Our Holly Days

By Holly Sosa

My boys are both in second grade this year and with the advancement to a new grade comes a bit more homework. I’ve found that this year I need to ensure that they have a dedicated space for homework; so I’ve been on the hunt for inspiring DIY Homework Stations that I can draw inspiration from to create our own. These are some of my favorites that I’ve discovered, for both small spaces and large areas, during my search.

DIY Homework Station from Lil Luna

Upcycled Kid’s Craft Station from So You Think You’re Crafty

Vintage Library Cart Homework Station from 4 Men 1 Lady

Fridge Homework Station from The 36th Avenue

Kids Homework Area from Postbox Designs

Small Homework Station from Curbly

I think I’ve decided on a station similar to one like Lil Luna’s, a tray filled with well organized jars and plenty of accessible supplies. Since we don’t have the extra space for an actual homework room like the beautifully put together one in Postbox Designs home (one day!), a portable station would be a great solution for my family.

For more back to school ideas, tips, and tricks, be sure to follow the Our Holly Days page on Facebook where I update daily.

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By Holly Sosa

Torrid sent over the pieces I’m wearing to facilitate this post. I was not paid for this post. All thoughts, opinions, and ideas are my own. Thank you to Torrid for partnering with me. And thank you readers for supporting the brands that support this blog and my family.

This dress, you guys. This. Dress. My plan for life is to live in it forever. Not only is it comfortable, but it flatters my plus size figure in all the right places. I love the boho chic details like the embroidery in the top part of the dress. It’s the perfect effortless pop over dress that pays homage to my desert home. I love the dusty blue color, understated tassels and every single thing about this dress. Since it’s sleeveless, it’s the perfect foundation for a layered look this Labor Day weekend. I’m a tall 5’9″ girl and even the length is spot on in this dress (where other brand usually fall too short). Blue Embroidered Challis Trapeze Dress via Torrid.

This light cardigan seems like it was just made for this dress since they create the perfect look when paired together, but I full intend on wearing this cardigan with several looks in the future. This will be an everyday staple that hangs next to my coat. The open stitching keeps it light enough for hot desert days, but snuggly enough to keep cozy when the night brings a cooler wind. Pointelle Open Cardigan via Torrid.

To finish off my effortless Labor Day weekend look, I accessorized with a velvet choker and suede wedges. I’ve been reluctant to try the choker trend because I’m plus size and feared it would only accentuate my double chin, but I was thrilled to see it actually had the opposite effect! Love the choker with this look. The luxurious velvet choker brings out the suede in the wedges on pulls this whole look together. Velvet Choker Set via Torrid. Torrid Collection genuine Suede Ankle Strap Mini Wedges via Torrid.

As a plus sized woman, it’s often hard for me to find clothing that fits me appropriately while allowing me to express my personal style. Torrid has been my number one place to shop for pieces that help give me my confidence back and allow me to embrace my post-baby (okay, she’s a preschooler now) mom bod. Like yoga pants, but better because I get to express myself through pieces I love.

Find more plus size looks and create your own OOTD plus size look by visiting the Torrid website where you can browse their new arrivals. If you’d like to see more looks from me, be sure to click the Facebook share button on this post to let Torrid know you like my style! I’d love to bring you more looks from my favorite place to shop.

The post OOTD Plus, Effortless Labor Day Style appeared first on Our Holly Days.

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By Holly Sosa

This post contains affiliate links.

I’ve always been a girl who loves rainbows and sparkles and unicorns. Give me all the glitter and holographs too. I was always armed for back to school with the latest Lisa Frank Trapper Keeper and plenty of notebooks to match. I’ve always had an affinity for brightly colored and fun stationery supplies. I’m never one to use a simple black pen. I mean, it need some kind of design on it, right? Recently, I discovered that there was a way to turn my plain yellow highlighter into a magical rainbow highlighter pen and ever since, my highlighting work is done in the rainbow-iest of fashion, ha! This DIY Rainbow Highlighter Pen is so simple, you’ll never go back to regular highlighting again. Well, unless you’re a perfectly normal human being. But if you’re more like me, you’ll want to splash rainbow highlighter all over your things, ha!

Start by taking a yellow highlighter (the fatter tip versions work better for this).

Take a pink highlighter and press it into the side of the yellow. Do this a few times so the ink transfers over.

Next take an orange highlighter (or blu, which actually makes a full gradient rainbow) and press it into the opposite side of the yellow highlighter.

And then? Highlight all the things on all the paper, ha! It’s crazy simple and works so well. With rainbow being such a fun trend, I love this fun idea for bringing extra color to study materials, planners, and even books. Sure, some would say this is a little too much, but they’d be saying that to the girl with the Lisa Frank Trapper Keeper who doesn’t understand what tone it down even means.

