Our Peach Puff Pastry recipe with an irresistible homemade glaze is delicious and so quick & easy to make! It’s made using peaches and puff pastry sheets. They are sure to be a family favorite...
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Today, as I’m listening to my kids fight over who took the last cookie in the jar and who put their stinky foot in so-and-so’s face on purpose…I sink into my pile of laundry and think of the four eternally long weeks still ahead until school starts.
It’s officially the summer slump and we’re all feeling it.
At this point, it’s the halfway point of the ultimate parenting marathon and I don’t know about you, but I’ve got some major side stitches and leg cramps going on right now. To get past the summer slump, here are some great ideas to try.
Most of the time, just a change of scenery is all it takes to hit refresh and turn “boredom behavior” around. Here are some cheap and easy activities you can do to break the day up:
Instead of buying all their back-to-school clothes and supplies, let your kids earn them. It’s so good for kids to earn their own money and then learn how to manage it. Here are some money-earning ideas that can eat up a great chunk of summer:
Giving kids a focus and a purpose for a few days is a great idea. Give them projects that can spark their creativity or hone in on their organization skills. Some ideas to get you through the summer slump are:
When my kids are about to drive me insane, I try to think of all the things I love about them. I look at them individually and think of all their amazing qualities. Remembering that we’ve all been cooped up together for the past six weeks helps me cut them some slack.
Get with a friend or group of friends and initiate a playdate swap schedule. It will give you a few hours a week of much-needed peace and sanity, plus the kids will have fun with friends.
Break up the summer slump with one final hurrah—an activity that you can put on the calendar to look forward to. It can be as simple as camping in your back yard or visiting a nearby state park. Mark it as the final event of summer to make it feel special and bring closure to a fantastic summer.
Sometimes the only way to maintain your sanity during the summer slump is to rally your pals. Go to a movie, go out to dinner, or head to the pool sans kids. When you’ve been around kids all summer long, it’s important to get in some adult-only time too.
This is one of my favorite things to do with my kids and they become treasures to look back on. A few times a year, I video interview each of my kids on my phone. I have interviews dating back to when they were toddlers. At the end of summer, pull in your kids and ask them a few questions or have them tell you a few stories about their summer highlights. You could ask:
With the finish line in sight, end the summer strong with some back-to-school hype. Go back to school shopping, have a fashion show, or try some of these fun back-to-school traditions!
So if you’ve stopped to catch your breath along the summer vacation trail, don’t worry, you are not alone. There are thousands of us right there with you. Pull up a boulder, grab a drink, and then let’s get up again and finish this race.
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***This post is sponsored by Walmart and RewardStyle, but all opinions are our own. We really love and shop Walmart year round – but especially for back to school!***
Those three words not only produce deep groans and dread from the kids, but sometimes, the PARENTS!
I’m not going to lie, I LOVE the carefree days of Summer.
Little to no schedule. Days spent in the park and at the pool. Vacations.
It’s a dream….that is until about August 1 when my kids inevitably start bickering and I once again see the need for structure and routine.
One thing that SHOULD NOT be stressful for any parent of a kiddo is back to school shopping.
With 5 kids, making sure everyone has what they need for the new school year can create some angst. I have to find a LOT of shoes for a LOT of little feet. That’s why I’m so grateful for Walmart! I can not tell you how many good things I’ve found there lately and how easy they make it for even our big family to shop!
Here are a few reasons I LOVE to shop Walmart year round (but especially at back to school time!)
First, it’s one stop shopping that I don’t even have to leave my house for if I don’t want to. Literally, I can order everything I need online and a few clicks later, it’s going to show up on my door in 2 days! No crazy dressing room drama!
Second, I’m so impressed by Walmart’s fashion choices! Even my pickiest daughters are able to find just what they love and reflects their individual style.
Lastly, the value is fantastic. Outfitting an entire family can get pricey, and Walmart keeps it within my budget.
Take a peek at some of my favorite picks for back to school!
1. BACKPACKS
It doesn’t matter where your kiddo goes to school, they’re going to need a backpack. Whether they’re just starting at and need a little one to just carry their show and tell to preschool or packing it full of heavy textbooks, a quality backpack is a back to school essential.
My older twins are entering a stage when EVERYTHING is a fashion statement, and they want a “cool” backpack that reflect their individuality. They loved the fun choices at Walmart! From a sequin star style to rocking the unicorn, there really were some fun choices. Plus, I was happy with the quality and the price!
How is it possible that kids go through shoes as fast as they do? I swear their feet grow overnight! Not to mention hours spent on the playground always seem to wear them out just a little faster. I’m a big fan of the style and quality of kids’ shoes at Walmart. I have seen so many styles there lately that are almost exactly like the pricier brand names and the best part is? They LAST!
So many of them I want in MY size!
Star athletic shoes/Ruffle slip ons/quilted slip ons
This one is a no brainer. Walmart is killing it in the kids’ clothing departments. One thing I have to note is the fact I found darling things for ALL my kids – in a range of sizes and styles. Sometimes, I’m able to find the perfect things for my 4 year old, but it can be difficult for my older kids! This is NOT the case when I shop Walmart. They truly have great picks for all sizes, shapes, and styles of kid!
