Hey y'all!

Have you ever wondered "how can I make hair gel?" or " how can I make natural hair products?"? Then look no further! I have found the best recipe for the best, natural hair gel.. EVER!

Growing up, I always struggled with my hair. I didn't know what to put in it, how to style it or really anything. But as I got older, the internet became more and more relevant for finding out information. Yes.. I'm that old! After many trial and errors, I found products I loved and products that treated my hair accordingly.

However.

Now that I have 3 girls with  a ton of hair, hair products leave this house as quickly as they come in! So, once again I was determined to use the good ol' internet to find ways that I could keep all of our hair healthy and maintained without going broke!

Thankfully, I found this...



Now....the REAL reason you clicked this post/pin/link!

 You want to know just what is the best natural hair gel EVER! No I am not overselling this or trying to set you up for failure. I truly love, love, LOVE this hair gel. I love this diy hair gel for a few reasons but to keep this short, sweet and to the point, I will give you my top 2!

#1. It's easy! Making this natural hair gel is probably easier than buttering toast. I'm what you would call a "Wannabe -I -Yer". I love making things and being creative but my hands just can't always execute lol. This DIY however is easy enough that even I can do it. I was even actually able to teach my 12 and 10 year old how to do it!

#2. IT'S STUPID CHEAP! This natural hair gel costs less than a latte and can last for what seems like months. Between my girls and I, I make about 1 batch that will last roughly a week and a half. And we have a ton of hair! I forget the actual break down of the gel once it's made but I know it costs less than a dollar a batch.

So, now you know two reasons why I love this diy natural hair gel! Now, let's get you set to make your own!

You only need two ingredients for this hair gel but essential oils are optional and can be added as well!

Hey y'all!

As Summer approaches, we are all likely to take more road trips. The kids are done with school, you have some time off or you just really need a summer break to that favorite beach you have been dreaming about all winter. Whatever the reason being, you will spend most of your time either flying or driving.

If you happen to be a family that prefers the road, then you know just how easy it is to load up on junk when you stop for gas or pass the 975,937,924,345th fast food joint! We all know they harbor some of our favorite indulges and they are super convenient. But when you are on the road for hours and sometimes days, it can be a bit much. You definitely start to feel it as the day goes on and the more junk you take in.


My family takes about 3 road trips a year, each one lasting a grueling 5-8 hours or more. My longest was 22 hours and let's just say... I didn't want to return home because it was such a long drive lol.
Much like clock work, the moment you hit the road someone yells out " I'm Hungry!" and then it all goes downhill from there.

So, as my family and I prepare for another road trip, I wanted to share with y'all some of the best and healthy snacks for a road trip!

When you think about healthy snacks for kids, your mind may start to spin with many different factors. " Are they really good?" " Are they cost effective?" " Are they fulfilling to my kids?" "What do I want?" .

This list of the best and healthy snacks for road trips are some of our favorites and can be purchased at Aldi, Target, Walmart and of course your local grocery store.

1. Pretzel Slims- I make sure I add these babies to our road trip snack lineup all the time! The kids can snack on a few slims by themselves or pair them with some of the other snacks.

2. Grapes- Fresh, clean grapes are perfect for the road. They are easy to store and don't produce much waste so clean up is a breeze. Going to be hot out? Pop them in the freezer for a cool treat!

3. Carrots- Like the grapes, carrots are also a zero waste snack and super healthy!

4. Bananas- Bananas can be a bit messy if not handled with care and if the peels are not disposed of properly. Just ask my backseat from 2014. I make sure to stock up on these because they are very fulfilling and are mostly under 40 cents a pound!

5. Pop Corn- Popcorn is definitely one of the messiest thing on this list, I mean it can get everywhere! However, popcorn is low in calories and a great healthy snack for a road trip!

6. Frozen Yogurt- Yogurt tubes are the best, especially when they are frozen!

7. DIY Lunchables- Whenever we have long road trips, I always try to plan ahead and make lunchables with deli turkey, cheese and crackers. Then I grab a few choices from the ones above or below.

8. Banana/ Oat cookies- These are some of the healthiest cookies you will ever get. 2 bananas, 1 cup of oats, peanut butter and chocolate chips! They are the perfect balance of healthy and sweet! The perfect healthy road trip snack for kids!


9. Snack bars (larabar, kind, clif etc)-Packing a few of these bars are great for in between meal times.

10. Chicken Salad- Since my kids are older, I can trust them with a container of chicken salad in the car along with some crackers for lunch. If you have smaller ones, you can pre make the chicken salad and make individual sandwiches beforehand or, if you plan on taking small breaks outside of gas and restrooms, you can dish it up then!

