• Amphibians Worksheets for Kids | Free Printables

    Download and print these free Amphibians worksheets for kids!

    Whether it’s for homeschool, supplementing lessons, or ensuring your kids don’t experience educational summer slide, enjoy these Amphibian worksheets for kids. All you have to do is download and print; they’re all free of cost. These science worksheets are perfect for younger children, whether you choose to use them to introduce amphibians or to review or retain lessons from school. Feel free to share these worksheets with other parents or teachers in your network.

    Download Free Amphibians Worksheets for Kids Here!

    Amphibians Worksheets for Kids | Free Printables
    Amphibians Worksheets for Kids | Free Printables
    Amphibians Worksheets for Kids | Free Printables
    Amphibians Worksheets for Kids | Free Printables

    If you like these Amphibian worksheets for kids, you may also like:

    I hope your kids love these Amphibian worksheets as much as my children do and it’s helpful for them. Be sure to follow me on Instagram and Pinterest where I share more worksheets and resources for families.

    There are lots of worksheets and educational resources on this blog! Download and print as many as you like and be sure to share with all of your friends who are moms, teachers, etc. You can find all worksheets here!

    Print and Download these worksheets!

    Free The Nervous System Worksheets

    Free Science Worksheets

    Free Solar System Worksheets

    Free Solar System Worksheets for Kids

    Sea Turtles Activity Sheets

    Sea Turtle Activity Sheets

    Layers of the Earth Printable Worksheet 

    FREE Layers of the Earth Printable Worksheet Packet

    Plant Life Cycle Worksheets Free Printables for Kids

    You can also receive new free printables worksheets delivered directly to you email inbox by subscribing to my newsletter here!

    Interesting in our homeschool journey? Learn about our homeschool journey and favorite homeschool resources here.

  • Must-Have Colorful Statement Summer 2021 Dresses

    Outside is reopening, and it’s time for us to let go of the sweatpants! You’re probably receiving invitations, and since most of us are stepping out for the first time in over a year, and we want to make a bold statement and look and feel fabulous, even if our bodies changed during the pandemic. I think this is the summer for us to have fun with fashion and be bold, bright, and fabulous again. The number on the scale ain’t none of our business; our only concern is looking and feeling our very best in the skin we’re in. I was very selective when I put together the most fabulous colorful statement summer dresses of 2021; let me know your favorites in the comments section below:

    This post includes affiliate links!

    CLICK ON PRODUCT IMAGES TO SHOP!

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    Farm Rio Dresses

    Photo Credit: Adelaide Chantily Photos
    I’m wearing a Farm Rio Dress with J. Crew shoes.
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    If you’ve been following me over on Twitter, you know by now that I’m becoming a full-blown Farm Rio addict. I don’t think I’ve ever loved a clothing collection as much as I love their current collection. This dress I’m rocking is from Farm Rio, and it’s one of those dresses that will look flattering on any body type, complexion tone, or age group and make you feel feminine and gorgeous. I love that you can wear it on or off the shoulder and its length. Some maxi dresses are a bit too short for my 5’7″ frame, but this one is the perfect length. 

    I also purchased this gorgeous cocoa Farm Rio dress which reminds me of the countryside in Grenada where I grew up with my grandma. It looks amazing in person, very pretty.

    Here are a few other Farm Rio Dresses that I love for the summer:

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    Slip Dresses

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    You can’t go wrong with a gorgeous slipdress ever, and this yellow one from Express will look amazing on just about anyone. I love the cowl neck and slit on the side. It’s the perfect date night dress, especially for those of us who haven’t stepped out with our love for a long time and want to show them we still got it. 

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    I also love these two print slip dresses from Anthropologie;  such fun and sexy prints.

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    Puff Sleeves

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    I can’t get enough of puff sleeves and I’m happy they’re still trendy this summer, I just love the drama of them.

    I loving these from & Other Stories

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    Also, Target really came through with this gorgeous maxi dress with pockets.

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    I love the color, print and design of this puff sleeve dress too.

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    Wrap Dresses

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    Check out these pretty wrap dresses! They’re stunning dress!    

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    I hope you found some summer 2021 dresses inspiration win this post! Thanks for reading!

