• Beauty, Product Reviews, Skincare, Sponsored

    I tried CBD Skincare Products for my Skin and Wellness! Here’s my Experience.

    This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx on behalf of BOTA!

    Over the last few weeks, I’ve been really intentional about taking good care of my skin. My face, I’ve religiously taken care of but my body needed some love. My three pregnancies didn’t help, my skin texture changed, I got acne marks on my back and my hands were started to show signs of aging. All of this made me realize that I needed to do something. As most of you know, self-care is very important to me and as I seeked out wellness products, I’ve been hearing a lot about CBD skincare products and the benefits of using them. It can be overwhelming because there are a lot of different brands CBD skincare products on the market so I want to share my experience using the Bota skincare products which contain less than 0.3% THC and made from hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD),

    Bota Skincare Products

    Bota Calming & Nourishing All-Day Body Lotion

    I tried CBD Skincare Products for my Skin and Wellness!

    While some moms love to start their day with coffee, I start with a shower to wake up, and I’ve been using the Bota Calming & Nourishing All-Day Body Lotion soon as I step out of the shower. This lotion keeps my skin moisturized ALL DAY LONG, even the dry patches that are sometimes itchy. Am I the only one with those dry skin areas? This lotion is intensely hydrating, and just a little goes a long way. It’s is made with Avocado Oil + hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD).

    Bota Age-Defying Hand Lotion

    Bota CBD Skincare Products

    Just like you, I’m washing my hands non-stop and using drying hand sanitizer when I’m out and not able to wash them. I hate the way my hands feel when the skin is dry, so I was excited to try Bota Age-Defying hand lotion. It’s also very hydrating and keeps the hands on my skin feeling soft and smooth yet non-greasy. The Bota Age-Defying Hand Lotion is made with Apricot Kernel Oil + hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) .

    Bota Ultra-Rich Satin Body Cream

    My skin loves shea butter and jojoba oil, so the combination of those two and hemp extract is glorious. This is my favorite product in the Bota product line and I love using it at night to hydrate my skin. It’s thick and rich and the type of product that can easily become part of your holy grail.

    I tried CBD Skincare Products for my Skin and Wellness! Here's my Experience.

    Bota Warming Muscle Melt Cream

    As an island girl, I love cinnamon in just about everything but I haven’t used cinnamon oil in years. The Bota Muscle Melt Cream is made with Warming Cinnamon Oil + hemp-derived cannabidi. It’s another bedtime favorite and I love using it on the nights when I have a backache or my muscles are sore. It’s also perfect for massages.

    Bota Spearmint Tincture

    Last but not least is the product that’s perfect for those days when you’re filled with anxiety, stress, and need to relax a bit. The Bota Spearmint Tincture has been a savior for me recently, helping me to feel grounded and calm. It’s become a wellness must-have for me, and I love the coconut flavor!

    I tried CBD Skincare Products for my Skin and Wellness! Here's my Experience.

    Anyway, I hope this post is helpful! If you’re looking to switch to plant-based skincare products or just want to try CBD skincare products I would recommend the Bota skincare line. Get 15% off your order from Bota with the code PLANTPOWER15 until May 31st, 2020.

  • DIY, Fashion

    How to Make a Leather Clutch Bag with Cricut Maker

    This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine.

    It’s been a long time since I’ve had the chance to craft and I’ve been itching to do something creative. I’ve always wanted to make a leather clutch since I got my Cricut Maker machine and I finally had the chance to make one. This was an easy Cricut project which is perfect for me as I’m still a Cricut beginner so if you’re new to using Cricut, you will be able to make this one without any headache. Here’s how to make a leather clutch bag with Cricut Maker.

    Materials

    Easy Cricut Maker Clutch

    How to Make a Leather Clutch Bag with Cricut Maker:

    I posted a quick tutorial on TikTok, you can watch it here. But here’s the step by the step instructions.

    Easy Cricut Maker Clutch
    1. Open Cricut Design Space.
    2. Search “Fold Up Leather Case”.
    3. Select “Make it”, if you’re advanced you can choose to customize it.
    4. Select “Make it”.
    5. On the “Prepare it” page, select “Mirror me”.
    6. Select “Thin Leather”.
    7. Select “Scoring Wheel Tip Blade”.
    8. Attach the Cricut Genuine leather on a Cricut Standard Grip mat, face down.
    9. Follow the instructions in Cricut Design Space for the next steps to start cutting.
    10. Once cutting is completed, remove two pieces from the mat.
    11. Fold the leather material into the shape of the clutch.
    12. Add a little glue to the sides of the bottom of the clutch, be careful to ensure it doesn’t smudge.
    13. Press it or place a heavy item over it for a few minutes while the glue dries.
    14. Repeat on the other side.
    15. You can also glue the string wrap at the opening of your clutch.
    16. Allow drying.
    17. Voila! You have a new clutch bag.
    How to Make a Leather Clutch Bag with Cricut Maker.