11. Apple Slices- You can either cut your own or buy them pre sliced, either way these are great! Every now and then, I'll spring for the ones that are pre sliced with a serving of peanut butter!

12. Celery- This is definitely my least favorite of the list! Celery however is another great, mess free road trip snack!

13. Cheese sticks/cubes- Cheese is one of my favorite road trip snacks! Cheese is a fulfilling and healthy road trip snack for kids and adults.


14. Pre made salads- I love a cool fresh salad. PERIOD! A salad is a great healthy road trip snack for adults.

15. Nuts- My Thai has been all about cashews lately... but nuts like almonds, pistachios and so on are some of the best, healthy road trips snacks, EVER!


16. Veggie Straws- My kids are huge salty snack people. So to limit the amount of junk but still satisfy their cravings, I opt for veggie straws or veggie chips!

17. Boiled Eggs- Eggs are full of protein and if you are like me ( an egg lover) then you will definitely want to add these to your healthy snack arsenal.


18. Rice Cakes- Another one of our favorite healthy road trip snacks, or really any time, is rice cakes! The ones from Aldi are an absolute fave! My kiddos opt for the caramel flavored ones!

I hope this list was able to give you some inspiration for your next road trip! What are your favorite healthy road trip snacks? Let me know in the comments below!

Hey y'all!

Today I have a joke for you, well more like a riddle. How much money will you spend on your kids stomachs until the day you die?

Don't know?

How about 95% of your lifetime income!

Just kidding... but it is a lot! As kids grow, their stomachs do too but our wallets pretty much stay the same so that makes doing simple things like going out to eat a challenge for most families. Especially when you have more than one kid and a sprinkle of growing boys in there. My son literally eats 3/4 of what my husband does and he is only 8! I don't even know where it all goes TBH. My son is just as skinny as he was when he was two!

So, in order to still do special things ( like go out to eat) with my whole crew I started to search for the best places in Dallas where kids eat free ( or super cheap).

As with any listicle, this is something that I will add to, take from or prices will change. So make sure you call ahead to check the prices, days or even if it is still offered.

I will do my BEST to keep this post up to date for you!

So now, check out this list of places where kids eat free in Dallas!

**note, to avoid repeats, some places offer more than on day, that will be noted next to the restaurant**

Sunday
McAlister's Deli 
Kids 12 and under eat for only $1.99 daily (extra for takeout)
FreeBirds 
Kids eat free every sunday with the purchase of an adult entree ( regular kids meal $4)
Dickey's
Kids 12 and under eat free every sunday with the purchase of an adult entree
Firehouse Subs
Kids 12 and under eat free! ( Day + time vary by each location)
Cafe Brazil
Kids 12 and under eat free from 5pm-10pm Sunday- Thursday)
Golden Corral
Kids under 3 eat free daily, other discounts for kids vary on location and day.
Habaneros Fresh Mex Cantina
Kids eat free all day with the purchase of an adult entree
JC's Burger House
Kids eat free on various days. Check with the one closest to you for more info.
Modern Market
Kids eat free from 5pm- close (Also on Monday)
Woody's Sports Restaurant
Kids eat free Sunday- Thursday with the purchase of an adult entree. Plus Woody's has free arcade games!
Slim Chickens
Kids eat free with the purchase of adult entree

Monday
Fuddruckers
Kids meals are only $1.99 every Monday from 4pm-close with the purchase of adult entree
Mexican Bar Company
Kids 10 and under eat free (all day)
Cowboy Chicken
Kids 10 and under eat free from 4pm-close
Paula Deen's Family Kitchen
Every Monday (and Tuesday) kids eat free with the purchase of adult entree!
Posado's Cafe
Kids 10 and under eat free every Monday with every adult entree purchased.
Swirl Bakery
Free kid’s meal all day with purchase of an adult entree for kids 12 and younger.
The String Bean
Kids eat free on Mondays with adult purchase!
Big Al's Smokehouse
Kids 12 and under eat free after 5pm.
Poke Bop
Kids eat free every Monday- Thursday.
Unleavened Fresh Kitchen
Kids eat free everyday after 4!
Papa Lopez Mexican Cantina
Kids eat free on every Monday (also on Tuesday)
Paradise Bakery & Cafe
Kids eat free Monday & Tuesday 4pm- close!

Tuesday
Denny's
Kids eat free on Tuesdays from 4pm-10pm
El Corazon de Tejas
Kids 12 and under get a free kids meal for every adult meal purchase on Tuesdays.
Luna Grill
Kids eat free every tuesday from 4pm-close.
Pluckers
Kids under 12 eat free every tuesday
Texadelphia
Kids eat free every Tuesday.