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    Matching Mommy and Me Dresses

  • Sample post with image aligned right

    Jelly I love applicake ice cream sesame snaps cookie sweet roll. I love oat cake I love powder donut chocolate bar I love chocolate bar tiramisu. Applicake icing powder chocolate lemon drops. I love jelly caramels cheesecake. I love gummi bears jujubes gummies I love. I love sweet roll sweet roll sugar plum tart tootsie roll lollipop bear claw marzipan. Pudding croissant sweet roll pie pudding cake I love. I love ice cream sweet roll bonbon tart powder dragée. Brownie macaroon chocolate faworki dragée I love icing halvah.

    I love cupcake gummies sesame snaps tootsie roll chocolate halvah. Dragée oat cake tiramisu. Jujubes caramels croissant sesame snaps croissant. Chocolate cake I love muffin biscuit I love donut candy. Oat cake marshmallow lemon drops cheesecake I love ice cream. Wypas I love chocolate bar wypas. Pastry wafer liquorice oat cake topping liquorice. Applicake powder apple pie gummi bears macaroon cotton candy sesame snaps. Pudding croissant tootsie roll jelly pie. Macaroon croissant lemon drops bear claw sweet I love candy croissant chupa chups.

  • Sample post divides into columns

    Faworki oat cake gingerbread pastry apple pie wafer caramels. Wypas sweet croissant lollipop. Cotton candy gummi bears powder brownie gummies fruitcake. Marzipan sesame snaps lollipop dragée candy canes. Topping cookie bear claw.

    Cupcake ipsum dolor sit amet dragée chupa chups wypas muffin. Tiramisu macaroon bonbon cheesecake pudding. Pudding lemon drops sweet danish candy canes danish gummies wafer. Biscuit ice cream chocolate cake tart danish sweet roll. Donut cake icing jelly croissant cupcake applicake jelly-o. Marzipan sweet candy canes. Croissant gummi bears lemon drops chocolate bar. Jujubes sweet roll brownie. Halvah bear claw chupa chups chupa chups.

    Dessert muffin gummi bears marzipan cotton candy. Tootsie roll jelly-o marzipan candy canes pie lollipop pie. Chocolate powder tiramisu. Wypas jelly-o muffin. Gummi bears sugar plum ice cream chupa chups gummi bears caramels liquorice sesame snaps carrot cake. Bonbon chocolate cake gingerbread. Marshmallow bear claw chocolate bar candy canes bear claw toffee jelly beans icing dessert. Pie pudding tiramisu wypas sweet.

    Cupcake ipsum dolor sit amet dragée chupa chups wypas muffin. Tiramisu macaroon bonbon cheesecake pudding. Pudding lemon drops sweet danish candy canes danish gummies wafer. Biscuit ice cream chocolate cake tart danish sweet roll.

    Cupcake ipsum dolor sit amet dragée chupa chups wypas muffin. Tiramisu macaroon bonbon cheesecake pudding. Pudding lemon drops sweet danish candy canes danish gummies wafer. Biscuit ice cream chocolate cake tart danish sweet roll.

    Cupcake ipsum dolor sit amet dragée chupa chups wypas muffin. Tiramisu macaroon bonbon cheesecake pudding. Pudding lemon drops sweet danish candy canes danish gummies wafer. Biscuit ice cream chocolate cake tart danish sweet roll.

  • Matching Mommy and Me Outfits | Matching Dresses

    The world is finally reopening, and after all this time inside, we’re coming out HOT! I love matching mommy and me outfits, especially matching dresses for my younger daughter and me. She always likes to try on my dresses, as you can see here, so getting her a bite-size version of my clothes is perfect for her. I have to say, a lot of the matching mommy and me outfits can be corny, so I mix brands sometimes. Check these beautiful options:

    Ps: Many of these retailers have sales this weekend 4/30 so be sure to take advantage of those sales!

    J. Crew is offering 40% off all women’s dresses or $25 off $150 purchases when you use ApplePay.

    Target is offering a $10 gift card for all clothing purchases over $50.

    Old Navy is offering 20% off all online orders on 4/30.

