Camping Down-Time Activities

As an adult, I think of camping as down time, but when you're going with kids, that's not usually true. In fact, it can be a bit chaotic. One great thing about camping is the variety of activities to do that you may not usually have access to - like fishing, hiking, or playing in a river or lake. All of which are fun and entertaining, but there comes a point where you need a little "down-time" activity for everyone to do, (or even the kids to do) while the adults are getting dinner ready. (It's probably obvious that my kids are still young enough to need supervision).

In Monday's post I mentioned that my kids are card sharks - yes, even the 6 year old! - and that we love puzzles, but I didn't mention another favorite... ORIGAMI!!! Yes, the Japanese art of folding paper! Don't knock it till you try it! It's not only fun, but challenging too!

A couple of years ago I went on a treasure hunt through Barnes & Noble (one of the best stores ever!) and found origami books with activities for different skill levels. One book I bought was for animals and another for dinosaurs! How fun is that? They even come with paper in all sorts of  perfect patterns to make learning and folding more fun.

Basically, what I ended up with was the perfect down-time activity for any occasion, even camping! My kids love it, and while we sometimes work on our own, or race to see who can finish first... we also work together on the more difficult patterns to help one another and implement that whole 'teamwork' thing people are always talking about. Yay us!

So there you have it! Origami --- Japanese art skills in the great out doors! Give it a try!

Well, I want to run out and get an Origami book - just for me! But I bet my little guy would do it with me. There's still some summer left for us to do it, too! Thanks so much for the awesome tips and posts this week and sharing your sweet family photos!

Leigh Covington is the mother of three active children and a full time student at Grand Canyon University, finishing her Bachelors in Secondary Education emphasis in English. Fueled by Coca-Cola, she spends the majority of her time watching soccer games or gymnastics lessons, while sneaking in a sweet treat to satisfy her chocolate addiction. She also teaches the youth at church and loves spending time reading a good book whenever she can find a free minute.

Spice Up Your Camping Menu

I don't know about you, but I have certain favorites when it comes to food and some are meant for specific occasions - such as camping! Other times though, I want to bring something new and different to keep the menu exciting and tummy's happy. One of the new things I brought on our camping trip (that I don't usually think of for camping) was 7 Layer Bean Dip! Yummy!

Now it will be obvious that I'm not super-mom because I bought this from the store instead of making it from scratch. My sanity was at stake! But we do have one of the best recipes for this - which is why I rarely ever buy it. It's so much better homemade! And hopefully there are a couple tips (secrets) with this recipe that you haven't tried yet. If you haven't - you'll love it, I promise!

7 Layer Bean Dip

• 1 can refried beans (mix a little salsa in with this for better texture & flavor!)
• 16 oz sour cream 
• 1 packet of taco seasoning (combine taco seasoning and sour cream & mix well.)
• Guacamole (homemade or otherwise)
• Colby Jack Cheese
• Chopped tomatoes
• Sliced Olives
• Chopped Green Onions

Layer in a 9 x 13 pan in the order listed (starting with refried beans). Chill and serve with your favorite tortilla chips. Easy peasy!!!

This was a great snack to bring out and let everyone munch on. I didn't have to worry about the kids eating candy or junk food and I think everyone enjoyed it even more. We make this for Superbowl parties and BBQ's as well and it's always a hit. Now I know it's marvelous on camping trips as well!

What is your favorite food on camping trips?

Leigh Covington is the mother of three active children and a full time student at Grand Canyon University, finishing her Bachelors in Secondary Education emphasis in English. Fueled by Coca-Cola, she spends the majority of her time watching soccer games or gymnastics lessons, while sneaking in a sweet treat to satisfy her chocolate addiction. She also teaches the youth at church and loves spending time reading a good book whenever she can find a free minute.

Where does the time go?

We are spiced to have the lovely, long-standing Leigh Covington as our guest this week! She going to lay some tips and advice and fun stuff down and pump us up!

How many times do you wish for more hours in a day? I think we all do! We have to run kids to soccer games and piano lessons while working on laundry, cooking dinner, and attempting to fit in our 10K steps for the day. This is also hindered by our attempt to make ourselves presentable if we leave the house or if someone stops by for a visit, let alone having our kids dressed and ready to take on the world.

