• Cozy Chic Women Winter Essentials Gift Guide

    Must-Have Women Winter Essentials!

    It’s only days before Christmas Day and if you haven’t made your online orders yet, it’s more than likely they wouldn’t t be delivered before Christmas Day. You still have options though, thanks to curbside pickup. I’m happy to partner with DICK’s Sporting Goods to share these winter gifts you can order for curbside pickup. We’ve been using DICK’s Sporting Goods curbside pickup frequently since the pandemic started and it’s been easy and convenient. We place our order online, they send us a notification when it’s ready for pickup and I’m able to get it safely and contactless.

    If you’re thinking that DICK’s Sporting Goods wouldn’t have great last minute gift options, I wanted to share some of my favorites on the site that will have you looking like you shopped nice and early.

    Women Winter Essentials Gift Guide

    BOOTS

    Women Winter Essentials

    Dr. Martens Leonore

    If you’ve been following me for a while you know that I love Dr. Martens boots not just for myself but also for my family. The Dr. Martens Leonore boots is at the top of this gift guide because it’s both functional and fashionable. I love the versatility of the Chelshea boot design because it s just about every outfit and it’s fur lined so it’s very comfortable. Dick’s offers the Dr. Martens Leonore in three colors but the “Oxblood” is definitely my favorite.

    Dr. Martens Serena Wyoming

    Women Winter Essentials

    The Dr. Martens Serena Wyoming Boots is another one of my favorites at Dick’s Sporting Goods. I just love these fur lined Dr. Martens boots making them comfortable, warm and stylish. This style comes in two colors, Black and Tan. I prefer the black as I love how the black leather looks juxtaposed to the off-white fur.

    Sperry Duck Boots

    women winter essentials

    Last week, we had our first major winter storm of the season here in New York City and if it’s any indication of what we can expect this winter, a good pair of snow boots will be necessary this season. The Sperry Duck Boots are timeless, great quality and the perfect chic snow boots to feel cozy when it’s snowing outdoors.

    Lounge Wear

    2020 turned out to be the year of lounge wear! Comfort has the become most important criteria when shopping and and this Nike Fleece lounge crop sweatshirt and matching joggers doesn’t disappoint. It’s stylish, comfy, warm and I’m in love the neutral color.

    women winter essentials
    women winter essentials

    SHERPA BLANKETS

    I love snuggling up on the couch with a warm sherpa blanket, it’s easily one of the best gifts I can receive this time of the year. Check out these beautiful sherpa blankets at DICK’s Sporting Goods perfect for keeping cozy while streaming.

    Plaid Sherpa Blanket

    Red Plaid Sherpa Blanket

    Coats

    Women Winter Essentials

    Northface Triple C Down Insulated Parka

    This warm coat is a great gift! The length is fantastic especially for anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors.

    The North Face Women’s Eco ThermoBall Jacket

    This coat is stylish and warm, the shape is flattering and great for anyone who wants to avoid bulky coats but not sacrifice warmth.

    I love absolutely everything in this gift guide and I think you will too. If you’re still shopping, DICK’S Sporting Goods is also the best store for last minute gifts because they have contactless curbside pickup making it hassle free and safe.

    If you like this post you may also like:

    Gift Guide for Stylish Moms

  • Tips for Creating a Digital Homeschool Portfolio

    As many of you know, I started homeschooling my children back in September, so we’re still new. We just finished our first quarter, and I have to say it’s been a good experience for us so far. Of course, it was challenging since I have three children of different age groups. I did a lot of research before we started homeschooling, but I’m learning what works best for us as we go along. I initially started to create a homeschool portfolio in a big binder for recordkeeping. Still, I soon realized it wasn’t a good fit for me, especially since I need to submit our records digitally. S o I’ve switched to a digital homeschool portfolio. If you’re thinking about doing the same, I wanted to share a few simple tips for creating a digital portfolio that I’ve found helpful so far. 

    Tips for Creating a Digital Homeschool Portfolio

    Choose a platform to save your digital homeschool portfolio.

    The platform will depend on what’s best for you and what you’re comfortable using. It can be anything from a working Google document, spreadsheet, or even a full WordPress blog like this one. You can also utilize apps like Childfolio to create and manage your child’s digital homeschool portfolio from your smartphone. I love this app because it can be used to log field trips, activities, and any size creative projects plus it’s inexpensive.

    Take photos of everything you want to add to your child’s digital portfolio.