    Nasty Girl is offering 50% off!

    Rainbow Gingham Matching Dresses

    Click on the images to shop!

    When I found this pretty rainbow gingham wrap dress for myself on the J. Crew website a few weeks ago, I didn’t think they would have the kids version, but I went to look for a dress for my daughter, pleasantly surprised to find this one. It’s so pretty! I got it one size up so she wouldn’t grow out of it too quickly. They look great with her Van’s slip-on sneakers

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    The dress is true to size, I purchased a size ten which my usual size, and it fits well. I love that it has pockets. Also, there is a hidden zipper on the side, so it’s easy to get into. I didn’t realize this when I just hurt received it and struggled to get into the dress, so don’t be like me. It’s comfortable, and you can dress it up and down for the summer.

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    I was so happy to find this matching Crewcuts dress for my three year old! She’s wearing a size 4T which fit her perfectly and I love the length on her. It’s light and comfortable for her and looks great with her Vans slip-on sneakers.

    If wrap dresses aren’t really your thing, J. Crew also have this style which I really love as well.

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    White Dresses

    One of the easiest ways to match with your little one is wearing white! It’s a classic and families have used this color theme for family photos for years. It works, white always look great and it’s pretty easy to find matching white dresses. Here are a few beautiful options!

    Click on the images to shop!

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    Puff Sleeve Dresses

    Target always have gorgeous affordable finds and these puff sleeve dresses are gorgeous! I love the color way of these dresses.

    Click on the images to shop!

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    If your little one doesn’t like the puff sleeve dress, there is also a ruffle sleeve dress.

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    Gingham Dresses

    Above I shared the rainbow gingham dresses but these classic gingham prints are perfect too! There are so many great gingham options right now, you can surely find one that fits your style perfectly.

    Click on the images to shop!

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    Fun Florals

    Click on the images to shop!

    Spring is the perfect time to rock some florals! I found these matching mommy and daughter dresses on Amazon. One thing I love about shopping for clothes on Amazon is that reviews include images so you can see how it looks on similar body types to yours. These dresses have really good reviews on top of the fact that they’re gorgeous!

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    Teal Dresses

    Teal is one of my favorite colors this season! These dresses are identical to the white dresses I shared above and are also from Target, but this is an excellent option if white isn’t your thing.

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    Sunflower Dresses

    I’m probably dating myself here, but I loved sunflower dresses when they were trendy back in the ’90s, so I’m so happy they’re trendy again. Old Navy has these beautiful mommy and daughter sunflower dresses.

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    I hope you found some fun options to match with your kids this summer! Make sure to follow me on Instagram for everyday style.

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    4 Flattering Swimsuits under $25

    https://adannadill.com/4-flattering-swimsuits-for-moms-under-25/

  • Free Science Worksheets| The Nervous System

    Free Science Worksheets | The Nervous System

    My second grader is currently learning about the nervous system as part of homeschool, and he’s a tad bit obsessed. I have to admit that the nervous system is one of the most exciting scientific topics about the human body, so I understand his fascination. If you’re a regular reader, you will know by now that we use Time4Learning for science, but I’m always finding other resources or creating challenging worksheets for my children to reinforce their lessons. These nervous system-free science worksheets are informative yet fun for elementary school children. Print them for your kids to learn, practice, or improve their knowledge on the topic.

    Enjoy these free worksheets! If you’re a parent, teacher, or homeschooler, please take advantage of all of the free worksheets on this website for your young scholars. I linked a few more at the bottom of this post.

    The Nervous System | Parts of the Brain

    Functions of the Parts of the Brain

    Label the Parts of the Brain

    The Nervous System Diagram

    The Nervous System Word Search

    Draw the Nervous System

    As you can see, these worksheets are a mix of challenging and fun for kids. Please share there with any teachers, parents, or homeschoolers in your life who you think will benefit from them. Don’t forget to check out the other free science worksheets on this website and download them.