I used to think that things would get easier as my kids got older and they could do more for themselves, but that's not true. Life stays just as busy and hard - just in different ways. Life is simply hectic! And while we're all wishing there was more time to get ALL of these things done and working ourselves into the ground day and night so that we can scratch things off our "to-do" list...

Are we making time where it REALLY matters?

Yes... I'm sure you know where I'm going with this... are we making time to be together? QUALITY time - not simply time when we are all in the same house on our various electronics working toward different goals. Unfortunately, that doesn't count.

While there are a million ways to make time for our littles, I'm going to take you all along on my family's camping adventure from a couple of weeks ago.

First, let me explain that I've spent the past 2 1/2 years finishing my teaching degree which has left me lacking in the T.I.M.E. department. Feeling like an epic failure, I decided we needed to get away from our regularly scheduled program and enjoy some quality time. This included me packing up my three kiddos (on my own, since the hubby had to work) driving them two hours away from home, into the mountains to attempt a camping and fishing experience. What happened?

1. No cell phone service! We had to be creative and be together!
2. We had to work toward similar goals. We could set up the tent together, unload the car together, cook meals together, & figure out how to untangle fishing line together!
3. When we all froze at night because I didn't bring enough blankets - we could snuggle together!
4. Talking, laughter, and spending TIME with each other. 

It's probably quite obvious that you don't have to go to the mountains to do any of this. That was just something I have wanted to do with my kids for awhile, but it worked and it was worth it! Taking time for one another - playing together and finding a sense of unity, is all worth it. While, I'd love it if that meant there was no arguing, that wasn't really the case. Lets face it - we are human, but the arguing was happening less and fun was happening more. Hallelujah!

How else can make time for each other?

• Eat dinner together - don't forget to talk in between mouthfuls!
• Read a book to one or all of your children.
• NO TECH TIME - make time to talk and play. Ask your kids about their day.
• Play games together. My kids are card sharks so we love card games at our house.
• Cook something together, or teach them how to cook.
• Work together.
• PUZZLES! (A new favorite for us!)
• Go on a walk, ride bikes, go swimming, etc.

Truth be told- spending time together helps our kids, and even our spouse, know that we genuinely care about them and what is going on in their life. It helps build confidence and security in who they are and what they are capable of. Don't we all feel more empowered when we feel loved and accepted? Doesn't someone taking TIME for us help build those feelings of love and security? The love and support of family will probably reach much further than we can ever truly know.

For me, time with my kids and husband is this important so I put it at the top of my priority list. Oh well if I'm behind on laundry. Oh well if I'm the weirdo who bakes 5 dozen cookies with her kids to take around for Christmas gifts. That's okay. Despite how we might feel sometimes --- being a mom is the best job in the world, and definitely the most important. Does that mean that everything else we do isn't important too? Nope! Not at all. It simply means that you shouldn't downplay your role as "mother." Embrace it! And make time to embrace the time you have with those you love.

So, how do you make TIME for your family? What does your family love to do together? I look forward to hearing your ideas. I'm always looking for new things to try.

Leigh Covington is the mother of three active children and a full time student at Grand Canyon University, finishing her Bachelors in Secondary Education emphasis in English. Fueled by Coca-Cola, she spends the majority of her time watching soccer games or gymnastics lessons, while sneaking in a sweet treat to satisfy her chocolate addiction. She also teaches the youth at church and loves spending time reading a good book whenever she can find a free minute.

The Need to Catch 'em All, Pokemon!

To my recollection, the craze started with the cards.

My first son was a preschooler (that's been about twenty  years ago!) when the Pokemon card craze hit him.

Then came the figurines, stuffed animals, video games, posters, and movies. At one time, my four boys' bedroom was a Pokemon den from sheets to windows.

They were true Pokemon nuts!

But as time went on, the figurines went into storage, the cards lay idle in the game cabinet, and their room got revamped to blue and gold and half-naked ladies.

I missed you, Pikachu!!

Then, this summer, like a refreshing wind on a hot summer day, Pokemon was back.

Pokemon Go.

Have you heard of it?

It's a new video game app for hand-held devices. Kids run around neighborhoods "catching" Pokemon, joining teams, and battling other Pokemasters.

Every single one of my boys are back to Pokemon crazy.

My youngest son goes out so long, he takes a battery back-up for his phone.

It's surreal. It's like these video game/internet addicted guys have morphed into pre-80's kids- unplugged (well, with the exception of a smart phone and in my son's case, a portable car charger with an AC plug-in) and outside moving around.

