Disclosure: This post is brought to you by SheSpeaks/POWERADE. Opinions shared are mine.

My career in education allows me to cheer for lots of budding athletes.  JV football and basketball games develop the skills that take players to the collegiate arena.  One of my former students received a silver medal in the Paraolympics.  Being an athlete is a superpower! For all of my students, the biggest gift of support I can give falls within the bounds of encouragement. Sixth graders don’t always see that their skills can help them to earn scholarships and a ticket to their future.  I strive to help them realize those dreams, which can be attained by athletes at all levels. So when my own personal athletes came along, giving that same support was part of my parenting style.  Powerade was part of our daily routine as we drove countless hours to softball practice….

[Read more…]

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

A few weeks ago, a sweet friend of mine, Jessica, was preparing for surgery. She sent an anxious prayer request to her friends, and asked us to write a favorite verse on a notecard so that she could it take it with her to the hospital.  When I received the Love and Blessed box, I knew it would be the perfect gift for Jessica.  Happy mail is always fun, but mail that comes with instant uplifting is even better.  Who wouldn’t want to receive a box of encouragement every month?  Uplifting, and bright, the contents are a joy to receive.

[Read more…]

Disclosure: This post contains my Birchbox referral code. I am paying for the prize myself. Opinions shared are mine.

Image credit: Birchbox

I love Birchbox because it is my gift to myself. Each month, this beautiful box presents itself like a calorie-free hors d’oeuvre platter. As I select a tiny lotion or new eyeliner to try, it’s a moment of fun and surprise. If you’ve always wanted to try Birchbox, please use my link to subscribe!
[Read more…]

Disclosure: I received this book in exchange for an honest review. Post & giveaway form contain affiliate links; opinions shared are mine.

Remember my post about Dandelion Field by Kathryn Springer? The sequel is out! Check out The Hearts We Mend.

The story picks up where we left off, with Dan and Gin enjoying the start of a beautiful relationship. The wedding for Cody and Raine is just around the corner, and Cody’s mom Evie feels a bit like a third wheel no matter which way she turned. She wasn’t my favorite character from Dandelion Field, so I was pleased to see her character grow up a little bit in this book. Through the new people she meets, Evie really stretches out of her comfort zone and learns to live a different life. As she gained new skills, her confidence grew. Isn’t that how it is with most of us? Author Kathryn Springer did a great job of developing the characters for The Hearts We Mend. [Read more…]

Disclosure: Post contains affiliate links; if you make a purchase through these links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. This is how I pay for self-sponsored giveaways like this one. Opinions shared are mine.

Looking for a sweet book about showing kindness?  Lolli and Pop are a cute duo that get the message across, loud and clear! By doing good deeds and being conscious of the power of prayer, Lolli and Pop Find Kindness sets a great example for little ones. The first in the new Fruits of the Spirit series, this paperback has the potential to be a real favorite. [Read more…]

Disclosure: This post is brought to you by Groupon. Referral links are included in the self-sponsored giveaway. Opinions shared are mine.

Groupon has been a trusted name at our home for a long time. I often use their deals to purchase luxury activities, such as a massage or a salon visit. Local adventures such as the Alpine Roller Coaster discount can make a day trip even more fun. Now, Groupon Coupons make it even easier to save money! From the Groupon website, just go to the tab that’s on the far right and click “Coupons.” You can search by store or category.  Plus, it’s absolutely FREE to use!

[Read more…]

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links; opinions shared are mine.

My husband has been bitten by the gardening bug.  A few days ago, he arrived home with a bag full of seed packets and a few of these seed starter kits.  Remember that we are now in a much smaller house, and no longer have a sunroom, so I wasn’t sure where he planned to set up his little production.  To my surprise, he planted the seeds right at the kitchen table.  He set up the trays near the sunny window and left them for a few days.  We were greeted with these beauties just a couple of days later!  [Read more…]

Disclosure: This post is brought to you by FlyBy promotions. Opinions shared are mine.

What are the qualities of a good father?  Whether or not you had a good earthly father, most of us have an idea of how a good father should act.  A father is there for you in the best – and worst – of times, ready to offer a shoulder and support. The most wonderful thing is that we ALL have that offer. Our heavenly Father loves you, and calls you to love him back.   Listen to Chris Tomlin’s new song, and you’ll see what I mean! [Read more…]

Disclosure: This post and giveaway form contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission. That’s how I pay for self-sponsored giveaways like this one!

When you travel, what’s your favorite souvenir to buy? Whenever we visit a new city, I look for a book on haunted history for that area. It’s a good way to know the places where history and local legend meet. That’s why I was so excited to find this title at our local used bookstore a few weeks ago.

Aside from the supernatural stuff in these pages, it’s just fascinating to read the stories of the past. Each chapter is dedicated to a different landmark, such as East Tennessee State University or various hotels. I’m always intrigued by the ghost stories of old places, so it was fun to learn about these sites that are so close to home. If you’re interested in this type of book, I highly recommend Ghosts and Haunts of Tennessee.


What books are on your wish list? If you’re lucky, you might win a $10 Amazon gift code to help you get that book! The giveaway is open to INT readers ages 18+. Void where prohibited by law. Good luck!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission. That is how I pay for giveaways like this one. Opinions shared are mine.

How did I get so lucky? My husband likes to watch Downton Abbey with me! We don’t cry over it, but it’s still oh-so-wonderful to watch it together.  In terms of characters, there are many unique personalities on the show. It’s a nice change from the crass humor that is so often shown on TV today.  The opulence of the estate reminds me of Biltmore, a nearby landmark that we like to visit.   I love how the show’s scenes look like artwork.  Finally, the quips and quotes that come from the show are meme-worthy.   We were so very sad when Season 6 came to an end.  We’re not ready to let go of our DA addiction!   Off I went in search of things to get my fix.   That’s when I came across the book While We Were Watching Downton Abbey.

[Read more…]