Our Holly Days

By Holly Sosa

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #SamsungTargetTech #CollectiveBias

Staying connected in any family is a challenge, but my blended family has it’s own unique set of challenges and schedules that require some serious organization. Thankfully, organization is my jam and taking what would normally be a mish-mash-mess (term I’ve somehow just coined and transforming it into a streamlined calendar is an exciting use of my time. One of our my most used tools in staying organized is my Samsung Galaxy Note8, my phone literally does it all, much like me. You could say we’re kindred spirits, Note8 and I. While my paper planner will always be my MVP, not everyone in my family uses it, so I rely on apps, texting, and all the features available on my Note8 to keep it all in one easy place for everyone to reference. Really it’s not me that keeps things together, but my phone that keeps my family organized, doing what I can’t to keep us all productive.

Using the Cozi app

This handy app allows me to share our calendar with everyone in the family. As soon as I update something in the app, it alerts the rest of the family, which means last minute changes are a cinch. I can also create grocery lists or send shopping lists to other family members, which comes in handy when I need my husband to pick something up on the way home from work.

Using a calendar screenshot

This is a handy way for my kids to quickly reference their schedules or what’s going on with the family. Every week, they can screenshot the schedule and set it as their phone’s lock screen. They can even add in their school or class schedule, making it easier for them to see where they need to be at a glance.

Group texting

Every mom’s best friend. This is such a handy way to keep everyone in the loop in real time. It also allows our family to stay connected as an entire family unit.

Using the Marco Polo App

This fun video app works like a walkie talkie, but with video. I can quickly send a video to my kids when they’re visiting their other parents without interrupting any of their plans.

Staying connected

Above all else, staying connected with all of my kids is important. Since I split time with them between other homes, I savor every minute. Thankfully even when they are somewhere else I can easily stay connected with my Galaxy Note8.

My Samsung Galaxy Note8 is loaded with features like the s-pen, water resistance, and even an iris scanner, allowing me to worry less about keeping my phone protected (raise your hand if your kid has spilled apple juice on your phone in a restaurant!). The screen allows me to multitask, because moms are queen multitaskers (kindred spirits), by launching two apps at once. The powerful hardware including a 64GB memory, 50% more RAM, and an advanced processor keeps my phone working. And the camera is pretty rad itself, in fact, it’s the reason I switched to the Note8 with sharper, more precise photos.

Enter for a chance to win one of over $4600 in prizes, including a grand prize Samsung Galaxy Note8 prize pack. Use the widget below to enter.

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Learn more about the Samsung Galaxy Note8 and see how bloggers like me are using theirs with tips, tricks, ideas, and more by visiting the Samsung Galaxy Note8 social hub.

The post 5 Ways My Phone Keeps My Family Organized appeared first on Our Holly Days.

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By Holly Sosa

This post is sponsored by Uncommon Goods. All thoughts, opinions, and ideas are my own. Thank you to Uncommon Goods for partnering with me and thank you readers for supporting the brands that support this blog and my family.

When it comes to gift giving, I’m a regular Leslie Knope. I’m also a Leslie Knope in that what even is the point of waffles if there’s not an absurd ratio of whipped cream on top, but I digress (whipped cream will do that to me). Giving thoughtful and unique gifts is one of my favorite things. Next to making food for my family and friends, giving presents is my love language. While it may seem like a lot of extra work to dream up a spectacular gift for family and friends, my secret for thoughtful gift giving is Uncommon Goods. They have such a huge variety of fun and unique gifts that you don’t have to look to hard to find something truly original.

For my birthday, I found this incredible Hand Embroidered Michigan Pillow (all fifty states available). It fits in perfectly with my mish mash of decor and showcases my favorite state with flair. While I love my new pillow, I’m also totally heart eyes over this bow tie pasta necklace, this dreamy Earthenware bowl, and these Homesick candles. I love that they find artists and creators to feature and even share studio tours with some of their more popular ones.

Uncommon Goods makes thoughtful and personalized gift giving simple and fun with their wide array of unique items. While October is just arriving, it’s never too early to get started on your Christmas shopping and now that I’ve shared my secret with you, it will be a cinch to find and purchase gifts for the Ron Swanson in your life.