Personally, I don't see the harm. I saw a few posts on Facebook where people were complaining about the new mania, but mostly the posts were fun.

Like this:

But, wanting to be a well-informed parent, I decided I'd go with my guys a day and see what the fuss/fun was all about. Five hours and several miles later, I decided this was one of the best inventions since Twister for active fun.

But they don't call me Momma Kill Joy for nothing, so here is the list of rules I came up with after my day of Pokemon collecting:

1. Never catch Pokemon while driving. Only if you're the passenger can you feel free to catch'em all.
2. Be mindful of traffic. A Poke Ball will not save you from a collision with a bumper.
3. Only trample the grass of neighbors whom you know will tolerate you trespassing.
4. Be respectful. Even if it's a rare Ponyta that is hanging out in a busy funeral home parking lot, stay out! That's an inappropriate place to add to the collection.
5. This one isn't so much for my kids, who are all over 16, but for younger kids...

Parents, be very cautious. In the game, players can set out lures to draw in Pokemon. All the other players in the area can see the lures, so they can physically go to these spots where Pokemon will gather. Me being the cautious (possibly paranoid) mom that I am, can see a situation where pedophiles could set out lures that could bring in small, unchaperoned kids. My kids called me crazy, but I can see this happening as adult players and child players intermingle.

That's what I came up with. Anyone else have any suggestions for keeping an awesome game from becoming a problem?

Happy Summer Feet

Summer can be rough on the tootsies. Personally, I love letting my feet run free during the warm weather.

The problem?

My feet don't always appreciate the freedom.

Too many hours spent in sandals and flip flops can cause my heels to dry out.

The solution for me isn't tennis shoes- the solution is a bit more care spent on my feet.

Once a week, I take some time to pamper my feet.

First, soak your feet in some warm, soapy water. Dry them off and then rub them down with a sugar rub (salt also works) made by mixing a tablespoon of vegetable or olive oil with a quarter cup of sugar (or salt) and rub into feet, massaging them well.

Wash feet again, scrubbing the heel well with a wash cloth to fully exfoliate. Pat your feet dry, then apply a generous amount of lotion (I like to use a medicated foot lotion), and then pull on a pair of clean socks until the moisturizer is absorbed.


Any lotion works, but a good, medicated foot lotion with soften them overnight.

Avon's Footworks is my personal favorite. But there are many to choose from. Here's a link to blog that tested many on the market. 

$7.50 from Avon

*If flip flops get your feet down, check out the selection of orthopedic sandals and flip flops from Vionics They have a large selection of shoes that are not only pretty, but can be worn without the usual foot and hip pain my post-40 body suffers from when I wear bad shoes.

Laundry Stink

I just got back from two weeks at the beach, and I have a whine for you. 

And then some amazing laundry insight. 

But first the whine...

You know how it is- you're getting ready to leave for vacation and you're marking things off the to-do list seconds before rolling away from  the curb...

Well, this year, my last to-do was a load of laundry (I hate to leave dirty laudry while I'm gone and give my basement an even-funkier-than-usual smell). 

So at 5:00 AM, I take the laundry from the washer and toss it in the dryer, then we take off. 

Our two weeks of fun in the sun goes by way too fast, and next thing you know- I'm back home. 

And the place stinks. 

First I blame my forgetting to put out an air freshener so my house doesn't pick up that closed-up, this-house-has-too-many-pets smell. But usually that goes away with a bit of airing. 

This smell lingered. 

I washed all the small rugs and hung them on the line. 

Not the answer. 

I then blamed the dining room rug. It's a few years old and has been the victim of a few spills, so I rolled it up and sent it to the curb. 

Still. The smell. It lingered, sometimes a bit stronger than others. 

Then I went to throw a load of clothes from the wash into the dryer...and in the dryer? A load of still slightly damp, horrid smelling laundry. 

Awful. 

The dryer thermostat was broken and it was only blowing cold air. 

I washed those clothes in Tide, No help. I added bleach. Still stinky. 

Then I remembered I had hunters in my house. Before deer season, they wash their hunting clothes in scent killer so the wily little critters can't smell them coming. 

I used that. 

Worked like a charm. 

This stuff isn't cheap- I think we paid $11.00 for this bottle- but it beats tossing a load of laundry in the trash. 

Scent Killer soap from Amazon
Or check your local outdoor/hunting department

While we're talking laundry...