    I hope this tutorial of how to make a leather clutch bag with Cricut Maker was helpful and you enjoy crafting with your Cricut Maker machine. I’m going to be back with more of the fun projects we’re working on.

    You may also like:

    How to use Cricut Infusible Ink on a Sweatshirt

    Cricut Infusible Ink on a Sweatshirt

    Cricut Products!

    Cricut Beginner Guide: Machines, Tools and Materials You’ll Need

    Cricut Beginner Guide: Machines, Tools and Materials You'll Need
  • Kids, Motherhood

    Quarantine Fun for Kids | A Guide by my 4th Grade Daughter

    Quarantine Fun for Kids. A. Guide by my 4th Grade Daughter!

    This post contains affiliate links.

    Hello everyone,

    My name is Yara, and I am writing this post for other kids safe inside during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are is my quarantine fun for kids guide with things I like doing by myself and my family while we’re safe inside.

    Games and Toys

    Quarantine Fun for Kid

    I like family game night with my parents and siblings! I like to play Uno, Trouble, Connect 4, Spot it, Monopoly and Brain Games. I like playing with my American Girl Crafts, American Girl dolls, LEGO, LOL Dolls, and slime.

    Books

    I love to read! Some of my favorite books are the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kenny, the Dork Diaries series by Rachel Renée Russel, the Dog Man series, Raina Telgemeier’s book series, Sunny Side Up series by Jennifer L. Holm, American Girl Books, Phoebe and her Unicorn by Dana Simpson, The Babysitters Club series by Ann M. Martin, The President of Poplar Lane by Margaret Mincks, Race to the Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse.

    Podcasts

    I love to listen to podcasts! One of my favorites is Wow in the World (by the way they made a game show for us during this sad time and a scientific show). Other podcasts are Circle Round, But Why: A podcast for Curious kids, Brains On (another scientific podcast) and Book Club for Kids.

    You can read about more of our favorite podcasts here.

    https://adannadill.com/family-friendly-podcasts-for-kids/

    Exercise

    I love to exercise with my mom. We use exercise workouts on PopSugar Youtube everyday. I think its important to exercise during the Covid-19 so I exercise a lot.

    Fashion

    Quarantine Fun for Kid

    I love fashion! I like glitter nail polish, dresses, skirts, suits and denim jackets. This is favorite dress, I love the stars on it and my rainbow denim jacket, both from J. Crew Crewcut.

    What types of things are your family doing while quarantined?

  • Fashion

    Cute Pajama Sets for Women to Look Good at Home

    24 Cute pajama sets for women! ps: This post contains affiliate links.

    Stylish pajama sets for women

    It looks like we’re going to be living this indoor life for a while, and so our indoor wardrobe is getting more attention than our outdoor, well at least mine is. While I do dress up to go to the living room when I’m in the mood for it, most days you’ll find me in sweats or pajamas all day. I wanted to share some cute inexpensive options I’ve seen recently to get through us through the quarantine.

    I found this adorable pair on Target.com, and I thought it was perfect for the spring. Also, Target offers two-day shipping on orders $25+. It’s really soft and comfortable, the shorts are the right length, and the quality is excellent. I ordered the size large, which is my usual size, but I wanted it to be a bit relaxed fitting, and I’m happy it is. This style also comes in plus sizes.

    Here are some great options if you’re looking to add cute pajamas to your wardrobe. These are all budget-friendly so that you can stock up on a few.

    24 Cute Pajama Sets for Women

    Since it’s spring, I’m mostly drawn to the pajama shorts sets, but the long ones that I added are all really stylish too if shorts aren’t your thing.

    Although I’m wearing a pajama set from Target in these photos, my favorite place to shop for pajama sets is ASOS. They have trendy and fun pajamas at affordable prices. Plus, ASOS shipping is fast, and their two-day shipping is affordable at $19 for one year. ASOS is my go-to for almost every occasion or budget.

    As I searched the net for more styles, I found some great options from Boohoo, which I included. I’ve ordered from Boohoo a few times, but their shipping tends to take a bit longer.

    Anyway, I hope you find cute pajama sets that you can enjoy.

    You may also like:

    Screen-Free Activities to Keep Kids Busy While You Work

    https://adannadill.com/screen-free-activities-to-keep-kids-busy-while-you-work/
  • Activities, Motherhood

    Screen-free Activities to Keep Kids Busy While You Work

    Screen-free Activities to Keep Kids Busy While You Work

    This post contains affiliate links.

    I can’t believe that we’re already on our fourth week of distant learning, remote school, homeschool, or however you desire to call it. There seems to be no end in sight, so I’ve been doing my best to keep the kids occupied. They usually finish the work that their teachers assign them within 2-4 hours. Since they’re learning mostly online, I try to ensure that they have to offline, screen-free activities, so they’re not overstimulated. So I wanted to share seven screen-free activities to keep kids busy while you work.

    You may also like: 8 Black Homeschool Momd Share Advice for Homeschooling During COVID-19

    Make Stuffed Toys.