For more fun tutorials and crafts like this one, be sure to follow the Our Holly Days page on Facebook where I share and update daily.

The post DIY Rainbow Highlighter Pen appeared first on Our Holly Days.

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By Holly Sosa

This post contains affiliate links.

I’ve always been a girl who loves rainbows and sparkles and unicorns. Give me all the glitter and holographs too. I was always armed for back to school with the latest Lisa Frank Trapper Keeper and plenty of notebooks to match. I’ve always had an affinity for brightly colored and fun stationery supplies. I’m never one to use a simple black pen. I mean, it need some kind of design on it, right? Recently, I discovered that there was a way to turn my plain yellow highlighter into a magical rainbow highlighter pen and ever since, my highlighting work is done in the rainbow-iest of fashion, ha! This DIY Rainbow Highlighter Pen is so simple, you’ll never go back to regular highlighting again. Well, unless you’re a perfectly normal human being. But if you’re more like me, you’ll want to splash rainbow highlighter all over your things, ha!

Start by taking a yellow highlighter (the fatter tip versions work better for this).

Take a pink highlighter and press it into the side of the yellow. Do this a few times so the ink transfers over.

Next take an orange highlighter (or blu, which actually makes a full gradient rainbow) and press it into the opposite side of the yellow highlighter.

And then? Highlight all the things on all the paper, ha! It’s crazy simple and works so well. With rainbow being such a fun trend, I love this fun idea for bringing extra color to study materials, planners, and even books. Sure, some would say this is a little too much, but they’d be saying that to the girl with the Lisa Frank Trapper Keeper who doesn’t understand what tone it down even means.

For more fun tutorials and crafts like this one, be sure to follow the Our Holly Days page on Facebook where I share and update daily.

The post DIY Rainbow Highlighter Pen appeared first on Our Holly Days.

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By Holly Sosa

Mornings seem to be one of the craziest parts of my day. Getting my three kiddos fed, dressed, and ready for school can get a little hectic and by the time I get home after dropping them off, I’m so eager to begin working that I often don’t realize I haven’t eaten until it’s past noon, ha! I’ve found that simple breakfast solutions work best for me. Keeping protein bars on hand and prepping meals beforehand help me to stay healthy and on track throughout the day. I know I’m a little late to the party, but I’ve recently tried the overnight oats trend and I’m a huge fan! I’ve been experimenting with combinations and while this Peanut Butter Cup Overnight Oats version isn’t the most healthful, it’s super delicious and a great one to add to the rotation every now and then.

I start by adding about a half a cup of oats to a mason jar.

Next I add in a nice spoonful of creamy peanut butter.

Some chocolate chips.

And then about half a cup of almond milk.

I stir everything together.

And then place the lid on the mason jar, stick it in the fridge, and let it sit overnight.

In the morning, I have a delicious breakfast that tastes just like a peanut butter cup. I never forget to eat when I have one of these waiting for me in the fridge, ha! Overnight oats are such a simple solution to ensure I have breakfast ready for me and the combinations are endless. Using a base of oats and milk, I can add any flavor combination I like. Peaches and cinnamon, strawberries and chocolate, or brown sugar and cinnamon. I foresee a long and happy relationship with overnight oats, ha!

For more recipes like this one be sure to follow the Our Holly Days page on Facebook where I share kitchen favorites, ideas, and more daily.

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By Holly Sosa

This post is sponsored by LEGOLAND California.

LEGO is a classic. I remember playing and building with the brightly colored bricks as a little girl and now my own children play with the classic toy. One thing I love about LEGO is that it’s one toy that all of my kids enjoy together. Age gaps don’t exists and everyone works together to create and imagine. One of the ways my kids play together is by creating fun LEGO games where they compete and use their LEGO skills to build and win!

One brick towers

This is a simple game, but it’s so much fun. To goal is to build the tallest tower using only one brick at a time. If your tower falls, you’re out. Tallest doesn’t always equal strongest, so playing with different placements of each brick is essential in this game. The last person who has a standing tower is the winner!

One color builds

Everyone gets just one color for their build and the goal is to build something using just that color. Everyone votes on whose they like best (no one can vote for themselves!) and the person with the most votes wins! For smaller kids, just the actual building is plenty fun, but I know my older kiddos are super competitive and play to win, ha!

20 brick builds

Each player gets exactly twenty bricks to build something. In one version, players take turns choosing a brick from the pile until everyone has twenty. In a harder version, players blindly choose twenty bricks. Set a timer and get those creative juices flowing.