    Homeschool Portfolio

    I think most of us millennial moms naturally take lots of photos, so it’s easy for us to get into the groove of taking pictures of everything we need as a record. While I try not to throw out physical copies of the kid’s schoolwork, I take photos for their digital homeschool portfolio. This is also a great way to reduce clutter if you have little storage space like myself.

    Make regular notes of your child’s progress and struggles.

    This is the best way to track your child’s progression to take note of subject areas they struggle with and seek extra help. It’s also good to make these notes to determine if you need to change your teaching style, the curriculum, or find other supplemental resources to help your child.

    Use video to capture your child’s progress.

    Don’t be afraid to use all types of media in your digital homeschool portfolio. Videos are great as you can capture your child reading out loud, showing off an exciting science project, and their expression
    when they work out a challenging math problem or field trip experience. These videos are fantastic for our memories as well as the digital homeschool portfolio.

    Download online transcripts for virtual classes and curriculum.

    If your children also take online classes, you can download that information to add to your digital portfolio. As I shared in this post, we use Time4Learning and Outschool classes for my children. I can download my children’s transcripts from both platforms and add them to their portfolio, plus the certificates of completion they’ve earned from Code Advantage.

    Backup your digital homeschool portfolio.

    As we all know, technology isn’t always dependable so be sure to backup your digital homeschool portfolio. My preference is cloud storage like Dropbox, Google Drive, Apple iCloud, etc. because it’s easy to access them from anywhere and any device. You can also use an external hard drive in addition to saving it on your computer.

    I hope you find these tips helpful in putting together a digital homeschool portfolio for your children. As our homeschool journey continues, I’m going to share more of our experience, and what’s works best for us be sure to follow me over on Instagram where I share a daily look at our homeschool experience in my stories.

  • Sea Turtles Activity Sheets

    Print these Sea Turtles Activity Sheets!

    It’s time for our activity sheets share! I’m so happy to share these printable Sea Turtles Activity sheets for the kids in your life. These activity sheets are appropriate for elementary school aged children. I hope your kids enjoy them!

    sea turtle activity sheets
    sea turtle activity sheets

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    Connect with my on Instagram for daily posts!

  • Peppermint Fudge Filled Cookies

    Peppermint Fudge Filled Cookies

    I wanted to share another yummy recipe and this one is perfect for the holidays! These Peppermint Fudge Filled Cookies are delicious, try them and let me know what you think.

    This Peppermint Fudge Filled Cookies recipe makes 14 cookies, if you would like to make more cookies, only use 1 tbsp of dough per cookies to get approx. 28 cookies.

    Prep time 20 min. 

    Chill time 30 min. 

    Bake time 8 min.

    Ingredients

    Peppermint Fudge Filled Cookies

    Cookie

    • 9 tbsp butter (softened)
    • ½ c granulated sugar
    • ⅓ c brown sugar (light or dark)
    • 1 lg egg
    • 1 egg yolk
    • 1 tbsp peppermint extract
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    • 1½ c all-purpose flour
    • ½ tsp baking soda
    • 1 c cocoa powder
    • 1 tsp salt
    • ½ c granulated sugar (for rolling dough balls)

    Chocolate Ganache

    • 6 oz semi-sweet chocolate bar
    • ¼ c heavy cream
    • ½ tsp vanilla extract
    • ½ c crushed peppermint candies

    Instructions

    Cookies

    1. Cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
    2. Add in egg, egg yolk, peppermint and vanilla extracts and mix until thoroughly combined.
    3. Add cocoa powder, flour, baking soda and salt. Mix just until combined.
    4. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
    5. Make balls out of 2-tbsp. dough each (or 1-tbsp if you want more but smaller cookies). Roll balls in the remaining ½ c. sugar. and place on the baking sheet, about 2 inches apart. Make a deep cavity in each cookie, using your thumb or the back of a measuring spoon.
    6. Chill cookies on baking sheet for 30 minutes.
    7. Preheat oven to 350°.
    8. Bake cookies on center rack of oven for 4 minutes, rotate baking sheet, then bake for an additional 4 minutes. If the indentations have lost their shape, push your thumb or measuring spoon in again to remake.
    9. Cool in pan for about 10-min. then remove to wire rack to finish cooling.
    Peppermint Fudge Filled Cookies
    Peppermint Fudge Filled Cookies
    Peppermint Fudge Filled Cookies

    Chocolate Ganache

    1. Place chocolate, cream and vanilla extract into microwave-safe dish and microwave in 15-second increments, until melted. Stir with each 15-second increment. Chill until mixture thickens.
    2. Whip chilled ganache with mixer until fluffy.
    3. Either spoon or pipe ganache into each cookie and immediately sprinkle with crushed peppermint.

