Disclosure: The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free. 

This year, the school system where I teach launched a massive new 1-to-1 initiative. This means that every student in our middle school will have a personal laptop to use at home and at school.  In January, the initiative was launched with the 6th graders that I teach. Every student received a personal laptop; the students carried the device to and from school each day. They even get to keep the laptop over the summer!  Technology in the classroom doesn’t stop for the summer.  Instead, students can extend learning into the summer months by reading ebooks, accessing online educational support, and participating in school-related discussion boards.  I’m so excited about the way that technology is shaping today’s classroom!  Technology partners such as Best Buy can provide valuable advice and service for those who need technology support.  The Best Buy for Business (BBFB) Education Program helps IT professionals in the education sector to create technology-rich classrooms.   [Read more…]

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

I’m thrilled to share this MEV Bible with you. A few weeks ago on a giveaway form, I asked what you would like to see more of. Several readers responded that you’d like to see another Bible giveaway. When Family Christian made this one available, I knew you’d love it! In December, I shared several types of Bibles and suggestions for choosing the right one to suit your needs. The MEV Bible represents a more user-friendly transition from the King James Version to the Modern English language. Without changing the scriptural context, this version expanded my understanding of the Bible with its colorful maps and a concordance. Cross-referenced verses are listed in the center column of each page, so that they’re not easily overlooked. I especially liked the fact that the Bible is slim enough to fit in a purse or handled carrier. [Read more…]

After my favorite natural laundry wash site stopped selling their product, I decided to give homemade laundry soap a try.  My first batch smelled amazing, but the formula was a bit too harsh for sensitive skin.  Our whole family itched and scratched until I finally conceded.  I’ve since found a recipe that works for us, but what to do with all that extra detergent that didn’t work out?  Here’s how I’ve been using it!  [Read more…]

Disclosure: I received this book to review. The post contains affiliate links. Opinions shared are mine.

Family Christian is a great resource for all things summer. Whether you’re looking for a great read, a new short sleeve t-shirt, or a cool water bottle, you can find it online or at one of their many nationwide stores! One book you might consider snagging is If I Plug My Ears, God Can’t Tell Me What To Do. [Read more…]

Did you know that, for every 3 women, 1 of them is very likely to experience Light Bladder Leakage (LBL) at some point in her life? When Poise asked me to share this sponsored post with you, it reminded me that a great percentage of you probably suffer from LBL discomfort.  Here’s a printable coupon to save you a bit of money…. see if the Poise product works well for you!   LBL is a daunting threat from Mother Nature.  That woman may have had children, gained weight, or suffered from an illness that caused the onset of the LBL.  Chances are good that she also hides the problem from her friends, thinking that they won’t understand. Many of those women use period pads to manage LBL when they should be using Poise! Poise wants you to #RecycleYourPeriodPad and stay clean with their pads and liners.  [Read more…]

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

I read this book in a hurry because I wanted to send it off in a package for my grandmother.  I love to send her books, which helps her to pass the days and keep her mind sharp. I earn free books through Tyndale Rewards (join here — it’s free!) and send her my review books. She loves these sweet Christian romance novels, and this one will sure spice things up a bit!  A Heart’s Danger gives us a more lively view of the Native American tribes that surround the Campbell clan in this series.  While the previous two books in the Journey of the Heart series  had fairly tame storylines, this one was powerfully dark.  In fact, the mood is even reflected in this stunning book cover!  [Read more…]

Disclosure: I received this book to review. Opinions shared are mine; post may contain affiliate links.

It’s like reading a script from the old Beverly Hills 90210. Forever Julia whips us back and forth between the should-we-shouldn’t-we give IT up.  The book was a fairly accurate synopsis of what many teens go through. I’m one of those people who believes in waiting until marriage, so my heart broke when I read about teens making such a deeply emotional decision at a young age.

[Read more…]

Disclosure: I received this book to review. Opinions shared are mine; post may contain affiliate links.

My mom was a military spouse for decades.  In fact, I was born while my parents were overseas, as my dad served the rest of his term in the Vietnam War.  My stepfather was also a soldier, serving during the Gulf War.  I vividly remember my mom sending him care packages, writing him letters, and staring at the nightly news report about the war—all while hoping not to hear bad news.  Military spouses deserve special recognition. They are the ones holding down the fort at home, taking care of the little ones and all aspects of daily life. They’re trying to stay strong while they break down inside.  That’s why we’re honoring military spouses in the 2nd annual Military Spouse Appreciation Day Giveaway Hop [Read more…]