Wednesday
Braindead Brewing
Kids 12 and under eat free from 4-10pm with the purchase of adult entree.
Colter's BBQ
Kids eat free every Wednesday with the purchase of an adult meal
Kyoto Japanese Steak House
Every Wednesday, kids 12 and under eat free with the purchase of an adult entree.
Mattito's
Kids eat free after 5pm with the purchase of an adult entree.
Penne Pomodoro
Every Wednesday, kids eat free with the purchase of an adult meal ( 2 per adult)

Thursday
Beto's Mexican Restaurant
Every Thursday, kids eat
Ihop
Kids 12 and under eat free from 4-10pm
El Chico Cafe
Kids eat for 99¢ ALL DAY

Friday
Texas De Brazil
Kids 2 and under are free, 3-5 are $5 and 6-12 are half price!
Highland Park Cafe
Kids 12 and under eat free after 4:30

Saturday
Baker Bros American Deli
Kids eat free with purchase of adult entree (Sunday also)

As always, this list will be evergoing so make sure you bookmark it check back often for new or updated restaurants! 

Hey y'all,

I have officially reached a new era in this this thing called motherhood. My baby, the youngest, my little chunky butt is officially 6 and no longer a "preschool" aged little girl! She is now officially a "school aged" little girl.


Side bar- I find that those age titles are a little "off" since Italy has been in (home)school since 4.

Anyway, as I continue with this tradition of documenting their growth, I feel like I am never really able to capture them just as they are. A camera can only see what is presented to it.. not their silly responses or their warmth of a hug. So, I really hope that this little yearly post on their birthdays will remind them and myself just how awesome they were at this age!

Italy is our last baby, she was a mess of cuteness the moment she arrived! I honestly wasn't the happiest person when I found out I was pregnant with her. I had just lost over 100 lbs after having Baltimore, I was finally doing well in school and I felt like I had parenting down. Then here she comes lol, my wild child!

Even though Italy was a surprise and I was not ready for her... I wouldn't have had it any other way! Through that pregnancy I gained what I consider one of my best friends... who just so happened to be due a few days after Italy! Talk about God working in mysterious ways!

When I was pregnant with Italy, I suffered from a lot of dehydration, morning sickness. I consumed so much ginger (ale, snaps, fresh & powder) that still can not stand it to this day! She definitely put me through the ringer before she was born!

But that's who she is!

Italy is always the one that makes her siblings laugh, whether it's with her or at her. She definitely has inherited her father's sense of humor and for that I am thankful!

So.... This is 6!


1. What is your favorite color? Pink
2. What is your favorite Food? Uh like dinner or something? Maccaroni?!
3. What is your favorite show or movie? Ninjago.... I don't know!
4. What is your favorite activity? Playing games. Just like building and stuff.. i don't know.
5. What is your favorite subject? Science
6. What do you think 6 will be like? Umm getting older or something?!

Italy, Mommy & Daddy love you so much! Your smile always brightens our day and your silly personality makes us laugh uncontrollably! We are so lucky that God had decided to give you to us! We are so proud of your growth and the love that you share with others! Happy Birthday little Italy Whitaly!

Hey y'all!

So let me tell you a little secret about me. I am a plus size woman! Whew.. now that that's outta the bag we can go home.... ( kidding). Yes, I am plus sized and as much I would like to say " I love the way I look" that would be a flat out lie.

The truth is, a lot of women (plus size or not) have issues with their bodies and how clothing contributes to our insecurities. We tend to constantly live in fear of how something makes us look or if it flatters your figure.

Growing up, I was always told I couldn't wear stripes or heard someone say "Big people can't wear stripes", or "Stripes make you look wider than you actually are!". While patterns can alter the way we see shapes and it can give off the illusion of multiple angles or inaccurate distances, plus size women can wear stripes! If you are a plus size woman there are plenty of ways to rock stripes so don't ever feel like you can't!

I for one have always struggled with clothing and how it looks on me, even when I lost over 100 pounds. It wasn't until this past Spring that I finally pulled the trigger and bought a striped dress. Well, actually my husband was the one that badgered me to get it. He loved the colors and he thought they would look great on me. So after a quick back and forth I gave in and said I would wear it.

It took me about two weeks to actually put the dress on and get in front of a camera and I am actually glad I did! My striped dress is now one of my favorites!

Now, on to the reason you are reading this post.... how to rock stripes when you are plus size!