    I hope you enjoy these delicious Peppermint Fudge Filled Cookies.

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    Chocolate and Peanut Butter Macarons Recipe

    Chocolate and Peanut Butter Macarons Recipe
  • 2021 Online Holiday Shopping Guide + Shipping Deadlines

    This post may contain affiliate links!

    2021 Online Holiday Shopping Guide!

    Find retailers with free shipping, discounts, reward program, plus holiday shipping deadlines to receive your gifts before December 25th. 

    I love holiday shopping online because it’s so much easier now to find the best deals and to be time efficient shopping virtually. There are lots of benefits to online holiday shopping. With supply chain issues and more people shopping online, here is my 2021 Online Holiday Shopping Guide to help you find free shipping, curbside pick-up options, and a shipping deadline calendar so your gifts are delivered before December 25th.

    2021 Holiday Shipping Deadlines!

    USPS

    If you’re shipping holiday cards and gifts for Christmas using the USPS, the shipping deadlines are December 15th to December 23rd. You can view your options here.

    FedEx

    If you’re using FedEx for shipping for delivery, you will need to ship between December 9th – 25th. You can find all of your FedEx shipping options here

    UPS

    If you plan to use UPS, your shipping deadlines will be between December 21st and December 23rd. You can view all of your shipping options here.

    2021 Online Holiday Shopping Guide

    2021 Online Holiday Shopping Guide | Retailers offering free shipping!

    Amazon

    Amazon with Amazon Prime Trial,remember to set a reminder if you’re only interested in the trial.

    An Amazon Prime account is also worth investing in because there are so many advantages in addition to free shipping! Read up on all of the perks of a membership here! Check out my Amazon store here with all of my favorite products and my Amazon gift guides.

    [show_shopthepost_widget id=”4241671″]

    H&M

    H&M is one of my favorite stores this season, the sweater I’m wearing above is from H&M.

    H&M is offering free shipping on all orders $40+!

    Also, sign up for a free H&M membership. Since last year, I’ve been a member, and they always offer discounts, coupons for in-store and online; plus, it’s a great way to keep track of your purchases if you ever need to make a return or exchange a product. 

    Their shipping times are sometimes super delayed, though, so order early. I’ve gotten my orders anywhere from within two days to almost one month from them recently.

    Cricut

    Cricut offers free shipping on orders on $99+. Check out my Cricut beginner guide here!

    Best Buy

    Best Buy offers free shipping on all orders $35+. Shop Best Buy here.

    Target

    Target offers multiple online shopping options like curbside pickup, in-store pickup, same-day, which are always free, and two-day shipping on orders $35+. Download the Target app and use it for Target Circle offers and to keep track of your purchases. 

    Walmart

    Walmart offers free one-day and two-day shipping on qualifying products on online orders $35+. Walmart also offers curbside, and in-store pick-up options.

    Dick’s Sporting Goods

    Dick’s Sporting Goods is offering free shipping on orders of $65+. Shop Dick’s Sporting Goods here.

    Pottery Barn Kids

    Pottery Barn Kids is currently offering free shipping on order with the code COZY before 11/30 as well as free curbside pick-up. Also, Pottery Barn Kids offers a 15% off military discount. Shop Pottery Barn Kids here!

    Carter’s

    Carter’s is offering free shipping on orders $35+, as well as in-store and curbside pickup. If you’re not signed up for their rewards program yet, and you’re a parent, you need to do so ASAP; they send lots of coupons and deals to your email. Shop Carters here

    Adidas

    Adidas is offering free shipping on orders $100+. Join the Adidas Creators Club to unlock unlimited free standard shipping and start earning points on every order. Shop Adidas!

    Old Navy

    Old Navy is known for cute matching family pajamas, holiday socks and sweaters. They’re offering free shipping on orders $50+! They also offer free curbside or in-store pickup. Shop Old Navy here!

    Nike

    Nike offers free shipping on orders $150+, they also have in-store or contactless curbside pick-up at select locations. Shop Nike here!

    The North Face

    The North Face offers free standard shipping! They also offer 10% off for students, and military. They also provide a 10% off discount for the first order for healthcare workers and first responders. You can verify with the appropriate ID for the discount online. Just scroll to the bottom of their website to find all of the discount options. Shop at The North Face here!

    & Other Stories

    & Other Stories offers free shipping and free returns on orders $150+. Shop & Other Stories here!

    Shein

    Shein is offering free shipping on all orders and free expedited shipping on orders $199+. Shein ships from overseas so place your orders with them as early as possible. You can shop Shein here!

