Archives for September 2016

Fall Break getaway — Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC

Fall Getaway - Biltmore Estate Asheville, NC savingsinseconds.com

This summer when my grandmother and cousin visited, we had a little time on our hands. We spent most of it watching the entire Downton Abbey series.  Of course, that warranted a trip to the Biltmore Estate!  It was the closest thing we have to the Abbey, after all.  [Read more…]

Jesus and the Beanstalk by Lori Stanley Roeleveld

Disclosure: I participated in the book tour for this title. Opinions shared are mine.

My husband and I used to attend church with a “Spiritual Giant.”  It was just a inside-church joke, but it really stuck. Our minister, Hugh Thompson, was really a powerful mover of the spirit.  He fell in love with Jesus as an adult, left his career to preach the gospel, and shared so much with his flock.  When I read Jesus and the Beanstalk, I could just imagine Hugh in heaven, hanging out with the heroes from Hebrews chapter 11.  Hugh was one of my models of spiritual growth.  These aren’t the types of giants we’re used to hearing about from the Bible, though.
Jesus and the Beanstalk - book review at savingsinseconds.com [Read more…]

2016 Holiday Gift Guide accepting submissions

2016 Holiday Gift Guide - savingsinseconds.com

Savings in Seconds is compiling a 2016 Holiday Gift Guide filled with shopping ideas for everyone on your Christmas list. If you’d like me to consider your product, please email Dede  at Savings in Seconds .  Please write “Holiday Gift Guide” in the subject line.

Wondering WHY you should participate in our Holiday Gift Guide?  Read the comments from some of our clients: [Read more…]

Best pencil sharpener I’ve owned == Classroom Friendly Supplies

Disclosure: I received the adorable yellow sharpener in exchange for an honest review. Opinions shared are 100% mine.

Classroom Friendly Supplies sharpener - the BEST! savingsinseconds.com Each week, a small group from our church meets at our house for a time of fellowship.  The adults meet in one room while the kids entertain themselves in another area of the house.  Our collective kiddos range in age from toddler to pre-teen, so there’s a wide gap in interest and ability.  This week, I set out a coloring station for the kids.  The littlest children were given crayons and stickers, while the older kids had an assortment of coloring pencils and a very cool coloring book. The coloring station was a hit! Coloring isn’t only for kids, though. If you’re into adult coloring books or Bible journaling, take note!  Classroom Friendly Supplies has the best pencil sharpener I’ve ever seen!  [Read more…]

Big Reason to Enjoy #luvmichael Locally Sourced Organic Granola that Gives Back


Disclosure: I participated in a review campaign for this product. Opinions shared are mine.

In our community, there are several stores that support disabled adults who want to work.  A few days ago I visited Walgreens, where several employees were shadowed by a helper. Those helpers worked to stock shelves and bag each customer’s purchases.  In addition to the work skills learned, social skills were highly emphasized.  The young woman who bagged my items was friendly and sweet.  Likewise, our local Food City employs disabled adults to help with bagging groceries. They also bring in the carts from outside.  It’s clear that these individuals gain a sense of pride from a job well done!  Did you know that you can support disabled adults simply by purchasing granola?  Welcome to Luv Michael!

Reasons to love #luvmichael granola - savingsinseconds.com [Read more…]

Beautiful holiday cards and calendars from Mixbook

Disclosure: Post contains affiliate links; I will receive a bonus for posting. Opinions shared are mine.

On Thursday, we welcomed autumn to 2016.   What I want to know is, how is it already time for fall?   The chilly morning air and falling leaves are just more reminders that 2016 is flying by.  There are some Christmas gifts stashed away in my cabinet, just waiting for the calendar pages to turn. After all, before we know it, the holiday season will be upon us!  It’s a great time to connect with family and friends  as everyone exchanges annual updates on the kids, health news, and more.  September is the ideal time to get a head start on the busy season – just let Mixbook help you create beautiful holiday cards.  Take advantage of this Affiliate Exclusive-Card & Calendar BOGO offer! 
[Read more…]

Bridget Jones’s Baby movie is just as good as 1 & 2

Bridget Jones's Baby movie

If you’ve read Savings in Seconds for a while, you know that I love the Bridget Jones movies.  Bridget Jones’s Diary and Bridget Jones – The Edge of Reason just had me laughing, crying, and loving the characters more and more.  My sister called me a couple of months ago to tell me that Bridget Jones was having a baby!   If you haven’t seen/read the second story (The Edge of Reason) you might not know where things left off.  Heck, if you DID read/see the second story, you still might not be sure where things left off!

(Note: These photos are from the Bridget Jones website. I hope they don’t mind!)  [Read more…]

Banned Book Week #giveaway – enter to #win #BannedBookWeek open to US

Disclosure: I’ll be using my Tyndale Reward points for this prize. Post contains affiliate links; opinions shared are mine.

#bannedbookweek #giveaway - enter at savingsinseconds.com

When I was in middle school, I had the chance to participate in a Banned Book Quick Recall tournament with a team from my school.  I remember the actual competition very well. We met in a community hall and had those buzzers like they used to use in Quiz Bowl. Remember those? Anyway, the way we prepared for the competition was to read banned books. Makes sense, right? Each of us chose a few titles and read them prior to the event.  I remember reading 1984, Animal Farm, Grapes of Wrath, Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret, Silas Marner, Lord of the Flies, and A Separate Peace.  It was exciting to read these books that caused so much controversy.   [Read more…]

Life is an adventure – Fashion Friday feature #centsofstyle @centsofstyle

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I received this shirt for my Fashion Friday feature. Opinions shared are mine.

During a recent visit, my sister mentioned that it was a good time to get Christmas photos taken.  I must have given her a confused look because she explained that my kids were at a critical point in time.  My daughter has finally grown taller than me, and my son lost his 3rd tooth this month.  She’s so right — I want to remember this moment of motherhood.  Life with kids is an adventure, and I want to document that!  I started to think about what type of cards we’d get and realized that the Life Is shirts from Cents of Style would make a great statement. What a fun red sweater alternative!

Life Is An Adventure! #centsofstyle @centsofstyle [Read more…]

Zim’s Max-Arnica makes it a naturally pain-free fall break

Disclosure: I received product samples; opinions shared are mine.
Fall Break #giveaway hop - enter at savingsinseconds.com

The days are shorter, the temps are cooler.  When the kids are out for a week of fall break, here are the Zim’s items you’ll want to have on hand!

[Read more…]

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