    You may also want to download these free worksheets:

    Free Solar System Worksheets for Kids

    Free Solar System Worksheets for Kids

    https://adannadill.com/free-solar-system-worksheets-for-kids/

    Plant Life Cycle Worksheets Free Printables for Kids

    Sea Turtles Activity Sheets

    Sea Turtle Activity Sheets

    Layers of the Earth Printable Worksheet Packet FREE

    FREE Layers of the Earth Printable Worksheet Packet

    Make sure you’re signed up for my newsletter, following me on Pinterest and Instagram for more free printables!

  • Free Printable Meal Planner with Grocery List

    Free Printable Meal Planner

    ould you believe it’s only a whole year since we’ve been hit with the Covid-19 pandemic here in the US? There have been so many changes that’s happened over the last year that it feels like it’s been much, much longer. Although it’s been incredibly hard, there are a few good things that have come out of all of the additional time at home for me, and that’s meal planning. Before quarantine life, I tried and failed at meal planning many times. This time around, with my kids at home all of the time, I was able to understand exactly when and how much we eat and to shop specifically for those needs. I’ve even gotten the kids involved in the meal planning process, as I shared here

    Free meal planning planner

    I’m by no means perfect, and I still forget to add ingredients to the list, but I’ve come a long way. I even started the New Year with a healthy meal planning class from TiaVFitness to figure out a healthy eating meal plan for myself as self-care in addition to what I prepare for my family. Anyway, this post is all about sharing these free meal planning printables with you.

    Download A Free Printable Meal Planner

    I started out using the notes app on my phone, a notebook or my planner but I’ve found that having the specific meal planner really helps me to stay on track so I decided to create this one and I’ve been loving it so far. Just download it and enjoy!

    Free meal planning planner

    I like to plan all three meals to ensure we have enough groceries for everything we eat. One of my biggest mistakes when I first started was only meal planning for dinner and not the other meals so I love this brainstorm sheet.

    I used the checklist style grocery list so you can cross off the items as you find them at the supermarket.

    There is also a recipe card to keep handy while cooking.

    Free meal planning planner
  • Valentine’s Day Printable Color Pages

    I hope your kids enjoy coloring Valentine’s Day printable color pages that I made for my children. Feel free to share them with your mom friends for their kids too!

    I’m usually a last minute kinda girl for everything, especially for holidays but with only so much time I sometimes miss the window to execute some of the ideas I have to make holidays more special for my children. I want to do better though, so I decided to make my kids Valentine’s Day coloring pages super early this year. They all have different interests and personalities so I tried to keep that in mind when I made them these fun Valentine’s Day printable color pages. Of course, I had to share them with you so have fun with them.

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    Free Printable Packet!

    If you want the complete packet of all four pages, you can download them all together as a package. This packet include all of the pages below, the Llama, Dino, Unicorn and Bee color pages are included.

    Llama Love

    My 3-year-old daughter loves llamas and alpacas so I made this particular page with her in mind. She’s been practicing counting a lot recently so I made three because I knew she would be excited to count them. If you want only the Llama love color page, download it below.

    Dino Love

    My two younger kids both love dinosaurs so I created this coloring page with them in mind. It was fun making a dinosaur lovable because they’re not the typical image for Valentine’s Day. The kids love it!

    Bee My Valentine

    This is my favorite coloring page and this one I guess shows love in relationship to others for kids. Valentine’s Day is about appreciating loved ones, not just romantic partners and I want them to understand that from a young age.

    Unicorn Love

    Last but not least is this unicorn coloring page, my oldest loves unicorns so this coloring page was for her.

    Have a lovely Valentine’s Day with your family!

    Adanna xo

    Download these free printables too!

    All about Amphibians here!

    Amphibians Worksheets for Kids | Free Printables

    The Nervous System here!

    Free Science Worksheets

    Life Cycle of a Sea Turtle here!

    Sea Turtle Activity Sheets

    Be sure to follow me over on Instagram and Pinterest for more activities for kids!

  • Supporting Kids’ Dreams with a NY 529 College Savings Plan

    Thank you NY 529 for sponsoring this post. It’s never too early to get growing! Learn more about opening a NY 529 Plan for your child today.