    This is such a fun craft to get kids to express their creativity. I ordered this set for my son as I knew he would love it. He designed and stuffed his own toys which was really fun. He was able to do it all without any help from me.

    Unicorn Themed Crafts

    My daughter loves unicorns, so this unicorn set was great for her. It’s for kids six and older and includes six different crafts, which are all fun and straightforward.

    Actually, I really love the Craftastic brand themed sets and plan to get the kids a few more, the Llama set is on my daughter’s wish list, and you can check out all their sets based on your kids’ age group here.

    Make Jewelry.

    There is nothing like the feeling of accomplishment that kids experience when they create something themselves. Jewelry making is fun for all age groups; my kids love making jewelry together. Of course, these sets are best for older kids to use without younger siblings, as the pieces are small. My daughter is an American Girl fan, so she loved this American Girl Jewelry Making Charm Set.

    Reusable Sticker Books

    As you can probably tell by my toddler morning routine post, I’m a big fan of Melissa and Doug products, especially for the preschool age group. I discovered their giant reusable sticker books when my son was a toddler, and since then, I’ve been hooked. This book can keep my toddler focused for a good 20-30 minutes, which buys me time to get something off my to-do list.

    Magformers

    My kids have the Magnetic Construction STEM Gear Set, which I purchased for them over three years ago, and they still love it. All three kids use them to create and build fun shapes. If the Construction STEM Gear Set isn’t in your budget, you can start with the basic set, and you can build your collection from there.  

    Play-Doh

    Good ole’ Play-Doh is always a great way to keep kids occupied. I remember how much I loved Play-Doh as a child, and my kids love it just as much. Play-Doh keeps my toddler occupied while her siblings do their school work. We use our favorite cookie cutters to make fun shapes.

    lego-juniorssuitcase

    LEGO sets

    I’m yet to meet a child that doesn’t love LEGO sets. The pieces can be a challenge to keep track of around your home, we try to keep them stored well, but I always find pieces here and there, but they’re such a great way to keep your kids learning through play at home. For my toddler, I love the Duplo sets. 

    I hope this post is helps you find the perfect screen-free activities to keep your kids busy while you work.

  • Motherhood, Self-Care

    Managing Stress During the COVID-19 Pandemic

    Managing Stress During the COVID-19 Pandemic

    It feels like we’re living through a nightmare, no?Thousands of people worldwide are sick worldwide with COVID-19, and we’re all just trying to deal with day-to-day life while we’re social distancing/quarantined, work, homeschool, and take care of our families. All of this makes it HARD for us to prioritize self-care as moms. The urgency dealing with COVID-19 may make us feel like we need to put self-care on the backburner, but the truth is that this is the time to intensify it.

    As women and mothers, we’re the nucleus of our homes. We need to keep ourselves as physically and mentally as healthy as possible. Here are ways we can self-care during this pandemic:

    Indoor Workouts

    One of the best ways to fight the stress of COVID-19 is exercise, and while we may not feel like it (I rarely feel like it). We have to make it a part of our routine. I’ve been doing workouts with my kids a few days a week, and it’s so much fun. We love the Blogpilates and PopSugar Fitness channel on YouTube. We’ve also taken advantage of free workouts that celebrities have offered, like Debbie Allen’s dance classes on Instagram. The endorphin rush is exactly what we need in these times.

    Fresh Air

    I try to get outside for some fresh air on a daily basis. Sometimes I take the kids but most days I do it by myself just to get a moment that feels normal. I like leaving a few windows opens as well, even if it’s cold to get the air circulating through our home.

    Virtual Therapy

    Before COVID-19, I was already seeing an art therapist I’m so happy that my therapist can see me virtually now. This has been key for me to manage my anxiety and worry during this time. Ask your therapist if you can meet online or use apps like TalkSpace to find virtual therapists. If you need to speak to someone to process all the feelings that are coming up now, do so. Please don’t allow your mental health to deteriorate during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Use social media wisely.

    This is the time to use social media to connect with others, to create communities with likeminded people, to make extra money, and to stay in touch with your loved ones. Unfollow/mute people and pages who post negative things and look for others who are uplifting and can help you feel good when you’re feeling down.

    Focus on what you can control.

    I usually write a daily gratitude list, but during this pandemic, I had to shift and start also writing a short list of things that I CAN CONTROL. For instance, I can wash my hands, avoid touching my face, remind my kids to do the same, clean all the high touch areas in my home several times per day.

    Distract yourself.

    We shouldn’t focus on COVID-19 24/7, but since it’s basically the only thing the news and everyone is talking about, then we have to distract ourselves. Use this time to catch up on your reading, get free audiobooks from Audible and Scribd. Do things that will distract you from what’s going on, take a free class on Brit & Co. etc.

    Start Meditating.

    Meditation has been beneficial for me over the last few years. I try to start my day with meditation, but I sometimes stop whatever I’m doing to meditate and clear my head if I feel stressed. If you’re new to meditating, there are apps and tons of videos on YouTube you can use to learn and apps like Calm, Aura, Headspace, and more.