  

Does this bug anyone else? 

Soap in the cup that makes its own goopy ring. 

Rinsing the cup in the sink is a pain. Wiping the goopy soap that collects under the cup is a pain. And having a goopy ring that eventually collects dust is also a pain. 

The solution? Throw the cup in the wash. Comes out perfectly clean for the next wash! 

And if you forget and dry it with the laundry- it doesn't hurt it. I've put it to that test a time or two already. 

#American Friday Fun

July is the month that we really hit this America stuff hard. And why not? We love America. So here are a few America thoughts for your Friday.

• Russia and the US are only 4km apart. That’s under 3 miles!
• Ronald Reagan declared the rose to be the national flower in 1986. How romantic of him. Lol!
• Did you know that it cost more to make a penny than it’s worth? Yeah, I think we all knew that.
• E Pluribus Unum (as printed on our money) means ‘out of many, one.’ It was the motto of the United States of America until 1956 when Congress changed it to In God We Trust. In a simple way this Latin motto points out that we had many different states and they were united but I believe on a deeper level we are still very much a country of many (the diversity in America is incredible) that is one (unity!)
• The United States contains nearly every climate found elsewhere in the world.
• The Great Seal of America was designed by Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson in 1782. 

If you want to “Make America Great Again” then I think we just have to make Americans great again. I’m not talking about certain politicians, or public figures, or even your neighbor. I’m talking about YOU!

What are the values that you wish to see in America? Honesty? Hard work? Thrift? Kindness? Respect? Work on making these things part of YOU and your family.

You can’t control all of America with legislature but you can make it clear that nothing short of complete honestly will be tolerated in your home and if you personally slip up you can apologize and make it right.

patriotic family

Set an example. How will that make a difference? Great values are contagious. We look around, we always have, we always will. We notice if our neighbors are forthright and respectful. We notice when the gentleman in the grocery store is kind and patient.  We know if our parents worked hard for what they got or if they just expected a hand out. We notice when our teachers and leaders respond with ethics even when it’s hard. They make America great. You make America great.

We might not be perfect but I am proud to be an American.

God Bless the USA!

And God Bless Shelly Brown! Thanks so much for sharing your goodness with us this week!

Shelly Brown is a mother to five crazy kids, caretaker of five crazy chickens, and wears the hat of children’s book writer at least 5 days a week. Her debut children’s book Ghostsitter comes out October 1st  but you can preorder today on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or your local independent bookseller.

Bountiful Baskets

Welcome back Shelly Brown and her...

Bountiful Baskets!

How does my family eat healthy? PRODUCE! So much produce.

How does my family get produce? Co-ops. Bountiful Basket to be precise.

I’m sure that many of you have heard of grocery co-ops but there is a chance that a reader or two is ignorant to the value of such organizations.

Be ignorant no more.

Grocery Co-ops have been around FOREVER. Like I’m sure one caveman claimed to be good at gathering berries and another had an eye for walnuts and they decided it would be wise for them to share. See! FOREVER! But they have had a recent resurgence in the past 10+ years.

Co-ops are volunteer run, non-profit, member-owned organizations. The idea is that you put in your time and money then there isn’t a store that pockets a profit and the savings can be shared among the ‘owners.’ It sounds complicated but most of them have this down to a simple science.

People like the idea of eating local, organic food and cutting costs as well. Why wouldn’t you? But usually with a co-op you can have two of the three of those awesome things. If you have a co-op that is able to hit all three then feel free to mention them in the comments because that deserves some accolades. Bountiful Baskets, the one that I use, is really good at costs and organic but not so great at local.

There are minuses to using a grocery co-op as well.

• They usually have a small ordering window and a small pick-up window. If you are busy during those times then you don’t get produce that week. 
• The pick up locations can be ANYWHERE. Our baskets are on the floor of the local fire station. That might weird some people out. 
• They need you to volunteer. Not every week but it wouldn’t work if nobody helped. 
• And one of the biggest concerns for most people with Bountiful Baskets (and some other co-ops) is that you get what you get and you don’t throw a fit. The produce that comes that week is the produce that you take home. Do you have a family that hates brussel sprouts? Don’t know what to do with jicama? Well they were in your basket so…eat them, share them, or toss them. But they’re yours.

