Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I received some of these books to review. Opinions shared here are 100% mine.

As we wrap up 2014, we head into the first weekend of the new year. Why not enjoy a great book to get the year off to a great start?  Here are some of my favorites from this week.

I’m most excited about the fact that These Broken Stars is only 99 cents. This was one of my favorite books from 2014 (remember my post about it?).  It’s a sci-fi with a good blend of romance and suspense.  If you’re a fan of dystopian fiction, you might like the hierarchy of the elite and the military figures, too.  Go ahead and get This Shattered World (The Starbound Trilogy Book 2) while you’re at it because you’ll want to read that one next. [Read more…]

Disclosure: I am a Lovable Labels blogger and will receive products for posting. Opinions shared here are 100% mine.

There are times when the plastic and paper becomes overwhelming! Did you experience it this year? It’s the STUFF of Christmas. Although I love the merriment, it’s so wonderful when my home and life get back in order. Normally I put my tree away on December 26; it’s not my inner Scrooge coming out. It’s just my fervent need to have less clutter in the house. There’s also the issue that we have a great deal of new things in the house and it can be difficult to manage the “Minitis” issue. When my kids start the fussing, “That’s mine!” it’s usually because there were duplicates. The only time no one wants to claim their items is when it’s time for cleanup. Personalized labels make it easy to identify the guilty party!  If you need a set of labels, take advantage of the Boxing Week specials at Lovable Labels.

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

Now that Christmas is officially over, it’s time for me to focus on 2015 shopping.  My kids have their birthdays in the spring. Work is very busy in the spring so I like to get their birthday shopping finished well in advance.  Finding discounts and clearance items at the after-Christmas sales is fun and budget-friendly.  I stash away the gifts so that I’m prepared when an occasion arises!  One item I will be looking for is the Markwin’s Holiday Stocking Stuffers that are available at Walmart.  These affordable sets include beauty products in bright colors that teens will love.  We received the #FLASHMOB URBAN NAILS collection.  

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Disclosure: I participated in the After by Anna Todd blog program as a member of One2One Network. I received compensation but all opinions are my own. The post contains affiliate links.

While my kids enjoy playing with their Christmas toys, I’ve been enjoying a few new books!  One of my students asked me to read The Paper Magician and I’m a few chapters in.  I’ve also been reading Gone Girl but haven’t been able to focus on it. There are just so many good books to read!

Here’s a new one that opened up a new Wattpad world to me. After (The After Series Book 1) was originally written by author Anna Todd on her phone! [Read more…]

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission.

If you’re planning your outfit for this year’s New Year’s Eve bash and don’t want to spend all of your Christmas money, never fear.  Remember when I told you about the fab 9th & Elm site?   This is the place to shop for unique items, many handmade, that you won’t see on all the other divas at the party.  The glitter and glam costs less AND looks fantastic.  This year, spend $35 on your dress and the rest of your hard-earned cash on your fun times with girlfriends!  Plus, save 10% on your purchase when you use code COZY10 at checkout.  So ditch the LBD and wear something a little more glam for a lot less cash.

Read on as Co-Founder of 9th & Elm, Elly, shares her latest styling tips for NYE! [Read more…]

Disclosure:  I received product samples. The post may contain affiliate links; opinions shared here are 100% mine.

Did you miss Christmas for someone special?  Maybe you need a belated gift for that person who gave you something unexpected. Perhaps you just want to tell someone you’re thinking of her.  Whatever the reason, here are some ideas!

Sometimes I think the Amazon gift card was made just for me. You see, they do instant email delivery. It can also be scheduled in advance. So easy!! If you want a gift in-hand, you can also print out the gift card. This is a great last-minute idea for any occasion.

Another great last-minute gift that can be announced via email is a Birchbox subscription. This is my new go-to gift for all my girlfriends.  My sister and I love to unbox our monthly subs together (or over the phone) and gush about what fun samples we received.  The gift subscriptions start at $30, which gives your recipient 3 months of fun.  If you don’t want to commit to that price point, consider putting together your own gift box.
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We are wishing you every blessing of the season.  Merry Christmas!!

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

2 kids.  2 weeks.  1 very tired mom.

That’s what Christmas break usually means at my house.

You would think that spending my days with 110+ 6th graders would build my endurance for time spent with my personal children, but it’s quite the contrary.  Being a hands-on mom is a much tougher job than teaching all day!!  When my kids are home, they like to have one or two “pajama days” but then it’s time to get our game on.  What will we do all day?  These awesome Crayola kits from Baker & Taylor Publishing can keep smiles on everyone’s faces! Whether it’s Rock Painting or Drawing that floats your child’s boat, you’re both going to enjoy these book kits.  Both are priced at under $20 and shipped free with Amazon Prime, these books are perfect for gift giving.  Christmas, birthdays, and “just to say I love you” — all are perfect occasions for art!   [Read more…]