    Deep Breaths

    When all else fails, taking a few deep breaths can help you immediately feel less stressed. You can even set reminders on your watch to take deep breaths throughout the day.

    Set up dates with friends online.

    Set updates with your close friends to hang out online; you don’t have to live in isolation. Chatting and laughing with friends will help you to feel less stressed.

    Anyway, I hope these tips are helpful to you. Stay well friends, take care of yourself, and let me know below how you’ve been managing stress during the COVID-19 Pandemic over the last few weeks.

    You may also like: How I got into Consistent Workout Routine as a Mom of Three

  • Motherhood

    8 Black Homeschool Moms share Advice for Homeschooling During COVID-19

    Wow, what a whirlwind this week (or was it a month?) has been! Like many of you, I found myself homeschooling in addition to all of my other responsibilities this week, and it was NOT EASY. I’m grateful that my children’s teachers are available to them 8 hours to them. Still, I played a significant role in working with them, explaining things, and guiding them, especially my first grader.

    Black Homeschool Moms

    It was challenging as we adjusted our lives and tried to find a groove. So I reached out to some moms who have been doing this for years for advice. I’ve loved following all of these black homeschooling moms for years, and I’m happy to share their advice for homeschooling during the COVID-19 with you. Make sure to follow their blogs and Instagram pages; I was sure to tag them.

    Bianca of Bianca Dottin

    “I would say to not overthink it. Schools give a lot of busy work during the day. We’re finished with school in 3 hours every day. Make it fun and don’t stress over what they’re learning. If you think they’re not learning, you’re probably wrong. ” Bianca Dottin

    Bianca shared how to create a realistic homeschool schedule here.

    Eva of Soca Mom

    “Think of one thing you were or are really good at (and enjoy) and make it a class. It could be dance, cheerleading, basketball, cooking, knitting, painting, or anything you enjoy. You can also find out what they love to do and let them teach you – become a video game or Tik Tok master!” Eva of Soca Mom


    Read Eva’s Guide to Emergency Homeschooling here.

    Ashley of MommyWeek

    “As unschoolers, my family practices interest based child led learning. I suggest parents take a relaxed approach and not teach from home. Watch a few documentaries that interest your kids, read books, do some art and science experiments. Talk about random facts and just have fun.” Ashley of MommyWeek

    Lisa of The Domestic Lifestylist

    “I could offer resources and solutions but, at the end of day mindset is key before you even start. If you’re feeling resentful about having to teach from home, your kids will feel it. They will sense the resentment and give if back to you ten-fold. Secondly, set intent for the day. Start out each day with intent. The teacher should have intent and goals for the day, so should the students, even if they are young. I try to ask my 6-year at the beginning of the day, “What are your homeschool goals for the day”. Many times, his goals are aligned with finishing his school work by a certain time so that he can play. That works for me because he’s more cooperative. When he falls off track I remind him of his goals for the day. 

    Lastly, this is school at home, not “regular school”. If your kid wants to wear pajamas to math class, let them. Woody costume for the day…so be it. There are tons of resources online, pick the ones that suit your child’s personality and learning style. It’s your school and you get to do it your way.” Dr. Lisa (TheDomesticLifeStylist.com)

    Check out Dr. Lisa’s post Emergency Homeschooling: Yes, you can do it here.

    Elle of Cleverly Changing

    “The best tip I can give first time homeschooling moms is to relax and make sure that you don’t try to duplicate the same time schedule that schools adhere by. Your homeschool schedule can be flexible, but you should have a plan for your day, don’t just wing it. Kids listen better when structure is present. If you’re working from home, remember that schooling can be done in the evening if you’re unable to manage both at the same time. Next, let your kids get fresh air and stretch their arms and legs.” Elle of Cleverly Changing

    Elle shared a useful post Vetted Home Educational Resources by Subject here. Elle also has a podcast that covers many topics including homeschooling, you can listen to an episode answering homeschool related questions here.

    Christine St. Vil of Moms N Charge

    Check out Christine’s post Forced Into Homeschooling? 50+ Resources and Tips to Engage Your Kids While Schools Are Closed Due to Coronavirus!

    Christine and Elle did a video together, watch it here!

    Toia Barry of Toia Barry

    “One tip is to use what you have. We’ve been homeschooling since Micah was about 3, using “homemade” methods. We created sight word flash cards just by writing beginner words on colorful index cards & went over about 10 each day to start because… attention span!”

    Another helpful method, especially with younger kids, is to keep lessons short at first then slowly increase the time. But also make the lessons as fun as possible. Use funny voices, dance if you have to to keep their attention. Even though our lesson time is short, we subtly reinforce things Micah has learned throughout the day.” Toia Barry

    Darcel of The Mahogany Way

    “Empower your kids and ask them what they want to do or learn. Take what they say seriously. This is a great time to explore new ideas and ways of learning.

    Setup a weekly video chat with your kids and their friends. We need to stay connected as best we can during this time.

    Make sure the family gets quiet time every day.