Let me show you what I’m talking about!
This henley striped top with a great flat front short is perfect for my 12 year old! He likes sports and his clothes have to be comfortable so he can keep up at recess. I loved this basic set that screamed “classic comfort”.
My 9 year old twins are as different as night and day and constantly wanting to express individual style.
They were pumped to find outfits that worked for each of them and I was pumped to find things that fit their soon to be tween expectations!
(Can you tell which one likes to dress up a little more?)
Denim Dress/ Striped embellished tee/jeggings
And finally, let’s not leave the littlest ones out!
(That little blond boy leaves me for Kindergarten this year and my heart can hardly stand it!)
I really liked that there were lots of outfit SETS available in littler sizes like this darling top and embroidered jeggings.
I feel like sets are SO much easier when dressing a little one, and often enables them to dress themselves easier too!
Phew. Are you tired yet?
That’s a LOT of kids to outfit!
That’s why I’m so grateful for how easy Walmart makes the process.
Did I mention I ordered ALL this online and it arrived on my door step in 2 days?
And here’s another miracle…IT ALL FIT!
It doesn’t get any easier, or cuter, than shopping at Walmart.
Plus, because it saved me so much time by being my one stop shopping destination, I have more time to spend with these cute faces before they head back to the daily grind.
Happy Back to School Season!
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Traveling with children. Do those words make you smile at the thought of family togetherness and long-last memories or cringe at the idea of fighting siblings and screaming babies on airplanes? It can be an experience with good and bad moments, but we have gathered some of your best tips and products (from our Facebook page) to make the trips a little more organized, and a lot more enjoyable.
Recently, our family of 4 kids 5 and under, traveled cross country to Florida. I’m not sure what inspired this madness.
Are we crazy? Perhaps.
Were a few tears shed? Of course.
Did we have the TIME OF OUR LIVES? Without a doubt.
Let it be known, whether a big trip across the ocean or a small trip to a local get-away, these tips are valuable, and approved by our board of experts, YOU!
If you have any of your own to add, PLEASE do so in the comments.
Easily, the most important tip for traveling with kids. My favorite idea (and yours!) was submitted on our Facebook page. Divide up childrens’ clothing into large freezer bags and label. I can not tell you how much help this was. It was easier to pack, and I didn’t have 50 million loose little kids’ clothes flying around my suitcase. Also, it saved time when we were rushing to get out the door to start the fun! My kids were able to find their bag thanks to the darling labels from MABEL’S LABELS (go check them out, super cute and handy!), and pick out a shirt and pants for each day. I loved not having to micro manage.
Another helpful tip from our readers, if you have girls, attach their bows TO their outfits. This way, they’re easy to find and organize! One suggestion I would add, do a separate bag with PJ’s and undies.
You could also use these awesome packing cubes. They fit nicely into a suitcase and you can fit a lot more in them, more neatly than just freezer bags.
So many times, I found my kids fighting over who got to hold what, or what books to bring. My own backpack was overflowing with all THEIR stuff. WHERE WAS I SUPPOSED TO PUT MY DIET COKE STASH? 😉 This go-around, a reader suggested getting each kid their own backpack or “area”. Oh my word, this was so helpful. They felt a “part” of the packing, and were able to put what they wanted in it. I was able to supply each kid with essentials – like an extra outfit (just in case), and a few snacks. The best part? They had a new found sense of independence. This meant I wasn’t having to dig out 3 million things to the beautiful chorus of “MOMMMMMMYYYY, I NEEED……”. Tell me you know what I’m talking about.
These cute backpacks from Personal Creations are the perfect size for smaller kids (my daughter is 3). I love that they are personalized and the quality is great. Plus, they have the most darling designs and colors. They also have really fun rolling backpacks that are the perfect carry-on option! You can customize with a whole name, or, just an initial or monogram. I love the options you have.
NOTE: Some readers did express concern with safety since her name is on the backpack. This was not a worry of mine since my girls are not in school yet. However, during travel, I did cover their names with masking tape. This is a good idea for safety! 🙂
I don’t want to negative Nancy, but, it goes without saying, stuff happens. Kids pee their pants. Flights get delayed. Copies of birth certificates get lost. You know the drill. (All of those things happened on our trip – of course.) Prepare yourself. Have extra outfits easily accessible. Be sure you have plenty for kids to do in case of a flight delay (aka don’t put everything in your checked luggage). Make extra copies of your paperwork. Preparation helps lessen the stress when unplanned things occur.
Oh man, was this difficult for me. I seriously OVER pack. This trip, I took readers’ advice and didn’t overdo it. I mean, 3 year olds don’t need 5 pairs of shoes each, RIGHT? I took ONE pair each. These well loved tennis shoes. It was the sort of trip where this worked – but obviously that’s not always the case. Do the best you can. Consider using hotel or condo washers/dryers to reuse clothes. Look into RENTING carseats, strollers, and pack and plays. And, as my husband reminds me constantly, “They do have stores EVERYWHERE, Andrea.” If you do forget something, just go buy it :0. I wish we had packed even less. It was difficult to juggle 4 kids and all our luggage/gear.