    I met my husband while I was still in college; he was fresh out of college and, naturally, a lot of our conversations revolved around our college experience. We both worked full-time while attending full-time college, and we didn’t get the chance to take advantage of experiences like study abroad programs, internships, or even to network on campus. Of course when we became parents, we wanted our children to have options we didn’t have. So, we started a NY 529 Plan for our oldest when she was only a few months old and began making contributions at every pay period. It’s one of our ways of supporting our children’s dreams. Over the last few months that we’ve been quarantined and spending more time together, we’re learning more about their dreams of becoming a filmmaker and scientist (at least for now) and want to encourage them in every way we can.

    WHY WE CHOSE A NY 529 PLAN.

    The NY 529 was the best option for our family for many reasons, as we learned when we did our research. First, it’s tax-deductible forus NY state taxpayers, so we can deduct contributions of up to $10,000 annually from New York state taxable income for married couples filing jointly and $5,000 for single taxpayers.* It was the best option for us to save for not one, not two, but three kids’ college education and we found it simple to get started. 

    NY 529 College Savings Plan

    NY 529 PLAN IS FLEXIBLE. 

    The NY 529 Plan is flexible; you can save as much or as little as you want, and if your income is ever affected like many of our friends and family are experiencing now, you can make lower contributions than usual. For instance, you can set aside as little as $10 or $20 per week, which can still add up over time. 

    PREPARED FOR THE UNKNOWN. 

    None of us could have predicted a global pandemic in 2020, and there is the possibility that other events would occur that may impact our finances in the future and our ability to save for our kids’ higher education. Having an NY 529 Plan means that we can worry a little less, knowing that we’ve prepared for the future.

    ELIGIBLE INSTITUTIONS SPAN MORE THAN 4-YEAR COLLEGES.  

    My kids are only 10, 7, and 3 right now, so their interests may change as they grow older. A NY 529 Plan can be used to pay for any eligible higher learning institution, not just 4-year colleges. That means you can use it to pay for a graduate degree, community college, or a trade/vocational school. Whatever your child dreams of, you can support it.

    NY 529 College Savings Plan

    SAVING OVER BORROWING.

    We’re the generation crushed by student loans, so we know how stressful it can be. That’s why we wanted to start saving early and focus on saving versus borrowing to pay for higher education.

    Thanks to the NY 529 Plan, we’re grateful that we’re able to give our kids the opportunities we didn’t have when we entered college. Like most parents, we want to give our kids the best shot at achieving their goals, and we’re glad that the NY 529 Plan allows us to do just that on our terms. I hope this helps your decision making if a NY 529 Plan would be right for your family. If you need more information, you can download a NY 529 Plan booklet here or call 877-NYSAVES (877-697-2837) to request one. 

    * Contributions of up to $10,000 are deductible annually from New York State taxable income for married couples filing jointly; single taxpayers can deduct up to $5,000 annually. New York State tax deductions may be subject to recapture in certain circumstances such as rollovers to another state’s 529 plan, federal nonqualified withdrawals, or withdrawals used to pay elementary or secondary school tuition, registered apprenticeship program expenses, or qualified education loan repayments as described in the Disclosure Booklet and Tuition Savings Agreement. State tax benefits for non-resident New York taxpayers may vary. Please consult your tax advisor about your particular situation.

    Earnings on federal nonqualified withdrawals may be subject to federal income tax and a 10% federal penalty tax, as well as state and local income taxes.  Tax and other benefits are contingent on meeting other requirements.  Please consult your tax advisor about your particular situation.

    Investment returns are not guaranteed, and you could lose money by investing in the Direct Plan. For more information about New York’s 529 College Savings Program Direct Plan, download a Disclosure Booklet and Tuition Savings Agreement or request one by calling 877-NYSAVES (877-697-2837). This document includes investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other information. You should read and consider them carefully before investing.

    Before you invest, consider whether your or the beneficiary’s home state offers any state tax or other benefits that are only available for investments in that state’s 529 plan. Other state benefits may include financial aid, scholarship funds, and protection from creditors.

    The Comptroller of the State of New York and the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation are the Program Administrators and are responsible for implementing and administering the Direct Plan.