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By Holly Sosa

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #NutrishFureverHome #CollectiveBias

Four years ago our family was ready to add a pet. Both my husband and I grew up with dogs in our family and we both have a special affection for canines. We adopted our sweet Merry dog from a rescue that promised they’d send us her vaccine and spay records in the mail because they couldn’t find them in the files they had brought with them to the adoption event. We shrugged it off, but weeks went by without any papers arriving in the mail and several months later our Merry girl was giving birth to puppies in my son’s bedroom. She was pregnant! The rescue actually turned out to be a scam and as soon as Merry was recovered and physically able, we had her vaccinated and spayed. We also spent the next few months caring for all ten, yes ten, of her puppies as we worked diligently to find them homes. Thankfully Merry ended up in our home, where we knew the commitment we made when adopting her and worked through all the obstacles to keep her healthy and safe. She’s truly a part of our family and we can’t imagine not having her around.

In October 2017, our support (and yours!) will help Rachael Ray™ Nutrish® donate $250,000 to benefit shelter pets like Merry find the homes they deserve. Enter the sweepstakes for a chance to win $25,000 and other prizes! Purchase any Nutrish® item during the Sweepstakes Period, then visit www.nutrishfureverhome.com and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the registration form. Then upload a digital photo of your original purchase receipt the Nutrish product circled to receive one entry into the Sweepstakes. Sweepstakes begins on October 1, 2017 at 12:00:00 a.m. Eastern Time (“ET”) and ends on October 31, 2017 at 11:59:59 p.m. ET (the “Sweepstakes Period”).

My husband shares an extra special bond with Merry. The two if them just seem to speak each others language. I thought it would be fun to create this fun DIY Paw Print Art using Merry’s paw print.

I started by painting a blank canvas a light purple. I let it dry for several hours allowing it to set completely.

Then I dabbed some paint onto Merry’s paw and pressed it lightly onto the canvas.

We got a little messy, but I just covered up the paint with more purple.

Once Merry’s paw print was dry the project was complete! A crazy simple project that celebrates the canine in our lives.

Merry’s story is just one of many shelter dogs, but she’s enriched our lives. Rachael’s Rescue® was created for all of the forgotten and lost pets, the ones who might not have someone who loves them as much as they deserve. A portion of proceeds from each sale of Nutrish is donated to The Rachael Ray Foundation, which helps animals in need through Rachael’s Rescue. Through September 2017, Rachael’s Rescue has donated more than $21 million dollars to pet charities and other organizations that do good for animals. The funds are used for food, medical supplies, treatments, and more for animals in need. Many more animals around the country need help, and through Rachael’s Rescue, together we can make a difference in the lives of many four-legged friends. By purchasing Rachael Ray Nutrish items and entering the sweepstakes above, you can help too.

For more information on Nutrish and how you can help shelter pets through the company, be sure to visit the Nutrish website or follow Nutrish on Facebook. You can pick up Nutrish products at your nearest Dollar General.

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By Holly Sosa

This post contains affiliate links.

Planner and stationery addicts get a little crazy about their pens and other writing utensils. When we find that perfect pen that doesn’t bleed through, has the perfect tip, and creates bold color, we stay loyal and true. For me, that pen has been my beloved PaperMate Flairs. You might be wondering how a gal could write an entire blog post around a pen. And let me just tell you, this is happening. Because I love my Flairs! You don’t have to. If you think I’m crazy for writing an entire post about pens, that’s fine. But you’ve officially been warned!

PaperMate Flairs are offered in a wide variety of colors. I first discovered them when I worked as a bid coordinator for a construction company. I used red pen a lot and nothing was bold enough. I prefer a wider tip and just couldn’t find the perfect red. Until I found the red Flair. It was bold, smooth, and didn’t bleed through like my previously loved fine tip Sharpies. When I discovered they were offered in every color of the rainbow and then some, I bought my first set. Since then PaperMate Flairs have helped me to outline and achieve my goals, plan birthday parties and events, and even journal privately. I love these pens, you guys!

In the planner community, we love a good pen test so I’m sharing exactly that, a PaperMate Flairs pen test, with my favorite Flair colors so you can see how perfectly bright the color spill from the perfect felt tip. While I prefer the M tips, they come in other sizes as well (non pen addicts won’t get this nonsense, I’m sorry friends).

I treat myself to a fresh pack of these pens every year during back to school season (usually when you can get them for the best price) and use them literally all year long until the ink runs out. Even my husband knows that my Flairs are totally off limits and asks before he touches my pen collection, ha!

