**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. 

The “age” range I best understand is the middle grades.  Seventeen+ years teaching 6th grade has given me a bit of experience in that regard.  Time and again it’s been my observation that children who are involved in an activity (other than just regular academics during the school day) are the most successful students.  Sure, there are examples to that rule.  For the most part, though, children who are invested in the school beyond the four main classes tend to develop time management skills, social skills, and general interest in the overall school community.   So now to figure out how to do that!  [Read more…]

Disclosure: I received product samples.  The opinions shared here are 100% mine.  This post contains affiliate links and I will receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking on my link.

My kids are coming home tired from school.  After all of the stimulation they get from the classroom and playground, it’s important for me to find non-screen activities for them in the evenings.  I don’t mind a little bit of iPad time but they don’t need to be watching Stampy Longnose all night long!   A fun, quiet activity that keeps them entertained is the rainbow loom.  Both of my kids love these bright bracelets and enjoy making them together.  My daughter especially delights in making new designs.  It’s been fun to watch her explore this craft; she gets great joy from sharing her finished products with her friends.  She goes through a lot of bands so we had to find an affordable place for refill packs. [Read more…]

This is a Fashionista Event Opportunity, and is hosted by Still Blonde after all these YEARS and Modly Chic.  The opinions shared here are 100% mine.

Fall colors are rich, mood-revitalizing, and bold.  Color is always in style!  Monroe and Main has the latest pops of saturated shades to make Fall 2014 your personal fashion statement.  By adding in some fabulous pieces, you can bring in autumn in an awesome way.

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Disclosure: **The links in this post are affiliate links and I will receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking on my link. I received this book to review. The opinions shared here are 100% mine.

Everyone has different views of what counts most in life.  Some people place their value in money.  Others hold position, or status, as the most important part of life.  Still others put their trust in God.  According to Shelia Payton, author of a book I recently received for review, What Counts Most Is How You Finish. [Read more…]

My hair rarely gets a touch-up because (a) I don’t have time to go to the salon or (b) I don’t have money to go to the salon or (c) I’m intimidated by home hair coloring experience.    A few weeks ago I told you about eSalon – a website that offers custom-mixed haircolor.  I took the plunge and placed an order.  Avoid stewing in the aisle to figure out my haircolor?  Having the color mixed just for me and shipped right to my door?  No-brainer.  Gotta try it.   A couple of days after I submitted my order, I received a phone call from eSalon.  The stylist wanted to confirm my color request.  Apparently I submitted two different photos that had subtle differences in color, so she asked me which one was closer to my natural color.  Really?  A real person took the time to call and double-check my request?  Color me impressed.   Two days later my order arrived on my front porch; it had been shipped 2-day priority mail.  And hey!!  I didn’t have to go to the store!!   This weekend I broke out the box and got down to business. [Read more…]