    Apple

    Apple is offering free shipping on all orders! They also offer discounted pricing for homeschool teachers, college students and their parents, faculty and staff. You can shop Apple here!

    The Children’s Place

    The Children’s Place offers free shipping on all orders! They have super cute matching family outfits for the holidays and they’re affordable. Shop The Children’s Place here!

    Nordstrom

    Nordstrom offers free shipping and returns on all products! They also have curbside pick-up and ship to store. Shop Nordstrom here!

    UGG

    Ugg offers free shipping on all full-priced items! They offer 10% off full priced items to students, military, registered educators, first responders, medical professionals, and military personnel. You will have to verify your status through our partners at SheerID on their website under the Promotions and Discounts tab. Shop Ugg here!

    Sephora

    Sephora offers free shipping for all orders $50+; they also offer in-store pickup. Be sure to sign up for their free Beauty Insider rewards program to get rewards for your shopping and a birthday gift. Shop Sephora here

    Bloomingdales

    Bloomingdales will be offering free shipping on all online orders for Bloomingdales Loyalist, if you haven’t done so sign up for their program as you can also accumulate rewards of $25 for every $100 you spend. Shop Bloomingdales here!

    Dyson

    Dyson offers free shipping on all orders, also check the website for discounts. Shop Dyson here!

    Williams Sonoma

    Williams Sonoma will be offering free curbside pickup at select locations! Shop Willimas Sonoma here!

    Ulta

    Ulta offers free shipping on all orders $35+, you can also order online and pick-up curbside. Shop Ulta here!

    Anthropologie

    Anthropologie offers free shipping on orders $50+. Shop Anthropology here!

    Shop Bop

    Shop Bop offers free shipping on all orders and if you’re an Amazon Prime member you can use your Prime benefits on the Shop Bop website.

    I hope you found this 20201 Online Holiday Shopping Guide is helpful! Be sure to share it with all of your friends.

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    Best Wooden Toys for Kids

    https://adannadill.com/best-wooden-toys-for-kids/

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    https://adannadill.com/best-wooden-toys-for-kids/

  • Chocolate and Peanut Butter Macarons Recipe

    Try this yummy Chocolate and Peanut Butter Macarons Recipe! This post may contain affiliate links.

    As the pandemic continues and we’re still spending the majority of our time indoors, the kids and I have been experimenting with different recipes. This weekend, I decided to make Chocolate and Peanut Butter Macarons with my son.

    Chocolate and Peanut Butter Macarons

    Ingredients 

    Macaron Shell 

    65 grams powdered sugar 

    75 grams almond flour 

    75 grams egg whites 

    10 grams cocoa powder 

    75 grams granulated sugar 

    Macaron Filling 

    1/4 cup creamy peanut butter 

    2 tablespoon butter, softened 

    3/4 cup powdered sugar 

    1 teaspoon vanilla extract 

    1 tablespoon heavy cream, if needed 

    Instructions 

    Instructions for making Macaron Shells.

    Start by lining two large sheet pans with parchment paper. Make sure the parchment paper lies flat so you can achieve perfectly round macarons. 

    Add the almond flour, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder to a fine mesh sieve set over a large bowl. Sift the dry ingredients into the bowl, discarding any large lumps that remain. Set aside. 

    Fill a small saucepan half way with water. Bring it to a boil over high heat. 

    In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the egg whites and granulated sugar. Remove the saucepan of water from the heat and place the bowl on top of the water. Whisk the egg whites until the sugar has dissolved— about 2 minutes. 

    Return the bowl to the stand mixer and whip on medium-high speed (Kitchenaid #6-8) using the wire whisk until stiff peaks form. 

    Once the meringue has reached a stiff peak, add half of the dry ingredients and fold it into the egg whites using a silicone spatula. 

    Once no large lumps remain, add the second half of the dry ingredients and repeat the folding until they are fully incorporated. 

    Next, deflate the meringue by smushing the batter against the sides of the bowl and then folding it back onto itself. Repeat until the meringue is at the “lava stage”.

    Transfer the meringue to a piping bag fitted with a round tip preferably the Wilton #10.. 

    Pipe 1” circles about 2” apart on the parchment-lined baking sheet. 

    Hold the tray a few inches off the counter and drop it straight down to release any air bubbles. Repeat 5 times, or until you don’t see any large air bubbles. 

    Allow the macarons to rest at room temperature for at least 20 minutes, or until they have developed a skin. While the macarons rest, preheat your oven to 315F. 

