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

If anyone should be on your side, it’s your mother.  She carried you in her own body for months, labored for hours to bring you into the world, and sacrificed to provide you with food and other necessities to keep you alive.  Unfortunately for Raven, her mother wasn’t in on that plan.

Empty Cup is not a feel-good book that leaves the reader feeling cozy and happy. It’s sad, raw and unflinching in biting reality.  It took me back to a painful time of my adolescence when there were boyfriends coming in and out of my mom’s revolving door.  Living close to an army base meant that there were many men who were interested in a pretty woman, and my mom’s search for happiness often led to our discomfort.  My aunt took me aside one afternoon and asked if anyone had ever tried to hurt me.  Of course not, I answered.  With grim-faced honesty, she told me that I could always tell her the truth if something like that ever happened.  She also explained how I should handle myself with  modesty around all men, something I hadn’t considered before. [Read more…]

Disclosure: I received these books to review. The post may contain affiliate links. Opinions shared are mine.

Last week, I ordered several of these kitchen organizing bins to place inside the shelves of our kitchen island. When the first one arrived, I eagerly filled it with individual snack packs so my kids could easily make their own lunches.  Unfortunately, once the bin was full, I tried to put it on the shelf.  Uh-oh. I didn’t measure, and it didn’t fit. Frustrated, I set the bin on the floor by the cabinet and have grumbled about needing more space for our food.  So shameful, right?  I didn’t even think about it. Then I read No Longer A Slumdog and was totally humbled.

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You can have a closet full of clothes and still not have an amazing outfit to wear.    You might own ten designer purses but feel like your ensemble is too plain. What’s missing?  Plus Size Jewels on your wrist!  These gorgeous bangles, bands, and bracelets help to put the WOW in your spring look.

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Disclosure: We received meal vouchers just like the winner of the giveaway! Opinions shared are mine.

It’s always a good night when we get to enjoy dinner at Ryan’s Steakhouse in Greeneville, TN. We drive about 45 minutes to eat there, but it’s worth it! Now through April 3, you can enjoy Seafood Fridays at Ryans, Hometown Buffet, and Old Country Buffet. Ryan’s supplied us with meal vouchers, and provided a giveaway prize for one winner!!  Seafood Friday is a hit with me, and my son discovered that he loves seafood, too!  [Read more…]

Disclosure: I received samples; opinions shared are mine.

My children loved having a great assortment of NCircle DVDs to watch during the long snow days we had in February. Thanks to NCircle Entertainment, one lucky reader will win a prize pack of 4 DVDs! [Read more…]

Now that spring it’s almost here, it’s time to get my skin ready for sunshine!  Although I suffer from dry skin in the fall, my face is like an oil slick on summer days.  I actually prefer it a little on the dry side because that helps to reduce the amount of breakouts I get. Mud masks are great for perfecting my skin for those make-up free days of spring break and summer vacation.  Adovia sent me their Dead Sea Mud Mask to try.

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This post contains affiliate links. The opinions shared are mine.

Easter has always been a special, contemplative time for my spirit.  Although Christmas is full of the hustle and bustle of gift giving and friendship, Easter is reserved for quiet moments of reflection.  When I received the book Easter Stories: Classic Tales for the Holy Season to review, I knew it would be one to remember. Initially, I was drawn to the book because of the inclusion of a  C.S. Lewis story.   As the book continued, there were so many other pearls of wisdom to be found!  New favorites such as Claire Huchet Bishop and Elizabeth Goudge now rank high on my list.  One lucky Savings in Seconds reader will win a copy of Easter Stories in this giveaway.

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

The countdown is here!  In just a few days, the Spring Fashionista Event will begin.  Every year I bookmark each giveaway, entering daily to win.  You won’t want to miss the giveaway here at Savings in Seconds.  We’ve partnered with Plus Size Jewels to bring you a beautiful display of bracelets that will WOW you!   [Read more…]