Personally I love this problem. It forces us to eat our rainbow. If my family only ate the produce that I typically bought from the grocery store they would be stuck with boring staples every week. I’m grateful for the opportunity to find out what a diakon is how to prepare it. Maybe I’m weird that way.

If you’d like to explore co-ops available to you CLICK HERE

If you’d like to explore Bountiful Baskets CLICK HERE

Shelly Brown is a mother to five crazy kids, caretaker of five crazy chickens, and wears the hat of children’s book writer at least 5 days a week. Her debut children’s book Ghostsitter comes out October 1st  but you can preorder today on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or your local independent bookseller.

Family Council - Advice from the heart

This week we welcome the steadfast SHELLY BROWN to the House. And today she is giving it to us TRUE. Listen up!

Hello fellow housewives!
I’m about to get real.
Really real.

Conforto Family: Jason Conforto

Families are awesome. And tough. And worth it. And complicated.
Families are a team, right? Then how is it that we don’t always act like one?

Unity.
We can totally do this. We’ve watched Remember the Titans. How hard can this be?
Answer: Really, really hard.

Fortunately we do have some tools to help us. Like the family mission statement. It is a beautiful thing to help people realize that they are on the same page, working towards the same goals. But not everybody has one of these…yet.

So let me back up to the first tool that I would recommend: Family Council.

Family councils are just like they sound, councils for the family. They are time that has been set aside to allow each member of the family to be heard. Parents can’t govern their children without first understanding their children. Children will find it hard to obey parents that they hardly know. Each person, big and small, has a desire to be heard and understood. And love and compassion grow when we take the time to get to know one another better.

These councils shouldn’t just appear when there is a problem (though they are excellent at pulling everyone together). They should be a normal part of life in a family. They don’t have to be super formal either (though they can be.) You can council over dinner or on a car ride as long as rules about being respectful are being obeyed.

Some Do’s

• If possible set a time and place so that it isn’t sprung on family members like a ill-devised intervention
• Remember to focus on a lot of positives. You want them to come away feeling good about the experience. You don’t need to air every grievance in the first meeting. (That’s what Festivus is for!) Praise them for their attendance. Praise them for the things that they are doing to create a good family. Encourage them to praise one another.
• Some people use the pattern of starting with the best parts of the week, then the hard parts, then anything that they feel should be addressed.
• Start young. If you’ve already missed this boat then start at wherever you are. But there is a value in starting young that might be missed when parents think that small children can’t contribute to a council. Kids are smart!
• Consider taking the time in one of these councils to create a mission statement. It will guide subsequent meetings and guide your every day interactions.

Some Pitfalls to Avoid

• letting councils turn into heated debates
• allowing any form of disrespect, from interrupting to unkind words.
• allowing or becoming the Family Council Dictator. Everyone must feel free to express their concerns without the All-Powerful-Bossy-One coming in and deciding how to fix/rule/conquer everything. It’s a team of equals, not the Smart One cleverly disguising a lecture to the Stupid Ones.
• decisions should be made by consensus not voting. Each member of the group should feel comfortable enough to move forward. This is very tricky but it encourages unification in a way that voting does not.

In the busy world that we live in it means a lot for us to show each other that we believe our families are worth the time to hold family councils. That we believe that each person is an important member of our team. To show each other that we believe that our team will be successful and we are willing to put in the effort to make it happen. In a world of mind numbing television and app games, and distracting entertainment it would be much easier for us to let our families just kind of drift and become whatever they become but we teach our kids how much we value families when we put forth the effort to create a thriving family environment.

1950's family: Seattle Municipal Archives

You can SO do this!

Shelly Brown is a mother to five crazy kids, caretaker of five crazy chickens, and wears the hat of children’s book writer at least 5 days a week. Her debut children’s book Ghostsitter comes out October 1st  but you can preorder today on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or your local independent bookseller.

Frizz-Free Friday Hair Tips

Happy Friday, y'all! I'm coming to you today from the Paul Mitchell school in Huntsville where I'm currently in the chair getting my one and only cosmetic indulgence. Yes, that one thing I can't live without. 

Before I tell you what it is, let me start by telling you that on a normal day I have the worst frizz ball on my head imaginable. I have super fine, super curly hair - a pairing that totally shouldn't exist - and I happen to live in a state best known for rockets and overwhelming humidity. 

And if you've gotten to know me at all, you know I'm usually the last one of the housewives to bring you beauty tips. I only do it/wear it/make it if it's easy and saves me time. 