    When the macarons are ready to bake, you should be able to touch them without the batter sticking to your finger. Bake the macarons in a pre-heated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are set and no longer wet in the center.

    Leave the macarons on the baking sheet until they’ve cooled to room temperature. 

    Instructions for making macaron filling.

    In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the peanut butter and softened butter until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla and mix until incorporated. 

    With the mixer on low, slowly add in the powdered sugar. When all of the powdered sugar has been added, turn the mixer to high and allow the icing to whip until light and soft— about 2 minutes. 

    If the mixture is dry and not coming together properly, add the heavy cream and whip on high again until light and fluffy. 

    Transfer the filling to a piping bag and set aside. 

    Assemble & Store 

    Once the macarons have cooled, place them in similar sized pairs. Pipe a small dollop of frosting in the center of one macaron. Then, place the seance shell on top and gently press down so the filling spreads to the edges. Repeat with the remaining macarons. 

    Store the macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator to age overnight. Bring to room temperature before serving. 

    Important!

    Be sure to to use Superfine Almond Flour preferably Bob’s Red Mill. Do not use Almond Meal.

    Use Hershey’s Special Dark Cocoa Powder. Note: This recipe was tested with Valrohna Dutch Processed Cocoa Powder and didn’t work.

    Your egg whites can, but do not have to be, at room temperature. 

    When your meringue is at the “lava stage”, it should flow smoothly like caramel. You should be able to draw a figure 8 in the batter without the stream of meringue breaking. 

    Knowing your oven is very important when making macarons. Most home ovens are not accurate so an oven thermometer is highly recommended. Keep an eye on your oven and adjust the temperature as needed to ensure it stays at 315F. 

    Nutrition Information (per 1 macaron, 24 macarons per batch) 

    Calories: 58

    Total Fat: 2.8 g

    Saturated Fat: 1 g

    Cholesterol: 3 mg

    Sodium: 23 mg

    Total Carbohydrate: 7.7 g

    Dietary Fiber: 0.4 g

    Total Sugars: 7 g

    Protein: 1.3 g

    I hope you enjoy the recipe!

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    20 Super Easy Holiday Desserts to Make

    20 Super Easy Holiday Desserts to Make

    Stay connected! Follow me over on Instagram.

  • 20 Super Easy Holiday Desserts to Make

    20 Super Easy Holiday Desserts to Make This Holiday Season!

    I was standing in the supermarket checkout line yesterday, and I kept thinking about how different this holiday season will be. We wouldn’t have the same access to our friends and family as we usually do as we try to remain safe and keep them safe. This will be tough for my kids as they LOVE getting the spend time with relatives during the holidays. That’s why I’m looking forward to making memories with them in the kitchen this year. Since the pandemic started, we’ve spent more and more time together cooking and baking, and this holiday season, we’re looking forward to trying more recipes. In preparation, I decided to round-up 20 super easy holiday desserts to make:

    White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

    Christmas Wreath Cupcakes

    Christmas Tree Brownies

    Christmas Tree Cheesecakes Sausage Sliders

    Christmas Tree Brownies

    Christmas Tree Cheesecakes Sausage Sliders

    Homemade Peppermint Bark

    Snowman Cookies

    Cake Mix Gingerbread Cookies

    Cinnamon Cake

    Candy Cane Cookies

    Holiday Cranberry Bark with Peppermint

    Frozen Inspired North Mountain Cupcake

    Gingerbread Cheesecake Dip

    Easy Grinch Crinkle Cookies

    Reindeer Donuts

    Easy Peppermint Brownie Truffles

    Reindeer Marshmellow Pops

    Holiday Sugar Cookie Cake

    I’m looking forward to trying some of these easy holiday recipes this Christmas and New Year with my family; if you decide to try them too, please let me know.

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  • Gift Guide for Stylish Moms | Athleisure Wear She’ll Love

    Whew! 2020 has been quite a year for all of us, and I think it’s safe to say we deserve the best gifts this holiday season. I don’t know about you, but I love gifts that I can use daily, especially clothes and shoes. I’m looking forward to upgrading my athleisure wardrobe this holiday season to look cute doing the things I do most regularly like go to the grocery store, take walks around the neighborhood, and lounge around our home. I’m happy to partner with Adidas for this post because I’ve been a fan of the brand for years, and they truly have some of the coolest athleisure wear for women. So, here is my 2020 Gift Guide for Stylish Moms, Athleisure She’ll Love:

    Gift Guide for Stylish Moms |  Athleisure Wear She’ll Love

    Sneakers Ultraboost 20 Sneakers

    I'm looking forward to upgrading my athleisure wardrobe this holiday season to look cute doing the things I do most regularly like go to the grocery store, take walks around the neighborhood, and lounge around our home. I'm happy to partner with Adidas for this post because I've been a fan of the brand for years, and they truly have some of the coolest athleisure wear for women. So, here is my 2020 Gift Guide for Stylish Moms, Athleisure She'll Love:

    Let’s start with the sneakers because sneakers always make fantastic gifts! My top pick from Adidas for this gift guide for stylish moms is the Adidas Ultraboost 20 Shoes. These running sneakers are sleek, gorgeous, lightweight, and look great beyond working out. You can style them with cute dresses, jeans, and athleisure outfits. The Adidas Ultraboost 20 Shoes is available in 19 different colorways, but I fell in love with the Cloud white/Core Black/Signal Pink because it’s a neutral color that would go with most of the things in my wardrobe. 

    The best thing about them, though, is how comfortable they are; they’re light, feel sock-like, and are perfect, especially if you’re going to be on your feet for hours. 

    Adidas COLD.RDY Training Jacket

    It’s no secret that I’m not too fond of cold weather, I’ve shared that many times before so a warm jacket is the perfect gift. I’ve had it for a few weeks now, and I love wearing it because of how warm and comfortable it is. It also has a lined hoodie that you tuck into the zippered collar. 

    The Adidas COLD.RDY Training Jacket is warm, yet it’s lightweight and chic. I think most of us prefer jackets that aren’t bulky, especially for exercising or walking outdoors. This is an excellent gift for a mom who enjoys running or anyone who would appreciate a stylish jacket. I got it in black, but it also comes in a trendy green color (Legend Earth). I love how inclusive Adidas is, too, the COLD.RDY collection is also available in plus sizes. Buy the jacket here!

    The Adidas Alphaskin COLD.RDY Tights

    Also, part of the COLD.RDY collection is these long warm tights. I absolutely love how comfortable these are, and even though they’re insulated, they’re comfortable and don’t make me feel sweaty. The design is excellent; they’re very flattering even though I don’t have an athletic build. They’re also not too stretchy that you have to worry about them getting loose while you wear them. I thought the Power Berry color that I’m wearing is perfect for the holidays, but depending on who you’re shopping for, they prefer the Legacy Gold or the Black. 

    The Adidas Badge of Sport Pullover Fleece Hoodie

    Gift Guide for Stylish Moms

    Raise your hand if you’re guilty of wearing just about any warm hoodie you can get your hands on. Whether it’s your kid’s, husband’s, BBF’s, we’ve all done it. Now that the holidays are here, we can gift ourselves our own warm hoodies. I’m in love with the Adidas Badge of Sport Pullover Fleece hoodies because it’s warm, cozy, and stylish. It’s a thick yet soft and sound quality that would last for a long time. My favorite is the white with the black logo, but I love it so much I plan to gift myself the black with white logo. It’s available in five colors in plus sizes. 

    Essentials Linear Pants

    Gift Guide for Stylish Moms

    This is the perfect pair of fleece sweatpants for cold days. I love the tapered leg and how cute these pants look with the Sneakers Ultraboost 20 Sneakers and The Adidas Badge of Sport Pullover Fleece Hoodie. I wear them to go shopping, run errands with the kids, lounging and homeschooling. They’re also great when you don’t feel like getting dressed but want to look pulled together. I have them in black, but they’re also available in Noble Purple / Power Berry.

    I hope you found the perfect gift for the stylish mom in your life for the holidays! Let me know your favorite pieces from my picks in the comments below. 

    Don’t miss a post! Sign up for my newsletter here!

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  • Best Wooden Toys for Kids

    This Best Wooden Toys for Kids Gift Guide contains affiliate links!

    As a mom, I’ve seen a lot of toys circulate in my home. I’ve noticed that some toys stand the test of time while others don’t. I’ve noticed that a lot of those are wooden toys. While wooden toys do not always have the same appeal as some of the holidays’ hottest toys, they’re usually made of better quality and are a good investment for families. As the holiday season nears, I wanted to share this gift guide with the best wooden toys for kids. I shared options from different online retailers so you can take advantage of any sales and deals within the upcoming weeks.

    Click on the links and photos below to purchase or learn more about the products!

    Wooden toys for Toddlers

    Wooden Rainbow Stacking Game

    If you look around any Montessori classroom, the chances of you finding this wooden rainbow stacking game are very high- and for a good reason. The vibrant colors will draw any child in for playing, and its unique shape helps kids’ imagination to soar and helps them develop their engineering skills through the hundreds of builds that this toy can create.