    If you have younger children and they nap, take some of that time for yourself, doesn’t have to be long. Ten minutes can do wonders.

    If the kids are older, anywhere from 15-30mins seems to work well.

    Practice better self-care. You can’t pour into your kids if you have nothing to give. Do something every single day for yourself. Doesn’t have to be an hour. Break it up in small moments throughout the day if you need to.

    Incorporate some form of exercise into your days/week. Yoga, walk around the block. FaceTime a friend over coffee(download zoom if you don’t have an iPhone)stay up a little later. Read a book, watch a movie or show. Get dressed for the day, do your hair and whatever else you need or want to feel good during the day.” Darcel of The Mahogany Way

    Darcel shared some free resources for those of us now having to homeschool during COVID-19 here.

    I hope all of these tips are helpful to you as they have been to me. It’s also inspiring to see these black homeschool moms who are successfully raising smart well-rounded children. Now, enjoy some wine and I’ll check in with you again next week.

    You may also like: Our Toddler’s Morning Routine Schedule

    Toddler Morning Routine Schedule + Tips

    You may also like:

    https://adannadill.com/managing-stress-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/
  • Healthy Eating, Motherhood

    Healthy Snacks that Taste Good + Grocery Delivery Discount

    This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx! As always, all opinions are my own.

    I’ve always been the type of girl who prefers to make a lifestyle change to improve my overall nutrition versus temporary dieting. I eat somewhat healthy, but as I’ve mentioned a few times in the past, my struggle is snacking. So much so, a few years ago, I started to joke that “I eat clean, snack dirty.” Well, I’m trying to change that for myself and my family. I’ve been experimenting with different foods, and I wanted to share a few healthy snacks that taste good to help us stay on track.

    Healthy Snacks that Taste Good + Grocery Delivery Discount

    Action for Healthy Kids (AFHK)

    Healthy Snacks that Taste Good + Grocery Delivery Discount

    First, let me share my inspiration! Most of the lifestyle changes I’m making are to be healthy so I can take care of my family and set a positive example for my kids. One of my inspirations is Action for Healthy Kids. AFHK focuses on the wellness of kids, both emotionally and physically. Their latest campaign encourages grownups to take 200,000 actions for healthier children in 2020. These can be anything from initiatives at school to changes in your family’s lifestyle. For our family, it’s all about snacking healthier.

    The AFHK helps kids in neighborhoods without a lot of resources. Their survey of parents of kids participating in AFHK found that 76% of the parents improved their habits based on something their child told them they learned about health and well-being, which indicates why it’s important for kids to have health and nutrition at school. You can join the movement here.

    Commit to Take Action for Healthy Kids at http://www.actionforhealthykids.org/win by March 31, 2020 and be entered to win a healthy taste test kit to host a fun and tasty nutrition education activity for students at your child’s school. (valued at $175)

    Now, let’s chat snacks!

    Wondermelon Cucumber Basil from WONDER MELON™ Juice

    Healthy Snacks that Taste Good + Grocery Delivery Discount

    My husband and I both fell in love with the Wondermelon Cucumber Basil from WONDER MELON™ Juice. I’m picky when it comes to cold-pressed juice, but I love the flavor of this juice. It’s also 100% organic cold-pressed juice, has all-natural ingredients, no preservatives or additives, no artificial colors or flavors. I feel good drinking it as it contains a bounty of nutrients, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and is excellent for hydration.

    Apple Cinnamon Granola Bar + Sweet & Salty Granola Bar from MadeGood Foods

    The entire family loves these granola bars! As many of you know, my oldest daughter has food allergies, so it’s rare we find granola bars she can eat. The Apple Cinnamon Granola Bar + Sweet & Salty Granola Bar from MadeGood Foods are complete nuts-free, which makes them perfect for class parties and allergy-friendly lunch. MadeGood products are made in a dedicated facility free from the eight common allergens: peanut, tree nuts, wheat, dairy, egg, soy, sesame, fish, and shellfish.

    You can easily purchase them in bulk online at Amazon, Instacart, and Walmart or in stores in Target, Whole Foods, CVS, Kroger and more.

    Power Dressings from Healthy Choice

    Getting more veggies into my daily meals means having fun with healthy salad dressing. Power Dressings is perfect for me because although they are flavorful, they have only 45 calories, so it’s guilt-free. My favorite flavor that I’ve tried so far is the Garden French.

    Tribe Dessert Hummus

    Did you hear about Tribe Dessert Hummus yet? The new flavors have only 5g of sugar per serving and no artificial preservatives. They’re also free of all major allergens, including dairy. Non-GMO Project verified, Vegan, Gluten-Free, and Kosher.

    I have to admit that the thought of Dark Chocolate Hummus made me side-eye initially, but trust me when I say it’s delicious. My two younger kids are obsessed, and they love it with strawberries and pretzels. It’s such a tasty snack if you’re craving chocolate but wants to enjoy something guilt-free.

    It’s the perfect plant-based desert!