Turns out, that's exactly what the Keratriplex treatment does for me. It's a totally affordable and amazing protein treatment that took me from frizzy hobo to sleek hottie. I started adding it in to my haircuts, but there are home treatments and other versions of this little miracle in almost any salon you choose to visit. 

And if you know me, you also know I'm all about options :-) 

So if you're prone to giant fly away hair in the summer like I am, do yourself a favor and go find the nearest protein treatment to you and start showing of those sexy locks!

5 Sunscreen Myths and Mistakes

Chances are, this is what some of you are still feeling like after your 4th of July celebrations:

But don't feel alone! We've all been there. We used sunscreen, we scoped out the shade, and we even wore those ugly hats that we grabbed last second at Walmart. So where did we go wrong? Here are 5 common mistakes and myths that help keep us lobster bright every summer.

---------------------------------------------------------

1. We don't use enough sunscreen. Did you know it takes a full ounce to cover the average human body? That's enough to fill a shot glass. Unfortunately for our rosy red glow, studies show that most of us are only putting on a quarter to half as much as we need.

2. We don't reapply often enough. Just because it says "waterproof" or "sweat-proof" doesn't mean it's going to stick with you through thick and thin. While simply being wet or sweaty may not wash it away, that dive for the volleyball on the sand, drying off with your towel, or wiping the water out of your eyes while swimming certainly will. Remember, it's sweat-proof; not abrasion-proof. This is especially important for parents of active babies and children.

Just tell them it's war paint if they argue. via GIPHY

3. Being tan/dark complected doesn't mean you can't burn. Melanin distribution is one of your skin's natural defenses against the great ball of fire in the sky, though those of us with fair skin may have very little for the body to distribute. For those of you with loads of it, remember this: While it does make you more resistant to burning, it definitely doesn't make you immune. It simply means you can be exposed longer before burning.

via GIPHY

4. Being tan/dark complected doesn't mean you can use a lower SPF. I've heard it a million times: "I'm already tan, so my SPF15 face lotion is enough." NOPE. Nuh-uh. The SPF rating has less to do with the level of protection it offers and everything to do with the length of your exposure. If you usually burn in 10 minutes, SPF15 is supposed to allow you to be in the sun 15 times longer without burning, or 150 minutes. SPF20 20 times longer, and so forth.  (Note - don't forget #2! No matter the SPF rating, you can still inadvertently remove it.) If you're going to be out all day, just go ahead and reach for the 30 or higher. Your future self will thank you.

via GIPHY

5. It's cloudy, so I don't need as much sunscreen. That's another NOPE. Especially if you're on the beach or on the water. That pristine white sand and those lapping waves are bouncing all of those rays right back at you for a double dose of UV. Worse, these rays sneak right in under that ugly hat because they're coming from all angles like little evil laser beams.

Yes, the ground IS lava. via GIPHY

So it's your turn to dish! What are your best sunburn tips, advice, and stories?

Sparkly Independence Day Snaps

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY, EVERYONE!!!

We here at the RRHA hope you and your families are having a safe and excellent holiday and we hope you'll swing by to share your pics with us on FB and Twitter. But before you get your cameras out, be sure to check out these snazzy sparkler shots from our friends at Buzzfeed to help you step up your family snaps this year!

m_dougherty / Via Flickr: md888 / Creative Commons

From Smart to Sultry in a Blink...

Sorry for the delay! Technical difficulties!

Today's fun Friday post is a special video demonstrating how to go from business to bodacious with a few eye shadow tips! Lyndsay Johnson has a glorious Facebook page called "Beauty by Lyndsay" to help us look our best - and does the demos herself. Pretty amazing!

LINK TO VIDEO

She has a bunch of videos on her page - check them out!

Lyndsay Johnson is a stay/work/play-at-home-mom to three littles. She is a graphic designer, author, and beauty maven who helps women gain confidence and grow their business through social media. She loves secret naps, watching movies in the dark, and admiring the mountains out her window. She lives in Heber City, UT with her children and filmmaker husband.

Lyndsay’s Blog: www.lyndsayjohnson.com

Lyndsay’s Beauty Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1615220915368450/

It's been great having Lyndsay guest at the Really Real Housewives this week!

Now go out and celebrate a fun-filled Fourth! May your fireworks and cookouts be ooo and ahh worthy!