    [show_shopthepost_widget id=”4217905″]

    Wooden Blocks Set

    For generations, parents have been keeping toddlers engaged and happy with wooden blocks. I think we all have fond memories of creating with them during our childhood. These sets are fantastic for imaginative play as well as to encourage independent or collaborative play. Like the rainbow stacking game above, this set has bright, vibrant colors that make them even more fun and attractive to toddlers. Some of these wooden blocks sets are also magnetic.

    [show_shopthepost_widget id=”4217912″]

    Wooden Shape Sorting & Stacking Toy

    This shape sorting and stacking toy is the perfect educational gift for toddlers. They can learn color recognition and shapes and gain basic knowledge of geometry through play with this toy. 

    [show_shopthepost_widget id=”4217913″]

    Wooden toys for Preschoolers

    Wooden Sensory Bin Tools

    Sensory bins are great for open-ended play for preschoolers in the classroom or at home. They help preschoolers develop and perfect for learning through play. A wooden sensory bin tools set is a beautiful gift for kids. You can just about any container as a sensory bin, but it’s great to have the tools to facilitate play.

    Montessori Screw Driver Board for Preschoolers

    One of my kids’ past teachers suggested the Montessori Screw Driver Board as an excellent gift to strengthen kids’ hands for writing while they’re having fun. It’s such a cute toy yet very practical and useful for their developmental skills.

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    Wooden Lacing Beads

    Another classic that many of us played with as children! Wooden lacing beads are perfect for helping little hands develop fine motor skills and help your kids focus. 

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    Wooden Clocks for kids

    My two older kids both learned to tell the time with these wooden clocks. They’re an excellent way for kids to learn and to play.

    All About today

    With many of us parents opting to delay preschool this year because of the pandemic, we can bring preschool home to our little ones by investing in a toy like the All About Today.

    You can use it to help your preschooler learn about the days of the week, weather, seasons, and time. 

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    I hope you found some great gift ideas for the kids on your nice list this year. Check out other gift guides here.

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  • Layers of the Earth Printable Worksheet Packet FREE

    FREE Layers of the Earth Printable Worksheet Packet

    Are your kids learning about the layers of the Earth? These free layers of the Earth printable worksheets are perfect for helping kids learn and revise the layers of the Earth. Feel free to print as many as you need and share them with other moms you know. These Layers of the Earth printables are perfect for elementary school kids.

    Download your free Layers of the Earth Printable Worksheet Packet below:

    FREE Layers of the Earth Printable Worksheet Packet

    FREE Layers of the Earth Printable Worksheet Packet

    I hope your kids have fun learning about the layers of the earth with these worksheets. Don’t forget to download out of our other free worksheet packets to keep your kids busy. Also, follow me on Instagram where I share more of our homeschool journey.

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  • Best STEM Toys of 2020 for Kids of All Ages

    Gift Guide: Best STEM Toys of 2020 for Kids of All Ages.

    As a parent and homeschool mom, I always have my eye out for educational toys for my children. I have to say that over the last decade of parenting, new toys keep getting more sophisticated, engaging, and fun. With the holidays approaching, I wanted to share the best stem toys of 2020 for kids of all ages. I know firsthand that finding the perfect toys can feel overwhelming, so I’m happy to curate this list of classic and new STEM toys your kids would be thrilled to receive.

    Keep Reading for the Best Stem Toys of 2020 for kids of All Ages!

    Brickyard Engineering Building Blocks – Ages 3-10

    This set is great for kids; it’s the type of toy they can grow with. The colors are bright and engaging. You can create almost anything with this kit, and it’s going to be one of the most popular toys this holiday season. If you want your child to learn through play, this is one of the best toy sets to develop their early engineering skills!

    LEGO STEM Toys

    Since I started homeschooling my children, we’ve been using LEGOs more and more as part of our lessons. The great thing about LEGOs is that you can find sets for kids of all age groups. 

    LEGO for Toddlers/Preschoolers – Age 1 and above

    My toddler loves building with her LEGO Duplo Classic Brick Box set. The great thing about this set is that there are many possibilities of things she can make, they’re simple, fun, and the best part is that it comes with a storage box, so it’s easy to store. 

    LEGO for elementary school aged kids – Age 7+

    As I’ve mentioned before, my kids are enrolled in coding classes, and they absolutely love coding. The LEGO Boost Creative Toolbox Fun Robot Building Set and Educational Coding Kit for Kids is the perfect gift for them this holiday season. This kit is perfect for helping your kids develop their coding skills. 