PS. Yes, I even label our shoes. This helped in security….and for me, all week since I have twins who are the same size. 🙂 These cute shoe labels are also from Mabels Labels. Perfect for daycare too!
I think we all worry about this, but perhaps even more when we’re in a new area or somewhere with big crowds. We had a couple “heart attack moments” when a kid just stepped a few feet away, but had us terrified. I was so grateful for these ID bracelets. I knew, if anything (heaven forbid) were to happen, they’d at least be able to get a hold of us. These came in a big pack from Mabel’s Labels. I’m seriously going to use them everywhere just for MY peace of mind! (Oh, and no one call my husband please haha)
Another idea a reader had was to take a picture each day before leaving. This way, if someone were to get lost you could REMEMBER what they were wearing that day. Can you even remember what your kid wore today? I struggle and that picture would be essential.
Obviously, we all know we need things to keep kiddos busy on the airplane, in the car, and even while waiting. I’m not afraid to let my kids watch a lot more movies/tv than they would at home. Desperate times call for desperate measures. Yet, there are many resources and products out there to encourage brain power during these times. Here are a few reader suggestions, a few of which were huge hits on our trip!
This game is super compact and simple but kept my kids busy for hours. There’s several ways to play the game, so they never got “tired” of it. We had TONS of people recommend this to us and it’s easy to see why. They have lots of different versions (think, FROZEN, animals, JAKE, sports etc.
The best way to explain these are “waxy pipe cleaners”. They stick a little, allowing the user to build and create. My 5 year old was all about these little guys. They were not messy and easy to get out on the airplane tray table. I would suggest getting a few boxes so they can build more structures.
I forgot this in the car on this trip. HORROR STORY. Seriously, this baby is a life saver. It allows your hook up to 5 headphones up to a device. Hello, peace!
These are special “watercolors” that allow you to paint with a water pen. The color magically appears and then the water dries, the color disappears and you can reuse over and over. Kids LOVE it!
I’m a penny pincher. I could write a whole other post about saving money on vacation, but a few short tips will do for now. Consider using sources like Living Social for coupons on food and deals on activities. If you have to eat out, you might as well save a few bucks. Plus, you can do awesome things like zip lining and go cart racing when you find deals on activities.
If you’re doing anything DISNEY or theme park influenced, you can get LEGIT discount tickets through THIS website.We got our tickets there and had a fantastic experience, plus, saved some money!
Also, consider staying at a condo or vacation rental instead of a hotel. I thought I was saving lots on a hotel found via a discount “name your price” website, but then, I went to a few vacation rental sites (VRBO, FlipKey etc) and found our 3 bedroom HUGE condo for HALF the price of hotels. (If you’re doing Disney World, consider using this company. Not sponsored. Just loved them. It was so much more comfortable and we could do things like eat breakfast from home.
As much as we try, things can’t and don’t always go PERFECTLY. Planning ahead, staying organized and buying the right products will totally help, but what helps the most is just remembering that these memories will last forever. Enjoy yourself!
Let’s not discuss those photos from last years vacation STILL on your hard drive. Document those memories sister! Those pictures and stories will be treasures to you and your family in the years to come. Here are a few options:
I tend to take all my videos with my phone so when I found this service, I was thrilled.
QuickFlics is a fabulous app you can take all your videos and instantly upload onto a DVD. They ship the DVD to you super fast and Voila…instant hard copies of memories. You’ll love to watch these over and over. PLUS QuickFlics is hooking you UP this vaca and is giving ALL our HDS readers a
(first one) for just the cost of shipping ($3.99). Just use code “HOWDOESSHE“. Or take all those photos and make them into BOOKS!
Chatbooks is a great option if Instagram is your thing. Chatbooks is an app that will take your Instagram pictures and automatically create 60 page books each month, for only $6.
BEST PART?
Just download the Chatbooks app HERE or from you phone and use code
“HOWDO213”
I hope these few tips help you some!
Do you have any tips of your own you’d like to add to the discussion?
PLEASE comment. We love when you share your ideas with us!
And I wish you “BON VOYAGE”, as you embark on your own adventures, big or small with your sweet families!
(Post contains affiliate links)
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Apple season is so close that we can almost taste it! 🍏🍎When it comes to autumn, I look forward to the wonderful smells, like apple cinnamon and pumpkin spice, as well as the beautiful decor....
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The future holds some exciting new trends and if you want to get ahead of the game, check out what’s going to be hot in 2020. These food, fashion, home, and baby name crazes are sure to rise to the top.
Baby names are often influenced by popular culture, but what is certain, is that unique names are trumping traditional names like John and Kate. Here are a few that may well be trending in the new decade:
As always, the best trends are the ones you blaze yourself, so if these 2020 trend styles aren’t ringing true, go make some that do.
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UTV plowing deep snow How much snow can a UTV push? Let's see if it can plow 8" of heavy wet snow on long runs over a gravel drive...
