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

The number 24 is used pretty often in everyday circles.  One of my favorite examples is the show 24.  I would definitely be on the bandwagon if someone nominated Jack Bauer for president!  My husband and I watched through Season 7.   With 24: Season 1 being only $13.59 with Amazon Prime (regularly priced at $49.98), this is a must-grab deal for Christmas gift-giving!

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Disclosure: Thanks to Burt’s Bees, in collaboration with DataRank and Walmart, for making this post possible. The opinions shared here are 100% mine.

When making your Christmas shopping list, it can be overwhelming to think of all the gifts that must be purchased.  In some cases, you could be unsure about the type of gift a recipient might enjoy.   For example, if you’re purchasing a gift for a church leader or one of your children’s teachers, it’s hard to know what to buy unless you know what that person likes.   Consider Burt’s Bees for a product that can be used by anyone!

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Disclosure:  I received product samples. The opinions shared here are 100% mine.

Do you have a loved one with an October birthday?  My sister in law and my husband are both October babies.  When we visited my sister last weekend, my kids were so excited that she had already decorated for Halloween!  I’m decorative-challenged and never seem to get anything up ahead of time, if and when I do!  She commented that nearly all of her decorations were birthday gifts because her birthday is close to Halloween.   Since my husband’s niece was actually born on Halloween, I wondered if she is doomed to the same fate!  Don’t get me wrong, I am sure that getting Halloween decor is fun for anyone….to an extent.  But no one wants to get those same gifts EVERY year.  Predictability isn’t fun to receive!   [Read more…]

Disclosure: This post contains my referral/affiliate links.  If you make a purchase through these links, I may receive a small commission. The opinions shared here are 100% mine.

In my early teen years, I spent my pocket money on teeny-bopper magazines.  Tiger Beat, anyone?   For a while, I looked back on those days and thought I’d wasted my money and time.  However, I was mistaken.  Reading magazines was influential to my development as a reader. That’s why I make sure my children and students have magazines to read on a regular basis.

There are lots of reasons to consider getting a magazine subscription for young readers.   Magazines provide an excellent chance for children to recognize text features.  These are concepts like the caption below a photo, sidebar information, and using the table of contents.  Since magazines are generally considered nonfiction, your child will practice reading articles for information.  Articles in magazines are typically shorter and more visually appealing than a book.  Because of this, I highly recommend magazines for struggling readers.  If you have a child who resists the opportunity to read, a magazine article doesn’t really seem like reading!  There’s something to be said for having a personal subscription to a favorite mag.  Getting fun mail is always a bonus, but it also fosters a sense of ownership.  When you think about magazines for kids, you might only come up with Highlights.  However, there are so many other great children’s magazines out there.  Here are a few ideas. [Read more…]

Disclosure: I received these books to review. The post contains affiliate links; opinions shared here are 100% mine.

If you walk into a craft store or even a large department store, you’re likely to see Christmas items already even though Halloween isn’t even here yet.   Yesterday I ordered some Christmas plates and have even considered pulling out the decorations to put up in November.  Yes, the bug bites me hard this time of year! I’m also reading some Christmas themed books.  I realized what a great gift these would make for a secret pal!  Many people like to read holiday books; these are sure to bring a smile to your secret pal or secret Santa this year!  [Read more…]

Disclosure: I received this book to review. The post contains affiliate links; opinions shared here are 100% mine.

It made me chuckle to see the front cover of Finding God at the Kitchen Sink.  Its dirty appearance made it seem as if the book’s been splashed with some coffee or unidentified soup. Then I opened the book and noticed that the pages, too, are splattered with the same stains. It’s not unlike the stains of my soul before finding the redeeming love of Jesus.

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