    Healthy Snacks that Taste Good + Grocery Delivery Discount

    Shipt Membership

    Let’s be honest; staying healthy is easier when you have healthy options in your home. Shipt makes having everything you need in stock easy. If I run out of any of these, I can easily order them through the Shipt app.

    Shipt for great ordering grocery items and wellness products from stores in your area. You can order from local grocers as well as national retailers through Shipt. All of the Shipt shoppers I’ve had communicated with me throughout the experience and were on time. It’s easy to tip within the app as well as leave messages like where to leave packages for me.

    If you don’t have Shipt membership yet, sign up for $50 off an annual Shipt membership here.

    Anyway, I hope you you enjoy these healthy snacks as much as we do and take advantage of getting them to your home with Shipt.

  • Motherhood, Toddler

    Our Toddler Morning Routine + Tips to Establish one for Your Toddler

    This Toddler Morning Routine Schedule + Tips post includes affiliate links.

    One thing I’ve learned raising three kids is that toddlers love structure. They enjoy doing everything in moderation, and it’s fascinating to see their emotional development when they get used to a routine. Sometimes it takes a bit of trial and error to find a routine that works for your toddler and your family, so I wanted to share our current toddler morning routine and a few tips for developing your own.

    Our toddler morning routine.

    Start with Hygiene.

    My toddler is two years old and still in diapers, so the first thing we do when she wakes up after hugs is changing her diaper.

    With a fresh diaper, the next step is to wash her face, hands, and brush her teeth. She loves brushing her teeth, so she tries to linger some morning, but I try to keep her on task.

    Fuel up with Breakfast.

    My toddler runs straight to the kitchen after cleaning up because she knows the next step is to eat breakfast. She can be a bit of a picky eater, but these days she loves yogurt, avocados, eggs, whole grain waffles, bananas, and/or oatmeal for breakfast. She loves to have a few options.

    Clear the table.

    After breakfast, we clear the table together. She loves to help, and she feels responsible and proud whenever she can assist me.

    Art.

    Next, I set up an activity for my toddler; she loves to paint, so she paints almost every morning using her tabletop easel. When she doesn’t paint, she colors her in coloring books, or doodles on her art pad. She’s not really into crafts yet, but on a rare occasion, we do an easy craft together. She’s been really developing her fine motor skills by doing some art daily.

    Free Play.

    Our toddler morning routine wouldn’t be complete without some free playtime. My two year old usually empties one of the baskets of toys on the living room floor to find her favorite toys of the day to play. She loves racing cars, playing with dinosaurs, styling dolls, hair, and stacking blocks. She also loves to play with her sibling toys, and I don’t fuss about it. It’s truly free playtime.

    Learning.

    We clean up the toys to move on to some learning. Since she’s only two learning is through structured play. We do puzzles, work through her words books together, play with her alphabet magnets, learn shapes and colors, or listen and dance along to preschool songs.

    Toddler choice.

    Toddler Morning Routine Schedule + Tips

    I give her a little free time once I see her losing interest in our learning activity. Sometimes we clean up together, and other days she goes off to play with another toy. Some days she gets screen time on her Amazon Kids Fire Edition. Since she’s only two so I set the tablet’s time limit for 20 minutes.

    Read.

    By this time, she’s all worn out and ready for a nap. She likes eating her lunch after she naps, so I read her a book. She usually falls asleep at this time for her nap, and I get busy working.


    Once she wakes up, we move on to lunch and our afternoon routine. Since she’s starting preschool in September, my goal is to get her used to routines and structure in the classroom setting. Having a set morning routine also helps me as a WAHM to schedule my day.

    Tips for establishing a toddler morning routine.

    As I mentioned above, a toddler morning routine will start with trial and error. I had to determine what would work best for our family, and this stuck. So here are a few tips for establishing your toddler morning routine:

    • Keep your child’s personality in mind. Does your child like to move through different tasks quickly or at a slower pace? How is your child usually when he/she wakes up?
    • Build based on your child’s interests. We paint because my daughter loves it and it seems to calm her and make her happy. If she’s didn’t enjoy it, it wouldn’t be a part of our daily routine. Take note of what your child loves and do that.
    • Based on your lifestyle. I am a WAHM, so my schedule is flexible but I still have to work to pay the bills. If you work out of the home or you’re a SAHM, your mornings may look a bit different than mine. 
    • Keep tweaking your toddler morning routine until you discover what works best for your family. 

    I hope this post is helpful! Remember having a morning routine is essential to your toddler’s development.

    What’s your toddler’s morning routine? Do you do the same or similar things?

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  • Lifestyle, Motherhood, New Born, Pregnancy, Product Reviews

    The Best Non-Toxic Feminine Care Products

    The Best Non-Toxic Feminine Care Products, I’ve tried! ps: I am not a medical professional, all information are based on my experience using products mentioned.

    This post contains affiliate links.