1. Be confident- A lot of the time  we are the one that  thinks we look ridiculous when in actuality, we don't! Showing that you are confident in your stripes gives off a vibe of love and confidence! So, if you have to practice wearing them around the house do it and walk out feeling like a million bucks!

2. Go vertical- Since stripes can alter shapes, going vertical will make your plus size figure longer and leaner! I know a lot of women love to look taller, especially with their legs!

3. Pair with a solid- Sometimes, going full stripe takes time. So, if you are someone that needs to test the waters first before going head first try pairing a solid color top with a pair of stripe pants or a strip top with a solid skirt. There are many different ways to mix it up so don't be afraid to try different looks.

4. Go black and white- We all know black is pretty slimming and white can accentuate so wearing black and white stripes will not only slim but the white will enhance those curves giving you an amazing figure!

5. Layers- If you prefer horizontal stripes but aren't a fan of how they look on you, layer up with kimono, cardigan or duster. Adding a layer on top whether it's solid or a print can also add a dimension to your look and give you a bomb outfit and be beyond flattering.


6. Add a POP of color- Along with wearing black and white stripes, a pop of color can definitely draw the eye to a an area you would much rather be the focus. Our eyes tend to go straight towards the obvious odd color. Try adding a bright color in your top, pants or dress!

Hey y'all!

Guys, springtime is always a bitter sweet time for me, I have the Spring Holy Days, which I love, and everyone has a birthday which I don't love! Seriously, 66% of my family have birthdays that not only seem to happen right after one another they seem to come a lot quicker these days. I mean can I recover from the first kids birthday already?!

Each year the kids birthdays seem to get harder and harder for me. I had my children close in age which I had planned on, but having them so close in the year.. I DID NOT! Last year, Thai turned 10 and then a month later, Italy turned 5! Very big milestones in a kids life. Then you throw in two birthdays in between those, one being the big 3-0 and the other for the only boy... emotions are bound to erupt! The only birthday I can fully mentally prepare for is Phoenix's. Hers is so far down the year that I have time to recuperate and prepare for another child to grow up on me.

Well this birthday should come as no surprise to many of you, this birthday is for the boy! The only boy in our mini gang of kids.

My son is my heart and joy, the one who loves hugs more than anyone else and the one that looks up to his dad as if he was a super hero! My husband has had plenty of nicknames for Baltimore but one that has stuck (and Baltimore actually likes) is King #2. He loves that his father calls him that and also, he loves that his sisters look at him and respect him as King #2.

I on the other hand know that he will eventually grow up, get married and have a life of his own and that I will no longer be the number one woman in his life. AND THAT HURTS! Each birthday, I try to tell myself that no matter how old he gets, who his wife is and how many kids they have, that he will always be my baby boy.... just in a different stage of his life.

I have been blessed with my family and while at times I can't stand the boyish (ie nasty, stinky, weird and death defying) things my son does, I know that I am blessed!

So as I continue this tradition of making a blog post memory/keepsake, I want to wish my King #2 a happy birthday!

This is 8!


As you can see, Baltimore is a man of many words lol.

Baltimore, daddy and I love you more than you will ever know! We are so thankful that God has blessed us with a young man that not only loves his family and God's way of life, but also goes out of his way to show it! We are so proud of you and all that you have accomplished so far! WE LOVE YOU!

Hey y'all!

Whelp time has officially went into hyper speed and there are no signs of slowing down. My special baby is officially 11 years old today!

Did y'all know that the "tween age" actually starts at 9?! I mean who made that official???  I think I need to have a serious chat with them and their personal vendetta against emotional moms like myself! Having half of my litter enter into this tween/teen era has definitely dehydrated me more than once. lol

Thais first eyebrow threading!

But in all seriousness, my sweet baby Thai is now 11, and while there have been plenty.. and I mean PLENTY of battles that we have had to fight (her dad and I) we have always been blessed to be with her another day!

Thailand has "grown up" a lot since her last birthday which you can read about it HERE. Not only has she officially become a young woman physically, but she has also had to deal with more challenges and pressures as being an older sibling. I know she is thankful for her big sister to show her the ropes on a lot of things so thankfully that has only had a few minor mishaps!



So, I know y'all are just DYING to see how much she has changed sine last year lol! This is 11!

11. What do you think 11 will be like? I don't know.. more fun I guess?! Oh and lots of cleaning and chores to do.

Our weekly tradition!

Well she definitely knows what's in store for her as she continues to get older hahaha! Whelp folks, that's a wrap for this edition. As the year goes along we will be having more birthdays and milestones so make sure you keep up with my family and I on my socials! And if you haven't already, check out some of my older posts to see what we have been up to!