Hey y'all!

As the new school year starts to approach, I have begun planning, sorting, over thinking and doing everything possible to "feel productive"... meaning I have been pinning away ideas for this years lessons! Thankfully, we are able to homeschool with Youtube and it has been a great supplement!

I am pretty shocked as this is going to be our 4th year homeschooling! Thailand is starting her 6th grade year, Baltimore his 3rd and Italy is in 1st! Talk about a whirlwind! Back in 2016, I was literally in tears as the subject of homeschooling resurfaced. Mostly because the school Thailand was in at the time was absolutely AMAZING! All the teachers, students and the environment was like a dream. I was so sad to not only take her out but also move out of state, which was also a contributing factor as to why we started!

However.. here we are! To be honest, during the end of year 2 I found myself in love with it! I love the freedom it provided, the fact that my kids could control some of what they learned and that Thai could have the 1 on 1 time she needed with her work! It really became a part of our lives and we wouldn't want it any other way!

Want to know what curriculum we used? Check out our homeschool curriculum: Pre-K - 4th here!


Now, on to the reason you are reading this, you want to know the best youtube channels for homeschooling! Homeschooling is not just workbooks, lesson plans and extra curriculars. Like PS, the teacher gets sick from time to time and they need to phone a sub... in a HS case, the sub is YouTube! So, to make your search a little easier, I have compiled a list of our favorite YouTube channels for homeschooling!

1.Homeschool Pop- Homeschool Pop is definitely my go to channel! I love that it covers a wide variety of topics and it even has grade level playlists! Homeschool Pop is channel that has comprehensive and fun videos!


2.Art for Kids Hub- Art for Kids Hub is a great channel to supplement your homeschool art class! They have a wide variety of fun, colorful and easy to follow videos. They are a great choice for your art lover!

3.Free School- Like Homeschool Pop, Free School covers a wide variety of subjects that will fit right into your homeschool curriculum! I really love their Famous Artists for Kids playlist!

4.Free School Early Birds- We haven't used Free School Early Birds yet but after seeing a few videos, I think it's safe to say it is awesome! This channel is meant for Pre-K learners but it has great videos on animals and stories older kids will enjoy as well.

5.KidsHealth.org  (how the body works)- The Kids Health How the Body Works series is my absolute favorite health/science channel! The HTBW videos are around 4-7 minutes and are fun and adventurous! Join Chloe and the Nurb as they travel through the body to show you how it works!

6.Ted-ED- If you have heard of Ted Talks, then Ted- Ed should be on your list as well! Ted-Ed is great for older kids and focuses on history, nature, math and even riddles! Ted-Ed videos will be making their debut in our household this school year!

7.Fun Science Demos - Have a future scientist or one that doesn't want anything to do with it? Fun Science Demos is a fantastic YouTube channel that explores science in a fun, visual way in under 10 minutes!

8. 20 Online (kids workouts)- Need a way to keep active while homeschooling? Check out 20 Online! This Youtube channel has kids 20 minute workout videos! They only have a few videos but these can be rotated daily or a few times a week!

MoveToLearn

9. MovetoLearnMS (Dancing)- Move To Learn has tons of fun videos you and your kids can get moving to! They have simple dances you can learn, learning while moving videos and exercise videos!

10.Crash Course Kids- CC Kids is a cute and entertaining YouTube channel for homeschooling! They cover topics like gravity, properties of matter, life science and more! Have an older kid? Check out the original Crash Course YouTube channel for literature, history and more!

11. National Geographic Kids- Nat Geo Kids is another great YouTube channel for homeschooling! Their videos cover animals from all over the world.. above and below!

12. 5 Minute Crafts KIDS- Some of these crafts on this YouTube channel do require assistance if you have younger kiddos. They cover DIYs, hacks and experiments!

13. Books Read Aloud For Children- We all know just how important reading to your child is so that makes this YouTube channel a definite must have for homeschooling! Books Read Aloud has a variety of books read aloud for your kiddo.. including classics like Goodnight Moon!


There are millions of channels on Youtube and I know there are even more great Youtube channels for homeschooling! What are some of your favorites? Let me know in the comments below!

Hey y'all!

What's the one thing you and pretty much every woman hates the most about new shoes? That's right... the pinching, the squishing, the aching and every other painful and uncomfortable feeling those beautiful things create!

But what if there was a way to " break them in" before you even stepped foot out the door? What if you could whip out those favorite pair of shoes that your foot maybe got a little to big for ( like me, thanks kids lol). Thanks to this life changing hack, you will be able to stretch your high heels quickly!
This simple hack will not only have you dancing in your new shoes, but dancing in them comfortably. :)

After having Italy, I gained back a lot of my weight and a lot of it went to my feet as well. Ever since then I have struggled with shoes of all types, especially high heels!

Stretching your high heels allows you to relieve some of the discomfort that comes along with new shoes or any tightness that occurs. Not to mention it is super simple as well!