    I never considered feminine care products to be unsafe until a few years ago. I read an article in a magazine that made me question everything and inspired me to make some changes. According to the article, some feminine-care products had carcinogens, bleach, and chlorine plus other chemicals that could lead to fertility issues, heavier periods, and even cancer. This information was concerning to me, and I started to experiment with non-toxic feminine care products safer. I’ve tried a few products on the market, and I wanted to share the ones I liked the most — the best non-toxic feminine care products from tampons to menstrual cups, pads, and cleansers in my opinion.

    Best Non-Toxic Feminine Care Products: Menstrual Cup

    It took me a long time to get around to trying a menstrual cup; it sounded really messy and possibly uncomfortable. I finally gave in two years ago after a few friends in a group chat shared how much they like using them. I planned to try a few brands until I found one I preferred but ended up sticking to the first one, Diva Cup.

    Diva Cup

    Honestly, it took some trial and error to figure out how to properly insert the Diva Cup, but once I figured it out, it was a much better alternative. My favorite thing about it is I learn more about my flow; there are measurements, so I’m more informed when I go to the doctor. When I use the Diva Cup, I usually remove/clean it in the shower to avoid creating a mess. There are other popular brands like Lunette, Saalt and Lena menstrual cups that some of my friends prefer, but I’m happy with Diva Cup so far.

    Best Non-Toxic Feminine Care Products: Pads

    If you’re a pads kinda gal, I’ve tried a few different brands over the last few years. I’m not a big fan of pads (I have major trust issues), but they’re always great for backup to feel confident in the first few days of your period.

    L. Cotton Pads

    I’ve tried a few of the L. Cotton pads, and I like them all. They’re made of pure cotton and are comfortable. They have a wide range of sizes, and their overnight pads are like no other, I wish I has their overnight pads to use in the first few days post-partum after having my babies.

    The Honey Pot Herbal Pads

    I started using The Honey Pot cleanser and since I like it decided to try out their cotton pads. Their herbal pads are different from any other pads I’ve ever tried.

    Wearing them is a whole experience as they give a bit of a tingling sensation, which I must admit takes a bit of getting used to. These pads are designed for women with cramps and other discomforts, and since I rarely have cramps, so I can’t tell you if they help, but I think they’re definitely worth giving a trying if you need relief. I do think they would also be great for new moms, and I know that they have products designed just for pregnancy and post-partum.

    Always Pure

    Always has been my go-to brand for years, and I believe they’ve mastered making pads. Always Infinity, for instance, keeps you so dry it’s lifechanging so when they debuted their cotton, chlorine-free pads, Always Pure I had to try them. These pads are great; they offer good protection and are comfortable.

    Best Non-Toxic Feminine Care Products: Tampons

    Tampax Pure

    I’ve been a die-hard Tampax user since my late teens. It’s a brand that I trust enough that I would wear white and light colors without worrying, so I was thrilled to discover Tampax Pure. I read on Consumer Reports that natural tampons are less likely to cause Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS is still a worry with menstrual cups). Tampax Pure works just like the products I’ve used all these years, and I always keep one in my bags in case of an emergency.

    Best Non-Toxic Feminine Care Products: Cleansers

    The Honey Pot Cleanser & Wipes

    I discovered The Honey Pot at Target and became such a big fan that I always keep their wipes and cleanser on hand. In the past, I’ve never been a huge fan of feminine care cleansers as my skin is sensitive, but The Honey Pot cleanser and wipes are really gentle, and I’ve no reactions or issues using them.

    Anyways, these are some of the best products non-toxic feminine care products I’ve tried over the last few years. There are other products that I tried that didn’t make this list because I strongly disliked them, and I will be happy to update this list as I try out more brands. Also, if you would like me to try a particular product, let me know in the comment section below.

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  • Family Travel, New York City Kids

    5 Things to do with kids in NYC during Mid-Winter Break

    I’m so happy we’re almost half way through the winter season here in New York City! We get to celebrate with a week off from school, mid-winter break. So here are 5 things to do with kids in NYC during the mid-winter break.

    Take a class at Alvin Ailey.

    Kids exercise less often during the winter, so during the week off, it would be fun to take them to one of the drop-in classes at Alvin Ailey Extension Sunday Program. You can sign up online, or in-person (arrive early to register). All three of my kids took classes a few weeks ago and had a blast. My toddler took Tiny Steps with Miss Jessie (who was fantastic), and my older kids took hip hop classes. You can purchase individual classes for $34 or the session, which ends in May. More information here.

    Visit the two new exhibits at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan.

    The Children’s Museum of Manhattan has two new interactive exhibits. Inside Art opened a few weeks ago, and Superpowered Metropolis: Early Learning City™ will open on February 14th. I’m looking forward to taking my children as we haven’t visited CMOM for a long time. More information here.

    {FREE} Rock and Roll Playhouse

    Rock and Roll Playhouse at Industry City in Brooklyn is a free concert for kids with dancing and games from 12:30pm to 2:30pm. More info here.

    Sesame Street Live – Let’s Party!

    Sesame Street Live – Let’s Party! will be back at Madison Square Gardens from February 14th – 23rd. I took my oldest a few years ago, and she had a blast. Tickets here!