Fellow pen addicts be sure to follow the Our Holly Days page on Facebook where I update daily throughout the week with my fave finds, printables, planner tips, and more.

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By Holly Sosa

Every fall, I dig out my most comforting soup and stew recipes and dust off my trusty French oven. During the warmer months, my favorite kitchen pot often goes unnoticed as I swap out thicker stews for lighter flavors, but when the first cool breeze of the fall wafts through my home, I reignite my love affair with my French oven, chopping up root veggies and whisking up rues to create thick meals that warm me from the inside out. This Comforting Beef Stew recipe is one of my fall favorites and helps me welcome fall into my kitchen with it’s warm aroma.

I start by frying up some diced bacon in my Staub French oven with about half a cup of water. The water will eventually evaporate, but helps to cook through all of the bacon fat leaving it nice and crispy.

After I remove the bacon from the pot with a slotted spoon, leaving the fat inside, I drop in some stewing beef that I coated with flour. I sear the beef for a couple of minutes, in two separate batches, on each side before removing it all from the pan.

Then I add some red wine to the pot to deglaze it, toss in some in some sliced mushrooms, and let it simmer for several minutes.

I transfer the beef and bacon back into the pot with the mushrooms and let it simmer together while I prepare a skillet with some olive oil.

In the skillet I add in some finely diced onion, sliced carrots, and garlic to sauté until the onions become translucent. Then I add in some tomato paste, incorporating it into the mixture.

I transfer the veggies to the pot with the beef and add in plenty of beef broth, a couple bay leaves, some thyme, and a bit of salt and pepper.

I let everything come to a low boil before adding in some potatoes, ensuring they’re covered completely in liquid before covering the pot and transferring it into my oven.

The stew cooks in a 325F degree oven for a almost two hours, completely marinating my home in the comforting aroma of fall veggies and rich beef broth.

Once this Comforting Beef Stew has finished it’s oven time, I pull it out and serve it with some crusty bread or rolls. I love soaking up the rich leftover broth with a piece of sourdough bread.

I’m a firm believer in using high quality tools in my kitchen. I never used to think that it mattered, but the first time I created this beef stew in a French oven, the flavor profile totally changed. The soup was richer, the flavors deeper, and the broth thicker. My Staub French oven is a fall staple in my kitchen and since I bought it from Wayfair, I saved money on my favorite pot. I’ve used this gorgeous pot everyday since receiving it a few weeks back (I purchased it to replace my older Dutch oven which broke). It allows my cooking to transition seamlessly from the stove to the oven, making it one of my more versatile pieces. I bought mine in white, but it’s also available in black, grendadine, dark blue, and cherry.

Bring fall into your kitchen with affordable items from Wayfair, where shipping is always free, even on heavy French ovens like mine!

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By Holly Sosa

I first discovered LUSH a few years back when a friend gifted me a Sex Bomb bath bomb. From then on, it was love at first fizz. I’m a full blown LUSH addict now and have experimented with nearly every bath bomb, bubble bar, lotion, shower gel, well…pretty much everything they have to offer. I’ve loved literally every single item I’ve purchased from LUSH, which isn’t something I can say for any other cosmetics or toiletries brand. While I would recommend everything I’ve tried from the vegetarian-based brand, there are a few items that I just never leave the store without grabbing. My LUSH faves feature a little bit of everything and are a great reference for newbies to the brand.

Sex Bomb Bath Bomb

This was my first LUSH product and the beginning of my addiction. The soft jasmine and ylang ylang scents are soothing while the soy milk moisturizes my skin. This is still one of my favorite bath bombs LUSH offers and I almost never leave the store without grabbing one.

Twilight Bath Bomb

Lavender is my all time favorite scent in the world, so when I was beginning my journey into LUSH I figured Twilight would be a safe bet. The satisfying purple and blue fizz and the instant scent of lavender has made this one a pre-bedtime favorite.

I Love Juicy Shampoo

This brightly scented shampoo features ingredients like papaya, kiwi, pineapple, and mango juices. I love this particular shampoo because it helps with my oily hair. The acids in the fruit juices absorb some of the oil produced by the scalp. My hair always feels light and healthy after washing with I Love Juicy.