You can literally do this anywhere with only a few items from around the house. All you need to stretch your high heels are two pairs of socks, your pair of high heels and a hair dryer! That's right.. a HAIR DRYER! Super long list I know lol.



There are two ways you can use the socks. One being you can put both pair of socks on your feet and then try to squeeze your feet into your shoes or you can roll each pair into a seperate ball. I prefer to roll them!

The best way to roll them in my opinion is to fold them into 3's with the toes being last. I don't know it it's just my socks, but they seem to have some sort of "cap" that holds them into place.



Next, if you are rolling the socks, take them and stuff them into the front of your high heels. For this tutorial, I am using my newest* heels. The straps across my toes pinch my baby toe and it is completely painful!



Then, taking your hairdryer, heat all the areas that you are wanting to stretch. Make sure you focus on the areas that hurt the most! Heat the areas in increments of about 5 minutes then take out the socks and try them on. If you are satisfied with the comfort then that's it! If they are still a bit snug, add the socks and heat again.



Finally, once you are done stretching your high heels, you will be able to walk in confidence... comfortably!

Unfortunately, I forgot to snap a before photo so there was really no point in showing an after one! I can't believe I forgot so please forgive me.

Have you ever tried to stretch your high heels? Will you try this? Let me know in the comments below!

Hey y'all!

Today, I want to talk about something a little different. Marriage and the things I wish I knew before getting married! I usually stay away from the topic of marriage because I personally don't feel like having my marriage showcased for the whole world to see. I feel like somethings are meant to stay private and to me, marriage is one of those things.

However, I DON'T mind sharing some of the things that I have learned in my (almost) 13 years of marriage.

So really quick, a little history lesson about my husband and I! If you don't know us then you may be shocked to learn that we got married at the young, tender ages of 20 and 18. Yes.. 20 and 18!
We met when I was only 16 and we never dated until I was 18. Somewhere in between that time frame, we lost contact and reconnected shortly after my 18th birthday.
A lot of people thought we married each other randomly outta the blue or that we wouldn't last, but we knew where we wanted to go in life and we knew it was no accident that our lives crossed paths again.

God clearly had plans for us that we couldn't see!


While I was wrapped up in the thought of marrying the man of my dreams, there were some things I didn't know... if I had, I definitely would have been a better wife, friend, parent and so on.

So, if you plan on getting married, are newly married or just as seasoned as I am take a look at some of the things I wish I would have known before getting married and hopefully they can help you a well.

1.Marriage is not 50/50- When it comes to marriage, I'm pretty sure someone has always told you that it is 50/50. Well after years of experience lol, I am here to tell you it's not! Marriage is actually 100/100! You have to be willing to commit 100% when you are married. Being present emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually is really only beneficial when you are giving your spouse 100% of you!
Which brings me to my next point...

2.Baggage will always be present- Weather you like it or not, your spouse had a history.. long before y'all met! Depending on how you look at it, baggage can either be a good thing or a bad thing. Thinking about all the issues, people, and experiences your spouse went through before you, has made them who they are... and if you're married, I think it's safe to say you love them! Accepting the baggage will strengthen your bond more than you might think!

3. Your spouse is also your best friend-Yes I know this is obvious, but back when I was 18.. I didn't even think about my husband being my friend. To me a friend was one of my girls I grew up with or someone I would swap pregnancy stories with. I thought the friendship title was only reserved for someone I wasn't married to. Thankfully, I realized sooner than later that my husband was my best friend. We talked about how he made me feel, how the kids made me feel, how other people made me feel, my dreams, my fears, bought me chocolate, watched chick flicks and supplied me with wine when I had a bad day! If that's not a best friend... then I don't know what one is!

4.Your Spouse is more important than your kids- This may be an unpopular one, but I truly feel that your spouse is more important than your kids, meaning that they should come first. Hear me out first! When you and your spouse are happy, getting along and showing what real love looks like, your kids in return will be happy, getting  long and show you real love as well. You and your spouse have to be one in order to parent your kid peacefully and lovingly.

5.It's ok to ask for permission- I'm a firm believer in respect and while some people may view asking your spouse for permission as a form of being " controlling" or "getting in ones business".. I think it shows that you  are considerate. I think when you ask your spouse "is it ok if..", "Can I go with..." or "Do you mind if.." you are reassuring yourself that you are not overbooking yourself, forgetting plans y'all made and showing that you care about them and what makes them comfortable. What if your spouse doesn't like someone that you know because they always bring you down? What if they had something special planned for later? What if y'all planned on finishing a project Sunday afternoon but you forgot and were off at brunch somewhere? I'm sure they would not be the happiest person in the world for a moment. It is OK to ask for permission!

Look, I don't have a perfect marriage and I don't want y'all to think that I am on here trying to be holier than thou. Trust me, I am far from it!
My husband and I have been together for over a decade and while it gets easier, marriage is still a combination of work, compromise and 100% commitment!

How long have you been married?
Do you plan to get married? Let me know in the comments below!

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!