    {FREE} Wavefield Glowing See-Saws

    South Street Seaport is a must-stop to play on the Wavefield Glowing See-Saws. Go when it’s dark; your kids can see them glow. More info here.

    I hope this list is helpful and your family enjoys the extra time together during the mid-winter break.

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  • Black History Month, Children's Books, Motherhood

    50 Children’s Books that teach Black History

    Children’s Books that teach Black History

    This post contains affiliate links.

    Children's Books that teach Black History

    It’s February and officially Black History Month! I love using this time to celebrate the richness of our history with my kids and the great people who came before us who they can look to for inspiration. This year, I wanted to create a resource for us, parents of books that teach black history. This list includes books for children of all ages and celebrates the famous and unsung heroes in Black History. Here are 50 children’s books that teach black history:

    Children's Books Featuring Strong Female Characters

    50 Children’s Books that teach Black History

    1. Hidden Figures
    2. Roots of Rap
    3. Little Legends Exceptional Men in Black History
    4. Little Leaders Bold Women in Black History
    5. Be a King 
    6. A Place to Land: Martin Luther King Jr. and the Speech that Inspired a nation.
    7. Dream Big Little One
    8. Black Women in Science: A Black History Book for Kids 
    9. Bedtime Inspirational Stories: 50 Amazing Black People Who Changed the World.
    10. Young Gifted and Black: Meet 52 Black Heroes from Past and Present.
    11. My Little Golden Book About Martin Luther King Jr.
    12. Mae Among the Stars.
    13. Katherine Johnson (You Should Meet) .
    14. Who Was Harriet Tubman?
    15. Who Were the Tuskegee Airmen?
    16. I am Martin Luther King, Jr.
    17. Who Was Rosa Parks?
    18. The Story of Ruby Bridges                  
    19. Who Was Sojourner Truth?
    20. I am Rosa Parks
    21. Who was Frederick Douglas?
    22. Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom
    23. Let the Children March
    24. Malcolm Little: The Boy Who Grew Up to Become Malcolm X
    25. Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer: The Spirit of the Civil Rights Movement
    26. Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library
    27. Gordon Parks: How the Photographer Captured Black and White America
    28. Sugar Hill: Harlem’s Historic Neighborhood
    29. Freedom in Congo Square
    30. By and By: Charles Albert Tindley, the Father of Gospel Music.
    31. Who is Coretta Scott King?
    32. Maya Angelou (Little People, BIG DREAMS)
    33. Never Caught, the Story of Ona Judge: George and Martha Washington’s Courageous Slave Who Dared to Run Away
    34. This Promise of Change: One Girl’s Story in the Fight for School Equality
    35. Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker: 
    36. Rosa: My First Rosa Parks
    37. Mary Bowser and the Civil War Spy Ring
    38. A Lesson for Martin Luther King, Jr. 
    39. Pies from Nowhere: How Georgia Gilmore Sustained the Montgomery Bus Boycott
    40. Escape North!: The Story of Harriet Tubman
    41. Barack Obama: Out of Many, One
    42. 101 Black Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics: Leaders in Black History
    43. So Other People Would Be Also Free: The Real Story of Rosa Parks for Kids
    44. Counting on Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Saved Apollo 13
    45. Mae Jemison (You Should Meet)
    46. Salt in His Shoes: Michael Jordan in Pursuit of a Dream
    47. The Youngest Marcher: The Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks, a Young Civil Rights Activist
    48. Jake Makes a World: Jacob Lawrence, A Young Artist in Harlem
    49. Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat
    50. Jimi: Sounds Like a Rainbow: A Story of the Young Jimi Hendrix
    50 Children's Books that teach Black History
    Carole Boston Weatherford New York Times best-selling author/poet/biographer and award-winning illustrator wrote a few of the books on this list.

    Black History Month: 50 Books Reading Challenge

    We move forward by knowing about our past, so this month, we’re setting a lofty goal to read 50 children’s books about black history. There are 29 days this month, so that works out to just under two books per day. Of course, this is geared towards picture books and shorter books for younger kids. If you have a middle grade or teen reader, they will read fewer books.

    Also, don’t feel like you need to buy all these books to participate. You can borrow books from your local library and reserve the ones not available at your branch online.

    I invite you to join even if you don’t think you will read as much as 50 books, the goal is to read more books than we usually do to learn more about black history.

    I invite you to join even if you don’t think you will read as much as 50 books; the goal is to read more books than we usually do to learn more about black history. 

    To join in, download the book log and use the hashtag #RH50BlackHistoryBooks to share your posts. There will be giveaways during the month, so be sure to follow me on Instagram. 

    I invite you to join even if you don’t think you will read as much as 50 books, the goal is to read more books than we usually do to learn more about black history.

    To join in simply download the book log and use the hashtag #RH50BlackHistoryBooks to share your posts. There will be giveaways during the month so be sure to follow me on Instagram.

    Book Log

    Download your Black History Month Book Log hereDownload

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    https://adannadill.com/childrens-books-featuring-strong-female-characters/