Happy Happy Joy Joy Conditioner

This is a gentle conditioner that’s good for all hair types. I love that it give my hair moisture without being too oily since my hair is already pretty greasy on it’s own.

LUSH is my favorite beauty brand. While it was a gift that prompted me to look more into the company, it’s their animal friendly, environmentally conscious, and natural approach to beauty that keeps me coming back for more. Not only do I feel good about using their products, but they’re effective. They didn’t send me anything or pay me to say this, friends. It’s just genuinely my favorite beauty company and I think everyone should experience at least one of their bath bombs in their lifetime, ha!

For more beauty and cosmetic recommendations from me, be sure to follow the Our Holly Days page on Facebook where I update daily throughout the week.

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By Holly Sosa

This post is sponsored by Netflix. Thank you to Netflix for partnering with me and thank you readers for supporting the brands that support this blog and my family.

In just a few days, October will be here which means we can officially start enjoying all things Halloween (even though some of us lit our pumpkin candles a little early, read: me). My family has a weekly tradition of family movie night where we move our dinner from the dining room table to the coffee table and watch a title on Netflix. In preparation for our October movie nights, I researched a few titles to add to our queue for our weekly tradition. Netflix has plenty of titles to set the Halloween mood and I’ve gathered up ten of them to help set the scene for any October movie night.

• Practical Magic
• Once Upon a Time
• Stranger Things
• The Walking Dead
• American Horror Story
• Dexter
• Charmed
• The Addams Family
• Goosebumps
• Sleepy Hollow

These spooky titles are a mixture of some family friendly and some you’d probably rather watch with other adults, but no matter what the age group, there is something on the list for everyone. Our family will be enjoying The Addams Family this weekend with plenty of popcorn and snacks.

What spooky titles are you looking forward to watching on Netflix this October? Let’s chat in the comments below.

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By Holly Sosa

This post was sponsored by Nabisco as part of an Integrated Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

I’ve nestled the kids into our school routine with homework packets, reading logs, and permission slips scattering the kitchen island every afternoon. The kids work on math sheets and reading comprehension while I start dinner prep between helping with long subtraction and timing their reading assignments. Set up at the dining room table with a fresh glass of water and an after school snack, they don’t realize that they’re developing study habits that will help them throughout their schooling.

They take the bus this year, not because they need to, but because I promised them in kindergarten that we’d revisit their request to ride the bus when they were in second grade, thinking they’d forget by the time second grade rolled around. They didn’t forget. And the walk with sister child to pick up her brothers from the bus stop has become a welcome part of our daily routine. It’s not long after we walk through the front door that they’re all asking for a snack and hoping that when they throw open the doors to the snack cupboard that they’ll find a box of TEDDY SOFT BAKED Filled Snacks, one of their favorites. The lovable bear-shaped snack is made with real ingredients like milk, eggs, and chocolate (which also happens to be their favorite filling flavor of the two available). My kids love them and I approve of the no high fructose corn syrup, no artificial flavors, and no artificial colors treat. Plus, they’re easy to grab at my local Walmart while I’m doing my usual weekly shopping.

Enter the sweepstakes below for a chance to win one for twelve $50 Walmart gift cards or one of two grand prizes for a $200 Walmart gift card. I-C will randomly select 14 winners from all program entries and will facilitate fulfillment of the winning prizes.

Nabisco Snacktime Sweepstakes
After school snacks were always a part of my routine growing up and as a mother, it gives me a feeling of comfort seeing my children enjoy the same routine I did. I believe in encouraging good study habits and helping my children to develop a routine that will follow them through their school years into college, if that’s what they choose.

Learn more about TEDDY SOFT BAKED Filled Snacks, you can visit them on Facebook or Twitter. You can also discover more about the fun snack on the Discover Teddy website.

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By Holly Sosa

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #DelightfulMoments #CollectiveBias

There’s something about fall that practically demands a hot cup of coffee and scones in the early afternoon. Crisp air and a cozy sweater just aren’t the same without dunking a scone into a warm comforting cup of coffee. Scone recipes are my favorite to experiment with because they’re so rustic and easy to pull together that I can almost never ruin them. Earlier this week, I was inspired by the new seasonal flavors while shopping at my local Walmart. The International Delight® Seasonal Creamers featured the flavors we all look forward to like Pumpkin Pie Spice, but there was also a REESE’S Peanut Butter Cup flavor that begged me to take it home. And naturally, I obliged. My husband is a chocolate peanut butter fanatic, so when I told him I’d be using some of the creamer to create REESE’S Peanut Butter Cup Scones, he was happy to wash the dishes for me as we waited for the scones to bake.

