these Nike Legend Cross Trainers.
Can you EVEN with that touch of leopard?
They’ve gone in and out of stock this month, but they also come in a ton of other fun colors and some prints!
They’re CRAZY comfortable too!


I also snagged this oversized, but short sleeve hoodie. 
I feel like it’s the perfect transition top from Summer to Fall.
Plus, I’m not going to lie, it’s crazy soft inside. Butter soft. 

Great finds right? 
I love athleisure, but it’s nice to be able to fancy it up just a bit with a few fun touches. 
Plus, Kohl’s has such fun picks for me AND the kiddos!
It’s one stop shopping for Summer, Back to School and Fall.

The post Active Styles to Live and Play In appeared first on How Does She.