LEGO is so versatile and great for any personality. Type a people (read: me!) can follow the directions exactly and walk through building something step by step. But creatives who don’t want or need a mold can feel free to play and create using their imaginations. As the mother to children of both personality types, I love that LEGO encourages play for all of my kids. These fun LEGO games inspire play and create a fun family activity that are exciting no matter your age or personality type, ha!

Be sure to checkout LEGOLAND California on Facebook where you can get up to date information on the park, current events, and other fun LEGO activities.

The post 3 Lego Games to Play with Your Kids appeared first on Our Holly Days.

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By Holly Sosa

In our blended family of five, we spend a good chunk of our budget on keeping our kiddos clothed. We have to stretch our dollar as far as we can (we love hand me downs!), so I do my fair share of searching before choosing pieces for my kids. Simply buying the cheapest is often not the solution since those pieces typically fall apart the fastest and end up costing me more in the end. However I have discovered several stores that are affordable and also withstand the wear and tear my kiddos put on them. I like to mix more durable and pricy pieces with the more affordable items to get the most mileage out of their wardrobes. Having five kiddos has given me plenty of opportunity to do the research, so I’m sharing the best places to shop for kids clothing based on my experiences with my kiddos.

H&M

Meow top // Tiger sweatshirt // Girl club top

H&M always has fun and trendy options for my littles. They’re crazy affordable and usually offer free shipping when you spend over $40. My kiddos use their clothing for playtime and running around since I’m not going to be bummed out if anything gets ruined.

Mini Boden

Animal overall dress // Stripy jersey dress // Printed cord pinafore

Mini Boden has quickly become one of my favorite brands for children’s clothing. Their whimsical designs are adorably charming and the clothing is built to withstand real play and use. While they’re a little more pricey, it’s reflected in the clothing and how it’s made. I usually add in a few staple pieces into each of my kids wardrobes during back to school season. I’m never disappointed; our Mini Boden pieces are always in like new condition after a long school year and some of the best pieces to pass on to siblings and cousins.

Osh Kosh

Monster truck top // Space top // Hooded jersey pullover

Osh Kosh is one of my diamonds in the rough. It seems like I always forgot to check them out, but when I do I can get several pieces affordably. I love to hit up their sales during back to school season and other holidays. I also have a rewards membership with them which always earns me credit towards stuff once my kiddos grow out of what they have. This is one of my favorite places to stock up on jammies too (they always have those fun skeleton jammies around Halloween).

Crazy 8

Button up geo shirt // Dare to be gr8 top // Stay true blue top

I didn’t discover Crazy 8 until a few years ago when I stumbled upon a store in my local shopping mall. This place is crazy cool. Their designs are always fun and implement trends with familiar designs for kids. They’re really affordable and a great place to pick up clothes that reflect my kiddos personalities.

Thrift stores

Thrift stores are one of my favorite places to shop for my kiddos clothing. I can always find special and unique items when I take my time to look through the racks. They’re also a great place to get winter jackets that are practically new. I get extra excited when I find handmade dresses and items that are one of a kind. It takes some time to sift through the junk, but it’s worth it!

Keeping these stores in my bookmarks saves me time and money, plus my kids look cute and put together. They’re pretty much in my parenting handbook filed under the chapter How to Dress Your Kids Without Going Bankrupt at this point, ha!

For more kid style and fashion fun, be sure to follow the Our Holly Days page on Facebook where I update with tips, tricks, resources, and fun finds daily.

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By Holly Sosa

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

“I gotta go back! Back! Back! To School again!” Its a song that I sing to me kids at the beginning of every school year. It’s my sworn duty as a mother to annoy them with my Grease 2 songs as I wake them up and get them out of bed each morning. With three kiddos in school this year, it’s also my sworn duty to pack them well rounded lunches. I try to keep things fun by switching up my lunch game every now and then. These five back to school lunch ideas have become tried and true favorites with my kiddos.

Copycat Box Lunches

This lunch is simple to put together and one of my kids favorites. I simply use the top of a water bottle to cut the bologna into circle shapes and cut the cheese into bit sized squares. My kiddos can assemble their cheese and crackers creations during lunch just like they would with the store bought version. I add in a bottle of cold DASANI and a couple of mandarins before packing this lunch up for school.

Turkey rolls

I added these fun turkey rolls to the rotation last year when I was trying to revamp a plain ol’ turkey sandwich. Bread gets soggy fast here in the desert, so I try to avoid sandwiches if I can and these were a simple solution. I pat a piece of turkey dry with a paper towel, layer a few pieces of salami over it (my kids love salami, but it could easily be swapped with any other lunchmeat or even cheese), and roll it up. None of my kids like cream cheese, but if they did, I’d slather a bit of that over the turkey too. I add a package of Lance crackers and an Honest Kids Juice with a piece of fresh fruit to complete the meal.