    Ascensus Broker Dealer Services, LLC, serves as Program Manager and, in connection with its affiliates, provides recordkeeping and administrative support services and is responsible for day-to-day operations of the Direct Plan. The Vanguard Group, Inc., serves as the Investment Manager. Vanguard Marketing Corporation provides marketing and distribution services to the Direct Plan.

    No guarantee: None of the State of New York, its agencies, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), The Vanguard Group, Inc., Ascensus Broker Dealer Services, LLC, nor any of their applicable affiliates insures accounts or guarantees the principal deposited therein or any investment returns on any account or investment portfolio.

    New York’s 529 College Savings Program currently includes two separate 529 plans. The Direct Plan is sold directly by the Program. You may also participate in the Advisor-Guided Plan, which is sold exclusively through financial advisors and has different investment options and higher fees and expenses as well as financial advisor compensation.

    ©2020 New York’s 529 College Savings Program

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    Homeschooling Materials: Curriculum, Online Classes and Workbooks

  • How to do knotless Braids at Home With Video Tutorial

    Here’s how to do knotless Braids at Home!

    As a mom of three Black kids, I’ve always had the goal to learn to braid but always found it intimidating. When I first tried braiding my older daughter’s hair, she was two years old, and it looks so horrible that I took it out immediately even though it took me an hour and a half to do them. I haven’t given up on myself though, I’ve been pushing through, and quarantine presented me time and the opportunity to practice. My daughter asked last summer for pink and purple braids, and since I didn’t want to damage her hair by coloring it, I decided to try doing her braids with braiding hair. I wanted to ensure that I used a method that wouldn’t damage her hair, so I researched and learned that knotless braids are the healthiest option for her hair. I watched lots of videos to know how to do knotless braids and started trying it. It’s a lot simpler than I thought it would be, and she always loves the results when I do knotless braids at home.

    Why Knotless Braids?

    Traditionally, braids started with a knot to attach the braiding hair, but this method put lots of pressure on the hair follicles and the scalp. It was also usually done tightly, so the hair doesn’t slip out and looks neater. Knotless braids, as the name infers doesn’t start with a knot. Instead, you start by braiding the real hair and attach the braiding hair at a later point. This removes all of the issues that knot braids can cause, like hair loss, trauma to the scalp, hair breakage, and other issues. Plus, knotless braids are more comfortable for children.

    You will need:

    • Braiding Hair: You can choose between purchasing synthetic or human braiding hair. I use braiding hair that I buy from Amazon and soaked for one day in Apple Cider Vinegar to ensure my daughter doesn’t break out or find them itchy.
    • A fine-toothed comb: I struggle with parting my child’s hair in straight rows for box braids, so a fine-tooth comb aka rat tail comb, is a must-have for me, and I love this one with the metal tail as it gives a clean part. I purchased this packet of three from Amazon.
    • Edge Control Gel: Edge control gel is a must-have for me to ensure that hair looks neat and there are no flyaways. I’ve like the Cantu Edge Control and Carol’s Daughter because they give hold without leaving the white residue and crunchiness some other brands leave. I usually order them from Amazon or pick them up at Target.
    • Gel: I use the Let’s Jam gel to smooth my daughter’s hair when braiding it; it’s inexpensive and works well.
    • Butterfly clamps: I use these butterfly clamps to separate the hair into sections.
    • Edge Brush: This small edge brush is perfect for getting shorter hairs and baby hairs in place.
    • Blow dryer (optional): Sometimes, I use a blowdryer to stretch my daughter’s hair before doing knotless braids. I use this blow dryer.
    • Heat protectant (optional): If you decide to use a blow dryer, I would suggest also using a heat protectant to prevent heat damage. I like the Cantu Heat Protectant and have been using it for a few years now.
    • Styling foam: I use this Cantu styling foam while braiding her hair to seal it from frizz and for shine, and I also use it to refresh her braids daily.
    • Silk Bonnet, pillow, or scarf: This style will take you a few hours to complete, so be sure to protect the style with a satin or silk bonnet, pillow, or scarf when you sleep that will keep the braids looking fresh.
    • Small rubber bands: I add small rubber bands at the ends of all of the braids. Since we use braids with hot water settings, they tend to fall out when we dissolve or fall off after they’re set.

