Disclosure: I received this book to review. The post contains affiliate links; opinions shared are mine.  If you make a purchase through these links, I may receive a small commission (which is used to pay for self-sponsored giveaways like this one!)

When my husband has the rare opportunity to take care of our kids on his own, it’s always an adventure. The kids love to “tell on Daddy” when I get back.  He might have put mix-and-match pajamas on the kids, or possibly made the movie-theater popcorn instead of the kettle corn that I make.  These scenarios remind me that our parenting styles are different, and that it’s good for my kids to experience it!  It reminds me of a fun new series I recently read, featuring two sister heroines: Tillie and Clementine. The first book in the series, Tillie & Clementine Noises in the Night, brings the girls to a similar situation.

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Disclosure: I received a gift card. The post contains affiliate links; opinions shared are mine.

In case you haven’t been to the store in a few days — Father’s Day is Sunday. For some reason, dads tend to get the short stick on Father’s Day. In May, we’re all buzzing around buying hanging plants, jewelry, and other awesome gifts for our moms. In June, we tend to scramble around looking for a man-type thing to give to our dads using whatever pocket change we have left from vacation. My kids have been programmed to buy dad something that he uses. They usually want to get him a tie (he wears them daily) but this year, they decided to get him a new belt. We went to Zazzle because it’s fun to customize the gifts there. Yes, you can even customize a belt! [Read more…]

Disclosure: I received this DVD to review. Opinions shared are mine.

Attending a small, private Christian liberal arts college really changed the way I viewed romance. In high school, I had friends who explored the adult world of dating. Although I was very conservative in my views toward marriage, there wasn’t a true goal in mind when I dated. I wasn’t afraid to tell a boy that I was saving myself for marriage, but I also wasn’t dating with the intention of marrying those boys. During my college years, it was a pleasure to meet God-honoring men who believed in the sanctity of marriage, commitment, and a Christian relationship. I married one of them! We just celebrated our 17th anniversary. While it hasn’t always been peaches and cream, it’s been such a blessing to know that my husband is committed to treating me as his bride forever. The hard work is totally worth it. When I heard about the Old Fashioned movement, it reminded me of those boys from college. We’re talking about the kind of boys who date with a purpose – to find a woman to whom they can be committed forever. In the movie, a former frat boy named Clay decides to take dating seriously. I laughed, cried, was changed after viewing this movie. It was a cathartic experience that made me feel so connected with my dear husband. Next, I hope to see something on this line for Father’s Day!
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Disclosure:  Sweetworks provided the candy package used in the post. Opinions shared are mine.

During the summer months, we enjoy hosting pool parties. July 4 is always a very special event because it’s my brother-in-law’s birthday. We celebrate with fireworks, fun family time, and of course — food!  The finale of the big 4th pool party event is always a delicious dessert. This year, Sweetworks will be the star of our show.  With their assortment of candy, it was easy as 1-2-3 to create a colorful, edible centerpiece for our outdoor table.

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Disclosure: I received this book to review. The post and giveaway form contain affiliate links; opinions shared are mine.

Due to both of our busy schedules, my mom and I only get to chat with each other a few times a month. During our last conversation, she expressed how old she felt. She has always worked manual labor to support our family, and it’s really catching up with her. Her body is sore and tired these days, without the strength and vitality of youth to keep her going. Although it’s passed my mind many times, I’ve started thinking hard about the future. What will become of my mom if I don’t take care of her as she ages? Living 7 hours away feels like a lifetime when I can’t be there to do small kindnesses, like take supper to her, or water her garden so she can take a break. For the first time, it’s really hitting me that as I age, so does my mom. How will the future pan out? In the book Then Sings My Soul by Amy K. Sorrells, Nel faced this dilemma with her parents. After the sudden death of her mom, she returned home to find her father easing into a pool of dementia. It’s a situation that many readers will be able to relate to.

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Disclosure: This post is brought to you by the Vibrant Influencer network on behalf of the Depend brand. I am receiving a fee for posting; however, the opinions expressed in this post are my own. I am in no way affiliated with Depend and do not earn a commission or percent of sales.

Never say never.
When I celebrated my 40th birthday last week, my great-grandmother’s words rang in my ears. I thought about how different my life turned out, compared to what I expected. I’d always said, “I’ll never have kids. I’ll never be overweight. I’ll never….” She clucked at me, in all her wisdom, and told me not to test God by saying what I’d never do. One thing I never thought I’d have a problem with? Light bladder leakage! There’s nothing better than having my children, and so I’ll take them with the LBL, thank you very much. Still, it’s hard to be excited about participating in all of their fun activities when it might result in an embarrassing situation later. Does any of this sound familiar to you? If so, picking up a pack of Depend Silhouette Active Fit could make everything a little easier for you! Never underestimate the comfort of a clean pair! [Read more…]

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

I’m one of those curious people who believes that everything happens for a reason. Obstacles we face, people we meet, and decisions we make link together to make a wondrous world. The book Chance Meetings has an interesting perspective on this concept. The idea here is that life, karma, and perhaps destiny aren’t separate entities at all. Each of us has a role to fulfill. More importantly, our take on the world can change as a result of experiences. The chapters of Chance Meetings are quite short and easy to finish during a coffee break. The stories aren’t easily forgotten, though. They seem to mean more than the average short tale; the symbolism and allegory behind the characters have depth and meaning. This book reminds me a bit of The Life of Pi, in that I had to really think while reading it. This wasn’t mind candy, like so many books in which I indulge.

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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.

Technology has made tremendous changes that impact the modern world, and it’s no exception within the classroom walls. As I’ve mentioned before, having an electronic device for each student to use at school and home has been a game-changer for our district.  The initiative extends to summer, too. This year, all sixth grade students got to take home the laptops they were issued during the school year.  The summer reading project is extended to include online discussions about the book.  Rising sixth graders have the opportunity to get their laptops early, giving them time to read books online over the summer.  School districts have help, too.  Best Buy provides equipment and support to make the most of those technology-budget dollars.  By allowing them to be your education technology partner, you’re opening the door to great new things!

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

I grew up in a home where everyone was extremely thin, but no one really ever talked about it.  I didn’t struggle with weight problems or ever hear the word “diet” until I was college-aged.  Poor eating habits, inconsistent exercise, and bad choices didn’t really matter and I never even thought about it.  Fast forward 20 years, and it’s evident that my lifestyle caught up to me….and to my family.  It’s heartbreaking to raise a kid who struggles with obesity. She has so many wonderful qualities — she’s a fantastic big sister, kind, smart, and beautiful. At school, though, she feels like her weight is on display. Kids can be mean, but they’re especially hard on those who are “fat.”   I really connected with the book Who’s The New Kid?  Practical, realistic, and effective, these lifestyle changes are already starting in our house.

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Disclosure: The post contains affiliate links; I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links. Opinions shared are mine.

The end of school was so busy that I didn’t have time for myself. At all! My daughter kept reminding me that my hair was graying and needed to be touched up. My pretty pedicure was halfway grown out, and my skin looked terrible because I didn’t have time to reorder my favorite mineral powder foundation. Thankfully, when school was dismissed for the summer, I took a few minutes to freshen up. My sister took care of my kids for the day, giving me a much-needed opportunity for myself.  I am so lucky to have such a wonderful friend and sister!  Even if you don’t have that chance, getting a fresh summer look is easier than you think. It just takes a few minutes and a couple of great products. How much time can you spare?

If you have 2 – 5 minutes… [Read more…]