DIY Pizzas

I’m sure it’s easy to guess that this is one of my kids faves. I use a plastic container for some shredded mozzarella, pepperonis, and crackers. All the elements one needs for a lunch version of pizza. A package of Lance Crackers and a bottle of POWERADE go in next followed by some cut up apples (not pictured).

PBJ rolls

I jazz up a classic PBJ by rolling out a piece of bread as thin as I can using a rolling pin. I add the peanut butter and jelly before rolling it into a fun spiral. I usually make two of three of these for my kids and they love them. It feels like a fun treat rather than the usual PBJ. My kiddos love finding a Honest Kids Juice in their lunch boxes along with a package of their favorite Lance Crackers.

Quesadillas

These are a fun way to serve some of my kids favorite finger foods. I simply a classic cheddar cheese quesadilla into small slices and insert them into a container. I add a package of Toast Chee and a Honest Kids Juice along with a couple mandarins to finish off this lunch.

Save $1.50 on any (1) Lance 8 count and larger sandwich packs when you buy any (2) participating DASANI, POWERADE or Honest Kids multipacks with tear-pad coupon found in-store. Find the in-store coupon available on end caps.

These are a fun way to switch up normal lunches and they double as a great tool to encourage my kids to enjoy better for them options. While I love to switch things up, I love using Lance crackers to add to their lunches. It makes it easier for me to get creative with their lunches when I can rely on things like Honest Kids Juice, POWERADE, DASANI, and Lance Crackers which I can find conveniently at my local VONS. While I have mad love for the bento box moms, I’m not quite there. I need a semi-homemade version of that and I think that these back to school lunch ideas are the perfect balance for me.

For more back to school lunch ideas and inspiration, be sure to visit your local VONS store where you’ll find all of the ingredients I used here along with my trusty sidekicks: Honest Kids Juice, POWERADE, DASANI, and Lance Crackers.

The post 5 Back to School Lunch Ideas appeared first on Our Holly Days.

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By Holly Sosa

This post contains affiliate links.

As a self-confessed stationery and planner addict, back to school season is one of my favorite things ever! Everywhere I look are displays of pens, notebooks, paper, and pencils and even better, almost everything is on sale! As an avid hunter for all sorts of unique stationery items, I thought I’d share some of my favorite back to school supplies that I’ve found this season with you.

Zebra Mildliner Highlighters from Amazon // Zodaca Mini Desk Stapler from Amazon // Motivation Pen Set from Anthropologie // Erin Condren Life Planner from Erin Condren // Rose Handled Scissors from Anthropologie // Liberty for Anthropologie Journal from Anthropologie // Floral Washi Tape from Amazon // Pastel Sharpies from Amazon

For me, stationery is a fun way to reflect my personality in my work. You’ll never catch me using a plain pen or notepad. I love infusing my workspace with color and inspiration to help keep me cheerful throughout my day. I love that these picks reflect sweet personality quirks and bring some character to my desk.

For more adorable stationery and back to school picks, be sure to follow the Our Holly Days page on Facebook where I share some of my faves daily.

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By Holly Sosa

One of my back to school struggles has been trying to find snacks that my kids will actually eat and that I’m satisfied with (read: not potato chips). It’s taken me several years, but I finally feel like I’ve got my snack arsenal locked and loaded with after school snack ideas that they’ll actually enjoy (my kids steer very clear of hummus and pita chips). I grocery shop once a week and usually buy two savory items and two sweet items from this. These are snacks my kids love to munch on and I usually will never tell them no when they ask for something on this list. I’m hoping my years of parent training (ha!) will inspire your back to school snack cabinet with some of these better-for-them options.

• string cheese
• Cuties
• apple slices with peanut butter
• pretzel sticks
• grapes
• yogurt
• Z Bars
• fruit leather
• strawberries
• almonds
• applesauce
• fruit cups
• turkey slices
• cucumber slices with ranch
• raisins
• Babybel cheese
• pepperoni
• granola
• beef jerky
• bananas
• carrot sticks
• cantaloupe
• pickles
• raspberries
• kale chips
• celery sticks with peanut butter
• carrot sticks with ranch
• hard boiled eggs
• salami slices
• cheese crackers

This list of back to school snack ideas is full of options that I can feel good about my kids eating after school. They’re thoughtful options that I know will fuel their brains without spoiling their dinnertime appetites. What are some ideas that you use with your kiddos? I’m always on the hunt for options and ways to switch it up in my home.

For more back to school inspiration, ideas, recipes, and more, be sure to follow the Our Holly Days page on Facebook where I share and update daily.

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