    Step-by-Step Instructions

    1. Wash and deep condition hair: I usually do this the day before braiding her braids to break down the entire braiding process’s length time.
    2. Detangle hair with a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush (I love this one) and separate hair into sections with butterfly clips.
    3. Air dry or blow dry hair on low heat settings using a heat protectant product. Whichever option you choose, try to stretch the hair in preparation for braiding.
    4. Part hair into small equal box sections and divide braiding hair to match those sections’ size. You can purchase one of these braiding hair stands to ensure the hair separated hair doesn’t get tangled.
    5. I start braiding at the back of her head and work my way to the front.
    6. Part the hair into sections of the desired style, add edge control gel to the roots of real hair, then begin to braid hair; after about an inch, hold the last piece with one finger and then add the first piece of braiding hair.
    7. Continue braid until the braiding hair is attached, then add the second piece of braiding hair and continue braiding.
    8. Add more gel to natural hair as needed; the gel helps prevent flyaways and makes the braid look neat.
    9. When you’ve completed each braid, add a rubber band to the end to prevent it from unraveling.
    10. Move on to the next section and repeat.

    Knotless Braids Video Tutorial

    Still, a little bit intimidated about doing knotless braids at home? or need some further guidance? Check out this video tutorial to see how I do my daughter’s hair. I’ve personally found video tutorials to be most helpful in learning how to do knotless braids.

    I recorded the entire braiding process in this video, so I hope it’s helpful to you if you’re new to knotless braids. My daughter loves wearing knotless braids, and this style makes life easier for me as I don’t have to do her hair daily. I’ve notices that her hair has gotten much thicker since we started doing knotless braids.

    Also, save this video on how to refresh knotless braids, this method has allowed me the stretch out her braids to last longer while looking neat.

    Leave any of your questions below!

    If you like this post, you may also like:

    Everything You Need to do Two Cornrows with Braiding Hair at Home

  • How to treat Eczema in Adults and Children

    Back in September, I shared the symptoms of Eczema and Atopic Dermatitis in this post. I got a lot of feedback from this community, many of you are interested in learning about treatments. So, I thought a follow-up post that outlines how to treat Eczema or Atopic Dermatitis in adults and children would be helpful. The timing couldn’t be more perfect than now because it’s winter, and people who suffer from Eczema or Atopic Dermatitis tend to deal with flare ups and worsened symptoms during the colder months of the year. I’m not a medical expert, so I need to share accurate medical information. My source for all of the information I’m providing is an informative conversation with DrPeter A. Lio, a Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology and Pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and Founding Director, Chicago Integrative Eczema Center.

    How to treat Eczema in adults and children.

    There is a Therapeutic Ladder for treatment, and in this post, I will take you through each step of the ladder, which are all based on the Atopic Dermatitis’s severity. You start at the bottom with the simplest remedies for more mild cases, and if they don’t work, you move up the ladder to the next level. 

    How to treat Eczema

    Step one: Basic skincare

    This is for anyone with  atopic dermatitis.

    When you start the therapy ladder, your first step is basic skincare. This will require you to use gentle oil-based skincare cleansers and moisturizers. These products must be preservative-free and moisturizing. One issue is that products that meet these requirements can sometimes be expensive, but they can be effective as a treatment for Atopic Dermatitis.

    Identify and avoid irritants and allergens.

    In addition to basic skincare, you should try to identify and avoid possible irritants and allergens. The most popular irritants and allergens are fragrances, fabrics like wool or coarse fabrics, a diet with certain foods like dairy products, or the weather (transitions or extremes). 

    Identifying the triggers can be challenging, so you should speak with your medical provider if you’re unable to find a solution on your own. They can do an allergy test to identify specific triggers.

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    Step Two: Corticosteroids

    If step one doesn’t work, it’s time to move up the ladder to step two. The options in step two are best for mild or moderate atopic dermatitis. They can also be used in combination with systemic therapies for more severe disease or flares. 

    Corticosteroids or Topical steroids should be used on a short-term basis for treatment, primarily where basic skin care cannot provide relief for the patient. They’re also not recommended for treating sensitive areas like the diaper area and face. 