I started by adding flour, sugar, baking powder, and some salt to a large mixing bowl.

Next, I added in some cold butter that I grated with my cheese grater and some peanut butter. I mixed it together just slightly to start incorporating the ingredients.

In a separate bowl, I whisked together an egg, plain Greek yogurt, some International Delight® REESE’S Peanut Butter Cup creamer, and vanilla.

I added the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and tossed in a few peanut butter and chocolate chips, stirring until just combined. Then I got in there with my hands to ensure the dry mixture was thoroughly incorporated.

I floured my kitchen counter and placed the dough over it, forming it into about an eight inch circle. I cut it into eighths and transferred each slice to a baking sheet.

The REESE’S Peanut Butter Cup Scones baked for about 12 minutes. I pulled them out and allowed them to cool completely before enjoying, much to my husband’s dismay. Waiting that long for his favorite treat was torturous for him, ha!

I flavored my coffee with some of the same International Delight® REESE’S Peanut Butter Cup creamer I used in the scones and dunked them in for a treat that was practically perfect. The creamer is rich and smooth and the hint of flavor from the coffee made the scones even more delectable. If there’s not International Delight® REESE’S Peanut Butter Cup creamer in your coffee, there should be, my friends.

For more fall inspired recipes featuring the International Delight® Seasonal Creamers, be sure to visit the social hub where bloggers like me share some of our favorites inspired by the flavors we found at our local Walmart stores.

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By Holly Sosa

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #PeriodConfidence #CollectiveBias

After having children, my periods were never the same. The general consensus from my close friends is that our periods are heavier and come with a vast array of new symptoms (chin hair, anyone?). Every month, I dreaded getting my period because it felt like a ball and chain, limiting my usual daily activities, and making me feel like I couldn’t participate in certain events. I’ve since discovered a few period hacks for moms that have helped me feel free and allowed me to go about my everyday life without concern.

Essential Oils

I frequently use essential oil blends to help relieve some of my premenstrual symptoms. A citrus blend is great for lifting my mood, peppermint blends help with energy, and lavender helps to soothe and calm.

Diva Cup

The DivaCup is a reusable, bell-shaped silicone menstrual cup that works by collecting my flow instead of absorbing it. I get twelve hours of leak free protection with the clean, comfortable, and convenient cup. It comes in two sizes: Model 1, which is recommended for women under the age of thirty who have not yet delivered vaginally or by caesarean section; and Model 2, which is recommended for women over the age of thirty and/or women who have delivered vaginally or by caesarean section. Both models are available at CVS and I easily found mine in the feminine care section along with the other usual supplies. The DivaCup is made up completely of healthcare grade silicone and is free of chemicals, plastic, BPA, latex, and dyes to assure comfort and durability. It travels well and is free from leaks, offering protection all day no matter my level of activity. As a mom who has a new situation down below, I love that my DivaCup allows me freedom while I’m on my period and I don’t feel tethered to tampons or pads. I insert it in the morning and wear it all day, removing, emptying, and washing it under warm water before reinserting it for bed. (Note: refer to the user guide before using the cup and consult a healthcare provider if you have questions about your vaginal or gynecological health.) Their Consumer Care Team is available to answer questions and concerns. They can be reached at support@divacup.com, 1-866-44-3482, or via their social media networks. This team is really the best team to contact and are super helpful to customers. They are on the phone with women, for insertion, removal etc.

Heating Pad

Cramps are the actual worst thing ever about menstruation. Since having children, my cramps have gotten worse and I dread knowing I’ll have to suffer through them. One way I’ve found relief is by using a heating pad over my abdomen. The heat helps my uterus to relax and the contracting becomes less painful.

While none of these provide a period cure they’ve certainly helped me feel less a slave to my period and have helped me to gain my sense of self back during my time of the month. I’m able to live my life like I would any other day and not feel self conscious or stressed about having enough supplies to last me through the week or risking a situation where I don’t have access to a tampon or pad.

Let’s talk period hacks in the comments below. What’s one of your tried and true ways for period relief? Visit The DivaCup social hub for more period hacks from bloggers like me.

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