    Fort Construction Kit – Ages 5+

    What kid doesn’t love building forts? It’s the perfect activity to have fun and learn all about basic building concepts. This fort construction kit takes that to another level with the tools to be as creative as your child wants to be. This kit has over 85 pieces; your child can construct awesome forts, homes, ships, bridges, etc. the sky is the limit on what they can create. This Fort Construction kit is kids five and older, and you can purchase one HERE!

    Building Disc Sets – Ages 3+

    This kit of rainbow disc sets is perfect for preschoolers to help them learn basic STEM concepts. Through their fun shape and bright rainbow colors, kids will lose track of time playing with them. Watch as your child build their fine motor development, enhance cognitive color skills, and establish their creativity. You can get one here!

    Magformers – Ages 3+

    I’ve shared our love for Magformers in previous gift guides, and it makes it back to the list in 2020 because the quality of their products stands the test of time. You kids can build and create ways that will surprise you while they build up the engineering part of their brains. I love that they have sets for every budget and to fit different interests. My kids have the Magformers in Motion set, and it’s fun to watch all of the other things they make and see them figure out how to make it move. See all of the different Magformers sets here.

    Fisher Price Think & Learn Code-a-Pillar Toy – Ages 3-6 years-

    Get your preschoolers a jump start on coding with this toy, they can program it move however they want it to move. It’s perfect for preschoolers to learn through play and get their first exposure to coding. Check out the Code-a-Pillar here.

    Wooden Fishing Game

    This game is a classic, it’s been around for a while and that’s for a reason. It’s great for helping kids with number recognition and to improve their basic arithmetic skills. It’s one of my go-to gifts for preschoolers. Plus, since it’s made out of wood it more durable and the colors and shapes make it fun. These are all a win in my book!

    I hope got some ideas for your holiday shopping from this STEM toys gift guide.

  • Bedtime Reading Corner Inspired by Mo Willems’ I Want to Sleep Under the Stars

    Bedtime Reading Corner Inspired by Mo Willems’ I Want to Sleep Under the Stars

    Thank you Disney Books for sponsoring this post! As always, all opinions shared are my own.

    Like most parents, I’ve found myself looking for creative ways to keep my children happy indoors over the last seven months. Books have always been a big part of our lives, so naturally, I looked for entertaining books to escape and find inspiration at home. Our latest favorite bedtime book is the newest release from Mo Willems’ Unlimited Squirrels series; I Want to Sleep Under the Stars! and it inspired us to create our own “under the stars” bedtime nook for the kids.

    Bedtime Reading Corner Inspired by Mo Willems’ I Want to Sleep Under the Stars

    In true Mo Willems style, I Want to Sleep Under the Stars! is hilarious and engaging. This book is all about the beauty of helping and encouraging friends, which is a great lesson for children. It’s a feel-good book, much like Mo Willems’ other books, that make it enjoyable for adults to read to kids. Although I Want to Sleep Under the Stars! is written for early readers, ages four to eight-year-olds (my son’s age group), my younger daughter, who is almost three, also loves I Want to Sleep Under the Stars! 

    If you aren’t yet familiar with the Unlimited Squirrels series, I’m sure you still recognize the name Mo Willems. He’s the beloved and bestselling creator of the Elephant & Piggie series, one of our favorites! This is the third book in the Unlimited Squirrels series and they all combine education with entertainment: get “nutty facts” and “a-corny jokes” in every book! In I Want to Sleep Under the Stars, learn all about sleeping under the stars along with Zoom Squirrel and his Squirrel pals.

    Bedtime Reading Corner Inspired by Mo Willems’ I Want to Sleep Under the Stars

    “Under the Stars” Bedtime Reading Corner

    Inspired by I Want to Sleep Under the Stars! I decided to create a cozy bedtime reading camp corner for my littles to wind down at bedtime and read. With all our kids experienced this year, this little corner to enjoy books before bed and not think about the crazy world outside almost feels necessary.

    To set up the kids bedtime reading corner inspired by I Want to Sleep Under the Stars, I used:

    • A teepee tent (found this inexpensive one on Amazon).
    • A cozy throw or blanket. 
    • Pillows 
    • A star garland for the top of your teepee; I made one using silver paper cut into stars and taping them to a string. 
    • A floor pillow or mattress is also an option if your kids want to camp out in the reading nook and sleep there for fun.

    I hope your kids enjoy reading I Want to Sleep Under the Stars! and their new bedtime reading corner.

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