    If you’re uncomfortable with corticosteroid use, there are some corticosteroid-sparing therapies available that you can ask your medical provider about.

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    Step Three: Phototherapy and/or Systemic therapies

    Step three is for patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. 

    Phototherapy 

    When the topical options of steps one and two aren’t effective, phototherapy may be a consideration. Phototherapy is done with the use of UV lights by a trained professional. However, it can be both time-consuming and expensive and not a fit for all patients. 

    Systemic therapies 

    Another step-three treatment option is systemic therapies. Systemic therapies can be nonspecific immunosuppressants, like systemic corticosteroids. While these can be effective, please consider that they can be responsible for rebound flares and multiple adverse effects if used over a long-term period.

    Other immunosuppressant therapies that the FDA has not approved for this use may also be prescribed if nothing else works until this point, but they may require laboratory work.

    New systemic agents are now available and approved by the FDA that target the causes of atopic dermatitis, including the factors that cause itch and inflammation. Dupilumab is approved for use in patients age six years and older to treat moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis that cannot be controlled by topical therapies. Also, keep in mind that topical medications can be used to augment systemic therapies.

    Eczema Action Plan

    Treating a chronic condition, like atopic dermatitis, should be taken seriously, so a formal written plan or “Eczema Action Plan” should be given to you by your skin care provider and is a guide to your recommended management that you can refer to. Following this plan and the treatment instructions carefully are essential because it helps your medical provider determine what type of treatment would effectively treat your atopic dermatitis. Also, be sure to communicate with your skincare provider if treatments so they can work on changing your plan. 

    Eczema Treatment for children. 

    I know that many of you have children who suffer from Eczema. When it comes to finding the right treatment for them, it may be best to go to a pediatric dermatologist if that’s an option for your family. Your child’s pediatrician may not be comfortable treating up the ladder the way a pediatric dermatologist will.

    I hope this information helps you manage Atopic Dermatitis for yourself or your child. The key is finding a healthcare provider who can be your partner through your treatment journey. A good clinician will ask you for your preferences to ensure you’re comfortable, communicate with you, and learn about your prior experiences so you can work together to create your eczema action plan.

    Thank you so much for your feedback in the first Med-IQ survey with your Atopic Dermatitis experience. It would be greatly appreciated by Med-IQ if you can also complete this survey . As a thank you, you can win one of 10 $100 VISA gift cards.

    Med-IQ is conducting an anonymous survey and would appreciate your input. The survey will take less than 10 minutes to complete. Survey responses are shared only in aggregate. Your responses to these survey questions will provide Med-IQ with important information about your experiences with atopic dermatitis, which will help us develop future educational initiatives. Once you’ve completed the survey, you will have the option of providing your email address to be entered into a drawing administered by SOMA Strategies to win 1 of 10 $100 VISA gift cards. If you choose to enter, your email address will be used only to randomly draw the winners and notify them of their prize. 

  • Free Planner Printables | Weekly, Monthly & Daily

    Download your free planner printables | Weekly, Monthly & Daily

    Look at us; we made it to the end of the year! I’m looking forward to the New Year, and one of my goals is to be more organized and focused. I like using a Digital calendar because I have mom brain and forget but I also love writing things down. Over the last few years, I’ve learned that I don’t have to buy a fancy planner, mostly since I sometimes abandon them for periods and feel like I wasted my money. So I’m going to be using these free planner printables. I’m happy to share them so you can enjoy them too; you can choose the best layout for your lifestyle from weekly, monthly, daily, and a journal. The best part is, it’s undated so that you can use them any month or year. You can use them as single sheets or put them in a binder to create a planner.

    Weekly Planner

    Download this free weekly planner printable to plan your week.

    Monthly Planner

    Download the free monthly planner printable.

    free planner printables

    Daily Planner

    Download your free daily planner printable.

    Free Journal Printable

    Journaling is a huge part of my daily routine, especially gratitude journaling so I’m happy to share this free journal printable as well.

    free planner printables

    Remember you can download all or just the printables that you want. Also, feel free to share them with all of your friends and family so they can take advantage of this free resource.

    Happy New Year!

    Make sure you’re following me on Instagram & Pinterest for more!